Deming graphic. (Deming, N.M.) 1903-1948, 1919-01-03
BEAUTIFUL ENIGMA
BY JACK LAYTON.
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.

For the fourth time since he had
seated himself at the hotel table. Bob
Whiting turned deliberately TO look
toward the entrance. Then with con-
temptuous impotence he continued to
study his menu cerd. What possessed
him that he could not 20 on with his
meal in contentment. until that girl ar
rivedl II was as well to be honest
with oneself.
From the moment her dark eyes had
met his across the widespread TIA
bles, he had been as bewitched. though
the girls glance had been as indiffer-
ent as It was unconscious. "The Beau
tiful Enigma" they laughingly dubbed
the girl, who appeared as guest.
alone and aloff, at the fashionable sea-
side resort.
Bob Writings purpose In spending
his vacation here was to be near young
friends. whose war training camp was
not far distant. This was really his
encouraging farewell to the boys be
fore they sailed overseas.
"At midnight, or near then" the SOL
der lads insisted, "she might often be
seen Fastening down the lighted way,
when she returned man OF dlstin-
gulshed appearance and military bear
Ing sometimes accompanied her. The
man was an undesirable frequenter OF
the seaside community, gambler 1t
had been whispered"
Bob Whiting. recalling these conf
dences. Groaned In spirit. How had
this unknown girl obsessed hin with
an ardent longing for her presence,
this more than eager determination to
know her better. Bob glanced curl
ously at the flowers upon her breast,
each day the corsage was her only
color, and to his fancy. the flowers had
seemed to express her varying moods.
"The Beautiful departs" a laughing
voice remarked at his elbow.
"Old military, with his spruce get-up.
is waiting outside. Queer comblna0
ton, those two. They say the man
raked In u fortune last night"
Irately silent, Bob rose to his feet
"Good night" called Barney Innocent
ly oblivlous.
Bob Whiting had walked the length
Of the pier before he realized the fu-
tlllty OF his indignation. what had
he to do with the girl7" Again he
fiercely asr.ed himself the question.
"Why should the knowledge OF her as
sociates bring him tortureT Then
just below upon the beach he saw
her. Openly, reluctant. the gambler
was releasing her hand.
Here at eleven tonight" he said
clearly, and the gill nodded. CHANGING
upward she seemed to recognize Bob's
darkening face, for her own flushed
vlsibly.
He WEIGHED her white dress until
II disappeared before him within the
hotel doors. then gloomily he chose q
secluded corner of the veranda. Was
the girl utterly unbefriended2 Surely
her eyes were the wide, clear eyes of
child. And no woman was accus-
toned to pass unattended at night
through these gay streets, thronged
with strangers from many lands. BE
himself would wait, would 20 with
her. II he could not dare this much.
then the question OF his heart was
not worth settling.
SO when the girl came warily forth
later, slipping like some small white
ghost out into the darkness, Bob Whit
ing followed. At the descent from
the pier she turned quickly and faced
him.
"why," she asked quietly, do you
come this wayT
"To-watch over you" he answered
promptly.
The girl shrugged her shoulders,
"You take Il good deal upon yourself"
she said.
Bob's tone was resolute. perhaps
do" he agreed. Nevertheless,
Intend to assure myself that you are
aware OF the fact that this man whom
you meet here at night is notorious al
q gambler"
The girl caught her breath. u
know" she said Then wonderingly
she regarded him. "Why should you
care about mel" she asked.
1T only know that do care" Bob
answered tensely.
There was a long silence before the
girl again spoke. am moved 70
confide In you" SHE -,did TREMENDOUSLY
"Thls notorious gambler is my IA
Their. For this fault he and my moth
or have been separated. Sheds now an
invalid confined to her room here al
the hotel. | am seeking Feconcilia'
ton between them both, based upon
the promise to forsake his ways
which my father Is TO give me tonight
My meetings with him had TO be Sc
eret, mother would have resented In
PREVENTION"
Down the beach came a man erect
figure. "Good night" whispered ths
girl, but Bob fingered.
III may, Will walt to walk bach
NTH vou - ha said And m the Rirl'f