The daily Alaskan., 1918-12-14


 It seemed to David that he had al- ways loved Shirley Dare. And Shir- ley, realizing that evident fact from othe time of her schooldays, had been an lmperiOus and capriclous sweet heart. ''s-- '''' ''--''''''
 Not that the girl deceived David by pretending affection returned. She had merely accepted his devotion as one beStowing favor. {
 The country town had been unusu- ally quiet that summer. Davld's pres ence on the shadowy porch was well cOmed; as loneliness welcomes com panlonshlp. Most of Fairlands' young men had gone to war. while young women of Shirley's acquaintance sought diversion in vacations else where.
 If you would not be so agreeable and kind" she told him completely. T believe l might, care for you--really."
 David smiled; to be either disagree able or unkind to Shirley would be an lmpossibIlity. So he decided to sacrifice few of these ldyllic days in absentIng himself from her pres ence,. In the hope that "absence might make Shirley's heart fonder."
 When sepafation became unbear- able, and he began the homeward trip, 1t was In a strange spirit of apprehen- sion. AnxiOusly his eyes gazed ahead to the little porch; then he under stood.
 Shirley was there In her white frock, and beside her q tall young man. "Where had the fellow come from% David sayagely wondered, as he walk ed up the path, and all at once his newly bought suit seemed common and his own bulk clumsy in comparl- son with the strangers faultlessly clad figure. 3,
 "Why, how do you do2". said Shlr- ley. There was new formality in the extension of her hand.
 Every well,"1 answered David, and relapsed into silence. Shirley Intro- duCed the men.
 "Mr. Webster is an attorney here on business" she smillngly explained. "He has been finding Falrlands dull; we must try to remove that impress siOn."
 Shirley had been doing her pret- tiest, David mentally decided, to re- move the impression. She and the joy ous attorney appeared to be on the frlendliest terms.
 AS weeks slipped by and the three were much together, hope and fear struggled perplexedly in Davld's heart. There were mOments-breathless mo- mentS-when ShIrley's eyes seemed to seek his with new tender question. Again, she would turn, vaguely trOu- bled. to that other manly, admiring face She was weighing herself, Da- vid knew, trying to find the answer to the problem of her heart. He de cided to go back to the city, to search the record of this stranger who had come with triumphant self-confidence among them. And the man proved to be all that he had represented, and more. For John Webster had laid no claim to the wealth that WAS his, or to the enviable name of his family. So there In the city David fought great fight, and the unselfsh, love of his lifetime trIumphed. If Shirley were even now hesltatlng between the two men in her heart, he, David would go away forever:
 When he returned again to Fair lands new light shone In his eyes, and Shirley could not know that 1t was the light of renunclatlon. John Websters ready smile had dlsap- peared-the atmosphere of the little porch that evening seemed fraught with a vital element.
 Quietly the three sat talking until the hour grew late. Then very wearily David arose. There were new lines about his mouth, and his face was white.
 Goodnight" he said slowly, "snd it may be good-by. I have been exam Ined in the city. and they find me in A 1 condition to fight, sol have enlisted for the war. We leave for camp in a few days-theu over the water."-
 Ills two listeners were sllent-Da- vid laughed softly. Nothing heroic about 1t, you understand" he added; "bouhd to: De called later, just antic- Ipated the thing"
 5 "Oh! David" Shirley mprmured- T can't think of you going off ike that"
 She put her hand to her throat dis sressed, then quickly turned as though seeking comfort from the other man. John Webster drew a deep breath, then put forth a steady hand.
 Goodnight, little Shirley Dare," he said. with me, also, It may mean good-by. A business trip carries me td California tomorrow. My stay there will undoubtedly be prolonged. 1 thank you for the kindness of your hospitality"
 As he paused, the girl stood looking up at him, hurt incredulity on her features