The San Francisco call., 1913-07-20

Now she smiled until her dimples
nestled. 'That is much better" she
returned gayly, "and deserves reply,
just as my action of last evening de-
serves praise and not rebuke. | sacri-
feed myself and my pleasure for one
| love-"
Not for me, SURELY"
did I use the word 'conceit' mo-
ment ago? Are you the only man l
lover"
II hope So answered, impudently.
There is another" she confessed in
mock tragedy. Behold his facet"
| had not noticed that she held a
little roll in her hand. for my eyes had
been ever on hers; so, when abruptly
she spread out and held before me the
missing head from Cameron's portrait
l was doubly unprepared. | know l
was startled. For second or more |
stood dumb while my hand went out
In eager reach for the scrap of canvas,
which had observed instantaneously
bore four perforations, all of size
the size of rife bullet. With that
discovery had recurred the shots l had
heard.
When | recovered my composure |
found Evelyn backing willfully away
from my coyetous hand.
1T is the picture of the man l love-"
she was saying.
But where did you get it?" asked,
seriously
Il found 1t nailed to tree she an
swered. ut looks like the portrait
that hung in Uncle Roberts study. Do
you suppose he grew to dislike it and
cut IL up and threw IT away?"
MY dear girl" ! said, adopting a
tone of cajolery. I'VE have here,
think. matter in which we both can
be OF service, very valuable service in
deed. to that beloved uncle and guar
dian of yours But you must trust me
absolutely, and, for the present at
least. you must give him no hint of
Wudt we HdSc III manu-. OO yOu uA-
defstand?'
She laughed in that merry. rippling
! fashion which had found not the
least of her charms.
do / understand? OF course l don't
and I shan't until you have answered
at least half dozen why's and whats"
"f3nt you must trust me-" insisted,
"afld as primary evidence of that trust
you Will proceed at once to hand
over to fne for examination that
somewhat damaged piece of portraiture
which you are holding behind you"
Very wide her eyes opened in an in
nocent, almost infantile stare as she
asked
do you really mean IL, Philip"
Really | answered. gravely. I'D
like TO tell you ali about It, but that
might spoil everything, so you must
show what strong, womanly woman
you are by keeping silence and wait
ing
In token of compliance she gave me
the oval piece OF canvas.
Il wonder who punched the holes in
it," she remarked, ruefully. Whoever
it was, they were shockingly disre-
spectful.' so
Alas we do not all see with the
same eyes," assured her, smilingI.5.
THE destroyer may have looked on it
as carieature.' held It off at arms
length. do you think you could point
out the identical tree to which it was
nailed?'
II could try" was her answer.
'1s 1t far?"
Not very. A mile from here, pos
sibly. Over the ridge"
Near anything in PARTICULAR"
Near the trail which leads up from
the trout stream to the entrance drive
not far from the lodge"
When will you take me there?" I
asked.
For Just an instant she hesitated.
We might go now" she replied,
If 1t weren't that am expecting Celia
Ainslee for luncheon. Suppose we say
5 o'clock. You can meet me at the
lodge. It's short walk from there"
"Fine!" | approved, thrusting the
portrait head beneath my arm and TAX
Ing possession of both her white
gioved hands. Slender and shapely
hands, yet wonderfully capable.
"Goodby!" she cried, laughing.
Take care of my uncle!" with a
glance toward her punctured find.
"Goodby!" returned, releasing her.
Your uncle shall have my most faith
full concern