Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-07-30
THE SQUAW MAN
sUIiE FAVERsHAL
Copyright By Hap 4 BoJ

sought refuge In the rose-arbor HID
den completely. she gave herself up
to the relaxation of her sorrow.
, Finally. spent with her tears. she leaned
against the damp foliage of the rose screen
and an aftermath of calm followed her out
burst. Suddenly she became conscious that
Sir John Appleyate and Mr.. Chiswick vera
crossing to a bench near the sun dial.
My dear Chswick," her cousin John was
saying. I'm greatly distressed. I've been
Obliged to ask you TO give me few mo-
ments here, and, indeed. I've asked Lady
ElizSbeth-as Kerhill seemed so Ill today
to join us here"
Diana could distinctly hear every word
but with her tear stained face Il was Inn
possible for her TO make known her pres
ence
You see, Chiswick." Sir John continued.
"l~presume that Lord Kerhilrs secre-
tary you had his accounts in such shape
that We could go over them at a moments
notice. When the keys were sent to me this
evening l gave an hour IN CHANGING over
the accounts before meeting the auditing
committee tomorrow: as I've just told you.
they seemed in frightful tangle. and"
But, as l explained a moment ago. Sir
john, Chfswick interrupted Il really know
nothing about the fund. II was a pleasure
Tor the earl to do all the work-a labor OF
love-and he took the matter quite out OF
my hands. Captain Wynnegate. as secre-
tary of the fund. and Lord Kerhil have had
absolute control OF the business side OF It."
What you tell ME amazes me; but no
doubt there is an explanation which We will
have from kerhill later
An intangible presentment began to
fasten Its web about Diana Lady Eliza
beth came from the house: both men arose.
and Diana watched eagerly.
Lady Elizabeth. believe me, I'm exceed
fngly sorry TO trouble you, but" then
Sir John Applegate quite brusquely said:
I've had the books for the funds ac-
counts. and there is, I'm afraid trouble
ahead for our Yeomanry Lord Kerhill
seems Ill from overwork with the troops,
SO I've hesitated to trouble him tonight
Lady Eliza beth's brows contracted; so IL
had come so soon. She must act at once
why not? Jim had agreed; perhaps he had
already gone-everything was at stake-one
small misstep might prove fatal-how far
dared she venture?
What you tell me comes to me as no
great surprise" she said. Both men drew
nearer to her; Diana strained to hear the
low words. The cause of Kerhilrs indis-
position this afternoon was due to this
sudden discovery on his part. Need | say,
| as Captain Wynnegate had charge OF the
books, what It means to Henry? He and
his cousin are alone responsible, my son
feels that the honor of our house is involv-
ed. Tomorrow he intended to lay the case
before YOU he WILL L only ask that tonight
you will keep the matter quiet until our
guests have departed. Perhaps. after all.
an investigation will prove quite satisfac-
tory and the shortage may be adjusted"
She spoke more directly to Sir John; CHS
wick, after all. could do little harm. In
deed feel 1t is in all probability a mistake.
the result of overtired nerves" Sir John
beth. Countess of Kerhill: seriously he
answered:
Il feel anxious, but you may rely abso-
lutely on me. In the morning I must see
Henry-will you tell him to meet me with
Captain Wynnegate? The matter must be
laid before the committee: there may be a
leakage In some out-of-the-way corner of
another department" Lady Elizabeth &C
quiesced. Sir John went on: II could only
find confusion in the books; consequently
feel we need not be too seriously alarmed.
Lady Elizabeth shook her head. Into both
the mems faces came a look OF curious sur
prise.
He has not been seen the entire day.
save for a little while quite early in his
tent" Diana could feel the condemna ton
In the silence that followed
Mr.. Chiswick. Mr.. Chiswick." 1t was
Mabers voice calling from the open case
ment. You promised to come back for the
charades."
Yes. you must both return-they will need
you. And, after all, Lady Elizabeth whis-
pered as they started for the house, I'VE
have no doubt been anticipating difficulties
that do not exist"
The voices died away and Diana left the
rose bower. She had but one thought-she
must find Jim at once Why, oh why. had
she written the note of the morning? She
stumbled across the heavy, thick sward.
In the distance she could see "a figure: IL
looked like Jim's He was coming from the
Fairies Corner over the green to the en-
trance which in the morning had let her
out onto the purple moor. Quickly she hur-
ried to him. staining her gown and deli
cate slippers In the wet grass.
.Jim JIM" she called. where are you
going?" AS he turned she came close to
him and repeated her question.
I'm taking your advice. Diana; I'm leav-
ing England"
ooh no, no." she eagerly interrupted; IT
thought so, but now you must stay-stay to
protect your honor. I've just heard that
the fund-oh, It's not you, / know, Jim,
It's not you-not you-you couldn't be"
Her despairing cry stopped. Etill he made
no effort to comfort her
Finally he said: Il must CO.
What did 1t mean? That he should go
after the revelation she had made to him
she understood that: but now with his hon.
or at stake 1t was different. Into her mind
there flashed an unanswerable suspicion.
Was there some reason why he had
eagerly acceded to her request; that even
now. when she asked him to remain, he
still stood mute at her entreaties?
whether you go or stay. Jim, l do not
expect ever to see you alone again. and I'm
glad of this chance to bid you good bye
forever. can never. never believe that you
are-Jim, II your hands are clean. IL you
haven't robbed the soldiers widows and
orphans. you may kiss me goodbye"
Into his eyes came the desire of his love
she had seen II in the early morning In
the Fairies Corner. This time she did not
move; but Jim only bent low over the out
stretched arms he answered, Il must
CO." and went away from her.
The circle of his boyhood was complete
Again he went along the same lane that he
had travelled ten years before; again the des-
olatIon brought by his departure from his
home. his country. hurt and bruised spirit
Instead of the dawn, 1t was midnight with
clouds sweeping sinsterly over the light Of
the heavens, and instead OF boys opti-
mism he carried mans disiliusions.
From the park the light OF the tent fires
sent out flames that illumed the roadway
the swaying and 'rustling of the heavy trees
made whispering sounds. Once at a turn
Ing he heard boys voice in the camp
ringing out high above the moaning of the
trees:
cart and and.
You're a credit to your country and to all your
native land
He clutched his arms about his head to
deaden the sound and hurried on out into
the roadway, stumbling and half falling
over the gnarled roots of the ancient trees.
(To be Continued Tomorrow