The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1907-05-16

long as you were I'D blShl. TCShon
always will when git the chance, too
only shows what human nature is. But
that wasn't all that folks were starin'
at today. 1t was your walkin' with
Joe Louden that really finished 'em,
and can say it upset me more than
anything I've seen for good many
years" !
Upset you. Mr.. Arp?" she cried. F'F
don't quite see."
The old man shook bis head deplor-
ingly. After what I'd written you
about that boy
"Ah." she said softly. touching his.
sleeve with her fingers. II haven't
thanked s6u for that"
You needn't" he returned sharply.
1T was pleasure. Do you remember
how easy and quick promised you"
81 remember that you were very
kind"
"kindw He gave forth an acid and
chilling laugh. ut was about two
months after Louden ran away and be-
fore you and Roger left Canaan, and
you asked me to promise to write to
you whenever word of that outcast
came
II didn't put 1t so, Mr.. Arp"
mo, but you'd ought Of! You asked
me to write you whatever news Of him
should come, and II he came back to
tell you how and when and all about II.
And did 1t and kept you sharp on his
record ever since he landed here again.
Do you know why I've done It? Do
you know why promised so quick and
easy would do itY'
'Out Of kindness of your heart
think"
The acid laugh was repeated. mo,
ma'am! You couldn't Of guessed cold
er. promised, and kept my promise
because knew there would never be
anything good to tell. And there never
was!'
Nothing at all2" she insisted grave
ly.
Never! l leave 1t to you II I've writ
ten one good word Of him."
you've written Of the treatment he
has received here" she began, and
I've been able to see what be has borne
and bears"
'But have written one word to-
show that he didn't deserve It allf:
Haven't / told you everything, OF his
associates, his"-
Indeed you have"
"Then do you wonder that I was
more surprised than most when ! saw
you walking with him today? Because
knew you did 1t in cold blood and
knowledge aforethought! Other folks
thought it was because you hadn't BEEN
here long enough to hear his reputa.
ton, but knew"
"Tell pe," she said, "if you were dis
appointed when you saw me with
him"
YES" he snapped. Il was"
.I thought so. I saw the consterna-
ton 10 your face. You approved.
didn't you"
"I don't know what you're talking
about"
ayes, you do. know it bothers you
to have me read you between the lines,
but for this once you must let me.
You are 80 consistent that you are
never disappointed when things turn
out badly or people are wicked or
foolish, are your"
mo, certainly not l expect It"
"And you were disappointed in me-
today. Therefore, 1t must be that
was doing something you knew was
right and good. You see" She lean
ed a little closer to him, smiling an
gelically. "Ah, Mr.. Arp" she cried.
I know your secret! You admire
mey'
He rose, confused and incoherent as
full Of denial as detected pickpocket.
81 don't! Me admire? What? It's an
ornery world" he protested. II don't
admire any human that ever lived!
"Yes, you do" she persisted. I've
lust proved It. But that Is the least Of
your secret. The great thing Is this
you admire Mr.. Louden!'
II never heard such nonsense" he
continued to protest, at the same time
moving down the walk toward. the
gate, leaning heavily on his stick.
"Nothin' of the kind. There amt any
logic to that kind Of an argument nor
no reason"
"You see, understand your she
called after him. "I'm sorry you 60
away in the bitterness Of being found
out" a
Found outr' bis stick ceased for q
moment to tap the cement. "Poohp'
he CALCULATED uneasily. There was q
pause, followed by malevolent
chuckle. "At any rate" he said, With
Joy in the afterthought, you'll never
20 walkin' with him again"
he waited for the answer, which
came, after a time, sadly. Perhaps
you are right. Perhaps shall not"
"Ha, thought so! Good night"
"Good night, Mr.. Arp"
She turned toward the lighted house.