Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1897-11-11

but must not bore you about my i'll
luck. When will your mother be in?
want her help sorely."
"She must be here soon. I expected
her at g.
Carew threw himself into an easy
chair and leaned his head on his hand
with a responding gesture.
"You might trust me, too, VAL
said Ruth, still standing beside him.
II might not be Of much use, but it
would be relief to talk of your trou-
bles. -
IT am in hole, an awful hole,
Ruth" he returned. II don't see my
way out Of 1t unless Lady Hastings can
get at your brother"
"But he must not see any one, not
even my mother, and you know how
much he likes her, though she is step
mother. We went up to visit him last
week, yet the nurse, Mrs Somers, was
obliged to refuse us. His mind is much
disturbed and he is ordered to the sea-
side.''
Gle has gone there At least he has
quilted his lodgings in Kensington and
left no address,"
"That seems very extraordinary"
"Not to me-" cried Val, starting up
to pace to and fro-"not to me, consid-
ering who pulls the wires. Yes, Ruth,
will tell you what is wrong. was in
mess about money some little time
ago. I had lost heavily on-oh, on va
rious events that you know nothing
about apAad sS5 desperately to turn
overae to exchange with
Gil. kdg into the Seventeenth (the
regiment is going to India next monthly,
to live on my pay and try to work
round, SO I put my pride in my pocket,
as had nothing else to put there and
wrote to James Hastings. He was al
ways more like brother than cousin
to me. He has lots of money, too, and
no one to think of but himself. asked
him for $500 and permission to pay it
back by installments. He soon replied,
inclosing his check for the amount I
asked in letter-a lecture, in fact, but
a kind one. I felt sure had come to
the end Of my troubles, and even ven
tured to dream-no matter what! OF
course I lost no time in getting the cash
and disbursing it. Some days after
was asked to call at the bank where
had lodged the check, and the manager
informed me that the Oriental, where
James banks, had returned it, the sig
nature being doubtful. It was awfully
shaky. certainly had shock; still l
was not greatly disturbed. I told the
fellow it was all right; that I had a
letter from Mr.. Hastings that would
settle the matter; but, by Jove, I can
not find the letter anywhere! Must have
torn it up! Then went to Kensington
to James lodgings. There the angelic
nurse would not let me inside the doors.
She said she would take an opportunity
of representing the matter to her pa
tient and would write to me. So she did
Ito say that Mr.. Hastings was not
clear on that or any other subject. If
James cannot or will not remember the
transaction, shall be accused of for
gerry, and have not title of evidence
to clear my character. I"
Carew again threw himself into a
chair at the end of this long speech and
covered his face with his hand.
"Surely no one would believe you
capable Of such a disgraceful act!'
cried Ruth.
Don't be too sure I have not too
good record. am considered reckless,
extravaganza, quarrelsome, gambler,
and men are ready to believe anything
of a gambler. Nor are they far wrong.
It's the most devilish tendency that ev-
er dragged man down"
my mother and I will go to James
and insist began Ruth eagerly.
Aye, but where will you find him?"
interrupted Carew. Even his lawyers
will not give his address and didn't look
too friendly when 1 asked them for it,
The mere fact of being suspected of
such disgraceful act will be black
mark against my name forever"