Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-04-24
CHAPTER TX.
Allardyce Acts Very Clumsily.


Gerald Meggs stood alone in the dark
ness under the roof-like branches OF the
thick forest. His ears we're deaf to its
night noises and he could see nothing.
His back was toward the biyouac he had
come from.
His hands were clenched. his head bent,
his features working. Leaning against
an invisible tree trunk he let his forehead
fall in the crook of his elbow and gave
vent to stifed groan. And thus he
stayed for a time. motionless. making no
further sound. though his brow was Wet
with the stress he was suffering. lighting
the fiercest temptation he would ever
face. The devil behind his shoulder was
DINING into his ears the devilish axiom
that "All's fair In love and war" and
better men than Gerald Meggs have sue
| cumbed to such teaching.
When he returned to the camp fire the
other two were still sitting there. silent,
staring into the embers Ailardyce
| looked up at him. but dropped his eyes
instantly. Meggs sat down in the shadow
and spoke as steadily as he could
Phil he said, II didn't know that you
had any understanding with Beatriz
Ybarra. I didn't know she belonged TO
this part Of the world. I thought she
was an American She told me her home
was in Washington"
| Corbyn turned toward him in quick sur
prise. and their glances crossed for a
moment. but Meggs went on before the
other could utter a word.
1T was she whom I asked to marry
| me. Phil. II didn't know you see and
1t cut deep at first to find out that you're
the other man. But I want TO shake
hands with you now, and-and wish you
luck II want to stand in with you. IL
! you'll let me-"
His voice shook ever so slightly as he
made remuneration for his frieni'S sake
OF his dearest dream. Of the fighting
chance there was left to win even at the
eleventh hour the woman who was all
the world held for him. He had the men
and the money to succor her, and so for
ward his suit at a moment when II could
not but be heard with much In his favor
moment when his rival was almost out
OF the running. In his simple code OF
| honor he had found no room for the
theory that alls fair in either love or
war. Gerald Meggs was a modern young
man and no great philosopher. but what
ne DID ne would do with clean hands.
| whether in war or love. .~>-
Corbyn had risen In his establishment.
He could surmtse how much It must have
cost Meggs to come to such q conclusion.
and was at first bewildered by his mag
nanimity. All he could ask for himself
was just that same fighting chance his
| friend was willing to sacrifice. He did
not know that, had he been in Meggs'
| place. he could have brought himself to
give 1t up. and. when he realised the ex-
tent of the others generosity, he could
scarce find words with which to express
| his feelings. 49,
Jerry" he said. wringing the hand
held out to him, you're a better man
her sake that must do the best can,
and-l know you'll bear me no grudge.''
They separated. somewhat shamefaced-
ly after the Anglo-Saxon manner when
any emotion shows on the surface, and
Allardyce also rose. He clappeds .ldeEgs
! over the shoulder. -f -
You're a good little chap. Jerry" he
remarked. You and will have just as
much fun and fewer responsibilities the
way you've fixed It," -s-
You've never seen. her. Allardyce.
poor Meggs returned impulsively, and
kicked a. flaming log aside so that the fire
died down. Then he heaved a deep Sigh,
unashamed, filled his pipe. and sat down
, again.
-'Corbyn," he said, more calmly, I'm
at your orders. All I ask Is that you'll
take over command of the men, You
know the country, and-rn explain to
them"
Corbyn sighed, too.
Il can't afford to employ men, Jerry"
he answered, vexedly. II wish I could
buff wishes were horses beggars would
ride
L didn't think you would have said
that to me-" said Meggs. in a hurt tone.
Am not to be allowed to help, not only
you, but her? Surely you're not going to
let any silly scruples of that sort stand
between her and safety. II you are. I
tell you fatty that I'll go on myself till I
see her out OF this cursed country. I've
far more money than 1 know what to do
with. and-that's what's the matter with
me. Make up your mind in a hurry.
We've got to march in ten minutes IL We
want to cross the pass tonight"
You must let Jerry chip in, old chap
AHardyce agreed, and Meggs nodded
get Miss Ybarra clear of that savage.s
clutch. You can't afford any personal
scruples at present. Call up the men.
Jerry, and let's find out how many We
can count on"
(To be continued tomorrow