Bonners Ferry herald. [volume] (Bonners Ferry, Idaho) 1904-current, 1906-04-14
CHAPTER XVI.


"Wnl Mr.. Msllstt call on Msssrs.
DAVIS h Raven, at their orncss, 10 LIE
man street. 70. O., between 2 and 8
o'clock to-dsyf They have private In
forms ton of the greatest value TO i'm
part to him"
Ethel leaned over her fathers shout
der and read the telegram.
What can II mean, pspsf It's very
mysterious. Shall ron got wish you
would take me with you. shall be In
such state Of excitement until you
come back"
81 could not think Of taking you to
place l know nothing Of my dear. II
might be inconvenisnt to have you with
me-"
why, papa, l believe you are excited
and euriousl II IL the nrst time ever
saw you so interested"
Yes. am curious. II strikes me as
odd that, after living an unevsntful life
for the last twenty years, l should one
day break my vow as to never revisitinE
Mslllnxford Park unless as Its owner
and the next day rscsivs this curious
message dare say II IL only a coincI-
dsnce; but still II u strange and can't
help connecting the one event with the
other"
Surely there was some strangely er-
hilsrs tng quality in the atmosphere this
morning, for Ethel went about her bust
ness in a brisker manner than she had
lately. Her nerves were a little bit I'M
strung, too, for. when about Q o'clock
there came a very decided rst-a-tst-tst
at the door, she was worked up to such
a state OF extreme expectation that she
almost shrisksd aloud. She ran to her
usual post Of observation. the stair head,
and was surprised, pleased, sorry, dis
turbsd, all In a moment, at the sight Of
Captain Polling.
She was almost tempted to send him a
message to thu effect that abe could not
sc. him just then; but she had a horror
Of deception, and indeed she was really
risd TO see him again. A few seconds
later shs was shaking hands with him,
and her shynsss had completely van
ishsd.
After the question a. to sport there
was an awkward little pause, and Ethel
felt her heart quicken with dread. Shak-
ing herself free from this feeling, she
turned to her visitor.
you have not asked why papa Is not
at home" she remarked, with deter
mination TO avoid personal topics.
ITO be sursl 1t 10 Saturday. | had
forrottsnl And why IL he not at home r.
81 win show you why" and she
fetched the telegram and rave IL to him.
-How mystsriousi Quite like an
event In a novel; Has Mr.. Msllett any
Idea a. TO what II mssnsf"
"Eot bitl I'm expecting him hons
soon, and then We shall hear all about
It."
.Tn which case had better be OF.
II may be private family business. ron
know"
81 don't think papa would mind your
knowing. He looks upon you as a ain
esrs friend. You are the only one be
has cultivated within my memory"
Poor Ethel She had unwittinrly
brought down an avalanche upon her
self
You see. be has a treasure beyond
price In bis keeping, and he guards II
jealousy"
For a moment the drift Of his remark
did not strike her; she concluded he wa,
abiding to the secret Of her father
birth, which she had thought wa,
known only TO Lord Summers. Shs was
surprised that he should know the 90
erst; but she said nothing. and quietly
awaited an explanation
Polling was slightly disconnected b.
her unexpected silence and her lnquirins
casa. He felt that be had committed
himself in some way. and honestly re
grsttsd that be had been % indiserest