Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1915-08-05
/ JUNGLE MEETING.
BY FRANK FiLsoN.

tervals Harry Treves, the manager,
and son of the millionaire president Of
the company, had learned that Jim had
travelled thousand miles up the river
alone, after his natives had deserted
him. He had gone through incredible
hardships. Worst Of ALL he had lost
that desire to live which is the best
representation OF recovery.
Harry had spent two years out in
the jungle. His father had insisted
on that before he went home to marry
Ethel and settle down.
Ethel was the daughter Of his faith.
er's old business partner The mar
rage had been arranged" as the
newspapers say.
However, Harry was not to 60 home
as had been planned. The company
had other interests in Peru. Harry
was to go to Lima as manager there.
and Ethel was to meet him.
But Harry could not leave Jim
Sayres, wanderer and stranger though
he was.
In the fever which followed the de.
lirium he listened to Jim's rawlings.
There had been q woman In his life,
Harry gathered She had been rich.
and he had gone away, five years be-
FORE to make his fortune and to re-
turn and claim her. He had wandered
through Brazil and the Argentine, up
and down-but he had never begun to
make his fortune.
On the fifth night the camp doctor
shook his head.
''1'he crisis has arrived" he said.
"He is not so i'll. but he does not want
to live"
Its that woman!" said Harry. holly.
There's no hope" said the doctor.
Hes slipping downhill.'
Harry went into the sick mans room.
Jim Sayres lay motionless among the
pillows; his face was deathly white
and his thin hands almost transparent.
1t was evident that he was sunk in the
final stupor.
A file of natives appeared along a
forest path that led down from the
mountains. It was small party
of bearers. proceeding toward the
camp.
The natives, grunting. deposited
their loads in the clearing. Four,
bearing a hooded stretcher, came to
halt and set down their burden. Out
stepped white woman-Ethel!
She threw herself into Harry's arms.
II thought l would come on from
Lima, Harry" she explained They
told me that you might be delayed here
for an indefinite time. and | didn't
want to wait. Harry"
II should have started day or two
ago. only there Is a sick man here-a
stranger. poor fellow, and l couldn't
leave him."
Where is he, Harry" asked Ethel
in that tent. But am afraid it is
all up with the poor chap. He is dying
Of Jungle fever. His names Scyres-
Jim Sayres."
The girl released herself from her
lovers embrace and, when she spoke.
her voice was curiously restrained.
Let me see him. Harry. Perhaps
can do something for him."
1.-THE doctor says there Is no hope"
answered Harry. But already Ethel
was walking quickly toward the tent
Harry waited.
But after q half hour he became
alarmed. Ethel was still In the tent.
He went softly toward 1t. He heard
the sound of voices. and stood outside,
not venturing to raise the flap,
And 1t was Sayres who was speak.
ing.
II shall live, dearest" he said. be
cause l have seen your face again.
Ethel, how l have loved you all these
years."
"And you. Jim." Harry heard her
answer, and the mans face turned to
a craven mask.
But why did you become engaged
to-you have not told me his name.
Ethel, but why did your"
"You didn't write. I thought you
had forgotten me-"
81 had no right to write to you" said
Sayres in a quiet voice, subdued by
weakness. Il only hoped your love
was true"
"Oh. it Is true, dearest" sobbed the
girl. II never cared for him. But
when thought you had ceased to care
! did not care what happened to me.
And now / am bound in honor"
I'm honor?" questioned Sayres.
"Then what has brought you to me
unless Providence means US to be hap.
py together?"
Jim, you do not know how good
he is, how 1t would break his heart!
/ must go"
mot yet, Ethel! Stay with me a
single hour. Because shall never see
you again!"
Softly Harry crept away from the
tent. He called the heaGman to him.
you will stay here with six men
to accompany the white lady and Mr..
Sayres. wherever they co." he said.
The granting natives took. up their
loads. Mounting his horse. Harry rode
at the head. They proceeded for near
ly an hour. till they were high up in
the foothills. Then Harry stopped and
looked back.
In the clear air he saw the tiny tent,
far underneath. At the door he thought
he saw a white-clad woman's figure
standing. She stood a moment and
went. back.
Harry rode on, the bearers following
him. And suddenly an immense bur-
den seemed to have been rolled away
from his heart.
Copyright, 1916. by w G. Chapman)
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