The Washington times., 1909-05-12
CHAPTER x.

T.
HE atmosphere Of tfs room may
have given Jim some premoni-
tion. for though he could not
hear the words spoken by Dr-
Jordao- thA latter had scarcely uttered
his sorrowing exclamation before Al
ton turned and eyed him anxiously-
The other noted his look, but only
bowed his head, overcome by the oisap-
poiutment this new development
brought him.
Seeing that Mrs. Graham and me
doctor were apparently through wpSh
their conversation, Jim approached
them. the evidence of his strange rear
in his face.
"Is there anything I can dor ne
asked.
The old man looked at him long
and intently. and when he spoke some
thing of the old confidence had re-
turned 10 his manner.
I'm always asking you questions,
he began. but the situation mere
seems to require it continually First
of all, I think 1 shall have to ask you
about those
DR.. Jordan ceased abruptly ana
turned inquiringly to Mrs Graham as
long and loud came the ring OF the
telephone in the hall. She FASTENED
20 answer It. and while she was ao-
sent the old man resumed;
Il viii have to ask you about those
times you admit being arrested ia New
York Why were you takenT
once before had the man seen pride
in Jim's attitude. and now again II
came as Alton waited moment then
replied:
sDr. Jordan. I would much rather
not speak Of
Again came an interruption, and
this time 1t seemed 10 be OF a serious
character.
ssIt,s Mr.. Humphries.' cried Mrs
Graham, excitedly coming in he
wants you to come right away to his
bouse-he thinks his wife is dying
sI feared II, feared it," murmureo
the old man. ~but-Jim, wait up till
I come back, and II hnd I can't re-
turn I will telephone you But OF
course I've got TO go now. I want tC
talk 70 you before I sleep tonight
however.
81 will wait, sir. gladly"
And. Mrs. Graham, continued the
doctor. taking her aside. will you
do me the favor not 10 speak Of this
TO Jim until I return--it's important
not to"
.sOh. yes. yes" she replied earnest
". -I couldn't talR~to him about it
~Pemember TO wait for me, Jim, un-
less I telephone to you. no matter how
late H. Is. I must talk 70 you tonigh
or little sleep would come to me
Perhaps there won't, anyway, but Tn
going to have faith until 1 know
Good-by-"
"Gcod-by. sir: Of course. Tn ter
ribly anxious TO learn what IT Is al
about
Mrs. Graham and Jim were alon
and the latter's thoughts. always cen
tered about the girl who had becom
his care, turned naturally 70 her ab
sence.
MAY I go up and see why Grac
stays so Iong2" he asked.
Go ahead, JIM" replied Mrs. Gra
ham. forgetting for the moment III
suspicion he rested under. so great hs
become her reliance on him during th
few hours he had been with them.
IJp the broad stairs he passed 70 tn
nursery, where Grace had gone wit
the chain OF gold which her baby ha
worn. There she was standing by n
great window gazing far into spac
nor did she hear his entrance, so dee
was her thought. and It was not uni
he had touched her arm that she turne
to him.
.'Oh. jim she said eagerly. II
glad you have come. From here we ca
see 30 far away. OF where the gyps
told US my baby was. See, the raj
road track leads exactly in that dire
ton. Come. let us go"
Again the old words; "Remembe
Grace. you don't want to go yet, yc
know. You trust me. dearT'
ION. but. Jim, It seems as though
couldn't stand II any longer. See Il
chain. He sent 4 to me to come. and
stay here. why / cannot tell"
'Dearie. you don't want to hurt n
90" once more the only sure cure e
such thoughts was necessary. and wi
sts use came the same sorrow in Jim
heart. Come, Grace, come downstair
dinner is almost ready"
with a stranger look than she b;
ever given him she followed silentl
casting one last long glance o
through the window down the track