The Montgomery advertiser. [volume] (Montgomery, Ala.) 1885-1982, 1902-03-14
HALLOWAY'S SECRET.
~ ELLIOTT WALKER.
Copyright, 1902, by Daily Story Pup. u

ny ELLIOTT WALKER,
Copyright, 1907, by Daily Story Pub. COZ
Jack was distracted that evening. Even
the clingins hand on his arm and the
soft voice of Isabel, as she rippled out
the events Of her day. failed to rouse
him. 1t was only short distance 70 the
theater and they walked. 1t would be
over by eleven. then he would take her
hcme.. then to his own rooms. them
Would ne sleep? How would he pass the
night! How would It seem in the morn;
pressed his arm close to her side.
Are you cold. dear7" she asked, what
No. Jack Holloway was not cold, not
tssS :.acsss t and pp sse sound
seemed hard and tangled to his ears He
glanced at the happy face by his side
and wave Of awful reproach swept MIN;
She must never know. HIS brain whirieu
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
ne had conforted her. Now? He must
not think-there must be some way OUT
Of the dreadful tangle. He made an ef-
fort and began to taik--busness. gossip
anything.
The orchestra was playing medley
as they walked to their seats. The mel
ody broke into '"The Old Kentucky Home"
as the usher slammed down the chairs.
Haiioway took unnecessary time me- IN T rSs,
air of all others. Could he sit there and
smile and talk? He must! Occasionally
the nneiodraria dulled his sense OF unrest
and he forgot. Then the quick sharp
pang OF remembrance to sting and horrify
him. He kept looking at his watch
would Vt never be over?
Isabel chatted happily during the in
terludes and pressed close to him during
the emotional scenes. II was so comfort
Ing 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 and helped
and how intent he seemed on the play.
The walk home seemed so short to her
80 long to him. He kissed her mechan-
ically as he left her and apologized for
mind; beyond the fact Of his rather I'M
usual silence she had noticed nothing.
Only few months now and she would
be Mrs. Jack-that was happiness enough
to talk when ne was tired. Happy. blue
eyed sunny haired Isabel! How little she
knew Of the black despair Grazing her
lovers brain.
carefully locked the man turned on the
lights and threw himself into chair.
tore a letter from his pocket and read
1t over and over again. while his face
grew white and great beads Of perspira-
ton gathered upon his brow.
MY own Jacki' the letter ran. II am
not dead after allAt was all a mistake.
left 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 were and that
you thought I 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, I shall
reach there Friday and will tell you all
about it. Good bye until then We will
make up for good this time Your de-
voted Wiz. Maud"
Holloway sat looking at the letter.
His devoted wife,. Back, back, trav-
eled his thoughts. How did 1t all begin?
Where? Could it have been but a year
ago-that short, mad episode? On, fool.
fool. what had possessed him! He saw
as In a dream the gay lights of South
ern theatre. a graceful dancing girl, an
introduction behind the scenes: a private
room at the Western, where dainty fin
gers played with dainty dishes and wine
sparkled and foamed; bright eyes pledg-
ing him, red lips inviting him. daring
Saturdays story, THE LOST WORD"