New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-06-20
CHAPTER XIV
THE MOCK ORANGE BUSH

called Peacock"
Not so loud-the windows are open How on
earth did you come here? You're not with the
van tonight"
Il came on horse. and a lame one-one OF
your tub carriers. The captain saw me mount
him down at the cove and sent me off to scour
the country for evidence. guessed pretty well
in what direction he'd take me. But you're a
careless lot. I will say. Look at this bit Of
rope"
For Gods sake don't talk 50 loud! Rope?
What roper
"Oh. you needn't be afraid OF it-yet- It's not
your sort-and that's just the point Here; If
you can't see take hold and feel it-left-handed.
you'll notice-French sling stuff. And that
Belcher woman has no more sense Of caution
than to tie up her roses with It. I got this off
a bush in her front porch. Now. see here, my
son''-and his voice became a snarl-'ft may do
for her to play tricks-she's licensed. in a way.
Ali the country know her. the magistrates in
Guided, and will give her leave to steal horse
where another uayn't look over the gate. But
for the likes of you this dancing on the edge Of
the law IS unhealthy. I wonder you can't see
1t; you never used TO be noted for pluck. Any
way, point 1t out to you-it's risky. and can't
afford it. Understand? Why the devil you haunt
the house you do is more than can fathon.
unless, maybe. you're making up to marry the
old fool" He paused. and added contemplative
": "'Twould be something in your line. TO be
sure. Women were always your game
You didn't whistle out to tell me this
said Mr.. Whitmore. stif1y; but could hear that
he stood in terror OF the man.
NO. did not. I want 80"
MI Whitmore groaned Look here.
Leth"-
BE CAREFUL
We'll. but look here this makes twice in ten
days It's too much. you know-its pushing
man too hard altogether"
Not bit Of it, Letcher assured him cheer
fully. You're too devilish fond Of your own
neck my lad, and I know it too devtIish well 20
be come over by that talk" He chuckled to
himself Famous plan. this-you do the work
and pay the wages. too. You don't do it too
we'll though. I must warn you How's the
beauty down at the cottage?'
Il don't know" Mr. Whttrnore answered.
suIkiIy. rs PIinlimmon there?"
mo, he's not: and you ought to know he's
not. Where have you been, all day?"
The curate was silent.
He'll be down again on Saturday. though.
The coIoneTs as sweet on him as ever; but for
that matter leave Of absence is going cheap.
just now. I've an idea that our marching orders
must be about due. and the old man knows it.
Maybe I'll be able to run down myself, though
my father hadn't the luck to be a friend Of his
If don't. you're TO keep your eye lifting and
report"
rs there really a chance OF the order com
mgr" asked Mr.. Whitnore. with a shake in his
low voice.
"DissembIe your JOY. my friend. When It
comes shall call on you for fifty. Meanwhile
tell you to keep your eye lifting. The bat
Gauon's raw yet About the order. it's only my
guesswork and before We sail you may yet do
the christening"
It's damnable.' broke out the clergyman.
suddenly.
Hush. you fool. Cad. If somebody hasn't
heard you, Who's that"
They held their breath. and I held mine press
ing my body into the mock orange bush until
the twigs cracked. Mr.. Jack Rogers stepped
out upon the veranda, and stood by one OF the
pillars. not dozen yards from me. contemplate
ing the sky where the dawn was now beginning
to break over the damp strawberries While he
stood there I heard the two men tiptoeing away
through the laureIs.
He too, seemed to catch a sound OF it. for he
turned his head sharply in their direction. But
at that moment Miss Belcher's voice called
him from within. and he stepped back into the
room.
minute later ne reappeared with a loaf OF
bread in either hand. and walked modify past
my bush without turning his head observ-
ing me
I faced about cautiously and looked after him.
From this end of the veranda the ground shell
tered on the right by q belt OF evergreen trees.
fell away steeply 70 a valley, at the foot OF
which, under the paling sky. a sheet Of water
gIimmered Toward this down the grassy slope.
Mr.. Rogers went with long strides I broke
cover and ran after him
had still too much sense left 10 shout: but
ran as fast as my hurt hip and the trailing folds
Of the rug allowed The grass under foot was
gray with dew. and overhead the birds were
singing. An old horse that had been sleeping in
his pasture heaved himself up and gazed at me
as went by, and think the sound OF this up
heaval must have struck Mr.. Rogerss ear At
anv rate he turned and allowed me 70 catch up
with him.
IT'S YOU. Ell? Hanged If 1 hadn't forgotten
Won. here. catch hold II you're feeling peckish.'
He thrust loaf into my hands. and fell on il
ravenousIy. pIucking of crust and gnawing 1t
while I trotted beside hiHl-for he held on his
way down the slope
Got to feed her blessed swans now he NUT
tered THE deuce is in her for perversity to-
night"
He kept growing TO himself knitting his brow
and pausing once twice for a moody stare
He was not drunk. and his high complexion
showed no trace OF his all night sitting. and yet
something naQ CLAu5Su MIN utCcA4J A+S-'' $50
cheerful gentleman OF few hours back
The water when we reached 1t proved TO be an
artificial lake. very cunningly contrived 70 re-
semble a wild one AT the head OF it. where We
trod on asphodels and sweet smelling minis and
brushed the young stalks of the goose strife. We
found rustic bridge partly screened by alders-
Here Mr.. Rogers halted. and a couple OF fine