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Show THE THIRTEENTH HOUSE as much as the note was clearly written by his sister, Wilbert felt satisfied that the directions could not be misleading. Ash the conductor to drop you of at Condon road." she had written. We live In the thirteenth house at the left hand side. I don't see how even you can mlse the way." The trolley ride through the autumn-tinted country was delightful, and he was almost sorry when the conductor called bis street and he dropped off the cart at what was little mors than a country road. Keaningtoa waa no mere town of SSalOO kns. It wne designed to apand the spaces peal to the the houses were almost between parka do far apart were they that he took out the envelope and began to check off the houses to make certain that ho would nut lose count. Thirteen houses out here meant nlinost half n mile. He heaved a sigh of relief when the twelfth house waa passed and the thirteenth stood before him. He could not underetssd why, la front of tho house, there should aland a trim dog cart. The spich litrie woman who held the reins, be considered the most beautiful he had ever seen. He waited till she dismounted, and when she had disappeared la the house he followed and rang the bell. A trim maid answered the door and ushered him Into the reception room. This waa rather unusual. Nell had always rushed to greet him. He fidgeted on the edge of the uncomfortable gilt rbair and wondered what the matter could be. IN well-to-d- o, Then a soft step sounded in the hall, and Wlnton grinned. He would. pay Neil out for keeping him wait-ingHe sprang to tha doorway and just as she came Into tha room be caught and kissed her. Then he looked down to enjoy her astonishment, and hie arms dropped from her shoulders to his sides. It was nut Neil at all. but tbs same pretty girl whom ha had aeen in the dug cart. "I'm sure I beg your pardon." he stammered, "but you see 1 thought it waa my aUter. and she had been keeping mo rather king, and 1 wanted to give her a scare. 1 I did not know." "As I am her proxy perhaps I and the should accept the ware punishment," ahe said with n grimYou see, she had been railed ace. She was terribly away suddenly. sorry, but it could not lie helped, and she asked tue to tell you that ahe would lie back before you left, and that I was to make it as pleasant aa I could fur )ou." "I'm sorry sis Isn't here," He Mid, hut a compliment her upon her representative. Perhaps," ho added daringly, since you net for her, the usual welcome" The girl held up her baud. "I thtuk, she said with n smile, that the wfloomo already extended la more than sufficient." "Now, that Is whero ws differ, he declared. Bat at the same time I am disponed to he reasonable. I suppoao yon know that I am Wilbur Wluton wherein you have the advantage of me." "1 am Dorothy Paget," she hasten"1 don't know that ed to explain. MI have seen enough of suburban She led the way and together they you ever beard of me before. 1 used made a tour of the lower door. "We to lie a great friend of your sister life," she laughed, "to realise that , She mhea she was at college, but. we lost the first thing to be dune to the ar- call this Nell's nightmare. laughed ns she stood In front of the big safe la the library. "She la constantly afraid that sha will be robbed and she Is worrying all the time, yet she will not send the stuff to tha baa "That looks solid enough," he said, "but it would not troubla n modern cracksman much to open It. Why, he could clean out the place without waking n baby la the same room." "I think Nellie la very imprudent," she agreed. "I wish you would argue with her. Twice since I have been here we have all been wakened because she thought some one was at the safe." "Some one ought to steal It," he chuckled, "just to keep her from being diaapimlnted." He pawed on Into the little glam addition, whero the heavy odor of the flowers lay pleasantly upon the senses, and sought to turn tha conversation . Into more pleasantly perIn the discussion sonal channels. sha forgot all about the burgl.tr scare, and when they passed out Into the grounds they were on n most friendly tooting. They made a circuit of the grounds and brought up on the plasia. "Let's alt out here for awhile," she sugWHOM HE HAD 8EEN IN THE DOG CART. gested. "I will make some lemonade and bring you n high-ball- ." "Ring for the servant, he pleaded, track of each other until this sum- riving guest is to take him over the and stay out here with me. mer. I live In the west, and it is house. Would you like to sea It? Wilbert sprang to hla feet "NothThey are all gone exrept the upseldom that I get bark home." Didn't "I'm glad, he responded, rather ing would give me greater Joy," he stairs girl," ahe explained. vaguely, but Dorothy seemed to un- declared, "than to realise that a you know? "Strike?" he laughed. sacred duty is over with. derstand. Something like that. The butler and the cook