The Caucasian. (Shreveport, La.) 1900-192?, 1912-04-28

movements of the eccentric Baggs.
Baggs knew that be could run whittier
his fancy dictated. but no duty would
be neglected. for Peter Rolf would do
his thinking for him and seek him cut
when he was needed
While Peter Rolf studied time table.
drawing near the window to scan the
closely printed sheet, a plan was form
ing in Jake Kimball's idle mind
Going down to Newport. eh?" yawn-
ed Jake as Peter thrust the time table
in his pocket and turned away.
81 must take that next train down"
II wonder If you'd execute a COM
mission for me. Rolf?" asked Jake
amlably.
Certainly. only I'm in something o.
a hurry. you know" returned Peter,
glancing at his watch.
81 merely want to drop a line TO-
somebody and send something down.
Won't take me three seconds. and so,
long as you're going right down to.
Newport you may save me a trip
down tomorrow and l can witness the
ball game"
Jake slipped the flashing ring Of dia-
monds and sapphires from his finger
and placed it in its small leather case.
Then he went to the writing table,
scrubbed few lines on sheet Of pa
per. wrapped the jewel box in the
note and Enclosed the whole thing In
an envelope.
This he brought to Peter, who
placed 1t In his pocket without glanc-
ing at it.
"If you will be so kind as to give
that to Miss Wayne-Miss Edith
Wayne-Tll be awfully obliged. you
know. She'll understand. Of course
you know her. Roif?"
Jake's amused glance was rewarded
by the pallor that struck through the
healthy coloring of the secretary's
face.
certainly l know Miss Wayne. I'll
execute your commission as soon as
attend to my business with Mr..
Baggs."
Good sportr' commented Jake Kim
ball as Peters tall. erect figure passed
the window on his way down the ave-
nue.. ''It won't hurt you. old top. to
get your Information as to how things
are going right here from headquar-
tiers, and then you can get over it,
he murmured after Peters departing
form. But nevertheless be felt just
like the cad he had shown himself to
be in this matter
1t was Il great joke to have Peter
Rolf carry Jake's engagement ring
down to Edith Wayne-great joke on
Peter. who should not have been SO
handsome anyway. Jake KimbaR felt
very mean and uncomfortable that
long. dull afternoon. and he wondered
uneasily what Edith would think of
the transaction. He had written in
that note that she could wire her reply
yes or no. .s
The next day at II o'clock found Pc
ter Rolf mounting the steps Of the
Wayne cottage in Newport. So fat
he had been unsuccessful in his search
for his employer No one had seen
Mr. Baggs. and it was evident that
Peter had taken the wrong trail for
the first time He did not care. how
ever, for there was a deadly pain at
his heart that could not be allayed He
had been In love with Edith Wayne
for year and could not ask her to
marry him because he was poor.
OF course he had noticed Jacob KIM
ball as he placed the magnificent ring
In hn hn h.v$
guess at its import. 1t was a bitter
fate that had decreed that Peter should
be the bearer Of that ring to Edith
Wayne. He ground his teeth and swat
lowed the bitter potion.
When Edith came to him In the
drawing room he was startled to find
her wrath Of her beautiful self. Her
lovely face was quite thin. and after
the first rose flush had passed away
he saw that she was very pale and
fragile looking.
Il am glad to see you she said
Il am sorry to find you looking rath
er ILL.," he ventured after little while.
during which they chatted on common
place topics
Again she flushed "Oh. it is nothing
much. | think the salt air is rather
strong for me. ] am going to the
mountains next week"
II came to execute commission for
Mr.. Kimball.' said Peter as he drew
the bulky letter from his pocket. Il
met him yesterday, and as he knew !
was coming down here he asked me to
give you this letter"
She took it from his hand with
trembling fingers. She did not look at
his face. Her eyes were fixed on his
firm, well shaped hand with its gold
seal ring on the little finger. How
could Peter Rolf know that Edith
Wayne loved him SO much that life
was nothing to her without him?
Peter guessed it when he arose to
say farewell; he read 1t in her starry
eyes in brief, revealing flash between
them, and then Jake Kimbalps letter
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