Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1916-10-19

hceuH I Tell ulu L WdS-1ull, under
standY She fell silent suddenly, then
burst into a loud laugh. Bah! i
should worryr'
The ferry drew into its slip, the cab
motor shiyered, the metallic rattle Of
windlass and chain proclaimed the re-
turn to Manhattan. Up the deserted
avenues the vehicle sped, while inside.
the white-faced bride covered with fin
gers locked and heart sick with dread.
CHAPTER XIV.
Hitchy Koo had gone home. When
| Lilas ushered her friends in and
snapped ON the lights, the apartment
save for the delirious spaniel, was un-
occupied. She flung down her hat,
coat and gloves, then, with the help
of Jim, prepared glasses and a cooler.
Lorelei was restless; the thought of
more wine, more ribaldry revolted her,
and yet she was grateful for this delay,
brief though it promised to be. Any
interruption, trivial or tragic, would
be welcome. She was forced to pledge
her own happiness in a glass, then in
wild moment of desperation longed
to deaden herself with liquor as the
others had done.
Jim and Lilas were talking loudly
when key grated in the lock, the
door Of the little apartment opened,
and Jarvis Harmon paused on the
threshold, glowering.
Lilas' wineglass shattered upon the
floor.
Jarvis! You frightened me- she.
cried.
Evening, Mr.. Harmon" Bob
lurched to his feet, upsetting his chair.
This is a s'prise.'
Jim had risen likewise, but Ham
mon had eyes for no one except Lilas.
"Ah! You're home again, finally.
Where have you been?' he demanded,
in a voice heavy with anger. His
hostile tone, his threatening attitude
brought an uncomfortable silence
upon the hearers.
Nov, Jarvis" said the bridegroom,
placatingly, steadying himself mean
while with the aid Of the table, don't
be crouch. Everything's all right"
Lilas remained motionless, staring
deiantly. Her face had slowly whit
ened, and now its unpleasantness
matched that of her elderly admirer.
Harmon dropped his smoldering gaze
to the half-empty glasses, then raised
it, scowling at Jim.
"Humphl Who is-this?"
Lilas made her guest known. "Mr.
Knight, Mr.. Harmon. I believe you
know Miss Knight"
$50 you're the one" Harmon
showed his teeth in a sardonic smile.
"I'm the one what?" inquired Jim,
with sickly attempt at pleasantly.
What does she see in you?" Ham
mon measured the young man with
contemptuous curiosity.
Don't be an. ass, yarvis,' began
Lilas. ct"
She was interrupted roughly. 'aThat's
precisely what don't intend to be; and
! don't intend that Bob shall be one.
either" He turned to young Whar-
ton. what are you doing here, my
boy? I'm sorry to see you with these
grafters." Harmon indicated Jim
anu LOFelel with nOQ.
"Eh? What's that?' Bob stiffened.
"Lorelei's my wife. IS true, Jarvis.~
"Wife?" Harmon took heavy step
forward. "Wife? You're drunk, Bobps
"P'r'aps. But were mar"
$50! You landed him, did your
Harmon glared at the brother and
sister. ''You got him drunk and mar
ried him, Ell? And Lilas helped you.
suppose. Fine! They're crooks,
Bob, and they've made fool of you"
Bob checked the speech on Lorelei's
lips with an appraised hand, then said
slowly, with painful effort to sober
himself: We've been good friends,
Jarvis; you're kind of an uncle to
me, but-you're liar You've lied
bout my wife, SO s'pose I've got to
lick YOU With backward kick he
sent his overturned chair flying, then
made for Harmon. But Jim seized
him by the arm; Lorelei sprang In
front Of him.
"Mr. Whar-Bob," she cried. "You
my sake" The three
scuffied for an instant until Harmon
said, more quietly:
Il couldn't fight with you, Bob
you're like my own son. But you've
been sold out, and-and 1t looks as IL
I'd been sold out, too. Now go home
md sleep. I didn't come here to quar-
eel with you; have matter of my
own to SETTLE" He laid a hand on
Bob's shoulder in an effort to pacify
lin, but the young mans Indignation
Jared into life with drunken persist
,nce. It was Lorelei who st last pre-
rallied upon her husband to leave
'eaceably, and she was about to &C
him when Lilas Lynn checked
ler
ssssssssssssssssssssssssN
Do you feel that more fright 8
full experience still Is impending B