Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1910-02-11
CHAPTER XVI-Continued.

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, l
should say, about 100 feet long
which, without formal division, was
fitted as a sitting room, with a piano
i'm one corner, and q long settle
against h wall. In the center was
Il table Uttered with books and peri
OdicaIs: 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, tw1rllng
a Tweed cap nervOusly in his hands,
while HolbroOk carefully extingulshed
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 l
marked their restlessneSs; and now
that he spoke it was in a succession
of quick rushes of words that were
difficult to follow.
HOlbrCOk pushed a chair toward the
stranger and they faced each other for
a moment. then with a shrug of his
shoulders the old man sat down. Hol-
brook was in white f1annels, with a
blue scarf knotted in his shirt collar.
-. 4~ Mo uyin1-np oh y
crossed his legs and folded his arms.
Well" he said in a wholly agree
able tone, you wanted to see me, and
here | am"
You are we'll hidden" said the
other. still gazing about.
L imagine | am, from the fact that
it has taken you sever years to find
me-"
Il haven't been looking for you
seven years. replied the stranger,
hastily: IL his eyes again rOamed
the Don
The men seemed reluctant to ap-
Droach 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 w~ork-basket. He
nodded toward it, his eyes lighting I'M
pleasantly.
There seems to be a woman" he
remarked with a sheer of implica-
ton.
Yes replied Holbrook, calmly,
there is; that belongs to my daugh-
ter
Where is she?" demanded the 9TH
e.. glancing ~anXiOusly about.
In bed. fancy. You need lave no
fear Of her"
Silence fell upon them again. Their
affairs We're difficult, and HolbroOk,
waiting patiently for the other to
breach his errand, drew out his to-
nacco pounch and pipe and began to
smoke.
Patricia is here and Helen is with
her" aid the visitor.
Yes. we are all here. it seems. re-
r.arked Holbrook, dryly. Its n nice
family gathering"
L suppose you haven't seen tLem?'
demanded the visitor.
Yes and no. l have no wish to meet
them: but I've had several nSrrow
escapes. They have cut me OF from
my walks; but l shall leave here
shortly"
Yes, you are going, you are go
ing began the visitor, eagerly.
Il am going. but not until after you
have gone said Holbrook. BY some
strange fate we are all here, and it is
best for certain things t o be settled
before we separate again. l have tried
TO keep out of your way; l have sunk
my identity; l have r%elinquished tbs
things of life that men hold dear
honor. friends, ambition, and now you
and / have got to have a settle
ment.'