The Lynden tribune. [volume] (Lynden, Wash.) 1908-current, 1914-07-30


though doubling my sanity, but /
could note a change in the expression
of her face as | proceeded. | told it
slowly, carefully. pausing to explain
each detail to her questioning, yet
was not interrupted more than once
or twice. Somehow. as I thus repeat
ed the proposed scheme to another, it
did not appear quite as easy or hon.
orable as when | faced 1t alone.
That's the whole story l ended,
rather lamely. What do you think
Of 1T"
IL hardly know" with slow hest
tation at Is very strange"
She pressed one hand to her fore
head. her eyes on the ground. | watch
ed her. an unasked question trem-
bling on my lips. Suddenly she look
ed up again, her cheeks flushed.
You We're going to suggest that 1
go with you. were you notT she asked
swiftly. That l play the wife's partf
Why didn't you ask it?'
Because lacked courage" replied
frankly yet leaning eagerly toward
her. Il was afraid you would take
such a proposition wrongly"
And you see nothing wrong In
carrying out your part? You mean to
go to CarrolIton with some one-a wo-
mann"
IL agreed to the terms-yes."
She drew a long breath. her eyes
upon mine.
Then | will go Also" she said sober
ly and held out her hand.
You mean thatT'
"Yes-why not? Surely it is as right
for me as for you. You wished me to
say yes. did you not?'
Ny face must have answered, as my
lips failed, but she went on swiftly:
Then will go; only remember it Is
acting. a mere play In which ] have
a certain part to perform. We are to
be friends throughout it all-actors on
the stage. There must be no misun-
derstanding about this"
/ had recovered my voice now. realiz-
ing all she meant and anxious to re-
assure her.
Certainly. There will be no mis-
take. Mrs. Bernard. That was why l
hesitated to ask you. for fear you
might misinterpret my purpose"
I'VE go tonight? ! shall need CLOTH
ing"
"Of course That was what this
money was advanced for. to outfit us.
How much will you need?"
She thought moment. a little line OF
perplexity between her eyes. finally
naming sum which surprised me.
Not more than that:" l exclaimed.
surely that Is not enough"
"Oh. yes. it is" laughing. There
will be no dressing. All ! need do Is
appear neat"
We sat there and talked it over. de-
Gliding exactly our course of action. At
o'clock left her, hunted up the
nearest bank and got change for my
bill. Then l gave her the amount ask
ed. and we separated. to meet again
late that afternoon at the depot. i felt
no doubt as to her being there on time.
Ny day was a busy one, as had to
visit my boarding house. buy needful
clothing and arrange for transporta-
ton.
At the very moment specified I called
up Vail on the phone. ard he respond
ed instantly. the very tone of his voice
evidencing the relief he felt at hearing
from me.
Began to think ! had skipped with
the thousandT i asked. well.
haven't, for the other nine looks too
good. I've found the right woman to
go along with me-"
Good, Who Is sheT'
"Oh. never mind her name. She is
all right. A friend Of mine"
Not likely any one l know. Where
are your
/ told him, and be agreed to send
over certain papers TO me by messen-
ger These arrived promptly. and
studied them carefully until nearly
train time. getting all the facts firmly
implanted In my mind. Mrs. Bernard
and / met beneath the grim shadow Of
the train shed.
At first, as she came toward me
through the crowd near the gate,
holding out a neatly gloved hand. |
could scarcely realize that this well
dressed. soft voiced lady was the
former homeless creature.
so you did not even know me-" she
said pleasantly. "Oh. but you did not.
You were passing by when spoke.
Don't apologize, for really take it as
the highest compliment. You are
wonderfully improved yourself. Is
this our trainT'
Yes" and | took up the grip she
designated as hers. Let US get set
tied and into the diner, for ! am
hungry as a wolf"
] had procured opposite sections,
and before retiring we studied the pa
pers. together with Wallis letter Of In
structions. and thus came to COM
plete understanding. She was quick
witted and spoke frankly, and yet
v.han 1 finally Law dnHD In uH bath