The Detroit times., 1913-05-31
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE.
lContlnusd.)

~If I could only 20 back to the
doubt. Even To that, for this is much
worse. This leaves me nothing"
Very gently Benson began, starting
with the recovery OF Stephens knife
from Gibbs. and his trip across the
plains.
She did not speak until he had quite
finished; then she said In the long
pause that followed:
"And you think-you think there is
no hOpe?"
None" he said gravely.
With sudden eloquent gesture
she pressed her hands TO her heart
II can't quite realize 1t yet" she
ALTERED; for how could he be dead
when her love was all alive, when II
had undergone no change? She was
weighing each point; she would have
given much TO have believed there
was yet hope; but since this could
not be, she tried to believe death
had been swift and merciful to the
man she loved; and the man who
loved her was so far forgotten, that
afterward she suffered more than one
accusing pang when she recalled
how inadequate the expressions Of
her gratitude had been, measured by
the weeks and months he had devoted
70 her service.
Benson seemed TO divine that there
was question she wished TO ask, but
lacked the courage; and he proceeded
10 answer II In his own direc, way
when | returned 70 Salt Lake
made arrangements TO have block
Of granite cut to mark the spot.
suppose II has been conveyed to the
mountains before this. | should have
waited to see II In place only fear
cd the winter might set In and pre-
vent my return TO the States until
spring. | dared not risk that"
you have seen Anna" she sud.
denly asked
He understood; she wished to be
alone. He realized this with a quick
sense OF disappointment He rose
reluctantly from his chair
Really | might have gone there
there first. Where is Mrs Walsh"
he asked.
"She is with Anna. We fear TO leave
her alone. II seems she never for one
moment lost hope, or had any other
back safe and we'll"
And are you alone here" he said.
"Yee. for the present"
IL should think you needed Mrs.
Walsh rather more than she does"
ne commented with some little
brusQueness.
You must go TO her at once when
you return 70 town. | am sure she
will feel II IL you do not" urged Viz
ginia.
He drove straight TO Annals. There
In the darkened parlor he waited i'm
patiently for full half hour before
she made her appearance. When she
at last entered the room. she greeted
him with such lack OF warmth. that
he instantly felt that here he was
held In positive disfavor
II heard last night that you were
home, and | have been expecting you
all the morning" she said resent
fully. Have you seen Virginia"
"Yes."
She frowned slightly
His lips parted in family cynical
smile
81 suppose Virginia told you that
] had been utterly Frustrated since
the cruel news came?"
YES" said Benson. But heard
last night OF your condition. | drove
out to the farm first. knew Mrs.
Landray would be able to tell me II
II would be advisable for you to see
me-"
She looked at him with lurking
suspicion; but he met her glance
frankly, and she was half convinced
Of his sincerity.
II am sorry | kept you waiting,
she said relenting
II was so distressed to hear that
you were not WE'LL he murmured.
you must let me come again when
you are stronger" he urged Il
don't think you are in condition
now to hear what | have done: you
more yourself"
Anna. with choking sob. And at
this touch Of real feeling. he regret
ted that he had stopped to play a
part.
When a little later Benson went
back to his office he found Judge
Brady waiting for him.
You nave seen them! questioned
the Judge. MY dear Jacob. it must
have been a trying experience"
Benson nodded. and slipped into a
chair before his desk. The Judge
watching him, shook his head with
settled melancholy OF manner.
when I made their loss known
to them Bushrods wife tainted,
Jake, keeled over at the first word !;
and when she came to, her grief was
most heartrending. Her sister-in.
laws composure was remarkable:
while Mrs Walsh showed much emo.
tion---a nice little thing. Jacob: did
understand you 10 say quite PENN.
Less"
Eyes"
"Too bad. too bad! wholly incap.
able, | should say, Of meeting the
situation by sherself You are con.
vinced In your own mind that Ste.
phen and Bush and the others are
dead?"
Eyes" said Benson shortly.
s.oh ShnckfpU'v aatd a