Evening star., 1911-05-25

ested in my project VIII you help me?'
"As I have gone so far might as well
go on.'' she assented. indifferently.
Thanks. Then there is something else
Il want to marry Lois Caruthers."
Beatrice started and looked up at him
as though she thought he might be jok-
ing. His face had, indeed, undergone a
change, but there was something stern.
resolute, almost brutal in the hard-set
profile.
Indeed? Will that not be more diff
cult? There is Stafford in the way. and
Stafford
Stafford must be cleared out of the
way" he interrupted, with cool deci-
sion which his expression partly belied.
Il believe she is fond Of him and he OF
her in a platonic sort Of fashion. which
might lead to marriage and might not.
He is not the danger. There is fellow,
Nicholson. though"
He stopped short and seemed for an in
slant to be plunged in his own thoughts.
who is this Nicholson?' she asked.
curiously. II have heard his name con-
stantly since I have been here. People
talk of him as though he were a demi-
god. Why are you afraid Of him?"
Just because of his godlike qualities -
Travers explained, with a laugh. "In
earlier ages, no doubt, he would have
been a god and among the natives he is
one. In reality. he is an ordinary NOR
tai blessed with an extraordinary infiu-
native regiment on the frontiers and has
done grand work there. I heard today
that he is coming down TO Marut on
leave"
"He was Lois old pIayfellow," Travers
| added, pointedly.
And SO you are afraid of him?"
"All women adore heroes of that type
he remarked, without mockery or bitter
ness, land when Nicholson appears /
have fair idea that Stafford and 1 will
have to be content with the back seats
in Lois affections. You see, they were
great friends, and, moreover. the Car
michaels have their matrimonial eye on
him. So it's now or never as far as ]
am concerned
And Stafford-?''
He looked down at her with a jolly
laugh.
thought he would do for you, Miss Cary"
"Thanks.'
Don't be ungrateful. Rich. good posi-
ton, good family, worthy character. a
trifle slow, not to say stupid-what more
do YOU want?"
GAS though he We're being given away
with a pound of tea? Well. SO he Is to
all intents and purposes. One can do
anything with an honest. pig-headed man
like that II only one takes him the right
way. He would suit you clear down to
| the ground. and II you will help me ]
| will help you. Is that bargain?''
They were now in sight of their destina-
ton and he pulled his horse into a walk.
well, what do you say. Miss Cary?'
| He tried to look into her face, but II
was turned resolutely away, and all he
could see was a grave profile, which
might have belonged to q much older
woman.
"Well?" he repeated.
They were entering the drive which led
| up to the brightly lighted bungalow be-
| fore she answered.
Its a bargain then." she said. 81
promise
He pressed her hand with his left.
That's all right" he said, cheer1ly
you won't find yourself overburdened
| The case Is just this: We're partners
you and l. with some good cards between
us. Just at present it's my call and your
! hand goes down. Do you understand
Pretty well.' she answered.
| They pulled up at the open doorway
and finging the reins to the waiting
syce Travers sprang to the ground
by the way. I believe you go in to din.
ner with Stafford" he remarked. casual.
| ly. as he helped her to alight. 'I hope
You will get on well together"