Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-12-02
XVII.

Gilbert was still laughing as he stepped
into the road to meet US, and l drew rein as
ne approached.
Good morning again." he began. bowling
to us both. I've just heard of your eX-
perience at the livery stable, Mr.. Lambert
1t would be perfectly maddening if it WASH
so funny. This is town of cool propose
tons. but of all the exhibitions OF
check Wait minute. Barbara he
broke off, as Miss Frayne moved on.
find | can start bit earlier If 1t suits
you" he continued. But l think wed
better wait until we see if those clouds
mean a thunder shower. Where are you on
to now?"
The girl halted and turned to me inquir-
ingly.
do I have to answer that question, Mr.
LAMBERT" she asked, ignoring the prosecu-
tor.
Unless there's some objection I laugh
ed. Isn't that the law. Mr.. Gilbert?
We'll. | don't feel like having the law
laid down TO me this morning" she retort-
ed. Il forgot TO leave this letter when we
passed the post office" she continued
turning to me. DO you mind waiting tn
l mail it?'
''No-no." she answered, swinging her
horse around. "WiIl you be ready by the
time | get back?" she added, with mean
ing glance. Il won't be two minutes, UNI
less the authorities insist reading let
tiers before they're posted. DO you sup
pose it's come TO that yet?'
Gilbert glanced at the girl with a puzzled
expression. and although the situation was
advantageous to me, | could not help feel
ing a little sorry for him.
Il don't seem to be in on this joke he
commented, ruefully.
NO, the joke is on US" she retorted-
strF~r IaF+ S,rrr- host
road Mr. Lambert" she called out over
her shoulder. Go right on and III over
take you"
The prosecutor raised his hat as the girl
cantered off, and stood staring after her
until she disappeared in the post ONCE.
Then he turned to me.
DO you know where Miss FTayne went
this morning." he inquired, thoughtfully
Il met her coming down that side road, -
I answered, non-committaly, pointing be-
hind me.
Gilbert looked puzzled for a moment. and
then snapped his fingers with Vexaton. 8.
"Of coursei' he exclaimed, as though to
himself. Il might have known 1t! No
wonder she's provoked. Do you know
where she's going after she posts her let
ter2' he continued.
Home I think" / answered.
Shell get caught in the rain if she tries
it " he muttered, glancing at the distant
bank of thunder clouds. Where are you
of tor" lie added, suddenly
I'm going with Miss Frayne as far as
Fullicet and then on TO HefryVilie,' l Ie-
spunGed. carelcsSly.
Gilbert glanced up at me with surprise,
and | confess enjoyed his evident aston
ishment.
You don't really mean it?" he inquired,
incrcdulously after pause.
Most asSuredly." | answered CooNy.
What is there 50 surprising about it?''
The prosecutor looked up sharply. as |
answered. stared a me for an instant ana
then stood patting my horses head.
why, l suppose he began, but broke
off suddenly.
toned to the saddle 1 volunteered Il
haven't ridden for some time, though so
1 expect to be rather stiff tomorrow.
You'll be nothing less than cripple,
he asserted.
Il can drive back If I'm too sore for rid
ing when / reach home, | responded. Al
though l suppose it's more than tempting
Fate to bring another wagon to Melton.
| added, smilingly.
Don't you think the whole plan is mor3
than tempting Fate, Mr.. Lambert, he IN
CURED looking me squarely in the eyes.
y don't think l understand YOU" l an
swercd, colby.
Il mean it's n little longer ride than the
law allows, Mr.. Lambert" he responded
| gaZed at the speaker in surprise. What
was he driving att Was he merely inter-
ested in having all the jurors in good
physical condition or was he attempting to
maneuver me out of supplanting him with
Miss Frayne?
1T doesn't strike me as very RASH 1
answered u think I can stand it,
well. ! wouldn't risk ii If l were in
your place. lie responded, warningly.
| thought l detected note of menace
in his tone and instantly l was up in
arms. What kind of an ass did the man
take me for that he presumed to voiun-
teer advice about my comings and goings2
"Wouldn't your / queried, with a smile
% ~ Si I wonId not" he answered, firmly.
The tone of the answer was decisve-al-
most naremptory-and L had difficulty in
curbing my resentment.
"Rut. YOU see, you are not in my place,
Mfr. Gilbert" / answered, cooily Sun II
would be interesting to know your rea-
sons" added.
Haven't / already given them. Mr.. Lam
bert?' he laughed. good-raturediy, poi,
licet is a long way from melton ahd
Hefryville is even farther
more than his warning tone. The man was
making a fool of himself by his Transparent
interest in my welfare. but had no lnten'
ton of letting him fancy he was making
a fool of me,
al appreciate your solietude," / respond
! ed But I'm not at all afraid of exhaust
ing myself, and l hope you won't give your
self any further anxiety ON my account.
shade of annoyance passed over the
prosecutors face but when he looked III
| again he was as imperturbable as ever.
Its useless for to talk at cross pur-
poses, Mr.. Lambert he announced. ''Yot
| know you've no right to make this trip
| and / don't want you to put me in an en-
| barraSsing position"
Put you in an embarrassing position?'
| l laughed. I'm sure / don't know what
| you mean. and don't care to hear
You heard what the judge said in cour
| Gilbert had suddenly dropped his banter