Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-10-17
CHAPTER XXI.

ever opportunity should offer W but he had always been found standing on the hearth rug by the butler, and hard old aristocrat that he was, he would not yield to the some what angular Embellishments of the stiff backed chair.
 He stood for few moments with his back to the smoldering fire, and being quite alone, he perhaps forgot to stiffen his neck, for his head dropped, his lips were unsteady; he was very old man.
 A few minutes later, when he strode Into the dining room, where butler and footman awaited him, he was erect lmperturbable, impenetrable.
 At dinner 1t was evident that his keen brain was hard at work. He for got one or two of the formalities which were religiously observed at that soli. tary table He hastened over his wine, and then he went to the library. There he wrote telegram, slowly, in his firm, ornamental handwriting.
 It was addressed to Gordon, Loango, and the gist of it was-"Wire where abouts of Oscard-when he may be ex- pected home."
 At half past Jack arrived. Sir John was awaiting him in the library, grimly sitting in his high backed chair, as carefully dressed as for great recep- tion.
 He rose when his son entered the room and they shook hands. There was a certain air of concentration about both, as if they each intended to say more than they had ever said be- fore. The coffee was duly brought. This was a revival of an old custom. In bygone days Jack had frequently come in thus and they had taken coffee before going together in SiIS Johns carriage to one of the great social func- tions at which their presence was al most necessity. Jack had always poured out the coffee-tonight he did not offer to do so.
 T came" he said suddenly. .'to give you a piece of news which I am afraid will not be very welcome. Millicent and I have decided to make our en- gagement known"
 "You know" said Sir John gravely, "that I am rot much given to altering my opinions. do not say that they are of any value; but, such as they are, I usually hold to them. When you did me the honor of mentioning this mat ter to me last year, gave you my opinion"
 And it has in no way altered?"
 ''In no way. have found no reason to alter it."
 twill you, at all events, give me your reasons?" he asked T am not a child"
 .'I think" be said. that it would be advisable not to ask them"
 Il should like to know why you ob- ject to my marrying Millicent," persist ed Jack.
 Simply because I know a bad wom- an when I see her." retorted Sir John deliberately.
 T am sorry you have said that" said the son.
 "Just." continued the father. "as I know q good one"
 He paused, and they were both think ing of the same woman, Jocelyn Cor don.
 Sir John had his say about Millicent Chyne, and bis son knew that that was the last word. She was bad woman. From that point he would never move.
 There was long silence, while the two men sat side by side gazing into the fire.
 T am getting too old to indulge in the luxury of pride" said the father at length. ''I will attend your marriage. will smile and say pretty things to the bsidesmaids. Before the world I will consent under the condition that the ceremony does not take place be- fore two months from this date
 "I agree to that" put in Jack.
 Sir John rose and stood on the hearth rug. looking down from his great height upon his son.
 But" he continued. between us let 1t he understood that I move in no degree from my original position. object to Mlficent Chyne as your wife. But I bow to the force of circum- stances. I admit that you have rer- feet right to marry whom you choose in two months time"
 So Jack took his leave.
 Tn two months time" repeated Sir John. when he was alone. with one of his twisted. cynical smiles-"in two months time-qui vivra verra."
 
 There are some places in the world where a curse seems tD brood in the atmospherc Msala was one Of these. Perhaps these places are accursed by the deeds that have been done there. Who can tell?
 Could the trces-the two gigantic elrns that stood by the rivers edge could these have spoken. they might perhaps have told the tale of this little inland station in that country where. as the founder Of tine hamlet was in the habit of saying. no one knows what is going cn.
 All went well with the retreaiinE column uatil they were almost in sight of Msa1a. when ,hp flDtiIIa was attacked by no lass than three hipPopotamuses. One canoe vas sunk ansI four others were so badly dsrlaCe,i that they could no. l-a kent asr9t win their prs-sar