The Dermott news., 1914-09-24
CHAPTER xIl-Continued.

ceeded to become absorbed in the all
important matter Of consuming the
largest possible number of griddle
cakes in the least possible time.
WI remarked the sociable walt
err. as he brought another cup OF COT
fee. l guess we don't get any of your
crowd tonight
You wouldn't get our crowd any
way, And the westerner inflated
his chest Our bosses are quailon-
toast boys
And champagne, toe suppose o"
Nope. ny boss don't drink. don't
smoke. don't keep yachts or horses,
don keep WON lie stopped as
he realized that he was talking
loudly
The little woman quietly eating
crackers and milk looked up as she
heard the old familiar formula.
why. Jake" she exclaimed in
quick surprise The westerner jumped
up hastily and looked to see where
the voice came from. There was only
one voice as sweet and gentle as that,
1t was the voice OF a woman who had
been the best friend he had ever had.
Why, Mrs. Sladeia he exclaimed
gladly, as he recognized her in spite
OF the fact that her hair had grown
grayer and that she was much
trimmer figure than she had been
when he had last seen her
Il recognized your word. she
laughed as he came over to her table
I've kind OF got that by heart hear
Ing it so often" Jack stammered
Then turning to his companion. he
asked him to go on alone
What are you dom here. on a
night like this" he asked as he drew
up chair beside Mary
"Oh. often come here. replied
Mary IT'S late. though I'm glad To
see you, Jake. it's so seldom | see
face | know" and she looked at him
intently and Jake thought bit Of
>her old wistful look crept into her
eyes\
I've been to the meetin tonight.
Jake" she explained. 4 wanted to
hear Mr.. Slade saw in the paper he
was goin' to speak
I'VE kind of-we didn't always
know Jest where you wero." Jake told
her. his surprise and pleasure at
meeting her so Unexpectedly putting
him at loss to know what to say.
"Oh, | drift round" Mary told him.
OF live near here got tired of no
tells they're public and lonely And
boarding houses-well. people are so
inouisitive. So l got nice, pleasant
furnished room and go out for my
meals. come here because its
coy Is Mr. Slade well?"
Yes"
Very we'll"
Yes, the governors very we'll"
DO you make him wrap up nights
weather like this? DO you get him
TO put on his rubbers?" and her voice
was very tender.
"I sure do, laughed Jake Il make
him do everything you did. That's
why I'm East with him
You're a good boy Jake" and she
reached forward and patted his hand
Tell me, does he always get the
applause he did tonight" she asked.
eagerly Il was very proud He got
NErSe times db ulutH as any 0Aif else
found myself applauding too 6"
You bet he does. Jake was very
proud OF his "old man" He gets
over. The other four western gov
ernors we're travelling with-they
amt Eeard DO you think YOU eve:
come West again. Mrs Slade9"
No" answered Mary. decIstvely
TO Europe next Jake I'm a citizen of
this world now
Well" Jake got TO his feet A sud
den resolution had formed in his mind
as he heard about the contemplated
trip to Europe He hadn't been with
the governor daily for the past two
years without knowing what that
personage's secret wish was Neither
had he devoted so much OF his at
tention to motors and tires and ear
buretors that ne had neglected TO
cultivate the art of Judging human
nature. II Jake were any Judge
and Jake thought he was-a woman
didn't go TO hear a man speak if she
was wholly Indifferent TO him Also
a woman didn't fuss and worry about
q mans oyershoes If she hated him
Il wish you a pleasant journey, Mrs.
Slade. | guess III have to run along
now"
Jake, I'd just as soon you didn't
say you saw me" Mark remarked as
she shook hands with him
You can depend on me. Mrs.
Slade." Jake's candor and sincerity
would have deceived saint You
eat your supper in peace. | give you
my word OF honor won't say a
thing"
Thank you. Jake" she replied. sat
fsfied Good night"
AS Jake opened the door the snow
eddied in and a blast of cold wind
sent chill through Msry's body 1t
seemed good to meet Jake, but some
how she almost wished she hadn't.
II had brought back so forcibly the
things she was trying to forget She
Ioabf,,e, into cpnCa for Ippg f4tpo