The Weiser signal. [volume] (Weiser, Idaho) 1890-1904, 1899-01-05
CHAPTER TX.


tinced that Fanny was far from being
the frank, confiding creature she had
| pictured herself to be; that she had
come to Sedgwick with other purposes
in view than that Of seeking the sym
pathy and counsel OF her erstwhile
schoolmate; that she was concealiue
from her, to whom she once hinged T.,
unbosom her every thought, some vita
and thrilling circumstance, anil wors;
OF all. that Capt. Grafton now knew
what it was, and wouldn't tell. This
perhaps, was almost objectionable. In
vain had Mrs. Grafton insinuuted, in.
quired, insisted, and finally implored.
Her husband was gentle, but obdu-
rate.
Il know nothing, Harriet" he sim
ply said. 81 do, perhaps, conjecture.
but all | conjecture is derived from
that dispatch, the contents of which
should be seen and known only By your
friend the-your friend and once-upon-
a'time bridesmaid. If she choose to tell
you, well and good, but cannot"
But he told Mrs. McLane what he had
read without telling what he coniec-
tured, and then furthermore told her
what he had done-wired to Aunt Char
lotte that her niece was FRUSTRATED by
the receipt of her dispatch, and might
not be able to reply for several days.
SO Aunt Charlotte was existing without
further knowledge of the condition of
her niece as placidly, let us hope, as
was her niece without further lknowl-
edge of the condition of her uncle.
1t was on this third day when the
doctor left, after saying Mrs. McLane
ought to go and take drive or ride.
that Grafton wrote to her few words
reporting that he had read Aunt Char
lotte's dispatch and replied to it as
above stated. This note he sent in by
Annette. Mrs. Grafton was receiving
sympathizing callers at the moment,
and the captain babe Annette say that
II he could be of any further service
Mrs. McLane should let him know.
Presently Annette returned with q
note.
Il am so distracted" it said, $50
frlendless, / do not know what to do.
You are the only man upon whose
counsel I can depend hut even that is
denied me. for Harriet has turned cold
and unkind. Because cannot tell her
the secrets of others she thinks mo
false to our old friendship, and she has
changed TO me so much that were able
to travel should go at once, only how
could we explain? Oh, long to tell
you the whole story, but / cannot! 1
must notl and L must not do that which
might increase her suspicion" But
here Grafton began to frown angrily.
lie read no further, though there were
half dozen lines on the following
page, but tossed the whole thing into
the open fireplace, tramped right up
stairs and tapped at the guest room
door.
Can you come to the door a mo-
ment, Mrs. McLane?" he asked.
There was the sound of sudden rush
and rustic within, then her light foot
fall, the clack of the doorknob, and
her voice, low and sweet.
you startled me So" she said,
through the inch-wide aperture that
appeared, but left her invisible. ~
dreaded that it was another telegram.
Oh, I'm not fit to be seen, but"
81 don't WI don't need to see you,
Mrs. McLane," said he, stoutly. 1--WE
can converse perfectly well, as An
nette is below stairs. All wish to say
is this: If l can be of service-in send
ing off any letters or dispatches to your
friends, command me. But really, Mrs.
McLane, there is no need of telling me
anything about the matter"
"But l have to, Capt. Grafton" and
the door opened bit wider. II must
have your advice. must do something
right away, and you're the only one
who can help me-"
Then I'll ask Harriet to come here
at once" said he, and, suiting action to |
words, started for the stairway.
She rushed out after him, dishevelled. |
pallid. "Oh, cannot tell Harriet" she |
cried.
Then, Mrs. McLane, you cannot tell
me-"
For a moment she looked at him in
amaze.
81 will wire for your lawyer, Mr..
Parry" he went on calmly. "TIe can adj
wise what probably could not"
He cannot advise as you can, cap
tain. It's matter he knows nothing
about. I've got to see Mr.. Merriam.
ard he avoids me even worse than you
10, thanh fact, everybody does now
that I'm in deep trouble" she vailed
81 am sure Mr.. Merriam will come to
rou If there is anything of importance,
said Grafton, gravely. II will see him
II the stables, and the call is sounding
low."
"oh, not to-day--not to-day. To-
morrow. perhaps, but not to-day. real
y cannot see him just yet. I'm so I'M
itrung-and he mustn't let her-his
wife, know. She'll never rest till she's
Worried it all out of him."
"IIe will let his wife know" said .
'rafton, calmly, "and is wise in so doing.
nut she will not be apt to make inquir-
es." Then he turned and left her.
There were two restless and unhappy |
nen at Sedgwick now-gunner and
and Whitaker, and. |
ach at his appropriate stable. man. !
ged to intercept the troop commander (
n the way to his own, each i'm :
ortunate for tidings of the fair in ,
aid, each resentful of his indifference a
nd Implying response. Grafton was q
warm friend where he liked. but an l
nbelieyer and a cynic where he did not =