Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-01-12


debts. 1 resolved to drop into Chicago and play the
market for big stake drew the last cent at the bank
and went to the city was tipped for a positive win
big in wheat argued what it meant for both
of us. Well it the same old story, Henry. came
to myself few days later knowing the hound was 1t
ruin to you, we'll myself. couldn't face
either you or her-ny patient, faithful Mary burnt
the bridges" He faced about appealingly. DO have
to tell the rest? And her-I did love her, Marvin.
Don't think didn't. 1t the black shame of it all.
had gone too far could not write 1t wore her down.
dear heart-it wore her down.!
Marvin nodded sadly, though in assent stroking
of the dogs which had awakened and struggled up
to lick his hand. 1--WE made but small attempt to trace
you Frank. What we did was for her sake. When the
worst became known, pledged the business Some OF
the creditors were fnty. We turned over the house
Molly and l. You see, most of them blamed me, Sher-
wood The place forgot you after bit They thought
had been too careless in matters, and perhaps
it shouldn't have happened. Hard times hit me; but
| asked the others to keep off and leave me alone
for awhile. and they did. For years it was heavy
travelling.
But YOU came through, Henry? You'll see it about
Eyes" the other answered quietly, everything
paid off. The out after bit. enlarged the
plant. 1t grew into the Marvin Iron Works" He
spoke with a tinge OF proudness
"a trust gobbed it the other day. he smiled family
"They wanted ito shut up, it seems 1t made me
free man, though.
"You out, then; you have become
"a wealthy man. yes; fairly SO, as such things 60 We
moving to Chicago when go back. l came out
q
rest
Sherwoods head was bowed on his breast GAS
live it the Lords ordering" he said at last He
peered at Marvin though he half doubted his pres
ence even now. "You see, He knew it was time-He
knew it time! And it was!" Half rising, he swept
his hand toward the things sprawed out before the door
of the shack. Look! Do you know was going away!
1t is odd was going away this evening-that-
you should come
Marvin questioned him with his eyes, and the other
resumed YEARLY:
"You see I've been here wears. The mountains
I've always seemed to stick to them mostly, somehow;
though it's been seldom long in one place. There's an
existence. He sighed But they're getting too close
again. people and things. 1t brings back the old days
too much, and | won't stand that. It's quiet enough
farther north. shall get away before night-before
night
Touched by the utter loneliness of the figure before
him, Marvin was scanning him coverty. What was it
back in the past there-something about Sherwood
1t could not matter Prank, he said presently, twas
there never dream of going back?
"Once-there might have been a time-now, Henry
never that" He laughed bitterly Il have made my
bed I'm just what you said there awhile back l.
forgotten. l wouldn't revive myself if could. Why
should 1? No, not far off, the end of the road
And yet often think he bent forward feverishly his
eyes agleam, THAT Td-why, God help me! Hilda-
the little girl Is she like-ike her mother-much?"
MARVIN had averted his head He did not answer
IVA the man at 1t had not a surprise to
him. this fierce rekndled love of Sherwood for the little
that had been his daring thought rushed in upon
him. one at winch ne ternDed Dut ne put IL aS1de even
while his heart to the wretched figure before
him. No, he could not tell him the whole truth. He
guess that she here though he knew what
a soace the glimpse of her face would mean, and it
seemed little, after ALL He felt that if the had
asked him he must have told No, he had not asked.
Now he conscious of Sherwoods abored breathing
again, and that he had twice heard him hoarsey
repeating the words
'You do not say-you do not say! Has she grown
like Mary was-my Mary-the little grl?"
Marvin turned slowly, finding his tongue. Very
like he affirmed gently. very like indeed Her face
her ways-a lady grown-a little lady.
More gently still Sherwood had caught up his words,
ocbo off oil Of