Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1913-08-08

Wnore' I'm biho Aiech botIhs
away"
a thought the evidence favored the.
theory that Chatelard had made
straight for New York"
mot bit OF 1t. Aleck and 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"
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 OF.
to. go to sailors dance over on one
ofthe islands They'll probably be at
II all night, SO I'm going back"
why not let me go2 I'm fine as
fiddle. You've had your full share OF
nasty detective work."
mot at all. I'm booked to SEQ this
thing through"
IAN right" laughed Jimsy. "But If
you change your mind, let me know"
Arriving at the house, the men found
1t deserted. Windows were open and
DOOR Unattached, but no one, not even
Danny. responded to Jim's call. Cham
berlain started for the Hillside in the
car. and Jim wandered about lone
somely. wondering whore 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 primevai
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 moment. as II
at signal call, Danny came along the
path. sedately trotting to meet him.
"Hullo, old papdnerl 30 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?-e
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'i
manner resembled an Arctic breeze.
May one ask why?"
"One can not always be singing"
MOI Why not? 1 could-f
could"
Agatha was obliged to relax a trife
at Jimmy's foolishness. but only te
reveal, more and more distinctly, 8
Indebtedness of spirit that was quite
battling. 1t was not feminine wretch
edness waiting for a masculine com
forter, either, as James observed witt
regret; 1t was stoical spirit, bracet
to meet a blow-or to deal one.
| Jimmy was not used to being
snubbed, and instinctively prepared
for vigorous protest. He began will
a little preliminary diplomacy.
you haven't inquired what I'm go
ing to do with the remainder OF m,
holiday" he remarked.
II supposed you would return sool
to Lynn. Shall we walk back to thu
house?"
The unkind words were spoken in I
\ rare-sweet voice, courteously enough
Jim looked at the speaker moment
then emphatically said mol"
at is quite time was returning"
Have you anything there to d.
that is more important than listening
to me for fifteen minutes?"
Agatha did not pretend not 10 un
derstand him. She turned toward hin
with unflinching eyes
Truth to say, yes, Mr.. Hambleton
/ have. l don't wish to listen to-
anything"
"Oh-if you feel Hike thatl You
Mr.. Hambleton' is enough to strik
me dumb"
believe me, 1t 10 the best way"
Again, may one ask whyf"
you are going back to your ow
people, to your own work. And I :
mine"
But that's the very point My ide
was too combine them"
Il guessed It,"
Jimmy smiled his ingenious smil
az he suavely asked: And don't 20
-er-like the idea?"
Agatha turned her wretched whit
face toward him. Into 1t there ha
come a grim determination that ls
Jimmy quite out in the cold.
II have no choice in liking or di
J liking It," she said quite evenly. 'B,
} there are plenty Of reasons why
can't think Of It. And you shouidn
think Of It any more. assure 20
you are making a mistake"
She got up as II ready to wal
} away, her face averted.
"Agatha!"
} At the name she turned to Jim, I
much as to say she would be qui
} reasonable II he would be- But b,
, face suddenly flushed gloriously.
D agatha, dear, hear me. did n
J intend to tell you all my secret
, day; not until should be on neutr
!
a Ii~, Al e