Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1918-03-05

"Ths cat being away, she eaPIates
now's the time to be sure OF the
cheese"
abouts. and If 1t comes to q shindy
there'll be some tall scratchin' afore
climb a tree. Keep weather eye on
what goes on, won't your
T will. lou can depend on me-"
81 do. And, say, for goodness sakes,
put me out Of my misery regardin' that
rock or lighthouse on Bites chart
soon's ever you settle which 1t ISL
Certainly! And, remember, don't
worry. 1t may be a lighthouse or
nothing at all. At all events, I'll re-
port very soon."
But In spite Of his promise Sylvester
did not report during the following
week or the next. Meanwhile his
client tried his best to keep the new
mystery from troubling his thoughts
and succeeded only partially. The cap
tain's days and evenings were quiet
and monotonous. He borrowed a book
or two from Mrs. Hepton's meager
library, read, walked q good deal, gen.
orally along the water front, and wrote
daily letters to Miss Baker. He and
Pearson were together for at least a
portion Of each day The author, fight
ing down his detection and discourage.
ment, set himself resolutely to work
once more on the novel, and his nau-
teal adviser was called in for frequent
consultation. The story, however,
progressed but slowly. There was
something lacking. Each knew what
that something was, but neither
named 1t.
One evening Pearson entered the
room tenanted by his friend to find
the latter seated beside the table, his
shoes partially unlaced and pair OF
big slippers ready for putting on.
Captain" said the visitor, you look
so comfortable hate to disturb you"
Captain Elisha, red faced and pant
ing. desisted from the unlacing and
Strengthened in his chair.
"Wheww he puffed. Jim, your re-
marks prove that your experience OF
the world amt as big as it ought to
be. When you get to my age and
waist measure you'll realize that stoop-
| in over and comfort don't go together.
I hope to be comfortable pretty soon,
but I shan't be till them boots are of.
Set down. The agony'n be over In q
minute"
Pearson declined to sit. "Not yet, VI
he said. "And you let those shoes
alone until you hear what I've got to
say. A newspaper friend Of mine has
sent me two tickets for the opera to-
night. I want you to go with me-"
Captain Elisha was surprised.
"To the opera?" he repeated. "Why
that's "a sort of singin' theater, ain't
itY
aYes. You're fond of. music; you
told me so. And Aida Is beautiful
| Come on. 1t will do us both good"
Hum! Well, don't know"
81 do. Get ready"
The captain looked at his callers
evening clothes.
"What do you mean by gettin
ready| he asked. you've got on
your regimentals, open front and all
My uniform is the huntin' case kind;
| fits in better with church socinbles and
South Denboro no'theasters. II wore
one of those vests like yours Abbie'd
make me put on red flannel lung pro
tector to keep from catchin' pneumonia
And shed think twas sinful waste be-
sides, runnin' the risk Of spilin' q
clean billed shirt so quick. Won't
look like an undertaken sttin' along
side Of your"
mot q bit. II 1t win ease your mind
I'll change to business suit"
II don't care. You know how I feel
We had little talk about hats spell
ago, you remember. II you're willin
to take me Just as I am, without 9
plea as the hymn tune says, why,
cal'late III say yes and 90. Set down
and wait while / get on my cere
monials."
The pair walked over to Broadway
boarded street car and alighted be
fore the Metropolitan Opera House
Pearson's seats were good ones, vel
Aoun IN tha orchoatra. Cgptaiu Nliahl