The Delta independent., 1897-05-05

strange companion supplied me with
abundant food for reflection. Our
Jehu took his time. and the horses were
not ambitious, but before daylight our
destination had been reached. \
sleepy attendant led us to our rooms
in the Merton hotel, and little later
was slumbering as peacefully Us il
had been slowed away in my dingy
quarters in the city, with never pros
pect of an adventure more unusua.
than an encounter with o dunning
creditor.
Lamar's knock awakened me, and /
arose refreshed and ready to carry out
the scheme outlined the night before.
A clock on the nantel showed that
nearly half the day had slipped away.
Dressing quickly, 1 passed into my
companions sittiDg-room, where
substantial breakfast was spread on the
center-table. 1t had heen arranged
that we should shun the hotel dining
room, and statement that Lamar was
travelling under my professional care
could be relied upon to quiet any curl
osity developed by our exclusiveness.
Lamar was seated at the table, with
half-finished cup of coffee before him.
The light from the window fell upon
him, and for an instant repented tho
bargain between US: for his face was
enc Of the most rcpulsive it had ever
been my lot to behold. The sallow-
ness i had noticed was more pro-
nounced, and there were lines which,
had escaped the scrutiny by lamplight.
The chin was long and pointed. the
cheeks were thin, and the forehead,
though high enough TO indicate no lack
of brain-power, was narrow and
wrinkled. There were hollowa nj the
temples such rs one often sees in suf-
ferers from wasting diseases; with the
dark circles under his eyes. they gave
him the look of man whose health was
irretrievably shattered, though, as IL
proved, his physical condition was no
matter of immediate concern. AZ has
been said. his nose was large and
curved, and his hair and mustache were
streaked with gray. His teeth, which
he seldom showed, were large, discoi-
orcd and irregular. His eyes. ABOVE
which the brows met in q bushy hedge.
were small and deeply sunk in his head.
There was hardly one of the mans fca-
bined they made up . face almost
grotesque in its uncomeliness; yet in
studying the expression of his coun,en-
ance one forgot his ugliness. II is the
business Of the physician sometimes
to consider more than mere bodily all
ments, to heed the signs and tokens OF
the forces of the animating spirit, to
seek out the passions which have held
sway and dominated the existence OF
the patient. Deceived somewhat "a.
first by his appearance Of decrepi.udc.
1 tried to solve the problem Lamar
presented from . professional stand
point. There WINS power in his face,
power, will, determination; much self
control. and more selfishness. Plain
ly, thought I, . man of bitter hates and
few affections, unscrupulous and re-
soureeful. now . fugitive. and bearing
IN his eye the look Of dread Of his pur-
suers.
What brought him TO such straits?
Over and over again asked myself the
question. That political intrigues had
made him IN outlaw seemed to be the
most natural explanation. but IL failed
TO meet all the require ments Of the
case. A political offender, once in the
United States. would be fre. to go about
openly, yet her~ he was in hiding and
anxious to rcach still more remote
refuge. His manner was that of one
accustomed to exercis. authority. Why
should he have intrusted his fate To q
stranger, young and poor? Surely h.
might have commanded q far morr
powerfully ally. It was ns II In his
game with fate he Ind chosen To risk
his all on the slenderest Of chances and
At the greatest odds.
He gave me time enough for these
reflections; for after the first saIuta-
tions he relapseti into silence. Perhaps
he guesscd what Tia. trend Of my
thoughts would be, and WINS willing to
allow me IN opportunity to study him.
Not until my meal was finished did
he speak. lie had lighted cigar. and
was watching the rings Of smoke,
which he blew very skillfully.
go far all has gone WELL" said he.
"Yet I would not delay; this I think
you do comprehend. IL is, however.
my preference to travel by night. hut
first let me ask. you are still content
with the aGreementr'
"Perfectly," said I. II was not the
truth, the whole truth and nothing
but the truth, but IL served well
enough.
"very good. Then 10 consideration
Of an immediate matter. You will par
don me my slowness of speech in Eng
lish-"
II lived 20" |" sofen Ens.nd Il nd :r'rssi ssr.s ye.l n