The Washington times., 1918-08-25
Continued from Preceding PGgeJ

No lost" came voice from the bundle
REST. Raj no lose-a me. Always take-a
me home" There was something oddly
cheerful and sad about the voice. The
small dog whined and sat up on his
launches; there was light enough for me
to see that he was begging with a reach
ing, waving movement of his forward paws.
How'd ye come to get so far away from
your shack after dark?" Kerrigan interro-
gated.
mo diff; always dark-a for me, boss.
Doc he say come round and get-a bask'
full of da grub" On the ground beside the
bundle was something that looked like a
small covered basket.
I'm showin' friend the way to the doc
tors house, SAM" said the old patrolman
kindly. 'Tf ye wait, mebbe I'll be comm
back quick, and I'll keep ye company back
to the village"
We passed between the stone gateposts
and followed a walk that wound along be-
side curving driveway.
"One thing" said Kerrigan, 81 don't un-
derstand at all. How did Sam Bat get
back from ltaly?"
Sam Bat is the name of the blind Ital
ian playing the flute back there?" l in
terrogated.
That's what they call him around here.
1 guess he's mostly dago, though he's con-
fessed that his father was some sort of
haythen Hindoo outcast from his own coun-
try-a missionary convert that his own
people wouldn't have. any dealings with.
Anyhow, let him tell it, the Eyetalian Gov
ernment claimed him as a citizen, though
he had American naturalization papers,
and put him into the army when he was
back there on a visit. The bloody Aus
trians shot his eyes out the first time they
took a look at him. Now he's got back
here somehow. That's bis story. He
makes it sound true, and with the aid of
his little dog, Rajah, he makes an easy
Hvin'. Ev'rybody coughs up to him.
''Shot his eyes out!" / muttered, think
ing of the great host of poor fellows who
had suffered the same terrible calamity.
Don't speak about it," said Kerrigan.
ut gets me goat"
We drew near to pleasant lights that
showed through the trees. Down the slope
the wailing of the flute grew fainter.
Through the trees l saw the dark shape
Of the bungalow. Though 1 was a little
late, was hardly apprehensive regarding
my welcome. The doctor had said that the
dinner would be informal, and Anita was
there. My heart raced ahead of my feet,
which were hurrying now
The path took us round the front of the
bungalow. softly lighted door, opening
viting. Voices came from within. l heard
her laugh, and my huTrying heart danced
chokngly in my throat.
They heard the sound OF our feet on the
veranda. The table had been spread, for
space and comfort, in the large living room
where the expiring embers of a wood fire
glowed on an open hearth They looked
at me as l paused in the doorway, Kerri-
gan at my shoulder.
81 hope you'll accept my apology, Doc
tor" said, 81 tried to be on time. but
couldn't quite make it, Though ] spoke
to her father my eyes had found and were
fixed upon Anita.
Doctor Spear rose at once. Here -"
are, ChambersI" he cried, cordially. az c >
come. my boyi We had given you ~. NC
lust sat down. There's a place -or ~or.
For your friend, too," he added, Gc-ceivinG
Kerrigan behind me, but evidently no.
recognizing him.
Excuse me, doctor said the Old ~
trolman 81 just came over to see We on
bit of business. We know. But It's no
matter. to-mOrrow'll do as well. It's no
time for me TO butt into a private party
Coleman Spear left his place and came
forward It's Kerrigan You'll just bal
ance up the party. Kerrigan. You must
stay ! won't be pleased il you don't
Then Anita came. dancing on her toes.
ught as a fairy. her face wreathed in
smiles | was surprised. for she seemed
like a little girl again, and had not eN
pected that She caught me in both her
hands and kissed me quickly
"Oh, l was disappointed when | thought
vou weren't coming" she declared. 81
wanted to see you. I'm glad you came,
Uncle Hugh.
Though she was OveriOyed, though she
had kissed me with a little birdlike peck
on the cheek. my heart stopped dancing
and sunk She was still a child, and to
her | was still merely her fathers friend
She had called me Uncle Hugh" Be
tween us there was yet the gulf of years.
The illusion was broken. | was sorry |
had come
CHAPTER w.