The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1897-04-10
BY FRANCIS LYNDE.


For the present, and until can get
justice for Kilgrow, just what I've been
doing all summer. After that it will be
for you to say"
81 don't understand, she said shrink
ing little from the half-menace in his
Icply.
Philip was disposed to be perverse,
and the thought came to him quickly
that Helen could not he so obtuse if she
tried. "You ought to know by this
time" he began, his resentment finding
its way into his voice. "I'll not say it.
though; III not say anything now, be-
cause I'm in no frame of mind to meas
ure words with you or anybody. just
the same, you mustn't begin at this
late day to try to eludc the fact that you
are responsible for wirat am"
1t was brutal speech, and Thorn
dyke was sorry for it when the ride
back to town gave him time to reflect;
but he had gone to Elsie with the
thought that she would in some way
make haste to set herself over against
his troubles, and he was disappointed
and irritated because she had given
him nothing more than the sympathy
which she might well have poured into
the wounds of u father or brother
Now that the wheels of the retrospect-
i've machinery were set in motion.
Philip told himself that Elsic's ardor
had been steadily waning since that
day, three months before, when she
had armed and sent him forth to the
battle. 1t was impossible that he
should understand that the change in
their relations was inevitable; that
the candle which may suffice to light
the fires OF enthusiasm is still candle
after enthusiasm has become devour-
ing conflagration. Still less could he
grasp the fact that the change was
chiefly in himself; that with new am
billions and returning health he had
outgrown the need for such mnistra-
tons as may save the life of sick man.
On the contrary, he blamed Elsie for
not being what she had never been, save
in his own imagination; he condemned
Helen for Withholding the affection
which his letters to her had steadily
discouraged; and he ended by throw
ing himself with n keener desperation
than ever before into the quest which
had become the imperative motive of
his existence.
Dismounting at the steps of the hotel,
he met Protheroc.
"IIaye you seen Sharpless" the en-
gineer asked.
NO"
He is looking for you; | believe he
left note inside"
What does he want?"
II don't know He had his judicial
scowl on, which is polite way of say
Ing that he looked ugly"
Philip intimated that Lawyer Sharp
less moods and lenses were of the least
possible consequence.
II KNOW" Protheroe said. Hes one
of my employers, but that's no reason
why | shouldn't tell you to look out for
him. I've known him ever since the in
.Gutation of this tinsel city, and he's
bad lot. l don't pretend to guess at
what you've been working ON all sum-
mer, but If your scheme includes
Sharpess, either as partner or COM
petitor, he'll bear watching-and not
less in one case than in the other"
THANK you" said Philip, going in to
get the note, 1t was brief and per-
cmptory:
Dear Sir,"-it ran-"You will consult
your own interests by comforting with me at
once. Come to my office, or let me know
when and where can meet you.
II. G. SHARPLESS."
Thorndyke put the note into his
pocket and went out to think about it..
lie had been reasonably certain for
some time that Fench and Sharpless
were quite well Informed us to his
movements and their object, and he
had been expecting some attempt at
bribery or intimidation. That it had
not come sooner he attributed to their
knowledge of his lack of evidence.
They know well enough that have no
case" he said, turning out of the busy
street and walking aimlessly toward
the old town. "And, yet, that reason is
rs good as it ever was. Curse his impu-
dence. He knows can't get hold of
shred of proof, and he means to bully
me. If could only find that deed!"
He left the sidewalk and picked his
way around a heap of distractions left
by the builders in front of the new
courthouse. Chilmath county, aug
mented by the thriving city, had voted
TO abandon the weather-worn building
in the old town. and new courthouse,
imposing in pressed brick and stucco
trimmings, had risen rapidly upon the
square OF land, well within the limits
of the new Allacoochee, which had
been donated by the town company
1t was characteristic of the time and
llace that the county officers were NOV
ing into the new building while the
painters and decorators were still at
work, and Philip crossed the street to
get out of the way of van-load of fur
niture which the driver was vainly at.
tempting to back over a pile of debris
IN front of the entrance. Farther down
the street, Philip met another load, and
at the foot of the cascade of steps flow
ing down from the porch of the ole
courthouse he found a third van int
which a gang of negro workmen were
loading the furniture of Judge Wilkin
sons office.
During many of the days spent in