The Bemidji daily pioneer. [volume] (Bemidji, Minn.) 1904-1971, 1921-01-31

PuCker-eye aid POp-cye still waited.
The unfortunate Pucker-eye was weep
ing with pain and futile rage and hui
initiation, but Webster noticed that
Pop-eyes attention was not on his
friend but upon each passenger that
boarded the ship, Of which there were
the usual number Of late arrivals. AS
each passenger approached, Pop-eye
scanned him with more than casual in
terest.
Webster smiled. Hooking for that
valet they heard me talking about" he
reflected. "Pop-eye, you're fine,
capable lad. I thought you had the
brains Of the two. You're not going
away until you've had chance to size
up the re-enforcements at my COM
mand, are you?"
He lighted a cigar and leaned over
the rail as the steamer, gathering
speed, swept down river.
"Good-by, you golden fizz and
chicken gumbo," he called, as the city
rcceded and the low, wooded shores
below the city came into view.
When he had finished his cigar he
cast the stump overheard, watched it
until it disappeared astern, and then
went around toy staterOom No. "a. AS
he stepped in and closed the door a
masculine voice said very pleasantly:
"How do you dog
Mr.. Webster looked up and beheld a
young man, arrayed in a very fancy
pair Of light blue silk pajamas,
stretched at his ease in the upper
berth.
John Stuart Webster stared at the
stranger for several seconds and con-
Guided he was invading the sanctity Of
arothcrs stateroom. Excuse me-" he
said, Il guess I'm in the right church
but the wrong pew" and he stepped
out and looked for the number on the
SiaterOOm. 10 his surprise it was no.
81 after all, so he stepped back into
the staterOom and favored the stran-
ger with another scrutiny.
ut does appear to. me, my friend"
he said presently, chat I detect some
thing strangely familiar about your
paiamas."
II wouldn't be the least bit surprised
Mr.. Webster. I found them in your
suitcase"
Fell Il silence of perhaps half a min
ute. Then:
II dislike to appear inquisitivc,"
Webster began, "but the fact is, neigh
Dor, I'm curious to know where you
got that book. I observe you are read
ing Samuel Buffers Way of All
FLESH and that the book is slightly
damaged. Recently purchased such
a book in"
''I'ray do not take the trouble to cN-
plain" the other answered airily. Il
discovered this excellent book in your
suitcase also. In fact, for me, that
suitcase has proved to be repository
of treasures"
John Stuart Websters neck came
out Of his collar with the suddenness
of turtle swapping at a fly; he drew
himself up beside the top berth until
his face was on a level with his unbid.
den guests, upon whom he bent a look
Of mingled emotions.
"Who the devil are you?" he de-
mandcd.
II regret have no card, but even if
had it would be no Kindness to inilict
upon an American gentleman the cog
nomen my parents honored me with,
for it is long and many-jointed, like q
peanut, and cmbodics the names Of all
the saints in the calendar. Moreover,
Just at present am travelling under
an alias. l am known as Mr.. Andrew
Bowers"
"And your, occupation?" Webster
managed to articulate.
"Valct de cllambre to that prince of
gentlemen, Mr.. John $. Webster" the
other replied with mischcvpus CLEAN
in his dark eyes.
Mr.. Webster sat down Imply on the
settee. He was undecided whether to
roar with laughter or shrek with rage ;
while he struggled for q decision An
drew Bowers blew smoke rings at the
ceiling.
"Havcn't I seen you bcfUrc?" Web
ster quericd presently.
II wouldn't be surprised. I drove
you down to the steamer in n taxi half
an hour ago. You will recall that the
taxi driver carried your luggage
aboard"
Webster gazed around the stateroom.
where have you hidden your livcry?"
he demanded.
II wrapped it in newspaper; then,
seeking 4 moment when the deck out.
side was deserted, stepped forth in
MY beg your pardon, your-pajamas
and tossed it overheard"
But apparently you did not bring
aboard with you suit Of clothes to
take the place Of your livcry?'
Quite Fundamentally so, Mr..
Webster. Perhaps you will accept my
desperate need as an excuse for Dor
rowing your pajamas. notice you
have another suit Of them. Fortunate
pan!"
Andrew Bowers was man OF per
haps thirty years, five feet ten inches
tall, and apparently in excellent health
He might have weighed Il hundred and
seventy pounds and he w:ls uudcniably
handsome.