Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1916-11-09
CHAPTER v,-(continued).

In q low, buSlneSSllke tone, as IL he en-
joyed the Importance of having made
all the arrangements. I've secured the
Stateroom as you cabled me to do, and
here are the tickets and checks. The
trunks are down there all checked.
Celia didn't want any nonsense about
their being tied up with white ribbon.
She hates all that. We've arranged
for you to slip out by the fire escape
and down through the back yard Of the
next neighbor, where a motor, just a
plain regular one from the station, will
be waiting round the corner in the
shadow. Celia knows where it is. None
of the party will know you are gone
until you are well under way. The
n they think you will take is being
deliberately adorned with white at the
front door now, but you won't have any
trouble about it. I've fixed everything
up. Your coat and hat are out on the
fire escape, and as soon as Celia's
ready III show you the way"
Gordon thanked lin. There was
nothing else to do, but his countenance
grew blank. Was there, then. to be no
escape?' Must he actually take another
mans bride with him in order to get
away? And how was he to get away
from her? Where was the real bride
groom and why did he not appear upon
the scene? And yet What complica-
tons that might bring up. He began
TO look wildly about for a chance to
flee at once, for how could he possibly
run away with a bride on his hands?
II only some one We're going with them
to the station he could slip away with
q clear conscience. leaving her in good
hands. but to leave her alone, Ill, and
distressed. was out of the question. He
had rid himself Of a lonely dog and a
suffering child, though it gave him an
guish to do the deed. but leave this
lovely woman for whom he at least.
appeared to have become responsible,
he could not, until he was sure she
would come to no harm through him.
Don't let anything hinder you!
Don't let anything hinder you'll"
1t appeared that this refrain had not
ceased Tor an instant since 1t began,
but had chimed its changes through
music. ceremony, prayer and reception
without interruption. 1t acted like a
goad upon his conscience now. He
must do something that would set him
free to go back to Washington. An
inspiration came to him.
wouldn't you like to go to the sta
ton with us? he asked the young man.
l am sure your sister would like to
have you"
The boys face lit up joyfully.
oh. wouldn't you mind? I'd like it
ewfully, and-if It's all the same to you,
] wish mother could go, too. It's the
hrst time Celia n she were ever sep
arated.. and | know she hates it fierce
" to have to say goodbye with the
house full of folks this way. But she
doesn't expect 1t, of course, and really
1t n fair to you, when o haven't
seen Celia alone yet, n it's your we'd
ding trip
There will be plenty OF time for u.s.
said the compulsory bridegroom, gra-
ciously, and felt as If he had perjured
himself. 1t was not In his nature to
Ani0V 81 SariDlJc mn SnJornHo ne th;r
kind.
I shall be glad to have you both
come" he added, earnestly. II really
want you. Tell your mother"
The boy grasped his hand impul-
sively.
Il say" said he, you're all right, /
~ = On + ~ ind cen ess. that I've mated
the very. thought of you for a whole
three months, ever since Celia told us
ane had promised to marry you. You
see. ! 9 really knew you when l
was 9 little chap, but ! didn't Used to
like you.I took an awful cunne to
you for some reason. / suppose kids
often take irrational dislikes like that
But ever since I've laid eyes on you to-
night. I've liked you all the way
through. i like your eyes. 1t isn't q
bit as ] thought / remembered you. ]
used to think your eyes had a sort OF
aeceltful look. Awful to tell you. isn't
A0S = AVN 40 IL / W1l1lCuELO have III
on my conscience, for / see now you're
nothing OF the kind. You've got the
he r sstests eyes i ever saw on a man,
n I'd stake my last cent that you
wouldn't cheat q church mouse. You're
true as steel and I'm mighty glad you're
mi brothertnlaw. l know youth be good
TO Celia"
The slow color mounted under his
disguise until It reached Gordon's bur-
ntshed brown hair. His ewes We're hon
est eyes They had always been So
until today. Into what a world of de-
ceit he had entered! How he would like
70 make a clean breast OF 1t all to this
nice. frank boy; but he must not! for
there was his trust! For an instant
ne was on the point Of trying to explain
that. he raj not the true bridegroom,
and getting young Jefferson to help him
90 act matters right, but an influx Of
newly arrived guests broke in upon
Their. privacy. n he could only press
the boys hand and say In embarrassed
tones.
a'rhank you! / shall try to be worthy
OF your good opinion hereafter!,
It was over at last, and the bride
eilpped from Ills side to prepare for the
Journey: He looked hastily around,
feeling that his very first opportunity
open window had presented itself, he
Yesld. have vaulted through. trusting
IT, luck and his heels to get away, but
there was noSWindow, and every. door
blocked by staring, admiring,
1mirk1ng people. He b%ethought himself
" the fire escape where waited his hat
ind coat. and wondered II he could find
With smiling apologies, lie broke
EWay fromsthose around him. murKnlr-
3GOknethfnS about being needed. and.
40EkSdshtasway firmly. but steadily, to-