The Madison journal. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1888-current, 1913-08-16

theory that Chatelard had made
straight for New York"
Not a bit of il. Aleck and | let
you all believe that, for the sake OF
the ladies. But the evidence is all the
other way. We would surely have
caught him if he had been on any of
the New York trains. | believe he's
about here and means mischief yet.
IF 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 off,
TO 60 to a sailors dance over on one
OF the islands. They'll probably be at
il all night, so I'm going back
why not let me go? I'm fine as a
fiddle. 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
it deserted. Windows were open and
doors urlatched, but no one. not even
Danny, responded to Jims call. Cham
berlain 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 tie pine
wood.
The wagon road stretched allurIng-
ly into the sun-fecked shade OF the
grove. A hush like that of primeval
day threw its uncanny influence over
the world. Jim felt something Juggling
at his spirit that was unfamiliar, dis
quieting. He began to whistle Just
for company. and In a moment, as II
at a 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 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
could"
Agatha was obliged to relax a trifie ]
at Jimmys foolishness. but only to
reveal, more and more distinctly,
wretchedness. of spirit that was quite
battling. II was not feminine wretch
edness waiting for a masculine COM
forter, either, as James observed with
regret; it was stoical spirit. braced
TO meet blow-or to deal one
Jimmy was not used to being
snubbed. and instinctively prepared
for vigorous protest. He began with !
a little preliminary diplomacy.
You haven't inquired what I'm 60 |
ing to do with the remainder OF my
holiday" he remarked
Il supposed YOU would return soon
to Lynn. Shall we walk back to the |
house?"
The unkind words were spoken In a |
rare-sweet voice, courteously enough. |
Jim looked at the speaker a moment,
then emphatically said mol"
1T is quite time 1 was returning"
Have you anything there to do |
that is more important than listening
to me for fifteen minutes?"
Agatha did not pretend not to un.
derstand him. She turned toward him
with unflinching eyes.
Truth to say, yes, Mr.. Hambleton,
have. l don't wish to listen to-
"Oh-if you feel like that! Your
Mr.. Hambleton' is enough to strike
me dumb"
Believe me, it is the best way"
Again, may one ask why?" |
You are going back to your own
people, to your own work. And to
NINE"
But that's the very point. My idea
was to-to combine them"
81 guessed it,"
Jimmy smiled his ingenious smile
as he suavely asked: And don't you
the idea?"
Agatha turned her wretched white
lace toward him. Into it there mad
come a grim determination that left
Jimmy quite out In the cold
Il have no choice in liking or dis
liking it." she said quite evenly But
here are plenty of reasons why I
can't think Of it. And you shouldn't
think Of it any more. | assure you,
you are making mistake"
She got up as If ready to walk
away. her face averted.
"Agatha!"
At the name she turned to Jim. as