The Washington herald., 1911-07-31

Yes. yes; of course.' somewhat dis
mally.
But now, to be frank with you. you
don't seem altogether happy. Why do
you want to be rid OF me? What harm
have done?" smiled Dunwody.
''Oh, my dear sir!''
May not one change his mind II he
likes?'
My dear sir, there is no argument
about that"
Certainly not! The only argument IS
on the previous question. When are
you going to introduce me as you should.
to that extremely beautiful young lady
who is with your
Good God, my very dear sir!''
You are not my dear sir at all, so
long as you try to hoodwink me- per-
sisted Dunwody. still smiling. Come,
now, what are you doing here, west
bound with a young and charming per-
son who is not your wife, widow, moth
er. daughter, fiancee or sister-who is
not"
That will do, II you pleaset" Carlisle's
hot temper famed into his freckled face.
why SO touchy?''
TT is within a mans rights to choose
his own company and his own ways. 1
am not accountable. except as I choose"
The other man was studying him close
ly, noting his flush, his irritation, his un-
easiness. But what I am saying now
is that it Is cruel. unusual inhuman,
and unconstitutional to be SO selfish
about it. Come. l shall only relent when
you have shown yourself more kind. For
instance, in the Matter of her table in
the dining-room-'
The lady has expressed a desire to
remain quite alone, my dear sir. must
bow to her will. 1t is her privilege to
come and go as she likes"
she may come and go as she Ikes?"
queried Dunwody, still smiling. There
was a look on his face which caused
Carlisle suddenly to turn and examine
him sharply.
:Naturally."
Without your consent even?'
Absolutely so.''
Then why should she have sent me
this little MESSAGE demanded Dunwody
suddenly. He presented a folded bit of
paper. swapping it on the back win
finger.
A still deeper flush spread over the
young officers telItale face. He opened
and read: IF you care to aid a wom-
an who is in trouble. come to me at
room 10 when you can"
when did you receive this?" he de-
maQded. BY God!" he added. to HIM
self. <"she did 1t, too!''
within the moment Her maid
brought it,
You didn't have this before you came
on board-but Of course, that wasn't pos
sible."
Dunwody looked at him keenly. You
have just heard me-" he said. No; I
don't deny there are some things here
which I can't understand. You are
covering up something, my dear
captain, Of course, but just what I do
not know. Your station in life, yorr
presence in this country, so far from
home-"He smiled now in a way which
his antagonist considered sinister. Yet
what defense could be made without eX
posing secrets which were not his to
uncover?
Come" went on Dunwody, Tets be
frank about it. You may trust me. of
course. But-neither sister, wife, nor
servant-couId you blame any man, es-
pecially any man who had a direct mes
sage like this, for wanting, or, say, even
demanding a meeting? Haven't 1 the
right? Come nowi"
Carlisle made no immediate answer,
and was about to turn on his heel. find
ing it hard to restrain himself He
paused, however.
Very good, then. To show how little
you know me- and how much you wrong
both this lady and myself, you shall
meet her, as you say. Not that you
have earned the right"
(COSTINITF.D TO-MORROw1