The Durham recorder. [volume] (Durham, N.C.) 1879-19??, 1909-05-06

week Captain Jim faced the empty
stand opposite his window. Then he
went down to the waterside street
and found there destitution, at once
pitiful and reassuring.
1T Isn't your love am asking for.
DEAR" he said to her gently as at the
end of a half hour he found himself
holding her trembling fingers and
smoothing her hair. Il couldn't expect
that. But II you will give me what is
left, the right to take care Of you and
yours, God knows it will be precious
trust"
He felt himself more than ever be-
fore to be "Old Ben Bolt" as he said
this.
Captain Jim had no fine phrases, but
months Of effort had made him mar
vel Of self control. He stood quite
still, though every nerve was tense
with longing to clasp the slim little
figure to nis breast. In fact, he hardly
dared breathe when at last Kate drop
ped her head against his arm for &C
quiescence and broke into soft Sob
bling. A guess at what was In his
heart. he told himself. would have
frightened her out of his reach forever.
The six weeks that followed were
mixture of paradise and purgatory to
him. 1t was hard. indeed. to play the
decorous. fatherly lover when his
whole soul cried out for the touch Of
her lips on his and every swish Of her
dress against him set his pulses throb-
bling. But he did 1t. and well.
His paradise proved fools. how
ever. Walking along the main street
one evening, with Kate on his arm.
Hank Raynor's unmistakable self pass
ed the two almost at elbow touch.
There was a livid scar along the ap-
partitions cheek. Kate did not see him.
but a pang like death went through
"Old Ben Bolt" The sight Of that
handsome, devil-may-care face seemed
to sound bis doom.
During the next four and twenty
hours Captain Jim worked out his bit
ter problem. Cost what It might to
his own self respect, he would tell Kate
the truth as he knew 1t concerning
Hank Raynor. He could do that II
she had been his young sister. but in
honor he must free her from her prom.
Use to himself.
He had thought Of way out Of her
financial difficulties. but It was not
! necessary she should know that yet
or, indeed. the cost to his own heart
Of these last few months.
II have come to give you back what
asked that first night, Kate. but
must tell you something 1t will bs
b d for you to bear" be said to bel
hoarsely as he stood In the little par
lor. whose very plainness had grown
dear to him.
A flush ran into Hates cheek. but 4
died there. leaving white line around
Der lips. "Old Ben Bolt" gripped tht
back Of the chair In front OF him.
II suppose you have seen Raynor?'
he went on.
Hates color rushed back In ros.
food. Her eyes dropped for an in
slant: then. shy. but brave. they locke,
straight into Captain Jim's own.
Yes. have seen him and-his wife,
she answered. with little laugh. Fl,
brought her from Philadelphia. til
was good thing ! had found out be
fore that-that didn't care most 70
him. after all. wasn't IL. you dear 'Ol,
Ben Boltg'
. The room reeled round Captain jim
Out Of its chaos Hates face grew
! flushed and smiling still. but with sus
: piciously luminous eyes. Then di
this Ben Bolt give q great gasp a
: the truth burst upon him. He too
two long strides with outstretche
J arms. and second later Kate wa
! quite lost In the big. warm embrac
{ her dark hour had taught her was he
! hearts true haven.