The Ontario Argus. (Ontario, Or.) 1???-1947, 1918-08-08
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Cuooyrtsh,. 1918. By western Newspaper Union.)
swell, that's the limit What's
come over you--gone clear daffyT
Coarse-grained and hoarse-throated
as he was. there was more OF wonder
than ridlcule In the tones Of Big Red
DIV, professional hobo. II was at the
camp OF a group Of wandering ones
that Reddy had come across Mystery
Blair gazing fixedly at a photograph.
with a quick flush Blair thrust the
picture out of sight.
"Just honest admiration Of pretty
face" was the reply given, with
forced laugh. IL 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 birdllke cry, n
signal. 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.
"This Is no arrest" announced the
marshal.
mo. II Ia Just contrary" added his
companion. "T would like to have you
accompany me 10 my Office" he adj
dressed himself TO Blnlr. "You were
something better than hero iast
night As legal adviser OF Miss Ina
Trescott. whose life and property you
saved. I am asked 10 talk oyar mat
ters with you"
"T don't see the use" replied Blair.
"rm glad n did all you say"
"He I'D something. you can count on
thatr broke In big Reddy. ''for he
tossed all night with that burned hand
Of his"
= Mystery Blair for moment looked
as though resentful Of patronizlng or
reward. Then his hand closed on the
half-burned photograph In his pocket.
In the current of unusual circnm-
stances. he decided 10 allow n 10 drift
him whittier II would.
lie had been dubbed "Mystery"
Rlnlr by HIS comrades He had Joined
the hobo contingent one day. asking
the favor of companlonshIp aud va
riety. telling them he had made a
failure 81 business life and envled
them their unconventional existence.
The evening previous. passing a
charming little bungalow. Blair had
seen smoke and flames Issuing from
It's 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
n Young giil lying upon couch, evi-
IDENTIFY nm invalid. Blair seized
counter-pane. wrapped her up In II
and breasted the hlaxe. Nelghbors
had gathered and he had placed the
girl In their charge Then the mem
ory Of that conhding face. the soft.
clinging nrms. seemed an ideal. forcing
him 10 further effort.
Three hours after the call nj the
hobo camp Mystery Blair was new
being In appearance. The lawyer had
insisted not only on medical attention
but a complete rehabilitation.
"You're spelling me for the road"
Blalr had demonstrated. with a quiet
amile.
"why hit Il sgainr challenged the
attorney. Il fancy. Mr.. Blair. that
line Is not your natural bent. Again.
We must he presentable when we call
upon Miss Trescott."
When he was In the presence OF the
fair young gIrl, just recovering from
spell Of sickness. and her hand
fingered gratefully In his own. there
stirred within him new and vivid emo |
tIons. He had arisen to depart when |
his eye fell upon n little framed pho
tograph on the medlclne stand. He |
gave quite a start.
"wlll you pardon me-" he spoke In
terestedly. "but have seen this young
man. ! am sure"
"Oh. Mr.. Devon" instantly cried
Miss Trescott. greatly excited, 'tell
hln,l Can II be possible. that at
last"
The lawyer slleneed her eager rev.
Citations with a gesture. He took up
the photograph and led Blair into an
adjoining room. II was graphic
story that he related-of wild, reck-
less Julian Trescott, the brother Of
Ina. getting into trouble foolishly, flee
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 a
year back he had met It's owner In his
He was sure OF Il when
he showed the picture to Reddy.
'You know every knight OF the
road" Blair said 10 him. "Can this
one be foundf"