The Virginia enterprise. [volume] (Virginia, St. Louis County, Minn.) 1893-19??, 1910-12-02
For a Friend and One Other
By ANTolNETTE PATTERSON
Copyright, $780, by Associated Literary Press

3OCAALeQ Literary FTe88
''as we have a journey before VI to-
morrow we must say goodby."
1T will be lonely for a few days." he
heard Marie Laska say to Cyril.
After bidding cyril good night,
Nichols took the car back to Pasa-
dena. Later he walked toward Nine.
Laska's house, and then. hearing
Cyril's name. stopped.
A man was talking in English, pro
sumably that the servants might not
understand.
twenty-five thousand dollars will
see our project through and help Po-
land to her own again. Young
Thornton will have the money and
you must get it-somehow. You are
beautiful and still young, and can
make boy like that do anything"
Nichols knew he was listening to
an INSCRIPTIONS fanatic. AS for
Marie, II tool, she was 4 willing
one.
Even as lightning flash reveals
In an instant miles of country and
throws intQ relief the most promi-
nent features until they are seen
more clearly than ever before, so
things revealed themselves to Nichols
at this moment. Cyril should not
marry Nine. Laska, or give, up his
money. One word from Nichols
could fix all that But If he spoke
that word just now, while the boy
was still dreaming dreams, would
that nature ever be the same again?
A sudden rude awakening has been
the making of many a man, but it
was borne in upon Nichols that it
would not do for Cyril.
Nichols had deliberately listened.
He now as deliberately went up the
steps Of the porch and faced the man
and the woman sitting there
Il have heard everything he said
quietly
Marie's companion put his hand to
his hip pocket.
Don't do that" Nichols said with
little deprecating gesture. II am
worth more to you just now alive"
Then he went to the end of the porch
and picked up his coat.
Il came back for this" he said
1T has papers in the pockets which
I shall want in San Francisco to-
morrow"
The man and woman watched him
curiously. He put on his coat: then
he turned to the Pole.
Il will give you $4,000" he said,
for what in return I know you will
do. My lawyer, Mr.. Henry Stanton,
in Los Angeles, will arrange all mat
ters. In consideration Of this money
you will both leave Pasadena within
two days the country in the
shortest possible time. l will write
this down." taking a pen and paper
from his pocket, 80 there can be no
misunderstanding. II there should
be l might feel bound to inform the
Polish government that l have
knowledge of a suspect"
Nichols stepped inside and drew up
the document in legal form. The
man and woman both signed. Then
he turned to Marie.
"Write,' he said, what I tell you"
She obeyed silently.
He then told them that this note
should be mailed the following night
to Cyril at the hotel in Los Angeles.
He turned to go. ''You believe that
I will keep my end Of the contract"
he said, land I that you will keep
yours. Good-by." He raised his hat
to Marie Laska.
On their return to Los Angeles they
went first to Cyrils rooms. There
was a note in Nine. Laska's hand.
writing.
Nichols walked toward the window.
He was feeling keenly for the boy
as he went over in memory each
word he had dictated.
when you return" 1t ran, II shah
have left California. have only
time to write you few lines, for
word has come which takes me i'm.
mediately to Poland. My country has
need of me, and still more man OF
whom you have often made me think,
and with whose fate it now seems
best should unite my own. For my
fathers sake l shall travel under an
assumed name I shall always think
of you, and Mr.. Nichols with the
greatest kindness and gratitude.
Farewell MARIE LASkA.
Cyril read the letter twice and then.
after moments silence. handed It
to Nichols.
Nichols saw there had been no
shock that would be serious.
Jack" he said, "it's all over-my
dream. She was star too high for
me to hope to reach. but I want you
to see this letter, for you never right.
ly understood her. She was so fine
and noble and would risk even her
life for her country and for her love.
l had thought at times she cared for
me, but it was just that I reminded
her of that other man."
Cyril's eyes had the trusting look
Of Eleanor's-his dead sister-at that
moment and John Nichols turned
away his head.