The state herald. (Holyoke, Logan County, Colo.) 1887-1921, 1914-04-10

meeting, or see the press man who
came up from Ashcroft, or discuss the
matter with any of my neighbors.
The theme was one distasteful to
any woman with claims to decency.
These things are not discussed. And
even II through misfortune my rela-
tionshlp with Jesse become a common
scandal, at least need not share the
conversation. To make a scene, to
discuss my affairs with strangers, to
seek public sympathy. were things i'm
possible. Yet heard enough. The
mattresses were gone from Spite
House, the constable was dismissed
from his position; the business of the
post-office and stage-line were trans
ferred to Mr.. Eure's stopping.place at
the falls. Brooke and Polly were left
alone, with no power, 1t seemed then.
for any further mischief
Until 1t actually happened. never
| expected that Brooke would visit me.
but perhaps from his point of view the
event was piquant.
When l asked him to state his busi-
ness, with Il large gesture he claimed
the visitors drink. 1t Is an old Gus
tom, which broke.
You think I'm villain?"
made no comment.
i've come TO thank you. ma'am II
you'd pressed that girls case 1t might
have been well-awkward."
told him that had | known the
law, should have done my best to get
him penal servitude for life.
That's straight" he answered in
diligently. you always were clear
grit. and that's why want-well,
ma'am." he lowered his eyes. I'm 60
ing to confess. You don't mind?" he
added.
My eyes betrayed my one desire. es-
cape. but he stood in the doorway
leading to the house.
Your presence" ] said, is distaste-
full. Please will you let me pass?"
Not till I've set things straight"
There was no bell with which to
summon help, and / should have been
ashamed to make a scene.
Go on said.
II dunno how you feel, mum. about
life. I've been disappointed, starting
in with ideals. and therere gone. I'm
as straight as the world will let me.
without my going hungry"
Yes" Brooke sighed. I'm a disil-
lusioned. disappointed man"
had a curious sense that this actor
of life was trying to be real. and In
the attempt he posed.
Not that | claim" he went on.
that Spite House is anyways holy.
It's not. OF course, a sporting and
gambling joint meets demand. a re-
grettable demand. a thing We both
abhor and would like to be shut of
But since demand creates the supply
let's have 1t in heightened style. not
run by thugs. That's what ! say
His spacious benevolence seemed to
confer partnership. yet to be shocked
at my immoral tendencies.
However" he sighed. Its over. It's
done with. showed aside. There was
money In II, but small money. and
we pass on. Old Taylor may have
told you that as far back as Novem
Der we decided. Mrs. Smith and me
to run the house as first-class resort
for tourists. We bought the star
Pack-traln from Taylor. and the old
cargador is making our new riggings
This was news indeed!
"0f course pack.trains as such are
out of date as Noah's ark. and we've
\ h. To-.
You'll see In this prospectus" he held
out paper. well. III read IT, Let's
ee-yes-'Forest Lodge. long under
the able management OF Mrs. Jesse
Smith. with great experience In
no, it's further on-'Forest Lodge
is the natural center for parties view.
ing the wondrous wilds. That should
grip them. eh7 Experienced guides
with pack and saddle animals from
the famous Star atajo.' we cant call
them mules. OF course. will escort par
ties visiting the sceneries and hunt
Ing grounds OF tho Coast Range. the
Cariboo. the omenica. the Babine. and
the Cassiar.' That ought to splash! st
Billy had warned me OF bad char.
acters settled on the lands toward
Jesse's ranch. Were these Brooke
experienced guidcs7"
Naturally" Brooke folded his pros
pectus. the sporting trade had to be
closed right down before the tourist
connection took hold. Millionaire
sportsmen out to spend their dollars.
expect to ind things Just 80. They
want recherche meals. and unique dec.