Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1913-07-26
CHAPTER al.

Durham hurried her off amid the
good-bys of the company, and in
moment more they were shut into the |
semi-darkness of the four-wheeier and |
whirled from the too hospitable door.
AS soon as the door was shut, the |
girl began to tremble
ooh, we ought not to have done
thatl" she exclaimed with a SILVER Of |
recollection. They were so very kind.
It was dreadful to impose upon them.
But~-you were not to blame. It was
my fault. 1t was very kind of you"
I'VE did not impose upon them!" he
exclaimed peremptorily. you are my
friend, and that was all that we
claimed. For the rest, you have GER
tainly made good. Your wonderful
music! How 1 wish l might hear
more of it some time!"
The carriage paused to let a trolley
pass, and strong arc-light beat in
upon the two. A passing stranger
peered curiously at them, and the girl
shrank back in fear. 1t was momen-
tary, but the minds of the two were
brought back to the immediate neces-
sites of the occasion.
Nov, what may l do for your"
asked Durham in a quiet, business-like
tone. as if it were his privilege and
right to do all that was to be done.
Have you thought where you would
like to go?"
! Il have not been able to do much
thinking. 1t required all my wits to
act with the present. But know that
l must not be any further trouble to
you You have done more already
than anyone could expect. If you can
have The carriage stop in some quiet,
out-ofthe-way street where / shall not
be noticed, will get out and relieve
you. If l hadn't been SO frightened
at first, / should have had more sense
than to burden you this way. hope
some day shall be able to repay your
kindness, though fear it is too great
ever to repay"
please don't talk in that way" said
he protestingly. 1T has been pleas
ure to do the little that / have done,
and you have more than repaid it by
the delight you have given me and my
friends. l could not think of leaving
you until you are out of your trouble,
and if you will only give me a little
hint of how to help, will do my ut
most Tor you. Are you quite sure you
were followed? Don't you think you
could trust me enough to tell me a lit
tie more about the matter?"
She shuddeTed visibly.
Forgive me-" he murmured. "I see
1t distresses you. OF course it is IN
pleasant to confide In an utter
stranger. will not ask you to tell me.
will try to think for you. Suppose
we go to the station and get you a
ticket to somewhere. Have you any
preference? You oan trust me not TO
tell anyone where you have gone, can
you not?" There was kind rebuke
in his tone. and her eyes. as she lifted
them to his face, were full of tears.
oh, do trust you'll" she cried, dis.
tressed. "Ycu must not think that
but-you do not understand"
Then she added suddenly:
But l cannot buy a ticket. I have
no money with me, and /"
: Don't think of that for an instant
l will gladly supply your need. A lit
tie loan should not distress you
But / do not know when | shall BIZ
able TO repay it," she faltered, "un
less"-she hastily drew of her glove
and slipped glittering ring from hel
unless you will let this pay
for it. do not like to trouble you so
but the stone is worth a good deal"
Indeed" he protested, II couldn't
think of taking your ring. Let me d.
this. 1t is such small thing. shall
never miss it. Let 1t rest until yol
are out of your trouble, at least"
"Please!" she insisted, holding GU
: the ring. q shall get right out of thi
carriage unless you do"
But perhaps some one gave you tn,
ring, and you are attached to it,"
My father" she answered briefly
"and he would want me to use it thi
way" She pressed the ring into hi
hand almost impatiently.
Il will keep it until you want 1
again." he said kindly.
You need not do that, for l shall
not claim it." she declared. you ar
at liberty to sell it. l know it is wort
a good deal"
rshall certainly keep it until an
sure you do not want it yourself" h
repeated. Nov let US talk about thi
Journey OF yours. We are almost a
the station. Have you any preference
rs TO where you go? Have you friend
TO whom you could go?"
= She shook her head