Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-05-16
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The Burnt VIII

Il unexpectedly from out of the wood
advanced very quickly and with long
and firm strides, as one who had q
definite errand to. perform aud wished
TO lose no time. Neither Dick Went
worth nor his wife spoke as they
watched him approach. but it seemed
they knew him, and their air and man
ner began to take on something Of
despair, as though the worst. long ex
pected, was now happening. They had
apparently entirely forgotten the pres
ence of Keith. at whom they did not
even glance. and he for his part ex-
perienced growing excitement. for he
thought that he was almost certainly
about to witness the unveiling of some
part at least of this battling mystery
That the old man appearing so alb
ruptly from out of the wood was neither
of his assaiants of the previous night
he was, of course. quite certain. but
he remembered that one of them had
spoken of sending off n telegram and
had suggested that Keith would be able
to guess to whom it had gone. And
1t was the recipient of that message that
Keith supposed this old man to be.
He glanced at Dick Wentworth and
his wife, and thought that neither of
them showed TO the best advantage nor
was likely TO make very favorable i'm
preston on the newcomer. Dick. un-
washed, unshaven. dishevelrd from his
night upon the floor. his heavy fpa
lures and bloodshot eyes showing plain
traces of his recent debauch. was stand
ing leaning against the doorpost. his
hands in his pockets. his ewes on the
ground. his whole expression that of
sullen culprit awaiting condemnation.
Mrs. Wentworth was at least tidy in
appear france. but her face was paler than
ever: she was greatly agitated and
looked more than half inclined TO run
away. She had as it were shrunk in
upop herself, and all her prettiness
seemed TO have left her as though
shriveled and scorched away by her
fear, Keith felt very sure that moth
ing would be less likely than her atti-
ture of cripgipy terror to placate the
stern looking old man who was now
only few Yards away.
It did not. however. occur to Keith
that he himself. uuwashed and un-
sbayen like Dick. his ragged clothing
covered with earth stains. his whole ap-
pesrance at first glance that of a spe-
ciallv disreputable tramp, was display
ing presence by no means likely to
lesson this rnfavorabIe impression he
feared the other two would make.
He was standing a little apart and
the old man saw him first and then
the other two, and came straight up to
them. He was well and carefully dressed
In n light gray suit with a soft homburg
hat. and wore gold eye glasses and a
heavy gold chain across his white waist
coat. His whole appearance was that of
man of wealth and standing. and his
keen bright eyes under shaggy gray eye
brows. his prominent hook nose and his
heavy square jaw seemed to proclaim
him a man of great resolution and de =
cision of character. and one whose
naturally domineering temper and habit
of self will had not been softened by
long and successful career.
To the sulky, downcast Dick standing
with his hands In his pockets leaning
against the dOOrpost he presented a
striking contrast. and yet there was
between them a faint resemblance like
that of two statues made from one
model. but one to represent strength
anu INC other "eahhesS'
At first the old man did not speak
He gave Keith one quick glance that
passed him over as of total unimpor
tance; he gave Reenie another glance
that seemed to say she mattered hardly
more; and on Dick he concentrated
perfect glare of wrathful contempt.
so you are here. he said slowly
at last. 81 wanted to make sure with
my own eyes"
why shouldn't l be here!' Dick
muttered.
II suppose you think another lie oI
two doesn't NATTER said the old man
"Have you anything to say for your
self? If so, / shall be interested to hear
it,"
"a man has got right to marry
whom he likes" mumbled Dick.
''You chose to disobey me, to defy
me-" retorted the old man. though
YOU owed me everything, everything
You"
'It was my fault" interrupted Reenie
in tones so trembling as to be hardly
distinguishable. and stopped suddenly
as it were made dumb by the terrible
glance the old man shot at her.
''I won't disnute il - he said to heI