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.YHOItTY“Jl7lVIOR ON HIS EAR.
he was impatient for that to-morrow night to come
and spread her sable mantle and things around.
And. indeed, so he was.
The long Yankee was very susceptible in all affairs of
the heart, and the little beauty-as he fondlyimagined
Shorty to be-that he had made love to the night be-
fore, occupied all his thoughts.
She was rich; he loved her and she loved him; and he
was to meet her on the morrow.
He hadn't seen his darling's face-of course shorty
had been careful not to remove his mask-but that she
vas handsome he was certain, and he longed to be in
. tiias Fanny Dancer's company once more.
Before the show was over Shorty Junior left and
went up to Bkcya‘ Hotel. to see how the land lay for a
p racket.
lt panned out beautiful. He not only knew the
landlord himself. but as luck would have it, the lady
that Buster had fallen in love with at the ball. and
(ought the duel about. resided In the same place.
When the kid saw her, he wssn'ti'1ve minutes ar-
ranging his plan of operations.
He told her what he wanted her to do, and she fell
in with the humor of the Joke at otce. and promised
her aid.
" -‘lllember,-' said Shorty Junior, “ fer der time bein'
yer Miss Fanny Dancer, an‘ 'f yer git any letters from
Bhlmkl. be sure an‘ answer 'em."
She agreed to do so, and the kid, after taking a sur-
vey of the premises, left.
" ‘Fl doesn’t give him der grandest bounce he's had
in a year I'll let in s desdhead to der show every day
nex‘ week." he mused on his way back. “ ‘F yer
doesn't want ter git bit. leave der members of der
Shorty family 'ions."
That evening, when he got a chance to speak to his
dad, he took him one side and explained things.
“ it's all rite 'bout dat racket," he exclaimed.
" Did yet fix her up i"
' Couldn't be better."
“ How yer gain’ ter work It 1"
"Neveryer mind. Yer be dare to-morrer night at
iigllhaharp. and ye’ll git a front sent an’ a tree pass
ter der performance."
" I'll be dere ; wouldn't miss it for a house and lot."
All next day Shorty Junior was kept too busy to at-
tend to rackets, but in the evening he was ready for
any fun that might turn up.
Ever since the ball Shanks had been in adreamy
sort of state. and now that the night had come he was
fussy and more nervous than ever.
Lie was togged out in his best store clothes, had had
his hair carefully dressed by a barber, and wore in his
buttonhole a fancy bouquet.
At seven o'clock he spoke to the kid.
- "I'll have to be away this evening, Chips," he said.
" Very important business, I assure you."
"Good gracious 1" exclaimed the kid, as if very
much vexed. " Go ‘way ter-night? Doesn't see how
in der deuce I's goin‘ ter git llong widout yer."
“Friend sick," explained Shanks. "Ain't expected
to live."
" Oh, If dat‘s der case. go it."
Shanks gave one more curl to his hair. tipped his
beaver on one side, sttd his cane and started.
“Now for Miss Fanny Dancer,” he cried.
As soon as he was out of the show Shorty Junior call-
ed to his old man. .
" Come ’long, dad, der ball's up, an’ der door‘!
open. '
“ All rite, mer son. We'll lay der Yank out cold."
Shanks dashed along at a rapid rate. swinging his
cane airlly and dreaming ofjoys to come.
He piled into Shays’ Hotel and inquired for his
charmer.
"Ah. Dancer." said the polite clerk," second floor.
irontroom. I'll send up your ca ."
The pasteboard was dispatched. and after a few mo-
ments waiting. he was invitedto ascen .
“At last ." he murmured, as he mounted the stairs.
He was shown intoa ,' didly-furnished apartment,
and a lady who had been sltti.ng'before a cheerful Me
lroso as he bowed himselfin.
One hasty glance at that face and Shanks was enrIP'
tured. She was all his fancy had painted her and more
His heart was no longer his own. and he was Il!'9Pll‘9‘1
to make a most egregious ass of hmself at a moment's
notice.
