Catoctin clarion., 1917-08-09

"He is a bigamist," added Evans.
"Trust me, am acting in the mat
ter wholly for your own good, to
avoid the misery and heartbreak of
those at home who love you. Hasten,
beg of you"
"Lilas" called the voice of Will
lard, for he had nearly reached them
now. The girl uttered muffied sob
and hurried away. Evans put up his
hand and halted the scoundrel as he
approached.
"You are unmasked and your In
tended victim knows Of your true char
acter and designs" spoke Evans, and
his calm dignity abashed the wretch.
"1f you take one step after that young
lady l will have you under lock and
key within five minutes. Go your way.
Your evil schemes are baffled"
The man skunk away like beaten
cur. Once again Evans saw Lilias
Deane. 1t was In the little park near
her home. They sat on bench en-
gagged in conversation for over an
hour. Evans disclosed all that he had
learned of Willard, and Lilias was
shocked, appalled,, and then the tears
Of gratitude came into her eyes as
she realized what this disinterested
friend had saved her from.
"Oh, never, never will forget your
kind care for me!" she sobbed.
"Wherever you are I shall think of
you, and pray that the greatest good
may come to you," and she bent and
kissed his hand, and watched him go
away, and took up the old home du-
ties, shuddering whenever she recount
ed how narrowly she had escaped the
wiles Of heartless adventurer.
1t was year later when the news
came to Rockton Of the death of Ward
Evans. He was one Of over fifty over
taken in volcanic island Of the Pa
citic by an eruption. What had been
recovered Of his remains had been sent
to his former home. A simple head
stone in the village cemetery told of
his cruel fate.
And never Lilias forgot him! That
last interview with him had left with
her an impression of almost alteration
for the noble spirit that, amid personal
suffering, had paused to do her vast
service.
His memory became to her an ideal,
To her. though dead, he was more
than any other man living. Every
week she would visit the little ceme-
= tNI al 1nt
the lowly grave, would weave wreath
of the choicest wild flowers and place
them upon the little mound.
"He was all that Is noble and good"
she murmured one day, as she kissed
the simple wreath she had made, and
set it In place. "He has made my
life sweet with its impulses of duty,
and love him, 1 love him."
She looked up, startled, for some
one was approaching. She hurriedly
brushed the tears from here eyes.
Then, with clear, astonished vision,
she recognlzed-Ward Evans
The hue of health was In his face.
He was a changed man. He came
forward with extended hand. He
noted the shock of his unexpected
presence and in his usual quiet way
sought to reassure her.
"My grave" he said with slight
smile. THE error in ny Identification
was worth while, to prove that have
one devoted friend in the world.
"And they said you were dead-and
I-Oh 7 remembered |"
"Bless you" he spoke sOlemnly.
"Perhaps your thoughts and your
prayers guided and protected me-"
She took his proffered arm. A hush.
holy, serene, fell across them as they
proceeded down the tree-shaded path
and into the full glowing sunlight, ana
in his heart of hearts Ward Evans felt
that In this congenial spirit he had
found a lifelong companion.