The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1914-02-23

fE5gE eyes. NO, | think you've
81 gone about far enough
"You riffuser' exclaimed Ramon tri-
umphantly.
Look here,'' said Kirk I've had
enough of this" He advanced threat
eningly. and the Spaniard nervously
gave way. II don't fight duels. It's
against the law. In my country it's
a crime to kill a man in cold blood.
and we don't tie fellow up and beat
him when he's helpless and then offer
him the honorable satisfaction of Ell
their committing murder or being kill
ed. They're not wearing duels this
season" His hands clinched involun-
tarily. Il don't want to hurt you. AL
farez, but l may not be able to help it
if you don't keep out of my way"
He left the fiery little Panamanian
still scowling and muttering threats
and went his way. wondering vaguely
how his attentions to Chiquita had be-
come so quickly known. He was in
formed later in the afternoon.
AS he left the office for the day he
was handed a note from Mrs. Cort
landt requesting him to call at once.
and, summoning a coach. he was driv-
en- directly to her house. Unlike the
Garavel home, the house which the
Cortlandts had leased was set upon the
water front. it's rear balcony overlook
ing the sea where it Tapped the foun-
aation of the city wall.
Edith kept him waiting a moment
| before she descended. dressed for her
afternoon ride.
You got my note?"
Yes. and | came straight from the
| office"
y suppose you know what it is about
| and are wondering how l heard the
| news
What news?
your engagement She laughed
with an amusement that did not ring
| quite true.
You're the second one to speak
about that. I'm not engaged
"Of course not. Don't think for a
| moment | believed it. | was calling
on some Spanish people this afternoon
and heard the report | admit it was
a shock. When l learned the details |
knew at once you ought to be told be-
fore it developed into something embar-
RAISING Come into the other room;
there is breeze from the water" She
led him into the parlor, from which the
open windows. shielded now by drawn
shutters, gave egress to the rear porch
with its chairs and hammock.
Dear, dear. You foolish boy. you re
always in trouble. aren't you? You
really don't deserve to be helped. Why
YOU have avoided me for weeks
THE new arrangement has swamped
us with work. | have had no time to
go out
Indeed. You had time to run after
the first pretty Spanish face you saw
You mean Miss Garavel?'
"Yes. Didn't you realize what you
were doing?"
81 realized what was trying to do
But | could understand better what
you are talking about if | knew just
what this difficulty is"
why. this silly engagement OF
yours. Don't pretend to be so stupid.
Ramon Alfarez heard that same re
port and very courteously invited me
to wait a few minutes while he killed
me- It's tremendously f1attering to be
linked up with Miss Garavel. of course
but l haven't asked her to marry me.
. But you've seen her. You have
called at her house.
. Sure. Twice. at the invitation Of
the old gentleman. All the little Cara
; vels were lined up like mourners."
"And you dined there last night. II
that all you have seen of her?"
"N-no. I've seen her at Las Savan
mas. That's why l went hunting 81
often"
At this confession. which Kirk deliv
| cred with sheepish reluctance, Mrs
Cortlandt drew herself up with an ex
preston Of anger.
Then this has been going on 70
some timer' she cried. why. Kirk
J you never told me-"
"Why should II"
She flushed at this unconscious bru
taiity, but after a moment ran OIL
bravely: But why did you let it go s.
far? Why did you let them commi
you?"
"Am | committedT'
Her look was half offended. half In
credulous. Are you trying to be dis
agreeable. or is 1t possible you don
know the meaning of those invitation
to call and to dine with the family. an
all that? Why, they expect you t
marry her. 1t is all settled now, &C
cording to the Spanish custom. TIL
whole town is talking about it,
|, 81 hope you're not Joking" said Kiri