The Miller sun. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 190?-19??, 1906-11-14
CHAPTER Xxx.


Ben Coop stood on the pavement out
eide the theater where Sylvia Castella
geigned as queen. He had recognized her
On an instant, though years had gone
since last he had seen her.
He reused himself with SILVER and
remembered where he was, and all that
had happened. And then it came to him
by slow degrees that this man, who was
3inked in some strange fashion to Gerald
Nenby, was one who was not dear to the
woman whom years before he had known
as simple Lis.
Stanton sauntered along lost in
thought. Even the most casual observer
would have remarked that he was not in
the best of tempers or spirits. 1t surpris-
ed Ben Coop to realize how keen was this
feeling of mistrust for this man, who but
a few minutes before had been absolutely
unknown to him.
Perhaps it had been something in the
expression of Sylvia's face that had arous
ed that mistrust, or perhaps it was the
knowledge given to him in that chance
conversation that this man was so init
mate with Gerald Tenby. Whatever the
cause, the fact remained that Ben Coop
che truth of Stanton's nature and posi-
zion.
No honest man." Ben said to himself,
SLOWLY, as he followed doggedly in the
others footsteps, would be a close friend
of such a man as Gerald Tenby. Per-
haps it has not been a case of man to
naan, but of two men against the lad"
Stanton walked on slowly until he
Feached Gerald Tenby's chambers. Ben
hardly knew why he remained outside
fhese chambers; there was nothing to be
gained by it, unless, indeed, he mounted
the stairs and asked boldly to see Gerald
Tenby.
Finally he saw advancing toward him
rapidly a man, tall, and In evening dress,
and close beside this man, following him
like a beggar who entreated aims, was
another man.
Involuntarily Ben Coop drew back
step or two. Something in the movements
of both men urged him to do so, not that
ne recognized Gerald Tenby, for he had
never seen him since the old life, but be-
cause these last few days had sharpened
mis- mind to an extraordinary extent. Now
che mere fact that this man was approach
ing the chambers where Gerald Tenby
lived served sufficiently to make Ben on
the alert.
Before they reached tho entrance he
suddenly moved within and stood behind
the open door, for he could see that it
was in this direction that the first man
was turning
He held his breath as these two figures
stood ON the threshold, and his hearts
beat seemed to buzz in his ears as he list
-@ned.
IF you dare to follow me Ike this
again." Gerald Tenby said, hoarsely, II
will give you in charge"
II mean to follow you, Sir Gerald Ten
by" the other man answered, still / have
got some justice out of you. You think
ct is an easy matter, suppose, 10 take
n mans bread out of his mouth. That's
what you have done for me. There's no
one will take me on as a servant when
they hear that was turned eff at min
mites notice. Look here, Sir Gerald, I
pnay as we'll tell you that ! have felt
xrom the very beginning that there was
something queer in the way yeu discharg-
cd me. You wanted to get rid of me
because there was something you wanted
TO hide, something mixed up with that
young man who asked to see you and
would not be refused when tried to send
him away"
Ben started violently. BY what chance
mad he been brought to this placer Was
Chs the commencement Of the working
out OF fate2
Sheltered as he was, Ben could see
without being seen, and by the light of
the lamp Sir Grads face was clarly dis
ccrnible. He put aside Stephens hand
from his arm.
"You were dismissed from my service
for impertinence. Let me tell you that
you don't make matters much better by
talking like this"
II may make matters much more I'M
pleasant than you think for, Sir Gerald"
said the man, quietly. .Since have left
you. / have spent my days about this
.neighborhood, and shall / tell you, sir,
what have learned in those days? /
'set that young man into your rooms, sure
enough, but | can find no trace of his
having left those rooms"
what next?' asked Gerald Tenby,
with a kind of sncer on his lips. Are
you pretending that spirited away this
fellow? You have no right to follow me
like this, or to say such things, and if
you don't instantly cease this persecution,
II shall take measures to stop you."
He pushed stephens to one side and
went swiftly up the stairs as he spoke
las Stephens turned on his heel and
slouched out Of the doorway, Ben follow
ed him and touched him on the shoulder.
Nay" he said, kindly, as the other
sman turned on him with snarl, II want
,pothing. from you. I am here to ask you
II there Is ANYTHING can do for you.
Just now overheard a conversation be-