The Knoxville independent. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1894-current, 1918-07-20

"No accident has happened, If that is
what you mean" she said.
"But-why, yes, that was what
meant. You was so awful late, and
you know you said you'd be home for
dinner, So
Il changed my mind. Come, Steve"
She turned to leave the room. Pear
son at that moment entered 1t. Ste.
phen saw him first.
"What?" he cried. "well, Of all the
nerveI Look, Caro-"
"Jim-Mr. Pearson I mean-ran in 8
few minutes ago." explained Captain
Elisha, bewildered and stammering
'He thought, of course, we'd had din
ner-and-and-he Just wanted to wish
you many happy returns, Caroline"
Pearson had extended his hand, and 6
Good evening" was ON his lips. Ste
phen's strange behavior and language
ecfased htua 20 halt He. flushed, awk
ward. surprised, indignant.
Caroline turned and saw him. Sh,
! started, and her cheeks also grew Grim
son. Then, recovering, she looked hin
full in the face and deliberately ant
disdainfully turned her back.
"Come, Steve" she said again, ant
walked from the room.
Her brother hesitated, glared at Pear
son and then stalked haughtily aftel
her.
Captain Elisha's bewilderment wa:
supreme. He stared open mouthed aft
er his nephew and niece and ther
turned slowly to his friend.
What on earth, Jim?" he STAN
mered. whats it mean2"
Pearson shrugged his shoulders. e.
think l know what it MEANS" he said
II presume that Miss Warren and he
brother have learned of my troubl,
with their father"
Hey? No, you don't think that's it?
II think there's no doubt of it."
But how"
Il don't know how. What do know
is that / should not have come here.
felt it and, if you will remember,
said so. was a fool. Good night, cap
tain"
Hot and furiously angry at his owl
/ indecision which had placed him In thi
humiliating situation, he was stridinI
toward the hall. Captain Elisha seizet
his arm.
"Stay where you are, HmF' he com
manded. eff the troubles what yo1
think 1t Is I'm more to blame than any
body else, and you shan't leave thi
house till I've done my best to squar
you"
THANK you, but 1 don't wish to b
squared I've done nothing to b
ashamed of, and have borne as man,
insults as can stand. I'm going"
mo, you amt. Not yet. want 20,
to stay"
At that moment Stephens vote
reached them from the adjoining room
II tell you I shall, Carol" it pre-
claimed flercely. do you suppose Tn
going to permit that fellow to com
here again--or to 60 until he Is made +
understand what we think Of him an,
why? No, by gadI I'm the man o
this family, and I'll tell him q few
things"
Parsons jaw set grimly.
"You may let go Of my wrist, Car
tain Warren" he said. "I1l stay"
Possibly Stephens intense desire L
prove his manliness made him sci
conscious. At any rate, he never ap
peared more ridiculously boyish thar
when, an instant later, he marched int,
the library and confronted his uncl
and Pearson.
I'll want to say he began ma
jestically. ~ want to say
He paused, choking, and brandishet
his fist.
81 want to say he began again.
Gan right, Stevie." interrupted tn,
captain dryly, then I'd say it II wa
you. I guess it's time you did"
II want toto tell that fellow there,
with vicious stab OF his forefinger ii
| the dissction OF Pearson, that I con