The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1908-06-07
CHAPTER XXI.
Jr.RRYs HOUR ARRIVES

Jerry Kirk and his partner, that
SUNDAY morning. had been having
bitter engagement of words. II the
interchange Of which Asa Craig had
revealed the full extent Of his power
The mans amazing cleverness and IN
genuity had proved to be second only
10 his jealousy and frankly avowed
intention to thrust Jerry out OF the
busin ass.
A new sort Of Jerry, somewhat
stunned. but wholly calm and self
reliant, greeted Allan Kennedy when
al last the younger man appeared
again at MlusIte and delivered Syl-
Was message.
Miss Weaver wishes 10 see you Al
once " was all that Allan said.
Already beset by accumulated Trou-
bIes, Jerry believed that more were now
about 20 be added to his burden. The
flash of emotion in Allan's eyes, as he
thus fulfilled what he felt 70 be
final service 70 Sylvia, was interpreted
by Jerry as a sign of the younger
mans success in love. He was Ger
tain that Sylvia wished to see him
only for the purpose Of asking TO be
released from her promise to become
his wife.
He merely said, '.Au right"
But the ride TO Tamarack was q
long, hot ride, and conflicts ragged
in the breast OF the mOuntaineer, leav-
ing his heart IN soreness that he felt
could have no healing.
Yet when ne came at length TO
Hanks abode and beheId little Dummy,
back by the shed. petting and fondling
his blinded burrO, a change came upon
the man and brought something that
was almost happiness.
His horse he had left at the stable
Standing there in the road, 20 watch
little Dummy for a moment. he was
unaware that Sylvia was coming to-
ward him from the porch till she
opened the gate, a rod or so away.
.'Why-how soon you camel" she
said. isn't it glorious, a day Ike
this? ] wanted TO tell you something.
Jerry. Shall We walk up the trail, 10
the tree with a seat2'
He saw that she was neryousIy ex-
cited. The color was burning radiant
y In her face; her eyes were shining
IN all the Iuster OF which their gray
was possessed. He had never seen her
look SO beautiful
"AH right" ne answered How
are yOu2" and he held out his big,
strong hand
II seemed to do her good to feel the
pressure OF his grip upon her fingers.
She was steadied
Let's go around the other way"
she said. and Dummy can stay with
his donkey"
Jerrl's heart was beating with a
heavy stroke. He felt confirmed in his
former belief that Sylvia wished TO
tell him OF her happiness with Allan
Kennedy.
They walked in silence toward the
pine tree where they had paused that
day when Jerry had come TO Tama-
rack 10 talk OF their marriage. He
wondered why she would seek the
place, and vaguely he wished she
would not Yet why should an item
so Insignificant matter to him now?
Jerry she said, before they came
to the tree. Il didn't know my fathers
viii could make such a difference TO
you I didn't know il till today"
Your fathers wiu?' he said But
Il haven't said it makes any differ
EIlr 10 i4iEs
Il know you haven't. OF course you
haven't" she answered. You never
would. But il does-it does make
very great difference indeed. Mr.. Ken
nedy told me about il this morning.
I never knew tin then"
''Keanedy-ought not 60 talk about
company business mean my affairs
- the VIII - anything, outside or
school" he sJammered.
He had to- she saio. I'm glad
he did, He wouldn't have been your
! friend-or mine-if he hadn't let me
know"
HE may not have known what he
was talking about" said Jerry. The
win is all right. What has Allan been
telling you anyway
Everything" she said.
They had come 20 the tree, at the
base OF which The seat was provided.
but they stood beside Il. face TO face.
''TheTe-wasn't much TO tell. " Jerry
faltered.
Yes there vast YOU are being
Fuined"' she insisted lie fixes Won
30 much he had 10 tell. He'd have
been such a coward II he hadn't. Jer-
~. forgive me for an my thoughtIess-
a &c Eight