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About The Hood River news. (Hood River, Or.) 1909-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 15, 1909)
I! THE HOOD RIVER NEWS, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1909 The Lure of the Mask By HAROLD MACCRATH Copjrijhl. 1903, by the B.ass. Mtrrill Ca. (CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK) CHAPTER VIII. WHAT HKKHIHEW FOUND. TUG grout stilj bud passed tbe Isle of ImcUIu, and now (be buy of 1 Naples unfolded all Its variant beauties. Hotb be and Merrl bew were foremost In tbe press against tbe forwurd rail. To tbe lat ter'l Impressionable uiluj It was like t drestn-n-fouder, tbe temples and baths of Nero of tbe golden bouse; tbltber, tbe palaces of tbe grim Ti berius; beyoud, Pompeii, wltb Qlau cus, lone and Nydla, tbe blind girl. Tbe dream picture faded, and tbe re ality was uo less fluctuating tbe white sails of tbe flsbermen winging cross tbe suppblre waters, leaving ribboned pathways behind; proud white pleasure yucbts. great vessels from all ports In tbe world, and an oc casional battleship, drab and stealthy, and tbe hundred pink and white vil lages, tbe Jnde and amethyst of tbe Islands, tbe ruined temples, the grim giant ash heap of Vesuvius. "See that village on the cliffs to ward the south?" asked Ulllard. "That's Sorrento, where I was born. 8b! Look at Giovanni!" Merrlhew looked ut the old Iloman. Tears were running down bis cheeks, and bis gnze strove to pierce tbe dis tance to the furoff Sublne bills. Italy! Hlllurd leaned over and touched blm on the arm. und be started. VTake care, (Jlovannl." f'Pardon! I am weak this day, but tomorrow I shall be strong. Seven years! Have you not lunged for It yourself? Has not your heart gone out many times across tbe seas to those cliffs?" pointing to Sorrento. "Many times, Ciiovnuul. Hut remem ber and control yourself. Presently tbe carablnlcrl will come on board. Tou will sec that all our luggage goes promptly to the Bristol once we are through the customs." "Trust me, slguor." They landed at the custom house at 2 In the afternoon and passed without any difficulty. Hlllard obtained rooms pleasantly situated looking out upon tbe spar kling bay. Clr.vnnnl ltogiin at once to unpack the trunks, happy enough to have sompthlng to occupy him till aft er dark, whpii he determined to ven ture forth. The dreaded carablnlerl bad paid blm not the slightest atten tion. Po far be was as safe as though b were In New York. It was yet so early In tbe day that the two young men sallied forth In quest of ll;ht ndventure. Besides, Merrlhew was very ea;:er to find some Itoman aud Florence newspapers. The American Comic Opera company was 'sunicwliurc porth. They found sta tioned outside the botot t ry cheeked cabby who answered to the name of Tomsssi), or Tomans, as tho Neapoli tans generally dro the finals, He carried a bright red lap rohe and blan ket, spoke n little English and was very proud of the accomplishment. He was rather disappointed, however, wbeu Hlllard bargained with biro In bis own tntig'lf- T,"I,as8 shook his fingers under lllllnrd's nose, and Hll lard returned the compliment. Finally Tomass compromised on 1 Ilia W) cen teslml (30 rents per hour, with 50 centlslml (10 centf as a pourbolre (tlpl. Crack, crack! Iown the hill they went, as If a thousand devils were after them. f'py George," rasped Merrlhew, rlutc lilnu bU peat, "the fool will break our necks!" Tomass grinned and cracked his whip. He did not understand the wot 4 slowly In hrs own tongue or In any other, at leant not till he reached tbe sbops. A dor.cn times on tbe Via faff Transfer Go. Drayingf. . . Wood Yard HAY, PLOUR and FEED Tor Sale Office rhone 29 Residence 232-M v, r r ciiMMPn Lavatorico ZoxUxq 8tnho PLUMBING I Stwer aid Drill TILE Itoma Merrlhew yelled that they would lose wheel. But Tomass knew the game. Merrlhew bad never seen such sbops. Coral, coral wherever the eye roamed where did they get It all, and to whom did they sell It? Neck laces, tiaras, rings, brooches, carved and uncarved were there women enough in tbe world to buy these things? "If I had a wife"- he began. "Well?" "I'd feel devilish sorry for ber bus band ut this moment." "But lsu't tbe color great?" said Hll lard. It was good to be In Naples again. "I never