The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1909-11-25

"eeh III winch rev tnlngs nap
IL pened openly. but In which
G. the entire situation underwent
a subtle but complete change The
mail steamer brought disconcerting
news from London. Chase was obliged
to tell the islanders that notice of
contest had been filed. The lIneal
heirs had pooled their issues and were
now fighting side by side. The mat
ter would be In chancery for months,
even years. He could almost feel the
gust OF rage and disappointment that
swept over the island, although not
a word came from the lips of the sui
len population. The very silence was
foreboding.
he did not visit the chateau during
that perplexing week. 1t was hard,
but he resolutely 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 we'll as the brisk Miss Pei
ham, gave him the family news"
from the chateau. 1t did not require
extraordinary keenness on Chase's
part to gather that her ladyship and
Browne had suddenly decided to en-
gage In what he would call mild
Irritation, but what Saunders looked
upon as q real attack of love.
IF l had the nerve I'd call Browne
good and hard" said Britt over his
julep. ut isn't right 1t isn't decent.
The disappear for hours at a time,
and they've always got their heads to-
gether. Poor little Drusilla! She's
from Boston, Chase, and can't retail
ate. Besides, Deppingham wouldn't
take notice If she tried. The worst Of
1t is Deppingham has got an idea that
they may try to put him out of the
way-him and Drusilla. Awful, isn't
it2 And, say, by the way, Saunders is
getting to dislike you intensely"
Il can't help 1t II 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"
me and the princess" said Britt la
conically. Chase looked up quickly,
could be. IF you were a real gentle
man you would come around once in
awhile and give her something to talk
to instead Of about"
Does she talk about me?" quite
steadily.
"They all do. I've even heard the
white handmaidens discussing you in
glowing terms. You're regular matt
nee hero up there, my
"Selimw broke in Chase. The Arab
came to the table Immediately. Don't
put 30 much liquor In Mr.. Britt's
drinks after this-mostly water" Britt
grinned amiably.
II say, Britt. you're not responsible
for this affair between Browne and
Lady Deppingham, are your demand
ed Chase abruptly.
"I2 What do you meanw
II was just wondering II you could
have put Browne up to the game in
the hope that a divorce or two might
solve a very difficult problem"
NOW that you mention 1t. I'm going
divorce laws" said Britt noncommit-
tally after a moment
81 advise you to hurry" said Chase
coolly. "If you can divorce and marry
'em inside of four weeks, with no
court qualified to try the case nearer
than India, you are a wonder"
Chase was in the habit of visiting
the mines two or three times week
during work hours. The next morn
ing after his converse ton with Britt
he rode out to the mines. When he
reached the brow of the last hill. over
looking the wide expanse In which the
men toiled. he drew rein sharply and
stared aghast at what lay before him.
Five hundred half naked brown men
were congregated In the shade Of the
trees far to the right. By the aid of
his glasses he could see that one Of
their number was addressing them in
an earnest. violent harangue. 1t was
Won Blitz. From time to time faint
sounds of shouts came across the val
ley.
Chase shuddered. He knew what It
meant
How about Allah now. selimT' he
asked sententiously.
Allah is great, Allah is good" num-
bled the Moslem youth. but without
heart
do you think he can save me from
those dogs?" asked the master, with
a kindly smile.
"Sahib, do not go among them to-
day" implored Sellm impulsively.
"They are expecting me, Selim. II
I don't come they will know that
have funked They'll know l am
afraid of them"
do not go today" persisted Selim