Putnam patriot., 1916-02-25


 today. After lunch we'll take jaunt over to Kingston and prowl about for melons. We can come back by the way of the canal and pot duck, maybe teal or two"
 "kingston?'
 She sprang up, animated, the vital reason for her being here at all coming to life again. Good. I've been want ing to See the quaint old town. How long will it take us?'
 Half an hour
 And can l bring back pair of shoe stringsY'
 "sarely; Uncle Sam will not mind that"
 Cranford laughed. then grew sober.
 What would she say when she learn. cd his despicab.e business? Very soon he would have to tell her-would have to tell her, for the simple reason that a man ought to have no secrets from the woman who is to be his wife.
 A great flame seemed burning in his -primordial, had he but known tito fend off the world from her, to battle for her, to conquer something for her Diana Wynne. It might or might not be her name.
 No matter. He had his own name, and he eou.d give her that. And the marvel of it all was, ten days ago he had not known of her existence
 After lunch Lester carefully wrapped the big fish in the napkins, piled the excess luggage into his boat and. with cheerful wave of his hat, set off for home.
 Billy's boat was larger Cranford sat with his back to the old guide and never looked at any thing. but the girls exquisite face; talked without being able to recoilect one word of the con yersation, heard the sound of his voice detachedly, as if it belonged to some one else.
 This one day thought she, I'm go. ing to forget everything and just be happy"
 And fortnight ago I didn't know herr thought he.
 At Il quarter to the Navarro bumped into the jetty, and the two young peo- pie jumped ashore.
 I've shant be gone more than an hour, Billy, said Cranford. Get crate of melons. if you can find any good ones. Cranford ana Miss Wynne proceeded up the main street
 How quiet these inland towns are," the girl said. People go about easily -no rush, no hurry, as if some one was always trying to get somewhere before some one else Some day m going to bury myself in q small village and never go away again.
 How about winter, when
 He stopped abruptly. his gaze leveled across the street.
 What is it." she asked.
 "A man 1 think know just entered the hotel over the way. Will you please stand here for moment? 1 wouldn't miss seeing him for anything in this world grimly.
 Co, by all means. You will find me in the bookshOp next door here"
 Cranford ran swiftly to the hotel. The man was nowhere in sight. The bar also was deserted
 Cranford sought the billiard room to find only sleepy attendant.
 He had seen Smead rise from the veranda chair and hobble into the hos tel. And what was Smead doing up here?
 He swung on his heel and made for the bookshop.
 Smead. He was sure of it.
 The owner of the dark eyes stroked a scared chin, rose and stro,led into the bar from behind which a big man in gray fiannels was just emerging, his face writhed ill q grimaee of pain.
 .'Old friend of mine, eh? Oh. there you are. Don. Where'd the fool goY'
 'Bookshop over the way
 Smead limped out to the elevator and the two of them went up to the formers room.
 You've done it. now. all right snared Don. He would have been as blind as an owl. He was just peace fully fishing, and now the sight of you has put bee in bis bonnet. This isn't the kind of health resort for your style, and hell realize it and watch and pry and nose about till he stumbles upon something. I'm going over on tomorrow's boat with Fagin"
 There was woman with him." rumbled Smead
 Did you see her face?'
 No. What are you going to dol?
 Put Cranford where he will not bother any one. Oh, I shan't hurt him; just hide him till we are out of the way told you at the start that so long us lie saw no familiar face he wouldn't suspect anything. l told you to stay in New York"
 Who's running this affair.""
 '.I am," answered the other curtly. I'm not going to sit still and see you make a hash of the game. Oh. 1 get your view. You don't trust your duti ful son. No more do l trust you. But this is my game. and I'm going to play it out my way. Don't leave the room til after dinner. Hell be gone by that time.f
 A rumble from Smead.
 Don't waste your breath. papa. When this deal is of the board we'll split and go our ways. All you are really good for is bamboozling the chaps who come into your roulette rooms. Stick to that. You're marked man now
 You're an insoly ent puppyr'
 Chip Of the old block. Now I'm going to keep an eye on him till he