Durant weekly news. (Durant, Choctaw Nation, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 190?-1944, 1905-05-05
CHAPTER XIV


was shown into a spare bedroom.
CHAPTER XIV.
" a YHEN Jack woke in the morn.
~ ing, he found his boots
nicely cleaned and a shirt
spread out on a chair for
him. His nights rest had done him
good. The morning was bright and
clear, and no sign of the storm OF the
night before remained.
When dressed, he rang the bell, anl
Blocks came up.
Morning, sir. How did you sleep"
asked Blocks.
First rate, thank you," answered
Jack.
"Her ladyship sends her compli-
ments, sir, and will be glad to see you
at breakfast"
"All right. Lead the way" Jack
said.
The butler ushered him into the
breakfast room, which was very hand
somely furnished. Standing near the
window was a lady. She turned as
Jack entered and, advancing toward
MIN, offered her hand.
"How do you do?" she said. 81 am
glad to make the acquaintance of one
who. hear from my servant, knows
my own little boy"
I'VE were at school together" replied
Jack.
why do you say you wereT she
asked.
Because have run away"
Indeed! That is very wrong, is 1t
not? May inquire why you have
left your schoolT'
81 was so badly treated" replied
Jack.
"If so. could you not write to your
friendsT'
81 have none. My mother and father
] never knew. and my guardian IS not
at all kind" Jack said.
what Is your guardians nameT"
Mr. Scratchley OF Highgate."
'ScratchleyT she repeated abstract
edly.
do you know him." asked Jack.
The name seems familiar to me-"
she answered. "And you are'--
John Harkaway."
Recovering herself from her momer.
tary confusion by the cxertion OF
violent effort. she said: "Slt down and
have some breakfast We must l.,
great friends. have to thank you 10
preventing my house from being robbie.
last night
II am very happy, my lady, to THIN.
that was so lucky as to be able to hc
OF service 10 you"
Jack made an excellent breakfasi
and his spirits rose, but he was in real.
ity III at ease, for he scarcely knew
what to do
"Now." continued her ladyship, 81
am going TO ask you to let me drive you
back to your school,"
"Oh, no. | cannot go back"
II will make Mr. Crawcour promise
to let you Off this time" she said, smi.
ing.
"I don't believe be would keep suci
a promise IL he made 1t. He is dread
fully strict" replied Jack.
What do you think Of doing?"
"Schoolboys have only one resource
when they run away" Jack replica
laughing-"to go to sea-"
80 you think OF going to sea?'
YES; | shall try to make my way ia
the coast | should have gone by train
II had had money enough"
"A sailors life Is II hard one"
II am strong and hardy. Besides, II
Is life OF adventure, and what can De
more dellghtfuI?"
"Will you stay with me?"
Thank yOn very much. but | mus
make start In the world some time
other, and may as well begin at once. =
Have you no ambition? Would you
not like to be great soldier or n bar
rister. doctor or something OF tina
sortY
'If had the chance" replied Jack
adding, "You forget that nobody cares
for me-"
Her ladyshIp rose and kissed him ten
derly on the forehead.
you are mistaken. my dear boy
care for you. will be your friend"
Jack was surprised at this unexpect-
ed exhibition OF affection. and his eye,
filed with tears.
! "Will you but stay with me?" she
urged,
II cannot. | must be doing some
thing" he answered reluctantly
Her ladyship seemed disappointed.
"Will you promise me one thing
Give me your word OF honor that you
Will write to me when you reach til,
coast and tell me all about yoursell
and your plans"
| With pleasure replied Jack.
She gave him a sovereign and h'