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


Marvin reasoned smilingly; Il Numbered upon your
clearing: out for morning climb I'm from the
hotel below, Sewas place. You wouldn't object to
The answer did not come. Instead with choking
cry the the log had dropped his work 1t seemed
rather to have sagged helpessy from his fingers For
what appeared to be the space of full minute he gaped
into Marvins face his eyes waverng hepessly at last
to the turf at his feet.
WITHIN yard of the man. Marvin watched, fas-
W cinated In attempt to wipe away the sweat
that had sprung great beads his forehead the other
had raised his right hand.
"Sherwood Frank Sherwood! BY the living God!
Marvin closer still. II can't be miStaken-not-
not when See-that
Upon the forearm the coarse sleeve of which was
rolled backward to the elbow single spot stood out
a small white scar, curved oddly like crescent crop
ping in bold relief through all the seasoned tan.
The bearded mans voice sounded hollow and far
away. Eyes, you're right. It's Frank Sherwood. But
you-you haven't gone old like l knew you for
Henry Marvin the minute heard your voice just now.
thought prayed for a moment you didn't make me
out, Henry. But lost my nerve, and then-ny God!
Anyway, what brought you here-here?
He collapsed weakly the log, his face in his
wrinkled hands.
But it was the old birthmark the old half-moon! he
shried excitedy You couldn't forget it, Ell? Foolish
of mel thought. II forgot it was there-and
we all have it, Sherwoods. You wouldn't have
known but for that, Ell? Would you now? Fool that
was! raised my arm! raised my arm! He went on,
babbing like child.
Badly shaken Marvin fell into position on the log
few feet away Prank, he got out at last you've
spoken the truth swear shouldn't have known Do
you wonder? You dead to me, to all. And then,
in the life, you are, you've changed past belief,
Sherwood" "
blanchard it is-Blanchard! You won't forget!
That's how I'm known here" The other had corrected
him, with weary gesture that seemed to include the
woods and mountains that pent them in No one has
ever called by the old name-not since that day,
twenty years ago-that day closed the door happi
ness curse me- He bnked up at Msryn shifting his
me for it all! Isn't it SO-ever S1nce!
His breathing almost normal again. Marvin sat study
ing the aging lines in the face No, Sher
wood, don't. It's queer. There time, once but
it must have passed off years ago. think there's been
only one question | ever wanted to ask you, badly.
Why, by all that's righteous did you ever do it,"
ward imploringy First, I'd like to know-of her.
She is dead, ISIS she not?"
"YOu have heard, them!
"No, never-really l never knew-except here.
He struck his breast passionately. Something here
told SO; that broke her heart pure soul! My
work-my work! And it was, wasn't it," Again he
strained toward Marvin his face great interrogation
And the little one-little Hida named her? What
of her, then? God forgive me! baby she was then
She"
Marvin checked him soothingy. 1--WE raised her,
Frank, your little GIRL raised her after
wife went, Frank. God gave took her
gladly. There has been love for her to spare.
Henry Marvin, you always man, thank
Heaven for that" He covered his face again. She
she has not known-of me?"
Marvin's voice went slightly hard for moment. "Of
people were kind who could have talked. We raised
her as daughter; she loves us as one.
FOR space neither stirred. Marvin, who had turned
his head, watching where the band of sun
light crept and broadened the soft green turf. The
stihed voice caught his again.
Henry Marvin I'm feeling old; vet | remember
should be nearly of age, you and l. know, some
somehow feel I've nearly reached the end of my
tether." The shifted his position slightly on the
log, speaking off TREMENDOUSLY into the woods as though
to favored confessional.
When opened up little foundry business
there in Emeryvile, had one handicap that you
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