"Charming companion of the ball," he exclaimed.
advancing and seizing her shapely hand; " Fanny, may
I call you thus?"
She blushed divinely, and he proceeded:
“ Ever since I nrst met you your Image has nlled my
soul. I have thou ht of you day and night: dfeime
of you-wors youl Ohl how I have longed for
thls hour I"
The lady appeared very much
him to a seat.
lie was clean gone. and instead of sitting down he
Hopped on his knees, and again grupcd her nd.
“ My own I my darling! listen to me. Let me linger
War thus! Let me be your slave I"
"This must not go on." cried the lady. trying to
withdraw her hand. "It is folly: it is madness I"
“Dearest hnny. I love you! I adore you! Let as
3! together!"
“I oanrwlbo I" she exclaimed passionately,
it to her heart.
for yourself alone.
agitated and motioned
not,
Withdrawing her hand and clasping
“Cannot bel Why! I love you
lwillmarryyou I" ’
" hover! Do you not know 1"
“Know what, dearest! Speak."
"I Im the wife of another!"
Shanks got straight up off his knees and looked at
her in blank surprise
" What!" hauled.‘ “Married to another!’
"Oh i" went on the lady, wildly wringing her hands,
"1 was foolish! I did not think you would come.
Married? Yes, married to a man I hate I A jealous
madcnanl Oh, sir. go away and forget me."
" Alas! I cannot." ‘
“ if my husband should return. Think of mo-think
of yourself‘. lie is a perfect demon when angered. and
already three men have xallen by his rash hand. Leave
me ere it be too late.”
She suddenly stopped, listened like a frightened bird,
and then uttered a faint
“ "1‘is he! I hear his
comes! My husbaudl Oh. ily, fly
She was a consummate actress and couldn't have
played her part better.
Shanks felt his hair beginning to get up, and he
quickly started for the door, while the lady m quickly
dragged him back.
“For heaven's sake. not that way; you will meet
him face to face I No more blood I no more blood 1''
she murmured hoarsely.
" What th' deuce will I o 2" asked Shanks. helplessly.
"Hide somewhere I Hi el"
" Yes. but where T’
"In here I" she cried, opening the door of what
seemed to be a closet. "Quick, quick! lie comes I''
it was a vory small place. but. as it was all that
odered, the Yankee crowded himself into it as best be
C
cry.
iootsteps on the stairs! l'.Ie
ould.
The lady at once closed. and, Shanks was sure. locked
the door.
As she did so she turned and saw Shorty Junior and
his dad standing in the doorway.
They had witnessed the whole scene, and their faces
were one broad rin.
"Yer did dat as good as der ‘best actress in New York
could have done it." whispered the kid to Fanny.
"Thank you." replied she, below her breath, very
much pleased at the success of her part of the racket.
“ Now yer got him in der closet, what yer goiu' ter
der with him? I’ asked Shorty.
“Dat ain't ner closet," replied the kid, with a comi-
cal smile. "dat's an elevator dat runs down ter der
kitchen. Yer Jlst lay low, der fun ain't commenced
yin"
Ila beckoned to the landlord, who was waiting in the
hall. to come in and go through his part of the per-
lormance.
He was a large. heavy man, and he strode into the
room.slsmmed the door to with a bang, sndnung him-
self on a chair.
“Fanny I " he exclaimed in a deep, angry tone. " as I
came up the stairs. I was certain I Ilelfil a man's voice
in here. licmember, three dead I By heavens, girl. do
not make me add to the number i "
Shanks could hear this as plain as if the door that hid
im from view was wide open. and the thoughts ofthis
blood-thirsty rudian ot ahusbsnd made him quake.
“ By Jovo I" he thought. “ III ever git out of this
alive, I'll never speak to another woman as long as I
live. I vow I won't.’
