The Brandon news. (Brandon, Miss.) 1892-1961, 1911-02-16

then, gradually, the meaning OF some.
thing on it penetrated my mind Still
In its papers, evidently just opened.
was hat box, and protruding over
the edge Of the box was a streamer OF
vivid green ribbon
On the plea that ! wished to ask
Mrs. Carter few more questions,
let the others so on. / watched them
down the fiagstone walk; saw Nc.
Knight stop and examine the gate
posts and saw, too, the quick glance
he threw back at the house. Then !.
turned to Mrs. Carter
Il would like to speak to the young
lady upstairs" / said.
She threw up her hands with
quick gesture of surrender. "Tve done
all | could she exclaimed. "She
won't like it very well, but-she's in
the room over the parlor.'
went eagerly up the ladder-like
stairs, to the rag-carpeted hall. Two
doors were open, showing interiors of
four poster beds and high bureaus.
was almost closed / hesitated in the
hallway; after all, what right had /
to iHtrude on her? But she settled my
difficulty by throwing open the door
and facing me.
II beg your pardon, Miss West"
l stammered. ut has just occurred
to me that am unpardonably rude.
saw the hat downstairs and III
guessed"
"The hiatt" she said 81 might have
known. Does Richey know / am
here?"
Il don't think So" l turned to 60
down the stairs again. Then | halted.
"The fact u.s." | said, in an attempt al
Justification. I'm in rather a mess
these days, and I'm apt to do ire
sponsible things. 1t is not impossible
that / shall be arrested, in a day or
so, for the murder of Simon Harring.
ton"
"Murder:" she echoed. Then they
have found you after ALI"
'1>don't regard it as anything more
than-er- announcement" I lied. "They
can't convict me, you know. Almost
all the witnesses are dead
She was not deceived for moment.
She came over to me and stood, beth
hands on the rail of stair Il know
just how grave it u.s." she said quiet
ly My grandfather will not leave oae
stone unturned, and he can be terrible
terrible. But"-she looked directly
into my eyes as stood below her on
the stairs-"the time may come
soon-when / can help you. I'm
afraid / shall not want to; I'm
dreadful coward, Mr. Blakeley. But
Il will She tried to smile.
Il wish you would let me help you,"
I said unsteadily. "Let us make it q
bargain; each help the other!"
The girl shook her head with a sad
little smile. Il am only as unhappy
as deserve to be-" she said And
when | protested and took step to-
ward her she retreated. with her
hands out before her.
."Why don't you ask me all the ques.
ed, with a catch in her voice. ooh.
| know them. Or are you afraid to
ask"
! locked at her, at the lines AROUND
her eyes, at the drawn look about Ter
mouth. Then | held out my hand.
Afraid" ] said, as she gave me hers.
There is nothing in Gods green
earth | am afraid of, save of trouble
for you To ask questions would be
to imply a lack Of faith. l ask you
nothing. Some day, perhaps, you will
come to me yourself and let me help
you"
The next moment was out in the
golden sunshine; the birds were sing.
ing carols Of joy; / walked dizzsly
throught rainbow-colored clouds, past
the twins, cherubs now, swinging on
the gate. It was new world into
which stepped from the Carter farm.
house that morning, for-I had kissed
heri
(TO BE CONTINUED