had n falling out, and the rest took aides. The butler would not stay if the cook did, and so Kell let them nU go and tha new once will be out tomorrow." "Pine," he laughed. "I'll be my own butler tonight." "And in the meantime," she said with a smile. "I'll be the cook and get ths lemonade." She urhlsked into the house and Wilbert sat dowu in one of the rocking chairs and gavs himself over to vice-vers- a, He was sorry pleasant reflections. he had not accepted any of Nell's earlier invitations to coma out. Hs lit n cigar, and ns the flagrant clouds hung In tha still air he saw la tham visions of the future. In which he and the girl should have a horns very much like this. So lost was hs In his reflections that hs did not notice ths flight of time until the cigar burned down to the stump and he tossed it over the ratling. Perhaps she had hurt herself. He eprang up and entered the house. Guided by the sound of her voice he p rawed forward. Apparently she was talking over the telephone. He could not catch what abe was saying, hearing only a lnndistlnct murmur, but the soft tones were n guide, and he pressed forward. She stepped from the butlers pantry, where the telephone hung. Just as he entered the dining room. In n flash she had whipped n revolver under his nose. "I am a western girl and not afraid to shoot, she said evenly. "Don't make a move or I shall Are. Put up your hands. Mechanically hla hands were rated, and she rapidly passed h.r hsads over his hip pockets and ft side pockets of his coat. "I suppose," she said with a s,.w of relief, "that you thought would not need thla until you needed the rest of your tools. Sit down 0s that chair and don't atlr." "What's the Joke?" he asked voa. derlngly. "Joke?" ahe echoed disdainfully "Do you call it a Joke to enter this house under the pretense that you were Nell's brother so that you could taka advantage of the absence of everybody to rob the safe? 1 dida't think you were like that. "I'm not," he almost shouted. "What makes you think me a burglar? I told you that I am Ndig brother, and I am." "He Just telephoned from tow that he could not get out. Then I thought tf what you said about tie safe and I looked In your suit case I found this and some burglar's tools." "Nonsense," he cried. But at that moment he turned te see. a big blue coat standing betweeu him and the door, and wearing i ' mile of satisfaction. "So, thanks to tho nerve of this little woman, we have captured you at Inst." There was n click of cold steel about hla wrists. "Who is he?" whispered the girl "Never mind," answered the oltu cer, "but I shall see that you get ths reward." So that sister story of his wax all n ruse, then?'' But the officer and his prisoner were out of bearing. . THE INTERRUPTED' WEDDING big Pullman pulled out nl train shed amid the of beiu, i usual burry and flurry, and even iro of Steam, Warner Hose rearranged hie luggage nervously and then went f'ir-ar- d to the emoklng compartment. To overcome obstacles; to defy adverse conditions, and to wrest sue cees from Ibe grim, unyielding world Is sweet triumph lo e young man. But to deserve the right to lay honors, position and pustieiuilons at tha ons you love la the best of alL Bo tbe world and lire took on a roseate hue on the morning of War- THE ner's homecoming. The light laughter of tbe party which boarded the parly at e email way statioa awakened n responsive chord, and although not a demonstrative man. Warner laughed aloud In sheer abandon. He thought smilingly of her a at bln unexpected appearance, and reviewed la pleasurable anticipation the plan that be had conceived for the revelation of hla newly wealth. Hia cigar finished, he passed dnwa the aisle of the eweylng ear toward hla own section. He stopped to put the rheek of a crowing baby, end amlled Joyously back at the pleased mother. ' Absorbed la sweet contemplation, ho psssed his eeet, and then turning te retrace hla steps, perceived the reason for this unconscious mistake. Thera was n woman In his place. Ha paused awkwardly at her side. Hs had it In mind to remora bis belongings, for her greater comfort, and then retreat to tha smoklrg room. Then, becoming cognisant of his presence, she turned end hia heart stood still. Louise," be .rried Joyously, and them was so much concentrated happiness In his tones that the old gentleman across ths aisle adjusted hla glasses end smiled npon them beulg-nantlstir-pria- y. "Warner." the girl gasped gulltllv, end she awkwardly avoided hia ev- - peituat world ainre we last met. But," be finished bojiefully, "there can be only one disappointment now. It Isn't that, Louise? hs questioned, fearfully. She avoided hla eyes. Isn't what?" ahe naked, evasively. "Louise," hs said sternly, don't trills with me. Are you married? "No," she replied, "but-- " "Then there's s rheura for us. I don't rare for the 'but. " "Werner," she said, gently, "you must not. Thera Is no chance. "Why?" he demanded insistently. "He