The San Juan County index. (Aztec, N.M.) 1890-19??, 1902-05-09
BY Elliott Walker.
Uopyfieht 1904. by Daily story Publishing cor



Jack was abstracted that evening
Even the clinging hand on his arm aad
the soft voice Of Isabel. as she rippied
out the events OF her day. failed to
him. IL was only a short dis
lance TO tho theater and they walked.
it would be over by eleven, then he
would take her home. then TO his own
rooms. then? Would he sleep? How
would he pass the night? How would
It seem IN the morning? He shivered
a little. The girl pressed his arm
close 20 her side.
Are yoa cold. dear?" she asked
what IS itl"
No, Jack Holloway was not cold. not
tired exaclly-iust a little upset-it
was nothing. He laughed and the
sound seemed hard and tangled TO his
ears. He glanced at the happy face by
his side and a wave Of awful reproach
rwcpt him. She must never know. His
brain whirled a bit-if she did learn
what would Il be to her? He had seen
her when the dreadful news of her
fathers sudden death was broken to
her. The memory Of the stricken face.
the agony In her eyes, had often risen
before him. Then he had comforted
her. Now? He must not think
there must be some way out Of the
dreadful tangle. He made an effort
and began to talk-business, gossip.
anything.
The orchestra was playing a medley
as they walked to their seats. The mel
ody broke into "The Old Kentucky
Home" as the usher slammed down the
chairs. Holloway took unnecessary
time in taking of his overcoat. Was
It fate2 That air Of all othersl Could
he sit there and smile and talk? He
musti Occasionally the melodrama
dulled his sense Of unrest and he for
got. Then the quick, sharp pang Of
remembrance to sting and horrify him.
He kept looking at his watch-would it
never be over?
Isabel chatted happily during the in
terludes and pressed close to him dur
ing the emotional enc 1t was so
comforting to have Jack all her own
Her young heart throbbed in sympathy
with the woes of the heroine and tears
came to her eyes. She could feel Jack
SO near her and his presence stilled
lind helped her. He was so handsome
and strong, and how intent ne seemed
on the play.
The walk home seemed so short to
her-so long to him. He kissed her
mechanically as he left her and apollo
gized for being such poor company.
Isabel did not mind; beyond the fact
Of his rather unusual silence she had
noticed nothing. Only a few months
now and She would be Mrs. Jack-that
was happiness enough. And, of course,
she must rot expect him to talk when
he was tired. Happy, blue-eyed, sum
ny-haired isabel! How little she knew
Of the black despair Grazing her lovers
brain.
In his own rooms at last with the
doors carefully locked the man turned
on the lights and threw himself into a
chair, tore a letter from his pocket and
read it over and ove again, while his
face grew white and great beads Of
preparation gathered upon his byow.
my W Jack!" the letter ran. 81
am not dead after all-it was all a mis-
take. Ileft the company the very day
Of the fire and have been abroad with
Maxey's troupe. Just returned last
Saturday. jenkins told me where you
we're and that you thought 1 had been
cremated with the other girls. How
dreadful for you, love. Won't you be
glad TO see little Maudie? No wonder
you have buried yourself in Milwaukee.
Well, / shall reach there Friday and
will tell you all about it. Goodbye
until then. We will make up for good
this time. Your devoted wife,
MAUD"
Holloway sat looking at the letter.
"His devoted wife!" Back, back
travelled his thoughts. How did it all
begin? Where? Could It have been
but a year ago-that short, mad cpl
Bode? Oh, fool, fool what had pos
sessed himl He saw as in a dream the
gay lights Of a southern theater, a
graceful dancing girl. an introduction
behind the scenes; a private room at
the Western, where dainty fingers
played with dainty dishes and wine
sparkled and foamed; bright eyes
pledging him, red lips inviting him,
daring him, a rich voice ~enthralling
him-Maudl
Then days Of in~fatuation, nights of
sweet revelry, promises, pledges and the
quiet ceremony. Then the a%wakeningl
Quarrels and kisses. bitter words and