Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-02-16

story of the treasure, and promises them large
share in it. should it be found.
;" had not thought of that" said Dick sim
ply. Indeed. his mind was not at all occupied
just then with Won kerber's scheming.
So imagined And that is why stole out
of my tent and waited here. / was sure you
thing is our speedy return to the yacht. 1t is
the only possible course. My grandfather
never intended to gain his ends by armed force.
and Won Kerber is assuredly dreaming of that
at this moment
81 begin to see your point of view said he.
forcing himself to answer her words, though
his brain was weaving other phrases. Even if
l discover that Alferi is digging up those
parties that his success should be minimized"
Yes. yes!' she cried eagerly. That is my
meaning: do not care what happens. so long
as we all reach Pajura. Then let the Baron
and Mrs Haxton do as they choose. Even if
they wish to borrow Our money and goods and
chattels for the purpose of a second expedition.
shall be the first to support the idea"
g. You are not longing then for sight of the
Sheban wealth."
No; l hate every thought of it 1t is
bloodstained. Oh. Mr.. Royson, everything
now depends on you Please contrive matters
so that we shall travel to the coast without
delayl That is all. You understand me.
good by and Godspeed."
She moved a little apart. but Dicks left
hand caught her by the shoulder.
MO. Irene. it is not ALL" he whispered. Il
am going now. and l shall return to you,
God willing, within thirty-sx hours And be-
fore 60 l want to kiss your
He could feel the culver that shook her slen-
der form at the unexpectedness of it She ut
tered startled cry. and wondered if she had
heard Alright; but she yielded to the clasp of an
encircling arm; perhaps she lifted her face in
sheer amazement. Be that as it may. Dick
kissed her, not once, but many times
Heav ard Eaor,
hearth he said brokenly You know that l
love you. You have known it many a day:
but forced myself to be silent because l was
proud. Now my pride has given way to the
joy of whispering that love you Tomorrow
that stubborn pride of mine may rebuke me,
and say that had no right to take you to my
heart tonight; but tonight my love laughs
at all that idle pretense of money erecting
to me than life. and why should | not tell you
so! l wanted to meet you tonight, Irene.
l complained to the stars when did not see
you at parting. Now that you are here. find
myself at the gates of Paradise Yet you must
leave me now, dear one. Let me carry the
fragrance of your kiss on my lips until the
dawn. Then, in the chill of morning. when
cold reason chides me, l shall refuse to listen
to her; for shall remember that Irene kissed
me-"
The girl chung to him during blissful in
slant. "Oh!" she sighed, and "Oh!" again.
as though her heart was throbbing its life out.
me if loved you. King Dick!' With that she
glanced up at him. and placed both hands on
his shoulders.
mo-" he said. @ only asked you to kiss
me. shall ask for your love when may come
without reproach and ask you to be my wife"
Dick. she said with adorable shyness, cit
is not yet tomorrow"
He strained her to his breast. Their lips
met again rapturously. "Oh, my sweet" he
said. has ever man received more angelic
answer to a question that filled his heart with
longing throughout many days."
Yet you are leaving me, and of your own
accord
Irene, you too are proud. Would you have
me return now!"
No. l know now that Fate has chosen you
to decide Our fortunes Go, Dick: but come
back to me in safety, or my poor little heart
will break
Then, as though afraid of her own weakness.
she drew herself from his arms and hurried
away toward the camp. He stood motionless.
listening to her footsteps, and his soul sang
blithe canticles the while. At last. when
assured that she was within her tent, he picked
up the discarded burnoose, strobe to the wait
ing camels. and quickly the desert infolded
him and his dreams in its great silence.
To be continued Sunday