Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1911-08-10

ton chose to set between himself and
the world.
Presently he grew conscious that
Rutton was standing as If listening,
his Eyes averted to the windows.
What is it?" he inquired at length,
unable longer to endure the tensity
of the pause.
Nothing. beg your pardon, Da.
vid." Rutton returned to his chair.
making a visible effort to shake of
his preoccupation. tits an ugly night,
out there. Lucky you blundered on
this place. Tell me how 1t happened.
What became of the other man-your
friend?"
The thought Of Quain stabbed Am.
ber's consciousness with a mental
pang as keen as acute physical a
guish. He jumped up In torment
Cod" he cried chokingly. I'D for
gotten! He's out there on the bay,
poor devil!-freezing to death if not
drowned. Our boat went adrift some
how; Quain would insist on going aft.
er her in a leaky old skiff we found on
the shore . and didn't come
back. l waited till it was hopeless.
then concluded I'd make a try to cross
to Shampton by way of the tidal bar.
And l must!"
Its impossible" Rutton told him
with grave sympathy.
"But / must; think of his wife and
children, Rutton! There's a chance
yet-a bare chance; he may have
reached the boat. If he did, every
minute l waste here is killing him by
inches; he'll die of exposure! But
from Shampton we could send a
boat"
"The tide fulls about midnight to,
night" interrupted Rutton, consulting
his watch. ITS after nine-and
there's a heavy surf breaking over the
bar now. BY ten it'll be impossible
and you couldn't reach it before II. Be
content. David; you're powerless."
You're right know that" groan
ed Amber, his head in his hands. 81
was afraid it was hopeless, but
but"
Il know, dear boy, I know!"
With a gesture of despair Amber
resumed his seat. For some time he
remained deep sunk in detection. AT
length, mastering his emotion, he
looked up. How did you know about
Quain-that We were together?" he
asked.
"Doggott saw you land this morn.
ing, and I've been watching you all
day with my field-glasses, prepared
to take cover the minute you turned
my way. Don't be angry with me
David; it wasn't that l didn't yearn tc
see you face to face again, but that
I didn't dare"
"Oh, that" exclaimed Amber with
an exasperated fling Of his hand. "Be
tween the two of you-you and QUAR-
you'll drive me mad with worry"
I'm sorry, David. 1 only wish
might say more. 1t hurts a bit to have
you doubt me-"
II don't doubt" Amber declared IL
desperation; Eat least. l mean l won'
If you'll be sensible and let me stand
by and see you through this trouble
whatever it Is"
Rutton turned to the fire, his heat
dropping d~espondently. THAT may
not be-" he said heavily. 1.-THE great
est service you can do me is to for
get my existence, now and henceforth
erase our friendship from the tablets
of your memory, pass me as a stran
ger should our ways ever cross
again" He flicked the stub of a Gig
arctic into the flames. "Kismet! .
/ mean that, David, from my heart
Won't you do this for me-one las
favor, old friend?'
Amber nodded.
Then :" Rutton attempted Il
divert the subject. 81 think you sait
Quain? Any relation to Quain'I
tAryan Invasion of Indian"
(To BE CoNTINUED)