Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1890-05-24

him? will return to New YORK ana -
A turn in the path brought him face
to face with a man who was trimming
the shrubbery.
Hello" said Fountain. you're new
about here. Has Mr. Witherspoon
changed his gardener
"Yes, sir" replied the man, still con-
tinuing his work.
How long ago?'
About three weeks now, sir. The
man spoke with strong Scotch accent
al had not heard of it," said Fountain.
indifferently. as he turned away.
No, sir" replied the man, bending
down over bush.
AS Fountain turned into another path
the gardener watched him disappear
from view, then tossed his pruning
shears into the bush, and saying, Il We
heard all want to know" fled rapidly
in the opposite direction.
Fountain did not find another chance
for confidential conversation with Flora
that night again.
Late in the evening he did find an OPP
portunity to say to her;
"If you will formulate your charges
against me, will try to meet them to
YOUR satisfaction. You have been mis-
informed about something, evidently" Z.
No" she replied in a low tone,
placing great restraint upon herself,
never shall l revert to the matter
again; have thought it over, and ac-
cept the consequences love you too
deeply, though hate myself for it, but
I'm yours, and cast all consideration
to the winds. Let it pas"
"Shall be able to see you alone to-
morrow? must go back to New York
tomorrow night"
Tomorrow night" she said in alarm.
Yes, must. 1t is very important"
SIS it that enterprise we talked Off"
Not is not that which calls me
back-some notes to meet-some money
to raise"
Promise me you will keep out of the
sight of Holbrook. Promise me you will
avoid him in every way"
1--WE have not been in the habit OF
meeting"
But promise me Faithfully you will
seek every way raci.e. ,..ll meet him.
He is dangerous to ynG-
Il do not understand you, neither do
l fear him, but l will promise you"
Upon this they parted, she retiring for
the night.
Dick Witherspoon persuaded Fountain
to walk out for smoke, and they shortly
found themselves at a resort much fire.
quented by the young men of that ex-
elusive watering place.
A little play was going forward. In
far corner of the room number were
sitting at table.
Hello" said Dick Witherspoon, there
is Tom Bryan; what under the sun brings
him here?"
"Who is Tom Bryant" asked Foun-
tain.
1.-THE keenest newspaper man in New
York, and the best of fellows, as well as
one of the most amusing"
The two joined the party and were
warmly greeted, while Fountain was
presented to Tom.
Tom was telling a rafting story Of adj
venture, in which figured persons known
to fame, and which was eliciting much
laughter.
During its recital Tom placed both ell
lows upon the table, holding his hands
upright to illustrate some point in his
anecdote. He was telling the story at
Fountain, and did not fail to notice that |
Fountain looked curiously at the buttons |
Tom wore in his cuffs.
They were the ones Holbrook had given
him.
To draw his attention to them was
Toms purpose.
When the tale was ended and the talk
tagged for a moment, Fountain leaned
forward and said:
81 beg your pardon. Mr.. Bryan, am
not often guilty of the enormity of direct
ing attention to the wear of gentlemen,
but the buttons you have are SO curious
that should like to make an inquiry"
Pardon is granted, for am rather
fond of these buttons. They are rare,
and as a poor devil of newspaper man
dosen't often mount valuable jewelry, / |
am distinguished among my fellows for
them"
II never saw but one pair like them,"
continued Fountain, land they were in
the nature of an heirloom. Those but
tons were of Florentine manufacture
my friend having had a diamond insert
ed in them They had belonged to his
grandfather, who received them as a |
present from an Italian, so he told me-"
''Yes?" said Tom, dumfounded by the
GOODNESS displayed by Fountain. "These
buttons were given me by gentleman
a friend for whom once it lay in my power
to do very great favor"
at was possibly the same person" said
Fountain.
Possibly" replied Tom.
Tom had expected to discomfort Foun-
tain by displaying them, and was taken
aback by the fact that Fountain had di-
rected attention to them.
He thought that either Fountain was
man of the coolest nerve. or that the but
tons did not belong to him He was
loath to give it up so, and consequently
he dexterously turned the conversation
to New York matters, and then watch
ing Fountain so that he could observe
every shade of expression, he suddenly
said:
Il have been given hint from head
quarters that they are on the track OF
Templeton's murderer"
Fountains face never finched, and an
expression of mild curiosity only arose
upon it.
Indeed, hope they may catch the
rascal; it was dastardly deed"
AS extraordinary as was the command
Tnm exercised over his features at all