Vernon Parish Democrat. (Leesville, La.) 1917-193?, 1919-08-30

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Of tea~--It's teatime. I'm Sure-but I'd
no more think Of doing It than I'd con-
slider cutting OF me head. He doesn't
like strangers. He"
my dear fellow, don't distress your
SELF" cried Barnes heartily. 'aThere
isn't the least reason In the world
why"
"You see, the poor old chap asks
us up here once or twice a year--that
is to say, De Soto and me-tO keep
his sister from filing the house up
with men he can't endure. So long
as we occupy the only available rooms,
he argues, she can't stuff them full
OF objeetiOnables. Twice a year she
comes for a month, in the late fall
and early spring"
why does he continue to live In
this Out-of-the-wOrld spotI He is an
old man. take It, and ILL.,"
"YOu wouldn't be wondering II you
knew the man." said O'Dowd. HE is
scholar, a dreamer, sufferer. He's
not very old man at that. Not more
than sixty-hve."
HE certainly has fanciful streak
in him, building place like that" said
Barnes, looking not at the house but
into the thicket above. There was NO
sign Of the blue and white and the
spun gold that still defed exclusion
from his minds eye. He had not re-
covered from the thrall into which the
vision Of loveliness plunged him. He
was still trifie daEed and dlstraught.
fright you are" agreed o'Dowd;
"the Queerest streak in the world. It's
his notion of simplicity"
Screen 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 II 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
erately conducted from the grounds.
Moreoveg, 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-
pionage as this signified something
deep and imperative in the presence
not only of o'DOwd but the jack-in-
the-box gardener a few minutes ear
lier.
His mind was Stlll full Of the lovely
stranger about whom O'DOwd had SO
manifestly lied over the telephone.
Il must ask you to apologize to the
young lady on whom / blundered a
few moments ago, Mr.. O'DOwd. She
must have been startled. Pray con-
vey to her my soAcitude and ex-
cuses."
Consider It done, my dear sir" said
the IrIshman. "Our most charming
and seductive guest" he went on.
"Bedad, Of the two Of you, III stake
me head you were startled the most
Coming suddenly upon such rare love
illness is almost equivalent to being
struck by a bolt Of lightning. More
than one painter OF portraits has said
that she is the most beautiful woman
in the world. Mayhap you have heard
Of her. She is Miss Cameron Of New
Orleans, q friend Of Mrs. Van Dyke.
We have quite an enchanting house
party. Mr.. Barnes, If you consider no
more than the feminine side OF 1t.
BY. the way, have you heard when the
coroner is to hold his inquestsl"
"Nothing definite. He may wait q
week." said Barnes.
Il suppose you'll stick around until
it's over,n ventured O'Dowd. Barnes
thought he detected a slight harshness
In his voice.
II have quite made up my mind to
stay until the mystery is entirely
cleared up" he said. ''The case is SO
interesting that don't want to miss a
shred Of it."
II 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 visit, tele.
phone In advance. may be able to
| persuade my host that you're de
cent, law-abidlng. educated gentleman
and he'll consent to receive you al
Green Fancy. Good day to ye." and
he shook hands with the departing
trespasser.
"Takins walk 22-was the landlords
greeting as Barnes mounted the tavern
steps at dusk.
Going over the grounds Of last
nights affair" responded Barnes
pausing
AS he entered the door be wal
acutely aware Of an intense stare lev
eled at him from behind BY the land
lord Of Harts Tavern. Half way "
the stairway he stopped short and
with difacuity repressed the exclama
ton that rose 70 his lips.
He had recalled a significant Incl
a-.t - a. 5.rtEk H.nFor~ Nqranat I'm