The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-01-09
THE COMPACT The Story of An
 Unrecorded Conspiracy In South Africa by
 RIDGWELL CULLUM
 Author of soThe Watchers of the Plains" 'The Night-Riders,. etc.


 The girl returned his greeting. Shs had a racking headache, but said nothing about it. She was. at all times gentle and patient, and even gave the impression that she was calmly satisfied. On the other hand nothing about her suggested that she had any desire to break down the barrier between them Sometimes she thought lot about that barrier, and more about the man beyond, but she never analysed such thoughts. They were somehow mix ed up with 8 general regret, and only came to her in that loneliness which Tanta had warned her master of. With the man 1t was different. With him was ever present the poignant recollection of that other name1ess one to whom Mary had frankly told him she had once given all she had to give of the love he so desired.
 You're not looking very we'll. Mary" Ferman found himself saying when the housekeeper had retired second time, after setting the coffee on the table. 'Tanta has noticed it, too" His words sounded so cold to him, and he meant them to be other wise.
 The girl smiled calmly
 "Afi! Tanta has been drawing your attention to sorde imaginary ailment of mine. I thought heard her talk ing to you as came along the pass age. What is it? Fever and argue, orenteric ?''
 Ferman ignored the lightness of her words.
 "You are all right then?"
 "Yes, I've got wee bit of a head ache. It's the heat. 1t will pass oil after I've been out for my ride"
 The man was not satisfied; but her tone was conclusive, and the meal progressed in silence for some min utes. Presently he looked up. He had been debating certain things in his mind.
 'where do you intend riding this morning?" he asked.
 "Oh, anywhere. Perhaps shall take the Rietfontein road"
 'T shouldn't, cross the border" ke said quickly.
 'swhy not?"
 Mary looked squarely into her hus- lzs,n fooo IIfo +opo r,oa O uoruiup
 ."The border is very much disturb ed. I don't think it would be wise. There is no real danger, of course, but it would be foolish to court in- suit or annoyance. The anti-British feeling is strong, and the spread of the freebooting movement is making everything very lax."
 His manner was more anxious than he had intended. He hated anything approaching the alarmist note.
 "Then there is danger?"
 The man shrugged, but the move ment did not conceal the. feeling that had prompted his warning. This girl was very precious to him.
 well, if you put it tha tway, | suppose there is. But I'm rather at a loss to know why Chalmer should have elected to come and warn you. He knows I ana perfectly capable of looking after you. There is little that affects this country that I do not know. And you, Mary, are my first care. Whatever happens your safety is assured. However-"
 He broke off thoughtfully, his eyes turned introspectively upon Mary's face. She met his gaze. and flush slowly mantled her cheeks and fore- head. She seemed to read something behind her husbands reference to1 Chalmers visit few nights ago. It might have been that she had the slightest possible guilty feeling at the recollection of the words she had listened to that evening. But Fer mans doubt was of a different natnre. and had nothing to do with his wife 1t all.
 "I suppose his friendliness for us made him fear for-my safety" she said. She was toying with her food but not eating.
 She regretted the turn their talk had taken, and when Ferman spoke again welcomed he change with considerable relief.
 Maybe" he said unconcernedly. "But talking of this reminds me that very soon I shall have to go an an- other prolonged trip up-country. Tn fact I am beginning preparations to-