Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-03-16

garden I have walked with her over
| the moor when the twilight fell and
| the mists rose. We have seen the
| kindlng of the stars. and we have
seen the moon grow pale and the east
| ern sky ablaze ! have taught her
| where to look for the beautiful things
| of life. She has belonged to me in all
| ways save one. / am a poor. helpless
creature now. George, but by the gods,
| I will let no one rob me of my one
| holy compensation. She is the girl
love. the better part of myself"
phyllis Poynton may be all these.
| things TO you" Duncombe answered.
II do not know her. do not recog-
nize her. Find her il you can. Make
of her what you will All that ask
of you is that you divest your mind
of these senseless suspicious. Seek
| Phyllis Poynton where you will, but
leave alone the woman whom I love.
1 will not have her troubled or an
noyed by needless opportunities. She
says she is Miss Fielding. Then she
is Miss Fielding. 1t is enough for me
! 1t must he enough for your
"And what about Spencer" Pelham
asked grimly.
Spencer in this matter is my serv
ant" Dunconbe answered. IF his
search for Phyllis Poynton entails his
annoying Miss Fielding. then he is dis
missed. will have no more to do with
the business"
az have heard of this man Spencer"
Andrew answered. IF you think that
he is the sort of creature whom you
can order about like that, / fancy that
you are mistaken. You may try to
call him off. If you like. but you won't
succeed. He is searching for Phylli,
Poynton. and he is coming here. l be-
lieve that he will find her.
The windows were wide open, and
both men suddenly turned round.
which came to them from the road
outside-the regular throb and beat OF
a perfectly balanced engine. Then
they heard mans voice, cool and
precise.
Here you are. then, and a sovereign
for yourself. A capital little car this.
Good night.'
The little iron gate opened and clos
ed A tall man in q loose travelling
coat and carrying small bag entered.
He saw Duncombe standing at the
ppen window and waved his hand. AS
he approached his boyish face lit up
into smile.
| fJ, en- hn q y
claimed. you got my telegram
IAN hour ago" Duncombc answered.
"This Is my friend. Mr.. Andrew Pei
ham What will you have?'
"Whisky and soda and a biscuit
please" was the prompt reply. Have
not upset you, 1 hope, coming down
from the clouds in this fashion,"
Not in the least" Duncombe an
swered. You've made us very curl
Gus though"
Dear me-" Spencer exclaimed
''what a pity! l came here to asl
questions, not to answer them. You've
set me q regular poser. Duncombe
By Jove, that's good whisky"
Help yourself" Duncombe answer
ed. 1--WE won't bother you tonight
I'll show you room as soon as you'v,
had a cigarette. Fair crossing?"
. mo idea," Spencer, answered. q
! slept all the way. jolly place you'v
got here. Duncombe. Nice countr,
: too"
There is just. one question" Pelham
! began.
ashanti answer it-tonight," Spence
interrupted firmly. 'I'm dead sleepy
truth And when tomorrow comes
I'll be frank with you've very littl
: to say. Pardon me, but where doe
i Mr.. Pelham come in in this matter?"
pelham Duncombe said slowly
twas neighbor of Miss Poynton's 1
Devonshire. 1t was through him tina
T I first went to Paris to search for her.
Spencer nodded.
"Glad to meet him, then" he re
marked. "There are few questions
:. shall be glad to ask him in the morn
: ing"
There is one" Pelham said. "whicl
you must answer now"
$ Spencer raised his eyebrows Fl
was standing with his back to Their
now, helping himself to sandwiche
G from a dish upon the sideboard.
"By Jove. your cook does understan
d these things" he remarked. with hi
t mouth full. "No idea l was so hungry
l.. What was that. Mr.. Pelham? A ques
: ton which must be answered nowY'
Yes You telegraphed to Duncomb
to know the names of Lord Runton'
guests. and now you have come her
yourself. WhyY'
. Spencer helped himself to anothe
sandwich.
81 came here" he said, because
didn't seem to be getting on in Pari:
II 1t struck me that the elew to Mis-
IS Poynton's disappearance might. afte
all, be on this side of the channel"
Pelham guided himself by the tabl
to the sideboard. He stood close I
Spencer.
,al 'sAIr. Spencer" he said, Il am almos
blind. and cannot see your face. BIT
I want Won to tell mo sffla tr,1fh 7 o.,