Evening star., 1911-05-25

ested IN my project. VIII you help me?"
LAS have gone so far 1 might as we'll
go on" she assented. indifferently.
Thanks. Then there is something else
i want to marry Lois Caruthers."
Beatrice started and looked up at him
as though she thought he might be jok
ing. His face had, indeed. undergone a
change. but there was something stern.
resolute, almost brutal in the hard-set
profile.
Indeed? Will that not be more diff
cult? There is Stafford in the way, and
Stafford
Stafford must be cleared out of the
way" he interrupted. with a cool deci-
Il believe she is fond of him and he of
her in platonic sort Of fashion. which
might lead to marriage and might not.
He is not the danger. There is fellow,
Nicholson. though"
He stopped short and seemed for an in
stant TO be plunged in his own thoughts.
Who is this Nicholson?' she asked,
curiously. Il have heard his name con-
stantly since I have been here. People
talk of him as though he were a demi-
god. Why are you afraid of him?"
Just because Of his godlike qualities"
Travers explained, with a laugh. I'm
earlier ages, no doubt, he would have
been a god and among the natives he is
one. In reality. he is an ordinary NOR
tai blessed with an extraordinary infiu-
ence. 1 believe he is captain in some
native regiment on the frontiers and has
done grand work there. 1 heard today
that he is coming down to Marut on
leave"
"Oh-?"
He was Lois old playfellow," Travers
added. pointedly.
And so you are afraid of him.
All women adore heroes of that type
he remarked, without mockery or bitter
ness. "and when Nicholson appears I
have a fair idea that Stafford and 1 will
have to be content with the back seats
in Lois affections. You see. they We're
great friends. and. moreover. the Car
michaels have their matrimonial eye on
am concerned
And Stafford-?'
He looked down at her with a jolly
laugh.
"He must find consolation elsewhere.
thought he would do for you, Miss Cary"
Thanks
Don't be ungrateful. Rich. good posi-
ton. good family. worthy character. a
trifie slow, not to say stupd-what more
do you want?"
GAS though he We're being given away
with a pound of tea? Well, SO he is to
all intents and purposes. One can do
anything with an honest. pig-headed man
like that If only one takes him the right
way. He would suit you clear down to
the ground. and II you will help me
will help you. Is that a bargain?''
They were now in sight of their destina-
ton and he pulled his horse into a walk
We'll. what do you say. Miss Cary?'
He tried to look into her face. but It
was turned resolutely away, and all he
could see was grave profile, which
might have belonged to a much older
woman.
"Well?" he repeated.
They were entering the drive which led
up to the brightly lighted bungalow be-
fore she answered.
IT'S a bargain Them she said. IT
promise"
He pressed her hand with his left.
That's all right" he said, cheerily.
You won't find yourself overburdened
The case Is just this: We're partners,
you and /. with some good cards between
us. Just at present it's my call and your
hand goes down. Do you understand"
Pretty WELL" she answered.
They pulled up at the open doorway.
and fiinging the reins to the waiting
syce Travers sprang to the ground
by the way, I believe you go in to din
ner with Stafford" he remarked. casual
ly. as he helped her to altght. 'I hope
you will get on we'll together"