Evening star., 1908-01-19

GXS2SI7t2W stiffness found a menace,
GSM%9ISSSl) hint of some subtle, hidden treach-
IHNS6NE1DM cry. Every man of them felt
IleNseS&AITy| this. None, apparently, was able
NS&CGESS to thrust aside it's sinister sugges-
ton tense atmosphere of
pense hung thick about them As they talked in low
voices, they huddled closely together. utterly
mindful of the oppressive heat. The continued
absence of the scouts who were reconnotering to
find way of escape nerve racking
The Captain and the Lieutenant sat some dis
tance apart from the rest on the platform which had
been used for the altar They were, it seemed.
the only in the place who had managed to retain
their customary poise of manner. Face to face with
grave danger WITH perhaps almost certain death.
they cool and calm ever quite content
to remain together waiting for it in the frank silence
of firm friendship.
This strange friendship had always puzzled the
men who followed them. Never two men more
dissimilar. Lieutenant Browning was young, alert,
impulsive, boy who seemingly without effort
the hearts of all who knew him; Captain Ransome.
on the other hand cold and austere, a grim and
silent whose colorlesS face seemed always
shrouded behind mask of impenetrable melancholy.
No one had ever his bloodless lips curve in a
smile Until he and Browning had met at Samar,
one had ever known him to have friend.
Nevertheless, from their first meeting had
been on Browning'S arrival from Manila whence ne
had to join Ransome's company-they had
been friends, not in the perfunctory sense of two
who thrown in contact with each other by
circumstances but with the intimacy of
mutual regard and affection. Browning, it seemed
the only person who had ever found the way to
Ransomes cold heart. the only who had ever
blue. deep set eyes. 1t in them now, as he
glanced at the boys face He had suddenly remem-
bered how from the first they had shared everything,
until at last, it seemed they to meet death
together.
For long time the silence continued between the
two, while Ransome gazed down at the boy who.
lying full length on his back staring above into
the dim shadows that clustered beneath the vaulted
roof. At last he spoke
will you find it hard to meet this death. Harry"
he asked in cold even voice There was no trace
@ n OF
Browning stirred and turned his eyes toward him.
YES, he answered simply enough
smile SO faint that after all not smile at
ALL but rather vague expression of contempt.
rested for instant on the others face. You
afraid?" he asked, mild wonder in his tone.
Once again the other staring up at the roof.
mot for myself, There resentment at the
others question in his slow voice" not for myself
but you see there is girl'-He paused for just a
he revealed that he felt the dread of his position
all and then added, at home"
Oddly enough, it was the first confidence of ten
der intimate nature that had been exchanged be-
tween the two men. Both realized this at the same
instant, and the realization brought them suddenly
closer to each other. Of the two it was Ransome
who seemed the more affected. He leaned toward
the other, faint tinge of color on his pale cheeks
"A girl at home" he echoed, and paused. He
meant apparently to say something more. Possibly
he intended to match confidence for confidence; but
he found no opportunity to do for before he had
time to speak again, Browning who still stared at
the ceiling above him, said:
It's the thought of leaving her alone that hurts"
Ransome had suddenly stopped before him and
rescued piece of paper from the floor which now
he idly twisted in his long fingers. eying it mean
while with curious intentness. Yes, he said II
understand that
1--we never spoken to you of her." Browning
continued, for the first time shade of embarrass-
ment creeping into his voice; but, if you don't
mind should like to tonight
Il should like to have YOU" the other returned
gravely, and then with certain curious shyness he
asked, {" You are engaged to herr"
A sudden shadow flew Brownings boysh
face and fingered in his dark bright eyes No" he
replied, and then after moments hesitation he
proceeded his embarrassment meanwhile increasing