The Washington times., 1913-10-10

IN the tnlngS We were saying 10 edch
other. That Mary and I both under
stood the situation there was not the
least doubt. In our hearts we were
serious and thoughtful; but our lips
were framing light phrases. each try
ing to sustain the courage OF the other
in this make-believe fashion
II think we've made a record ior
night flights" said. as we plodded on
slowly in the darkness.
II should hope So" she answered
earnestly. But, oh! Mr.. Mansfield,
wasn't it glorious up there among the
stars?"
"Glorious' Perhaps-~hile We stayed
up-Maryr'
"A1d 30 exciting when we came down
"And thrilling when we hit-Mary!
1 could hear her laughing as sne
looked up at me.
but, Mr.. Mansheld-
See here" / interrupted, we're at
cross purposes We don't seem to be
working on the same job. Now, you're
either Miss Donaldson or you re mary
I'm either Mr. Mansfield or I'm Dan
Somehow. I got the idea you were Mary.
Now, what are your
why. I guess I'm Mary" she said
'I seem to have been for some time.
Then what am II"
.'Daniel Vasco Nunez Balboa Mans
field" she repeated glibly ,
(which. In short form is
pan. / suppose" she said meekly
You shouldn't be so stubborn ,is about
some things" 1 grumbled. You've
called me 30 many names, you know"
Now who's reminiscinR?
"Tm guilty" / answered contriteiy.
ct forgot. Everything's present and
future from now on"
It was Just more of the same sort OF
talk. all for the purpose of making light
Of our troubles.
Yet. when we had walked for what
seemed half an hour along that aim
less fog-bound road without passing q
single human being. or even light oy
the wayside, or hearing sound that
would guide US to fellow-beings, began
TO think we should soon tire OF the
testing Mary was still shivering from
the cold, and I could tell from the re-
Iuctance OF her footsteps that she was
getting weary. My arm was beginning
to awaken to sensations. A duh pain
above the elbow. extending 10 the
nerves were rousing themselves, and
that / might soon expect real suffering
unless I had prompt attention.
I never travelled road that seemed
to lead SO persistently nowhere. There
was little to complain Of In the grades
for most Of them were too gentle to be
of much account, even to the weary;
but 1t turned and twisted in an exas-
nerating manner, as II II had no pur-
pose of destination. Everything was
still silent about us. while the fog
shroud hung close and dense.
Once we sat down to rest for few
moments on a large boulder at the
roadside. but II was too chilly to re-
main inactive long.
II feel almost sleepy" she conflded.
as we resumed our journey.
I'm hungry" added. And thirsty.
t., IN ar
Your ARM" she cried. with quick
intuition HAS 1t begun to pain-Dan?'
IT didl.'t mean that" 1 answered un-
truthfully. But I'm afraid you're get
ting tired. Mary.
stoutly, auickening her pace; but
could feel that 1t cost her an effort to
do so.
And then we came to forking Of
roads.
'Listenr' she commanded.
Both Of us stood silent for half a
minute. and then. very family. came a
sound Of music. I seemed ever so far
away: the mere thought Of walking to
II repelled me.
TITS over that way" she said. point
ing toward the right.
"Then Well take the right fork"
answered. Come ont"
We stumbled along the new path
way. and soon something that seemed
tall and dark and colossal loomed on
either side Of the road.
Looks like q private gate" / NUT
tered. I'VE must be getting some
where"
We passed the portals. and now the
road. because of tnterlocked branches
Of trees overhead. became almost in
or three times We strayed from II.
finding ourselves on heavy, damp
grass. The sounds Of music became
more distinct.
ats somebody's estate" said Mary,
elinging to my arm and dragging her
"I'd hug them" I answered Dogs.
men or anything. Let's find some
body"
Still there was nothing visible as we
staggered onward. Mary was becom-
ing more limp at every step; although
she had sustained no real injury from
our abrupt descent, the shock was
now beginning to assert itself in re-
action. l slipped my right arm about
her waist and half carried her. The
ache in my side seemed to have dis
appeared, but my broken arm was
throbbing, and its every movement
was translated into acute pain.
Then the music ceased, and in its
stead came a sound OF laughter, as IL
many voices were blended in the
mirth.
TT can't be far" I said to her. Keep
up a little longer"
81 will" she answered bravely; but
her figure sagged against me as she
spoke the words.
"a light" l cried a moment later
See it?"
She nodded wearily, without speak
ing, and scarcely looking up.
It did not seem like a single light
hut filtered through the fog in n glow
The laughter was distinct now: there
was a babel Of voices. Then the road
we travelled began to curve sharply
toward the glow.
Under great porte-cochere we
paused for a moment. looking up at a
snow-white mansion. Floods OF yell
low light streamed from its win
t.,