because," she faltered. "I'm going to be married today." He gaied out of tbe window out into the golden world nudilenly growing dark. To think," ha remarked mechanically, half to her, half to himself, that I have come home to this! Girl," he cried, turning upon her fiercely, "do you know what you have done? No," he said with n bitter laugh, as she shrank away from him, How could of course you dont. you? Our path separated five years go." "But I'm going to tell you something of my life In that northern bell. I have gone days without food, nights without sleep, ages without fuel In that desolate Arctic region; tolling, starving, free sing and for what? Do you suppose that honors, position, or money had any temptations for me? You know why 1 did It and, after all, I have failed, The girl waa weeping quietly. "Louise, ha remarked softly, after a moment's reflection, forgive me. I wee too harsh. Perhaps I expected too much. Five years Is a long time. Yes, a long time, hs repeated sadly. It It wasn't that, Warner," she sobbed. "I do lots you, but " baud. "To think.'' he was saying happily, "that 1 should Jtinet you here. This upsets sll my calculations. He searched her fare hungrily. IJttle girl," he said, tenderly, you are more beautiful than ever. Then, noting the grayaess of her furs and the tenaeness of her eyes, he leaned over anlirltoualy. You are not HI, Louise?" he tested anxiously No, no," she hastily replied. "Tbe surpriee hs "By Jove, It was sudden, agreed. "I was plannfug to surprise you, hut I didn't think It would route about in this way." "You should have wrlten," she chided, recovering her "O, I thought that It would he mure fun to surprise you," he explained. "I nupiNiea that they will lie waiting for you at ('reason, hs rallied on. "Won't they be surprised to see ma with you? Tbe girl's eyes beeauis tense again. I I'm not going to Crannon," sha said. Something In her tones chilled him. "Why," he exclaimed, "your people haron't left Cresaon?" She shook her head. No," ahe replied, but I get off at Alwell." Ho shook off tbe feeling of depression. "Well," ho said happily. Alwell It Is then. Any place suits me. Tho wide world has bees my horns for tho last flvs years, and now it's nay plncn whom you art." "Dont, Warner, ahe pleaded, laying her hand appealingly upon bin arm. "Louisa," be said finally, "something Is wrong. What Is it? "Warner," she said, falterlngly, "you must not get off at Alwell." "Why not?" he demanded. Again shs hesitated. "Louise," he said gravely, "you "But what?" must explain. O, don't le afraid," "They tormented me no; urged ma he went on bitterly. Tm not the yea, almost compelled ma to give weakling that left hers lire years you up. They said that yon would ago. If It's bad news, I ran ntand It. nerer amount to anything; that you I have been rubbing elbows with the had always been a failure" he Intimated. "Yea, dess," he Interrupted re- - had regained her composure, "Bobby Burnett." "Warner," she remonstrated, "you flectlvely, "end they were right. My life was an aimless one. I see things "O, I see, with sudden enllghten-- must not suggest such things. Think of the scandal, of my people. No, It Is Impossible. Nothing but the Interposition of Provldenca can prevent . my marriage now." And, as- if to encourage her determination, tha harsh whistle of tLe engine floated bark to them, and tho brakeman bustled through the car calling: "Alwell, AlwelL" Silently Warner took up her suit case and followed her to the platform. In tho shelter of the vestibule he drew her to him. "Little girl," he said brokni.y, this is the end. I'm sorry that I've been a failure." muffled roar, an InThen wan HOPE BAEOKETEB. stant of darkness, and brief glimpse of a frlghteped and gesticulating Staten Island la responsible for is throng. Then the train flashed Into the light again, and Alwell lay be- oddity in barometers, the "rope It has been displayed In a hind them. The brakeman ran excitedly to- consplcuouous place at the municiward the front of the train, while the pal ferry house, St. George, and conconductor pulled the bell cord fran- sists of a white placard, appropriatetically, but there was no dlmunltlon ly Inscribed with a piece of rope about a foot long, dangling In tha In the speed of the train. When they reached Cresaon the middle. The barometer phenomena Louise are explained In the following letrain slowed and stopped. hurried Warner Into the station wait- gends : If rope In dry, fair. ing room. "Please explain, she said to the station agent, "why the train If rope Is swinging, windy. did not stop at Alwell." If rope Is wet, rain. The agent looked, past her. at ' If rope Is wet and swinging, storm. Warner Rose. "Why, hello. Rose,' obi If rope Is fro sen, cold. fellow. That was n rich stake you made In the Klondyke, eh? I hope Kind Lady What are yon crying youre pleased with the stock you my little man? have Just purchased In this road. I about, Willie All my brothers have holito wire the ws your obeyed hops days and I havent. letter. Kind Lady Thats too bad. How Warner smiled. "Well, Itn a good is It?" nt didn't Alwell, atop thing that train Willie 'Coe I dont go to school anyhow. yet (Sobs.) HIS KNOWLEDGE OF WEEDS. . "How many sisters have you gut Willie? Phila near residence At suburban "Three, and all grown up. "Are they all single?" adelphia there recently appeared an unkempt-looking who Individual, "No, only one; the other two's asked for work. It rhnneed that this twins." , - -- application was mads to the lady of the house herself, who was superintending the transplanting of plants In the garden. Are you a gardner? asked the lady. 