The Washington times., 1909-05-14
CHAPTER XIV.
SOME HIGH WORDS.


UNH: DON'T go away again,
Jimr' cried Grace, holding
him close to her.
It's been awful, JIM
whispered Mrs. Graham. she kept
crying for you, and we could do moth
ing with her until at last she fell
asleep"
.TH not leave you for a minute,
dear" murmured Alton Then, as a
bright inspiration came to him. he
moved close to her ear and added:
Don't tell anyone. Grace. but I've
been to see the baby"
"Jim!
And he's well and happy"
And we can 20 to him soon?"
Soon. dear"
"Oh, Jim, I'm so contented and con-
hdent now that you are here-I know
everything will be all right"
And. Grace. I'm awfully tired. I'll
be right where you can call me; Will
you sleep .now?''
Yes, jim"
The eyes closed with the touch of
his hand. and as he stroked her dark
hair her breath came slowly and regu-
larry. When at last he turned to Mrs.
Graham. the tired brain was quiet
oAc wall nt aAt tAkNA AVMr ne " his
pered. Call me II she should wake;
I'm going downstairs to talk 90 Or.
Jordan"
To the door the woman followed
him and half apoloseticany took his
hand
L don't care what those men say"
she whispered: I don't believe any
thing bad Of you"
Jim smiled q bit as he left her
Thank you," he said. ''In this case
there Is nothing bad, Mrs. Graham.
Downstairs Dr. Jordan and Black
had remained silent for several mo-
ments after the sudden appearance
OF Alton at the very moment when
they had been pondering on the sub
1eot of proper steps to take to appre-
bend him But the younger man was
not given 20 inaction. especially when
affairs seemed to be assuming an as
pect unfavorable to his schemes, and
81 was he who finally broke the quiet
well" he said. hell probably have
some very satisfactory explanation to
OFFER US"
probably" repeated Dr. Jordan.
which you'll believer"
'T haven't heard IL yet"
But your frame Of mind2'
See here. Black" said the old man
with some heat, "are you prosecuting
attorney. or are you merely an advis-
ing counsel?'
I'm only anxious that you should
take care not 20 repeat your mistake
or truting him again" replied Black.
1t hasn't proven a mistake yet.
commented the old man, with the sus-
piciGa of a twinkle in his eye
$50 you still have hopes? Wen. I'm
4
uation, and" suddenly. "I wonder
where he is now2 ! think I'll"
Black" retorted DR.. Jordan. the
inference OF the others tone CARRYING
a little too much spite. 'T happen to
know where he is at this moment and
you'll sit here quietly until he returns
TO us. as he viii presently.
The words were scarcely spoken be-
fore Jim stood again I'm the doorway.
ard 70 Black the traveI-stained an
pearance OF his clothing was evidence
that there had been some mischief
connected with his mysterious alb
sence. But that very same thing af-
feoted D-. Jordan In quite another
way
'sIt down. jim" he said. You look
tired. We will have 10 have a long
talk
" III "a nOu 10 BLACK AtEOn crossed
the room and wearily dropped into a
ahair.
i've been walking hong way" he
said, "and I'm pretty we'll used up"
Well. tell your story" interposed
Black impatiently, were waiting"
Alton turned quietly to Inc tall man.
II don't care for your tone. Mr.
Pisck." he said.
You're not IN a position 10 be crit
cal" retorted the other. We've learned
quite lot about Alton. of 2O6S Bopery. '
wait. Black" broke in the doctor
jim he added. we feel that you
ought to explain several things 10 us
and-and will you?
We. you say. DR.. Jordan7"
Yes. to Black and me. Ill felt
that I had better call him I'm when
thought that you had disappeared.
II there had been disappointment I'm
the old mans heart when he discovered
Jim's supposed desertiOn, there was
surely sOrrOw In the latter's face as the
doctor confessed 10 this lack Of faith
so you thought ! had deserted ne
said slowly.
You were gone-and the other things
which had come up seemed so sus-
picious-what was ] to thinkT
What did you think when you trust
ed me7''
=. thouRht-oh. YOU know. jim"
And have I done anything which
OF me-
"oh. TO; IT'S only what I've heard"
Very still Jim stood. and when 10
spoke there was a deal Of sternness ir
his attitude
rs there any necessity, DR.. Jordan
for our discussing these matters be
fore a third person ?'
But" replied the old man. 4 have
told Black everything"
Then" again very slowly 81 think
will go 10 bed. I'm very tired"
Alton turned toward the door, but