The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1921-09-17

ing; Roric saw ., with sense OF irri-
tation.
'srhc fact Is" he went on. with
rush--''thc fact is I've booked a pas
sage IN one Of the Orient eoata. and
I sail for Australia tomorrow. It's
hopeless hanging on here. I've got
10 make come sort OF a life for my.
self, and-and-- lie wondered what
old F-rgerson would say IL he hlurted
out the words trembling on his lips.
''and I'm marrledr'
-And--whai9" asked the lawyer.
Young Hflton looked at him. and
abruptly away again.
That's ALL" he said biuntly.
II See old Fergerson looked NJ
him considcringiy Rather sud.
den determination. Isn't II. Roder.
ickT"
mo never meant 20 stay In
England booked my passage three
days ago. Hang IL ALI what's the
use Of mineing matters7 I'm done
for In England. I owe more money
than I can ever pay. I haven, o
friend In the place who'll stick -
me now I'm a beggar. know what
people are: darcray ] should be the
same myself-but-- Well. that's all
about IT.
-And--Mirs Fane-
The old lawyer asked the question
quietly.
Young Rriton flushed crimson. He
dropped his cigarrt 10 the floor.
-shc chucked me- he said rough
~. And quite right. too. I'm no,
blaming her she's not used 10 pow
erty. and after all. we weren't really
eugnEcd- She was quite frce TO do
as abe pleased
II see" Pause. '-afirs Fame would
have married You had your fathers
win BEEN lffercntT"
Rodcrlok was white enough now.
HIS brows frowned fscrceiy.
II suppose so But I'm not hlam
ing her" he burst out. sngrily. why
should she marry a begEar ana a
fool Ink. amt How could keep
hery I can't even keep myself"
"And so you are going to Aus
traila7-
Yea
II don't think 80. Roderick.-
Young Briton stared. then he gave
short laugh.
Il thought you wouldn't believe
me. suppose you don't think I've
got enough grit to 20 out and rough
Il. chr Well. here's the ticket: you
can see for yourself"
He drew some papers from his
pocket, threw them on TO the table
then snatchcd them back again. For
the moment he had forgotten that he
had booked double berth--for his
wife and himself.
old Fcrgerson that he was married.
Il would only upset the old chap. and
II was unlikely they would ever meet
again after tomorrow. He put the
papers back tn his pocket. he remem
bered that his marriage certificate
was amongst them. Rosalic had
asked him 10 keep II.
The boat sails at five" he added.
awkwardly.
but you win not sail with IT,"
said Mr.. Fergerson.
Young Briton shrugged his shoui
ders.
Il can't force you 20 believe me.
Of course" he said. sharply.
He left the chairarm and walked
over to the window. II was quite
sunny afternoon-thc clouds and
rain Of the morning had passed
away-a shiny. yellow billed black
bird chartered on bare tree bough
inyoluntarlly: he had never before
realized how much he cared for his
home--how beautiful II really was.
IL only he could wake ana find
he had dreamed this last nightmare
Of q week--dreamed OF the reading
OF that unjust will--of Lillian Fane's
letter OF dismlssal--of his marriage
that morning In the little dark
wake to find himself once
more rich. beloved. happy.
''RoderIckT
He turned sharply, bracing his
shoulders; at any rate he would not
let old Fergerson see that no cared.
He would go to bis exile smiling, and
defiant He went back to the fire
side.
The old man was watching him
with twinkling eyes.
Surprising" he said suddenly.
that another will were to be found.
leaving you master OF everything
here. misunderstanding you n rich
man. You would not be talking OF
Australia then. ! take III"
Roderick laughed mlrthlessly.
"Supposing-what Is the use OF
supposing7" he asked, wretchedly.
This isn't kids fairy tale or
six shilling novel"
mo" said old Fergerson. suddenly
grave. This Is the truth--the living
truth and sometimes truth is
stranger than fiction. Roderick."
Young Brlton turned slowly. He
had been standing staring down into
the fire.
what do you mean7" he asked.
sharply.
Il mean" said Mr.. Fergerson,