The Madison journal. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1888-current, 1914-07-18


suggestion: for one am relentlessly
opposed to the plan you advocate.
There is no occasion for this matter to
go to the public. A trial, you say.
would be a mere formality. | am not
so sure of that. Why put poor Hetty's
head in the lions mouth at this late
stage. after | have protected her so
carefully all these months? Why, take
the risk? We know she is innocent.
Isn't 1t enough that we acquit her in
our hearts? No. cannot consent, and
hold both of you to your promises.
There is nothing more | can say,
my dear Sara" said Carroll, shaking
his head gloomily, except to urge you
| to think it over very seriously. Re-
member, it may mean a great deal to
her-and to our eager young friend
here. Years from now, like bolt from
the sky, the truth may come out in
some way Think of what it would
mean then"
Sara regarded him steadily. There
are but four people who know the
truth" she said slowly. 1T isn't like
ly that Hetty or Brandon will tell the
story. Professional honor forbids your
doing so. That leaves me as the sole
peril. Is that what you would imply,
my dear friend?"
Not at ALL" he cried hastily. mot
at all. I"
That's all tommyrot, Sara" cried
Booth earnestly. I'VE just couldn't
have anything to fear from YOU"
With curious inconsistency, she
shook her head and remarked: "Of
course, you never could be quite easy
i'm your minds. There would always
be the feeling of unrest. Am to be
trusted, after all? l have proved my
self to be a vindictive schemer. What
assurance can you and Hetty have thai
will not turn against one or the 9th
er of you some time and crush you tc
satisfy a personal grievance? How de
you know, Brandon. that / am not II
love with you at this very"
Good heavens. Sara!" he cried
agape.
C at this very moment?" she con
: tinued. ut would not be 80 yer!
strange, would It? l am very human
The power to love is not denied me
!, Oh, am merely philosophizing. Don
look 80 serious. We will suppose ina
| continued along my career as tn
woman scorned. You have seen how
> smart under the lash. Well?"
But all that is impossible" sal
:. Booth, his face clearing. You're no
= In love with me, and never can d.
y That! for your philosophy"
@ At the same instant he becam
. aware of the singular CLEAN in he
a eyes; a liquid, oriental glow tina
v seemed to reflect light on her lowe
i lids as she sat there with her face !
q the shadow. Once or twice before q
had been conscious of the mysteriou'
r. seductive appeal. He stared back
n her. almost defensively, but her gaz
q did not waver. 1t was he who mrs
v looked away, curiously uncomfortable
v Still" she said slowly, Il think 20
a would be wise to consider all possibl
b contingencies"
n I'll take chances, Sara" he sal
with an odd buoyancy in his voice tina
for the life of him, he could not g.
IN plain, even to himself.
Id Even admitting that such shoul
turn out to be the case" said Mr.. Ca
re roll judicially. Il don't believe you
O. 60 so far as to put your loyal frient
10 in jeopardy, Sara. So we will dismi'
! the thought. Don't forget, howeve
le that you hold them in the hollow
lie your hand. My original contention wi
o. based on the time-honored sayin
re murder will out We never can Il
what may turn up. The best laid plal
ty of men and mice Oft"
ry Sara settled back among the Gus
y. ions with a peremptory wave OF n
er hand. The loose, flowing sleeve II
away, revealing her white. exquisite
modelled arm almost to the shoulde
>I For some strange, unaccountable re
son Booths eyes fell.
III 81 am tired, wretchedly tired. 1t n
been a most exhausting day." she sai
with a sudden note of WEAKNESS in b
voice. bOtu men stdItcu uP opo
getically. 81 will think seriously
your plan. Mr.. Carroll. There Is
~ hurry, I'm sure. Please send Mi
all Wrandall in to me, will you? Perha
90 you would better tell Hetty to col
Ike in as soon as Vivian leaves. Col
80 back tomorrow afternoon. Brandon.
shall be much more cheerful. BY I
way, have you noticed that Dicky. 9
in the library, has been singing all
nd ernoon as IL his little throat VOL
en- split? 1t Is very curious, but today
ia the first time he has uttered a NJ
it'll in nearly five months. Just listen
him! He is fairly riotous with son
p" Booth leaned over and kissed
hand she lifted to him. He Is like
me rest of us, Sara, Unfortunately happ
A slight shiver ran through her al
He felt 1t.
Dur 81 am so afraid his exuberance
the sxirit may annoy Vivian" said 8
with a rare smile. she detests
of garity."
yer The men departed. She lay back
me the chaise-lounge. her eyes fixed
the hand he had touched with his i
Watson tapped twice on the door.
lev. Miss Wrandall could not W
.,ar be said opening the door 8