The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1893-12-28

the breath into her again nothing was asked as
to how the thing was done. They thanked the
pair of us collectivelyfapd tIooped off.
"When we dine there tonight. and they We
got their nerves quieeed down and ask for de-
tails, i shall just pitch the yarn in my own
fashion, ar picture. myself tied up in the
weeds and you doing the rescue business
" But. Duncan. meyer cenld -
" Yes, you can, and, what's more you VIII.
If you think you are under, any obligation to
me hand over your tobicco-pouch and let me
have Eli. Thanks. Now, we'll cry quits,
although I've got the best of the bargain"
-AAAy
4ILa
The scene changes from the yellow painted
caravan to luxurious bachelor chambers in
town, and time has spun by to the extent of six
months.
Duncan is seated in q great elder stuffed
chair; the man they called Billy is stnmping
restlessly over the soft carpet.
YOU'D better tell me what's happened,
chapter and verse;" suggested be OF the arm
chair.
"Oh, nothing except what you've heard"
But I've heard nothing. ] met you and
her at dinner on the night after our mutual
bathe and haven't clapped eyes on either of
you since. II didn't want to interfere in
any way whatever. So / took steamer and
went to New Zealand and back, just for my
health, y know.
You're rather puzzling, Duncan, but if you
insist can only repeat that there's remark
ably little to tell. She was civil to me, and
grateful, and all that, and we could have been
the best of friends if had wished it so. But
couldn't stick at friendship, and of late she has
seen it."
"Well2"
She can't give me more than friendship. I
asked her, and she said she couldn't. told her
/ would wait any amount of time if that would
do any good, but she refused to give me the
least hope"
And didn't she vouchsafe anything further,
Billy7"
"Yes, she did,"
"What was it3 Don't tell me, of course, if
you'd rather not"
"It's hardish mouthful, Duncan, old man,
but I'll out with it, She told me she was fond
of another man, and -
And what?"
"And he had shown conclusively he cared
nothing for her, and consequently she should
never marry"
"What a scoundrel the other man must bel"
Yes, said that. but she promptly denied it.
1t seems he had hardly spoken half dozen
words to her. She said he had once tried to
render some great service to her and failed.
Bnt the intention was clear enough. By dint
of pleading got the name out Of her.
He paused.
And it WASP" asked a strained voice from
the depths of the chair.
Great heavens, man! Can't you see that it
was you2"
Duncan leaned forward. with his chin in the
heel of his fist and bis face turned away
towards the freglow. go
''And you don't care pin for her?'
No; of course not"
"Of course not. | wish you had done, old
man. As can't have her myself, I'd rather
see you her husband than any one else in the
world"
Duncan turned swiftly round.
You mean that?" he demanded.
Yes, or else l shouldn't have said it. Why,
whatever is the matter with you?"
Duncan came across the room and laid
hand on his companion shoulder.
Billy, d'you know what / cleared out of
England for? No? Then I'll tell you. You
fell in love with thatFgirl at first sight; ! did
the same when met her for the second time.
"We've always been, good chums, you and T.
old chap, and couldn't bear to run counter to
you. So l went away on the out trail.
thought the sea air and the fresh scenes would
blow the nonsense out'of;my head.
But it didn't. ! love her more than ever
now" o. Gn
'Then no one stands in your way, and con-
gratulate you with all mysheart. Go in and
win, old man.
"No, don't say anyth ing, Pm going to leave
this for bit. My btotktr's got an orange.
rancho in Florida, and | think I'll run over to
him for a year or SO. i'llego now if you don't
mind. Good night, old chap, and God bless
yon U-B Bastoa GIo5e