Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-09-27
CHAPTER VI.
Wherein Warden Sets a New Course

Warden's theater-going that evening re
solved itself into a stroll in the park an6
an early return to his chambers. Before
going out he had thrown a towel over
the calabash and told the porter not tt
touch anything in the sitting room. TIL.
plan was effective; the man of Oku ere
ated no disturbance.
Oddly enough the young officer was now
beginning to understand the mesmeric In
Huence which Evelyn Dane and Pete,
Evans acknowledged instantly-and witt
this admission came the consciousness
that the negro's mask lost it's power un.
less actually in evidence. Hence. none
OF the vapors and misty fancies of the
preceding hours interfered with his rest
He slept soundly. rose betimes and ate 8
good Notwithstanding signs these OF
a SOUND mind in a sound body
Yet he might have been puzzled il
called on to explain why he deliberately
placed the gourd in sponge-bag and
Ing to the Isle of Wight. His action was
perhaps. governed by some sense OF the
fitness of things. If it were ordained that
the presentment of the dead and gone
MWanga should scowl again at the
world during period when the fortunes
OF his country were at stake, it was not
for Warden to disobey the silent edict
He was not swayed solely by idle i'm
pulse In bringing the head to London
he meant to please the only people who
knew of Its existence; he ignored their
wishes now because he felt q Juggling al
his heart-strings when his thoughts re-
verified to the wretched history Of Do
menico Garcia. The instant he arrived
at this decision 1T ceased to trouble his
mind further.
Before going to the station he made a
few purchases, and. being near Pail Mall.
thought he would secure any letters that
might happen to be at his club. Among
others he found pressing invitation
from Lady Hilbury asking him to call
when in London. Now. he was. in q
degree, protege of her ladyship. Her
husband was former Governor of nj
gerta, and her friendly assistance had
helped, in the first instance to lift War
den out of the ruck of youngsters who
yearly replete the ranks of officialdom in
West Africa. 1t was more than probable
that Sir Charles and Lady Hilbury would
be out of town. and note written at
their residence would show that he visited
them at the earliest opportunity.
To his surprise Lady Hilbury was at
home. and insisted that he should stay
for luncheon.
Behold. then, Warden installed in a
coy morning room. exchanging gossip
with his hostess and his parcels and
portmanteau given over to the butler 8
care
He was irrevocably committed to an
afternoon train when Lady Hilbury cleo
trified him with morsel of news that
was as unexpected as any other shock
that had befallen him Of late.
by the way. an old friend of yours is
staying with me-" she said, Mrs. Laing-
you knew her better as Rosamund Mil
Ter, fancy?"
Warden schooled his features into a
paSsanle imitation of smile. Mrs Laing
the pretty. irresponsible Rosamund Nil.
ler-Was the last person he wished to en-
counter, but he was quick to see the
twinkle in Lady Hilbury's eyes, and he
accepted the inevitable
i shall be glad to renew the acquaint-
ance.' he said. 1T was broken off rather
abruptly-at Government House. II I re-
member Alright
Poor Rosamund! That was her moth