Putnam patriot., 1909-09-24

WEEK passed-an interesting IA week in which few things hap
 h pened openly. but in which @ the entire situation underwent a subtle but complete change The mail steamer brought diseoncertine news from London. Chase WAS obliged to tell the islanders that notice of a contest had been filed The lineal heirs had pooled their issues and were now fighting side by side The mat ter would he in ehaneery for months. even years. He could almost feel the gust of rage and disappointment that swept over the island. although not word came from the lips of the sul- len population. The very silence WAS forehoding
 He did not visit the chateau during that perplexing week. It was hard. but he resoutely kept to the path of duty, disdaining the pleasures that beckoned to him. Every day he saw and talked with Britt and Saunders. They. as well as the brisk Miss Pel- ham, gave him the family news" from the chateau. It did not require extraordinary keenness on Ghase's part to gather that her ladyship and Browne had suddenly decided to en- gage in what he would call a mild Irritation, but what Saunders looked upon as a real attack of love.
 If l had the nerve I'd call Browne good and hard.'' said Britt over his julep. ''It isn't right It isn't decent. The disappear for hours at time. and they've always got their heads to- gether. Poor little Drusillal She's from Boston, Chase, and can't retail ate Besides. Deppingham wouldn't take notice if she tried. The worst of it is Deppingham has got an idea that they may try to put him out of the way-him and Drusilla. Awful. isn't 1t? And, say. by the way, Saunders is getting to dislike you intensely"
 sI can't help it if he loves the only stenographer on the island" said Chase easily "You seem to be the only one who isn't in hot water all the time, Britt"
 'sMe and the princess" said Britt la conically. Chase looked up quickly, but the others face was IS straight as could be. If you were real gentle man you would come around once in awhile and give her something to talk to instead of about"
 Docs she talk about meY quite steadily.
 They all do. I've even heard the white handmaidens discussing you in glowing terms You're a regular mati- nee hero up there, my
 "Selimr' broke in Chase. The Arab came to the table immediately. Don't put SO much liquor in Mfr. Britt's drinks after this mostly water" Britt grinned amiably
 T say, Britt. you're not responsible for this affair between Browne and Lady Deppingham, are your demand ed Chase abruptly.
 T? What do you meanY
 Il was just wondering if you could have put Browne up to the game in tine hope that a divorce or two might solve a very difficult problem"
 Now that you mention It. Pm going to look up the church and colonial divorce laws" said Britt noncommif- tally after . moment
 .I advise you to hurry." said Chase rooiiy. If you can divorce and marry 'em inside of four weeks. with no court qualified to try the case nearer than India. you are wonder
 Chase was fn the habit of visiting the mines two or three times a week during work hours The next morn ing after his conyersat ton with Britt be rode out to the mines. When he reached the brow of the last hill. over looking the wide expanse in which the men tolled. he drew rein sharply and stared aghast at what lay before him Five hundred half naked brown men were eongregsted in the shade of the trees far to the right By the aid of bis glasses he could see that one Of their number was addressing them In an earnest. violent harnngue. # vas yon Blitx. From time to time faint sounds of shouts came across the val ley.
 Chase shuddered He knew what it meant
 How about Allah now. selimr hs asked senfeutiocsiy.
 Allah is great. Allah is good. mum bied the M0siem youth but without N~nrf