The daily Alaskan., 1905-05-18
THE EPITAPH

It was quite like Taber. Another man would have marched stialy down the path and banged the fropt gate. Bnt Tahcr stlll sat on che top step of the plaEza and placidly surveyed the changing colors on the clouds In the west
 Agatha Nane was annoyed. She had expccted her words would crush him or at least rouse him Co unreasoning wrath. Instead he hSd looked at Der oulzzically and said, "of course you're quite sure Of thisy" In a questioning tone which implied his disbelief, after which he sat in doeged silence on the top step apparently pondering over the matter in the calmest or manners.
 His composure irritatcd the girl From her low rocker behind the vines she studied the back Of his head and his broad. square shoulders. She sud denly discovered that the head was very shapcly and that the shoulders suggested comforting, manly strength. and with this discovery oh, daughters of Eve-shc cudgclcd her brain for some cutting phrase which would penetrate the armor Of his self control and wound his pride.
 Taber. all unconscious Of this, idly watched the sky and thoughufully blew clouds Of curling smoke into the still air.
 Presently he drew from his pocket a pencil and a number of old envel- opcs. on the back Of which he began to write rapidly. Now and then he paused to read the scribhicd lines and chUckle softly.
 Agatha grew momentarily more an- gry. One little foot tapped the floor and she bit her lip.
 What are you doingy she demand cd at length,
 "writing," said he laconiCally.
 "writlug whaty" she asked.
 "Epitaphs," said he. I'm trying to compose a suitable one Co ft the oc- caslon. Wait moment See if any of these will do.'
 He deliberately assorted the envel- opes and turned halfway round on the step that he might make the best use of the fading light In the west. In a solemn voice he read;
 Sacred Co the memory of Love, who died from thc effects of a chill aged two years, thrce months and eleven days"
 Agatha was Silcm,
 Heres another" said hc chccrfully. He lifted the envelope Go the light and read slowly:
 "'Cndrr this stone rests Love, who, after prcCariouS existence ot some two years departed this life Aug 2A. The only wonder Is that Ec managed 70 hold out as long as he did "
 He glanced quickly at the girl Her lips curved scornfully.
 Sorry it doesn't meet with your ap. rroval." he observed Perhaps you'll like this one better: Here lies Love, fouIly murdered by the green eyed monster Jealousy"
 There was a long silence
 Isn't this last the most truthful ot the thrcey" he asked.
 "Jealousy' she said. Do you imag. inc for a moment I'm iealcusy Your concelt does you credit
 Taber smiled impcrmrbahy,
 'I hoped you were" he said simply,
 "Indecd~ she exclaimed. "Why on earth should | be jcalousy"
 Well" said he slowly, as if he were pondering a matter of the gravcst jun. port. shes a rather stunning girl and her getup-isn't that the proper terms- is a wonder. besides which, you know, she is well fixed financially in her own right. Agatha, 1T you had gone auto mobiling with a man as fascinating as the Mortimer girl Is | should have been green with jealousy. You might do as much for me," he ended in a hurt tone
 'If that is your defenSe" she began
 "Defense~' be said. ''Oh, pardon me but you misconstrue. I'm not making excuses for myself, but for your lacs of interest in my doings lt Is surpris