The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-05-10

I Black walked. atent upon his thoughts.
Il wonder II the chaps going 10 stay
there at Graces? Queer I'm so sus-
picious. but there is something funny
about the whole affair. Returned prodi-
gal indeed"
These and like surmises occupied his
attention. and even when he had reached
his place of business and seated himself
in a comfortable chair the thought OF
those within the great house far up the
street kept recurring TO him.
And his mind would have been far
less tranquil had ne possessed the power
Of second sight. for at the moment he
was deep In such musings the first scene
of the tragedy in which Alton was to
be the predominating figure was being
enacted.
He had not left the library until Mrs.
Graham had finished her lunch, and
even then his own meal hastily eaten
In the most beautiful dining room he
had ever seen, was a mere matter Of
necessity, and was hurriedly taken that
he might resume his position beside the
girl. There he was now, as Grace open
ed her eyes. lay silent moment, and
then with evident relief turned toward
him.
I'm so glad you're here. JIM" she
SAIL. When are we going to see my
little one?''
Mrs. Graham listened anxiously, APP
palled at the thought of how much de-
pended on the wisdom and tact Of
this stranger from the city, whence
there was supposed TO come nothing but
evil.
''we're going just as soon as It's right.
You know, Grace, you trust me, Jim,
your brother
A wondering look came from the girl.
as, after moment she stretched out
her arms TO him again.
''Of course ! trust you, Jim. And you
know. some way, 1 seem to trust you
and love you more than ever today,
dear. It's the terrible dreams I have,
perhaps, but .'ou seem to be thinking
about me 20 Inuch."
Jim's hand sought the dark hair once
more, and though conscious that his
whole attitude was one of imposture,
the great desire to make his constant
thought Of her accomplish physical
good took away from him any sense of
guilt. Mrs. Graham, not yet accustom-
ed to seeing her neice dependent upon
and soothed by Alton. now came to
them.
Don't you want to go to bed. dearY'
she asked.
mo. aunt. trst want Jim to sit here
by me and get me better so we can go
to baby"
And so through the long afternoon
and evening Alton remained by her
side. taxing to the utmost his knowledge
of every subject which he thought
would interest her in his endeavor 20
draw her mind from the one topic which
had been pronounced dangerous by Dr.
Jordan. The girl seemed to forget as
fast as information was given her, and
by carefully suggesting one event after
another he found that he could interest
her by accounts Of experiences in his
own life, without creating any surprise
in her mind that he.< her brother. had
undergone such strange trials and adj
ventures, while she, his own sister. re-
manned in ignorance OF THIN.
Dinner had been brought to the three
each suffering from diverse causes. and
the night was well advanced before
they could persuade Grace to retire
and It was Jim, OF course, who at last
accomplished this.
you won't go away again. Jim. win
you dear7'' said the girl, appeaIinrlv
And If have any Of those bad dreams
tonight you'll Gomez"
He viii be rear you, Grace" inter
posed Mrs. Graham quickly, and Of
course, I win sleep with you-but he'll
come, dear
Good night, Jim" And again her