Chicago eagle. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1889-19??, 1904-10-08
CHAPTER xvffi.-tContinued.)

CHAPTER XvIfI.-tContinuedJ
"There " another estate further up
che river, I believe?" resumed Fox.
YES" answered Mari; there Is one
ten miles up, owned by Lopez Garonne.
I sag ten miles up mean his boundary
Is there. His dwelling is over fifteen
miles."
II thought I should go mp there"
Laroon would have asked more ques-
lions. but ut this juncture the meal was
prepared and the guest moved to the
table.
The pirate captain had noticed not only
Some peculiarties In the voice and face
Of his guest. hut the effect that had been
produced on Paul. lie had seen 1t oil.
even to a look which Mary herself gave
the newcomer. After the man had taken
his seat at the table. Loroon commenced
TO Pace up and down the room. and when
he was where he could look upon his
guests face. he did 30 most kceny. At
length he stopped in his walk and beck
oneA for Paul to follow him. at the same
time taking lighted candle from the
mattel and leaving the room.
Jest as the youth closed the door after
him the guest had finished his rcpast.
mud with n quick. decided movement. he
arose aud moved close to Mary's side.
The maiden did not shrink from him nor
slatlder. for there was something so nat
uraliy kind in his countenance. and then
he wore such an appearance Of modest
Rnd goodness that she felt rather drawn
townrd him by some inward force.
"You are n child Of Mr.. 1.aroonY' he
said. inquiringiy. us he sat down by her
side.
II am--am-yes. I suppose a ward
the maiden answered. with some cinbar-
rassment.
but not n very happy one. I should
say" remarked the man. at the same
time placing his hand upon her shOul.
der.
II have been sick. SIR" said Mary,
feeling sure that he alluded to her looks
"Ah: n physical. bodily ailment? Then
Jour mind Is well. In spirit and soul you
are at peace" .
Mary started and gazcd ix,Sily into
the mans face. There was something
like a smile upon II, but 1t was u very
sad and melancholy one.
"Mayhap ! know not your meaning.
she at length, nurmurcd. She could no,
feel offended with him. for his very look
and tone forbade IT,
The que i. east his eyes about the room
~ IL to assure himself that they tw,
were nlone together. and then said:
81 have been Informed Of some cir
cumstances which led me to suppose thai
you were not very happy here. Have
been Informed correctly"
Mary burst into tears. The question
touched npon u spring that opened ev
cry wound afrcsh.
The stranger drew one Of her small
white hands within his own. and then h,
drew her head upon his bosom. Ii wal
n very strange movement. but Mary die
not resist It. No. she pillowcd her hcn,
there as though II were her home. no.
did she seem to think that he was I
stranger who thus supported her.
weep not now. my child" he snid. II
tones us sweet as u mothers voice. Il
the pi--captain should return aud lin,
you thus. he would wonder ut it,"
"And do you know. then. my guar
dams chnracterI" asked Mary. raisin,
u. her head quickly. aud speaking earnestly
II do know Mari LarOon well. and
know his business. But let that drOl
where It Is. ! can perhaps help YOU"
"And you have known me before! =
uttered Mary. half imploringly.
mot exactly; but I think I hav,
known those who did once know you.
promised u person that IL ever | cam,
across you. ! would help You II 1t lay II
my power, and ] suppose | must nov
keep my PROMISE"
"Whnt do you know OF me or mine
Oh, tell me il you can"
Ssh! Here comes Laroon. know
nothing that would benefit you now 4