The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1906-07-08

my J0b.
But the woman the distressed, distracted
woman, driven and buffeted half around the
world II might DO that I was wrong; that
her coming you'd only DO p~erfunctory, chat
the Leutenant's Official taking OF, even II
supplemented by unofficial mirror and
revolver, would be o relief TO her.
On the other hand, II, as I believed,
from what ! knew and felt, wiiely love
and devotion were among the pearls
which fortune had ,avished On jack Rick
ard, and which, after his kind, no had
spurned, then my Job might DO damned
and my Senator too, but l would help the
poor woman.
One evening O few weeks later l hurried
through the old fashioned corridors Of the
Abbit House, the hotel militant Of Wash
ington. Presently I came upon my Senator
seated In earnest conversation on one OF
the red sofas with q young and attractive
woman.
Her dress was suitable for travel and
bore the marks Of It. Her face was strained
by fatigue and anxiety.
'Directly / heard Of your arrival he was
saying, Il sent word 70 my COLLEAGUES, Merri-
field, to meet me hero on an important
matter, He 10 the soul Of good nature; I'm
sure he will be glad 10 60 with US at onoe TO
the White House. Tho time Ia cruelty short
and every one, however indifferent. oounts.'
Her face was a shifting scene Of emotions.
Reluctance, distress, yes; but also disregard
OF self and noble resolution.
Every we'll, she replied quietly. Il had
some acquaintance with the Senator years
ago; I think he will help, though ! couldn't
have asked"
I made q significant sign. Mr.. Savage,
excusing himself for the moment, Joined
me at one side.
Il have just learned, whispered breathe
lessly, shat the findings arrived this mern-
ing. They were approved by the President
and at once cabled back. Rlotard 10
dishonorably dismissed the service. He
gets q year at hard labor besides. You
know what that means, sir. to o man Of
his spirit. Don't you thing
THAT will do, Buffum," ~interpossd my
Senator with dangerous suavity. "You
may safely leave the matter in my charge.
II I feel the need Of your advice, I will call
on you, never fear
he turned away and the next moment was
bowling before Mrs. Riokard, saying !
know not what, but the disappointment
on her face changed into a sort Of cheerful
expectancy.
1 was just about to spring forward and
reveal what I knew. regardless Of conse-
quences, when Senator Merrifeld came
along the corridor, his pace quiokening
as he recognized the oma he must have
belle we'd thousands Of miles away. There
was no installing bis rapture, and I hesi-
tated, I doubted.
I went down stairs and loitered about
the Office, avoiding my Senator, as pres
emily he passed out, the very type Of COM
plaoency, yet unable to follow or initiate
him.
was torn by perplexities. That for
saken, convicted wretch out at the China
station might be waiting for the word Of
faith and cheer that would save him from
utter despair; and there she was, ignorant.
1t was true, Of his stress, yet talking, laugh
ing perhaps, with the very man to whom
his death must mean hope.
Some one caught my arm, and brought
the suspense to an end. It was Cabaniss.
livid, gimlet eyed, more like q rat than
ever from the twitchings Of his mustaohe.
where Is Savage7' he demanded.
explained that my Senator had stepped
out, but that Mrs. Richard was upstairs
with Senator Merrineld.
.By heavens, ! wouldn't have believed
i'll" he muttered. Il mistrusted her a
little, but this settles 1t beyond redemp-
ton"
Then he CURLY directed me to show him
the way to where they were.
Inever saw q colder greeting. He barely
recognized the one, and the other with a
formal little bow, which would have been
oomical had 1t not been 30 pathetic.
Jack ia dead,' he faltered. 'He shot
himself"
He laid down a %cablegram; he hurried
away.
It was dreadful to watch the grief Of her
fearless eyes. With one glance she scanned
the message. Then she sprang to her feet
confronting Merrifeld with hands claspeo
across her wildly throbbing bosom.
sD,sgraoedl Deserted Dead My pool
darlngl" she cried in a dull cadence. AND
the word was In my heart, the word tina,
would have nerved him to endure was
never sent, through you, through you
Oh, you vile thing, to have kept me herr
In false content Of the morrow, when you
knew, when you must have known"
Madam I interrupted, 'hear me, ]
po609Cl, N0 QlQ uOt huOWt Lo was aCLlnG
in good part
But, with a gesture Of loathlng. che
left us.
'what is 1t you would says demanded
the Senator sharply.
-Nothing-to you,' I replied sullenly.
at isn't necessary
Then his face hardened as Mr.. Savage
came lightly down the corridor, form
ing, you may be sure, the scatterec
details of the situation into q picture agree.
able TO bis hopes.
Il have Just heard, Mortified" he said
shocking end, OF course, and all that
but, after all, old man, between ourselves
there never Is any luck In odd numbers"
Course you Don't you dare cay more,
interrupted Merrifeld intensely. THAT is
noble m she loved her husband; She
chung to him hving-she will cling to him
dead"
There might have been some chance
for me in time, but for your Vaccinations
your hope to compromise-don't think that
can't gauge your tricks.