The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-05-18

/ time he was ready to leave for the
train. his pocket containing considerable
cash furnished b. DR.. Jordan. It would
take but a few moments to reach the
station by a back way with which he
was now familiar, and there remained
but TO say good-by to Grace, whom he
had not seen since his determination to
go had been formed.
See her he must, though there was
danger in the parting. She must know
of his going.
In her own room he found her, sitting
by the window, in her hands the fine
gold chain Of her child. She looked uu
as he entered. and made no movement
for a moment.
Jim" she said at last, Jim"
Eyes. Grace"
II never noticed, dear, how gold your
hair was. or how straight your body
guess I've only seen your eyes all this
time and the love for me there. or
course. I see your new clothes, and
some would think they had changed
you. But it's not that, Jim. it's the
gradual realization which has been COM
ing ever me. that it's you-you-you,
all the time, dear"
close to her and taking her hand. I've
got TO rush away-you could not even
catch the train now, but I've news that
the baby wants me. It's good news,
DEAR and 1 must 60
Jim, JIM
And you'll think, think ali the time
I'm away, dear, that I am with him,
holding him in my arms, and talking
to him about his mother. whom he will
see so soon. You'll think all that, won't
you. Grace?''
Jim, oh, Jim she was not sure
yet.
More intensely he spoke, raising his
hand to her hair, while his words came
soft AMI rhythmical
you'll think of all this, Grace, and
at night when you are there in your
bed, you will fall asleep easily, know
ing that 1. Jim. who would do any
Of the hardest things for you-dying is
one of the easy ones-that I am there
where YOU would want TO have me.
You'll think of these things, Grace"
you tell me to. Jim. you tell"
Her eyes were closed and the mo-
notonous sound Of her usually ex-
pressive voice sounded almost as though
her will did not direct it.
A little fearful Of tie power he felt
he possessed over her, ,ut realizing that
now me:e than ever that power mist
be employed. Jim continued to soothe
with his voice and hand the unbalanced
mind Of the girl.
And now, dearie." he whispered
finally, 81 must go ! have but a few
trust, and-and Iove?' How had he
dared to use the word?"
"Good-by, Jim" she murmured, ire
member always that with yo=r life is
mine, dear. You have said 1t, love-
love. Jim. Good-by, Hear"
Flushed with the memory of the
voice and the heart which had uttered
the thought. Jim ran from the room.
down the stairs and around the house
in the direction OF the station.
Love he repeated. Love. and I've
won. III find that baby if-if 1 have
70 send my fatha- TO jail for life to
do it."
He carried no bag, as he possessed
none, and the necessity for a stay of
more than a day in New York had not
/ been contemplated by either himself Or
/ DR.. Jordan. In order TO avoid comment
Jim approached the train OF the side
/ farthest from the station. jumped
aboard and began his journey, follow
/ ing the first tangible clue which had
presented itself.
/ II was about the middle OF the after
noon when absorbed in his thoughts Of
the events Of the past two days, he was
reused by a hand upon his shoulder.
BE you James Alton?'' said the stout
man belonging to the hand.
! Yes. What is itT'
Il reckon kin foley a description"
continued the other, an We better come
with me without any disturbance"
Il have no idea Of making any dis
turbance. but am o. my way to New
York. I can't get of this train. It's
very important that I get there to-
night"
L reckon ye kin get or all right -
responded the stout man I'm con-
stable here, an I got orders ter git We
EFF ye're Alton. an I guess We air.
| Jim thought ne saw the fine hand of
Black in this somewhere.
Who had me stoppc ~" he asked
Sheriffs orders"
Out through the window Jim saw an
eager crowd Of cOuntryfolk standing in