The Elbert County tribune., 1914-04-03

meeting, Or see the press man who
came up from Ashcroft, or discuss the
matter with any Of my neighbors.
The theme was one distasteful to
any woman with claims to decency.
These things are not discussed. And
even IL through misfortune my rela-
tionship with Jesse become common
scandal. at least 1 need not share the
conversation. To make a scene. to
discuss my affairs with strangers. to
seek public sympathy, we're things i'm
possible. Yet | heard enough. The
Mattresses were gone from Spite
House. the constable was dismissed
from his position; the business OF the
post-office and stage-line were trans
ferred to Mr.. Eure's stopping place at
the falls. Brooke and Polly were left
alone. with no power, it seemed then.
for any further mischief
Until it actually happened. l never
expected that Brooke would visit me.
event was piquant.
When / asked him to state his busi-
ness. with Il large gesture he claimed
the visitors drink. 1t is an old Gus
tom, which ! broke.
You think I'm villain?"
made no comment.
i've come to thank you, maam. II
you'd pressed that girls case 1t might
have been well-awkward.'
told him that had I known the
law. / should have done my best to get
him penal servitude for life.
That's straight" he answered In
diligently. you always were clear
grit, and that's why l want-well.
ing to confess. You don't mind?" he
added
My eyes betrayed my one desire. es-
cape. but he stood in the doorway
leading to the house.
Your presence" said, 'is distaste-
ful. Please will you let me pass?"
Not till I've set things straight"
There was no bell with which to
summon help, and should have been
ashamed to make a scene.
Go on" said
Il dunno how you feel, mum, about
life. I've been disappointed. starting
in with ideals, and there're gone. I'm
as straight as the world will let me.
without my going hungry"
Yes" Brooke sighed, I'm a disil-
lusioned. disappointed man"
had curious sense that this actor
of life was trying to be real. and In
the attempt he posed.
Not that | claim" he went on,
that Spite House Is anyways holy.
It's not. OF course, sporting and
gambling joint meets demand. re-
grettable demand. thing we both
abhor and would like to be shut Of
But since demand creates the supply,
let's have it in high-toned style, not
run by thugs. That's what / say"
His spacious benevolence seemed to
confer partnership, yet to be shocked
at my immoral tendencies.
However" he sighed, its over. It's
done with. showed aside. There was
money in it, but small money, and
we pass on. Old Taylor may have
told you that as far back as Novem-
ber we decided, Mrs. Smith and me.
to run the house as a first-class resort
for tourists. We bought the Star
Pack-train from Taylor. and the old
cargador is making our new riggings."
This was news indeed!
"Of course pack-trains as such are
out of date as Noah's ark. and we've
got to march with the procession.
You'll see In this prospectus" he held
out paper. well. I'll read 1t. Let's
see-yes-'Forest Lodge. long under
the able management of Mrs. Jesse
Smith, with great experience in
no, it's further. on-'Forest Lodge
is the natural center for parties view
ing the wondrous wilds.' That should
grip them. eh? Experienced guides
with pack and saddle animals from
the famous Star atajo, we can't. call
them mules, of course, will escort par
ties visiting the sceneries and hunt
ing grounds of the Coast Range. the
Cariboo. the Omenica, the Babine, and
the Cassiar.' That ought to splash"
Billy had warned me of bad char
acters settled on the lands toward
Jesse's ranch. Were these Brooke's
experienced guides7"
Naturally" Brooke folded his pros
pectus, the sporting trade had to be
closed right down before the tourist
connection took a hold. Millionaire
sportsmen out to spend their dollars,
expect to find things just SO. They
want recherche meals, and unique dec
~ .