Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-07-15

And you don't even attempt to deny
It," exploded Mr.. Pollock.
"Oh. l never contradict lady"
Mr.. Pollock tried a new tack. TN
my position as justice OF the peace" he
began, Il have learned great deal
about human nature and I have al
ways maintained that there Is some
thing good even in the worst of US"
He looked at Brent as though to say.
There is still hope for you, incredible
as it may appear"
It's very broad-minded OF you," said
Brent.
And IT," Mr. Pollock went on with
his argument, you have any remnant
Of manhood left in you, If you wish to
prove that you are not as base as you
are weak, you will do the only thing
possible under the circumstances
THAT betng?" queried Brent.
you will relinquish all claims to the
affections Of my daughter. l am not
asking anything unreasonable of you.
1t isn't as though you We're publicly
engaged to her. Come, sir, your de-
cision.'
Brent was silent a moment. then: MY
dear Mr.. Pollock" he replied. impress
sively. you may rely on me to do the
right thing"
This sounded we'll at first, but on
thinking it over Mr.. Pollock was not
satisfied.
"Um, yes but what do you call the
right thing?" he asked. cautiously.
And" continued Brent, as though fol-
lowing his own train of thought, 'at
the right time"
rs that all you have to say. sir"
demanded Mr.. Pollock. Indignantly.
That Is all. I believe. l really don't
see the necessity for saying anything.
walk. Mr. Pollock" And Brent strol!ed
toward the window as though he meant
to leave the room.
Mr.. Pollock stared. swallowed and
blew his nose unbelievingly. Then he
settled his hat more firmly on his head,
thrust his silk handkerchief, as he
thought. into his coattail pocket, and
departed, banging the door after him.
His voice could be heard calling in
the hall. Molly, Molly, aren't you
ways take. l have been waiting ten
minutes"
Lift alone. Brent peered anxiously
out of the window, and at the same
moment Miriam came swiftly toward
him.
Fritz is just going to the pigeon
house." she said. Don't shoot in u
hurry. carrier always circles round
three times before it takes its direc-
ton"
There certainly was no appearance Of
hurry about Brent as he picked his air
gun from the corncr. even stopping to
pick up Mr.. Po.lociS's bandanna, which
lay upon the floor where it had dropped
was stuffing it into his pocket.
you had better stay here" he said.
land try to prevent any one coming into
the garden for minute or two In fact,
you Simply must not let any one pass
II won't. Have you got the dummy mes
sage I made for you?''
.'Yes. here it is" He took a tiny little
packet wrapped in waterproof silk. from
his pocket and Slipped it back again 80
long" he said, and wandered with appar-
ent aim!essness into the garden.
Miriam stood just inside the room. her
ears open to any sound in the house. but
her eyes and her mind intent on Chris
topher At that moment the door opened
and Molly. in q little sports coat and
knitted cap Of blue. ran into the room.
Chris" she began, and then stopped
short. ''Oh, do you know where Chris is,
Mrs. Lee? I've just got to go out with
father and I wanted to see him for Il mo-
ment first"
Mr. Brent's just gone OUT replied Mrs.
Lee, still standing il front of the window,
but turning her back to it.
"Oh, well. not through the house, or l
should have seen him..
Il think he's gone on to the cliff
Then I'll run after him. ! told father
I'd catch him up on the road" And Molly
went toward the window.
I'm sure you won't catch him" said
Mrs. Lee. He was walking very fast"
What can he have been going there
for?" wondered Molly. I'm sure I shall
catch him. Mrs Lee; sou don't know
how fast ] can run" And she put out her
hand TO the latch.
Miss Pollock" began Miriam, don't
go for minute; there is something I
particularly want to ask you
II cant stop now. said Molly. cor father
She took a further step toward the win
dow. but. to her indignation. Mrs. Lee did
not move aside.
will you kindly let me pass? she de-