Forest City press. (Forest City, Potter County, D.T. [S.D.]) 1883-19??, 1907-05-16
The Holiday easel
eY BURTON e. STEVENSON. l.
-MEEEMMCo pyrght .lMs. by Henry Holt 6 Co GA=1$
az BURTON E. STEVENSON.
xEzMn Copyright. 1907. by Henry Holt & Co --n-


a touch of irony. that fail to compre-
bend your anxiety concerning her
felt that l had made a mis-step:
that j had need to go carefully.
1T Is not quite SO simple as that"
l explained. The last time we saw
Miss Holiday, she told us that she
Was i'll. and intended To go to her coun-
try home for Il rest. Instead Of going
there she sailed for France. without in
forming a~nyone-indeed. doing every
thing she could TO escape detection.
That conduct seems so eccentric that
we feel in duty bound to investigate
II. Besides. W days before she left
she received from us a hundred thou
sand dollars in cash"
| saw him uneasily on his bed:
after all. this advantage of mine was
no small one. No wonder he grew rest
less under this revelation of secrets
which were not secrets.
All" he said softly: and again. "Ah
yes. that seems peculiar. Yet. perhaps.
If YOU had waited for a letter.
Suppose we had waited and there
had been no letter-suppose, in conse-
quence of waiting. we should be too
late?"
Too latec Too late for what. Mis-
tair Lester: What is it you fear for
her."
Il don't know 1 answered: but
Notwithstanding. AT least, we
could not assume the responsibility Of
delay
No" he agreed: perhaps not. You
are doubtless quite right to investi-
! might myself aid you, there is so
much of interest in the ease to me;
but l e that to be impossible. 1
must rest-I Y no have so many affairs
calling me, so little desire to rest. L.
not the fate ironical%"
And lie breathed a sigh, which was
doubtless genuine enough.-
Will you go to Paris?" I asked.
"Oh. no; not at oncc. At Havre l
shall meet my agent and transact my
affairs with him. Then ! shall seek
some place of quiet along the
coast
Yes" 1 said to myself. with leap
speak the word.
"when l have settled. Where do you
stay at Paris"
We haven't decided yet" l said.
We" he repeated.
Didn't l tell you: Mr.. Royce, u
junior partner. is with inches had a
breakdown in health. too, and needed
a rest
lit is no matter where you stay"
he said: Il shall write to you at the
CoNC i AN IKE OOlLI YOU
and your friend 90 be my guest before
you return to Amer-rtc'."
There was a courtesy. a cordially in
his tone which almost disarmed me.
such a finished scoundrel! 1t seemed a
shame that 1 couldn't be friends with
him. for I enjoyed him SO thoroughly.
w shall be glad to accept" l an
swered. knowing in my heart that the
invitation would lever be made. You're
very kind"
He waved his hand deprecatingly,
then let 1t fall upon the bed with a
gesture of Heariness. l recognized the
sign of dismissal. l was ready to go;
| had accomplished all that 1 could
hope to accomplish; If l had not all
ready disarmed his suspicious, l could
never do so.
Il am firing you 4 said. starting
up. How thoughtless of me-"
NO" he protested; no." but his
voice was almost inaudible.
Il will co." 1 said. You must pardon
and closed the door behind me with
his murmered hanks in my ears.
II was not until after dinner that l
found opportunity to relate to Miss
Isemball the details of my talk with
M%artigny. She listened quietly until 1
had finished; then she looked at me
why did you change your mind?"
she asked.
The adventure tempted me-those
arc your W words. l thought perhaps
might be able to throw Martigny Off
the track"
And do you think you sue
ceeded?"
Il don't know" I were doubt
fully. nc may have seen olear through
me-"
"Oh, l Cont believe him superhu-
man: believe O succeeded"
We Shall know tomorrow sug-
gested.
"Yes-ond you must keep up the de-
ception until the last moment. Re-
member. he will be watching you. He
mustn't see you take the train for Ell
retat."
I'll do my best" l said.
Ana don't make mountains out of
mole hills. You see, you have been dis
trusting yourself needlessly. One
mustn't be too timid."
DO you think I am too timid?" l
demanded. eager instantly to prove the
contrary.
But she saw the light in my eyes,
! "oo for she drew away, almost
imperceptibly.
Only in some things" she retorted.
n siienced me.
The evening passed and the last day
came. We sighted land soon after
Dreakfast-the high white cliffs Of Cape
La Hague-vague at first. but slowly
litting as we pl0wed on into the bay
with the crowded roofs Of Havre far
ahead.
was standing at the rail beside
Miss Kendall. filled with the thoughts
OF our imminent good-by, when she
turned to me suddenly.
cautioned. wouldn't you better see
him again." -
Il thought I'd wait until we landed
! said. then I can help him on the
boat and see him well away from the
station. He's too Ill to be very lively
on his feet. Wa shouldn't have anw