Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1910-03-05
CHAPTER xvI-Continued.

the bOat-makerS shop, and L crepI
down where l could peer in at an open
port hole The men remained at the
farther end of the hOuse-it was, l
should say, about 100 feet long
which, without formal division, was
fitted as a sitting room, with piano
in one corner, and 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 a pair of foils and
masks. Pictures from illustrated jour
mails = striking heads or outdoor
scenes-were pinned here and there.
The newcomer stared about, twirling
a Tweed cap nervously in his hands,
while Holbrook carefully extinguished
the lantern and put it aside. His Wis
itor was about so, taller than he, and
swarthy, with grayish mustache. and
hair white at the temples. His eyes
were large and dark, but even with the
length of the room between us
marked their restlessness; and now
that he spoke it 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
a moment, then with a snrug of his
shoulders the old me- sat down. Hol-
brook was in white hannels, with a
blue scarf knotted in his shirt collar
He dropped into big wicker chair,
crossed his legs and folded his arms.
WELL he said in wholly agree
able tone, you wanted to see me, and
here l ann
You are well hidden" said the
other, still gazing about.
Il imagine / am, from the fact that
it has taken you seven years to find
me-
L haven't been looking for you
seven years." replied the stranger,
hastily; and his eyes again roamed
the room.
The men seemed reluctant to ap-
proach the business that lay between
them, and Holbrook wore an air of in
difference, as though the impending in
terview did not concern him particu-
larly. The eyes of the older man fell
upon the beribboned work-basket- He
nodded toward it, his eyes lighting I'M
pleasantly.
There seems to be a woman he
remarked with a sneer of implica-
ton.
Yes" replied Holbrook, calmly,
there is; that belongs to my daugh-
ter
Where is she?" demanded the 9TH
er, glancing anxiously about.
In bed. fancy. You need have no
fear of her"
Silence fell upon them again. Their
affairs were difficult, and Holbrook,
waiting patiently for the other to
breach his errand. drew out his to-
bacco pounch and pipe and began to
smoke.
Patricia is here and Helen is with
her. said the visitor
Yes, we are all here, it seems re-
marked Holbrook, dryly. It's nice
family gathering"
IT suppose you haven't seen them %
demanded the visitor.
Yes and no. / have no wish to meet
them; but I've had several narrow
escapes. They have cut me off from
my walks, but / shall leave here
shortly
yes, you are going. you are go
ing began the visitor, eagerly.
I am going, but not until after you
have gone,' said Holbrook by some
strange fate we are all here, and it is
best for certain things to be settled
before we separate again have tried
to keep out OF your way; 1 have sunk
Lay identity, 1 have relinquished the
things of life that men hold dear
honor. friends, ambition, and now you
and l have got TO have a settle
nent.'