Rogue River courier. (Grants Pass, Or.) 1886-1927, 1908-03-20

He would palter with the truth no
longer. No! He would speak at once
and get the worst part Of It over.
Then he would be free-free from his
own conscience-and she would be
hopelessly and forever lost to him.
Well, he couldn't help II; his heart
would break. but II had to be done.
whatever the consequences to himself
and the heart aforesaid.
Fully determined-so he thought-on
this desperate course. he volunteered
to drive Mr.. Renwyck to the station In
the trap. They would start early and
drive slowly. There would be time
He would tell the old shark all and
defy him to wreck Bill Williams with
any underhand scheme He would
claim to have come TO Irvington for
the very purpose OF unearthing the con-
splrators. He would join forces with
his dad and fight Jacob Renwyck in
the open. iinging aside discretion. love
II was hard to think all this. and II
would be harder still to say II. As he
considered II the pendulum OF his
thoughts swung to the other extreme.
Could he lay love aside1 How sweet
she looked In her simple morning gown
over which some artist OF dress Gre
alton had labored days to produce that
effect OF artless innocence had he but
known it-as she smiled and pass
ed him those delicious rolls. as II It
were breakfast food he lacked. He
wanted her more than anything else
on earth. She was worth a thousand
hsrbor companies. His dad would un-
derst"Td and forgive after seeing her.
But would conscience understand and
forgive?
am afraid Lord Croyland dld not
shine as q table companion that morn
Ing, and his muttered excuse about q
headache seemed too feminine for
credulity. When an irresistible force
meets
The drive to the station was rapid
and brief. The undecided Richard
did not speak after ALL His host per-
sisted in doing all the talking. which
was mainly enlarglng on that precious
scheme OF his.
"Au revoirr' said Mr.. Renwyck.
stepping from the trap. That's my
train. Think over my proposition and
let me know this evening I'll send the
veterinary out TO look at Hawk today.
Goodby. Croyland."
Richard drove slowly back. None
Of the ladies' was about when he arriv-
ed. 30 he wandered into the billiard
room. He was knocking the balls
around aimlessly when he was sud
denly accosted by the one person In
the world whose company he least de-
sired.
Good morning. Lord Croyland,"
called Mr.. Michael Corrigan from the
doorway. 81 just came over TO look
you up"
Now. what did he wantf Well, what.
ever II was. he would hnd the Texan
was not 10 be bluffed. Richards splr.
Its actually rose. This was something
that threatened. and Richard
loved TO deal with the real II was the
abstract that involved him In dlflcul.
ties that he hated
That's very kind OF you. indeed"
drawled Richard. with a ring OF chal.
lenge in his voice which the lawyer
did not fail TO note with concealed
amusement. Fond OF bllliardsY'
"oh. In a way, yes, I'm most too
short and fat TO play without the
bridge, but I'll take a cue from you
with pleasure II may"
"Now, wonder II he means any.
thing by that remark" thought Rich
ard as he handed him the stick.
The game began brlskly. but soon
langulshed. as did the conversation.
Richard making an occasional brilliant
shot and missing the easy ones. Mr..
Corrigan by steady. consistent play
ran up a good score and between times
his opponent out OF the cor.
ners OF his eyes.
II shouldn't say you were up In your
usual form, Lord Croyland. Sleep
wen1"
"No." said Richard. eagerly selzinc
The opportunity TO speak the whole
ruth and nothing but II, 81 didn't"
TOO badr murmured the little man
with nm exaggerated sympathy that
lid not impose on his victim. while he
yrsvely chalked his cue. American
'eds are hard to get used to. ehy" lie
eceived no answer aud leaned across
he table for a difficult shot. paused
md regarded the young man thought.
'ully. Lord Croyland. am after a
'ertaln piece OF Information and have
'eason to believe that you can give It
o me"
Il shall be pleased, am sure" sail
Richard. with admirably simulated in.
Ioienee. although he was never more
isenly alive TO the possibilities OF
ituation In his life.
The little man laid his cue upon the
able, busted his hands aud planted
hmself squarcly In front OF the pseudo
Iohleman.
What-fn your oplnioa-ls the most
msthcd-of branding a heif.
IL VI" coming. thenl Wall. be would