The Washington herald., 1919-12-30
XVIII

THREE TRAVELLERS COME HOME.
Esteban varona made slow progress
toward recovery. In the weeks fol-
lowing O'ReilIy's departure from
cubitas his gain was steady. but be-
yond a certain point he seemed un-
able TO 60. Then he began to lose
strength. Norine was the first 10
realize the truth. but 1t was some
time before she would acknowledge il.
even 10 herself. At last. however, she
had to face the fact that Estebsn's
months OF prison fare. the abuse. the
neglect he had suffered in Spanish
hands. had left him little more than
a living corpse. il seemed as II fever
had burned him out. or else some
dregs OF disease still fingered in his
system and had all but quenched that
elusive spark which for want OF u
better name we call vitality.
Esteban, too. awoke to the fact that
he was losing ground. and his dismsy
was keen, for a wonderful thing had
come into his life and he spent much
Of his time in delicious contemplative
day dreams concerning Il. waiting for
the hour when he would dare trans
late those dreams into realities. IL
seemed TO him that he had always
loved Norine: certainly she had en-
shrined herself in his heart long be-
fore his mind had reGained its clarity.
for he had come out of his delirious
wanderings with his love full grown.
There had been no conscious begin
ming 10 il; he had emerged from dark
ness into dazzling glory. all in an
instant Not until he found himself
slipping backward did he attempt to
set II guard upon himself. for up TO
that hour he had never questioned
his right to love. He found his new
task heavy. almost too much for him
to bear. That he attempted II spoke
well for the fellows strength OF
character.
The tme came finally when he could
no longer permit the girl TO deceive
herself or him with her brave assump-
ton of cheerfulness. Norine had just
told him that he was doing famously.
but he smiled and shook his weary
head.
Let's be honest" he said "You
know and / know that / can't get
we'll"
Norine was engaged in straichten-
ing up the interior of the bark hut
in which her patient was installed: !:
she ceased her labors to inquire with
lifted brows:
Tut: Tut. Pray what do you mean
by that
There's something desperately
wrong with me and ! realized it long
ago. So did you. hut your good heart
wouldn't let you
Norine crossed quickly to Tie ham
mock and laid her cool hand upon
the sick mans forehead.
You mustn't be discouraged" she
told him. earnestly. Remember this
is trying climate and we have moth
ing TO do with. Even the food is
wrctChed"
Estehan's smile became wistful
THAT isn't why my fever lasts. II
there We're any life. any health left
in me you would rellindle il. No.
there's something desperately wrong,
and-wc're wasting time"
You simply mustn't talk like this. &"
she cried. Then at the look in his
eyes she faltered for the bricfcst in
slant .You'll-undo all that we've
done. Oh. if I had YOU where ! could
take proper care OF you. II We were
anywhere but here you'd see
'I-beiieve you. But unfortunately
We are not elsewhere.
I'm going 10 take you away" she
exclaimed, forcefully.
Esteban stroked her hand softly.
You can't do that. Miss Evans. You
have been wonderful 10 me and
can't begin to express my gratitude"
Norine stirred. but he retained his
grasp OF her fingers. gaining courage
from the contact TO proceed. Il have
been trying for a long time TO tell
you something. VIII you LISTEN"
Norine possessed a dominant per-
sonality; she had knack of tactfully
controlling and directing situations.
but OF a sudden she experienced a
panic-stricken flutter and she lost her
air Of easy confidence.
Not now" she exclaimed. with a
visible lessening of color. Don't
bother to tell me now"
I've waited too long: I must speak. !"
Norine was amazed at her own con-
fusion, which was nothing less than
girlish; she had actually gone TO
pieces at threat of something she had
long expected TO hear.
Il know how tired of this work you
have become" the man was SAYING
Il know you're eager TO get back TO
your own work and your own life"
"Well?"
You have stayed on here just TO
nurse me. Isn't that true?"
She nodded somewhat doubtfully.
Now then, you must stop thinking
about me and-make your arrange
ments TO go home
Norine eyed the speaker queerly.
rs that what you have been trying
so long to tell me?" she inquired.
Yes"
"Is that-all?"
There was a moment of silence.
Yes. You see. ] know how tired YOU