The Arkansaw traveler., 1885-10-10


 She introduced herself and then asked:
 "Is MT. Barker in P
 "'No,' Brown replied.
 She seemed to be greatly disap- pointed, and said, in voice of deep sad- ness. T shall start for Europe to-mor- row and would like very much to see him. He is dear friend of mine. If leave note will you please give it to him2'
 "The colonel replied that he would. She sat down and wrote note, put it in an envelope and handed it to Brown. When she had gone, Brown turned to me and said
 " That woman is worth several mill lions, and unless am badly fooled she is in love with Barker. Now I can un- derstand why he has acted so strangely of late. Pm going to see what's in this note. Say word about it and out you go. He tore the envelope, took out the note and read, as nearly as can remem- Der, as follows:
 | "'MY DEAR MR. BARKER: hope you have not forgotten the delightful evenings we spent at the Blue Rock hotel I shall never forget them. As you doubtless know, my husband is dead. You could not have failed to notice how ill-suited to each other we were. long to see you and tell you why ma rI0d n I H. ory, but could never love him. will call again to morrow at one o'clock. l am going to Europe. How wish you would consent to make one of our party. Yours, ANNIE GREEN'
 Just hold on, Barker. Wait until git through. Sit down now and don't look so wild. Hanged if you don't frighten me. Brown turned to me-" Cart wright continued when had dropped into an arm chair, "and said:
 "' Barker shall never see this note.'
 "Why? asked.
 "Oh, I've got my reasons. You see have been widower quite long enough, and fatter myself that can win that woman. Barker would simply squander her money, and it wouldn't be right to let her marry him.
 |" l was determined to tell you, but just as you came into my room, the faces oi my wife and children came up before me- tried to argue that if told you, you might reward me, but that would put me in the position of beggar,' thought, and after all they might not marry so l did not tell you. Brown managed to send you away to be gone beyond the time appointed for the meeting. When Mrs. Green came in, Brown said to Der
 "l delivered your note, madam, but Mir. Barker did not seem to regard it with much favor. He tore it into pieces and threw them on the floor. gathered them up and here they are. The truth is, Barker is engaged to be married.'
 The expression of that woman's face will always haunt me. She gasped and turned away. l was brute for not tell ing her-I know deserved to be shot but-hold on, Barker. Confound it, sit down. Don't you strike me. Your prom ise; remember it. Now sit there. lcould not tell her. went down and saw her on the pier, ready to take passage on vessel, and again tried to tell her, but could net" "You are liar! You could have told her! Sit down, tell you. Your promises are worth nothing. D-n it, are you try ing to choke me :? I'll not tell you another word if you don't behave yourself"
 l was almost wild, and l sat down. Cartwright brought water and attempted to bathe my face but showed him away. "You are villain p exclaimed.
 "All right, l won't tell you another word."
 He turned, opened the door and passed out. heard him going down the stairs. ran into the hallway, leaned over the DaluStrade ana shouted:
 "Cartright, come back For Gods sake, come back 1"
 He stopped, looked up and said. "I am afraid to trust myself with man who cannot keep a promise.
 "Come back and swear that will keep quiet"
 "A man who cannot keep promise cannot keep an oath"
 l seized heavy box, held it out over him and said:
 Cartwright, if you don't come back l will hurl this box on you Come back 1" "Well, put down that devilish thing" l put down the box and he slowly asrAnfAd thA sfntrs.