Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-11-19

grace? I could find no clew to this ques-
ton. But assuming the gravest of answers,
why should Shaw place his ill-gotten prop
erty in the name of the woman he had
every reason to fear? If money had been
her object, why had she not been satisfied
1ith the possession of his wealth? Why
had she been tempted to forgery or MUIR
der? When Gilbert had told OF the property
discovered In her name, I felt he had made
strong point for the prosecution; but, as
l pondered over 1t, the fact seemed In her
favor. Perhaps other points more closely
examined would prove even more favor
able
Encouraged by this prospect, I clucked
cheeriiy to my stumbling horse, and
as he started forward / noticed that I
no longer had the road to myself, for
IN the distance another horse was plainly
visible on the crest Of little hill. In the
gathering dusk could not at once deter
mine In what direction it was moving, but
on drawing nearer 1 discovered that 1t was
pelng led toward me, and that the holder of
the bride rein was woman. The animal
pore mans saddle, but there was no one
but the woman In sight, and, fearing there
mad been an accident, I drew rein as we
met.
Pardon me-, madam I began, raising
my nat, put paused as the sound Of laugh
ter reached my ears.
wonder what makes you think so?'
asked pleasant voice.
l gazed at the smiling face upturned to
a question.
What makes me think what? ?" I queried.
That / have arrived at the dignity OF
II do not think you have miss" I an
swered, dryly
The girl laughed good-naturedly.
Il stand reproved," she answered, pat
ting the horses head. And. incidentally,
presumably for addressing me at ALL" she
added, with note Of dignity, as she
moved on again.
I merely stopped to inquire If could be
fon," added, glancing up and down the
road
"Or my companlon?" she repeated, won
deringly, and then broke into little laugh.
playfully shaking the bride rein. IT'S the
saddle girth which wants assistance. You
don't happen to have an extra long strap
In your wagon, do your"
Whats the matter with the girth?' In
quired, twisting the relns about my whip
and jumping to the ground.
THE binding of the buckle has come I'M
sewed," she explained. "It hasn't actually
been fussing with 1t for hours. I could
have carried the saddle on my lap II Dolly
would have let me mount, but the wretch
wouldn't stand still. and I've been waltzing
with her until I'm fairly dizzy. Now, II
you will give me a leg up" she continued.
christening the girth.
fairly gasped at the expression, but
she did not notice my confusion.
Il thought began, and paused. awk-
wardly.
She turned to ne-her head still under the
upiifted saddle fiap-and at sight OF my
face laid her cheek against the horses
flank and laughed with keen enjoyment
II seel You didn't understand the sad
die" she exclaimed. Divided skirts are
cleyerly made nowadays. aren't theyf She
touched her brown riding skirt with her
hunting crop as she spoke. You're not
shocked. are your" she continued.
tried to shake my head convincingly.
Il can't imagine why any one should be,
she went on calmly; but I've met plenty
of country people who wouldn't think OF
docking horses tail and yet are simply
scandaiized at the notion of a woman
properly adjusting her weight to his back
1T Is merely q question OF custom" !
replied.
"Of habit. You mean" she interrupted.
smilingly. Now, II you viii lay this sad
die on the grass for moment" she con-
dinued, land hand 1t to me after ! am
up"
IF you will permit me to offer you seat
In my trap" suggested. "you could lead
Dolly and let her carry her own saddle.
It's safe enough for that
II don't want to take you out OF your
way" she answered. hesifatingiy.
Perhaps You won't ! replied. .'Where
are you igoinE?,
Home" she answered. ..ro Pollicet, !
mean. she added. smiIIngiy.
ITO Polltceti" I exclaimed.
Yes. 10 there anything surprising in
thatf'.
sNo-o," answered slowly, sbut--"
II See" she interrupted. 'sYou associate
Pollicet with the Shaw murder, and iooiI
upon all the Inhabitants an implicated.