Barbour County index., 1910-03-02
CHAPTER XVI-Continued.

They crossed the deck and entered
the boat-maker's shop, and l crept
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 a 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-
nails striking heads or outdoor
scenes-were pinned here and there.
The newcomer stared about, twirling
q 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 a 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 shrug of his
shoulders the old man sat down. Hol-
brook was in white fiannels, with a
blue scarf knotted in his shirt collar
He dropped into a big wicker chair
crossed his legs and folded his arms.
We'll" he said in a wholly agree
able tone, you wanted to see me, and
here l 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-"
81 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 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
I'm bed, fancy. You need have NJ
fear of her"
Silence fell upon them again. Thei1
affairs were difficult, and Holbrook
waiting patiently for the other to
broach his errand, drew out his to
bacco peunch and pipe and began t.
smoke.
Patricia is here and Helen is will
! her." said the visitor.
Yes, we are all here, it seems" re
marked Holbrook, dryly. Its a mic,
family gathering.
'T suppose you haven't seen them?
demanded the visitor.
Yes and no. l have no wish to NEE
them; but I've had several marrow
escapes. They have cut me OF from
my walks; but I shall leave her,
shortly"
Yes, you are going, you are &C
ing" began the visitor, eagerly.
II am going, but not until after yo,
have gone" said Holbrook. by som
strange fate we are all here, and 1t
best for certain things to be settle
before we separate again. have trie
to keep out of your way; have sun
my identity; l have relinquished tn
things of life that men hold dear
honor, friends, ambition, and now Y
and / have got to have q settle
ment."