The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-01-29

written suppose you have found noth- ing out?" Nothing" replied Philip.
 And could not get word of explana- ton nor break through his fence of pride | and reserve I must do him the justice | to say that he bears the best of charac- ters at Oxford, and if there are any debts | could not get them from the trades
 men, Well, well, say no more about it, replied MT. Edmondstone, "he is an
 ungrateful young dog and I am sick of it.
 And there's poor little Amy breaking her heart, too.'
 When Philip went in to see Charles, who
 was rather more Ill than usual, he said:
 T am sorrysto find you so i'll; Is the pain
 very bad?" That Is matter Of course,"
 snapped Charles, what I want to hear
 Is what you have been doing at Oxford?"
 q am sorry I do not bring the tidings you wish," replied the austere Philip. T
 did not expect you would retorted Charles, q know you too well. But
 want to hear what you have been doing what he said" ''It can be of no use"
 replied Philip. you are too weak,
 Charles, to enter upon agitating sub jects." 'I tell you I will hear" said
 Charles, T know that you will say noth- ing to his advantage that you can help,
 but still know that you will speak what you think is the truth-and I will judge for myself" You speak as if I were not acting for his good" said Philip. ePalaver!' cried Charles. T want the facts. Sit down in that chair there and tell me your story"
 Philip gave the invalid full history of his voyage of discovery. And you did not go back to tell Guy that your investigations had resulted in showing
 nothing to his discredit?" T had no
 time-that Is, I thought not stam-
 mered Philip. "It would have been use-
 less, anyway, for while these mysteries
 continue my opinion remains un- changed. There was nothing to be
 gained by renewing a dispute" Say no more." cried Charles, you have
 said all I expected and more, too. l
 gave you credit for domineering and prejudice-not I see 1t is malignity" Laura, who entered the room at that
 moment. stood aghast at the words of
  speak so to the incomparable Philip
 was unthinkable. Without betraying
 the least sign of irritation Philip wish ed Charles good night and walked out of the room. Charles had drawn the bedcloths up over his head and would not hear Philips good night.
 Philip had told Guy that he intended to make Investigations about Oxford, and Guy had waited in vain for his re- turn to tell of the results. He felt
 himself now entirely cut off from Amy and tho Edmonstones, and spent his Christmas holidays at Redclyffe. where
 he devoted himself to the care of his estate and to bettering the condition of his tenants. One night. wild and stormy one, Guy headed party which rescued some people from a wrecked ship. He was lauded as a hero, and the news of his exploits reached Holly well. Charles wrote him letter full of praise and kindness. But the doors of Hollywell were, still closed to him. The mystery which Philip had so managed to turn to the disadvantage of Guy was this. His uncle Dixon had got into Q gambling scrape and the f30 which Guy had drawn had gone to the weak uncle to settle his liabilities The larger sum was to provide for the education of his young cousin, Mari
 anna Dixon. But this Guy, thought himself in honor bound not to disclose even to his guardian, or Amy or Charles.
 And now as the time was approaching
 when Guy would come of age. 1t was
 necessary that MT. Edmonstone should
 meet him to transact business. At first
 MT. Edmonstone was for refusing to meet Guy and for leaving the matter entirely
 to the lawyers. But Charles persuaded