The Yale expositor. (Yale, St. Clair County, Mich.) 1894-current, 1910-02-25
CHAPTER xVl-Continued.

They crossed the deck and entered
the boat-maker's shop, and l crept
down where could peer in at an open
port-hole. 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 a sitting room, with 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
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 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 flannels, with a
blue scarf knotted in his shirt collar.
He dropped into big wicker chair,
crossed his legs and folded his arms.
Well" he said in wholly agree
able tone, you wanted to see me, and
here / am"
You are we'll hidden said the
other, still gazing about
II imagine / am, from the fact that
it has taken you seven years to find
me-"
Il haven't been looking for you
seven years." replied the stranger,
hastily; and his eyes again roamed
the room.
The men seemed reluctant to APP
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-
larIy. The eyes of the older man fell
upon the beribboned work-basket. He
nodded toward 1t. 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
eT, glancing anxiously about.
I'm 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 errand, 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. It's nice
family gathering"
Il suppose you haven't seen them?"
demanded the visitor.
Yes and no. have no wish to meet
them; but I've had several narrow
escapes. They have cut me off from
my walks; but l shall leave here
shortly"
Yes, you are going. you are go
ing" began the visitor, eagerly.
II am going, but not until after you
have gone" said Holbrook "By some
strange fate we are all here. and II is
best for certain things to be settled
before we separate again. | have tried
20 keep out of your way; have sunk
my identity; / have relinquished the
things of life that men hold dear
honor. friends, ambition. and now you
and 1 have got to have a settle
meDt"