The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1916-09-02
CHAPTER XII.
The Barriers GO Down

When Jimmy WAS shown into the
large. cool drawing room. he stood
ay kwardly still. with thrill Of
heen satisfaction and an effort for
self.coutrol.
Ruth wore elluglng evening.
dress. and Jimmy had hitherto
heen her only in travelling and out.
inR clothes. She was wonderfully
beautiful and he felt himself rough
snd awkward
Then. as abe came toward him.
lbs heart began beating hard. lie
thought Of their last meeting with
embarrasHment He had expected
70 find some change Of manner In
her that would. 80 to speak, keep
him at a distance. There was.
however, no hint Of this.
A. she gave him her hand, Ruth
smiled up at him. but che spoke Ii.
a very matter-offact voice.
= am glad you have come at
last"
She pouted prettily. NO doub,
YOU had some business with my
father. which explains the visit"
II gave me an excuse for doing
what wished"
did you need an excused But I
shall not begin By finding fault. I
want you to tell me some OF your
exciting Adventures Aynaiey Clay
was here. bat he could not tell us
much about you-and he was. Of
course. In trouble"
Yes" said Jimmy softly. I'm
sorry for him. He'H man you soon
feel a strong liking for
Ruth was silent for a moment.
Then:
Tell me about the wreck" she
requested.
Jimmy was glad OF the opportun.
lily, because he was determined that
she should have no cause TO doub,
her father. There was much stiil
unexplained. bu, she must not SUE
pect this. for II was unthtnkable
that abe should bear any trouble
from which be could aave her. Still.
he saw that he must be careful, for
there were points which needed del.
lcate handling
His story was deeply interesting
TO the Girl. and she prompted him
with leading questions now and
then. for she was keenly anxious
to learn the truth about the wreck.
For the last few months she had
been troubled by dark suspicious.
But. In spite of everything, you
reached the gold," she exclaimed
at last.
Yes" said Jimmy. seizing the
opening he had waited for. I'VE
got II all"
All" For a moment Ruth was
thrown off her guard By a shock
Of relief that was poignant In its
intensity.
Il believe so" Jimmy answered.
Anyway. We got every case that
was insured. The underwriters
seemed perfectly satisfied"
A wave OF color flushed Ruth's
face. There was no dark secret
attached TO the wreck. as she had
untustly thought. Jimmy had ban.
ishcd her fears. The hardships he
had borne had brought her release
from q haunting dread.
She realized that he Nigh, won.
der at her agitation, but. after all.
this did not count. She was carried
away by gratitude 10 him.
Thank you for telling me-" she
said. feeling the inadequacy OF the
words. 1T makes a thrilling tale
If IL has plezspd Won. I'm rnn.
tent"
Pleased me- Wei. | can assure
you that II has done so"
Then I'm rewarded" said Jimmy
boldly. losing his head as he saw
the gratitude in her eyes. That's
all | wanted: finding the gold is
less important"
Ruth saw what was happening:
his restraint was breaking down.
aAd she meant TO give 1t the las,
INV.
Blu, you haven't mentioned your
real reason"
lie gathered courage from the
glance she gave him. though the
next moment she turned her head.
Dear" he said suddenly. II want
you--that's all in the world that
matters"
She yielded shyly when he gath.
cred her to him: and the little gilt
clock on the mantel with fits poised
Cupid. seemed to tick exultantly in
the silence that followed.
THE END.