The Hope pioneer. [volume] (Hope, N.D.) 1882-1964, 1913-02-27

get me at either place, had taken the
chance that Evelyn might aid her to
my discovery.
You have learned something" I
asked. Disgusting as well as l could my
burning interest. If possible, I would
keep from Evelyn the least suggestion
of how vitality important l regarded
the news l hoped for.
II hardly know how to explain it to
you," came Miss Clements reply. Il
was on the verge of what l am sure
was a most pregnant revelation. I
was to be given names and dates and
circumstances. l had been promised
these by n in whom l put the great
est reliance. And now l am asked to
wait another twenty-four hours. Some
thing has happened, my confidant tells
me; something puzzling and utterly
unexpected, and those who know most
of the matter are now most at sea-"
Evelyn must nave seen me smile.
1t. was quite evident to me that Miss
Clement was in touch with some one
| "SAA AAOuD OuI ~ was lOI ludI
which provoked the smile. 1 smiled
because l felt that Cameron in some
way had outwitted his captors and
gained his freedom. This was the un.
expected happening which had thrown
the %villainous slant-eyed camp into
confusion. and I rejoiced at my friends
intrepidity.
"And so. " I said to Miss Clement.
you wish me to wait another day? }"
II think 1t would be worth WHILE"
she answered.
"And I do, too," I told her. II don't
suppose you've seen an afternoon pa
per. have you?" l went IN. We'll, they
contain some news Of interest. They
say that Mr. Cameron came home last
night, and for once, at least, they tell
what is very nearly the truth"
II sincerity ever carried over a wire
it carried then in Miss Clements con-
CALCULATIONS, and there was something
almost divine In her forbearance to
ask for particulars. She congratulated
Evelyn, too, and promised to come to
see her. soon; and then once more she
assured me that she would yet learn
everything we could possibly care to
know.
"The Chinese" she added, "are a de-
liberate race. Mr.. Clyde. They refuse
to be hurried. But eventually we shall
have our answers"
With Evelyn beside me the hours no
longer dragged. We talked unceasing-
ly; reviewing everything from the re.
ceipt of the first letter; conjecturing
on each of the score Of little problems
making up the n great mystery, but
arriving at nothing definite; adding, If
changing conditions at all, to u own
confusion.
And If. in passing, at intervals,
where opportunity offered. l spoke ten
der words and pleaded for a definite,
or at least a closer, more intimate un-
d%erstanding between us. who shall say
that / was to blame? She was never
more lovely, more appealing
than she was that morning; and I
begged for an admission of a senti-
ment above and beyond the mere sis.
terly regard to which hitherto she had
persisted in limiting her expressed af-
lection for me.
More than one l had read in her
eyes-without unseemly %conceit, I
trust I may be permitted this asser.
tion-what / now asked in lip avowal.
But there seemed to be with her a no
ton that the occasion was ill-suited to
my plea.
Phillip" she said, dear Philip, I
care for you very much; almost as
much as l care for Uncle Robert. You
have been very good to me, and very
good to him, and If I could tell you
that I love you in the way you ask,
l." And there she hesitated a shade
of a second. Even II l could tell you,"
she corrected, II wouldn't tell you
now. 1t is not ~stubbornness, Philip.
It is just a woman's way. Ask me
again. when Uncle Robert is well, and
all this horrible nightmare has passed.
Promise me that you will ask me
again!"
Never fear" I returned, en- ask
you"
And promise me, too," she added,
shat until all the skies are clear once
more. you will not mention the sub.
Iect."
was on the verge Of promising:
not because it would be an easy prom
lse to keep, for l knew it would be
very difficult; but because could
deny her nothing. l was on the verge,
[ say, when the library door opened,
and Louis, pale and excited, and so in
haste that he had not paused to knock,
was exclaiming:
Monsieur Cameronl Pardon! Mails.
anfin, etesvous prete?"
A score Of fears springing Instantly
to birth within US, Evelyn and l we're
on our feet before the speech, rapid.
" delivered as it was, was finished.
Were we ready! We evidenced our
readiness in no such v~oiceless thing
as words.
Louis stood aside for US to pass, and
as l went by him. l asked, under my
breath:
What is 1t, LOUISE" =
"Ah!' he whispered. Monsieur
Cameron is talking in the strange
tongue which neither Monster Bryan