Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-11-07
CHAPTER vi.

Presently Amber rose and quietly ex-
changed dressing gown and slippers for
his own shooting jacket and boots-which
bya now were dry. thanks to Doggotts
thoughtfulness in placing them near the
fire.
The shabby tin clock had droned
through thirty minutes since Rutton had
spoken his last word. In that interval
sitting face to face. and for a little time
hand in hand. with the man to whom he
had pledged his honor. Amber had thought
deeply. carefully weighing ways and
means nor did he move until he be-
iieved his plans mature and definite.
But before he could take one step to-
ward redeeming his word to Rutton he
..ad many cares to dispose of. In the nut
among the dunes the babu lay I'm his
bloo... shot to death-foully murdered, the
world would say Should these things
become known he would be detained in
indeed. he escaped a graver charge.
IL was. then, with a mind burdened
with black anxiety that ne went to arouse
Doggott,
The rear room proved 10 be az cherries
as the other. OF approximately the same
dimensions. IL. too had been furnished
with little regard for anything but the
barest conveniences of camp life. II con-
fained a small sheet-irOn stove for cook
ing, table, a rack OF shelves. two chairs
and a rickety cot-bed. in addition to an
other trunk. On the table tin kerosene
lamp had burned low, poisoning the air
with its bitter reek on the cot Dossott
sprawied In his clothing, his strained
position--half reclining. feet upon the
hoor-suggesting an uncontempated sur
render to fatigue. His face was flushed
and he was breathing heavily
The Virginian stood over him for sew
eral minutes before me could bring him
self TO the point OF awakening the man
TO the news OF Ruttons death. Aware
Of that steadfast loyalty which Doggott
had borne his master through many years
OF service. he shrank With conceiva BILE
reluctance from the duty. But necessity
drove him with a taut rein. and finally
he bent over and shook the sleeper by
the shoulder.
With a jerk the man sat up and recog-
nized Amber
Beg pardon, SIR" he muftered, lifting
himself. sluggishly: IT didn't mean TO fall
asleep-Id only sat down for a moment 3
rest. Has-has anything gone bad. sir?
he added. hastily. remarking with trou-
bied eyes the sympathy and concern I'm
Amber's expression.
Amber looked away. rMr. Rutton Is
dead, Doggott." he managed to say with
some difficulty.
Doggott exclaimed beneath his breath.
Dead he cried. I'm a tone OF daze. In
two strides he had left Amber and was
kneeling by Rutton's side. The most
CurSorN examination, however, su11Ce0 To
resolve his every doubt-the hanging head
and arms. the livid face with It's staring
yet sightless eyes. the shrunken figure
seeming so pitifully slight and unsub-
stant!al In comparison with its accus-
toned strong and virile poise. hopelessly
confirmed Ambers statement.
Dead" whispered the servant He
rose and stood swaying, his lips a-trem-
bic. his eyes blinking through a mist, his
head bowed. "'E always was uncom-
mon good to me. Mr.. Amber he said.
brokenly. Its bit ard, comm this
Wy. Ow-'ow did it" He broke down
completely for a time and staggered away
to the wall. there TO stand with his head
pillowed on his crossed fOrearms.
When he had himself In more control
Amber told him az briefly possible of
the head at the window and Of its sequel
-Rutton's despairing suicide.
Doggott listened in silence. nodding his
comprehension. I've always looked Tor
il. sir he commented. ED warned
me never to touch that silver tube: e
never said poison. but / suspected 1t, e
being blue and melancholy-like by fits
and turns-'e never told me why
Then. reverently. they took up the BODY
and laid il out upon the hammock bed
Doggott arranging the limbs and closing