Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-10-29


last look over his shoulder and then reach
ed her side. His arms closed about her.
With sob. she buried her face in his
shoulder.
Dorothy-dearest-wh is itf'
He had forgotten that danger might De
lurking around them. The one thought
surging through his brain was this.she
had called him Frank. she turned to him
Suddenly she raised her head and glanced
fearfully over her shoulder.
Where Is 4?
''What-a fairy?'
Again she shivered.
"No-something dreadful-something IN
white-oh, therew
Before the bewildered McCausland had
time to glance in the direction indicated
house to the well-Dorothy had slipped. a
huddled. unconscious figure at his feet.
AS he bent over her. he glanced toward
the well, and suddenly all things became
down the winding pathway came figure
robed In white. with head downcast and
arms crossed upon the breast. Closer and
closer 1t came, and still McCausland stood,
staring duly, his revolver held Imply IN
nerveless hand. the girl lying in pitt
full heap at his feet, and the hands that
had been apparently crossed upon the
breast were unclasped to reveal some
thing round and squat and silver-sheened.
One long thin arm drew up the old well
bucket and eager fingers detached 1t from
the rope. Next the sheen of silver shone
at the end Of the rope, the tall gaunt figure
seemed to turn from side to side as If
the eyes Of this ghostly nocturnal visitor
were looking furtively about him.
There was a dull, thick sound as If the
waters in the depths of the well parted to
admit heavy body. This was real human.
McCausland leaned forward-and then he
laughed. The girl over whom he was bend
Ing, stirred in returning consciousness. The
other hgure the tall, gaunt white thing
still lowered over the we'll. Now its long,
lean fingers were rubbed together as If in
satisfaction.
Look. Dorothy, dear. but don't scream.
It's not a ghost"
Shudderingly the girl raised her head and,
sun chnging to McCausland's arm, glanced
back at the well.
ITS your father in a bathrobe-he's been
hiding his silver in his sleep-down there in
the WE'LL
Dad"
McCausland's firm hand closed her lips
Don't waken him." The figure in white
mad turned and was slowly retracing it's
steps toward the house. ITS dangerous
to wake sonnambulist suddenly He will
make his way back safely to the house,
and to his room. Beside-I don't think I
care to see him just now''
They had forgotten the silent white fig
ure, stalking across the well-kept lawns.
McCausland lifted his gently to her feet
and then drew back. The girl swayed a
trifie uncertainty
HOW silly of me-lbut somehow 1 can't
cant quite pull myself togetherw
MoCausiand bowed gravey and offered
ms arm She drew away, the color which
mad been creeping back into her face. now
pale. ie- ue''iiS
Thank you, 1 can walk very we'll now
but you were right, quite right. when Won
sdlu that should not come. No twentieth
SStntury girl should tempt fairies or fate.
1i,e Is USED only to balance a ledger"
haf@
and stern. Aet' suaisht
You must understand"
A., EHactly-l do understand And now as
turn to the house"
. one Dent over to gather I'D her fluffy
ram. her shoulders dropped weariedly.
AND Al, moment before, he had held her in
his arms. Her hair had brushed his chaek
He remembered-and the menory ueas
sweet and overpowering Then the words
came thick and fast, the story of love ami
doupt and duty, strangely commlingling and
warning. The girl listened her head hent
that he might not see too soon the glad
nght or surrender in her eyes
ana now that I've told you the miserable
t run th i nave only to add that I'll leave
AZ al tne morning. It's the only decent thing
me- "
Suddenly she flung back her head. The
sweet. 'AA0
Let me warn you, sir. that 1t Is not
wise to go against the will of the fairies i"
Then her mood changed. DO you think
you are. quite fair to Daddy? He's am
bilious, but he's never put me up for sale
yet. I'm to be had-for the asking
The man leaned forward, took both of h r
hands In his and looked straight into her
eyes. The fairies had him in their clutches
now
Now. quick-Tm going to ask him
now"
Dorothys eyes danced
Not until you've told him about the
silver in the well, heaven bless him"