The Bourbon news. [volume] (Paris, Ky.) 1895-19??, 1898-01-04
CHAPTER V.-CoNTNUED.


Mark Gerard passed as her father.
His long absences from nome were ac-
cepted by Miss Nancy, without COM
ment, as commonplace facts, connected
so she suppOsed-with business
affairs. OF his standing in San Francis
cos hewas entirely ignorant. The girl had
been educated in the east and abroad.
She read no newspapers. She asked no
indiscreet questions. Custom had afro
phied curiosity.
''Of course" I said, alphabetically,
''he is very busy man.
''He must be-" she returned.
Then she leaned back and closed her
eyes. A mastiff feeding is not an
aesthetic sight; and I confess that was
hungry. AS ] munched away, the CwO
faces almost within touch of my hand
challenged attention. The likeness be-
tween father and daughter grew start
Hng-so startling, indeed, that [ gulped
down a glass Of wine to quiet my brist-
ling sensibilities. No wonder Mark
Gerard had sent her abroad and to the
east. With that face confronting him,
his apprehensions, poor devil, must have
run riot.
There is thunder in the air" said
Miss Nancy, raising her heavy lids.
II '-s. =, - -
AAnd lightning. Well, it will clear the
posphere. The barometer has been
set fair' long enough
menu erspicacity COMPOUNDED me.
With men of all sorts and conditions /
was familiar; with women 1 had come
but seldom in contact.
Yes, we are smarter than you think
she said, divining my thoughts. 'By-
the-bye, why do you dislike Demet-
rius?''
Your mother says ne is pagan"
so was Marcus AuTelius. Mr.. Div
ingston, why can't you talk to me
frankly? Forget that am girl
She spoke gravely-with emphasis,
without excitement. A man, 1 re
Elected, might do we'll to pick up the
gauntlet she had thrown down. A
friendly contest of wits was just the
tonic 1 needed; but Mark Gerard had
my word, and my tongue was tied.
'Demetrius, Miss Nancy, is a Greek,
with a Greeks subtlety and cunning.
Unless I am very much mistaken, he
has served Mr.. Gerard, faithfully, I'll
admit, because it was to his interest to
do so. He believes in the doctrine of
expediency, that the end justifes the
means. That is why call him pagan"
yes" she said, thoughtfully, you
are right. Hush!"
She moved swiftly across the room,
opened the door, glanced keenly to
right and left, and returned to her chair.
Il thought" she whispered, chat
I heard a noise outside. 1 was mis-
taken.''
Your nerves are"
I'm excellent order, thank you. Mr..
Livingston" ner voice betrayed for
the first time excitement ook! He
is coming to-
1 sprang to my feet, and together we
approached the bed and bent inquiring
~ over the patient. His eyelids twitched
convulsively, and then opened. The
man was conscious. At the same mo-
ment my ear caught the sound of dis
tinct creak in the passage. My eyes
sought Miss Nancy's.
That was what l heard just now"
she murmured. Its nothing; all these
wooden houses creak."
Burlington monopOlized our attention,
and no more was said. The doctor had
left instructions, which were followed
to the letter. Miss Nancy supported the
sick mans head, while l, with tea
spoon, fed him slowly with prepared
bouillon. Burlington swallowed the
broth with difficulty, and made no at
tempt to speak. He was not violent,
and apparently was not in pain. We
waited patiently for his first words.
Where am -" he stammered, when
the broth was consumed and his head
once more upon the pillow.
with friends" answered.
''Friends?" His voice was singularly
strong and harsh. 81 have no friends.
AHsa! 1 remember; the cave, yes-and
- ne boy"
He attempted to move, and groaned
deeply.
Mr.. Burlington, you know me,
think; Hugo Livingston. Let me en-
treat you to keep perfectly quiet. Don't
move, and don't talk. 1 can give you
a hypodermic injection; but you are
better without it. The doctor will be-
here tomorrow morning early"
He nodded and closed his eyes. Of
course further talking between Nancy