The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-03-16

several minutes before she was
able to explain the mission which
brought her back. The captain re-
membered distinctly that nothing had
been said by her about her coming again
that day.
He had cautioned her not TO fail in
appearing against Nelson in court on
the following morning but that was all.
She had asserted with considerable
show of force and determination that
she would be on hand Not only that,
but she added that her husband would
accompany her.
Now here she stood, alone. Her breath
came in short. nervous gasps-
Nelson had just said that she would
come; that he expected her. The mys-
terry deepened-
The captain looked from one to the
other. but he was unable TO read any
solution 10 the mystery in the express
sion OF the two faces before him.
Wont you be seated. Mrs. wharton
he said finally, as he placed a chair for
Betty.
Thank you" she managed to reply,
when she had sufficiently recovered her
breath.
Il was in such hurry, she ex-
planned, land it is so bitter cold out
side that IL"
That's all right, madam" said the
captain. Warm yourself a bit by the
heater
Betty. however. did not do as he
suggested. Her mind was too fun %
her mission 10 bother long about how
cold or how warm she was. She hadn't
even glanced at Nelson.
The prisoner sat there, waiting eager
rrrr-
look of pleased anticipation on his face.
II was evidently Bettys move and both
men seemed well aware of that fact.
I'm all right now" said Betty at
last. as she looked 20 at the captain
with a charming smile.
Il suppose she added, you are very
much surprised TO see me so soon
again
a faint blush erept up to the roots
OF her hair.
Not at ALL" quickly replied the cap
tain. we were just speaking of you
when you entered. AS matter OF fact
we were expecting your
You were expecting me-" repeated
Betty. hardly able to believe what she
heard. do you mean 10 say, captain,
that you thought ! would return
Yes" answered the captain
Il was expecting you" interposed Mel
son in cool, even tones.
II was the first time he had spoken
70 her, and she had not deigned TO
glance at him until that instant
You were expecting meG-' repeated
Betty. How could you?"
= knew when you left that you would
be back very soon" said Nelson. The
only thing that surprised me was that
you were so long in getting here"
"Oh, yes. l can vouch for what he
SAYS" added the captain. He was
looking for you. He told me so only
the moment before YOU opened the
door,
Il don't understand" said Betty gaz-
ing from one TO the other IN undisguised
wonderment.
Il knew you wouldn't faH me- re-
marked Nelson, with provoking smile.
1T isn't a question uy falling OF
not failing YOU" said Betty. THAT
has rothlng whatever 20 do with the
case"
But 7 knew your true woman nature
would relent, continued Nelson Iu zones
which refused % become excited
How dare you" exclaimed Betty.
in indignation.
Whether am true woman or not
ctf'no' i''sS-o'y interest 5o'' she aod-
&C. and with these words proceeded To-
.shViH -Ne'So" a.'' -"f. -eF attention
eACIi7i ei5 20 ,'t I'd p'aih-
Fa'uon me persisted ->eiSou' noia7
ing oaunted oy htf Wit1euns lone "AU
mean ~ paw "4s '.."t WIGS certain
YOU W." "''.''" " s'oLl Time DO
Ie' - "iOp ING l''i asS'lSl mo.
nd 40 uo'l, '-'oU' 'Nal- kH1"
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capatin.