The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1911-07-18
CHAPTER XVI-Continued.

They crossed the deck and entered
the boat-maker's shop, and crept
down where | could peer in at an open
rort-hole. The men remained at the
farther end of the house-it was,
ohould say, about 100 feet long
which. without formal division, was
fitted as a sitting room, with piano
II one corner, and long settle
against the wall. In the center was
/, Fl table Uttered with books and peri
odicals: and a woman's sewing basket,
i4terwoven with bright ribbons, gave
Asdomestic touch to the place. On the
inner wall hung a pair of foi,s and
masks. Pictures from illustrated jour
nails - striking heads or outdoor
scenes-were pinned here and there.
The newcomer stared about, twirling
\ Tweed cap nervously in his hands,
while Holbrook carefully extinguished
the lantern and put it aside. His Wis
ttor was about so, taller than he, and
swarthy. with grayish mustache' and
hair white at the temples. His eyes
were large and dark, but even with the
length of the room between us
marked their restlessness; and now
thnt he spoke it was in a succession
a quick rushes OF words that were
dificult to follow.
Holbrook pushed chair toward the
Stranger and they faced each other for
a8moment, then with shrug OF his
shoulders the old man sat down. Hol-
brook was in white fannels, with
hue scarf knotted in his shirt collar.
He dropped into big wicker chair,
crossed his legs and folded his arms.
WELL" he said in a wholly agree
able tone, you wanted to see me. and
here l am"
You are we'll hidden said the
other, still gazing about
u Il imagine l am, from the fact that
has taken you seven years to IND
J."
{. Il haven't been looking for you
1even years." replied the stranger
4 hastily; and his eyes again roamed
he room.
~ The men seemed reluctant to ap
Sroach the business that lay between
HEM and Holbrook wore an air of in
eryiew did not concern him particu
Hrly. The eyes of the older man fel
1pon the beribboned work basket. He
Nodded toward it. his eyes lighting I'm
Pleasantly.
III There seems to be a woman NJ
remarked with sheer of implica
Hon.
YES" replied Holbrook, calmly
*there is, that belongs to my daugh
] Ter"
Where is she?" demanded the 9th
! a, glancing anxiously about.
Z # I'm bed, l fancy. You need have N
q lear of her."
D Silence fell upon them again. Thei
\ effairs were difficult. and Holbrooh
: waiting patiently for the other Il
roach his errand. drew out his te
Rcco pounch and pipe and began t
4 noke.
an Patricia is here and Helen is wit
] Pr" said the visitor.
!. Yes. we are all here, it seems" It
: Marked Holbrook, dryly. ITS mic
: Emily gathering"
4 Il suppose you haven't seen them
| fmanded the visitor
M Yes and no. l have no wish TO NEE
Aem. but I've had several narro'
Escapes. They have cut me off froI
= Xy walks: but l shall leave her
hortly."
a, # Yes, you are going. you are s.
/, @g-" began the visitor, eagerly.
& Il am going, but not until after yo
III have gone" said Holbrook. by som
nj Orange fate We are all here. and it
Jest for certain things to be settle
efore we separate again. have trie
- keep out of your way; l have sun
py identity; l have relinquished tn
things of life that men hold dear
onor, friends. ambition, and now yo
= M md l have got to have a settl'
bent"