Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-08-27

soon after the first of March to fake
up their residence in New York city.
Mother wants to be a soldiers
widow-on parole shifted Ethel, al
most audibly enough for her fathers
ears.
Mrs. Hardin at once informed Jane
that she was expected TO return with
them. She demurred at first. purely
for the sake of appearances, but in the
end agreed to tender her resignation to
the Red Cross society. The knowledge
that Graydon Bansemers discharge
was soon forthcoming ard that he in
tended to return 10 America in the
spring had more to do with this deci-
sion than she was willing to admit.
She therefore announced her ambition
to become a trained nurse and gave no
heed to Mrs. Harbin's insinuating
smile.
Letters of late from Mrs. Gable had
been urging her to return TO Chicago
David Cable was far from we'll, break
ing fast, and he was wearing out his
heart in silent longing for her return.
He wrote to her himself that he ex-
pected TO retire from active business
early in the year and that his time and
fortune from that day on would be de-
voted to his family. He held out at
tractive visions of travel, of residence
abroad, of endless pleasure which they
conld enjoy together.
Jane had written to them that she
would not live in Chicago-any place
else i'll the world. she said-and they
understood. There was no word of
james Bansemer in all these letters.
She was always daughter to them. and
they were father and mother.
Graydon Bansemer one day received
three letters, all from Chicago. He
knew the handwriting on the envelope
of each. Three men had written Ia
! him-his father, Elias broom and Rig
by. A dark scowl came over his face
rs he looked at the Rigby envelope. II
was the first letter that he opened and
| read. Jane was sitting near by watch
ing the expression on his face.
Its from Rigby." he said as he
finished.
what does he say" she asked anx
iously.
HE says he is my devoted friend
for llfe." replied Graydon bitterly. 81
cannot forget, though, Jane. He is MOI
the sort of friend | want
"He thought it was for the best
Graydon.'
Eyes. and he may have thought II,
was my friend too. This letter says as
much. But | like an enemy better
dear. You know what to expect of al
enemy at all times. Here's one from
Elias Droom-old Elias Droon
scrawled a few words of cheer TO tn,
young soldier. urging him not to re
enlist, but to come home at the end 81
his two years. He inclosed a lette
from Mr.. Clegg, in which that gentle
man promised to put GraYdon il
charge of their New York Office if h
would take the place. This news sen
his spirits bounding. Tears of CRATE
fulness he never expected to fee
sprang TO his eyes, James happines
was reflection of lis own.
james Bansemers letter was not rea
aloud TO Jane. When he had finishe
the perusal of the long epistle he fold
ed it and stuck ii away III his pocker
His eyes seemed a BIT wistful and hi
face drawn. but there was no word t
let her know what had been written b
the man who had denounced her.
lie is we'll was all he said. Fl
did not tell her that his father ha
urged him TO go into business in til
Philippines, saying that he would pre-
vide ample means with which to begi
and carry on any enterprise he care
to exploit. One paragraph cut Graydo
to the quick:
"Td advise you to steer clear of Oh
cago. If they don't kill you in the Phi
ippines you're better off there. The
hate us here"