'Ain't had much experience at wan the reply. gardening'. Can you plant these bushes? "Id hate to risk pollin' 'em. mum. "Then what can you do?" "Well, mum," responded the ua- -. kempt-lookin- g Individual, "If you was to hand me ohe of your husband's cigars I might sit la the greenhouse an' smoke out them lnsecto that's ratin' the leaves of them rose bushes. - bar-omt- clearer now," he remarked thought- ment, "thats why you ara getting off Go on." at AlwelL" fully. She nodded tearfully. "They dinned It into my ears day after day; 'Marry for position, they "Louise," he said suddenly, "it'a said. Finally, when your lettera not too late." stopped, they conquered, and It's toShe caught her breath sharply. day, Warner, today." And she broke Warner," abe cried, "you must not. Into a passion of weeping. It Is too late." "Who Is he? be asked when she You need not get off at Alwell," . A SERIOUS JOKE - seemed rather doesn't Interest me s panicle. But and answered If he's silly enough to think that Smith Is going" two of Aglaia's ques"That's all I'll tell you. I believe." tions at random. At last he observed: "Men are awfully stu"If you didn't like Bertie, why did pid, don't you think?" you keep him dangling after you for "He never struck me as especially months? You were together all the brilliant," replied Aglala, but I time. If ever a young man had enshould say hs Is up to ths average couragement, he did. and he's rertsinly good looking. You Dick dangling "Didn't mustn't expert everything, my dear." about after you keep you?" I don't know whom you are talk"That's different." ing about, but If you mean Bertie, I "Didn't tell me you had reconsider him more than I lick's equsl fused hint youdrown times?" In point of Intellect. He's nothing different again. I don't "That's me to and never will be now, tut know that 1 was altogether In earnI'll do him that Justice. est and you are, you know. "Don't he snappy," said Aglala. "Yes, I am," said MyrtiUs, rather Wbara the trouble between you and wearily. Bertie? I thought he was trembling "Why?" on the brink of a prnimeal." "Well, because. 0. I like him "Hs was. said Mynllla. "He fell well enough as far as that goes. I over. In fact. Mind. I wouldn't tell don't mean that 1 like him well a single living, breathing soul but enough to marry him. That's out you. If I thought you'd so much as of the question now. anyway. 1 mean he's nice and all that." whisper " "How did he propose? Was he "I wont, declared Aglais. sitting up might. '.'When was It? How too confident or something of that did hs do if? Where's your ring? sort?" "No, he was Just as nervous as Do you mean to say you are going could be. He talked all around it to keep the engagement secret?" for I don't know how long. 1 resll Thera is no engagement," said believe that If I hadn't given him " Myrilila. with Intense calm. "I reA little opening?" asked Aglala. fused him. O, you needn't look like Inadvertently, of course. Stll, if that. I tell you I refused him. And I hadn't I think he would have been I'm glad I did. too scared. As It was he blurted "You must be if you feel like out a lot of nonsense and then It that about it," remarked Aglala. rame." I Still, thought you liked him?" What did you say?" I hats him! Mid Myrtllla. "Well. 1 tried to make it ns easy viciously. "No, I don't mean that, as possible fur him. I spoke very racily. Im absolutely Indifferent gently and kindly, and said I appreHe can do what he wan's It ciated ths linnor he had done me. to; MYRT1LLA but It was Impossible." dares I Do I think he would have take any more chances, my dear. any chance? Why, she'd Jump at I don't think I will." said Myr"How perfectly hateful of you!" tllla. "It wasn't, either, declared Myr-- t him. But I don't care." I think It was nice of me. Ilia. I said that I should always be his truest friend." "Well, what did he say to that?" "lie said he didn't want any friends Then I said he would especially. find some girl who would love him as he deserved and make him happy far happier than I could make him." "And then?" "He said, 'It's easy to talk, but they aren't so easy to find. Who, for Instance?' 'There's Kurydire Smith, I said. 