Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1907-11-14


the strain that bound her TO the weak
old man up yonder. There was Ne.
Namnra; but how could he help her,
how much did she know of him. this
man who was now within the darkest
shadow Of her new suspicious?
Feeling almost intolerably friendless
and alone, weakened both by her re-
cent fright and by her encounter With
Strive, Helen considered MS calmly az
her emotions would allow and decided
that this was no day in which pride
should figure. There were facts which
1t was imperative she should know,
and Immediately; therefore, Il few min
utes later. she knocked at the door Of
Cherry Malottc.
astonishcd to see that she had been
crying. Tears burn hottest and leave
plalnest trace in eyes where they come
most seldom. The younger girl could
not guess the tumut of emotion the
other had undergone during her abb
eence. the utter depths of self abasc-
mcnt she had fathomed, for the sight
had aroused in the adventures u very
tempest Of bitterness and Jealousy.
Whether Helen Chester were guilty or
innocent, how could Glenister hesitate
between them? Cherry had asked her
self. Now she stared at her visitor In
Hospitality and without sign.
"Will you let me come in?" Helen
q eli OIL ~ tn "
to YOU"
When they were inside, Cherry Ma
lotte stood and ga2cd at her visitor
with inscrutable eyes and stony face.
at isn't easy for me TO come buck"
Helen began, "but l felt that had to.
If you can help me, hope you will.
You said that you knew n great wrong
was being done. | have suspected it.
but | didn't know, and I've been afraid
to doubt my own people. You said |
had part in It that I'd betrayed my
friends. Wait a moment" she hurried
on, at the others cynical smile. won t
you tell ne what you know and what
you think my part has been? I've
heard and seen things that make me
think oh they make me afraid to
think and yet 7 can't find the truth
You see. in struggle Ike this, people
will make al sorts Of allegations. but
do they know. have they any proof,
that my uncle has done wrong"
as thar all?"
no. You said Struvo told you the
whole scheme | Went to him and
tried to caiolc the story ont of him.
but She shlycred at the memory
"What success did YOU have;' in
Quired the listener, oddly curious for
all her cold dislike.
Don't ask ne. ! hate to think Of
IT,"
Cherry laughed cruelty. $50 failing
there. you came back to me, back for
another favor from the waif. We'll,
Miss Helen Chester, | don't believe
word you've said and I'll tell you
nothing. Co back to the uncle and the
rawboncd lover who sent you, and in
form them that I'll speak when the
time comes. They think | know too
much, do they?-so they've sent You to
spy? Well III make n compact. You
play your game, and III play mine.
Leave Glcnister alone. and I'll not tell
on Mcnamara. Is it a bargainE'
mo, no, no. Can't you see; That's
not it. All | want is the truth of this
thing"
Then 90 back to Strive and got It.
He'll tell you; won't. Drive your bar
gain with him-you're able. You've
fooled better mcn-now, see what You
can do with him"
Helen left, realizing the futility Of
further effort, though she felt that this
woman did not really doubt her, but
was scourged by jealousy till she de-
liberately chose this attitude.
! Reaching her own house, she wrote
two brief notes and called in her Jap
/ boy from the kitchen.
"Fred | want you to hunt up Mr..
Glenister and give him this note If
partner and give the other to him
/ Fred vanished, to return in an hour
with the letter for DeXtry still in his
hand.
Il don catch dis fellcr." he explain
ed. Young mans say he gone, come
back mcbbc one. two. 'leven days"
did you deliver the one to Mr.. Glen
ister?'
lies, ma'am."
"Was there an answcr?"
lies. ma'am."
"Well, give 1t to me-"
| The note read.
| Dear Miss Chester-A discussion OF q
matter so familiar to US both as the Anvil
| creek controversy would be useless. If
! your inclination is due to the incidents OF
! last night. pray don't trouble yourself.
We don't want your pity. / am your serv-
| ant, ROY GLENISTER.
AS she read the note. Judge Stillman
entered, and it seemed to the girl that
he had aged year for every hour in
| the last twelve, OF else the yellow aft
ernoon light limned the sagginS hol-
lows and haggard lines OF his face
most pitlessly. He showed in voice
and manner the nervous burden under
which he labored
| "Alec has told me about your en-
gagemcnt, and it lifts terrible load
from me- I'm mighty glad you're going
to marry him. He's n wonderful man,
and he's the only one who can save
u.s."
What do you mean by that? What
are we in danger OFF, she inquired
avoiding discussion OF Mcnamara S
| announcement