Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1910-03-17

did not doubt that he had been
sent to watch me; and his Immediate
purpose seemed to be to detain me.
Il had hoped you would sit down
and talk over the Monroe Doctrine, or
the partition Of Africa, or something
equally interesting, he remarked. You
dsappoint me, my dear benefactor."
And you make me very tired at the
end Of a tiresome day, Gillespie.
Please continue to watch my horse;
I'm off"
He kept at my elbow, as l expected
he would. babbling away with his usu-
al volubility in an effort, now frank
enough, to hold me back: but ig-
nored his talk and plunged on through
the wood toward the creek. Henry
Holbrook must, l argued, have had
time enough to get out of the creek
and back to the island; but what mis-
chief Gillespie was furthering in his
behalf could not imagine.
There was a gradual rise toward the
creek and we were obliged to cling to
the bushes in making our ascent. Sud-
denly, as l paused for breath, Giles
pie grasped my arm.
For Gods sake, stop! This Is no
affair of yours. On my honor there's
nothing that affects you here"
Il will see whether there is or mott"
exclaimed, throwing him off, but he
kept close beside me.
We gained the trail that ran along
the creek, and paused to listen.
Where's your launch?"
Find it" he replied, succinctly.
had my bearings pretty well, and
set off toward the lake, Gillespie
trudging behind In the narrow path
When we had gone about 20 yards a
lantern glimmered below and heard
voices raised in excited colloquy. Gil
lespie started forward at a run.
,, Keep back! This Is my AFFAIR.""
I'm making it mine" replied, and
flung in ahead of him.
l ran forward rapidly, the voices
growing louder, and soon heard men
stumbling and falling about in conflict
| A woman's voice now rose in a sharp
cry:
Let go of him! Let go of him!"
Gillespie flashed by me down the
bank to the waters edge, where the
struggle ended abruptly. l was not far
behind, and l saw Henry Holbrook in
the grasp of the Italian, who was ex,
| planning to the woman, who held the
lantern high above her head, that he
was only protecting himself. Gillespie
] had caught hold of the sailor, who
! continued to protest his innocence, OF
any wish to injure Holbrook; and fol
a moment we peered through the dark
taking account of one another.
$50 it's you, is it?" said Henry Hol
brook as the Italian freed him and HIS
eyes fell on me. Il should like tc
know what you mean by meddling IN
my affairs. BY God, I've enough to dc
with my own flesh and blood without
dealing with outsiders"
Helen Holbrook turned swiftly anC
held the lantern toward me, and wheI
she saw me shrugged her shoulders.
you really give yourself grea
deal of unnecessary concern, Mr.. Don
ovan."
you are a damned impudent med
dler!" blurted Henry Holbrook. g
have had you watched. You-you-
He darted toward me, but the Ital
ian again caught and held him, ant
another alteration began between
them. Holbrook was wrought to higl
: pitch of excitement and cursed every
body who had in any way interfere'
/ with him.
Come, Helen" said Gillespie, ster
ping to the girls side; and at thi
Henry Holbrook turned upon him vic
ously.
You are another meddlesome out
{ slider. Your father was a pig-a pig
r do you understand? If it hadn't bee
for him / shouldn't be here tonight
I camping out like an outlaw. An
a you've got to stop annoying my daugt
3 teri"
Helen turned to the Italian an
d spoke to him rapidly in his ow
!, tongue.
I You must take him away. He /
9 not himself. Tell him have done tn
best l could. Tell him"