The Idaho Springs siftings-news., 1918-01-11
CHAPTER X-Continued.
- -.


After a brief conference he turned
back to lydia and Peter. "A bad busi-
ness I" he doubted In an undertone,
wagging his head. "Betty's played the
game straight as "a die this trip; but
nothing on earth will make these peo-
pie believe that, after the way she's
carried on in the past. LoogS like an
all-day session-no good your sticking
round: nothing either of you can do.
Quoin and l will stand by Betty but
you'd better cut along. You won't mind
dropping Lydia at the Great Eastern
hotel. Peter?'
"No-I won't precisely what you
might call mind Peter declared.
Frightening.
"I engaged rooms by wireless yester-
day. It'll take Il day or two, you know.
to readjust my diggings to receive
daughter. Now clear out-like good
childrenr'
Lydia bade hurried farewells- Giving
Quoin her hand. she hoped he wouldn't
forget to call. as he'd promised Quoin
was persuaded that such oversight
would be symptomatic of insanity. His
tone light but his direct and pene-
trating gaze embarrassed the girl, and
she was fluttered by consciousness that
her cheeks were unaccountably aglow,
her fingers tremulous in his firm grasp.
Betty Merrilees offered n cool cheek
to Lydia's lips. Don't worry about
mel y she protested pettishly. Besides,
In your heart of hearts you believe I'm
suilty-you know you do!'
II dont!" Lydia insisted and in the
nsxt breath. You didnt-honestly?
Bettys mood melted transiently.
Honest Injun.' she declared with
mirth in her voice, but downright can
dor in the eyes that held Lydia's. "And
I don't blame anyone for climbing up
on the fence, either she added in
cryptic phrase. "all except these de-
splcable customs mem"
Peters town car was waiting at the
pier entrance and when he had helped
her into It, Lydia looking out through
the limousine door, viewed n section of
the throng of passengers waiting for
taxicabs, In the forefront of which
stood two men.
One faced her and first attracted at
tentiop by his slugularly persistent
stare-a stoutish body, by no means
tall, snug in braided morning coat
the London mode. glossy topper. white
spats and all, down to the sflyer-Inount-
ed stick Of misunderstanding n humor-
Gus eye in his square jnwed. scarlet
face-one who would readily pass cur
rent an elderly and retired gentle
man of MEANS with II penchant for
good cooking and outdoor life.
His companion, some inches taller
and built upon more rakish lines, stood
half turned aside that she could see
little more than the salient line of
dark, lean cheek. and a long and mar
row back-head. But that was quite
enough to make her sit up with Il start,
hat Oh. !,
bnce before In precisely that pose. out
hde the window of her stateroom. He
turned for a moment toward her bring
.ng to her view his right ey-covered
by black patch! -4-s4s
Happily Peter chose that moment to
climb into the car, and so blocked out
the disturbing vision. On the other
land he was quick to note the evil
dcnce Of her distress.
~Hellor' he cried in deep concern.
What's up? Surely you're not feeling
mr.
She shook her head vigorously, and
n needless agitation raised gloved
hand and pointed. Peter, who is that
man-the tall one, there, with the
black patch over his eye?"
(Which? Oh. I seer" Here the car
drew away, SO that Black Patch was no
longer visible. m not Oead sure,
Peter resumed, but he looks heap
like a chap Quoin pointed out in the
smoking room one night-one of
brace Of deep-sea sharks we had
aboard. Chap with a queer name
Lefty-no, I've got it-Southpaw
Smith. Why do you ask7 You GER
Ainly can't know the fellow I"
Lydia sank beck into her corner.
nth a head awhirl. NO" abe saAd,