The Washington times., 1915-06-06
Always tired" he answered. listless-

ly.
She made little grimace.
But you are so strange, she protest
ed. over the hills there are the steam
cars. They would take you to some OF
our beautiful cities where all Is light
and gayety. You are safe here, whatever
your troubles may have been. You say
that you have money, and II you are
lonely" she added, dropping her voice,
you need not go alone"
He patted her hand affectionately, but
there was something little forced
about the action.
Child" he said. ut is so hard to
make you understand. l might lose
over yonder. Perhaps. even" he added.
you might help me to forget. And then
there would be the awakening. That is
always the same. Sometimes at night
when my eyes are opened in the morn
ing the weight comes back and sits
upon my heart, and the strength seems
to pass from my limbs and the will
from my brain"
Her eyes were soft and her voice
shook a little as she leand toward
him. Something In his helplessness had
kindled the protective spirit In her. -.
Has life been SO terrible for .you?"
she whispered. Have you left be-
been really wicked. You are not very
old, are you? Why do you not stand
up and be a man? If you have done
wrong, then very likely people have
done wrong things to you. Why should
you brood over these memories? Why
What are you looking at? Who
are these people?"
The professor, with Quest and Long
Jim, suddenly appeared round the cor
ner of the building. They walked to-
ward Craig. He shrang back in his
place.
IT these are your enemies" the girl
cried. fiercely. remember that they
cannot touch you here. I'll have the
boys out in minute. II they dare to
try it.
Craig struggled to his feet. He made
no answer. His eyes were fixed upon
the professors. The girl passed her
arm through his and dragged him into
the saloon. They passed Jose in the
doorway, He scoffed at them. -.
Say. the boss will fire you, Marta, II
you waste all your. time with that
Yankee" he muttered
Marta drew the red rose from the
bosom Of her dress and placed It in
Craig's buttonhole. Then she led him
without a word to a seat.
II these men try any tricks in here"
she said. "there'll be trouble"
Almost at that moment they all three
entered. Long Jim nodded to Craig in
friendly fashion.
Its all right, cookie" he told them.
a bit of parleyvous business, that's all"
The professor held out a piece of pa
per. He handed 1t over, to Craig.
Craig" he announced, this Is a dis
patch which I found in Allguez with my
letters. 1t is addressed to you. but un-
der the circumstances you will scarcely
wonder that opened It. You had bet
Craig accepted the cable form and
read Il through slowly to himself:
ITO John Craig, Care Prof. Lord ASH
leigh, Yonkers. N. Y:
Your sister died today. Her daughter.
Mary, sails on Tuesday to Join you in
New York. Please meet her.
compton. Solicitor. London
stunned The girl leaned over toward
him.
"Are they trying to take you on a
warrant" she whispered. Remember,
yoTa don't need to go unless you want
Craig shook his head.
This Is something quite different. -
he explained. Leave me for a moment
She slipped regretfully away from his
side and out into the darkness. He sal
with his eyes fixed upon the cablegram
Then he turned toward Quest.
Fate seems TO be too strong for me. .
he admitted. Leave me alone and ]
promise you that I'll go at once to New
York. settle Mary's future. and ther
make full disclosure"
Jim touched him on the shoulder.
Remember. he told him, you ain'i