The Delta independent. [volume] (Delta, Colo.) 1886-19??, 1912-03-01

ing down upon him, her face so deep
in shadow that he could gather moth
ing from it's expression, whether II
were of displeasure or of perplexity
From this and that, however, he de
duced that she, discovering herself
lavishing endeerments on the wrong
man, was not utterly delighted with
the situation. The circumstances TAX
en- into consideration, such state OF
mind he thought not unreasonable;
and being now to some extent recov'
cred, he saw no profit in making hei
suffer more. So with show OF
faintness not wholly assumed, he
rolled his head to one side. opening
wide his eyes and looked the woman
in the face. inquiring with his faint.
thin brogue: whats this, now, me-
.dear?"
The girls face darkened. She shook
her head impatiently. Il have no Eng
lish," she told him in excellent French
who are you? Why do you come
here? You are not Danny"
"Oho," commented O'Rourke know
ingly, land that's the explanation, Is
it?" He sat up, embracing his knees
"
dear" he admitted, 81 concede We the
best of the argument. thus far. ! am
not Danny-'tis true as Gospel"
She frowned. Then what are you
doing here monsieur? How did you
learn-who told you-the signal?"
Faith. from no less a person than
Danny Malone himself He showed
me the way and babe me Knockout
niver a word said he of yourself. me
dear"
Monsieur does not recall that / ad-
mitted him." she persisted. but With
a tightening face, NOR anything that
happened thereafter
mot the least ia the world. What
did happen. now?"
But she fanked that embarrassing
question adroitly. evidently much re-
lieved by O'Rourke's reinsurance
Which was just what he wished her
frame OF mind to be. Nothing that
matters" she replied. continuing to
employ the French tongue. ard that
very prettily. with fetching little &C
rent. Il think you tainted Then-but
YOU know my Danny
Your Danny" said O'Rourke. his
mood quizzical. None better. me dear.
I've known him since he was so high,
or thereabouts." And he held a palm
some six inches or so above the floor.
And he-he brought you here?'
who else? How else would | be
knowing the signal? We see. there was
u bit OF n shindig down the street and
me In the middle thereof and getting
all the worst Of tiff we must know
when along comes Danny and lends
me a hand and whips me of here and
says he'll be back in n moment He'll
tell ye the details himself; but r.
he eyed her quizzically-"would now
ask ye to overlook the unceremonious
manner OF me entrance and certain
lack Of dignity as to me attire. which
I beg we to believe is not me ordinary
evening dress. and-and faith me
throat is baked entirely. If me clothes
are not May ! ask for a drink at
mademoiselle's fair hands,"
He was on his feet now and en-
joying the situation hugely And It's
the Irish eye for beauty Danny hasl"
he told himself. Il commend his taste.
the ro2uei"
For the girl was exceedingly fair to
see: slender and straight and girlish
and sweet. Greek. If he were to
Judge OF her features and her dress.
and in that odd light, with perturba-
ton in her pose a smile halfperplexed
trembling on her lips tbecause OF
O'Rourke's conceit) and the shadow of
anxiety clouding her eyes, she made a
charming picture indeed.
She was quick to grant his request
Danny will explain she agreed with
conviction. This way. then. II you
please. monsieur. and'-as they passed
through low doorway-"if you will
have the patience to wait here. ! Will
fetch wine"
She smiled enchantingly. dropped
him n bewitching little courtesy with
a Difference evoked. no doubt, by tho
mans subtle yet ineradicable air OF
distinction. and left him wholly capti-
waited. Bless her heart and pretty
facet" he murmured, cycling her re-
treating figure. "'Tis Danny who's
the lucky dog not that he's
not deserving. :"
He reviewed his refuge summarily.
discovering that he stood in one cor
ner of n small courtyard. the center
of n hollow cube OF masonry; n dwell
ing of two stories. round whose upper
floor ran an inner gallery to which
steps led up from the court and from
which access was to be had to the liv.
ing rooms-all dark and silent.
In the center of the courtyard n
little fountain tinkled. tiny Jet of
water rising from the central upright
of stone to spray the black, star-smit.
ten pool beneath. There was n little
plot Of grass. likewise. with flowers
Gnnnraiia of ihaIr cardIal