Heppner gazette. [volume] (Heppner, Morrow County, Or.) 1892-1912, 1909-06-24
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CHAPTER XNII.-(Continued.)

Hemminghy was right In the predlctlon
about the nurse She kept her face as
much as possible turned away from him.
and addressed herself to Ringwood in low
measured tones. which struck the manager
as having been deliberately adopted. He
was disappointed, for he had reckoned
upon her voice to recall this woman to
his memory. As yet it had told him moth
ing, and he felt pretty sure that she
would allow him to hear as little of it as
might be. Clearly, if possible, he must
force her to talk.
No" observed the manager: the old
crittur don't recolect me Bit; and yet
poor old chap. he and have been friendly
for the last twenty years but | suppose
ma'am, there are many of his old friends
he don't recognza?'
He recognizes very few of them now
sir" rejoned the nurse, in the same low
mechanical tones.
He knows Mr.. Pesram. of course,
said Hemmingby carelessly.
Who said anything about Mr.. Peg
RAM" piped the octogenarian. from the
depth of his cushions. He never comes
near me now why should he? What does
he want with worn-out old fellow like
me: But I'd Ike to see him, Id like tc
see him."
A CLEAN of surprise flashed for mo
ment across the managers face; but, tran
sient as it was, the woman, who from
under her downcast lids was steadily
watching him. saw ii, and fdgeted nerv
ously with her apron in consequence.
1T strikes me- continued Hemmingby
that my old friend there is not quite
so deaf as you make him out to be, Mrs
--Mrs-'
CLARK, sir" she replied. Excuse me
l told you just now that, though h'
really is very deaf. he exaggerates his
deafness a good deal when out Of humor
The name of Pegram would, Of course, at
tract his attention.
"Pegram.' quavered the invalid again
Il want to see him about that right o
foreshore in front of Rydland Terrace. l.
he don't buy it, somebody else will, ant
build on it, likely as not. 1t will sent
his rents down in the Terrace if he let
any one build between him and the sea.
There was a twinkle in Hemmingby'
eve, which did not escape Mrs. Clark, a
he replied:
why, your head is as clear for bust
ness, Mr. krabbe, as ever 1T was; if yo
would only take to an ear-trumpet, l be
lieve. when you have got through the win
ter you might resume your old place L
the office. Don't you think, ma'am, b
will come round with the spring bit!'
The nurse shook her head, but made n
further reply.
well, Ringwood," said the manager
rising, you were sent down here to Sc
Mr.. Krab bbe, and so put an end to a fool
ish rumor: l suppose you are satistle
now, and quite ready to vouch that he !
alive. and in tolerably good case, for hi
age"
He was. accompanied by Ringwood
about to leave the room when, TO the IN
tense astonishment of the latter. he turn
ed swiftly round, crossed to the deaf man
chair. put his hand lightly on his shoulder
and whispered into his ear. Ringwoo
saw the invalid start as if the manage
had bit him but before he could observ
more. Hemmingby hurried him into tn
lane, and led the way rapidly back
Rydland.
w ELL Sdlu lNlHeNood' a. my '"i"
into the high road, what do you max
of it all? and what, in heavens nam'
possessed you to whisper into a dea
mans ear:"
Il can't explain matters more BRIEFLY,
rejoined Hemmingby, laughing. than b
telling you what l said. 1t was merel
this-'A leetle overdone, Bob; but you ca
have twenty pound week at the 'Niva'
ity' whenever you like to join the profe:
SION
"Whv. YOU don't mean to say e1
claimed RingHood.
"Yes, | do" interrupted the manage1
"Bob Pegram plays old Krabbe, and we
he does it. As for the nurse, | still can
put name to her; but would back he
also to be theatrical"