Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-09-20
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@Me MORNING ES9V@AHY
By Louis Tracy S@A

fickered while we were opening up our
miner"
Yes"
Il was so absorbed In contemplating our
prospective wealth that failed to pay heed
TO the true significance Of that incident II
meant the existence OF an upward current
OF air. Now, where the current goes there
must be a passage, and while l was busy
this AFTERNOON among the trees over
there "-he pointed toward the Valley OF
Death-'it came 10 me like an InspIration
that possibly few hours hewing and delv-
ing might open shaft to the ledge. / have
been well rewarded for the effort. The stun
In the vault is so eaten away by water that
u Is no more solid than hard mud for the
most part. Already have scooped out a
chimney twelve feet high"
What good can that be7"
AT present we have only a front door
up the face of the rock. When my work is
completed. before tomorrow night hope we
shall have back door also. or course
may encounter unforeseen obstacles as 1 ad-
vance twist In the fault would be nearly
fetal' but 1 am praying that Il may con-
tinue straight to the ledge"
Il still don't see the great advantage to
The advantages are many. believe me-
The more points OF attack presented by the
enemy the more effective will be our resis-
lance. l doubt II they would ever be able
10 rush the cave were we TO hold IL, where
as can go up and down our back staircase
whenever choose. II you don't mind being
left In the dark l will resume work now, by
the light of your lamp"
But Iris protested against this arrange
ment She felt lonely. The long hours of
silence had been distasteful to her. She
wanted to talk.
Il agree" said Jenks. provided you do
not pin me down to something / told you a
month ago"
nrop,i.n w.. - 80 - - ---..-,- -
as little as you think At The subject for
discussion Is your court-martial."
He could not see the tender light in her
eyes but the quiet sympathy of her voice
restrained the protest prompt on his lips.
Yet ne olurted out, after a slight pause
Ihat Is very unsavory subject"
rs III do not think so. am a friend
Mr.. Jenks. not an old one, admit, but dur
ing the last six weeks we have bridged an
ordinary acquaintanceship of as many
years Can you not trust me?'
trust her? He laughed softly. Then,
choosing MS words with great deliberation.
ne ahswered-"Yes, 1 can trust you. l in
tended to tell you the story some day. Why
not tonight?"
unseen In the darkness Irs's hand sought
and clasped the gold locket suspended from
ner neck She already knew some portion
OF the story he would tell. The remainder
was OF minor Importance.
10 Ouu ne continued, that you should
nave alluded to six years a moment ago II
Is exactly six years, almost to a day, since
the trouble began"
with Lord ventnor?' The name slipped
out involuntarily.
Yes. I was Stafr Corps subaltern.
anu anu my pronciency In native languages at
tracted the attention of a friend in SlmIa.
VINO advised me to apply for an appointment
on the political side OF the Government OF
Ihdia. did so. He supported the appli-
cation, and / was assured of the next
vacancy In a native State, provided that /
got married"
He drawled out the concluding words
with exasperatlng slowness. Iris, astound-
ed by the stipulation, dropped her locket
and leaned forward into the red light of
the log fire. The sailors quick eye caught
the glitter OF the ornament
by the way" he interrupted. what is
that thing shining on your breast?"
She Instantly clasped the trlnket again.
1T is my sole remaining adornment," she
said, "a present from my father on nv
tenth birthday. Pray go on"
Il was not a marrying man, Miss Deane,
and the requisite qualification nearly stag
gered me. But looked around the station
and came to the conclusion that the Com
missioner's niece would make a suitable
wife. regarded her points so to speak
and they filled the bill. She was smart
good-looking, lively, understood the art of
entertaining, was first-rate in sports and
had excellent teeth. Indeed, II man Sc
lected wife as he does a horse she"
Don't be horrid. Was she really pretty?"
II believe so. People said she was"
But what did you think?"
AT the time my opinion was biased.
have seen her since. and she wears badly
She Is married now and after 80 grew
very fat"
Artful jerks Iris settled herself COM
fortably TO listen.
II have jumped that fence with a lot in
hand" he thought.
I'VE became engaged" he said aloud
"She threw herself at him." communed
Iris.
Her name was Elizabeth-Elizabeth
Norris" The young lieutenant of those
days called her Bessie but no matter.