Courier Democrat., 1915-10-21

Ruth's lips as she answered meekly.
'"Then you don't think that-sitting
around-and making love to me-is-
worth while?"
For a moment John stood and stared
at her. The blood rushed into his face.
Then the full meaning of her light
evasion Of his real meaning struck him
like blow between the eyes.
His heart was filled with love for
her, love that had grown and increas-
ed since the hour when be had first
seen her at old Tom Gallons door.
He had thought that his devoted serv-
ice to her interests, his constant atten-
tion to the slightest detail that could
insure her future happiness. would
have published that love to her
He was minded to tell her now, to
forego all else in order to WOO her for
himself.
Ruth he began. But some SUBJ
tie change in her manner froze the hot
words on his lips.
Well" he went on, controlling him
self by Il tremendous effort and trying
to speak lightly. iii be off. Thank
heaven you'll be safe here"
There was struggle in Ruths breast
too. Yet the memory of her promise
to FaveIsham stilled her
In that long and terrible moment she
realized that John Dorr was all in all
to her. Yet she was bound to another
who had risked his life ON the strength
Of her promise to marry him, and she
could not speak what was in her heart
She tried to look John bravely in the
eyes. and the tears would come in
spite Of her.
She bowed her head. and SO he left
her. with bitterness in his soul, but
the firm resolve to carry out his self
appointed task no matter what the out.
come.
Fayersham was as good as his word,
and the old native agreed once more to
risk the hills and guard this stranger
who. he was convinced, had lost his
mind.
But his duty was plain and Sir Don
AIDS injunctions not to be trif1ed with.
That evening the two Of them set forth,
following in the track of Wilkerson
and his party.
without further farewell hurt Ruth
sorely.
1t seemed to mark a definite break
in their frank relations, and she felt
that when he returned with the plans
she would have to receive him on an
entirely new footing-the footing of a
business man with his employer
And while the hurt was fresh she
turned to Sir Donald gratefully. He
had acted most delicately in all their
experiences together. He had proved
his devotion by coming with them to
India and during the horrible night
mare when their hotel had been the
center of assault by fanatical natives.
He had accepted her promise without
undue exacdons. He had seemed to be
waiting till he and she could speak
more definitely.
Faversham was by no means dull,
and he played the part of kind friend
during the first days of Johns alb
sence.
He knew that Dorr was in love with
Ruth. and he strongly suspected that
her feeling for him had once bordered
OH love.
he would tear open no old wounds.
He was devoted, cheerful, always at
her call. but never insistent on his
privileges.
The American consul liked him from
the first and told his wife that Ruth
would be fool if she preferred hare
Drained idiot to a solid gentleman with
no nonsense about him and assured DO
sition in society.
Mrs. Reynolds. having been rebuffed
when she sought Ruth's condolences,
merely stated it as her opinion that
sui was too wise to argue.
But he gave Sir Donald the freedom
Of the consulate and saw to it that he
had every chance to visit with Ruth.
Now, the baronet was not only no
dullard, but he had been bred in
school that forbade him to linger too
long before claiming Ruth openly as
his fiancee.
At exactly the right moment he Of
fered her Il gorgeous ring and pressed
his suit ardently. He said nothing Of
the promise he had exacted, and Ruth
for very shame's sake accepted the
ring and the ensuing congratulations Of
Mr.. Reynolds, his wife and their
friends.
Deep in her heart she felt herself
a traitor to John Dorr, alone on his
perilous errand, gone into the hills
without even a stray word Of his safe
ty coming back.
1t was not long before Dorr, through
his servants ready tongue. learned of
the flight Of the priests with the idol,
their subsequent defeat by Wilkerson
and that mans escape. together with
Drake. There was but one thing to do
follow Wilkerson.
The native guide received the news
of their change of objective with un-
disguised contentment.