Roanoke Rapids herald. [volume] (Roanoke Rapids, N.C.) 1914-192?, 1920-11-26


ed Don Juan couple of pesos.
Remember, sohn," he cautioned the
blbulous one as they tied up for the
night, nothing unusual happened to-
night"
"Divll thing, Mlsther Geary.
Thank you, sor," the Gaelic wreck re-
piled blithely and disappeared In the
darkness, leaving Billy to guide the
stranger to FL Buen Amigo, where he
was taken into the confidence of Moth
er jerks and, on Billy's guarantee Of
the board bill, furnished with n room
and left to his own devices.
John Stuart Webster came down the
gangplank into Leber's launch hard at
the heels Of the port doctor.
"You young horse thief" he cried,
affectionately. II believe It's the Gus.
tom down this way for men to kiss
each other. Wen dispense with that,
but by" He folded Billy in pater-
nal embrace, then held him at arms
length and looked him over.
Lord. son." he said, "you're as thin
ms snake. I'll have to feed you up"
As they sped toward the landing, he
looked Billy over once more. ~ have
It," he declared. "You need change
Of climate to get rid of that malaria.
Just show me this little old mining
claim Of yours, Bill, and then hike for
Gods country. Three months up there
will put you right again, and by the
time you get back, Wen be about ready
to weigh the first cleanup"
Billy shook his head. I'D like to
mighty well, Jack" he replied, "but !
just can't"
"Huh /! ! suppose you don't think I'm
equal TO the task of Strengthening out
this concession of yours and making a
hummer out Of 1t, ebf
The young fellow looked across at
him sheepishly. Miner he jeered.
who's talking about a mine. I'm
thinking of a grill"
"Oh!"
Some girl. Johnny"
~ hope she's not some parrakeet,"
Webster bantered. Have you looked
up her pedlgree?"
"Ah-h-h" Billy spat over the side in
sheer disgust. "Thls Is an American
glrl-born here, but white-ralsed In
the U. s. A. I've only known her
three weeks but-ah!" And Billy
kissed his hand into space.
swell. I'm glad ! find you so happy,
hoy. When do you pull Off the we'd
ding7"
ooh" said Billy. "that's premature,
Jack. l haven't asked her. How
could ! until Pm able to support herr"
Look here, SON." Webster replied.
don't you 60 to work and be the kind
Of fool was. You get married and
take a chance. A man ought to marry
young, Bill. Hang the odds. / know
what's good for you"
At the hotel Billy sent a note to
Dolores, apprising her that John
Stuart Webster had arrived-and
would she be good enough to receive
them2
Miss Ruey would be that gracious.
She was waiting for them in the veran-
da just Off the patio, outwardly calm.
but inwardly a foment Of conflicting
emotions AS they approached she af-
fected not to see them and turning,
glanced In the opposite direction; nor
did she move her head until Billys
voice, speaking at her elbow, said:
swell, Dolores, here's my old Jack
partner waiting to be introduced.
Jack, permit me to present Miss Do
lores Ruey."'
She turned her face and rose gra-
clously, marking with secret triumph
the light of recognition that leaped to
his eyes, lowered there the hundredth
part OF a second and departed, leaving
those keen. qulzzlcal blue orbs apprais.
ing her In the most natural manner i'm.
agnable. Webster bowed.
ut is a great happiness to meet you,
Miss Ruey,' he said gravely.
Dolores gave him her hand. "You
have doubtless forgotten, Mr.. Webster,
but think we have met before"
Indeed /" John Stuart Webster muir
INJURED interestedly. $50 stupid of me
not to remember. Where did we meet?"
"He has a profound sense of hui
NOR" she soliloqulzed. "He's going to
force me into the open. Oh, dear, I'm
helpless" Aloud she said. ION the
train In Death valley last month, Mr..
Webster
Webster shook his head slowly, rs II
mystlfed. II fear you're mistaken,
Miss Ruey. wasn't on the train In
Death valley last month. was In
Denver--so you must have met some
other Mr.. Webster"
She flushed furiously. II didn't
think I could be mistaken" she an
swered a trifle coldly.
ut is my misfortune that you were"
he replied graciously. Certainly, had
we met at that time, should not have
failed to recognize you now. Some
how, Miss Ruey, | never have any
luck"
She was completely Outgeneraled,
and having the good sense to realize 1t,
submitted gracefully. Hes perfectly
she told herself, but at least
he can lie like a gentleman-and ! al
ways did like that kind of man."
SO they chatted on the veranda until
luncheon was announced and Dolores
left them to go to her room.