The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-01-07

.oh. he has gone" said Benson.
'GoneY
1--WE had few words; he was wanting
money again. and gave him q piece OF
again."
poor wilfredr' sighed Mrs. Benson.
HE is always in trouble Of some sort. l
hope that you were not too hard on him."
mo more than he deserved" said her
son sternly. Goodnight"
III.
The well, which had long ago fallen into
disuse, was almost hidden by the thick
tangle OF underground which ran riot at
that corner Of the old park. 1t was partly
covered by the shrunken half OF lid,
above which q rusty windass creaked In
company with the music Of the pines when
the wind blew strongly. The full light OF
the sun never reached II. and the ground
surrounding II was moist and green when
other parts Of the park were gaping with
the heat.
Two people walking slowly round the
park In the fragrant stiffness of a summer
evening strayed in the direction of the
well.
mo use going through this wilderness
Olive" said Benson. pausvng on the out
skirts Of the pines and cycling with some
disfavor the gloom beyond.
BEST part OF the park said the girl.
brislxly; ''you know It's my favorite spot"
II know you're very FOND OF sitting on
the coping" said the man, slowly. land
wish you wouldn't One day you will
lean back too far and fall In"
And make the acquaintance Of TRUTH"
said Olive, lightly. Come along"
She ran from him and was lost in the
shadow of the pines, the pracken crack
ling beneath her feet as she ran. Her
companion followed slowly. and emerging
from the gloom cav her poised daintily
on the edge of the we'll with her feet
which surrounded 1t. She motions her
companion to take a seat by her side,
and smiled softly as she felt strong
arm passed about her waist.
IT like this place." she said, breaking
long silence. "it's so dismal-so uncanny.
DO you know. I wouldn't dare to sit here
alone. Jem. / should imagine that all
sorts of dreadful things were hidden be-
hind the bushes and trees, waiting to
spring out on me. Ugh!"
You'd better let me take you in," said
her companion tendery; 1.-The well isn't
always wholesome, especially In the hot
weather. Let's make move"
The girl gave an obstinate little shake,
and settled herself more securely on her
seat.
Smoke your cigar in peace she said,
quietly. II am settled here for quite
talk. Has anything been heard of Will
fred yet?
Quite a dramatic disappearance, isn't
IT." she continued. Another scrape, I
suppose, and another letter for you In the
same old strAin: Dear Jem. help me
OUT
Jem Benson blew cloud Of fragrant
smoke into the air, and holding his cigar
between his teeth brushed away the ash
from his coat sleeves
II wonder what he would have done
without you," said the girl, pressing his
arm affectionately. ''Gone under long
ago. suppose. When we are married,
Jem, shall presume upon the relation
to lecture him. He is very wild. but he
has his good points. poor rellow."
II never saw Them" said Benson with
startling bitterness. God knows I never
saw them"
Hes nobody's enemy but his own"
said the girl, startled by the outburst.
you don't know much about him."
said the other, shortly. lie was not
above blackmail: not above running the
life of friend to do himself benefit A
loafer, a cur and liar!'
The girl looked UP at him soberly but
timidly. and took his arm without a word
and they both sat silent while evening
deepened into night ana the Deams Of the
moon, filtering through the branches, sur
rounded them with silver network Her
head sank upon his shoulder, till sud-
denly with sharp cry she sprang to her
feet
what was that?" she cried breathless-
ly.
'What was what?" demanded Benson
spring up and clutching her fast by the
arm.
She caught her breath and tried to
laugh. You're hurting me, Jem."
His hold relaxed.
What was the matter?" he asked gem
tly. what was 1t startled your"
II was startled" she said. slowly, put
ting her hands on his shoulder. II sup
pose the words l used just now are ring
ing in my ears, but fancied that some
body behind us whispered, Jem. help me
OUT"
Fancy" repeated Benson and his voice
shook; but these are fancies not good for
you. You-are frightened-at the dark,
and the gloom of these trees. Let me
take you back to the house"
mo. I'm not frightened" said the GIRL
re-seating herself. IT should never be
really frightened of anything when you
were with me, Jem I'm surprised at my
self for being so silly
The man made no reply, but stood a
strong, dark figure, a yard or two from
the we'll, as though waiting for her to
join him.
Come and sit down, SIR" cried Olive
patting the brickwork with her small,
white hand; zone would think that you
did not like your company"
He obeyed slowly and took a seat by
her side, drawing so hard at his cigar
that the light of 1t shone upon his face at
every breath. He passed his arm, firm
and rigid as steel, behind her, with his
hand resting on the brickwork beyond
Are You warm enough?" he asked ten
derby, as she made little movement.
Pretty fair" she snivered zone
oughtn't to be cold at this time of the
year, but there's a cold damp air comes up
from the well.'
AS she spoke faint splash sounded
from the depths below, and for the second
time that evening she sprang from the
well with little cry of dismay.
what is it now?" he asked in a fear
full voice. He stood by her side and gazed
at the well, as though half expecting to
see the cause of her alarm emerge from
1t.
"Oh, my Bracket" she cried in dis
tress. my poor mothers bracelet. I've