Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1921-10-18

run away-scoot 20 He clapped his
hands and the animal leaped upon him
playfully. "She belonged to my young
brother Bob--you know he went. to
Flandcrs-nevcr came back" Ladd 8
face was hidden moment behind the
collies snowy ruff and then suddenly
lifted to show the eyes dulled with
pain and the mobile lips grim and un-
smiling. Funny thing, this life we
live--one loves IT. glorifies 1t by heroic
deeds and is snuffed out. Will another
who doesn't care straw whether he
stays on or not has TO fight out his
dreary round of days.
"Not you, Laddie - Travers pro-
tested.
A smile crooked the painters mouth.
81 am cheerful beggar these days,
Van; first time I've seen you in years.
and I'm giving you an impression OF
perpetual blue Mondays. Forget 1t ;
come see my camp and have a bite to
cat. Then I'll give you private view
Of what I've been doing lately. To-
morrow you can hunt or fish today is
mine to gloat over you.
"Of course k-sw you had captured
the Wondrei prize"
Yes"
And had a room to yourself at the
| big exhibition. couldn't go. but Viola
was there and bought one of your
pictures"
"Yes?"
" The Peak There's something
haunting about that picture, laddie,
so much snow, gray ice and such bleak
distances. Then the jagged white peak
rising stark. alone, with the north wind
keen in its face, while the sheltered
life Of the valleys below moves on
peacefully. not knowing the bitter
man sitting aloof on the top of the
world and seeing all that he loved and
hoped for pass by. It's heart break :
ing !" Travers' pleasant voice grew
rough with feeling.
'Tt's not n bad picture said Ladd
simply, as he refilled his pipe.
Travers scrutinized his friends face.
The old, happy carelessness had gone
The man had grown big and rugged
ike tho mountains which he painted
| his erect carriage and the deep ca
dences Of his voice made one think OF
vast distances, Of snow covered jour-
neys. long winter days amid ice and
snow barriers. always alone. Ladd had
n way Of suddenly withdrawing into
n chill silence, aloof from the busy
world he had discarded. Jimmy Ladt
was frozen. Perhaps the story Trav-
Crs had to, tell of Viola would tina"
him out-Jimmy and Viola had always
been good friends and so had younf
Bob Iadd. A sudden thought smott
him like a pang. Perhaps it was Bot
Ladd's death that had struck the light
from Siolas eyes. But 1t was moi
until the evening meal was over thnt
! Ladd awoke Travers from a long, alb
stractcd silence.
Did you bring your troubles with
you. Van?" he asked.
Travers nodded. his thin lips tight
ening about his pipe stem. ~ brought
them to you hoping you might help, II
isn't fnancial-thHt' always beer
right" He hcsitatcd. How little could
he tell and make Jimmy understand
He was incapable of deciding for him.
self now. and Viola seemed so remote
from him--so inaccessible in her lone
pincss. 1t is my sister, he said al
! last.
Viola? What of her|'
'Everything--
Il believed her happy always. She
married Chalmers.
She has never married. y
"What?'
"Viola has never married. and sh,
is always so sad, so unlike herself. thai
came to you, man o. the woods. t.
ask you what might be done. Ior
know what | think OF your wisdom
"WiSdom?" calculated the other bit
terly. "Why. Van, l am a fool
II thought you might have know
some of the old crowd that she Won
with-yOu we're among them. ] Won
dered if she was especially interested
i'll any onC--say, young Bob, youI
brother. She cried when we read o
Lis DEATH"
Ladd's eyes were somber. THE!
were playmates. that was all; he wa!
engaged TO Molly Gray
Il want her to be happy sigheC
Travcrs. but I shall not force her con.
tidence. Thanks for what you have
said. She admires your work a lot
has kept track of you-has The Peak
In her room; said the other day. it wa'
like YOU, cold and inaccessible. -
Ladd smiled bleukly. ''Do you really
believe she loves any man." he asked.
TraVers stared "YOu, Laddie?"
Ladd nodded. eve were engaged
| thought her cold--we quarroled-I
came hNre-thought she was to MARI!
Chalmers. I painted The Peak.
meant it as a reproach for her-she i.
my inaccessible peak.
Great Scott, man. and you are hel
inaccessible peak twin reaks-twiI
idiots. Come back Fast with me to-
morrow and see Niola--juSt catch hel
staring at your picture with her hear
in her eyes--I mean her soul-ant
you II believe me-.
Il cant leave this place now" snic
the hermit painter, but his eyes flashed
with old fire.
Viola can come back together anc
honeymoon here; nothing Grander.-yol
and Viola and Sheild-"
And the real peak ended Ladc
with happy grin.
IN MEMORIiM
HENTI, In LOVING memoir of our he