Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-05-07

- " ~ Mn
:.
passed between the elderly lady and
her niece.
Darrell seemed distracted. He held
the letter long enough to have read it
half dozen times. The writing ran
as follows:
Dear Junius: This will be handed you
by Mrs. Gorton and Miss Avery. There
is something about the man whom they
are seeking which they do not know and
which do not care to have them know
yet awhile. In your own time and when
you think best you may give them the
information. Through private sources
have learned that the man has taken an
other name. and when these tactics are
resorted to. it is clear that something is
wrong. Miss Avery has experienced
much sorrow and / would not care to add
one straw to her burden, il 1t could be
helped. You understand, do you not?
You will help them, know, and please
be little tactful> in what you do The
name now used by the one they desire
to find is Sturgis, jack Sturgis He was
last heard of at Sandy Bar, near Ana
conda.
rs there any bad news from Mr.
Ormsby, Mr.. McCloud % asked Mrs.
Gorton, in an agitated tone.
1--WE must not anticipate, Mrs. Cor
ton answered Darrell, with an en-
couragtng smile, as he put the letter
away. IF you will tell me in what
way / can serve you, l shall be most
happy to do all / cam
Thank you, came from Miss Avery,
in a low voice. Then she looked to-
ward her aunt as though desiring that
81
atoms.
I'VE have come here to find Elise's
father" said Mrs. Gorton. He has
been absent from home for Ave years
and during the last year no word what
ever has been received from him.
Naturally we can draw but one infer
ence''-she cast a hasty glance in her
companions direction-'yet in the abb
sence of any positive knowledge. we
cannot but have some hope
Darrell bent his head thoughtfully on
his hand. The next moment the girls
voice came to him TREMENDOUSLY.
What would you advise US to do,
Mr.. McCloud?"
Please describe your father to me,
he returned, looking.
She did So A CLINT darted into OAR
rel's eyes. . Between the Sturgis he
knew and the man described by Miss
Avery there were material differences.
Elise speaks of her father as she
| saw him last. five years ago. spoke up
Mrs. Gorton. He must have changed
since he came west
You have not seen your father for
Eve years?" asked Darrell, his eyes
on the girls face.
NO"
And it has been a year since you
| heard from him."
Yes"
from what part Of Montana did his
| last letter comet p
From Helena"
Then do you not think that Helena
would be the best place to so and
search for him."
'Mr. Ormsby has instituted some in
/ quiries and thought 1t best for us to
come here, meet you and, IL you would
be 50 good as to help US, go on to Sandy
Bar
In measure, Ormsby had cut the
/ ground out from under barrels feet.
| He had withheld from the girl the as
gumed name of her father but had
named the locality where he might be
| found.
Ormsby was inconslsten&. Not only
| that, but he had heaped upon Darrel
/ the unforeseen results of his incon.
sistency.
What is your fathers full name
i Miss Avery?" Darrell inquired.
/ Ezra Avery"
Again Darrell lapsed into silence.
II shall do my utmost to help you,'
said he, finally, "and will make your
cause my own. There are no other
demands upon my time and can give
this my undivided attention. But
shall want you to agree to one thing
beforehand
j What is that, Mr.. McCloud?" re-
turned Mrs. Gorton.
II shall want you to let me have
entire charge of the search for Mr..
Avery"
We shall be grateful to you for re-
Iieving us of that responsibility, said
the girl.
Il am peculiar man, in some re-
+
my heart and soul into this matter and
you must trust my Judgment implicit
ly. If seem dilatory, or If do things
you cannot understand, will you con-
tinue to have confidence in me even
though / offer no explanations ?'
A puzzled look crossed the elder
i lady's face. Her companion, however
gave an affirmative answer.
And am to have complete charge,
added Darrell; everything is in my
hands even to the point of commune
eating with the authorities. You have
not spoken with any one In Anaconda
concerning your mission?"
I'VE called yesterday to see the
sheriff. said Mrs. Gorton, ''but he was
out of town
II will attend to everything" an
nounced Darrell, briefly.
s I'VE had intended going at once tc
Sandy Bar" began Mrs. Gorton.
Darrell shook his head decidedly