The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1907-02-20
CHAPTER XIV.
Continued

CHAPTER XIV. is
Continued
ST cannot understand it at all. If
/ had a secret like that upon my
mind I should be miserable. I should
not be able to think of or take an
interest in anything else, whereas
you and-Winyard-were as innocent
as lambs. You took an interest in
the theatricals, in the trivial details
of everyday existence. 1t makes one
feel like a child to whom the nurse
talks upon topics likely to amuse,
and never thinks of what she is say
ing"
Before Colonel Wright had time to
reply, the door was thrown open by
the square-shouldered butler, and
Laurance Lowe entered the room,
closely followed by Charles Mistley.
I'VE met on the doorstep" said
the younger man; while his compan-
ion silently shook hands with Colonel
and Mrs. Wright, and kissed Lena.
Early visit" added Laurance
Lowe, by way of apology.
Il am glad you have come" said
the colonel, g~enially. II have heard
from VINEYARD at last"
Then he rose and handed the letter
to Charlie. The young sailor took
the paper and walked to the window.
Excuse me-" he said, with a grave
smile toward Mrs. Wright before he
unfolded it. Leaning against the
woodwork of the window, he read the
letter through slowly and deliberate.
ly. Then he came forward and gave
it back to the colonel, with a word of
thanks.
Before handing it to Laurance
Lowe, the old soldier unfolded the
paper and examined it critically;
then, looking up suddenly at Charlie,
he said:
cit is such men as this who leave
their mark upon the generation"
Charlie smiled in his lazy, grave
way.
YES" he replied; 1.-The energetic
ones"
Laurance Lowe was holding out
his hand for the letter, patiently and
without any show of curiosity. AS
previously limited, he was essentially
an Unconditional being, never display
ing curiosity or surprise.
Colonel" said Charlie, II have
brought you the new sheet-map I
promised sto procure you. 1t is a
large affair, sc I gave it to Jarvis to
take into your study"
"Thanks-mary thanks!"
and" continued the young sailer,
"and-I have come to say goodbye"
Laurance Lowe slowly raised his
eyes. They rested on Charles Mist
ley long enough to notice that the
young fellow carefully avoided meet
ing Lena's quick glance, and instant
ly turned away again.
"Good-bye?" echoed Lena. Sure
~ you are not going away now"
YES" replied Charlie, quietly. II
have been appointed to the Curlew,
on the Mediterranean station"
Mrs. Wright had risen, and was
standing at the window with her back
toward them. She turned her head.
81 shall be very sorry to lose you,
Charlie" she said, softly.
Lena said nothing. She was en-
gagged in administering small pieces
of toast to Adonis. Sch could not be
expected to express surprise, as
Charles Mistley had foreseen this ap-
pointment, and had spoken of it fire.
quently.
Presently the gentlemen adjourned
to the study to smoke cigarettes and
inspect the new map. When it was
spread out on the table, the colonel
took a pen and made a little cross
over the word Moscow" writing un-
derneath it the date of VINEYARD Mist
ley's letter. With dotted lines he
followed the track Of the railway to
Mini Novgorod: and then, turning
south, traced the broad flow Of the
Volga. Carefully he portioned off
each day with O line drawn horizon
tally.
AS the mariner traces his course
upon the chart, so Colonel Wright
continued, in the months that. fol-
lowed, to make this imaginary track
across Russia. Down the Volga to
Astrakhan, by road from Astrakhan
to Petroysk, and from thence across
the Caspian Sea to Krasnovodsk.
Each days journey was portioned
off scientifically, each day the little
dotted line advanced further into the
unknown East.
The old traveller neve spoke much
to his wife or daughter concerning
this map, doubtless considering it a
detail of his profession necessarily Of
small interest to ladies. He was not
aware that day by day a fair young
face was bent over the gray paper,
and a dainty finger followed with
absorbing interest the growth Of the
black line.
CHAPTER XIV.
A Strange Message.