saw so mauy kids," Merrl hew Dually observed, "so many dirty ones," be added. "Herod would have bad bis work cut out fur blm here Now where cun we get some newspa pen? I must know where she Is." At tbe bookshop In tbe piazza tbey found the Rome aud Florence papers. Hlllard went througb them thorough ly, but uo where did be see anything relative tc tbe doings of tbe American Comic Opera company. "Not a Hue, Dan." "But there must be something in tbe Florence paper. Tbey should be playing there yet." "Nothing. These papers are two weeks old." Merrlhew stared blankly at tbe sheet. "I should like to know what It means." "We will write to tbe consulate In Rome. If there has been any trouble he will certainly notify us. I'll write tonight. Now, here's Cook's next door. We'll ask If there is any mail for Kitty KUllgrew." But (here wasn't, nor bad there been, and the name was not on tbe forwarding books. "Looks as If your Kitty were tbe needle In the haystack." "Cut It!" savagely. Pictures and churches aud museums were all well enough, but Merrlhew wanted Kitty KUllgrew above all tbe treasures of earth. When they turned down to the Via Caracclolo. wltb the full sweep of the magnificent bay at their feet, Merri bew's dIsapiKlntment softened some ,what. It was the fashionable hour. The band was playing near by In tbe Villa Naalouale. Americans were ev erywhere. Occasionally a stray prin cess or countess flashed by Inert and listless against the cushions and Inva riably overdressed. And when men ac companied them the men (If they were husbands) lolled back, even more list less. And beggars of all sorts and de scriptions besieged the "very great grand rich Americans." They were nearly a week In Naples. Tbey saw the galleries, the museums and churches; tbey saw underground Naples; they made the weary and use ful ascent of Vesuvius, and Merrlhew added a new smell to bis collection every hour. Pompeii by moonlight, however, was worth a thosand ordi nary dreams, and Morrlbow, wbo bad abundant Imagination, but no art wltb which to express It, happily or unhap pily, saw I.yttou's story unfold In all Its romantic splendor. They lingered at Amalfl three days aud dreamed away tbe hours under the white peiola. Merrlhew waa loath to leave, but Hlllard was for go ing on to Sorrento, for which his heart was always longing. A spring ralq fell as they took tbe Incline, and It followed them over tbe mountains and down Into Sorrento. They finally drew up In the courtyard of tho Hotel de la Slrena, and the long ride was at an end. Tbe little gar den was wblte and pink with roses and camellias, and the tubbed manda rins were heavy with fruit. 'And this Is March," said Merrlbew, his thought traveling back to bis own bleak country, where winter Is so long and summer Is so short. Their rooms were on the northeast corner, on the first floor, and from the windows they could look down upon the marina plccola and the t Id Hess sea, a sheer 130 feet lelow. Every body welcomed tbe Slgnor Hlllard. The hotel was his and everything and everybody In It. Later, when they were alone, Hlllard began to explain. "They remember my father. He used to live like a prince In Sorrento. Ev ery time I come here I do the best I can to keep the luster to his name. Tomorrow I shall point out to you the villa In which I was born. A Russian princess owns It now." "A real live princess!" aald Merrl hew. "Is she beautiful?" "Once upon a time," returned Hll lard, laughing. Giovanni did not return till late that night, and on the morrow Hlllard questioned him. 'I have becu to see a cousin," said niovanul, "who lives on the way to El Deserta." "Ah! Ho you have a couslu here?" "Yea, slgnor." How old he looked, poor devil! ntl- lard bad not taken particular notice of blm during the past week's excur sions. Giovanni bad aged ten yean sluce tbey landed. "And was this cousin glad to see you? And Is be to be trusted?" 'Both, slgnor. He had some news. She (he girl Is a dancer lu a Pari cafe." 'Would you like me to give you the necessary money to go to Parts and bring her back to tbe Sablue bills?" Hlllard asked softly. i shall go to Paris, slguor after." 