The Detroit times., 1913-05-28

| There was something bohemian and
reckless about them, suggestion OF
easy improvidence. Joyous freedom
from possibility, that was new to
him. The captain. staggering much.
his hat cooked well over one ear. and
with manfully swelling chest under a
vivid velvet vest twirled "A light
walking stick with happy nonchalance.
lie was assertiye and noisy, perhaps,
but eminently good natured. Ben
! son smiled and wondered Evidently
the next best thing to having good
conscience was 10 have no conscience
at all. And Julia, with her fine eyes
and clear skin. a handsome, dashing
| figure. cousined him with a confid-
ing affection that quite disarmed him,
he couldn't approve. but they seemed
! happy and we'll satisfied with each
other; and he allowed them 10 bear
him back to their home in triumph.
| Ii was quite late when he reached
the tavern. whittier the captain had
insisted on accompanying him. and as
| they shook haHds cordially al part
| ing the latter said:
I'll see you in the morning, Jake,
so won't say goodbye now
| II will be very early. you know.
Il shan't mind that, Jake I'm go
| ing to see you off
Before Benson went 10 bed that
night he wrote 10 Virginia. and ar
| ranged his purchases. slowing them
away in the canvas packs he had
bought for that purpose, then he un-
dressed and stretched himself out on
| the bed.
II was barely dawn. and he seemed
TO have slept but an hour or so. when
| he heard Rodney pounding on his
door. bidding him be stirring. He
dressed by candlelight. and hurried
! downstairs, where he found the trad
er and his two Mexican packers al
| ready at breakfast.
I'm the inn yard their horses were
being saddled and the heavy packs
with which the traders mules were TO
be freighted were ready to be Strap
ped 10 the backs OF the animals.
When they had finished their break.
fast Benson followed Rodney into
the yard. AS he swung himself into
the saddle the lawyer felt he was
about to turn his back on the de-
corous. and. as he would have ex-
pressed il, the civilized life OF the
East, and he gave last thought to
his clients, and hoped the Judge
would do his best by them.
But he had no sooner left the yard
than he dismounted hastily, for there,
hurrying mp the street, was the cap
tain and Mrs. Gibbs.
She would come. Jake" painted
the captain. Il told her You wouldn't
expect II. but she would come"
1T was very kind OF you said
Benson. but don't know that ! de-
served it,
Law" cried Mrs. Gibbs briskly,
do you think I'd let you go of like
this without seeing the last of YOU"
and she bestowed a vigorous embrace
upon him.
Il fear I'm keeping them waiting
| said Benson. Good bye, Gibbs
Goodbye. Julia-God bless you both
| | shall see you when return. Good
bye" He kissed Mrs. Gibbs. shook
hands warmly with the captain, and
mounted his horse again
Now that he was really going.
and the parting over with. Mrs.
Gibbs wept copiously. while the cap
tdlu tHuedNOuTeu 10 CoHsolc Hti'
AS he rode away after Rodney. Ben
son looked back more than once, and
saw them move slowly on up the
street. arm in arm; The captain with
expanding chest and twirling cane.
and Mrs. Gibbs still plying her hand
kerchief and this was the last he
saw OF them in many long day.
SHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR.
Benson arrived In Salt Lake City In
August After three days of unsuc-
cessful investigation he sought an
interview with Governor Young. at
his office. He was ushered into a
plain business-like room. where he
saw large man with handsome.