Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1910-03-07

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been trying to induce me to secure
the forged notes for him. But did
not even know where they were"
"And you were not on the wrecked
Washington Flier?" persisted Hotch-
kiss. But Mcknight interfered.
There is no use trying to put the
other mans identity on Stuart, Mr..
Hotchkiss," he protested. "He, has
been our confidential clerk for six
years. and has not been away from
the once day for a year. I am
afraid that the beautiful fabric we
have pieced out Of all these scraps is
going to be crazy quilt" His tone
was facetious, but could detect the
! undercurrent of real disappointment.
paid the constable for his trouble,
and he departed Stuart, still indig-
nant, left to go back to Washington
Circle. He shook hands with Nc
knight and myself magnanimously.
but he hurled look of utter hatred
at Hotchkiss. sunk crestfallen in his
chair
"As for as I can see." said Nc
knight dryly, we're exactly as far
along as we were the day we met at
the Carter place. We're not step
nearer to finding our man."
I'VE have one thing that may be Of
value" I suggested. HE is the hus-
band of bronze-haired woman at
Van Kinks hospital, and it Is just
possible we may trace him through
her. hope we are not going to lose
Mn
kiss?" asked.
He reused at that to feeble interest.
"I-oh, of course not, IL you still care
to have me, IL was wondering about
the man who Just went out. Stuart.
you say? l. told his landlady to-
night that he wouldn't need the room
again. hope she hasn't rented it to
somebody else"
We cheered him as best we could.
and I suggested that we go to Balti-
more the next day and try to find the
left sometime after midnight. and
Richey and I were alone.
He drew chair near the lamp and
lighted a cigarette, and for time we
were silent. was in the shadow, and
sat back and watched him. It was
not surprising. I thought, that she
cared for him; women had always
loved him, perhaps because he al
ways loved them. There was no dis
loyalty in the thought; it was the
lads nature to give and crave affec-
ton. ONLY was different. had
never really cared about girl be-
fore, and my life had been singularly
loveless. had fought a lonely bat
tie always. Once before, in college.
we had both laid ourselves and our
callow devotions at the feet OF the
same girl. Her name was Dorothy
/ had forgotten the rest-but I re-
membered the sequel. In spirit of
quixotic youth had relinquished my
claim in favor of Richey and had
gone cheerfu1ly on my way, elevated
by my heroic sacrifice to a somber.
white-hot martyrdom. AS is often the
case, Meningitis first words showed
our parallel lines Of thought.
II say, Lollie," he asked, do you rei
member Dorothy Browne? B-r-o-w.n-e!
That was it!"'
Dorothy Browne?' repeated. "Oh
why yes, recall her now. Why?"
Nothing" he said. Il was think
ing about her. That's all. You re-
member you were crazy about her.
and dropped back because she pre-
ferred me?"
Il got out said with dignity, "be-
cause you declared you would shoot
yourself if she didn't go with you to
something or other!"
"Oh, why yes, I recall now!" he
mimicked. He tossed his cigarette
in the general direction of the hearth
and got up. We were both little
conscious, and he stood with his back
to me, lingering Japanese vase on
the mantel.
: II was thinking" he began, turning
the vase around, that, If you feel
pretty well again. and-and ready to
take hold, that should like to go
away for week or SO. Things are
fairly well cleaned up at the Office"
do you mean-you are going to
Richmond" l asked, after scarcely
perceptible pause. He turned and
faced me, with his hands thrust in
his pockets.
mo. That's off, Lollie. The
Seiberts are going for a weeks cruise
along the coast. 1.-The hot weather
has played bob with me and the cruise
means seven days breeze and bridge"
I lighted cigarette and offered
him the box, but he refused. He was
looking haggard and suddenly tired.
could not think of anything to say.
and neither could he, evidently. The
matter between us lay too deep for
speech.
"How's Candida?" he asked.
Martin says month. and she will
be all right" returned, in the same
tone. He picked up his hat, but he
had something more to say. He
blurted 1t out. finally. halt way to the
door.
THE Seiberts are not going for =
couple Of days." he said. "and If you
want day or so on to go down to
Richmond yourself
Perhaps ! SHALL" returned. as IN
differently as could. mot going yet.
are you?"
Yes. It is late" He drew In his
breath as II he had something more
to say. but the impulse passed. well.
good night" he said from the door
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