Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1910-03-10
CHAPTER xvl-Continued.

They crossed the deck and entered
the boat.maker's shop, and / crept
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 piano
in one corner, and long settle
against the wall. In the center was
a table l'-tered with books and peri
odicals; I'D a woman's sewing basket,
interviewer with bright ribbons, gave
a domestic touch to the place. On the
inner wall hung 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 succession
of quick rushes of words that We're
difficult to follow.
Holbrook pushed chair toward the
stranger and they faced each other for
a moment, then with a shrug of his
Oh hn cot
brook was in white f1annels, 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 a wholly agree
able tone, you wanted to see me, and
here / am"
You are we'll hidden" said the
other, still gazing about.
Il imagine / am, from the fact that
1t has taken you seven years to find
me-"
Il 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 un-
pleasantly.
There seems to be a woman" he
remarked with a sheer 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.
I'm 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, 1t seems" re-
marked Holbrook, dryly. ITS nice
family gathering"
II 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.
II am going, but not until after you
have gone" said Holbrook. by some
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; l have sunk
my identity; l have relinquished the
things of life that men hold dear
honor, friends, ambition, and now you
and l have got to have a settle
ment."
You seem rather sure of yourself"
sneered the older, turning uneasily in
his chair.
Il am altogether sure of myself. !
have been fool, but see the error
Of my ways and / propose to settle
matters with you now and here. You
have got to drop your game of annoy
Ing Patricia; you've got to stop using
your own daughter as spy"
you lie, you lie!" roared the other,
leaping to his feet. you cannot in
sinuate that my daughter is not act
Ing honorably toward Patricia"
My mind had slowly begun to grasp
the situation and to identify the men
before me. Holbrook. alias Hartridge,