The Bridgeport evening farmer. [volume] (Bridgeport, Conn.) 1866-1917, 1916-11-20
(Coptinued)

DOy.
Minot went. He found both the Har
rowbys there, prepared to say goodby
to San Marco forever.
"Going to New York on the Lady
Evelyn" said George Harrowby, who
was aggressively cheerful from
there I'm taking Allan to Chicago"
Lord Harrowby smiled wanly.
Nothing ! left but Chicago" he
drawled. 'T wantc1 to see you before
I went, Minot, old chap. Not that
can thank you for all you did. 1 don't
know how. You stood by me like-like
a gentleman. And realize that have
no claim on Boyd's. 1t was all my
fault. If I'd never let Martin Wall
have that COMPOUNDED policy! But
what's the use OF fling? All my fault.
And-my thanks. old boy!" He sighed.
"Nonsenser' said Minot. "a business
proposition solely. from my point Of
view. There's no thanks coming to me. I"
ut seems to me-" said George Har-
rowby, "that as the only victor in this
affair you don't exhibit proper cheer
fitness. By the way, we'd be delight
ed to take you north on our boat. Why
not r. r.
But Minot shook his head.
Cant spare the time. Thank you
Just the same" he replied. 'I'd like
nothing better"
Amid expressions of regret the Har-
rowbys started for the elevator Minot
walked along the dusky corridor with
them.
we've had a bit OF excitement
what!' said Allan eff you're ever in
London you're to be my guest Old
George. has some sort Of berth for me
over there"
"Not bert.. Allan objected
George. pressing the button for the
elevator. you're not going to sleep
A Job. Might as well begin to talk the
Chicago language now. Mr.. Minot, 1.
too. want to thank you''
j They stepped into the elevator. The
door slammed; the car began to de-
scend. Minot stood gazing through the
iron scroll work until the blond head
of the helpless Lord Harrowby moved
finally out Of sight Then be returned
to his room and the time tables, which
seemed such dull, unhappy reading.
Jack Paddock appeared to invite MI
not 60 take dinner with him. His
bags, he remarked, were all packed.
and he was booked for-th Z o'clock
train. -~-.>lr
did say her father was in the
plumbing business?" he inquired. "My
error. Dick. He owns a newspaper out
In Grand Rapids. Offered me a job
any time l wanted it. Great joke then;
pretty serious now. for I'm going out
to apply. The other day had chill
1t occurred to me maybe she'd gone
and married the young man with the
pale purple necktie who, passes the
plate in the Methodist church. So !
beat it to the telegraph counter, and
"She's heart whole and fancy free?"
20. K. in both respects. So it's nae
for Grand Rapids"
Good boyr' said Minot. II knew
this game down here didn't satisfy
YOU May be the first to wish you
jcy?'
"You? With face like defeated
candidate? say. cheer up! She'll
stretch out eager arms III your direc-
ton yet"
Il don't believe it, Jack
"Well, while there's life there's still
considerable hope lying loose about the,
landscape. That's why don't urge
you to take the train with me-"
An hour later Mr.. Paddock spoke
further cheering words in his friends
ear and departed for the north. And
in that city Of moonlight and romance
Minot was left practically alone.
He took little farewell walk
through that quaint old town. then re
tired to his room to read another
chapter in the time table. At APO In
the morning, he noted, q small local
train would leave for Jacksonville. He
decided he wo,ld take 1t. With NJ
parlor cars, no sleepers, he would not BE-
likely to encounter upon it any Of ths
startled wedding party bound north.
He rushed through the gate just a:
1t was boing closed and caught :.
dreary little train in the very act OF
pulling out. Gloomy oil lamps sough
vainly to lessen the dour aspect of it.
two coaches. Painting, he entered thu
rear coach and threw himself and hi
bag into seat.
Five seconds later he glanced across
the aisle and discovered in the oppo
site seat Miss Cynthia Meyrick, accom-
panied by a very sleepy eyed family.
1.-THE devilv' said Minot to himself
He knew that she would see in this
utter accident nothing save delibe;'
ate act Of following. What use to pro
test his innocence?
He considered moving to anothe'
seat But such a theatric act coulC
only increase the embarrassment AL
ready his presence had been noted
Aunt Mary had given him glare
Spencer Meyrick scowl, the girl G
cloudy vague Where have I seen this
person before?" glance In passing
Spencer Meyrick went forward to the