Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1909-08-26
tingent features singularly unpleasant

tingent features singularly unpleasant
to contemplate. The station waiting
room was on the point of closing for
the night. ard Kirkwood. alarmed by
the rapid ebb of the money he had
taken from Calendar, dared not subject
his finances 10 the strain Of q nights
lodging at ore Of Clients hotels He
found himself forced to be cruel to he
kind to the girl, and Dorothy's cheer
full acquiescc nee to their sole alterna-
tive of traml,ing the street until day
break did nothing to alleviate Kirk
woods evaporation.
1t was permitted them to occupy a
bench outside the station. There the
girl, her head pillowed on the treas
ure bag, mapped uneasily. while KIRK
wood ploGded restlessly to and fro.
up and down the platform. adding his
poor weary wits with the problems Of
the future-not so much his own AS
the future Of the unhappy child for
whose welfare he had assumed re-
sponsibilty. Dark for both of then
In his understanding tomorrow looned
darkest for her.
Not until the gray formless light of
the dawn dusk was wavering over the
land did he cease his perambulati1ns
Then gradual stir of life in the city
streets. together with the appearance
of n station porter or two. opening the
waiting rooms and preparing them
against the traffic of the day. warned
him that he must rouse his charge
He paused and stood over her. reluc-
tant to disturb her rest, such as it was,
his heart torn with compassion for
her, his soul imbittered by the cruel
| irony of their estate.
| If what he understood were true. a
/ kings ransom was secreted within the
cheap imitation leather satchel which
served her for pillow. But 1t awaited
her nothing for her comfort If what
he believed were true, she was abso-
| lutte mistress of that treasure of jew
els, yet that night she had been forced
to sleep on hard. uncushioned bench
IN the open air, and this morning he
must waken hef to the life Of q hunt
ed thing. A week ago she had had at
her command every luxury known to
the civilized worldi today she was
friendless but for his inefficient, worth
less self and in a strange land. A
week ago, had he known her then. he
had been free to tell her of his love
to offer her the protection Of his name
as well as his devotion; today he was
an all but penniless vagabond ant
there could be no dishonor deeper thar
to let her know the nature Of hi!
hearts desire.
Was ever lover hedged from a dec
laration to his mistress by circum
stances so hateful, so untoward? H.
could have ragged and rallied agains
his fate like any mailman, for he de
sired her greatly, and she was yer,
lovely in his sight. She was to hir
Of all created things the most wonder
full, the most desirable.
The temptation of his longing seen
ed more than he could long withstand
But resist he must or part foreve
with any title to her considerations
his own. He shut his teeth and kno
to touch, II only with his finger tip
the woven wonder Of her hair.
And thus she saw him when. will
out warning, she awoke.
Bewilderment at first Informed til
wide brown eyes, then, as the
drowsiness vanished, a little laughte
little tender mirth.
Good morning, Sir knight of tt
Somber Countenancew she erie
standing up. Am l SO utterly disre
utable that you find 1t necessary
frown on me SO darkly?"
He shook his head. smiling.
II know I'm a fright" she asserte
vigorously shaking out the folds OF b.
plated skirt. And, as for my hat.
will never be on straight: but. the
you wouldn't know"
1T seems all right" he replied v
cantly.
Then please to try to look a lit
happier since you find me quite pr
sentable."
Il do"
Without lifting her Bonded head 81
looked up. laughing, not Ill please
YOU'D say SO reallyY'
Far down the railway tracks the
= rose a murmuring that waxed to
e rumbling roar. A passing porter a
!" swered Kirkwood's inquiry; 1t was t
night boat train from Ostend.
= picked up their bags and drew the g
into the waiting room. troubled by
u sickening foreboding.
&c Through the window they watch
= the train roll in and stop.
~ Among others alighted. Sinking, t
. unspeakable Hobbs.
u He lifted his hat and bowed jaun
Fe " to the waiting room window, me
81 ing 1t plain that his keen eyes had d
covered them instantly.
10 CHAPTER XVI,
y. " IRKWOODS heart sank W
,r IL the hopelessness Of 1t all.