The Rice belt journal. (Welsh, Calcasieu Parish, La.) 1900-19??, 1910-02-25
CHAPTER XVi--continued.

| SI1StT NVI"-SQItbifIuCUs
They crossed the deck and entered
the boat-maker's shop, and | crept
down where / could peer in at an open
portfolio. The men remained at the
farther end of the house-it was,
should say, about 100 feet long
which, without formal division, was
fitted as 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 womans 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
a 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 succession
of quick rushes of words that were
difficult to follow
Holbrook pushed chair toward the
stranger and they faced each other for
moment, then with shrug of his
shoulders the old man sat down. Hol-
brook was in white fannels, with a
blue scarf knotted in his shirt collar.
He dropped into a big wicker chair,
crossed his legs and folded his arms.
Well" 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.
y imagine I am, from the fact that
1t has taken you seven years to find
me-"
II 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 I'm.
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
In bed, fancy. You need have no
fear of her."
Silence fell upon them again. Their
affairs were difficult, and Holbrook |
waiting patiently for the other to
breach his Grand drew out his to. |
bacco pounch and pipe and began to |
smoke.
Patricia is here and Helen is with
her." said the visitor,
Yes, we are all here, it seems" re-
marked Holbrook, dryly. ITS nice
family gathering"
Il suppose you haven't seen them"
demanded the visitor.
Yes and no. l have no wish to meet
them; but I've had several narrow
They have cut me off from
my walks, but shall leave here
shortly"
Yes, you are going, you are go.
ing" began the visitor, eagerly.
i am going, but not until after Won
have gone" said Holbrook. "By some
strange fate we are all here, and it is
best for certain things to be settled
before we separate again. have tried
o keep out of your way; l have sunk
ny identity; l have relinquished the
Kings of life that men hold dear
lonor, friends, ambition, and now Won
inc ] have got to have a settle
nent."
4