The Delta independent. [volume] (Delta, Colo.) 1886-19??, 1907-10-11

tention was a grave matter, a. we all
realized, and made imperative the I'M
mediate consideration OF Larry's fu-
ture.
81 must go-and go at once!" de-
clared Larry.
"Mr. Donovan. I should feel honored
to have you remain" said my grand
father. 81 hope to hold Jack here, and
| wish you would share the house with
u.s."
"The sheriff and those fellows won't
squeal very hard about their perform
ances here" said Stoddard. And they
won't try to rescue the prisoner, even
for a reward from a house where the
dead come back to life"
mo: but you can't hold a British
prisoner in an American private house
forever. Too many people know he
has been in this part Of the country;
and you may be sure that the fight
here and the return OF Mr.. Glenarm
will not fail OF large advertisement.
All can ask OF you. Mr.. Glenarm. is
that you detain the fellow few hours
after leave, to give me a start"
After late luncheon.-for which
the amazing Bates produced cham
pagne-the others left us-Stoddard to
help Larry get his things together
and my grandfather and ! talked for
an hour.
you will stay on here.-yon will
help me to finish the house?" the old
gentleman asked with unmistakable
eagerness of look and tone.
IT seemed harsh and ungenerous to
tell him that l wished to go: that the
great world lay beyond the confines
of Glenarm for me to conquer; that
had lost as well as gained by those
few months at Glenarm House, and
wished to so away. It was not the
mystery. now fathomed,-nor the
struggle. now ended-that was upper
most in my mind and heart. but mem
cries OF girl who had Knocked me
with delicious glrlish laughter.-who
had lured me away from the Indiana
woodlands that might see her trans
formed into another more charming
being, only to shat er my faith at the
end. 1t was comfort to know that
Pickering. trapped and defeated, was
not TO benefit b. the bold trick sne had
helped him play upon me. HIS Loss
was hers as we'll and I was glad In my
bitterness that I had found her in the
passage seeking for plunder at the be-.
hest OF the same master whom Nor.
gan. Ferguson aud the rest Of them
served. did not mention her TO my
grandfather; I resolved never 70 think
or speak Of ner again.
Tho fsht was over and there was
nothing more for me to do In the house
by the lake. After . week or 20
should go forth and try to win place
for myself. had my profession: I
ton that should be able to md EN-.
ployment. As for my grandfather,
Bates would care for him. and should
visit him often. ! was resolved not
to give him any further cause for anx.
iety on account of my adventurous
and rowing ways. He knew yell
enough that his old hope Of making an
architect Of me was lost forever: and
now wished to depart in peace and
seek some part Of the world where the
trails were new and there were tracks
to lay and bridges to build.
These thoughts SO filled my mind
that forgot that my grandfather was
patiently waiting for an answer.
Il should like to do anything you
ask; should like to stay here always,
but can't. Don't misunderstood me.
have no intention Of going back to
my old ways. squandered enough
money in my wanderings. and had
my joy Of that kind Of thing. shall
find employment somewhere and 20
to work"
But, Jack."-he bent toward me
kindly,-"Jack. you mustn't be led
away by any mere Quixotism into lay.
ing the foundation of your own for.
tune. What I have is yours. boy.
What is in the box in the chimney II
yours now-to-day."
Il wish you wouldn't! You were al.
ways too kind. and deserve nothing.
absolutely nothing"
I'm not trying to pay you. Jack.
want to ease my own conscience.
that's ALL"
But money can do nothing for
mine" replied. trying to smile. I've
been reckless spendthrift all my
days, and now I'm going to work. II
you were infirm and needed me,
should not hesitate, but the world
will have It's eyes on me now"
Jack. that will OF mine did you q
great wrong: 1t put mark upon you.
and that's what hurts me: that's what
l want to make amends for! Don't
you see? Now don't punish me, boy.
Come! Let us be friends!"
He rose and put out his hands.
II didn't mean that! don't care
about that! 1t was nothing more than
/ deserved. These months here have
changed me. Haven't you heard mo
isay was going to workT