The Princeton union., 1921-05-19
BARRIE's GUEST
BY JACK LAwToN.
fSSSSS~SSVSSSSSsssS-S -.
(@, 1921, Western Newspaper Union.)

For days Barrie had ridden the
lovely trail obsessed by hunger for
companionship which he had never
heretofore known. Even the gruff, il
literate guide, whom he had left far
below, would now be welcome. And
as Barrie travelled his lonely paths, he
wondered if the clue which led him
to this desolate spot might not be
false after all. In spirit of enthu.
siastic confidence he had offered his
service in seeking out the supposed
defaulter of the bank, in which his
own father was president.
Detectives, it was proven, had been
at sea- in their suspicious, and Barrie,
in moment of inspiration, had put
his finger mentally upon the culprit,
and then had offered to take an ad-
venturous trip to the far mountains.
where Glen Gordon was supposed to
be hiding.
Glen Gordon had served faithfully
for many years in the bank where
Barrie, under his father, was en-
ployed. And when Glen Gordon's
name was furnishing the sensation of
city dailies, Gordon himself complete
ly disappeared.
AS Barrie's father-in a last hope
of proving his old employees honesty
had provided necessary bail, the
flight was more distressing. But now
Barrie feared that the clue, given by
an old servant of the Gordon's, had
been misleading, and his own offered
service useless.
Then, far above in a clearing, the
young man beheld a small cabin ;
smoke came from it's chimney, and
Barrie eagerly pressed his horse for
ward. The sight Of human habitation
was at least comforting. And as he
approached, a young woman turned.
At sight of her, Barrie's eyes reflected
the astonishment of her own.
Barrie broke the silence. BEG par
don," he said. II have travelled far,
without finding resting place. May
l rest here? And, perhaps, trespass
further upon your hospitality in ask
ing for food? A glass of milk or
piece of bread would be gratefully
received"
When she reappeared at the door
of the cabin bearing light table, Bar
rie hastened to relieve her, carrying
it at the girls direction to the shelter
of a tree. Sharpness was still in the
air, and he would have preferred in
doors. But when his enforced hostess
came presently, she carried basket
of cakes and cracker-sandwiches and
pot of steaming tea. And as she
served him, Barrie noted the soft
whiteness of her hands.
1T is unusually good fortune to en-
Joy the hospitality Of one of my own
country women in such desolate
place." he said.
The girl, with an enigmatical smile,
ignored the suggested question.
"When you feel refreshed you will
kindly ride on your way" she re-
turned.
I'm afraid" Barrie said decidedly,
lAdl UclOEc L uO SO- uuSI gain ludL
information for which l came l am
trying to locate a Mr.. Glen Gordon,
being the bearer of news to his ad-
vantage"
Though the girls face paled, her
blue eyes regarded steadily the self
imposed detective.
'Mr. Gordon is not here" she re-
piled. "You may search the cabin,
If you wish. I occupy it alone"
Barrie stared, then laughed incredu-
lously.
"Alone in this wilderness?" he ex-
claimed. ''Now, why you do that?"
The girl gathered up the tea cups.
II have answered you," she said.
"You are the first living person whom
1 heard speak in two months"
Over her shoulder she nodded to
him. "Good night" she said mean
ingly.
Barrie did not search the cabin !:
but when he was again upon a lower