The Wenatchee daily world. [volume] (Wenatchee, Wash.) 1905-1971, 1909-01-20

| marks with the advance of population
and the invasion of the railroad. He
wondered if Jack would know him
with his beard. He knew-his mirror
told him-that his appearance had
changed greatly, and he looked twenty
years older than on the day he left the
old home ranch.
His trend of thought was interrupt
ed by the entrance Of Jack on the
porch from the house.
"My names Payson." Jack began
hurriedly, casting a hasty glance back
ward into the hallway, for the cere-
mony was about to begin. you want
to see me?''
sack" cried Dick. holding out his
hand eagerly-"Jack. old man. don't
you know me-" he continued falter-
ingly. seeing no sign Of recognition in
his friends eyes.
Payson gasped. shocked and startled.
The man before him was stranger
In looks. but the voice-the voice was
that of Dick Lane. the last man in the
world he wanted to see that moment.
Frightened. almost betraying himself.
he glanced at the half open door. If
Dick entered he knew Echo would be
lost to him. She might love him truly
and her love for Dick might have
passed away, but he knew that Echo
would never forgive him for the de-
ception that he had pract;ced upon
her.
Grasping his friends hand weakly.
he faltered. "Dick-Dick Lanep'
Jack realized he must act quickly.
Some way or somehow Dick must be
kept out Of the house until after the
marriage. Then he. Jack, must take
the consequences. Dick saw his hest
tation. 1t was not what he had ex-
pected. But something dreadful might
have happened while he was away.
there had been so many changes.
why. what's the matterT' he asked
anxiously, you got my letter? You
knew was coming"
Eyes, yes, know" lamely answered
Jack. But | expected notice. You
know you said
81 couldn't wait Jack. I'm a rich
man, thanks to YOU
Eyes. yes: that's all right" said Paw
son. disclaiming the praise Of the mau
he had so grievously wronged with
hurried acknowledgment OF his graft
tude.
''And hurried back for fear Echo
'Oh, yes. I'll tell her about 1t when
she's ready to hear it."
"What is the matter, Jack? Are you
keeping something from me? Where
is sl,e?"
"In there" said Fayson feebly, point
ing to the door.
Dick eagerly started toward the
house. but Jack halted him, saying:
| ''No. you mustn't so in now. There's
a party-you see, she hasn't been well;
doesn't expect you tonight. The shock
might be too much for her"
| Jack grasped at the lame excuse 1t
| was the first to come to his mind. He
must think quickly. This experience
was tearing the heart out of him. He
could not save himself from betrayal
much longer.
You're right" acQuiesced Dick. You
i tell her when you get chance. Jack,
! as / was saying, I've made quite bit
Of money out of my Bisbee holdings
l can pay back my stake to You now"
| Not now" said Jack nervously.
Would this torture never end? Here
was his friend, whom lie had betrayed,
come back in the very hour Of his mar
| riage to the woman who had promised
first to marry him. Now he was offer
ing him money, which Jack needed
badly, for his prospective mother-in-
law was complaining about his taking
her daughter to mortgaged home.
Sure, now" continued Dick, pulling
| a roll of bills from his pocket. Its
| $4,000. Here it is, all in one bundle"
Not now Let that wait" said Jack
pushing the money aside.
Its waited long enough" cried Dick
doggedly You put the mortgage on
your ranch to let me have the money
and it must be about due now"
Yes, it will be due, but let 1t wait"
whats the use? I'm all right now
I brought the cash with me on purpose
Nduleu W SIudtc will yo'' OL
sight
Dick pressed the money into Jacks
hand. closing his fingers over the roll
of bills With sigh of relief, as it q
disagreeable task was completed, he
questioned, "How's Bud?'
Jack replied shortly. "All right; he's
inside
II didn't write to him." cheerfully re
sumed Dick 81 didn't want the kid
to know. He is so excitable he would
have blabbed it right out. I'll sure be
glad to see the boy again. He's Inn
pulsive, but his hearts all right
know you've kept lookout over him
This trust In him was getting toe
much for Jack to bear. SO the voice OF
Polly crying to him to hurry up was
music to his ears. I'm coming" NJ
shouted. I'll see you in few min
utes," he told Dick. 1--WE something
to tell you. I can't tell you now"
"Go In, then" answered Dick "Pl