The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1907-05-10

after all, this advantage of mine was
no small one. No wonder he grew rest
less under this revelation of secrets
which We're not secrets.
All" he said softly; and again. "Ah'
yes. that seems peculiar. Yet, perhaps,
if you had waited for a letter."
Suppose VIC had waited and there
had been no letter-suppose. in onse
auence OF waiting. we should be too
late"
Too latee Too late for what, Mis-
air Lester What is it you fear for
herr
I don. know" 1 answered: but
Notwithstanding. At last. we
could not assume the responsibility of
delay"
No he agreed: perhaps not. You
are doubtless quite right to investi-
gate. l wish you success-I wish that
l might myself aid you. there is SO
much of interest in the case to me;
but 1 fear that to be impossible. 1
must rest-1 who have so many affairs
calling me. so little desire to rest! Is
not the fate ironical?"
And lie breathed a sigh, which was
doubtless genuine enough.
Will you go to Paris?" 1 asked.
'rOh, no not at once. At Havre 1
shall meet my agent and transact my
affairs with him. Then 1 shall seek
some place OF quiet along the
coast"
Yes" 1 said to myself, with leap
ing heart. "Etretat!" But I dared not
speak the word.
81 shall write to YOU" he added,
when l nav settled. Where do you
stay at Paris?"
I'VE haven't decided yet" I said.
We" he repeated.
Didn't 1 tell you? Mr.. Royce, our
Junior partner, is with inches had a
breakdown in health. too, n needed
a rest"
1T is no matter where you stay"
he said; II shall write to o at the
poste r%estante. l should like both you
and our friend to be my guest before
you return to Amer-ric'."
There was a courtesy. a cordially in
his tone which almost disarmed me.
such a finished scoundrel! 1t seemed a
shame hat 1 couldn't be friends with
him, for l enjoyed him so thoroughly.
we shall be glad to accept" l an
swered. knowing in my heart that the
invitation would be made. You're
very kind" y
He wave his hand ~deprecatingly.
then let it fall upon the bed with a
gesture of WEAKNESS. l recognized the
sign of dismissal. 1 was ready to go;
hope to accomplish; If I had not al
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
me. 1 hope you will soon be BETTER"
and 1 closed the door behind me With
his murmered thanks in my ears.
1t was not until after dinner that 1
found opportunity to relate to Miss
Kendall the details of my talk with
Martigny. She listened quietly until l
had finished; then she looked at me
smilingly.
Why did o change your mind?"
THE adventure tempted me-those
are your own words. I thought perhaps
1 might De able to throw Martigny off
the track"
And do 0 think you sue
ceeded?"
Il don't know" 1 answered doubt
ooh, 1 don't believe him superhu-
man! 1 believe you succeeded"
w shall know tomorrow" I sug-
gested.
"Yes-and you must keep up the de-
member, he will be watching you. He
see you take the train for Ell
retat."
I'll dc my best" 1 said.
And don't make mountains out of
mole hills. You sec, you have been dis
trusting yourself needlessly. One
mustn't be too timid."
DO you think 1 am too timid?" I
demanded, eager instantly to prove the
contrary.
But She saw the light in my eyes,
l SUPPOSE. for she drew way. almost
imperceptibly.
'Only in some things" she retorted,
and silenced me.
The evening passed and the last day
came. We sighted land soon after
breakfast-the high white cliffs Of Cape
La Hague-vague at first, but slowly
lifting as we plowed OF into the bay
with the crowded roofs Of Havre far
ahead.
1 was standing at the rail beside
Miss Kemball, filled with the thoughts
of our imminent good-by, when she
urned to me suddenly.
'Don't forget Martigny," she
cautioned. wouldn't o better see
him again?"
Il thought I'd wait until we landed"
boat and see him we'll ava from the
station. He's too i'll to be very lively
on his feet. We shouldn't have any
trouble lodging him."
Yes; and be careful. He mustn't S
pect Etrctat. But look at that clump
Of houses, yonder-aren't they pictur-
esque?"
They were picturesque, with their
high red roofs and yellow gables and
striped awnings; yet, l didn't care to
look at them. l was glad to perceive
what a complicated business it was
getting our BOAT to the quay, for
was jealous Of every minute; but ii
was finally accomplished in the ex-
plosive French ann and after q
further short delay, the gang plank was
run out.
and now," said my companion, hold
ing out her hand, I'VE must say good
by"
Indeed, not" I protested. See. there
go your mother and Royce. They're
evidently expecting us to follow. Wei
have to help you with your baggage
"Our baggage goes through to Paris
we make our declarations there"
cat least. l must take you to the
train"
You are risking everything" she
cried. We can say goodbye here as
well as on the platform"
IT don't think So" 1 said.
II have already said goodbye to al
my other friends!"
but 1 refuse to be treated just like
| all the others" I started with hel