Palisadian. [volume] (Cliffside Park, N.J.) 1906-current, 1918-10-26
KNIGHTS OF ROAD
By NEGLIGENT HLEYER.

81 0y m666bOGNt 066I6ns IL
Copyright. 1913. By Western Newspaper uHion)
"Well, that's the limit! What's
come over you-gone clear daffy7"
C0arse-grained and hoarse-throated
a. he was, there was more Of wonder
than ridicule in the tones Of Big Red
dy, professional hobo. 1t was at the
camp Of q group Of wandering ones
that Reddy had come across Mystery
Blair gazing fixedly at photograph.
With q quick flush Blair thrust the
picture out Of sight.
"Just honest admiration Of pretty
face" was the reply given, with q
forced laugh. II had quite an adven-
ture last evening and the original Of
that picture had part In it.
"Hello-there's trouble! Make for
covert" spoke Reddy sharply. There
had come from one Of the group pre-
pairing breakfast a birdlike cry, a
signal, a warning with which every
schooled tramp was familiar. Two
strangers had suddenly intruded. One
wore an official badge. THAT'S the
man." spoke his companion, and he
pointed to Blair.
Instantly there was the closing in
OF the circle. The presentment was
that Of the law against comrade.
The group were staunch and loyal for
defense.
'sThis is no arrest" announced the
marshal.
'No. 1t il just contrary" added his
companion. II would like to have you
accompany me to my Office" he adj
dressed himself to Blair. "You were
something better than a hero last
night. As legal adviser Of Miss Ina
Trescott, whose life and property you
saved, I am asked to talk over mat
tiers with you"
II don't see the use," replied Blair.
TIN glad If did all you say"
HE did something, you can count on
that!'' broke in big Reddy, .tfor he
tossed all night with that burned hand
Of his"
Mystery Blair for a moment looked
as though resentful Of patronizing or
reward. Then his hand closed on the
half-burned photograph in his pocket.
In the current Of unusual circum-
stances, he decided to allow it to drift
him whittier 1t would.
He had been dubbed "Mystery"
Blair by his comrades. He had Joined
the hobo contingent one day, asking
$ho 4ovov 80 oo,nnorion shin opd 10.
riety, telling them he had made a
failure Of business life and envied
them their unconventional existence.
The evening previous, passing a
charming little bungalow, Blair had
seen smoke and flames issuing from
its front. Cries for help echoed from
/ the interior. He had burst In locked
door. Continued cries for deliverance
nerved and guided him. He came upon
a young girl lying upon couch, evil
IDENTIFY an invalid. Blair seized a
counterpane. wrapped her up in it
and breasted the blaze. Neighbors
had gathered and he had placed the
girl in their charge. Then the MEM
ory Of that confiding face, the soft.
clinging arms, seemed an ideal, forcing
him to further effort.
Three hours after the call at the
hobo camp Mystery Blair was new
being in appearance. The lawyer had
insisted not only on medical attention
but complete rehabilitation.
you're spelling me for the road"
Blair had demonstrated, with quiet
smile.
"Why hit it againY' challenged the
attorney. II fancy, Mr.. Blair, that
line is not your natural bent. Again,
we must be presentable when we call
upon Miss Prescott"
/ When he was in the presence Of the
fair young girl, just recovering from
q spell Of sickness, and her hand
fingered gratefully in his own, there
stirred within him new and vivid emo
lions. He had arisen to depart when
his eye fell upon little framed pho
tograph on the medicine stand. He
gave quite start.
"Will you pardon me-" he spoke In
terestedly. "but have seen this young
man, am sure"
"Oh, Mr.. Devonl" instantly cried
Miss Trescott, greatly excited, tell
himl Can 1t be possible, that at
last"
The lawyer silenced her eager rev
Citations with a gesture. He took up
the photograph and led Blair into an
adjoining room. It was graphic
story that he related-of wild, reck-
less Julian Prescott, the brother Of
Ina, getting into trouble foolishly, fec.
ing from friends who could protect
him and losing himself among tangled
highways.
Blair recalled the original Of the
picture. He was sure that nearly q
vAar hacl no had met ifS owner in his