Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-08-12

Duncombe had had no word of his friends illness. He stood over his couch in shocked surprise.
 My dear fellow" he exclaimed, T had no idea that you were ill This Is why have not heard from you, then." :"
 Spencer smiled as he held out bis hand, and Duncombe, who seemed to catch some meaning in the upraised eyebrows of his friend. was shocked.
 You meanT he exclaimed.
 Spencer nodded.
 "L'affaire Poynton," he said gently. "A very subtle dose of poison indeed, my friend. shall not die, but I have had my little lesson. Here the indi- vidual has little chance. We fight against forces that are too many for us. I told you so at the start"
 "Yet l." Duncombe answered, have not suffered"
 My friend" Spencer answered, 1t is because am the more dangerous"
 You have discovered something?' Duncombe exclaimed.
 T came near discovering 8 great deal," Spencer answered. Perhaps 1t would have been better for my system if I had discovered little less. As 1t is, have finished with raffaire Royn- ton for the present. You see how very nearly raffaire Poynton finished me"
 Tt is not like you" Duncombe said thoughtfully, ito give anything up"
 I've come face to face sometimes with unique experiences which destroy precedent" Spencer answered. This is one of them"
 And what" Duncombe asked, "do you advise me to dol"
 Always the same advice" Spencer answered. Leave Paris today. Go straight back to Norfolk, read the newspapers and await events"
 Well, I think that I shall do so,' Duncombe answered slowly. T have found out where Miss Poynton is, but she will not see me- I have made an enemy of my dearest friend. and I have, at any rate, interrupted your ca reer and endangered your life. Yes; I will go back home"
 "You may yet save your friend some Inconvenience" Spencer suggested. Try and persuade him to go back with you"
 He will not listen to me-" Dun- combe answered. He has brought an English detective with him, and he Is as obstinate as mule. For myself, I leave at 9 o'clock"
 You are we'll advised-exceedingly we'll advised" Spencer said. Mind, I do not take the responsibility of send ing you away without serious reasons. I honestly believe that Miss Poynton Is safe, whatever may have happened to her brother, and l believe that you will serve her best by your temporary absence"
 Duncombe stood for Q moment wrap ped in thought. The last few months had aged him strangely. The strenu- ous days and nights of anxious thought had left their mark in deep lines upon his face. He looked out of the window of Spencer's room, and his eyes saw little of the busy street below. He was alone once more with this strange, terrified girl upon the hillside with the wind in their faces and making wild havoc in her hair He was with her ,,. atyo-nxx x,,n<><z tx, tho ltf<yo r<,ovy, ts hind his library, when the natural joy of her young life had for the moment reasserted itself. He was with her at their parting. He saw the half fear full regret with which she had left his care and accepted the invitation of the marqulse. Stirring times these had been for a man of his quiet tempera- ment. whom matters of sentiment and romance had passed lightly by and whose passions had never before been touched by the finger of fire. And now he was going back to an empty life-a life at least empty of joy save the hope of seeing her again. For good or for evil, the great thing had found Its way into his life. His days of calm animal enjoyment were over. Sorrow or joy were to be his. He had passed Into the shadows of the complex life.
 He remembered where he was at last and turnedto Spencer.
 About yourself. Spencer" he said. Have you seen a doctory
 "Yes. am not seriously H." bis friend answered. The worst Is over now. And. Duncombe. it's hard for YOU to go. I know: but. look here. be- lieye that you will be back In month and taking Miss Poynton to lunch chez Ritz. I never felt so sure of 1t as do today"
 Duncombe remembered the answer to his note and found 1t hard to share his friends cheerfulness.