Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1909-06-10

wood returned the nod.
In a twinkling he had repented
Calendar had left his chair and was
vending his way through the tables
toward Kirkwood's. Reaching 1t, he |
paused. Offering the hand of genial
fellowship. Kirkwood accepted II half
heartedly (what else was he to doD.
remarking at the same time that Cal
endar had recovered much of his COM
posture. There was now a normal col
oring in the heavily jowled counte-
nance. with less CLINT of fear In the
quick, dark eyes. and Calendars hand,
even II moist and cold. no longer trem-
bled. Furthermore, 1t was immediate
ly demonstrated that his impudence
had not deserted him.
"Why. Kirkwood. my dear fellow"
he crowed not SO loudly as to attract
attention, but In a tone assumed to
divert suspicion. should he be over
heard. This is great luck, you know.
to find you here"
lis it," returned Kirkwood coolly.
He disengaged his fingers.
The pax plump face was contorted
In furtive grimace Of depreciation.
Without waiting for permission Calen-
dar dropped into the vacant chair.
my dear SIR" he proceeded, un-
abashed, II throw myself upon your
mercy"
'"The devil you do"
II must. I'm in the deuce of hole.
and there's no one l know here be-
sides yourself. II
kirkwood saw fit to lead him on,
partly because out Of the corner Of his
eye he was aware Of the girls uncon-
cealed suspense. 60 on. please, Mr..
Calendar You throw yourself on
total strangers mercy because you're
In the deuce of n hole, and
Its this way. I'm called away on
urgent business-imperative business.
l must go at once. My daughter is
with me-my daughter! Think Of my
embarrassment. | cannot leave her
here alone. nor can permit her to go
home unprotected"
Calendar paused in anxiety.
That's easily remedied them" sug-
gested Kirkwood.
"How?"
Put her In cab at the door,"
mo. The devil l couldn't think of
1t. You won't understand. r.
81 do not understand" amended the
younger man politely.
Calendar compressed his lips nerv-
ously. 1t was plain that the man was
quivering with Impotence and half
mad with excitement. He held quiet
! 70 In htc
control and take counsel with his pru-
dence.
ut is impossible. Mr.. Kirkwood.
must ask you to be generous and be-
lieve me-"
Very we'll. For the sake Of the ar
gument l do believe you, Mr.. Calen-
dar."
Swiftly, stammering in his haste:
II can't let Dorothy accompany me to
, the door," declared Calendar. She
IL throw myself upon your mercyw
) what, againT'
, "The truth-the truth is. If you will
, have it, that l am in danger Of arrest
' the moment leave here. If my daugh-
: ter is with me she will have to endure
the shame and humiliation"-
"Then why place her in such a posi-
t ton" Kirkwood demanded sharply.
Calendars eyes burned. incandescent
: with resentment. Offended, he offered
: to rise and go. but changed his mind
a and sat tight in hope.
t II beg Of you, SIR
: Zone moment, Mr. Calendar"
: Abruptly Kirkwood's weathercocl
' humor shifted, amusement yielding t.
J. intrigued interest. After all, why no
b oblige the fellow? What did anythin,
j. matter now? What harm could visi
d him If he yielded to this corpulent ad
d venturer's insistence? Besides. Their,
was the girl to be considered.
8 KirkwoOd considered her forthwith
In the process thereof his eyes sough
= her, perturbed. Their glances clashed
o She looked away hastily. crimson t
t her temples.
# Instantly the conflict between curl
r Osity and caution. inclination and dis
r. trust. was at an end. With suddel
i compliance the young man rose
" Il shall be most happy to be of sery
o ice to your daughter Mr.. Calendar,
o he said. placing the emphasis with be
!. coming gravity. And then. the fat ad
venturer leading the way, Kirkwoo
Is strobe across the room, wonderin
4 somewhat at himself, If the whol
20 truth is to be disclosed.
: CHAPTER III.
"a u LII but purring with satisfa