Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1894-01-12
CHAPTER XIV.


Kavanagh, whose comprehensive fore
thought nothing seemed to escape, went
into the house with me. and in an easy,
chatty way gave Taras an exhaustive de-
scription Of the show we had been to. He
must have observed my incapacity to form
any idea upon the affair and thought 1t
prudent to relieve me from the embarrass.
ment Of answering the questions which
Taras would probably put to me.
~, too, have been looking at chrysanthe-
NUNS" said Taras when Kavanagh came
to the end of his account, and he pointed to
the book he had been reading.
1.-THE Land Of the Chrysanthemums,' d"
Kavanagh SAID, reading the title. Then
opening the book andglancing at q page. he
continues: ats charms are not overrated,
suppose. 1t must be delightful haven fol-
the man who seeks refuge from the storms
of life."
They talked upon this subject until Kav.
anagh rose to 60.
II should like to read this book when you
have done with II, he said.
Take It with you. It's like volume ol
poems-pleasant to dip into now and then
rather than to wade through, and shall be
quite a. happy to take my next dip In a
couple Of weeks rs in couple of days"
had listened to this conversation with
especial interest, couceiving that Kavanagh
had a particular purpose In making inQui
ries about this distant country.
"Where Is that land you were speaking
about to Mr.. kavanaghf" asked Taraa
when we were at dinner.
"Japani Oh. right on the other side oil
the world"
"Then 1t must he very difficult to get at VI
"One must travel for weeks continuously
to reach there" he said. and then he wen,
on to gossip about the country and the
ways and customs Of the people with theil
simple, sweet and peaceful disposition.
The next morning. just after lunch, Knva
nagh brought back the book. He had read
1t through.
when take up thing. an bound tc
20 through 1t to the end" he said in reply
to Taras' exclamation Of surprise, but q
significant glance at me as he raised his
eyes gave double meaning to his words.
left them talking about books Of travel
and running up to my room dressed
quickly to 60 out. Buttoning my gloves,
returned to the living room and told Taras
that I was going into the Remington road
MAY L offer you seat in my broughamf
A6tdu6Su 6Sktu, klsluS.
accepted. and we presently went out to
gether.
gravely when we had started.
had to close my teeth to prevent them
chattering with the excitement that shook
me.
Il saw him this morning." he continued
In the same somber tone
Have you settled what you will do"
asked, stammering at each word.
"Oh, had decided that question before
saw him. 1t must be done There is nc
other way out of the difficulty"
Helaughed bitterly as some expression OF
thankfulness and gratitude escaped me-
You do not regret it, 1t is good thing
to be able to save friend" said.
Yves, but one may be excused for feeling
badly used in having to escape even the
lesser Of two evils However," he added
In lighter tone, IF 1t is to be done, it is
we'll to do it with good grace. Still, it's
big wrench-tearing ones self away for
ever from friends and everything that has
made life pleasant"
YES" said i, putting myself in his place.
1T is terrible sacrifice to give up all you
love like that. Pm afraid l have not
thought enough Of your loss"
Never mind that, my dear girl For
heavens sake, don't cryr'
A tear Of sympathy had started to my
eyes as thought Of the grief it would bs
to leave Taras even to save him.
Come. There's no time for sentiment.
We have to act You will have to help me
in this affair"
II am glad Of that. What am to dor"
AT present the sole object you have to
regard is to keep Taras entirely ignorant of
what is going on"
rs that all" asked. with disappoint-
ment.
For the present. yes The time to do
more will come soon enough-soon enough,
you Will find"
II b Consinuskj