Evening star., 1914-01-25

Wgg&N street, which was as quiet as if Death had
taken all the inhabitants of Port Hatch
and waited them away forever to land. There
was but one light visible and Burnah with twinge of
conscience identified the that shone from above
the hardware where the elder Todd had his abode
and was at that moment doubtessly walking the floor
and suffering torments of anxiety. The widows place
dark and the vines that trale1 from the flower
boxes her balcony appeared polished and notion
less From the distance the heavy, restless
Wool" of of the lions Gagged in the geological gar
den if he longed for freedom and night wandering
beneath the In subdued monotone could be
heard the suen lash of the against the wharves
beaches and cliffs of Port Hatch Gone were the voices
OF those who laughed sang when the night was
scarcely DID, and gone the sounds of music bursting
carelessly from residence where jovial party
had gathered for the evening Port Hatch was like
tomb.
Come on up Colonel, Burmah said as he threw the
switch inside the doorway and flooded the stairs with
light. dts to place where me and you've got to
have talk"
The Colonel after consulting his watch, meekly fol-
lowed and they entered the clubrooms that Hubbard
had decorated with such interest, and where but few
months before there would have been at this hour con-
vivial reminiscing crowd of The steward, last
of little force that had dwndled away to the tour cor
ners of the world aroused himself seepiy and for
ward to do their bidding Burmah observed that the
looked tired, and commented on the fact
Il am, Mr.. Jones" the steward said. What with
being the only in the club Sir, and doing all the
~
gets monotonous."
well, suppose you get something to drink, some
thing long and COOL and then goito bed Burnah sug-
gested. all turn out the lights when we go.
Thank you, Sir said the steward taking the order
and slipping noiseessly away to fill it.
Burmah and the Colonel settled into the commodlouS
chairs that had been provided by the latter in the days
of his afluence and waited, each absorbed IN thought
The Colonel dummed absently the table beside his
chair and Burlah leaned far back and stared at the
darlr hearn ahove i'm al Daneed walls,
massive wroughtron lamp that swung from the ceiling
by heavy chains Testers contribution to the ROOM He
said nothing until after the steward had bade them
goodnight and then looked keeny at the Colonel to dis
cover his mood, and spoke.
Colonel he said @does it strike you that we haven't
sold single lot since the day knew that Seattle
to get the road?"
Al didn't know it; but reckon that must be about
the Colonel replied with trace OF WEAKNESS IN his
voice.
And guess you must also have figured out that we
amt goin to sell any more haven't you Burmah asked
The Colonel reused himself and scowled at the glass
he held in his hand. "Maybe won't now, he said;
-but they'll sell sometime sure! It's got to come! Port
Hatch has got to be city! Nothing stop her'
Bur1nah tolerantly tipped an ash toward tray and
prepared himself for argument His native tact and
diplomacy sunmoning themselves to his desire.
"Qute right he said softly but in the meantime 1t
strikes ought to get away from here and keep
busy somewheres else.
The Colonel did not answer. Burmah surnlised that
perhaps he fearing that he, Burmah, also going
t. desert.
Not that III go you won't he said, to assuage
fear the Colonel might have but that if you'll go,
think ought III take of them that's stuck
here that they'll have chance to out
ahead You can leave Uncle Jeff and his woman to look
after the villa, and you and neil go somewhere and
make some money.
MAKE money" the Colonel repeated. "A gentleman
make money anywhere, Sir if he makes up his mind
to such pursuit; but leave Port Hatch! Why-say,