Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1911-01-06

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then, gradually, the meaning Of some
thing on it penetrated my mind. Still
in its papers, evidently just opened,
was a hat box, and protruding over
vivid green ribbon.
On the plea that ] wished to ask
Mrs. Carter few more questions, [
let the others go on. | watched them
down the fagstone 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" I said.
She threw up her hands with a
quick gesture of surrender. 1--WE done
all I could,' she exclaimed. "She
won't like it very well, but-she's in
the room over the parlor'
I went eagerly up the ladder-like
stairs, to the ragcarpeted hall. Two
doors were open, showing interiors OF
four poster beds and high bureaus.
The door of the room over the parlor
was almost closed. hesitated in the
hallway; after all, what right had I
to intrude on her? But she settled my
difficulty by throwing open the door
and facing me.
TT beg your pardon, Miss West"
I stammered ct has just occurred
to me that am unpardonably rude.
saw the hat downstairs and II
guessed"
''The hiatt" she said. II might have
known. Does Richey know I am
here?"
II don't think So" I turned to go
down the stairs again. Then | halted
THE fact is said, in an attempt at
justification. I'm in rather 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
tom
She drew her breath in sharply.
~Murder." she echoed. Then they
have found you after all!''
81 don't regard it as anything more
-er-inconvenient," I lied. They
! can't convict me, you know. Almost
| all the witnesses are dead"
She was not deceived for a moment.
She came over to me and stood, both
hands on the rail OF stair. Il know
just how grave it is she said quiet
ly. "My grandfather will not leave one
stone unturned, and he can be terrible
terrible. But''-she looked directly
into my eyes as I stood below her On
| the stairs-'|the time may come
! soon-when | can help you. In
| afraid | shall not want TO; I'm a
dreadful coward Mr.. Blakeley. Rut
i will" She tried TO smile.
81 wish you would let me help yUu, y
I said unsteadily LET us make 1T a
bargain; each help the other!"
The girl shook her head with g sad
little smile. It am only as unhappy
as I deserve to be-" she said. And
when protested and took a step TO-
ward her she reiterated, with her
hands out before her. ..
why don't you ask me all the ques
lions you are thInking?' she demand
ed, with a catch in her voice. ooh
| know them Or are you afraid tC
ask"
I looked at her, at the lines around
her eyes, at the drawn look about her
mouth. Then I held out my hand
Afraid" I said, as she gave ME hers
:'There is nothing IN Gods green
earth I am afraid of, save of trouble
for you To ask questions would be
to imply lack of faith. I 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; I walked dizzily
| drought rainbow-eolored clouds, past
| the twins, cherubs now, swinging on
the gate. 1t was a new world into
which stepped from the Carter farm
house that morning, for-I had kissed
! her!
Irn DIT CaNTTNTTED