The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1909-07-30
THE EVENING STORY
Fate-and Their Names.

AAO4Al ZIG u dtA Win WHICH ne HdQ DSGll
associated for the greater part of sc
hours and drew in great breath Of
Lynnville's celebrating air. Then he
set out with long swinging strides to
mount the hill beyond which lay the
Village proper.
So much information he had deigned
| to accept from the loquacious station
II aster bat to the latter plainly ex-
pressed curiosity as to whom he sought
in the village Barton had turned a deaf
| ear He was aware of the fact that
news acquired wings IN small places,
ard it was par: of his plan to take
John Quill by surprise. Taking, as he
was, advantage of an unexpected bust
ress trip east, to meet. face to face,
his hitherto unseen correspondent, he
had no doubt as to the success of his
Plan.
That John was only 10, and an or
phan, Barton knew; but he had re-
/ speeted the younger mans retiespce
concerning himself to such an extent 3lit
that he had never tried to force his
confidence further. The ubiquitous pic
ture post card was responsible Tor the
correspondence, which had its begin
Barton, in a spirit of fun, had an
Swered a request in the Post card
Exchange" of an illustrated weekly for
views of his state.
The response hal been prompt, and
was accompanied by so many ingenious
questions that Barton, in order to do
justice to his native state, had found
it necessary to write letter. 1t was
strange how soon he came to watch for
the weekly letter which became an es
tablished custom: but only ne himself
knew how far the simple taith-the un-
conscious here worship-that breathed
in every line of John Quilts letters,
We're responsible for Bartons escape
from the many temptations that sur
round young man alone in western
town.
Iage before his eyes found the little
brown cottage, with its big honey
suckle or each side of the gate, and
it's square porch overgrown with the
same vine. Everything looked as
John had once described it to be.
He knocked firmly on the front
door of the cottage. 1t was quickly
opened, and Barton found himself
gazing into the prettiest face he had
He asked. us this where John
Quill lives? I'm Charles Barton, Of
fering his card. She put out her
thought. and the bit of pasteboard
auttered to their feet With mutt
tered apology, he stopped to pick 1t
up. When his eyes again sought the
girls face there was a confusion IN
it which the slight accident hardly
warranted.
I'D like to see your brother" he
suggested politely.
He was not prepared for the sud
den terror which flashed into her
face and, with a view to putting her
at her ease, he continued smllingly,
you see, I'm taking the relationship
for granted; the likeness to picture
of himself, which John once sent me-
is too great to admit of doubt
The girl flushed, and at the same
time looked relieved. Yes" she
breathed softly I'm his sister. And,
I'm sorry but my-John is away at
Barton's face fell. 81, too. am
sorry he said simply, and fingered. |
The girl eyed him doubtfully, she
seemed to be undecided, but hn9lly
But he had seen the effort which
the words cost her, so he prevarlcated |
slightly ''No, thanks; I have my
train to make. When will your
thought. II could stop off again
f.
He will not be back for some |
time" she interposed hurriedly. DO |
not ask me where he is" appeahngly'
''for I cannot tell you"
A suspicion was dawning in Bar
toms mind. EXCUSE me-, ne begged
gently; perhaps your brother Is in |
some difficulty, some trouble ana
could help him."
mo, no; you cannot help him-I
mean, he is in no trouble" she cor
rected herself hasti y.
There's something wrong there
he reflected, as he retraced his steps
toward the station. why didn't the
boy tell me in his last Letter that he
was going away? Is 1t possible that
the young cub has managed to dis
grace himself and left his sweet little
sister to bear the burden? But no;
I'm sure he's not that kind. A few
inquiries in the village mtght-hut
Charles Barton is no spy. I'll let the
matter drop for a few days then I'll
in m the shrinking conf
dence of John Quilts sister. And
woe to those who are at the bottom
of the troubled"
But when, four days later, he
mounted the hill that led to the vii
lage. he was forced to confess that the
interest which he felt in John Quilts
sister far exceeded any he had ever
in respect to the youth.
The girls sweet face was ever before
him.
Ae he entered the village he came
face to face with the girl of his
thoughts. She was coming out of a
big house, and she carried a huge
bundle; sewing, he rightly judged, as
he fastened to relieve her of it. The {
radiant blush with which she thanked
him Barton took as favorable sign
i've come back" he said eagerly.
I'm so glad mean" as she de
ayes, I'm glad of this chance to
confess in person something that has
been worrying me greatly. was go
ng to write" She was interrupted
oy the postmistress, who, taking ad- !
vantage of her position to crafty
very natural curiosity, came running
out on her porch. I
"Hey!" She shouted. Here's a let c
er for you" frantically waving the q
nissive in question. Barton stepped
Onward to take it and in doing so
ais eyes inadvertently fell on the sup
He read no farther than
he name, but there was a question