The Pulaskian., 1917-03-09
CHAPTER xlv-continued.

khe flames. By dlnt of several wheel barrow trips between the knoll and the farmyard, he had presently construc- ted a pyre of impressive proportions; and by that time 1t was quite dark -so dark, indeed, that he had been forced to hunt up yard lantern, carrying the which the girl had ac- companied him on hisetwo final trips.
 "Here," he said clumsily, when all was ready, offering her matches. You light it, please-for luck"
 Their fingers touched as she took the matches. Something thumped in his breast, and door opened in the chambers of his understanding, letting Tn light.
 Kneeling at the base of the pyre, she struck a match and applied 1t to quantity of tinder-dry excelsior. The stuff caught instantly, pufing into a brilliant pf tch of blaze; she rose and stood back, en silhouette, delicate iy poised at attention, waiting to see that her work was well done. He could not take his gaze from her.
 So what he had trifed and toyed with, fought with and prayed against, doubted and questioned, laughed at and cried down, was sober, painful fact. Truth, .heart-rending to behold in her stark, shining beauty, had been revealed to him in that moment of brushing finger-tips, and he had looked in her face and known his unworthi- ness; and he trembled and was afraid and ashamed. =.
 The girl retreated to his side, re- turning the matches.
 A tongue of flame shot up from the peak of the pyre, and column of smoke surpassed it, swinging off to leeward in great, red-bosomed volutes and whorls picked out with flying regi- ments of sparks.
 They seated themselves with their backs to the fire and at respectful distance from it, where they could watch the jetting blades of light that ringed the far-off headland. Whitaker reclined on an elbow, relapsing into moody contemplation. The girl stirred uneasily, turning her head to look at Whitaker.
 You know" she said with con- fused attempt to laugh: "this is really so canny, this place. Or else I'm balmy. Pm seeing things-shapes that stir against the blackness, off there be- yond the light, moving, haltfng, star Ing, hating us for butchering their age old peace and quiet. Maybe I'll for get to see them, if you'll talk to me a little"
 q can't talk to you," he said, un- gracious in his distress.
 "You can't? It's the first time it's been noticeable, then. Whats respon- sible for this all-of-a-sudden change of heart?"
 That's what's responsible" The words spoke themselves almost against his will.
 derstand that you've taken sudden dislike to me, so that you can't treat me with decent civility?"
 i've always understood women knew what men meant before the men did, themselves" His voice broke little. "Oh, can't you see how it is with me? Can't you see?" he cried. "God forgiven me! I never meant to inflict this on you, at such a time! don't know why have . . :"
 You mean" she stammered in voice of amaze-"you mean-love?"
 Gan you doubt it?"
 No not after what's hap pened, presume. You wouldn't have followed-you wouldn't have fought so to save me from drowning-I suppose If you hadn't-cared. =. But didn't know"
 Then you're not-ofended" he asked, sitting up.
 Why should I be?" The freight momentarily outlined the smiling half Wlstful countenance she turned to him. What woman would be who received as great and honorable compliment from you, Hugh? Only"-again the whimsical little laugh that merged into smothered sigh-'T wish I knew!"
 Wish you knew what?"
 Whats going on inside that extra ordinary head of yours; what's in the mlnd behind the eyes that I so often ma staring at me so suriously."
 He bowed that head between hands .nat compressed crueMy his temples. | wish knew!" he groaned in pro- test. Since you called me to supper, While ago, by name-I don't know why-your voice, as you used it then, mas run through my head and through, teasing my memory like strain of Husic from some half-remembered song. It half-maddens me; feel so strongly that everything would be so straight and plain and clear between us II l could only fasten upon that fugitive, indefinable something that's a'Ways fiuttering just beyond my graspl"
 ou mean all that-honestlyi she QcEl1ndad Sr, "A. -&7r.7 xvssgon