Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-06-12

waited scent of oriental perfumes from
neighboring terraces! The soft splash of
waters, dropping like rain in fountain basins,
the call of night birds, and the softened
sounds of ancient Fee mingling with a tender
voice that had betrayed itself in the words,
81 should sorrow to know that the world no
longer held the most loyal gentleman have
ever known!
He was free! Free to go to her, when this
gage of strength was over, and ask her what
she meant! To ask her if she could be his
own! Charlotte would be, as she had always
been, his sister.
He lifted himself to his feet, threw back
his head, and breathed the night air deeply
into his lungs. He was like one from whose
shoulders load had been lifted and the
way opened for easy travel.
HE was aroused to a consciousness of his
1 L surroundings by sight of the Kaid's
distressed and inquiring face. 1t all came
back to him, night, the tent, the con-
ficting armies, the barbaric land, and the
little English adventurer, who now, more
than ever, had become his friend. It was as
this same little Engishman, an alteration
of eye, tenderness of speech, an unfailing
courtesy, and marked delicacy of manner
all bestowed upon his foster sister, required
to him in palpable summary of explanatory
truth.
He lowered above the table, resting his
weight on the knuckles of both hands and
thrusting his head forward toward his COM
panion "You!" he said "You are the mani"
The Kaid, as if accused of something I'M
merited or suddenly confronted by friend
gone mad, leaped to his feet so abruptly
that his camp stool was thrown backward
beneath his cot.
II? Good Heavens, -er-Captain
Whitney-what do you mean?" He had
drawn himself to an involuntary attitude of
physical defense as if anticipating an attack
from the stalwart American, who was staring
at him with wide eyes and close shut lips.
Quite slowly Whitney held the letter
toward him and said, Read"
THE Englishman took it unhesitatingly
l and leaning over the table where the
candlelight shone strong, slowly absorbed
the homely words of the old cattleman
Masked as he was in habitual restraint, his
face broke into softened lines, and when he
looked up his eyes were glad, yet sorrowful.
Whitney," he faltered, God knows l
wish 1 were the mani If knew that was
true, all this out there" and he waved his
hand in an all embracing gesture toward the
nothing!" His fingers swept up to fearless,
trembling gesture. "Only God and she
knows whether am; but this say to you
who had the envied place, that if l we're,
neither King nor Sultan could take her from
mel"
The bulldog defiance in his conclusion was
almost like a challenge, and the American,
reading the hot love flaming through his
eyes, knew that he had told the truth, and
understood to the last sentiment why Char
lotte had chosen him as her 'god of hearts
desire"
The adventurer drew back, as if anticipat-
ing blow from the hand which was swiftly
stretched across the table toward his own
He was bewildered, dazed, and dumb in this
unexpected manifestation of friendship. For
an instant he backed off until his feet came
in contact with the fallen campstool, and
then he halted with head thrust forward and
frowning brows endeavoring to interpret the
Americans attitude. Little by little he re-
Taxed as the unwavering hand, open and
congratulatory, steadily reached out.
"You mean" he said.
THAT if l could have my wish, that wish
which is closest to my heart, l could ask
nothing more than this!"
60 fbo