The weekly Iberian. (New Iberia, La.) 1894-1946, 1920-09-11
THE WEEKLY IBERIAN


silently tiptoed down the stairs and
was cautiously peering in through the
open doorway to make sure the coast
was clear. Assured as TO this. the willy
oriental sided noi>eessly across the
floor and paused beside him.,
''Zis Meester VeSt-c-ott:' he asked
softly.
"That's my name, John: what is it,"
The messenger shook a folded paper
out Of his sleeve, thrust it into the
others hand hastily. and, with a hur-
ried glance about, started to glide
away as silently rs he had come. He
vanished into the dark hall, and there
was the faint clatter of his shoes on
the stairs.
Westcott,, fully aroused, cast his
glance about the deserted room. and
unfolded the paper which had been
left in his fingers. His eyes took in
the few penciled words instantly.
'Do not be angry. ! had the best
of reasons. Meet me near the lower
bridge at three O'Clock. Very impor-
tant. ). ID.
He read the lines over again, his
lips emitting a low whistle, his eyes
darkening with sudden appreciation.
1t had been q trick, then, bit of play
acting! But had 1t? Was not this
rather the real fraud-this sudden
change of heart This note might
have sinister purpose; be intended
to deceive. No! He would not be-
lieve this. All his old lurking faith
In her came back in flash of revela-
ton. He would continue to believe in
her, trust her, feel that some worthy
purpose had influenced her strange
action. And, above ALL he would be
at the lower bridge on the hour set.
He was back at the desk when Tim
mons returned.
"What do l owe you, old man,?
He paid the BILL jokingly and in
the best of humor, careful to tell the
proprietor that he was leaving for
his mine and might not return for sew
eraI days. He possessed confidence
that Timmons would make no secret
of this in Haskell after his departure.
He was glad to notice that BeatOn
observed him as he passed the Good
Luck saloon and went tramping down
the dusty road.
The only carriage belonging to the
town livery passed soon after his ar
rival, evidently bound for the station,
and from his covert he recognized
Beaton lolling carelessly in the back
seat. This must mean that the man
| expected arrivals on the afternoon
| train, important arrivals whom he de-
sired to honor. There was no sign,
however, of Miss Donovan; the time
was up, vet with no evidence Of her
approach.
Westcott waited patiently, arguing
to himself that her delay might be
caused by her wish to get Beaton well
out of the way before she ventured to
| leave the hotel. At last he strobe
down the path to the bridge, and saw
her leaning over the rail, staring at
the ripples below.
"Why," he exclaimed in surprise
chow long have you been here?"
Several minutes" and she turned
| to face him. Il waited until the ear
riage passed before coming onto the
bridge. l took the foot path from the
hotel"
'"You sent for me; there is some ex,
PLANTATION, no doubt?'
The lady smiled, lifting her eyes to
his face.
"There is" she answered. "a per-
fectly satisfactory one, believe; but
this place is too prominent, as have
a rather long story to tell"
"There is rock seat below, just be-
yond the clump of willows, quite out
of sight from the road" he suggested
Perhaps you would go with me
| there"
"What trail is that?"
| at leads to mines up the canyon,
nv own included, but is not greatly
Travelled; the main trail is farther
east"
She walked to the edge of the bridge
and permitted him to assist her down
| the bank. There was something of
reserve about her manner, which pre-
vented Westcott from feeling alto
gether at ease Neither broke the ST.
lence between them until they reached
the fiat boulder and had found seats
in the shelter of overhanging trees.
She sat moment, then she turned
toward him questioningly.
II was very rude" she said, "but
you will forgive me when / explain
the cause. / had to act as l did or
else lose my hold entirely on that
man-you understand?
II do not need to understand" he
answered CALAMITY. ut is enough that
you say So"
mo. it is not enough. value your
friendship, Mr.. Westcott, and / need
your advice"
"You may feel confidence in me-"
"Oh, / do; indeed, you cannot real
ize how thoroughly / trust you" and
impulsively she touched his hand with
her own. ''That is why l wrote you
to meet me here-sO I could tell you
the whole story"
He waited, his eyes on her face
Il received my letter this morning
the letter / told you l expected, con-