The state herald., 1913-08-01
E. I'm giaa Alech I. getting

where. I'm glaa Aleck is getting
away"
Il thought the evidence favored the
theory that Chatelard had; made
straight for New York"
Not bit of 1t. Aleck and I let
you all believe that, for the sake of
the ladies'. But the evidence Ia all the
other way. We would surely have
caught him II he had been on any Of
the New York trains. / believe he's
about here and means mischief yet"
III he's about here, there's no doubt
about the mischief"
I'm going down tonight to bunk on
the Sea Gull. Aleck let the men of,
to go to u sailors dance over on one
OF the islands. They'll probably be at
y all night, SO I'm going back"
Why not let me 60? I'm fine as
nddle' You've had your full share Of
nasty detective work"
Not at all. I'm booked to see this
thing through"
All right" laughed Jimsy. But II
you change your mind. let me know"
Arriving at the house. the men found
1t deserted. Windows were open and
doors unlatched. but no one, not even
Danny. responded to Jim's call Cham
oerlain started for the Hillside In the
car. and Jim wandered about lone
somely. wondering where everybody
was. With Jim. as In most cases.
everybody meant one person; and
presently Sallie, appearing slowly
from the upper regions. gave him his
clue. He started nimbly for the pine
wood.
The wagon road stretched alluring-
ly into the sun-hecked shade Of the
grove. A hush like that OF primeval
day threw Its uncanny influence over
the world. Jim felt something tugging
at his spirit that was unfamiliar, dis
quieting. He began to whistle Just
for company. and in a moment, as II
at signal call, Danny came along the
path, sedately trotting to meet him
"Hullo. old pardner! So this is
where you are
Danny said yes. and led Jim into
the clearing and up to a pine stump.
where everybody sat, quite alone. chin
propped on hand. No singing. no book
and-or did Jimmy imagine it?-a
spirit decidedly quenched. Her eye
lids were red and her face was pale.
so. dear lady. have found you.
But | was listening for the song"
There is no song today" Agatha's
manner resembled an Arctic breeze.
May one ask why?'
"one can not always be singing"
No! Why not? could-if l
could"
Agatha was obliged to relax triHe
at Jimmy's foolishness. but only to
reveal. more and more distinctly. n
wretchedness Of spirit that was quite
battling. 1t was not feminine wretch.
edness waiting for a masculine com
forter. either as James observed with
regret: 1t was a stoical spirit. braced
10 meet blow-or to deal one.
Jimmy was not used TO being
snubbed. and instinctively prepared
for vigorous protest. He began with
h little preliminary diplomacy.
you haven't inquired what I'm go.
ing to do with the remainder OF my
holiday" he remarked.
II supposed you would return soon
to Lynn. Shall we walk back to the
house?"
The unkind words were spoken In
rare-sweet voice. courteously enough.
Jim looked at the speaker a moment.
then emphaticaily said mol"
."It is quite time l was returning"
Have you anything there to do
that is more important than listening
to me for fifteen minutes7"
Agatha did not pretend not to un.
derstand him. She turned toward him
with unninching eyes.
Truth to say. yes. Mr.. Hnmbleton.
! have. ! don't wish TO listen to-
anything"
"oh-if you feel like thatl Your
Mr.. Hambleton' In enough to strike
me dumb"
believe me. II is the best way"
Again. may one ask whyf"
you are going back to your own
people. to your own work. And 10
mine"
But that's the very point My idea
was TOTO combine them"
81 guessed IT,"
Jimmy smiled his ingenious smile
as he suaveiy asked: And don't you
-er-iike the idcaf"
Agatha turned her wrctched white
face toward him. Into II there had
come n grim determination that left
Jimmy quite out IN the cold.
Il have no choice In liking or dis.
liking H." she said quite evenly "But
there arc plenty OF reasons why I
can't think OF II. And you shouldn't
think OF II any more. assure you.
you nre making u mistake"
sho got up as II ready to walk
away. her face averted.
"Agathai"
Al tho name nhe turned 10 jim. M
much M to say she would be quite
reasonable II he would be. but her