Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1910-07-06

you would have cut me. However,
don't apologize; you're forgivenr'
Most amlable of you to say so, Sir
Charlesw perfunctorily.
mot at all. Especially as our meet.
Ing is quite apropos. Obliged to run
up to town on a little matter Of busi-
ness; but, thank goodness. it's done.
Never saw London more deserted.
Dined at the club. nobody there Sup
ped at the hotel. dining room empty.
Strolled up Piccadilly, not a soul to
be seen. That is" he added, mo one
whom one has seen before, which is
the same thing. But how did you en-
Joy your trip to the continentT
'lt was not exactly trip for pleas
ure," returned the other. with a slight
accent Of constraint.
"Ah. yes; so understood. But
fancy going to the continent on busi-
nessl One usually goes for-which
reminds me, how would you like to go
back into the country with meT'
'T2 1t is impossible at the moment
for
But Sir Charles seemed not to listen.
'Deuced dull journey for a man to
take alone, good deal Of It by coach.
You'll find a few salmon to kill, trout
and all that. Think of the Joy Of
whipping a stream after having been
mewed up all these months in the
musty metropolis. Besides. made a
wager with Jocelyn you wouldn't re-
fuse a second opportunity to bask in
Arcadia" He laughed. az really
couldn't presume to ask him again.
is the way she expressed it. but II
you can draw a sufficiently eloquent
Strathorn to WOO him from his beloved
dusty byways you have my permis-
sion to try"
"Did she say thatT' John Steele
spoke quickly. then. II am sorry 1t
is impossible. but" in a low tone,
chow is Miss Wray?'
Never better. Enjoying every mo-
ment. jolly party and all that. Lord
Ronsdale and Here Sir Charles
enumerated a number of people.
Lord Ronsdale is there"
"Yes: couldn't keep him away from
Strathorn House now" he laughed
"As a matter of fact, he has asked my
permission to There!" Sir Charles
stopped, then laughed again with
little embarrassment. i've nearly let
tha pot ort of tbn hoo"
John Steele spoke no word. His face
was set. immovable.
You mean he has proposed for her
hand. and she"-Steele seemed to speak
with difficulty-"has consented?"
well, not exactly. She appears
complaisant. as it WERE" he answered
But. really, shouldn't have mention
ed the matter at ALL Quite premature,
you understand? Let's say no more
about it. And-what was 1t you said
about going back with meY
YES" said John Steele. with a sud-
den strength and energy that Sir
Charles might attribute to the desire
to make himself understood above the
din of the street. "I'll go back with
you at'-the latter words, lower spo-
ken, the other did not catch-''no mat
ter what cost"
Sir Charles and John Steele arrived
at Strathorn. This little hamlet lay
In a sleepy looking dell. AS the driver
swung down a hill he whipped up his
horses and literally charged upon the
town, swept through the main thor
Oughfare and drew up with flourish
before the principal tavern. Sir
Charles started and stretched his legs.
John Steele got down.
"Strathorn House." he said to Sir
Charles, ''is near. am in the mood
For exercise after sitting so long and
should like to walk there"
"By all MEANS" returned the other.
since it's your preference. Pretty
lpt to overtake you" he went on. after
giving his guest a few directions. "es-
,ecially if you linger over any points
If interest"
The trap which had been sent for
irew up and the two men separated.
Sir Charles ratified briskly down one
way. Steele turned to go the other.
Soon rose before him the top of a