The Huttig news., 1917-07-28

Lethbridge who took up the argument. He understood her position and sym pathized, he said. The fire was a mis- take. But now that it was done, He spoke of Boroday's critical condi- tion, of their safety that depended on his, and finding her attitude to be un- yielding, took refuge in her fathers memory.
 If anything comes out, 1t will all come out" he reminded her. 'It seems to me, Elinor, that you owe 1t to your father not to interfere. This isn't new plan. Four or five years ago when the parish house was first built we talked it over here. And it isn't as though we mean to hurt this fellow Ward. It will be three to one; he'll l make no resistance "Yes," she said. "Three to one. That is the way we fight. Oh. I'm one of you, know that-but it sickens me, sometimes"
 The men were astounded, frankly uncomfortable.
 The conference got nowhere. Elinor acknowledged their duty to the Rus sian, offered all her jewels, in fact, for his defense. But she stubbornly re- fused to countenance the attack on Mir. Ward. Huff lapsed into sullen si- 1 lence, his eyes on her. The other men found every argument met by silence, except for one passionate outburst.
 He is my friend" she cried. "I have never had any friends, except once, years ago, a girl. It was Boro- day then who used my friendship for her. It was the Rutherford matter. Walter would not remember, but the rest of you-I tell you, I won't do this thing''
 Talbot tried a new method. Its wealthy congregation" he explained Tt is not much for them, and it's safety for us. If we let Boroday go up, and he thinks what he will about us, he can make it bad for all of us." Eliner turned on him.
 II don't care a rap for the congre- gation. Do you think he will let that money go without a struggle? The moment it goes into the offertory 1t ceases to be money and becomes a. di- vine trust to him. He'll fight and someone will be killed.
 Ii dawned even on Talbot after time that her solicitude was for none of them. When he realized it, at last, he sat back with folded arms and frowning brOws. Here was mockery, for sure old Hilary's daughter, reared on pure violence, and in love with a parson i-old Hilary's daughter and hour of need, and quoting a divine trust, in attenuation!
 In view of her attitude, there seemed to be nothing to do. Well give it up, of course," said Lethbridge, after a pause. There had never been any drinking in old Hilary's house. Only abstain CTS were ever taken into the band. But it was the custom of the two older men to remain at the table over their cigars, giving Walter and Elinor half-hour together. That night, when Elinor rose from the table. Huff. although he rose with the others. made no move to follow her. She looked back from the doorway, a slim. almost childish figure. with beseeching eyes.
 You must all try to think kindly of me" she said wistfully. 'T care for you as much as ever did. You are all I have. you three. It is only that r. have been thinking"
 For the first time since the organi- zation of the band, there was quarrel ing that night in old Hilary's paneled library. At the end of an hour Walter Huff flung out of the door, white with fury. lie stumbled through the gar den toward the garage. muttering as he went. In the rose alley he met El- inor.
 q was waiting for you" she said simply.
 Huff stood before her, and the anger left his face.
 You're the one thing in all the world I felt sure of" His voice was heavy with despair
 I've been thinking about Boro- day.
 "Elinor, how far have things gone between you and this man at St. Jude's?"
 She recoiled. .s
 'I hardly know him."
 ''You think about him."
 She looked down into the valley.
 '.I think of the things he stands for. It just seems to me that, when a man like that, not a dreamer at all, but hu man and-and keen. when he believes all that he does"
 Tt was Ward on the ridge-pole, the one who nearly fellY'
 "Yes."
 And you were frightenedT
 Tt made me sick. T."
 Quite suddenly he crushed her to him. It was as if he meant to drive away this barrier between them by sheer force of his love for her. But, although she held up her face for his kiss, he released her as suddenly. without it.
 You're crazy about him." he said