The San Francisco call., 1904-10-23

I am not hunting clemency or per-
sonal immunity just now," laughed
Kent. -On the contrary. I am only
anxious to make the score as heavy as
possible. And so far from keeping
prudently in the background, I'll con-
fess that I went into this franchise
fight chiefly to let the capitol gang
know who am and where / stand"
A sudden light came into Elinor's
eyes and burned there steadily. She
was OF those who lay votive offerings
upon the shrine Of manly courage.
-'One part Of me approves as much as
another part disapprOves," she said
after a time. Il suppose it isn't possi-
bic 70 avoid making political enemies;
but is it needful to turn them into per-
sonal enemies2''
He looked at her curiously.
4 am afraid I don't know any mid
die path. not being a politician" he OBJ
Jected. And. as for the enmity of these
men. ! shall count il an honor to win
it. If / DO not win it shall know 1
am not succeeding"
Silence for another little space. which
Miss Brentwood broke by saying:
Don't you want TO smoke? You
may"
Kent felt in his pocket.
4 have no cigar"
She looked nast him to the hammock.
Penelope" she called softly; and when
there WAS no RESPONSE she Went 10
spread The hammock rug over her Sis
ter.
''YoU may smoke your pipe" she said.
and when she had passed behind him to
her chain she made another concas son:
Let r.c iil il Tor yOu-yOu used to-
lie save her tie pipe and tobacco,
and by a curious contradiction OF terms
began to wcnder if he ought roC TO so.
Notwithstanding his frank defiance Of
Brookes Or-nsby and his declaration OF
Intention IL the sentimental affair he
had his OWN notions about the sanctity
OF a betrothal. Mrs. Brentwood had
vanished and Penelope was asleep in
the hammock Could he trust himself
70 be cecenty legal TO Ornsby If he
should stay? Nice questions of con-
science had not been troubling him
much Of late, but this was a new
ground-or If not new, so old that il
had the effect OF being new.
He let the question so unanswered
and STAYED. But he was minded TO fling
the biggest barrier he could lay hands
on IN the way Of possible disloyalty by
saying good things Of Ormsby.
1 owe you much for my acquaint-
Rnce with him." he said when the sub
Ject was fairly introduced. He has
and he promises to be more"
Isn't Your debt 10 Penelope, rather
than L. me-" she returned.
No, / think not You are response
bic, in The broader sense at all events.
he die not come West for PenelopeS
sake" Then he took the plunge: May
know when It is TO be-or am 1 to
wait Tor my bidding with the other and
more formally invited guests?"
She laughed low little laugh that
somehow grated on his nerves.
You shall know-when l know"
forgive me- he said quickly. But
from something Ormsby said"
He should not have spoken Of it; L
have given him no right" she said
coldly.
You make me twice sorry: Once IL
am trespasser. and again if 1 have
unWittingly broken 4 confidence. But
as a friend-a very old friend-I ven
tured-"
She interrupted him again but this
time her laugh did not hurt him
Yes. Oar friendship antedstes Mr.
Ormsby; IL is old enough to excuse
anything you sailor were going to
say"
Thank you" he rejoined. and he
meant il. what / was going to say
touches d matter which ] believe you
haven't cOnfded to any one. May l
talk business for a few mOments2"
IF you viii light your pipe and go
on smoking. 1t makes me nervous to
have people hang on the brink Of
things"
he lighted his pipe. wondering what
other thing he might do 10 allay her
nervousness. None the less he would
not 90 back from his purpose, which
was barrier building.
II have thought, wholly without war
rant. perhaps. that your loss in this
railroad steal has had something to do
with The postponement Of your happi-
ness-and Ormsby's. Has it. ?"
And if il should have?"
II merely wanted TO say that we still
have q lighting chance. But one Of
the hard and fast conditions is that
every Individual stockholder shall hang
on to his or her holdings like grim
death"
She caught her breath with little
gasp.
The encourag cement comes too late
for US We have parted with our
stock"
Kent turned cold and hot and cold
again while she was saying it Then
the lawyer in him came uppermost
is IL gone beyond recall? How much
too late am u" he demanded
NY mother wrote the letter to-day
She had an offer from some one in New
York"
Kent was on his feet instantly.
Has that letter been mailed? Be
cause. II il has, it must be stopped by
wire"
Miss brentwood rose.
1T was on the hall table this aft
ernoon: I'll 90 and see" and in 4 mo-
nent she returned with the letter in
her hand.
Kent took 1t from her as if it had
been an edged weapon or a can of high
explosives.
Heavens, What a turn you gave
me-" he said. sitting down again. Can
] see your mOther2"
I think she has gone to bed. What
do You want 10 do2'
I want 70 tell her that she mustn't
DO any such suicidal thing as this"
You don't know my mother" was
the calm reply. "Mr. Ormsby said
everything he could think Of"
Then we must take matters into our