" Have you been quite alone, Fanny T" Went on the
supposed husband sternly.
Shanks, who was listening. expected to hear her say
" yes." ofcourse, but to his dismay she replied:
" So 1'‘
" lie I'' cried the husband-and Shanks could hear
him spring to his feet-“ Say you sol Who has been
here‘? A. man I"
" es.
" Yes 2 Where is he now? Gone 7"
.. No pa
Shanks'licart went away down in his boots at this,
and he gave himself up for dead. ‘
" Where is the monster?"
" In that closet I''
The words came out slow, clear and distinct. And
the unfortunate Yankee uttered a deep groan-that
made those in the room he expected to be
dragged out and shot dead in another moment.
But to his surprise no attempt was made tadislodge
him and the man's tones at once changed "nmpthe deep
tragic to the light and playful.
“ You don't say. Fan that you'v>‘got another one I”
" Yes. 0.
" And in the old spot once more i"
" He's in the trap now I tell you."
the door on him.
with a new dre .
"Does he look like I rich chap T" he heard the man
" is he a swell with lots of sugar I
“ He's one ofthe bosses of the big show. I met him
at the ball; and if he ain't lined with greenback: I'll
miss my guess."
"Good. We'll ilx him in the old way: hey. Fan?"
"Dead men tell no tales l" was the answer.
At these words Shanks shook all over-as did the kid
and his dad. too, but for quite another reason-for he
realized that he had been entlcedinto a dcathtrapby a
pretty woman.
That he would be foully murdered and robbed he felt
certain. and his case would be another to add to the
long list of mysterious dlsappcarahces.
Ilorrible thoughts of Bweeuy Todd flashed through
his distracted mind. and he set up a loud cry for aid.
-' Murder I murder! Help I help I" he shouted.
lie struggled violently considering his limited space.
and tried to burst open the door ; butit resisted all his
efforts.
As he was about to make one last
felt himself going-at ilrat slowlfp
down, down. down I n
" To some horrible underground den I he gasped.
u Them to be butche u ,)h, for s lmife or a pistol.
Ilel I Help I e--
lig smidnnly came to a stand still, the doerilew open.
and he rolled out into A kitchen.
A doze!‘ strapping female servants stood around
rally for llbcrty.he
and then rapidly-
and other useful and handy domestic utensils. and the
moment he appeared they went for him, in a body, not
" Yer wanter elope, is it
" Give it till the blaggard "
“ Bate the head off him i" .
tired water on Shanks and beat him till he was
blinded.
liefought his way out after a. while.
and dirty, pant-
ing and covered with slops, he took to his heels and]
got out of that hotel‘ quicker than lightning. , .
T e kid and his party laughed fill their sides schod
over Shanks’ misadventure. and a er the mirth hnl
somewhat subsided. they adjourned to the dining room
where they partook of a nice little supper that had
been ordered. '
" By the way. llir. Shorty," said the lovely Fanny,
her face wreathed in smiles. " my sighing swsin wrote
me several secret little notes Would you like to use
them '1"
“ Couldn't suit Incr bettcr."‘ answered the kid, who
immediately spotted another racket. “Will yer lend
'em ter me 1'"
“ You are quite welcome to them I am sure," replied
anny. handing him the precious documents “
The kid glanced over them and with up
them safely sway in his pocket. gr‘
“ I'll give der oI' man nudder bounce wid dose." he
grinned, “see 'ii doesn't." ’
The lunch nnisbed, the many party reparaledfsnd it
being still early, Shorty Junior and his dad returned t
the show. ‘ “
Nothing was seen of Shanks until the next
at breakfast. ‘
lie looked glum and sullen. and the only thin ‘that
gave him any comfort was the thought that neither of
his chums knew a word about his scrape. , j“
The meal was eaten in comparative silence, and after
Shorty and Shanks had finished and gone, the llldstule
up to the Yanlree's room and just as he had expected
found all of Fanny's answers in the pocket of thqcoat
Shanks had worn the night before. ’
lie seized on them at once and
with the other letters he already had. ,.,. as
Before going to the show he called on his friends. the
lively students, and explained to them the nature, of
his new joke .. 1,.‘
After a long, chin and a hearty laugh all the ‘con
respondence was left In their hands. and the xixltuok
his departure. ,. 7 N
H6 803 talking with Shanks in the afternoon ,sn-I
with his dry jokes and uaint remarks mnnagedio re-
store him to something ike good humor. , c ,
"Isay 01’ man." he exclaimed, after they had‘ een
conversing some little while, "got er big lay-on fer
ter nite; want ter take It In I" H V 1 .
