The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1907-01-17

Chllcote. half halting In the door
way, made an attempt to laugh. Of
the two he was noticeably the more
embarrassed In LOder's we'll worn,
well brushed tweed suit he felt strand
ed on his own personality, bereft for
the moment Of the familiar accessories
that helped to cloak deficiencies and
keep the wheel Of conventionality COM
fortably rolling. He stood unpleasant
~ conscious Of himself, unable to
shape his sensations even in thought
He glanced at the fire, at the table,
finally at the chair on which he had
thrown his overcoat before entering
the bedroom. At the sight Of the coat
his gaze frightened, the aimlessness
forsook him, and he gave an exclama-
ton of relief.
by JoveH' he said. II clean for
got"
"What?" Loder looked round.
"The rings" He crossed to the coat
and thrust his hand into the pocket.
1.-The duplicates arrived only this after
noon-the nick of time, eh?' He spoke
fast, his fingers searching busily. o.
cupation Of any kind came as boon.
Loder slowly followed him, and as
the box was brought to light he leaned
forward interestedly.
GAS told you, one is the copy of an
old signet ring, the other plain band
"a plain gold band like a wedding
ring" Chilcote laughed as he placed
the four rings side by side on his
palm. II could think Of nothing else
that would be wide and not ostenta-
tious. You know how I detest dis
play
Loder touched the rings. "You have
good TASTE" he said. Lets see if
they serve their purpose" He picked
them up and carried them to the lamp.
Chilcote followed him. THAT was
an ugly wound" he said, his curiosity
reawakening as Loder extended his
finger. How did you come by it?"
The other smiled. cts a memento,"
he said
"Of bravery"
mo; quite the reverse He looked
again at his hand, then glanced back
at Chilcote. NO." he repeated, with
an unusual impulse of confidence 1T
serves to remind me that am not ex-
empt-that I have been fooled like
other men,
'That implies woman?'
eyes" Again Loder looked at the
scar on his finger. II seldom recall the
thing, it's so absolutely past But l
rather like to remember it tonight. I
rather want you to know that I've been
through the fire. It's sort of guaran-
tee.''
Chilcote made hasty gesture, but
the other interrupted it.
''Oh, know you trust me. But you're
giving me risky post I want you to
see that women are out Of my line
quite out Of it,"
But my dear chap
LOder went on without needing.
This thing happened eight years ago
at Santasalare," he said, "a little place
between Luna and Pistoria-a mere
handful Of houses wedged between two
hills; regular relic Of old Italy crum-
bling away under flowers and sunshine,
with nothing to suggest the present
century except the occasional passing
Of train round the base of one Of the
hills. had literally stumbled upon the
place on a long tramp south from
Switzerland and had been tempted into
stay at the little inn The night after
my arrival something unusual occur
red. There was an accident to the
train at the point where it skirted the
village.
There was small excitement. All
the inhabitants were anxious to help.
and I took my share AS matter of
fact. the smash was not disastrous:
the passengers were hurt and fright
ened, but nobody was killed."
He paused and looked at his compan-
ion: but, seeing him interested, went
on.
among these passengers was an
English lady. OF all concerned in the
business, she was the least upset. When
l came upon her she was sitting on the
shattered door Of one Of the carriages
calmly arranging her hat On seeing
me she looked up with the most charm
ing smile imaginable.
I have just been waiting for some
body like you,' she said. MY stupid
maid has got herself smashed up some
where in the second class carriages,
and have nobody to help me find my
dog
"Of course, that first speech ought to
have enlightened me, but it didn't. I
only saw the smile and heard the voice.
l knew nothing of whether they were
deep or shallow. So found the maid
and found the dog. The first expressed
gratitude, the other didn't. I extricat-
ed him with enormous difficulty from
the wreck Of the luggage van. and this
was now ne marked his appreciation"
he held out his hand and nodded to-
ward the scar.
Chilcote glanced up. $50 that's the
explanation?"
eyes. I tried to conceal the thing
when I restored the dog, but was