Charlevoix county herald., 1918-03-01

laugh heartily, and we were both quite
gleeful when we left the car at Wash
ington Square.
It was but short half-block to the
Greek church. and its darkened front
told us at once that we had come in
vain. There was to be no wedding
there. evidently. and her spirits sank
with the knowledge Of her inevitable
loneliness. Again she was the little
girl. friendless in a strange city.
I offered to go within. rout out the
janitor or whoever had charge, and
make certain, but she would not let
me. 1T would be a real ceremony"
she said, with all the pomp Of a
Church wedding-if it was to be at
all. There would be music and lights
and carriages-and everything. No."
she cried miserably, something has
Notwithstanding awful has hap
pened!"
"What could happen? What do you
think could possibly happen?" i ask
ed, again wondering who these
people might be who would have q
high church function at their mar
riage ceremonial.
II cannot even guess. Take me back
now-to some hotel where may hide
my fears"
Al we turned from the iron gates
before the church my eye was caught
by the shadowy figure of a man stand.
Ing beside the trunk of a tree at the
edge Of the park across the street.
Had he not been attempting conceal
ment, / should have given his
shadowy form no attention, for there
were plenty of people passing through
the square and on the street, and 1t
was still early enough for shopping
and theater crowds. AS we walked to
the car glanced back, to see the fig
ure separate itself from the dark
shade Of the tree and follow us.
shall We walk?" / asked her. 1T
Is not far"
II should prefer I dread the time
when must be alone"
/ turned the corner, climbing the
hill at Union Street. 1t was not in the
direction we should go, but this she
would not know. and 1t would deter
mine whether we were being followed.
Before We had made half the block,
q man turned the corner of the street
on its farther side and, keeping in the
shadows Of the buildings, began the
ascent
LET us go by the avenue; It is
brighter there" l said, turning back
as we crossed the street, and without
waiting for her reply, led her down
the hill directly toward the pursuer.
I wanted to see him, find out definite
ly whether he was a chance or pur-
poseful shadow. Now there was no
alternative to meeting unless he
turned and fled.
We passed him. Because he would
have still concealed his face by keep
ing 1t down, / awkwardly bumped my
shoulder against his chest.
excuse me-" said, grasping his
arm to prevent his falling on the
steep incline. He shook me off angri-
ly. but said no word. Il am an awk-
ward brute!" l said to Miss Reade,
hurrying her onward. I had seen his
face.
"He-that man was In the restau-
rant-at Brenta's!" she gasped, hold
ing tightly to my arm.
was he?"
"You knew it., He was following
and you did that to find him out.
Who is he?"
II do not know. / am quite sure
we are through with him now, so do
do not worry"
"He was following me-"
more likely me. I've met him be-
fore, and he probably was waiting for
q chance to speak with me. Don't let
him get on your nerves."
She said no more, but there was no
doubt the incident had increased her
worries. She was frightened, and
was sorry that ! had taken measures
which had resulted In her Identified
ton of the man.
I had not met him before: he was
a stranger except for the chance of
his dining at Brenta's.
. I took her downtown on the first
car that came by and to the st. Fran
els Hotel, where l arranged for her
accommodation. At the elevator /
handed her my card, penciling my ad-
dress and telephone number You
can reach me here at any time to-
morrow" / explained. do not hest
tate to call me on the slightest need"
"You are very kind. 1t would be
useless for me to try to express my
thanks, but am grateful. truly CRATE
full. Goodby, Mr.. Gilmore"
She gave me little, gloved hand,
which / held although the elevator
was waiting for her. II shall not say
goodby," declared. II will see you
again, / know. Please need me to-
morrow"
She smiled. eff l do not find my
friends, l shall be at Brenta's again
at eight-looking for them. But /
am certain to find them, unless No!
/ shall not say it, or think it! And
when do find them, / must go away
at once. So it is most likely to be