The Columbus journal., 1910-10-26

the table with mixed emotions. and
then. gradually. the meaning of some
thing on it penetrated my mind. Still
in its papers. evidently just opened.
was a hat box. and protruding over
the edge of the box was a streamer OF
vivid green ribbon.
On the plea that I wished to ask
Mrs. Carter a few more questions,
let the others go on. l watched them
down the flagstone walk; saw Nc
Knight stop and examine the gate
posts and saw. too. the quick glance
he threw back ut the house. Thea
turned to Mrs. Carter.
Il would like to speak to the youn:
lady upstairs" l said.
She threw up her hands with a
quick gesture of surrender. I've done
all | could she exclaimed. She
won't like it very we'll. bnt-she's in
the room over the parlOr."
went eagerly up the ladder-!ike
stairs. to the rag-carpeted hall. Two
doors were open. showing interiors CT
| four poster beds and high bureaus.
The door of the room over the parlor
was almost closed. / hesitated in the
hallway; after all. what right had .
| to intrude on her? But she settled ny
difficulty by throwing open the door
and facing me.
II beg your pardon. Miss West.
stammered. 1T has just occurred
to me that am unpardonabiy rude
saw the hat downstairs and Il
! guessed
THE hat" she said. Il might have
known. Does Richey know l am
here?"
Il don't think So" turned to &C
down the stairs again. Then ] haltet.
The fact is" I said. in an attempt a.
justification. I'm in rather a mess
these days. and I'm apt to do IRE
] sponsible things. 1t is not impossible
that l shall be arrested. in a day Oh
SO. for the murder of Simon Harrins
ton"
She drew her breath in sharply
Murder" she echoed. Then theI
have found you after a!l!"
Il don't regard 1t as anything NOR
-er-inconvenient." lied. THE!
can't convict me. you know. Almos
all the witnesses are dead.
She was not deceived for moment
She came over to me and stood. botl
hands OH the rail of stair. Il know
lust how grave it is" she said quiet
". MY grandfather will not leave on
stone unturned. and he can be terribl
terrible. But'-she looked directi,
into my eyes as I stood below her III
the stairs-'the time may come
soon-when can help you. fr
afraid shall rot want to: I'm
dreadful coward. Mr.. Blakeley. Bu
Il will" She tried to smile.
Il wish you would let me help you.
said unsteadily. Let us make 1t
bargain: each help the other!"
The girl shook her lead with a 81
little smile. Il am only as anhapp
as I deserve to be-" she said. An
when l protested and took step Il
ward her she retreated. with he
hands out before her.
, why dOn you dSA ire sAi tHe 4"N
lions YOU are thinking?" she demand
ed. with a catch in her voice. "O'
| know them. Or are you afraid
ask"
l I looked at her. at the lines aroun
I her eyes, at the drawn look about he
| mouth. Then l held out my ham
). ! Afraid" said. as she gave me her
There is nothing in Gods gree
earth / am afraid of. save Of troub
for You. To ask questions would B
to imply a lack of faith. I ask yo
nothing. Some day. perhaps. you wi
come to ME yourself and let me hel
you"
The next r,oment I was out in II
e golden sunshine: the birds were sin
ing carols of joy: walked dizzil
Il drought rainbow colored clouds. pa
X the twins, chcrubs now. swinging {
the gate. II was new world in
x which l stepped from the Carter farI
house that morning. fOr-l had kisst
II her.
t ITO BE CONTINCED1