The herald-advance. (Milbank, S.D.) 1890-1922, 1904-03-18

ton," Paul Cleland was saying. These
turbulent Arabs seem 90 require q lit
tie blood-letting now and then: but
they are no match for European VOL
| diery. The affair cannot be more
than a mere skirmish at most.
Adrienne Breynton's soft eyes met
Cleland's face for a moment, and then
suddenly dropped.
"You do not know the fantastic der
wish as l do" she said, and her voice
was one of the sweetest ever woman
possessed. There is nothing in all
the world will make men fight like
religious zeal, Doctor Cleland, and
they are intoxicated with it. They
| fight like men inspired. All, I have
| reason to know how they fight!"
She sighed, but there was not any
thing deeper than a gentle regret in
the sigh. Cleland had heard the story
of how Oscar Breynton had been
hewed to pieces in mistake for an OBJ
noxious officer by a horde of Shrek
ing, half-mad Arabs; but he had also
heard how his wife, beautiful and
good as she was, had been strangely
neglected by Breynton for years, and
he guessed that her grief must have
been less than her horror at his ter
rible death.
"Our cause Is one of justice and OF
mercy" said Cleland, after a pause;
and l think there is no man who
would dare to say that we do wrong
in trying to free the Soudan from the
rule of these barbarous, bloodthirsty,
massacreing hordes. / confess to shar-
ing the enthusiasm of the war spirit so
far. l have made up my mind to go
on to Atbara, Mrs. Breynton."
A strange expression fitted sudden
ly over Adrienne B%reynton's face. 1t
was like a culver.
You are lot going to the DESERT"
she asked, a little pantingly.
Eyes. They require a doctor, and l
have offered my services. / am going
next week."
Adrienne's white hand moved the
fan 1t held to and fro gently. Cleland
could not see that her cheek was grad
ually growing as white as that hand.
You don't know the Soudan.'' she
said at last, in a low tone. 1T has
killed u best and bravest men. 1t Is
q man-eater, sucking the life out OF
strong men, not by battle or murder
or sudden death, but by slow, ignoble
disease. Think Of the days of weary
march through storms Of sand, be-
meath a sweltering sun! And the
nights, sometimes icy cold, sometimes
hot and close as an oven. Think of
sickness there!" She shuddered.
Il shall not think Of it at ALL" said
Cleland, quietly. "Others do not, and
why should I? l could not stay here
and lead this life of ignoble ease
while others are bravely facing Ian
ger or death. You would not think
the more of me for doing SO. I am
sure, Mrs. Breynton."
A lovely color, soft and warm like
the blush Of a pale damask rose,
swept w her face for a moment.
Did Cleland notice it? 1t was not
likely. For two years only one wom-
ans image had dwelt in Paul Gle
lands mind, and he had never ever
imagined that any other could obtain
an entrance there.
Yet there was no woman for whom
he had % high q respect, so warm an
admiration. so true q friendship, as for
Adrienne Breynton.
But the soft blush In Adrienne's
face was not In response to respect OF
admiration or friendship.
why tea Is In, and we have taken
no notice Of it," she exclaimed the
next moment. as II to cover her mo-
mentary embarrassment. II will pour
you out q cup. DR.. Cleland."
As she crossed the room, her pale.
blue teagown falling in soft folds
around her, the door was opened. q
servant announced Major Rayburn.'
and Mrs. Breynton paused, and turned
towards the door to receive her second
guest
ITO hA CnutinunA