The Red Cloud chief., 1910-02-24
CHAPTER xvi-Contirued.

They crossed the deck and entered
the boat-maker's shop, and ! crcpt
down where | could peer in at an open
portfolio. The men remained at the
farther end of the house-it was,
should say, about 100 feet long
which, without formal division, was
fitted as a sitting ROOM, with a piano
in one cornc and a long settle
against the wall. In the center was
a table Uttered with books and peri.
odicals; and a woman's sewing basket,
interviewer with bright ribbons, gave
a domestic touch To the place. On the
inner wall hung n pair of foils and
masks. Pictures from illustrated jour
nails - striking heads or outdoor
scenes-were pinned here and there.
The newcomer stared about, twirling
a Tweed cap n%ervously in his hands,
while Holbrook carefully c~Xtinguished
the lantern and put 1t aside. His Wis
itor was about so. taller than he, and
swarthy, with n grayish mustachc, and
hair white at the temples. His eyes
were large and dark. but eve with the
length of the room between us !
marked their rcstlcssness; and now
that he spoke 1t was in a succession
of quick rushes of words that were
difficult TO follow.
Holbrook pushed a chair toward the
stranger and they faced each other for
q moment, then with "A shrug of his
shoulders the old man sat down. Hol'
brook was in white tiannels, with a
blue scarf knotted in his shirt collar.
He dropped into a big wicker chair,
crossed his legs and folded his arms.
We'll" he said in a wholly agree
able tone, you wanted TO see me, and
here / am"
You are well hidden said the
other, still gazing about,
Il imagine | am, from the fact that
il has taken you seven years to find
me"
II haven't been looking for you
seven years" replied the stranger.
hastily: and his Dyes again roamed
the room.
The men seemed reluctant to ap-
proach the business that lay between
them. and Iiolbrook wore an air of in
difference, as though the impending in
tervicw did not concern him p~articu-
larly. The eyes of the older man fell
upon the %beribboned work-basket. He
nodded toward ii, his eyes lighting un.
pleasantly. .'
There seems to be a woman he
remarked with a sheer of implica-
ton.
Yes" replied lIolbrook, calmly,
there is; that belongs to my daugh-
ter"
Where is she?' demanded the 9th
or, glancing anxiOusly about.
In bed, fancy. You need have no
fear of her"
Silence fell upon them again, Their
affairs were. difficult, and HolbroOl,
waiting patiently for the other TO
breach his errand, drew out his to.
bacco pounch and pipe and began TO
smoke.
Patricia is here ana Helen is with
her" said the visitor.
YES, we are all here, II seems re-
marked Holbrook, dryly. ITS a nice
family gathering"
Il suppose you haven't @ theme
demanded the visitor.
Yes and no. have no wish to meet
them; but I've had several narrow
escapes. They nave cut me off from
my walks; but | shall leave here
shortly"
YES, you are going, you are so
ing" began the visitor, eagerly.
Il am going. but not until after you
have gone" said Holbrook. by SOM
strange fate We are all here. and 1t Is
best for certain things to be settled
before we separate again, | have tried
to keep out of your way; / have sunh
my identity; l have rel!nquished thu
things of life that men hold dear
honor, friends, ambition. and nov you
and | have got TO have a settle
ment,"