'What Is his name?" Hlllard bad never till this moment asked this ques tion. "I know It. That Is sufficient He Is high, slgnor. very high, yet 1 shall reach blm. If I told you his name" "There would be the possibility of my warning blm." "That Is why I hesitate." "You nre Catholic. Giovanni." Giovanni signified that be was. 'Does not the God of all Catholics, of all Christians, In fact does be not say that vengeance Is bis aud that be will repay?" "But there are so many of us, sl guor, so many of us small and of slight liuportauce, that, likely enough, God, with nil his larger cares, bus not tbe time to remember us. What may hap pen to blm lu the hereafter does not concern me, for be will certainly be In tbe purgatory of the rich and I In tbe purgatory of the poor. It must be now, now!" "Go your own way," said Hlllard, dismissing blm. "I shall never urge you again." Giovanni gone, Hlllard leaned against tbe casement. Tbe sun was bright this morning, and the air was clear. He could see Naples distinctly. Below, the fishermen and tbelr wives, tbelr bare feet plowing In the wet sands, were drawing In the nets, swaying their bodies gracefully. And then Merrlhew burst In upon him wildly excited and flourished the hotel register. "Look at this!'' be cried breathless ly. He flung tbe book on the table and pointed wltb shaking finger. Hlllard came forward, and this Is what be saw: Thomas O'Mally James Smith Arthur Worth L 8!norlna Caprlcclosa, Kitty KUUsrew Am. Coralo Opera Co., N. T. "Kitty has been here!" "Perfectly true. But I wonder" "Wonder about what?" asked Merrl' hew. "Who La SIgnorlna Caprlcclosa is. Whimsical, Indeed. She must be tbe mysterious prima donna." Hlllurd studied the easy flowing band and ran bs fingers through bis hair thoughtfully, "What Is It?" asked Merrlhew curi ously. "I am wondering where I have seen that handwriting before." Another fortnight found tbe pair back In Naples after spending a week on Capri. At tbe hotel they found a batch of mail. There was a letter which held particular Interest (o Mer rlhew. it waa from tbe consul at Rome, a reply to HUlard's inquiries regarding the American Comic Opera company. "We'll now flud out where your charming Kitty Is," Hlllard said, breaking tbe seal. But they didn't. On the contrary, the writer hadn't the slightest idea where the pluy actors were or had gone. Tbey bad opened a two weeks' engagement at the Teatro Qulrlno. There had been a good house on the opening night. Tbe remainder of the week did not show tbe sale of a hun dred tickets. The American manager had shown neither foresight nor com mon sense, and his backer withdrew his support. The percentage demand ed by tbe managers In Florence, Genoa, Milan and Venice was so exorbi tant (although they had agreed to a moderate term In the beginning) that It would have been nothing short of foolhardlness to try to fill the book ings. Tbe singing of tbe prima donna. "Loofc at this!" he cried. however, had created a highly favora ble Impression among tbe critics, but she was unknown. The writer also advised Mr. Hlllard uot to put his money In any like adventure. "That's hard luck," growled Merrl hew, who saw his hopes go down tbe horlzou. 'But It makes me out a pretty good prophet," was HUlard's rejoinder. "The angel's money gave out. Too many obstacles. To conquer a people and a government by light opera It can't be doue here. And so the Ameri can Comic Opera company at the pres ent moment Is vegetating In some little boarding bouse waiting for money from home." Merrlhew gnawed the end of his cane. All bis pleasant dreams had burst like soap bubbles. Had they not always done so? There would be no jaunts with Kitty, no pleasant little excursions, no little suppers after tho performance. And what's a Michel angelo or a Titian when a man's In love? "Brace up, Dan. Who knows? Kitty may le on the high seas that Is, If she has taken my advice and got a return ticket. I'll give you a dinner at the Bertollnl tonight, and you may have the magnum of any vintage you like. W'I1 have Tomass drive us down the Via Caracclolo. It will take some of the disappointment out of your system." They had ridden up and down tbe Via Caracclolo twice when they espied a huge automobile, ultramarine blue. It passed wltli u linl of dust and a rumble which m thunderous. Hlllard half rose from his neat. ".Somebody you know?" asked Merrl hew. "The man ut the wheel looked a bit like Saiidfonl." "Saudford? By