The Hope pioneer. [volume] (Hope, N.D.) 1882-1964, 1919-06-05

ter than to ask you in to have a dish
of tea-it's ,eatime. I'm sure-but III
no more think Of doing it thar I'd con-
slider cutting off me head. He doesn't
like strangers. He.
"My dear fellow. don't distress your
self" cried Barnes heartily. "There
isn't the least reason in the world
why.
"You see, the poor old chap asks
us up here nee or twice a year-that
is to say, De Soto and me-to keep
his sister from filling the house up
with men he can't endure. So long
rs we occupy the only available rooms.
he argues. she can't stuff them full
of objectionables. Twice a year she
for a month. in the late fall
and early spring."
"Why does he continue to live in
this out-of-the-world spot? He is an
old man. I take it. and ill.,"
you wouldn't be wondering If you
knew the man." said O'Dowd. HE is
a scholar. a dreamer, a sufferer. He's
not a very old man at that. Not more
than siXty-fve."
"He certainly has a fanciful streak
in him. building a place like that said
Barnes. looking not at the house but
| into the thicllet above. There was no
sign Of the blue and white and the
spun gold that still defiel exclusion
from his minds eye. He had not re-
covered from the thrall into which the
vision of loneliness plunged him. He
was still n triila dazcd and distrauyht.
fright you are" agreed O"Dowd;
the q%ueerest streak in tile world. It's
his notion of simplicity"
Green Fancy. Is that the name he
gave the place or does it spring
FROM"
"Twas christened by me own Sis
ter, Mr.. Barnes, the first time she was
here. two years ago. I'll walk with
YOU to the fence beyond if you've no
objections" said O'Dowd genially, and
linked his arm through that of Barnes.
The latter was at once subtly aware
of the fact that he was being DELHI
eratcly conducted from the grounds,
Moreover, he was now convinced that
ODowd had been close upon his heels
from the instant he entered them.
There was something uncanny in the
feeling that possessed him. Such es-
pi0nage as this signifiel something
deep and Imperative in the presence
not only Of O'Dowd but the jack-in.
the-boX gardener u few minutes ear
lier.
His mind was still full of the lovely
stranger about whom O'Dowd had SO
mnnifestly lied over the telephone.
Il must ask you to apologize to the
young lady on whom I Numbered Il
few moments ago. Mr.. O'Dowd. She
must have been startled. Pray con-
vey to her my solicitude and ex-
cuses."
Consider it done, my dear sir" said
The lrishman. Our most charming
and seductive guest" he went on.
'Betad, Of the. W. of you, I'll stake
me head you We're startled the most.
Coming suddenly upon such rare love
liness is almost equivalent to being
struck by a bolt of lightning. More
than II painter Of portraits has said
that she is the most beautiful m
in the world. Mayhap you have heard
of her. She is Miss Cameron Of New
Orleans, a friend Of Mrs. Van Dyke.
We have quite q enchanting house
party, Mr.. Barnes. if you consider no
more than the feminine side Of it.
BY the way. have you heard when the
coroner is to hold his inquests"
Nothing definite. He may wait a
week" said Barnes.
Il suppose you'll stick around until
it's over" ventured O'DOwd. Barnes
thought he detected a slight h%arshness
in his voice.
II have quite made up my mind to
stay until the mystery is entirely
cleared up he said. 1.-The case is so
interesting that don't want to miss Il
shred Of it."
81 don't blame ye." said O'Dowd
heartily. "Td like nothing better me-
self than to mix up in it.. The next
time you plan TO pay us u visit. tele-
phone in advance. may be able to
persuade my host that you're a de
cent, l%aw-abiding, educated gentleman.
and he'll consent " receive you a!
Green Fancy. Good day to ye," and
he shook hands with the departing
treSpaSser.
'"Tnkin' Il walk?" was the landlords
greeting as Barnes mounted the tavern
steps at dusk.
Going yer the grounds of las,
nights affair."" responded Barnes
pausing
AS he entered the door he was
acuLely ware Of ali intense stare lev.
e!etl ut him from behind by the land
lord Of Harris Tavern. Half way w.
the stairway he opped short and
with difficulty %repressed the exclama.
ton that rose to his lips.
He had recalled a significant Incl
dent Of the night before. Almost i'm