The Starkville news. (Starkville, Miss.) 1902-1960, 1905-02-10


| for chance Of accompanying a read
| ing party abroad during the long vaca-
| ton, and by good luck an even better
| billet had come his way. An OLD friend
of his father-a Mr. Ffolkes-had writ
| ten to him to engage his services as
tutor and general bear leader to his
son, young Everard Ffolkes, during a
| forthcoming Swiss tour.
He had always wanted to get abroad,
and now the chance had fallen his way
| he was resolved to make the most of
| it. Young Everard, his pupil, was a
| thoroughly nice lad, and the whole ex-
petition seemed to partake more of the
| nature of holiday than serious work
| The two trudged afoot through lovely
| valleys, up turf clad slopes, over rock
bound, magnificent passes, drinking in
| the clear air and enjoying themselves
| rather like two schoolboys than a
| tutor and his pupil.
Everard wanted to climb a noun
tain. Harry discouraged the idea. He
| told the boy of the fate of his uncle,
Sir Robert Ballard.
"Yes, 1 remember hearing of that
| when l was quite SMALL" answered
Everard, sympathetically Were the
! bodies ever recove-ed?'
mo, never" said Harry, "and prob
ably never will be-
They walked in silence a little way
| Then Harry said:
''Do you know, Everard, l should like
to see the place. Suppose we go up to
| Montvert? We can do it in two days
| from Chamounix. Your father put no
restrictions on our movements"
Then let's CO." replied the boy,
| keenly.
| Montvert had become quite a fash
| ionable resort within the last few
| years. The old inn had been much en-
| larged. 1t Doasted all sorts of modern
| improvements-amo them draw
| ing-room, band and visitors book.
Harry was studying the latter when
he was startled by the names, Mr..
James Rennie and Miss Rennie and
maid, Glasgow"
My cousin, by Jove!" he muttered.
He haG seen nothing Of them for
years-not since Mr.. Rennie had come
in for all Sir Roberts money. The
! daughter, Muriel he had never seen.
| James Recnie he knew by reDute as
| hard and canny Scotchman; and here
they were staying at the same hotel.
| They met that evening in the draw
| ing-roOm.
| And this is my daughter Muriel,'
Rennie said
| Harry looked up and saw soft dot
of a girl in black evening gown, who
gave him a warm, impulsiYe hand
| shake.
Somehow, Harry and his charge
stayed on at Montvert for a whole fort
night.
Harry was a new man. The inevi-
table was happening.
Then the Rennies gave a picnic. 1t
| turned out a brilliant, sunny day, and
it was decided to go up the valley to
wood near the lower end of the AL
guile Vert glacier. 1t was at this pic
mic it for the first time struck Mr..
Rennie that Harry was a trif1e more
attentive to Muriel than there was any
occasion for. He did not say anything,
but he made up his mind to two
| things: First. to watch the young cou-
pie pretty carefully that day; secondly
| to leave Montvert tomorrow.
Harry and Muriel slipped of
amongst the trees, and soon found
| themselves quite alone. They strolled
| down to where, from under its arch OF
muddy ice, the glacier river started on
| it's foamy career, and seated them
| selves near by on a great messy stone
| under a pine tree. The blazing sun
| made the shade most welcome, and the
| two sat there quietly drinking in the
| warm scent Of the woods.
I'm afraid our holiday will soon be
over" she said. 1--WE have to be home
| by the 1st of October"
Harry experienced curious shock.
With extraordinary suddenness he
realized what life would be without
Muriel
"Muriel," he said, quickly and earn
| estly, 'Muriel, will you care?"
Apparently she did, for when, five
| minutes later, an interested spectator
| walked quietly up behind them over
| the carpet of noiseless pine needles, he
| odW a Si6hI IuoI AA1ooO LILO oAAAooSAA Ae~So
wrinkle with rage.
The two cousins were sitting closer
| together than strict cousinship alto
gether entailed, and Murieps head was
| leaning on Harry's shoulder.
James Rennie lost his temper
You sneaking young scoundrel!" !"
he said, with sudden emphasis that
made the lovers jump to their feet
81 beg your pardon, SIR" said Harry,