The Eureka sentinel. [volume] (Eureka, Nev.) 1902-current, 1912-11-30

OF linen. was garrulous to the point of
n~oisiness. lie confined his remarks to
the colonel. or. in a general way. to
the tables near by. with an occasional
furtive glance at his wife's set. I'M
smiling face by way of noting the eff
feet on her. The topics were common
place enough: the weather. the pros
poets ahead. the improvements to he
made in the show as business got bet
ter.
Mrs. Braddock. who sat at the colo
neTs left, was so noticeably pale and
represSed that David wondered IL she
would be able TO 90 to the end Of the
wretched travesty without fainting.
Unutterable despair hung over her
lowered eyelids: IL stood out plainly in
the lines at the corners of her mouth.
Christine seldom looked up from her
plate. She sat next to David. He felt
the restraint and embarrassment I'M
der which the girl suffered. Her cheek
went red on more than one occasion
when her fathers coarse humor offend
ed her delicate sensibilities; she paled
under the yelled, insinuating compli-
ments of the other. Once David's
the edge Of the table. His strong fin
gers at once closed over hers and for
many minutes he held them tight, I'M
known to any but themselves.
The CHASTITY meal drew to a close.
The colonel, leaning forward. was gaz-
ing through half closed lids at the
profile of the woman beside him.
well, we will have many of these
jolly little Spreads he was saying in
his oiliest tones. BIRDS of a feather,
you know. Ha. ha! That's rather a
clever way of putting It, Ell. JackY'
Braddoek laughed bolsterously. He
had lighted a cigar regardless Of the
walters polite announcement that
smoking was not allowed.
Yes, we will dine together frequent
ly. ] like these gay little affairs"
went on the colonel, not even attempt
ing TO conceal his shrug of disgust for
Braddock. 81 am leaving for home
tonight, but | expect to return In two
or three days. You must all join
hands in breaking me into the circus
business. Don't let me be a-what is
it you call it? A rube, that's 1t. Wen
he the shows happy family. Every
circus has a happy family Yes, pom
my soul. l like the life. enjoy these
quiet, impromptu little suppers."
David was suddenly conscious that
Braddock's eyes were upon him. He
met the gaze, %curiously impelled. The
mans face was almost purple; the
look In his eyes was not of anger. but
of a shame that sprang from what
little there was Of manhood left in
him. Braddock looked away quickly
and an instant later announced that II
was time to get back to the Tot"
In front of the restaurant they came
upon Artful Dick Cronk. The pick
pocket made no attempt to speak TO
them. but when his eve caught David's
he closed 1t slowly In a very express
sive wink.
Braddock hurried on ahead. explain.
ing that he was obliged to look after
something at the grounds.
III look after them" said the colo
mel affably. with Jacks assistance
he supplemented. Christine clutched
her mothers arm. The colonel and
David dropped behind, for the narrow
sidewalk was crowded. In this fash.
ion they made their way to the show
grounds. Mrs. Braddock and Christine
did not once look behind. Colonel
Grand chatted amiably with his young
| companion, but never for an instant
was his gaze diverted from the
straight. proud figure of the woman
ahead.
He entered the dressing tent with
them. There he quietly said goodby
to the three of them. The tears of in.
dignation were still standing in Chris
tines eyes. He willfully misinterpret
ed their significance. A hateful ten.