Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1915-10-28

ESYAN honor Of their engagement
R4f Sir Donald Faversham gently
HodMSAS insisted that Ruth Gallon at
G2s9sS tend a ball which was to be
given by the British officers. Ruth
pleaded to be allowed not to go, but
Consul Reynolds and his wife added
their urgings to the %baronet's, and even
the time honored excuse of nothing
to wear" was firmly refused.
Though she said nothing to any one
else about her feelings. she really could
not refrain from accusing herself OF
disloyalty to John Dorr.
He was out in the hills riskiny his
life to regain her fortune. Could she
dance and take pleasure with a cheer
full heart when she did not know
whether he was living or dead?
However, she went and received the
formal congratulations OF a great many
natty officers and the informal COM
plants of certain young Americans,
who vowed that she was unpatriotic in
choosing an English husband, and
danced with Sir Donald and his friends
and smiled and blushed at the compli-
ments and frowned laughingly on the
: f1rts and generally conducted herself
as a happy bride to be should.
Faversham was delighted and told
her so in many ways. And long after
midnight, when Mrs. Reynolds was pre-
y pairing to go home, be took Ruth out
under the shadows Of the garden trees
and would have kissed her.
"Don't" she said simply.
What is the matter, darIing?" he
asked tenderly.
She stared out into the darkness,
and he saw the pallor of her face.
Il am sure something has happened
to John"
FaverSham frowned. 1t was too bad
that this man should always come be-
tween him and his betrothed. But his
voice was very gentle as be answered.:
THAT is out of the question. Ach-
met is very faithful, and if anything
had happened l should know Of it."
Ruth shook her head and insisted
that she was sure. The baronet laugh
ed at her, but she was not to be put
off.
II know John is in trouble" she said
determinedly. IF you won't help me
I'll so myself!
Sir Donald argued as strongly as he
could and in vain.
I'm perfectly sure that John Dorr
is in trouble" she repeated. He's all
alone up there among, those awful ma
tives and
"Achmet is with him. interposed
Faversham.
land some n must go right away
and help him. Ruth went on.
You poor girl!' murmured Mrs.
Reynolds. Il Know how you feel, but
you must get some rest Wen talk it
over later in the morning"
She drew Ruth away toward her
room. with d backward glance OF
whimsical comfort for the baronet.
Faversham watched them go, stood
doubtful for a moment, shook his head
and departed.
The consul's wife found Ruth too
stubborn to handle by herself, for she
insisted that, as no one else would go.
b would set out herself. u to en-
phasize her assertion began to change
from her bali gown into a riding habit.
The consul came out in dressing
gown and slippers when Ruth. fully
clad. emerged from her room. still re-
s1st1ng the importantly OF his wife.
He added many common sense argu-
ments, but Ruth would not listen.
Il know that he is in trouble" she
repeated.
But if be were, which is most un-
likely, o couldn't help him." Mr..
Reynolds said bluntly. I'm fact, you
merely make matters worse"
When they found her obdurate they
took silent counsel OF one another, told
her to wait Il ONE and vanished.
The instant they were gone Ruth
slipped out OF the house and boldly
turned her face toward the hills now
black against the unlit sky.
All day she travelled strangely alone
in a populous country. Many natives
she met, but they merely looked Gu
riously at the white girl in western
riding clothes. and as she avoided vii
1dSeS sic eScdpeu TIE uOuCe Oh any one
in authority.
She knew that when her absence was
certain both Mr.. Reynolds and Sir Don
aid would come after her.
Night came. and she was still push
ing on. though hungry and weary. In
the darkness she perforce kept to open
paths, and it was on one of these that
a painting native found her.
"Achmet!" she whispered when he
raised his contorted face to hers.
In a few words he told her what had
happened. She said CURLY. II know
that. Where Is hep"
Sir Donald's former ervant looked
at her and remembered the strange
ness of things done by white women.
He led the way back toward the hut,
muttering now and again OF theDter.
rible things he had seen.
Al It