The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1915-10-02

She's a sumner. Just curious II
you knew her. that's all. We came
down on the same boat. Hanged il
shouldn't like to meet her. Do you
know herr" eagerly.
Il do. More than that, have al
ways known her. She is the daughter
of the late General Chetwood, one of
the greatest civil engineers of our
time. When he died he left her sew.
eral millions. She Is a remarkab Bile
young woman, famous beauty, known
favorably in European courts. and |
can't begin to tell you how many other
accomplishments she has"
We'll. stump mel" returned Mallow.
rs she free-thinker?"
What the devil is that? What do
you mean?"
Only this, If she ali you say she is,
why does she pick out an absconder for
friend, chap who dare not show
his phiz in the states? heard the tale
from man once employed in his Of
flee back in New York. A beach-comb-
er. dockwalloper, If there eve- was
one"
"Mallow. you'll have to explain that
instantly"
Hold your horses. my friend. What
I'm telling you is on the level. She 8
been hobnobbing with the fellow all
the way down from the Irrawaddy, so
I'm told. Never spoke to anyone else.
Made him sit at her side at table and
jabbered italian at him. as If she didn't
want others to know what she was
talking about. ! know the man. Fired
him from my plantation, when l found
out what he was. Can't recall his
name just now, but he is known out
here as Warrington; Parrot & Co."
The consul general was genuinely
shocked
you can't blame me for thinking
things" went on Mallow. What man
wouldn't? Ask her about Warrington.
You'll find that I'm telling the truth.
all right"
IF you are. then she has made one
of those mistakes women make when
they travel alone. shall see her at
tea and talk to her But l do not
thank you, Mallow, for telling me this.
A finer, loyaler-hearted girl doesn't
live. She might have been kind out
of sympathy"
Mallow bit off the tip of his cigar.
Hes handsome beggar, If you want
to know"
81 resent that tone. Better drop the
subject before lose my temper. I'll
have your papers ready for you in the
morning" The consul general caught
up his pen savagely to indicate that
the interview was at an end.
All right said Mallow good-natu-
redly. Il meant no harm. Just nat
urally curious. Can't blame me-"
I'm not blaming you. But it has
disturbed me, and wish to be alone to
think it over"
Mallow lounged out, rather pleased
with himself. His greatest pleasure in
life was in making others uncomfort-
able.
The consul general bit the wooden
end of his pen and chewed the splin-
tiers of cedar. He couldn't deny that
it was like Elsa to pick up some dere-
lict for her benefactions. Women had
no business to travel alone. 1t was all
very well when they toured in parties
of eight or ten; but for charming
young woman like Elsa, attended by a
spinster companion who doubtless
dared not offer advice, it was decided
ly wrong And thereupon he deter
mined that her trip to Yokohama
should find her well guarded.
Il beg your pardon" said a pleas
ant voice.
The consul general had been so
deeply occupied by his worry that he
had not noticed the entrance of the
speaker. He turned impatiently. He
saw a tall blond man, bearded and
tanned, with fine clear blue eyes that
met his with the equanimity of the
fearless.