The Newark journal., 1905-03-10
(Continued from last week.)

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 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 explan- ations.
 We have come here to find Elise 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 ab- sence of any positive knowledge, We cannot but have some hope
 Darrel bent his head thoughtfully on his hand. The next moment the girls voice came to him tremulously.
 What would you advise us to do. Mir McCloud?"
 Please describe your father to me, he returned, looking
 She did so. A glint darted into Dar- rel's 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 Darrel, his eyes on the girls face.
 No"
 And it has been year since you heard from him?'
 Yes"
 From what part ef Montana did his last letter eome?"
 From Helena
 Then do you not think that Helena would be the best place to go and search for him?''
 Mfr OrInsby has instituted some in- quiries and thought 1t best for us to come here, meet you and. it you would be so good as to help us, so on to Sandy Bar"
 In a measure. Ormsby had cut the ground out from under Darrel's feet. He had with',eld from the girl the as- stunned nam. c. ter father but had named the locality where he might be found.
 Ormsby was inconsistent. Not only that, bat he had heaped upon Darfel the unforseen results of his incon- ;sistency.
 What is your fathers full name. Miss Avery?" Darrel inquired.
 Ezra Avery
 Again Darrel lapsed into silence.
 T shall do my utmost to help yod,' 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 Mir. McCloud?" re- turned Mrs. Gorton.
 'I shall want you to let me have entire charge of the search for MT. Avery"
 We shall be grateful to you for re- lieving us of that responsibility" said the girl.
 'I am a peculiar man. in some re- spects," resumed Darrel. "I shall pur my heart and soul into this matter and you must trust my judgment implicit ly. If seem dilatory, or if I do things you cannot understand, will you con tinue to have confidence in me even though I offer no explanations
 Il, ladys face. Her companion, however. gave an affirmative answer
 And am to have complete charge added Darrel: everything is iii my hands even to the point of communi- eating with the authorities. You have not spoken with any one in Anaconda concerning your mission?"
 We called yesterday 10 see the sheriff. said Mrs. Gorton, but he was out of town
 T will attend to everything" an- nouneed Darrel, briefly.
 We had intended going at once to Sandy Bar began Mrs. Gorton.
 Darrel shook his head decidedly.
 It is a rough mining camp and you must not go there until such move is absolutely necessary"
 We 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 impulsiyely giving her hand.
 sunny light all but dispelled the sadness of her face Hope was strug- gling to assert itself and Darrel was the cause.
 Long after they had left him he sat in a chair by the window, the fair