The Somerset reporter., 1908-08-20


luck and to go home with flying col
ors. They can't wait. They get to
roaming, and heaven only knows
where some of them land. One loses
all trace, but now and then He
paused for moment, half smiling.
Pauline Allard had grown pale. Her
caller did not notice the droop of the
fair head. He went on speaking.
1--WE felt mighty sorry for one chap.
We were real friendly. He couldn't
wait took over his little claim for
a trifle. 1t was next to mine. Bless
you, it proved the richest dirt of all
when l got to working 1t deep. He
was daft on surface finds. And off
went my hopeful acquaintance In spite
of entreaties. Funny"
Again he smiled queerly.
mfr. Winch must be delighted to
have you here" remarked Pauline abb
Bently. Her thoughts were wandering
In a dreary vista OF tolling, disap-
pointed men, far from their homes.
reckless, proud. the sort that never
would come back bearing the brand Of
failure.
"Oh, Carson, yes" returned Wick
ham. Hes a decent enough fellow
after his fashion-I-I-I beg pardon!
There, Miss Allard. you see how
man blunders when he has led such a
life as mine-no tact. | meant to say
that Winch is a splendid chap per
sonally, but I'm not used to these
smart, successful men. We have had
considerable correspondence since he
heard was doing well-a school
friend, you know, and Of course, In
terested. Welcomed me royalty.
couldn't say too much for Carson. He
has been most kind and confidential.
| was thinking of him in a business
way. We don't exactly agree about
investments. That was what l had In
mind Ahemw
Pauline's amused smile was serenity
itself.
81 don't think a gentleman should
count his chickens and tell the neigh.
bcrs. do your" she asked mischie-
vously.
conclusions; entirely my fault" Wick
hams blood showed redly through his
tan, and he stammered
"You are delightful bear" observ-
ed Pauline placidly. Maybe l will
become Mrs Winch some day, If that
will relieve you l shan't promise.
The wind, however points in that d.
rection."
They smiled at each other for few
moments, and then Pauline said Sc
riousy:
Mr. Wickham, l like you. trust
you. l am going to ask you a ques.
ton. What you may surmise will be
a secret between us forever"
She stepped to her desk and brought
forth the photograph. The mans face
set. He was averse to sudden con-
6dences. There was a tenseness In
her graceful figure that seemed unnat.
ural. He coughed uneasily.
81 want you to look at this" said
Pauline. 81 want to know If In your
travels you have ever met the original"
Lets see it." said Wickham bluntly.
He took the picture gazed upon 1t
for full minute and did not lift his
eyes
Meanwhile he fumbed in pocket
and drew out letter.
you may read this. dear lady he
said thlckly without looking up. THE
writer Is alive and well Please sit
down"
His head turned from her gasp and
glad cry.
Jack Frederick's girl" he whisper.
ed to himself My God. she mustn't
sob like that
Presently he went over to her. His
touch on her hair was very genie. his
deep voice tender as woman's.
You see he will meet me in New
York on Wednesday He learned of
my luck and obtained my address. He
says he has made good at last Yes.
1t was John Frederick who sold his
claim and helped enrich me. Now. II
you have read what he has written of
his hopes. his prayer TO find some one
free and glad to see him, you must
stop crying
But Pauline would neither cease her
soft weeping nor give up the letter. so
Wickham left her and made his way
to the door
From the street he glanced back at
the attractive house and tasteful
grounds.
"Wheww whistled he II guess I'd
better not wait for Carson. There is
a New York train in fifteen minutes.
II I were not so mighty tickled for
Jack l should feel sort Of sorry for
Winch"