Putnam patriot., 1916-08-04

ble event can bring even a semblance of happiness, but ii was remarkable how soon this state of mind began to give way before O'NeiIs matter of fact cheerfulness He refused to listen to their thanks and made them believe that they were conferring a real favor upon him by accepting the responsi- bility of the new hotel Pending the completion of that structure he was hard pressed to find a lodging place for them until Eliza and her brother insisted that they share the bungalow with them, thing O'Neil had not felt at liberty to ask under the circum- stances. Nor was the tact of the brother and sister less than his. They received the two unfortunates as hon. pred guests.
 Gradually the visitors began to feel that they were welcome, that they were needed, that they had an impor- tant task to fulfill. and the sense that they were really of service drove away depression Night after night they lay awake discussing the wonder ful change in their fortunes and plan ming their future. Natalie at least had not the slightest doubt that all their troubles were at all end.
 One morning they aWoke to learn that O'Neil had gone to the States. leaving Dr. Gray in charge of affairs at Omar during his absence The phy- sician who was fully iii his chiefs confidence, gravely discussed their du- ties with them. and SD discreet was he that they had no faintest suspicion that he knew tbeir secret If was typ ieal If 0'Neil and his boys that they should show this ehiralfy toward two llieudleSs .outrasts. It was typical of them also that they one and all con stitutel themselves protectors of Nata- lie and her mother. letting if be known through the town that the slightest rudeness toward the women would be promptly punished.
 While O'Neils unexpected departure caused some comment. no one except his trusted lieutenauts dreamed of the grave importance of his mission They knew the necessities that bounded him. they were well aware of the trem- bling insecurity in which affairs now stood, but they maintained their cheer ful industry. they pressed the work with unabated energy, and the road crept forward foot by foot, as steadily and as smoothly as if he himself were on the ground to direct it.
 Thus far O'Nen's rivalry with the trust had been friendly, if spirited, but his action in coming to the assistance of Mrs. Gerard and her daughter rais- ed up a new and vigorous enemy whose methods were not as scrupulous as those of the Heidlemanns.
 Gordon was q strangely unbalanced man. He was magnetic his geniality was really heart warming, yet he was perfectly cold blooded in his selfish hess. He was cool and calculating, but Interference reused him to an almost insane pitch of passion. Pickle in most things, he was uneompr0mising fin his hatreds. O'Neifs generosity in afford ing sanctuary to his defiant mistress struck him as a personal affront, and it famed his dislike of his rival into a consuming rage. It was with no thought If profit that he cast about for a means of crippling 0'Neil-
 
 Dan Appleton entered the bungalow one evening, wet and tired from his work, to find Eliza pacing the floor in agitation.
 Whats the matter. Sis?' he inquir- ed. with quick concern
 His sister pointed to & copy of the Review which that days mail had brought.