The Elk Mountain pilot., 1921-08-11

addressed himself to the doctor. II
did promise her l wouldn't tell how
we met. And won'tI In fact 1t isn't
any ones business. Is. 1t, Cousin
John7"
mot that can see." came In rather
drawing answer.
''Tll repeat what said BEFORE"
Philip took up hastily. 'I didn't know
she lived here"
"we're ready to believe that-nit."
cried Katherine.
Captain MacCauIey stared Mt her.
Was this frowning angry girl the smIl-
Ing, yielding Katherine he had known
or thought he had known?
you can believe 1t or not. Kathie."
he told her savagely. "It makes no
difference to me. But it's true. just
the same"
"wait here for me. Philip" said the
doctor. in a low tone. 'Tll be back
in a moment.
Then he took Tony by the hand and
they went out together.
For several tense moments silence
too dreadful to describe settled down
upon the dining room. Katherine
twisted her fork sulsily and Mrs. Cur
tbs still shifted In her handkerchief.
Philip looked from one to the other,
wishing with all his heart he could
say something that would clear the
atmosphere.
"I'm sorry. Cousin Sarah" he said
abruptly, trying to smile. 'It certainly
was awkward. wasn't it?"
"Awkward?" repeated Mrs. Curtis.
wrinkling her face. awkward isn't
the word. Philip. 1t was disgusting"
The gorge rose again in his throat.
'"Tonnibel Devon is the best girl I
know" he asserted. Poor little thing.
I pity her with all my heart"
"Pity is akin to love. my dear Phil
ip," sneered Mrs. Curtis.
Mother" cried Katherine. philip
wouldn't SO far forget himself and his
friends and position as to love-well-
If you can't keep your tongue still, go
upstairs"
any girl could speak to her own mother
in such a way was beyond his COM
prehension. The door opened just then
and DR.. John walked in.
"She came down to tell me that
Paul wanted me and forgot it." he said
in low tone. "The poor child Is quite
overcome"
Mrs. Curtis tossed her head and
rose from the table, and Katherine,
rising also, followed her mother out
Of the room.
| the young man and his older friend
after the ladies had taken their de-
parture. but when Captain MacCauley
was ready to leave. he looked anxiously
at his companion.
"Cousin John," he inurmured. You
won't let any one"
Indeed not" interrupted the doc
tor. anticipating the lads plea. "Tony
Devon is here to stay, Phil"
"Could I-could see her. Cousin
John. Just a minuter' the boy faltered.
mot tonight, old fellow" replied the
doctor, kindly. Tomorrow, perhaps"
And Philip had to be content.
That evening Katherine spent with
her mother in hopeless misery.
HE acted just as If he loved her"
she walled at one time in their conver-
saticn. "Pd give anything to find out
how long he's known her."
$50 would T." said Mrs. Curtis.
katherine, we've got to get her away
by some means. She's bewitched John
-she's brought Paul up from his grave
and there's no telling, she may usurp
your place in their Wills"
"And now she's hoodwinked Philip"
gulped Katherine. Cant you think
Of some plan7 Can't we claim she
steals or something like that7"
"John wouldn't believe it, especially
now that Reggie is coming home" was
the answer. His letter today said
he'd be here very soon. Everything
that happens in this house out Of the
ordinary is blamed on my poor boy"
And she began again to cry.
"Great Heavens, mother, don't do
that" screamed Katherine. Cant you
see weeping doesn't do any good?
You make me so nervous I could fly.
We've got to make some plan to get
her out of here. While you're sniyel-
ing all the time, you can't think"
Mrs. Curtis rose and walked to her
bedroom door. .-.eqf3--i'.r l'risa'slis. '-.,.s
my. children have no sympathy for
me at ALL" she shot back. But you
say I can't think while cry? Well,
watch mel I'll bet you five dollars
Tony Devon is out of this house before
another week is over"
The next morning when Reggie
Brown came home, he went directly
to his mother. OF course, as usual,
she wept at the sight of him and be-
gan to upbrald him for his thought
lessness. Why hadn't he let her know
where he was? Why had he been gone
SO long7
Reggie laughed insolently.
@Do l ever let YOU know where !