'She's s sweet, noble girl. I expected that lie would say, Hang Kurydlr Smith!' or 'Confound her!' or something of that sort. It would have done nte good If he had. I detest that girl. Hut he seemed rather interested In the Idea. She's mighty line looking girl, too, he said. 'Do you really think I'd have any chance with her?' "I told him that 1 was sure he would and he brightened quite perceptibly. and said he didn't know but he'd try it. Then he changed the subject and 1 couldn't bring hint hack to It to save my life, without making It too plain." Mynllla rested her rhin'on her palms and looked gloomily Into vacancy. "Well?" asked Aglala. "He's been dangling after her ever since," said Myrtllla. dolefully. "He danced with her four time the other evening. I heard he sent her flowers. but I don't believe It. If he "HOW DID HE PROPOSE? "Well, observed Aglala after a few moments' c inslderatlon, "men may be stupid, but there are a few exceptions, and I'm Inclined to think Berties one of them. But don't run. Bonnie threw her hat on the bed and looked Into the glass. "I am a perfect fright. Doesnt my dress look as though it had been to a rainy THE BENEVOLENT LADY. day picnic?" It was Saturday afternoon In the Air - your troubles you'll feel department store. About five min- better," said ths comfortable chum. utes before the closing bell rang ."It was a long ride out there," Bonnie emerged from one of the fit- began Bonnie, Into a collapsing ting roomi. clad in an immaculate chair, "and I was good and hungry. white linen suit. Mrs Dubois cams to the door. She If "Well. you don't make a had forgotten her Invitation to me. sneak! said her chum, looking at but shs welcomed me graciously. her admiringly. "Where's your shab- She likes me because I am pleasant about exchanging sulta She brought by black? "It's hid back of the mirror, the last one back four times and Bonnie answered, giving her hair an then gave me an Invitation to lunchextra twist. eon. I suppose a good Jolly Is "I don't se how you dressed so worth whatever you pay for It. That Your lightning change womans clothes must be full of holes quickly. would have done credit to a vaude- from sticking medals on herself. ville artist." "She said she had a great treat "If apa' sees me before the hell for me, for her little grandson was ring there'll he some fireworks." there spending the day with her, Get hack of these wax ladies and and, as I didn't often have a chance help me remove their glad rags. You to get acquainted with children it look so fine you must be going out would be such a pleasure for me. We Into society or Is It Just Ned?" went Into the library and she ex"I am going Into society the cused herself to get us n little lunch. real thing. That patronising custo- She had let the servants go for the mer of mine has Invited me Jo lunch- day, si she wished them to remain eon it her home. Perhaps she will In next Thuradsy. I had such a take me for a drfte. I am dying for late breakfast that I don't care much a taste of the country." about lunch, she explained, 'but Late In the afternoon Mnnnie! tired Willie can amuse you. found her roommate com"Could he? and grimy, I love hoys small fortably curled up on the sofa read- boys," said her chum, enthusiastiing a novel. cally. Goodness. Bonnie! Hare you "Could he! Look at me the unbeen to a fire sale?" asked her chum. willing victim. I was dying to exNo, I haven't. But if a customer amine the bonks In the but ever pose aa benevolent lady to the Willie's questions would library, have made lnor working girl and tries to patron- an Interrogation point look like a ize you, don't take any chances comma He climbed all over my clean dresa and the hill for laundering Isnt paid yet. I tried to tell him stories. Football was what hs wanted. He kicked bln top. Just feel the lump on my head. "Finally hla benevolent grandma called un to lunch. 'Just a few scraps, said she. Willie got most of those, beside more Jelly outside than in which accounts for some of ths dirt on this suit." "Did she take you riding? No, but I played horse with dear little Willie. As I got ready to tear myself away from the sweet cherub he said he waa going krone. His grandma said he would have to wait until hla mother, came for him. Then he howled. Then, with benevolence beaming from her eye, ahe suggested he lived so near me I might that bring him home, adding, You don't often hare a chance to he with the I was thankful for that. darling. e wyHi A bargain sale would have looked like parlor croquet by the aide of our trip home. When he was In the car Willie wanted to walk. When we had to walk Willie howled to be carried. All the mothers we met looked aa If they thought I walked a ft of my children to death every day. He teased for candy, popcorn, pea nuts and everything else he saw. In order to keep peace I separated my elf from a days pay. Did you cry? A little. In fact, my heart wn so open that Ned walked right in aa consoler. "So It's settled at last? You'd better hurry and dresa, for here he cornea now. . |