" What is it?" asked the Yankee. . ,.,, ,
"Goin' ter try achap before der board 0f,Blc3llf‘II
students. All der boys goth‘ ter be dere an‘ we'll have
oceans offun." "<11
" Who is the victim I"
"Iteglar soft, tall paloot dat never tumbles once.
lie‘: a duder an‘ we got der dead wood on 11111’!-(hid.
IV ill yer go over !" .
" Darn me if I don't take that in. Let meknovi when
you start." .>'-o ,
“All rite, mcr son. Del-e's millions in it.‘T .,
As soon as he could get away,Shorty Junie: Inter-
viewed his dad. ’
" ot him again
Jrlstored
i
placed I then: ;:l::ng
r‘-,
..
. pop." he exclaimed. fl. .
U
O
..
U1
rr
W
=
if
.1
..
..
u
:-
0
33
8
s
.-
n.
r
"Yeslndeed. Walked rite inter
eyes wide open.’ ’
"Good. I mus‘ take dat in sure's gun." > ,,
After the show had closed that evenlug the trio
started for the headquarters of the studenis.
All the way over they were full of this about the
fun they were going to have, and by the lime they got
there even Shanks was as gay as I lark.
They entered the building and went straight to the
students’ room.
ltlooked much as it did when Shorty Junior lml ilrst
entered it, excepting that the lights were turn up
brilliantly and the skeletons kept out of sig t. .
The whole company were assembled. so they were
asjolly a crowd as could be found in tbs town.
shorty Junior was received with threi cuen and a
tiger, and then the business of theevealng began.
Just as Shanks was about to be seated. he was seized
by the gang and conducted to the lure: end or the
u . . .
u >. .‘
der snaps wid his
hie.
"Darn it, what does Uni: mean?" he asked. In auri-
rise. I '-'V
" It means." exclaimed the prealLen t, “ um you, Mr,
Shanks, are a prisoner and about to be tried?!
Shanks at this piece of info: mu l'.m, looked so stunned
and dismayed that the whole company roared in
chorus. ‘ a
" Why, I thought." cried the Yankee. turning to the
kid. “I thought you said they were groin-v to try a reg r
ulsr son galoot that nrur tnmblmlf "L-' ' '
"Ser, I did. Yr-r is the galoot alluded tor.
tumbled, dial yer E"
“ Yes. but I don't understand this. that's all. What
am lgoiu‘; to be til:-cl for?"
“Gentle mm be sealed." coinmandml the president.
" You are to be tried before this high court, Mr. Shanks.
on a very grave f‘ll'In:P.." V.
Ilo panned, and uurolling a large scroll, he hung It
against the wa . .
it read : " The Cmrrt nf0yz(err and Tn.-nmmgr."
"Justice," he continued. gramlly " has now gripp-S
her scales. and the court is open."
"Well." said Shanks beniunlng to get mail. “Pm
darned if I know what you're driving at. If I dorm-
Yor nova“
armed wan dirty brooms. wet mops. tongs. dish wake;
lobster. What is the crime. anyhow I"
d heavy. ‘
“ Ye'il come here ter run away wid a lady. will yo I’
I‘ .
d the women, all bribed by the kldlto do tm