Forest City press. (Forest City, Potter County, D.T. [S.D.]) 1883-19??, 1915-09-01

cover ner DFeatn n ner lOSL cOmpO-
sure.
Il couldn't stand it, Mary" Payson
was saying, a world of anxiety in his
voice. Il couldn't leave you out there.
Adam tried to keep me from coming
back, but L"
II am so glad you came, Jack" she
cried. Il wondered why you went away
without
Here. here!" expostulated Eric. Are
you forgetting what you said back
there?"
NO" she faltered; but 1 can't help
saying this, Erie. Oh, l don't know
what I am to do" 1t was a wall that
cut him like a sharp edged sword.
He turned Upon Payson.
What were you doing out there with
, Adam CARR" he demanded.
I'm not answerable to you." retorted
Payson.
Don't quarrel" pleaded Mary.
please don't quarrel"
What was Adam Carr saying to
you?" went on Eric recklessly.
See here, Midthorne." began h 9TH
er hotly. you've said some ugly things
to me lately. Adam Carr is my friend.
He's yours. too. You ought to be
What was he telling you?" repeat
ed Eric.
Payson opened his lips to speak, then
thought better of the impulse. He con-
tented himself with a long, hard, even
suspicious scrutiny of the questioner's
face.
Some other time. il you please" he
said tartly. 1T is our duty to get poor
Mary home as quickly as possible.
Come, dear"
But she chung to Eric, ignoring the
outstretched hand. Payson fell away
as If he had been slapped in the face.
He kept pace with them all the way to
the Werner cottage. but not a word fell
from his lips in all that distance.
1t was quite dark when they came to
the gate; the sharp. chill mist was still
blowing. Mary's teeth were chattering.
Good night" said Jack Payson.
Eric hesitated. He had been think
ing hard all the way up from h coast,
but his thoughts were not hard. Some
how, the manliness. the self restraint,
the very thou%ghtfulness of John Pay
son wrought a subtle change in his es-
innate of the man. He was wonder
ing if he was not really grateful to
him. If he was not, after all, more than
grateful. Years ago he had been sor-
ry for him. Was he not sorry for him
now?
Won't you come in, JACKIE" he asked
abruptly, holding the gate open.
Payson stared, first at one, then the
other. He began to stammer an apol-
g for hurrying on.
Come to the fire" said Mary, look
ing at him owe Eric's shoulder.
The look in those dark, piteous eyes
decided him.
IT a to be friendly with you,
Eric" he said. "and I want to speak
with you about something that has just
transpired. I will come in for a few
minutes. First of all. Mary must get
out of her wet clothes. And you too.
Something hot to drink"
And bed for her." added Eric mean
inelv.
They entered the cottage. The room
was quite dark, except for the space
directly in front of the dying embers
In the fireplace. The trio. with their
nearest the door. where they had
paused at a wore from Eric.
He glanced keenly about the room,
then gave vent to a short. apologize
laugh.
7 half expected Adam Carr sitting
"He took the $3.50 for New York."
said Payson.
Eric started. Are you sure?" un-
easily.
Certainly. At least. that was his
intention. He had time to make 1t. We
drove to Stone Wall, you see."
Then you got there after we did 90
Payson smiled family. almost 'front.'
cally. "Spies don't precede their vic
Tins as a general thing" he said. I'll
replenish the fire while you are chang
ing"
Mary left the room without turning
her n head to look at her wouldbe
protector. Eric followed her. He was
back In q moment, however. Payson
looked up from the pile Of wood and
kindling over which he stopped.
Take Oft your wet shoes and stock
ings." he ordered sharply.
Time enough for that" said Mid
horne, coming up to 0tand over him..
What were you doing out there?
Quick. before Mary comes back.
I'll Tx the fire first" said Payson
deliberately.
Neither spoke for three or four min
utes. while he laid the paper and kim
ding. When The fresh. blue flames be-
70 In a out among the logs
he arose and faced Mary's brother,
cody brushing the wood dust from his
hands.
I'VE were out there 10 look at the
place where my father was lost. My ia
Their: mind you." he said with curious
emphasis.
Eric's satirical smile was not lost on
him.
Would you mind taking off your
oou'wester Payson?" he said Irrelevant
" IT'S dripping all over the rug"
til. stand on the hearth stone : said
the other. They were sparring for time
IN g most deliberate manner.
Then. move over . bit: Tn also
They stood side by side, with their
backs to b blaxe-two tall, tense fig
ures that waited. Outside tho wind
shr1eked ana crooned by turns; tho
w1ndow9 ratified In their frames; : soft,
tiny insects hurting, told. Of the rain
4 waited e old Jabe.s cottare for