Monroe City Democrat. (Monroe City, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1904-10-27


ton" answered Darrell, with an en-
couraging smile, as he put the letter
away. IF you will tell me in what
way l can serve you, | shall be most
happy to do all l can"
Thank you" came from Miss Avery,
in a low voice. Then she looked to.
ward her aunt as though desiring that
she should make the necessary explain.
atoms.
1--WE have come here to find Elise's
father" said Mrs. Gorton. He has
been absent from home for five 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 alb.
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
rels 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
five years." asked Darrell, his eyes
on the girls face.
mo"
And it has been year since you
heard from him?"
Eyes"
From what part of Montana did his
last letter Gomez"
From Helena"
"Then do you not think that Helena
would be the best place to go and
search for him."
"Mr. Ormsby has instituted some in
Quiries and thought it best for us to
come here, meet you and, IL you would
be SO good as to help us, go on to Sandy
Bar"
In a measure, Ormsby had cut the
ground out from under barrels feet
He had withheld from the girl the as
sumed name of her father but had
named the locality where he might be
found
Ormsby was inconsistent Not only
that, but he had heaped upon Darrell
the unforeseen results of his incon-
sistency.
What is your fathers full name,
Miss Avery?" Darrell inquired
Ezra Avery"
Again Darrell lapsed into silence
Il 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 l can give
this my undivided attention. But
shall want you to agree to one thing
beforehand"
What is that, Mr.. MeCloud?" re-
turned Mrs. Gorton.
81 shall want you to let me have
entire charge of the search for Mr..
Avery"
1--WE shall be grateful to you for re-
lieving us of that responsibility" said
the girl.
81 am a peculiar. man, in some re-
spects," resumed Darrell. 81 shall put
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 l offer no explanations?"
A puzzled look crossed the elder
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"
Il will attend to everything" an
nounced Darrell, briefly.
eve had intended going at once to
Sandy Bar" began Mrs. Gorton.
Darrell shook his head decidedly.
TT is rough mining camp and you
must not go there until such a move
is absolutely necessary"
I'VE are to remain in Anaconda?"
asked Miss Avery.
For the present that will be best"
When they rose to leave both ladies
thanked him again, the younger one
impulsively giving her hand.
A sunny light all but dispelled the
sadness of her face. Hope was strug-
CLING to assert itself and Darrell was