The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1907-04-19


Glencoe said his place was closed, so did
not think of intruding upon anyone
While was speaking l was noting her ap-
pearance. 1t was the young lady l had seen
enter the postofice the day. before. She was
dressed as then, except that the blue veil
was pushed up on the brim of her small hat.
The, features disclosed were exquisitely
regular, save that the mouth was. a trfe
large, according to canons OF beauty. Her
large. dark eyes were diated with distress
her face was very pale. Her breath came
She laughed family, wonderfully gathering
self-control II am nervous, easily startled
she apologized. This Is a beautiful wood.
Did understand you to say that the owner
is away"
I'm not poaching l have permission to hsh
in his preserve"
81 did not know that these woods belonged
to the grounds of that big house" she saiS;
trespass. but | am Interested in plant life
and the ferns here are very attractive"
II am sure Mr.. Glencoe would be pleased
to have you visit the place as often as you
wish,' returned, CALAMITY. l wondered
little that she fingered.
She drew her veil down closely.
. do you know If the owner Is married?"
she asked carelessly.
II understand that he was married many
years ago. His wife is insane-incurably-
"How sad = she muUmured, coldy She
bowed slightly and wishing me a pleasant
afternoons sport, she turned and passed out
All that afternoon my thoughts were of
her. Her high-bred dignity was incompati-
Bile with the fact that she fingered to talk in
a lonely wood with a stranger The beauty
of her patrician face and the fine carriage
Of her slender figure stood out before me.
the while wondered over the Incident of the
footprint in the mold of the wood.
Next day, on my way to the brook for an
other try at the fishing, l met her on the
highway.
she ended my conjectures by stopping
We spoke of the fine autumnal weather and
she threw back her veil. Her beautiful eyes
looked at me not quite frankly.
II must ask you not to mention to anyone
Ito Mr.. Glencoe-the fact of my trespass in
his woods" she said. 81 should not like him
to know. that, have so little regard for the
l noted the even pearl of her teeth.
II trust you will not think me so meddle-
Glencoe is too gallant to forbid a lady his
premises, should 1t please her to visit them.
Rest assured, shalt not mention it,"
THANK you. Please forget 1t, and l shall
be sure not to infringe again."
81 cannot promise to forget it,. l dared
to assure her, but shall not mention it"
passed on. 1 could not help wondering If she
came that way to meet me at the same time
recalled her worn look and the rings about
the dark eyes, seemingly from unrest or lack
While was musing and preparing for a
cast, the rustic Of dead grass behind d, me her
man In rough corduroys came down to where
stood
1Iow'dy !" he growled, surliy Fine day.
sir how's the luck p
at haven't begun / answered.
l rightly conjectured this to be the keeper
of the grounds; He certainly was an I'M
prepossessing fellow.
He stood watching me in silence for some
fine then he said: MFR. Glencoe said you
was 10 shave the run of the grounds, sir, but
wiaht. you'd tell me IL you seen woman
around here"
kno.p-I answered, pretending to think.
.swaHAyes, l did, too. That isl met
young lady just outside the gate. WhyF'
Wei, they's been a woman prowlin
around here for several days. Last night she
got clear to one OF the windows of the big
houses Theys been burglars round these
partS lately and my orders Is not TO have mo-
buddr tkviarkin' over Mr.. Glencoes grounds"
Hefshifted a wad Of tobacco TO the other
cheek and regarded me with snrly eye.
s'fU.eh we'll, my good man. we are certainly
SAFE from harm as far as this young lady is
concefned.-
: did not like the fellows grouchy air nor
his familiar manner. l turned my attention
strictly Ito fishing and in little while he
f.0NRt<4s : g. q -
The more I Thought about the mysterious