Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1918-01-30

MaCLeanI
BY
Dy w. T. ELORiooE. Z
H. Copyright, 2
The Frank A. MunSey Co.
Dy W. T. ELoRlooE.
4 Copyftsn'
The Frank A. MunSey Co.


Il have thought obou, il great
deatseyer since we walked under the
trees and was 80 foolish as TO faint.
thought for while that couldn't
explain 10 stranger, but-but, some
, how haze come 10 think can--to
YOU
Her voice sank 10 whisper, ana
he bent forward TO catch her words
above the noise of the motor Bend
ing close to her. his breath upon her
cheek, it was almost impossible for the
man to hold the words. lowering upon
his lips. in check
Her supple body. swaying with the
rush OF the car, touched his own: the
fragrance ofNher being was like wine
TO his blood, and only the thought OF
his friend and the eyerpressing puzzle
held him from hurting out the truth
that filled his heart.
Il hope ! understand he an
swered~her. Tell me-"
Her eyes met his again There
seemed to linger in theA depths an
answer to his unspoken words--as If
She. too, comprehended what he would
have said under other circumstance.
And then softly she began to speak.
The one whom you met at the
crossroads was my sister, Mr.. Kings
bury, IL have tried to see her, to
find vat shh kner'. but ! could not.
She vi uld n allof me cen to spea';
with lpr hat Sic Lay ow.
have no idea: perhaps ou'C a ilnd
out. Bu,--but there is her husband :.
lit was her husband, ! am sure
who fired that shot. iou-oh.
have hated to tell you, because there
may he some danger if you go to
her!"
Her hesitancy, the hating utter
ancc of her words. told him. without
The sight OF her troubled face, how
hard 1t was for her 10 explain. His
voice was low and tender.
If YOU can tell me all9' he sue
Tested. "Yon can feel. am sure
that anything will be sacred with
me-"
yes she nodded. And then
after . long moment Of waiting
Ny sister visited II,tA litt!'
met how We do moi know, a man WIZ
has done work Tor Uncle Jerry. HI
may have thought my father wa
wealthy. do not think he coul,
have cared for her--l say that be
cause of what he has done-but b.
married her. They ran away, AM
father was terribly angry. At ti,st
he tried to get Helen to come home
Uncle Jerry tried; but she-she wa
angry because father didn't approx
and insisted upon her leaving her hus
band. He would have. Mr.. kingsbury
but the man was--well he wasn't tn
sort Helen should have married" ~
Il see" he nodded.
al last fathe. grew angry. Ii
wouldn't try TO see Helen or get he
to leave this man. and he forbad
Uncle Jerry TO do anything more
But | think. from what Edith wrot
me, that Helen realized her mistake
she has discovered, I'm sure, tina
The man she found so fascinating wa
only brute. am sure il could Sc
Aer she would give him -
And il ives for that ,rpose, 10 TT
and induce your sister to retur
home, that YOU came to Concord"
Marjory nodded. Il have ',riet
but she wouldn't sec nc. can realiz
how she feels. for father talked I
her. when he saw her once, very plail
ly. I'm sure she would come HON
IL could only talk with her now an
make her understand Father
heart.sick. Ny mother ~ dead, NJ
Kingsbury.'
He was silent at this new phase {
the affair. Almost unconsciously h
hand stole out and closed about ht
slender fingers.
Perhaps | can help suggested.
III you could" Her eyes tea
filled, lifted 10 his face. "lf YOU couI
see her, then YOU could find what 81
may know of Dick Macl.ean. an
perhaps" she halted.
Perhaps get her to come and Sc
you? will
"Ob. il you could but sudden
her voice broke. I'm afraid the1
might be some risk" she faltered.
You mean this husband Of hers?'
He hes treated her terribly.