The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-02-24
CHAPTER XVII.
THE RETURN OF THE RING

THE RETURN OF TltE RING.
Mandeylle was not so well supplies
with roads as historic Rome, to whicl
all roads lead. Only one lead 10 ant
from Vaudeville. One might indulg
his individual preferences I'm the matte
OF a route after leaving that SECLUDED
spot some so miles in the rear; but. what
ever his final destination. the wayfarel
must make his start from modest LITTLE
depot labeled Loop and Twlne II. r.
on the outskirts OF the town. Clarenc,
westover recalled this necessity with
some satisfaction as he jumped into HE
smart little cart and urged his horse to-
ward the depot at IT'S best speed
Having failed 10 find Thomas BroXton
either at the Commercial Mems home
DR.. Govan's or Miss Malyina Spillmans
ne proposed heading him off at the sta
tion lie flung the reins 90 his man and
jumped out OF his cart just as Thomas,
dusty OF foot and heavy of heart. moan
ted the platform steps with bag in
hand. He advanced with cordially eX-
tended hand.
I'm awfully glad I'm in time. BroX-
ton. You came very near giving me the
slip"
Thomas met the extended hand with
perfunotory politeness. He wishes he
could feel more cordial toward Ol.via's
lover, but deep wounds need time for
their healing
westover was distinctly aware OF this
wordiess antagonism. He rather sus-
pected he should have felt quite as sour
and behaved even more churlishly II mat
ters were reversed, but at this partcu-
lar Juncturo he could not AFFORD 10 re-
sent Toms aioofness. He had pursued
him with a definite object In view.
'You see." he said easily, falling into
step and going with Tom toward the
waiting room. II want 10 talk TO you
about a matter OF interest 20 both OF us.
i don't want 10 lose sight of you just
yet Can't I induce you TO spend the
night with me?' He stopped and redden-
ed. IL occurred TO him that the last
or the Broxtons would not care to accept
the hospitality of strangers under his
old rooftree. Tom covered his confu-
sion corteously.
''You are very kind. but came down
only at an urgent summons from my
guardian. arrived too late to do him any
good, -staid TO the funeral and now must
hurry back TO my work.
He nung his bag on a bench in the
waiting room and consulted a moon fac
ed clock over the ticket Office. 1t showed
q margin OF half an hour before train
time.
Have you TO get your ticket?" West
over asked.
mo: bought a round trip ticket when
i left Kansas City" adding. With a Bit
ter little smile. "Cheaper, you klow."
Then, after all. I've got plenty OF time
for my say. I'm tremendously glad
we've got this old barn to our selves
The tide OF travel does not set very
heavily this way" said Tom. seating
himself near his bag. Inwardly cur
composu ure as he unbuttoned his coat and
brought from an inner pocket hand
some pocketbook OF Russia leather.
81 have here, Broxton." said Clarence,
selecting a paper from the contents Of
the book, "a document which. i think
ought 60 be In your possession. have
taken the liberty OF copying II and have
sent my copy TO Genoa, where my father
Is and will be for some time To come on
account OF my mothers health. ] took
that liberty because the Westovers are
as much interested in IL as yourself
Tom cast a look OF languid interest
toward the sheet of yellow paper which
Clarence still retained between his hnger
and thumb.
my possession of Il needs some sort
OF an explanation, so you Will have 10
read the preface. thing i always es-
cape by skipping. II you were left 10
suppose that either my father or ] knew
OF the existence Of this paper when we
purchased Broxton Hall, / being a paCr
owner of II on the strength of a grand
maternal legacy. you would be put 10 IT
10 decide whether we were fools or
knaves'
Il don't in the least catch the drift yet
said Tom. smiling family, but so far /
have never placed -yeti-is- -elther-cate-
cory"
mot yet, but you will after reading
Ia pftf llA Nnf
ever happen 10 hear Mother Spillman