, 1917-01-18

". The blue eyes that had so often
danced with merriment were blnzInG
sapphires.
search him. MIR. Blackford," mel
voice rang out. ~ do not doubt but
you will find evidence enough TO sat
isfy your
Ike's eyes looked into those of mis-
friend with II passion OF pleading for
denial. But Dayid's voice answered
evenly, coldly:
"There is no need to search. l pre-
sumo that these papers are the ones
which Miss O'Bannon wishes"
And with steady fingers he unfas-
tened his coat and w%alstcoat, and,
while Blackford gazed in horror, slow
ly drew out the packet of papers he
had wrested from Cranmer. He put
them in ke's hands and bowed to Toi-
nette with a touch of ironic courtesy.
you will find them all there" he
said.
A single glance made Blackford real
ize their meaning.
"Oh. David, David" he cried.
A thousand voices, the confused
murmur of q mighty throng, seemed
ringing In Toinette's brain, and she
fought against a sickening giddiness
that made the walls whlrl around her.
""That is enough, Mr.. Blackboard"
she asked weakly; and on tottering
knees she turned and left the two
men alone.
Surely you can explain this, Davyi"
cried Ike; his faith in his friend chung
to him in stubborn defiance of the doc
uments' mute accusation.
do you think it necessary to *
pIain?" said David harshly. The anger
which he had withheld from TOinette
had mounted slowly until now his iron
will had reached n white heat of furi-
us resentment. "By God, 1 explain
to no manr"
Ike looked him straight In the eyes.
mo man on earth can use that. tone
to me-" he said quietly, Except
you, David, old man."
He laid his hand gently on his
friends shoulder and the angry light
in David's eyes was suddenly quenched.
ut isn't true" he said, and was 81
lent once again.
That's the only explanation you
and l need, David" Ike answered with
ii grave smile; ana David crushed his
hand in "A mighty grip.
ike, you understand You believe
in mel" he cried in a voice that
showed how cruel the strain upon his
nervous pride had been and the two
young men smiled straight into each
others eyes.
David had meant to keep his own
counsel, but now the burden of his
heart flooded over at Ike's trust in
him. He told of what he had learned
concerning Cranmer told how he had
come into possession of the secret
agents maps and documents. 81 had
already sent word to Vincennes to
search for Cranmer," he said, and i
meant to take these papers there at
the first opportunity. How TOinette
guessed that l had them, l annOt I'M
derstand. But, by heaven, Blackford,
l can't explain to her! Don't you IN
derstand? 1 wanted her love. 1
thought she had given it TO me. But
if she doubts me, then"
His voice faltered again.
"She has worried herself over some
rumor-poOr Toinette, she's strung to
the breaking-point," said Ike gently.
81 want you to do something for me,
Ike" replied David, unheeding the *
cuse. 81 cannot stay in CorydOn after
this. 1 cannot be indebted to Mr..
O'Bannon any longer. 1 must 60"
You know best, Davy. It's not my
business. But where?"
"V%incennes, l suppose. l may as
well stay on there, after l have de-
livered this evidence to General Glib
son 1t doesn't make any difference.
Blu l want you to see Mr.. 0'Bannon
and turn my accounts over to him.
VIII you do this for me, uke?'
"Willingly, Davy. But, oh, I'll hate
to give o up"
you're the best friend / ever had.
So 1 shall nave to lose you, as l have
lost everyone 1 ever loved" David
smiled bitterly.
"Davy, don't go! You'l win yeti
She can't hold to this silly mistake.
Why, I'll explain things to herl Go
back, you sore-headed old bear, and"
But David checked him.
81 shall never enter that house. And
l forbid your speaking to her on this
subject. Do not speak of her again"
His tone was u%nyielding, final; and
grieving in silent sympathy for his
friends shattered hopes, Ike helped
him close up the meager affairs of the
little store and babe him good by.
TO Ike remained ne question of Da-
vid's honor; but the poison of Elliott's
words had found an abiding hold in
the girls heart. Toinette had reached
her fathers house she knew not how.
49, -.LA-L H. l-nL--. - L.