The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1915-02-25

u24U " SAA 1onAtu nfCicuhh EC1AAY
@ insisted that Ruth Gallon at
889 tend a ball which was to be
given by the British officers. Ruth
pleaded to be allowed not to 60. 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
d~isloyalty to John Dorr.
He was u In the hills rlsking his
life to regain her fortune. Could she
dance and take pleasure with a cheer
fui heart when she did not know
whether he was living or dead7
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 I'm
choosing al English husband. and
danced with Sir Donald and his friends
and smiled and blushed at the complir
ments and frowned ~laughingly on the
iirts and generally conducted herself
ms a happy bride to be should.
Faversham vas delighted and told
her 10 In many ways. And long after
midnight, when Mrs. Reynolds was pre-
pairing to 60 home. he took Ruth out
under the shadows OF the garden trees
and would have kissed her.
"Don'tr she said simply.
What Is the matter, darling?" be
asked tenderly.
She stared out into the darkness.
and he say 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 bis
voice was very gentle as he answered:
That is out Of the question. Ach-
met is very faithful, and IL anything
had happened l should know Of It."
Ruth shook her head and insisted
that she was sure. The baronet laugh.
ed al her. but she was not to be put
of.
II know John Is In trouble" she said
de~terminedly. III you won't help me
III 60 myselfr'
Sir Donald argued as strongly as he
could and In vain.
Pm perfectly sure that John Dorr
Is In trouble" she repeated. Hes all
alone up there among those awful ma.
tives and
"Achmet Ii with him." tnterposed
Faversham-
land some one must 60 right away
and help him." Ruth went on.
"You poor girl" murmured Mrs.
Reynolds. n know how you feel, but
you must get some rest Wen talk II
over later In the morning"
She drew Ruth away toward her
room. with a backward glance OF
whimsical comfort for the baronet
raversham watched them 60. stood
doubtful for q moment, shook his head
and departed.
The consuI's wife found Ruth too
stubborn to handle by herself. for she
insisted that. as no one else would go.
she would set out herself. and to en-
phasize her assertion began to change
from her ball gown into a riding habit
The consul came out In dressing
gown and slippers when Ruth. fully
clad. emerged from her room. still re
sisting the importantly OF his wife.
He added many common ems argu-
ments. but Ruth would not listen.
Il know that he IL In trouble" she
repeated.
But II he we're. which Is most IN
likely, you couldn't help him." Mr..
Reynolds said biuntly. I'm fact you
merely make matters worse"
When they found her obdurate they
took silent counsel Of one another. told
her to wait q N and vanished.
The instant they yer gone Ruth
slipped q 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 u.
riously at the white girl In western
riding clothes. and as she avoided vii
lagos she escaped the notice Of any nj
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 II was on one OF these that
Il painting native found her.
"Achmet." she whispered when he
raised bis contorted face Il hers.
In a few words he told her what had
happened She said curtly. II know
that. Where Is hep
Sir Donald's former servant looked
at her and remembered the strange
ness Of thincB done BY white women.
Ito be contiuu0d1