The Forrest City times., 1913-05-23

1 thing of that which had come to me when Bryan had refused me converse with his patient. But It were better to divert than to commiserate, and SO I said:
 This is the day am to hear from Miss Clement"
 "1s it?" she asked, indifferently, tho disappointment still ranking. q didn't know"
 She has promised me important in- formation before three o'clock. If she keeps her word. this whole perplexing mystery may very shortly be cleared up."
 Isn't that what you would call supererogatory?" she asked. smiling. T should think Uncle Robert could tell all that is needed. now. himself" l was at loss for a moment how to answer her; and in that moment the telephone broke in. and did away with the necessity of response.
 The instrument was on the writing table at my elbow. and with Shall 1?" to Evelyn. took the receiver from the hook and bent to the transmitter.
 Yes" said. Miss Grayson Is here Who Is it, please?" I thought recog- nized Miss Clements voice, and was uot wrong. But, after all, 1t was she wanted. She had called up my rooms and my office. and. unable to chance that Evelyn might aid her to my discovery. You have learned something?" asked, disguising as well as could my burning interest. If possible, would keep from Evelyn the least suggestion of how vitally important I regarded the news I hoped for
 T hardly know how to explain 1t to you" came Miss Clements reply. T was on the verge of what l am sure was a most pregnant revelation l was to be given names and dates and circumstances I had been promised these by one in whom l put the great est reliance. And now I am asked to wait another twenty-four hours. Some thing has happened, my confdant tells me; something puzzling and utterly unexpected, and those who know most of the matter are now most at sea" 1 Evelyn must have seen me smile It was quite evident to me that Miss Clement was in touch with some one which provoked the smile. l smiled because I 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 slanteyed camp into confusion, and rejoiced at my friends intrepidity.
 you wish me to wait another day?"
 T think it would be worth while" !" she answered.
 1 And do, too," told her. 'I don't suppose you've seen an afternoon pa per, have you?" I went on. Well. they contain some news of interest. They say that MT. Cameron came home last night, and for once. at least. they tell what Is very nearly the truth"
 If sincerity ever carried over a wire 1 1t carried then in Miss Clements con- gratulations, 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 car9 to know.
 The Chinese" she added, "are de- | liberate race, MT. 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 one great mystery but arriving at nothing definite; adding, If changing conditions at all, to our own | confusion.
 And if, in passing, at intervals. where opportunity offered, spoke ten der words and pleaded for a definite. or at least a closer. more intimate un- derstanding between us, who shall say that I was to blame? She was never moro lovely, never more appealing than she was that morning; and | begged for an admission of 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 once I had read in her eyes-without unseemly conceit. trust I may be permitted this asser- tion-what now asked in lip avowaL But there seemed to be with her no- ton that the occasion was ilI-suited to my plea.
 "Philip," she said, dear Philip. 1 care for you very much; almost as much as care for Uncle Robert. You have been very good to me. and very good to him. and If l could tell you that love you in the way you ask, r." And there she hesitated shade of a second Even If could tell you" she corrected. "I wouldn't tell you now. It Is not stubbornness, Philip. It is just a woman's way. Ask me ] again when Uncle Robert Is well and