Evening star., 1907-08-27
XIII-Continued.

XIII-Continued.
I saw that he could trap me and would
do so. My proofs Of his financial iniquity
had not been gathered. I did not fear the
aliensts 50 much az I feared what might
be disclosed-that I was not Julian Ran
doiph Yet with the alien:sts there was no
telling what might happen. Men and
women have been, imprisoned for supposed
mental Affections who were saner than the
stupid doctors who examined them or the
arrogant judges who pronounced them
mentally unsound.
At dinner Benson tried to be gay and
made a failure of it I saw that there was
trouble between him and Miss Hans
borough. l didn't know 1t until long after
ward but the GOODNESS observable was oc-
cas.oned by some considerations concern
ing myself. Benson intensely and Loyalty
desired to return at once to Harvard; MISS
Hansborough and her sister had what they
assumed to be potent reasons why he
should not. even though his failure to do
80 might wrench or break his relations with
the Harvard nine. He was remaining,
grimly and under protest fearing the crash
Of the Harvard guillotine. A man will do
many things for the woman he loves. but
unless he does them with abounding cheer
fulness that woman is likely to undervalue
his sacrifices.
Though 1 am sure Benson didn't know
whether he ate CLAIMS or oysters, Miss
Hansborough affected not to notice it, Her
smile was serene and enigmatical; her talk
was far away, about somebody in New
port, and certain dance at Bar Harbor
and what the women wore. She appeared
to be properly interested as she recalled
these things but certainly no one else was
hopelessly funereal. Mrs Randolph strug
gled vainly with the burden thus imposed
on her.
But under this cloud of gloom. having
reached my decision 1 was laying my
plans. There Is an old saw, and it needs
no new teeth. which says that discretion Is
the better part of valor. l was resolved to
be discreet and run away 1 found my OPP
portunity when Mrs. Randolph spoke again
of the Idler.
why can't we get ready for a short
voyage at once?" l urged.
1 feared all would see the eager flame in
my face.
'It would do you good" she agreed. DIR.
Thompson blessings on his gray head!
resolved never to belittle him again)
urged it, you know. We could take Jack
to Boston,"
1--WE might run up to Newport" said
Miss Hansborough sweetly.
But she did not look at Benson. If he
went to the Sahara and rode camels was
nothing to her, apparently How can SO
charming girl do such things? 1t puzzles
me. Benson was fine fellow. &c.,.
Just the thing"' l cried. We'll go to
Newport
L was determined. once we were uIlueI
way. that we would go much farther in
the Ider than Newport.
Jack could take the train there for Cam
bridge" Miss Hansborough added. sticking
the knife under his fifth rib coolly as an
Italian duellist. HE has been so anxious
to get back to Harvard, you know. 1t
would be almost as quick as going by train
tomorrow from here
That's true enough I agreed.
I would have agreed to anything that
led my way. Benson glanced at me re-
proachfully. But heavens. it was not l
who was trying to destroy his happiness.
Mrs. -Randolph's spirits had risen per-
ceptibly. and we all pretended to be much
interested and very happy. So We spent
the evening talking of the Idler, of New
port and possible destinations. Such con-
versation Is not difficult, and got through
1t easily
When Benson, though he had remained
so much longer than he felt he ought. hur-
ried to his hotel, 1t was with the intention
Of sending telegram to Cambridge and re-
naming In New York until some time the
next day
But In the morning he received a mes
sage that was like a slap in the lace. 1t
was from his captain, informing him curtly
that he could stay in New York as much
as he liked, as he no longer had a place on
the nine.
This bit Of news. startling in it's unex-
pectedness (though it ought to have been
anticpated). we did not receive at the
house until Benson. distressed and shaken.
arrived with 1t himself
We had been discussing this awhile,
when I chanced to pass into the hall and
saw there the servant who had delivered
to me surreptitiously that note OF warning
from Asbury Rand. He beckoned, and l
was sure he had another note from my
shrewd detective. l was correct in this.
He placed it In my hand, and chuckled
slyly as paid him for this act of treachery
to his mistress. The note repeated and
confirmed the statement that Courtney
$hr oi,S 1f fnly ytncr rotA to
have me examined by alienfsts.
Mrs. Randolph came upon me while I
was reading this.
Something for me to see?" she asked.
searching my pale face.
No" l answered hoarsely. lit Is moth
ing. nothing"
But was now in a panic and ready for
instant flight.
caused readjustment of our plans. in
spite of my protests. The impossibility OF
sailing until the next day was brought for
ward and backed with proofs. With a con-
tnually increasing uneasinesS, which Mrs.
Randolph must have noticed. I was forced
to surrender.
One thing 1 observed and failed to under
stand. Benson. who had been for rushing
to Cambridge in the hope of mending mat
ters for himself there ceased to speak of
1t with anxiety after a talk with Miss
Hansborough.
With the next morning. though 1 arose
tious delays came. There was much tele-
phoning on the part of Mrs. Randolph and
Miss Hansborough. In the midst of this
word came that the yacht needed more
coal.
l found time to call up Asbury Rand and
urge him to haste and diligence; l desired.
If cornered. to have some bomb Of evidence
to hurl at the head of Courtney Lane. Rand
declared that his man Jones was pushing
the investigation with all speed and prom
ised to report discoveries as soon as they
were made. 1 said rhthing to him of my
intention Of Immediately leaving 4>eW
York.
My impatience grew feverish as the noon
hour came and went. Bundles and boxes
were pouring in from everywhere and pour
Ing out again down to the Idler
1t was o'clock and l was standing by
the library windows, having taken my po-
sition there two hours before in anticipa-
ton of the coming of an officer to arrest
me. when Mrs. Randolph, arrayed in a gray
travelling dress, entered, flushed, but tri-
umphant. She and Jerome had been as
sisting the distracted maid.
THANK heaven, that last trunk is
packed"
How long do we have to wait yet?'
asked, with an ear trained on the street
entrance.
I'VE are almost ready now. dear"