Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-08-03

WaNu%<W scarf. Yet the moonlight scene from the
&MNINI veranda of the bungalow well worth
&lbE%SEN few shivers. To right and left slept
GZSG9 the prmeval forest. From the cleared
space in front redwood which might
easily have been sapling when the shepherds of Pales
tine discovered the STAR thrust its majestic shaft up up
until its topmost sprays seemed to brush the spanged
heavens. Beyond and below the shoulder of the
mountain, lay San Gabriel Valley. By day it was
checkeed with green squares which field glass resolved
into orange groves. vineyards, and walnut orchards.
Tonight filled with lunar MIST but its farther
verge lowered faint phosphorescent glow, if
simmer OF heat lightning had been magcaly caught
and fixed there 1t was the halo cast by the eectrcs of
Los Angeles, sixty miles away.
1t prospect that she loved; yet tonight she
fessed to bit of loneliness. The long vacation
On the the dear cottage would be locked
up for another year Such of the household effects
to be carried back to the city already packed
Old Garcilasso, their general factotum had that after
conveyed the two maids down to the railroad sta
ton at Santa uana, and the distance being twenty-five
miles, would not return until the next day. Business
had detained her husband in Los Angeles. Thus she
and her child-now tucked away in his bed-were left
alone for the night.
She was not afraid She safer here than in the
congested hives of man-she told herself She put
forth her hand and rested the saddle of her little
boys hobbyhorse. The wilderness, with its ea-dis-
titled, balsamc elixir of life had been good to Merrck
Not once throughout the summer had he suffered
of his seizures That a thing to be reverently
thankful for and the mother closed her suddenly wet
eyes and sent up wordless prayer.
WHEN she opened her eyes again they fell upon the
" statuesque figure of man in the moonlight. He
stood between the forest edge the stable
Apparently he had paused to look and listen; for after
a moment he passed to the of the house.
Edith's heart quickened. She was no victim of
nerves. and commonsense assured her that no tramp
burglar would have chosen this heart of nature for
his operations. Nevertheless, the persons presence
could not be ignored, and stepping through French
window into the living she took from cabinet.
the target revolver with which she and Henry
customed to while away idle hour.
She passed down the dark hall toward the kitchen,
which commanded view of the stable If the man was
a thief at ALL he be horsethief But she
tered the pantry line of light showed under the swing
door to the kitchen
Pausng moment to brace herself and conceal her
weapon under her scarf she cautiously pushed the door
aside The intruder squattng before the open ice
box At her entrance he turned his head inquiringy;
then rising, with trimming milkpan between his
hands, he crossed the room without spillng drop,
and set the vessel on table.
@Good evening, Madam said he coolly, removing
his dusty hat
His appearance was rather sinister at first glance
black stubbe of beard besrched his face, his hair
bstly short, his clothes wrinked rent and pouched
at the knees Yet she noticed that his hands were deli
cately formed his frank and intelligent; also he
had spoken in the modulated that associated
with degree of culture.
"Good evening" she answered. amused in spite of her
uneasiness at his impudence al don't believe heard
you rap
quite likely In fact, omitted that formality The
household appeared to be asleep and scarcely felt
that was mistaken. | much prefer your pres
ence; for | am in a position to pay for what want"
His eyes certainly twinked
MAY ask what it is that you want"
"Food. In the last seventy-two hours my dietary
has consisted of handful Of pinenuts and nckel's
worth of bananas purchased from Mexican sheep
herder | am not starving | am not even hungry,
having passed that stage sometime this afternoon Yet
as a rational being | know that my system requires
food
She suspected him of joking "Are you losto" she
nq aHn
4Then cannot imagine honest in your pre-