Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-02-16
CHAPTER XIV.
Of My Second Attempt.

PierreS story threw a dampening cloud
over my spirits, and 1 went about the
simple preparations for escape in a de-
pressed state of mind. I told myself in
vain that Sylvia and her actions were
nothing to me; that I should be glad to
leave her and her criminal companions
behind me: that l should rejoice in the
| thought that l should never lay eyes on
her or them again. But did not rejoice;
l realized fully now how she had crept
into my heart, possessed every fiber OF my
being. Even her GOODNESS had exercised
its fascination over me. and. notwith-
standing the strong proof against her.
there still fingered in the depths Of my
mind a firm conviction that she was as
guiltless as I. the sport Of as evil a for
tune. Looking back over the days which
had spent on the island | could now see
how every incident in my acquaintance
with her had tended toward the one end.
The first true hint of my feelings had
come from Mr. Hayward, and was cou-
pied with a sense Of horror that he could
sell his daughter SO cheaply. But in the
four days which had interviewed horror
had merged into pity, and pity had grown
nseEsibly into love. 1t needed but Pierre's
story, with it's burden of accusation, to
fan that love into flame. And now. when
new vista OF happiness was opening be-
fore me, | was about to turn from it, to
leave it forever. The thought made my
task bitter one and difficult to fulfill.
Five times that afternoon / was on the
point of giving up the expedition, and as
often l returned to it. laughing sarcas-
tically at myself for hoping where there
was not the least hope. She did not care
for me, ! told myself. had never shown
me the slightest favor. Our relations had
never gone beyond the bounds of friend
ship. and even friendship seemed to have
hung in the balance since my supposed
connection with the stolen bonds had be-
come known If | remained her father
would worry her with his plan, and
threaten to force an unhappy marriage
upon her. If ! went she would gain by
my departure; whatever loss was to be
suffered would be mine alone From every
point Of view ii was better that | should
go.
decision. and. as | watched the bare civil
tiles which passed between Anderson and
the others. | was further relieved to dis
cover that the man upon whose story
had founded my plan of escape. had at
least in one respect, spoken the truth. 1t
was evident that some serious rupture
had taken place. Mr.. Hayward elabo-
rate display OF hostility. Wadsworths
yelled illusions, Disks jibes and Baileys
sneering banter, were too pointed in their
application to be misunderstood.
Pierre, alone, seemed to hold aloof. ard
waiting my chance, l began to question
him cautiously.
Whats the matter with them? Why
are they pitching into Anderson"
II don't know, m Sieu.
Has there been row.
''Eet looks So
How did it happen"
Il don't know.
But surely you must have heard some
thing.
I've heard nozzing, m sieu'-nozzing at
all
l did not believe him, but before I could
question him further some one kicked me
sharply on the shin. l glanced across the
table. Anderson was scowling at me
warningly, and l suddenly became aware
that the others had ceased speaking. |
turned abruptly from Pierre with the I'M
easy feeling that they had been listening
to everything We had said.
AS We filed into the living room -Ander
son. bechoning TO me, disappeared through
the doo- leading to the veranda | lin
Sered for moment or two, then slipped
out after him. He was waiting on the
lower step.
What did Pierre tell you?" he wins
pered. anxiously.
Nothing
to be careful of him.
.'Why?"
Hes the old mans mouthpiece.'
He has been very good to me- ! pro-
tested. warmly.
He's got that insinuatin' manner that
makes you want t cOnfide I'm him. He's
found out more for the old man than any
other three of us put together
He paused. as though to note the effect
of his words. | met his glance with a
look of unconcern.
Changed your mind yet?'' he asked,
suddenly.
NO. l haven't.
well. you're very foolish. They're
goin' to begin to devil you tomorrow"
How do you know"
Il heard EN- talkin' about it. Look