Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1906-06-14

/
any other name than that which
have, am afraid, rather obtrusively
given you"
BY GEORGE" said BERTHE, putting al
mis- cigar, that's just what do want
TO know, | parted from you rather
more than two years ago in London
and left you as jolly and chirpy as a
cricket; well, not exactly that, for you
never were one of the mad ones; but
you were all right at any rate, and
now It's the strangest business!
Why, | scarcely knew you just now,
when you came up with the dog;
you'ye-youve--"
Aged so much" finished Faradeane,
with grim smile, as he leaned
against the mantel-shelf and looked
down at Bertie's bewildered face.
Yes, | have aged, BERTHE. But not
so much as some people have. Didn't
Marie Antoinette's hair turn white in
two days? Whereas mine, you see,
has only got speclded in a couple OF
years. Still, III admit | am, as you
say changed"
"What-what has happened, old fel.
low" asked BERTHE in lowered voice
"I'm afraid you have had some big
trouble"
The other looked down at him and
then at the floor, and appeared to be
considering some answer. Presently
he looked up again and shook his head
"I've been wondering whether
could bring myself to tell you my story
the story Of the last two years, Der.
tie; and Pm sorry to say that have
come to the conclusion that I can't
For two reasons: first, because the re.
cital would shock you, and cause me a
rather unpleasant half-hour; and sec
ondly becase the secret is not all my
own. I'm only a partner"
Secret! There is a secret! And
you-you.-"
The other held up his hand.
Take care!" he said, warningly.
My man is just outside. beg of you
not to speak my name"
mo- no, | won't. | will be careful
said BERTHE, flushing. But you to
have a secret-Faradeane! You who
were always $3.50"
Too high and proud for that kind
of thing, you were going to say?
Thanks for the compliment, my dear
BERTHE: but, alas! it is quite unmerited.
have secret, and | cannot tell it to
you"
And Is it of such a character" that
you feel compelled Toto
Hide myself here like poisoned
rat in a hole" put in the other, calmly
yes, 1t Is. Ii is so bad that it has
put me out Of the world as completely
as if | had turned hermit The shady
side of Pail Mall and | have seen the
last of each other BERTHE; / have bid
den goodbye to the world you and |
found so pleasant Scarcely that how
ever, for left it SO suddenly as to
leage no time for good dyes.
Great Heaven!" murmured BERTHE,
still staring up at the handsome face
with its somber. quietly resigned smile,
"But-hut why did you come here :?
Why didn't you go abroad?"
Faradeane smiled
For the best of all reasons. Be
cause my pursuers, when | disap-
peared, at once jumped to the conclu-
sion that | had sought refuge on for
eign shores, and are now, | humbly
trust, spending their time and energy
in securing the Continent after me-"
BERTHE almost groaned.
Your pursuers!"
Such word in connection with the
noble form and face seemed indeed in.
congruous and absurd
Yes, my pursuers," said the other,
and quietly, and now you won
der what it is that | have done
wish | could tell you, Cherub, but /
cant, There are some things man
cannot bring himself to confess, even
to his dearest friend: this is one of
them. And now what will you do?
he asked, fixing his eyes intently upon
Berries eloquent face. i've told you
enough to show you that my society
is not desirable, and that you will do
wisely to get up and go. You see,
after all, 1t Is u mistake on your part.
The man you are listening to is not
the old friend you mistook him for,
but only certain Mr. Faradeane, al
perfect stranger who somewhat resem-
bles that old friend, Take my advice
i don't offer it often--take my ad-
vice, Lord Granville; make a polite
bow, eXcusing yourself for intruding,
Berries face grew crimson, and he
sprang to his feet and laid his small
hand upon the broad, straight shoulder.
rs thy servant dog that he should
do this thing?" he said, in voice that
trembled with indignation. What do
you take me for old fellow"
Faradeane put up his hand, and
clasping the tiny one, pressed it in 81