Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1918-03-18

rot to be judged ordinarily She is
peculiar. She keeps good deal to
herself"
They descended TO the library in ST.
lence. Miller resented the constraint
that had arisen between them at the
mention of this girl in whom he felt
so strong an interest. When he took
his leave, however, Morgan resumed
lis cordial tone.
"lt's pretty dark" he said Il hadn't
realized it was so late. You have had
experience of that path Perhaps you
wouldn't find it pleasant walking, par
ticularly after your vigil of the other
night. Let me run you out in my
launch"
Miller laughed little.
"Np. | suppose | should be glad rs
dark, so | can go through those woods
srinning at the feeling with which
they oppressed me the other night.
But OF course that's nonsense. The
paths really all right. Besides my man
is waiting for me around the house,
and We have the dingy on the shore
! can't inconvenience you and myself
for atmosphere
Morgan laughed back at him.
after all that's the talk. But mind
you don't fancy things in the dark.
| want you to come again"
when you've launched or dined OH
the Dart" Miller answered.
"Gadly. How about lantern?"
"Theres one IN the dingy. | think
7 Tan manage that far
He started around the house.
Good night" Morgan called after
him.
II was really night in the avenue
Miller walked cautiously to avoid
stumbling,
He was disappointed more than he
would have thought possible. Primar-
lily he had come to see the girl. She
had not appeared. He had misread he
He paused and lighted his pipe. M.
ter the match expired it was darker
was so late. He smiled at the thought
of TOny's terror of the darkness in
this place. But where was the man?
A slight uneasiness drove the smile
away. He called;
TONY,
He waited listening. The night was
very still
His uneasineSs increased. Perhaps,
though the native had gone back to
the dingy. Yet, Miller felt, he would not
have taken that path at dusk dione
without some irresistible reason.
He went on. He knew he must he
near The end Of the avenue that those
dark masses directly ahead were the
ruined slave quarters. He wondered
why the night was so still, There
he heard nothing save the slight scuf-
fling OF his feet among dead leaves
Abruptly he stopped Miller was not
easily startled, yet now his throat
frightened. Something was moving
ahead--a blacker shadow in the black
shadow of a crumbling wall. 1t stepped
out towards him.
"Who's there" ne muitefed.
But now he guessed. and he was ey.
ultant. She came to him quickly Her
hand was on his arm. He heard her
heavy breathing. The girl was fright.
ened. He fought back quick impulse
to put his arm around her, to Graw
her close. He knew it was uniUstlia-
lie. For a moment it was incompre-
hensible to him. He stranglel il.
81 told myself you would see me-"
he said. Il asked you to see me-
Il have obeyed"
She caught her breath.
"Listen-''
"What is your name?" he ASKED
This time you will tell me your
name"
Listen" she began again.
won't you tell me your Nance"
She burst out impatiently:
Il have no name for you
She reached up. She pulled at the
lapel of his coat.
Listen to me"
Again, as on the beach, a sense OF
social isolation set him beyond the
standards he knew The logic of reason
no longer dovetailed. The impulse
grew too strong His arms we,c around
her. His lips tried to find hers. Bus
he could not find her lips at FIRST.
She spoke hurriedly with an odd
catch in her voice.
This is madness. You cannot do
that
But ! can" he said defiantly.
He drew her head back. He kissed
her mouth. Without warning he re-.
Taxed.
you have taken too much" she
said in hard voice. Now co.
"Yes," he answered, Il shall 60, but
tomorrow on the beach,