The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1910-07-22

Fezzan and Rourzouck, and the doe
ument was signed by the firm.
"Of course, | do not need this,
signOre.' said John Castlemaine,
nevertheless, | thank you for le.-
ting me see this. 1t shows me the
methods of your firm. and from
that standpoint alone this documeE;
is exceedingly interesting"
He turned again to his daughter
VIII you not help me to per
suade Signor Ricordo to walk up
to the house with us, Ollve?' he
said. 1T is quite early yet, and,
wonder of wonders, we have no
guests at present.
Ricordo turned to Olive. who ex-
pressed her delight at the thought
of his accompanying them.
Then can do no other than
gratefully accept" said Rlcordo.
'but l am afraid | am monopolizins
your company, Signor Castlemaine."
He turned aside as he spoke, and
made room for Purvis and Spragre,
who had evidently been waiting for
chance to speak to them.
Il could not help making the
most of the opportunity which you
have afforded" sail Sprague 81
am afraid The Homestead was not
meant for such as Purvis and my
self but you will forgive me, won't
you?"
There was marked restraint in
John Castlemaine's welcome of the
two men, still he greeted them civ
lily. Perhaps he had partly forgot
ten the part they took in the pain
ful drama of years before. As for
Olive, she was evidently undecided
what to do. She ended, however, by
speaking civilliy to them both, but
did not seem at all pleased that
they should come and speak to her.
Il see you know my late opponent
on the golf links" said Sprague,
turning to Ricordo.
We have met tonight for the first
time" said Mr.. Castlemaine, turn
ing towards the stranger, and as
he turned he saw a look in his
eyes that made him feel uncomfort-
able. There was such a sinister ex-
preston on Ricordo's face. that he
wondered if he had done right in
asking him, in spite of his unuues.
tionable credentials, to his house.
For this reason he was almost glad
that Sprague and Purvis were there.
lie had known them well years be-
fore, and although he had no pleas.
ure in recalling the past he felt
that he might seem churlish, and
uncivil, ii he did not extend his
invitation to them. Acting on the
'P"i'' VI tHe HolheHl, therefore,
thing which was very rare with
him, he asked them both to walk
up to the house.
"Signor Ricordo is coming up" he
said; you might as W II Join him
If You care, and then you can all
walk back together"
Delighted | am sure" said
Sprague; but Purvis pleaded a head |
ache, and declared that he would
be such a dull companion that he |
would not inflict his company upon
them. The quartette started their
walk and passed through the village |
almost without a word. Whether
Ricordo was pleased or annoyed be-
cause of Sprague's presence it was
impossible to say. He showed no .
sign either way. While they were
in the village, they walked abreast. |
but after they had passed through
the lodge gates, Sprague and Olive
walked side by side, while Ricordo
and Mr.. Castlemaine came on be-
hind. Sprague found himself strange
ly nervous when he realized that
he was alone with Olive. 1t was he
who had sent the letter which had
been followed by such fatal results.
an5 never since that time had he and
Olive Castlemaine spoken to each
other
(To be continued