The Huttig news., 1917-08-18

an atmosphere that she had drawn her earliest breaths-the play of cunning against cunning, wit against wit.
 She did not send for Boroday. She dared not. But because the intimacy between her and the midde-aged Rus sian had always been very close, he seemed to feel her need. And so, on that Wednesday night, an hour or so after midnight, he came.
 Old Henriette came down and tapped softly at Elinor's door.
 "Boroday," she whispered. "He has rung from the arbor'
 That was one of old IIilary's de- vices: hidden wire from the arbor to the house. It prevented collisions. Unless otherwise summoned, no mem- Der of his band ever came directly to the house.
 Elinor went out and found him there. He bent over her hand and kissed 1t, as was his custom, and then, realizing that she was crying, he held out his arms and she went into them. Very tender was the Russian with her that night, very fatherly. He put her into one of the arbor seats and sat down beside her.
 "Now tell me" he commanded, everything from the start. It was Walter, know. But why?"
 When she did not speak, the Rus sian nodded.
 Jealousy, of course, but what mad nessl'
 There in the arbor, with her hand between two of his, Elinor sobbed out the story of the pearl and her attempt to return 1t, Huff's threat against Ward, Wards evening visit, and the scene between them; and last of all, the shot that had nearly ended every thing in this world for Ward and for her. Boroday listened quietly; better than old Hilary ever could, he under stood He had been reared on an an- cient faith.
 "He is recevering?'
 "Yes."
 And he cares for you, of course?'
 'sNo. I think, perhaps, before he knew-''
 "Bah v said the Russian, and rose. What sort of love Is that which changes? I have seen the man. If he cared at all, he still cares"
 He stepped to the door of the arbor and drew long breath. Over on the next hill, sleeping through all this tur-
 
 stars Huff fled the law, Ward tossed on his bed, Elinor sat despairlng and ashamed. What did it all mean2 What was the answer?
 Perhaps, had he known it, old Hen riette could have told him-Henriette who had begun to measure her days from the end and not from the begin ming, and who now sat on the edge of her bed mumbling. Between her fin gers she ran the beads of an old rosary which she had found beneath q carpet.
 "I had thought" said Elinor wistful- ly, that if I could get away somewhere and start all over again, perhaps some day 1 might be good-like other wom- en. I can never go back to things as they were before.
 "No," said the Russian, "I can see that But make no mistake. You are good as few are good."
 II could sell the house and-and I do not want the jewels. If only you and the others would divide them"
 But Boroday would not hear of this. To a certain extent he was reconciled ing in on the band. Before long they would probably all have to separate. It were better that Elinor be In safety.
 So for long time they discussed ways and means, available money the question of q home for old Henriette.
 Tn some ways" Elinor said, q feel as though I am deserting him." She glanced toward the graveyard where old Hilary slept. But all I can think of now is to get away, to forget every thing,"
 When will they be able to move Mr. WardT
 ''In week, should think"
 linen, Tn week, said B0r0day, "where do you think of going, Ellnor?'
 q had hardly got so far. Anywhere but here."
 'We shall have to plan for you"
 He picked up his soft hat and Eli nor rose.
 Good night, Elipor,"
 Good night, I am always happier for having seen you,"
 He watched her back to the house, then went down the steps into the road.
 There had been a dinner at the country club that night. The chief had attended 1t, unknown to hostess and guests, to the extent ef sitting in the grillfeam during the evening and care. fully watching the men who came and went. He had dined quite alone In the grill, From where he sat he could see the dinner-party guests on the veranda. There were noticeably few jewels to be seen. Over his chop and lager beer the chief smiled grimly.
 After that he shook dice for a short