Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1912-08-30

who were In my confidence. became as
interested almost as !. told them
that under no circumstances were the
Turpins to know anything about me;
that everything must be done through
them. They understood the necessity
eficiaries of this act would reject 1t
and force n foreclosure had they any
reason TO suspect that the interest had
been reduced through any desire to
assist them III any way. Satisfied that
| had done something for Miss Ellen.
determined to leave for the west.
1t was while going to take my train
that Il circumstance occurred that de-
iayed my departure for several days
more ! was hate and was hurrying
through the depot when | ran fairly in
the arms of Bud ! did not recognize
him at first. and It was only when
stepped back with conventional apOl-
ogy that ] saw the strong outlines OF
Ellens brother. II WAS only momen-
tary glimpse had at him. but be look
ed older and more careworn. 1t seemed
to me. He seemed preoccupied and
did not recognize the. for. lowering my
face. I hurried past him aud reached
the waiting room abandoned all in
tention of taking the train that day.
for | ut once suspected that my secret
had beca me known and that Bud had
come to Atlanta with the determina-
tion of either having the transfer re
voked or else forcing me to accept the
former interest OH the mortgage BY a
circuitous route ! reached my hotel
and. sending for messenger. dispatch
forming the officials Of the arrival Of
Mr.. Turpin
The next day l learned that Bud.
thinking the transaction somewhat
queer. had come to Atlanta to see
about II himself. and | strongly be-
iieved that Miss Ellen had urged him
to it to satisfy herself that was In no
way connected with the benefit which
those ut the Pines would derive from
the reduction OF the interest BUD de-
manded to know to whom his family
was indebted for this unlocked for
piece OF generosity. My agent told him
that these mortgages had become very
valuable and that his company had
been authorized 10 secure AZ many of
them as pOssfble and 10 reduce the 10.
terP.t OH them TO per cent. Salts
led that the matter was business
transaction. Bud left for the Pines
again and. ! had reason TO believe.
with lighter heart.
Lost In the background aud tongrat-
ulating myself on the success of my
scheme. | wandered into the west The
face of Ellen was ever before me
Night and day the picture Of her. clad
in a simple ginel,am frMk. her sleeves
rolled up aud her hand pointing In the
direction Of the utl memorial bridge.
WIS ever In my mind Several times I
tried to resume my writing. but my
pen seemed to drop from my fingers "
else my mind refused to respond to
my will. 10 detection Of spirit my
head would fall over on my arms. and
| would sit for hours dreaming of the
Pines and Miss Ellen. In my apathy
| journeyed 10 Japan. and for awhile
life seemed brighter in that mosaic
looking country: but. 60 where would.
there was ever recurring to my
thoughts the picture OF Miss Ellen. and
my heart would swell and tears rush
unbidden to my eyes as I remembered
our parting. There was talk Of war
win an ourstretcned hand, for l reil
somehow that they had claims on me
which the others did not possess. The
individual was lost In that great,
crowded camp, and those with whom
l talked of the Turpins did not seem
to know them. But | was destined to
hear news of my friends much sooner
than thought.
had been sent to division headquar-
tiers one day with message from my
colonel. AS | stepped under the avn.
ing of the tent l saw an officer In a
majors uniform sitting at ia ble read
ing some reports. The face was par
TALLY In shadow. but | saw at once
that 1t was Bud.
How much he knew I did not know
] was eager to learn lie saw me be-
fore spoke and. not waiting. as l had
done. he leaped from the table. seat
tering the contents over the tlonr. and
rushed to me with arms outStretched.
lmpulsively he threw one arm around
my neck and with the other graspec
my hand He saw how deep my feel
Ing was and did not speak ut once.
Bud" | asked finally. "how are all
at the Pines?" 1t was the question
which was most natural to my lips,
for had been hungering. yet dread
Ing. to hear news of them
About the same. Nothing ever
changes there" he said.
"iour father and motheri" l asked.
Both are well. thank Godr'
SAnd Miss Ellen ~ 7 vantvraA