Evening star., 1907-08-11

leave us all so suddenly and go away with
a perfect stranger. Can't you stay here a
week or two to let him get used to your"
Jim proposed by that time you will have
won his confidence"
Petrie answered. II am sorry, but that
is Impossible. I have overstayed my time
some weeks I left important business in
terests in London to undertake this mis-
sion, and I must return at once"
But" Jim pleaded. 1T can't be as bad as
that Well then. only a week.
Il am sorry, but l have already used up
all the time l can spare. in finding you. If
the boy goes with me 1t must be now
Petrie knew that Diana was waiting for
Jim's arrival; he must reach her with the
news as soon possible. Every hour was
of moment to them She had been persist
ent in her desire TO accompany him, and
two days had passed since he left her at
Fort Duchesne. He feared some complca-
ton might arise from her woman's impa-
tience, and it was, he would not be able
to leave the ranch before daybreak Night
was already beginning to close In on them
Jim began to realize the wisdom of Pet
ries decision. 1t would only prolong the
agony. He must make it easy for the boy;
afterward-well, afterward-. But he dared
! not picture the desolation which would be
his.
Hal my boy, my darling, I must tell you
something. You know you want to be a
soldier like the ones you saw at Fort
Duchesne. Remember? With the yellow
plumes and tassels and swords and things?
The boy was growing sleepy. but at these
words reused himself and delightedly ex-
claimed. Yes, yes!''
well Mr.. Petrie IS going to make you
one" Hal looked over in approval at their
visitor who was to make his dream come
! true. only" Jim continued. you'll wear a
| fine red coat instead of a blue one and Mr..
! Petrie's going to make you big, fine SOL
| dier man. So daddy's going to let you 60
| Isn't that fine?'
You. too daddy" the child questioned
| mo. dear; l can't go. When you &c
away therell be nobody but me to take
II won't 20 alone" Hal protested.
Eyes, dear. If father wants you to-" jim
But the child only cried, IT won't-I won't
I won'tl" as he flung his arms about dis
| fathers neck.
Jim felt it would be useless to argue
further now. 1t was past the boys bed,
time SO he only said. coaxtngly. Yes. yes
you will" A scheme to help the boy tt
bear the separation began to formulate II
his mind. They should take him away
| while he was asleep, and he would send Big
Bill along with him for q few days If nee
Now, old man. tel! Mr.. Petrie good
night"
The child did as he was bid.
Quite hopefully Jim went on talking Z
him as they crossed to the cabin Al
| right. And now daddy will undress yo'
and hear your prayers, and Wen have ou
usual romp and then the sandman VII
| come" Then, as the sleepy Cll-lI, SaWH4ilS :
Srnoned his head, jim lifted him in hi
arms and cried; ,'Kiss me, dear. Oh dom
eTs1 so enssossed t was he that he failed to hea
in the distance sounds that told that visit
ors were arriving at the ranch. But Petrie
who was ever alert, had been aware Of tn
frst cIatter Of the horses hoofs. and nov
turned In the direction from which came b!
Bills voice, high above all the others say
ing; ,-,
HWell. guess not Amt none Of us eve
forgot that day at Maverick. My, he'll b
glad TO see you!-Mr. Carston." he called
But 1t was the triumphant call of Jim
JIM that made him turn to see Diana
In II was all the hope that had been sburie
so long-all the loving Joy which she mean
to lavish on the man whose starved life ha
been one long sacrifice for her. She ha
imagined this moment-lived 1t again an
again, and now It was hers.
: Gracious and beautiful she stood In tn
l dim light, holding out her hands in welcome
Behind her stood Sir John. while Petrie
] | face betrayed the surprise that he felt a
! though he knew he had been fearing sue
l | an occurrence Jim saw them all. On
D hand still kept Its hold on the child, who