George, that would be Jolly!" "Perhaps they will come this way again. Tomass, follow that motor." Sure enough, when the car reached the Largo lttoria It wheeled und came rumbling back. This time Hil lard had uo doubts. He stood up aud waved his arms. The automobile barked and groaned and came to stand. "Hello, Bandford!" "Jack Hlllard, as I live, and Dan Merrlhew! Nell," turning to one of the three pretty women In tbe too tieuu, "what did I .tell you? I felt it lu my bones that we would run across some one we knew." "Or over them," his wife laughed. When we meet an old friend in a foreign laud, one who bas accepted uui uiuori nu wnu wnoin we nave often dined, what is left but to fall on his neck and weep? There was. then, over this meeting much ado wltb hand shaking und compliments, handshak ing and questions, and, as In all cases like this, every one talked at once how was old Nevt York, how was the winter In Cairo, and so. forth and so on till a pollce.uitn politely told them that this, was uot a private thoroughfare and that they were blocking the way. Ha tbey parted, the two young meu having promised to dine with the Saudford party that evening. "What luck, Dau!" Hlllard was ex uberant. "Saves you the price of a dinner." "I wasn't thinking of that. But I shall find out all about her tonight." "Who?" "The lady ill the fog, the masquer ading lady!" TO BE CONTINUED Wanted Orchard Land! C. I have buyers for improved and unim proved Apple Land, 10 to 160 acres. C What have you to sell? C Also income property in Portland to trade for Orchard. J. F. BATCI IELDER Phone 163M Hood River, Oregon Open River Transportation Co. S.m.i. J. N. TEAL Operated to protect thooe living along the River O. C. Dean, (ieneral Agent Pai L S. Trieber, Dock Agent Oregon Shot line and union Pacific TIHE TABLE Effective Sunday, Sept. 12, trains will arrive and depart at Hood River, Oregon, on the following schedule: WEST BOUND No. 5. Oregon Washington Limited 6:50 A. M. No. 9. Portland Express 60 " No. 3. Soo-Spokane-Portland 6:44 " No. 11. Pacific Express 8:20 P. M. No. 7. Portland Special 6:45 " Train No. 11 make all atopa between Hood River and Portland. Train Nat will (top only at Wyeth. Cascade Locks. Bonneville, Bridal Veil, Troutdale. Fair view, Columbia Heach, Latourelle and Corbetta. Trains No. S. No. S and No. 7 will make no atop between Hood River and Portland. EAST BOUND No. 12. Atlantic Expreaa., 108 A. M. No. 8. Chicago Special 11:55 " No. . Oregon A Washington Limited 8:35 P. M. No. 4. Soo-Spokane-Portland .00 ' No. 10. Salt Lake Kxpreat 10:25 " No. 12 atQpa at all atationa east of Hood River. No. 0 atupa at Moaier, The Dalles. Celilo. Des chutes, Rufua, Arlington, Umatilla. Hermiston. Stanfleld, Echo and other way atationa. No. and No. 8 stop only at The Dalles. Umatil la. Pendleton, Gibbon. LaGrande and Baker City. No. 8 will only handle passenger for Nam pa. Idaho, and points east thereof. Passengers for loeal points east of Hood River must take train No. 12 or train No. 10 to points at whieh they stop. J. H. FREDRICY, Agent. I L. B. STEVENS & CO. A riNI LINC OP I Cigars, tJc6accos, omeriers oupplles Confectionery, Stationery, Notions, Etc. Stop In at "The rasatime" On the Heights REAL ESTATE! If you want Portland City Property or Willammette Valley Lands you can pet the best on best terms by writing or visiting D. N. Byorloo St, Johns, Oregon To Those Who believe In Patronizing Home industry When you lay in your winter supply of Flour and Feed, ask for CUPID FLOUR I AIM D: HOMEMILLED FEED If your dealer does not want ... to supply it, come to Ua . . . CUPID IS STILL MADE FROM OLD WHEAT Hoed RiDer ITiiCCing Company DEAN 8 SHAW ft H. R. Banking & Trust Bldg. HOME PHONE 3 HOOD RIVER, ORE. For the Christmas Trade A large stock of Fancy Groceries. Candies of all kinds at wholesale prices, 10 a pound and up. Nuts in large quantities. We can supply your wants in anything in Groceries WOOD&HUGGINS SB -n is hp 7 H. H. Bailey W. E. Colit BAILEY I COLBY Electric Wiring and Futures All 1-inrlo rf VontTrl s ir - ,5mi Sunnlies at Moderate Prices o- r : - i i - - ft ; ' Offict and Display Room at 117 State Street Shop Phone :::-k Resident. Phone -L FURNITURE STORE Drc8scr5" Carpets Art Squares Linoleums ALSO 61'ILDING MATERIAL t S. E. BARTMESS Hood Kier, Orcjcri
