The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1909-09-02
CHAPTER XVI.
Tactics of the Enemy.

Tactics of the Enemy.
 As I walked back alone through the flower garden up to the old ivy-cover- ed Grange wondered whether the fellow had really spoken the truth.
 What was the unknown woman's name? Was Granny really guilty How could I doubt it. for had he not practically admitted it?
 Upon Garshore's immediate actions my attitude would depend. At present I was utterly confounded!
 As I entered the house I passed a telegraph boy. and the gray haired butler a moment later handed me a telegram. It showed that it had been dispatched from Cory Station near Granthan1. and read: Doctor Black eney. Kelston Cottage. Colsterworth z
 While I was reading it Garshore en- tered behind me. then turned upon his heel and disappeared
 went at once to the library. got down an atlas of the counties of Eng a village about six miles south of Grantham. on the main road to Lon don. Corby was it's nearest station, on the main Great Northern line. The message was from Granny. and. be- lieving that I wosld be at the Grange he had sent 1t there.
 Myra I found seated in the tent on the lawn pretending to read a novel. At my appearance she jumped up to meet me.
 We'll she asked breathlessly.
 "We1l. I have spoken to that black guard I said "He admits he is in the wrong; that his calumnies have been uttered from baseless hearsay. He will withdraw them.''
 Then he has lied?" she cried. with sudden joy.
 "Yes. he is liar. Myra. For what reason he has told you all. these stories does not seem at all clear He has some ulterior motive. but at present I confess I cannot discern it.
 I would have told her of her lovers hiding place but hcw could I? Would it not have convinced her that Gar shores allegation had some founda ation of fact?
 Its awfully good of you. MT Ral- ston.'' she said. '.I'm sure you are dear Grannys very best friend. He will thank you when he knows
 ''One true friend never requires the others thanks. Myra,'' I replied "Pro- lection of a friends interests is duty which real friendship imposes"
 Where is MT. Garshore?"
 tI don't know. He came into the house a few minutes ago. but has gone out again. replied, with feigned un- concern
 Well" :. she sighed, as though a great weight were lifted from her mind. "as long as these terrible things are untrue I am quite contented. I love him. as you know. and nothing will cause me to forsake him. But-----'' 7
 Put what?"
 ''Well. I do wish I knew where he is. MT Ralston. I somehow feel very uncomfortable because he has not re- p1ied.''
 Y This is not the first time he has been remiss in his correspondence, is it?' asked. Dear old fellow he's a wretchcd letter writer. He goes weeks and weeks sometimes and never writes to me. Three words by cable is gen. eraaly the extent of his correspond ence.''
 T know she laughed He's often gone ten days or so without answer ing a letter. But I've generally mo- ticed that he's been moving rapidly from one place to another. and my letter has been going after him.
 Tt is so HOW, without doubt" I endeeyored to reassure her. as she threw herself among the cushions of the long cane lounge-chair III the tent and sffioothed out her skirt to cover her neat little ankles. He's travelling that's why also haven't heard from him for some days
 When shall you see him again?''
 "Oh. before long. I shall go back to the continent again-back to join him when I know where he is.''
 He's almost certain to be east of the Danube she laughed. "He seems so very fond of the Balkans. Turkey and Greece. I suppose he has a lot of business out there.''
 "Oh. yes-lots. Otherwise he'd never spend so much time there. But he. of course has many friends in the near east
 Lady friends?' she asked, with a saucy little smile.
 "No, Myra,:' I answered. seriously, for she was unaware of the reflection that such a question brought to mz. ''Of course he has friends among your sex-wives of ministers and ambassa- dors. who are very kind to him and ask him to dinners and dances and all that sort of thing. But. as you know only too we'll there is to Granny Cough only one woman in the whole world-and she is yourself"
 ''Ah! yes. I know. MT. Ralstonv' she said. quickly. q was only joking. I know that he is always true to me He is the soul of honor--even though that horrid man has declared that he's s mere adventurer.'
 We did not see Garshore again until luncheon. when he came in rather late. He was hot, and his boots du sty. showing that he had walked some dis tance.