The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1921-10-17

IuaI ne nau gone 10 me CITY.
Mis- Peter not 90 train" Kow an
nounced presently.
All Alix's vague suspicious
awakened.
Not go trainT' she asked with q
premonitory pang-
KOw made a large gesture, as indi.
eating affairs disorganized.
Him no go TO bed" be further
stated. Boss come late. He waIkin'
on porch"
He came In late and walked on the
porch :" Alix echoed In a low tone, as
II 10 herself. Where Mr.. Peter go
now?" she asked. He have some
coffeeP'
NO eat" the boy answered. He
indicated the direction Of the creek.
and after n while Alix, with an icy
heart, went to the bridge and the pool
where Peter had first found Cherry
only a few weeks ago.
He was standing, staring vaguely at
the low and lisping stream, and Alix
felt great pang Of pity when she
saw him. He came to her smiling,
but as Cherry had smiled, with a wan
and CHASTITY face.
peter, you're not well?' Alix said.
Il Think am a little upset." he
answered. They walked back to the
house together. Alix ordered him to
take hot bath. and made him drink
some coffee, when, refreshed and
grateful, he came out to the porch
half an hour later. They shared the
little meal that was her luncheon and
his breakfast.
He followed her to the car and got
In the front seat beside her.
You're awfully good TO me-" he
said, briefly, when they were going
down the long grade.
Alix did not answer Immediately and
he thought that she had not heard.
She ran the big machine through the
valley, stopped at the postoffice, and
still in silence began the climb toward
the old house The roads were all
narrow here, but she could have fol
lowed them in the dark, he knew, and
he understood that It was not her driv-
ing that made her face so thoughtful
and kept her eyes from meeting his.
"You say I'm good to you, Pete, "
she surprised him by saying suddenly.
II hope 1 am. For you've been very
good to me, my dear. There's only
one thing In life that I haven't got, and
want. And that you can't, unfor-
tunately, get for me-"
He had flushed darkly, and he spoke
with a little effort. I'D like to try :"
She ignored the invitation for a few
minutes, and for an instant of panic
he thought he saw her lip tremble
But when she turned to him, it was
with her usual smile.
Its only that would like to have
you-and-and Martin-and Cherry as
happy as ami I" she said quickly. And
second later the mood was gone as
she turned the car In at the home gate
and exclaimed, There's Cherry now ~
Martins somewhere about" Cherry
said as Peter Joined her, and Alix
stopped the car within conversational
range.
Alix remarking that she would turn
the car so that she might later start
on the grade, disappeared, and the
two were together again, after what a
highland what day land that was
all that mattered They spoke con-
fusedly, In brief monosyllables, and
were silent, their eyes meeting only
furtively and briefly.
Can you walk up to the cabin with
mel? Peter asked. ST want so much
to speak to you. Everything's all ar
ranged for tomorrow. All you have
to think Of is yourself. Now, in case
Of missing the boat again-which isn't
conceivable, but we must be ready for
anything III shall go straight to the
club. You must telephone me there.
Just go Off tonight quietly, get. as
much sleep as you can, and keep Your
wits about you"
Tell me our plans again." Cherry
faltered.
Its perfectly simple" he said, CIV
ing her anxious face a concerned
glance. You are going to the divers
l go in, In the morning, to get your
suitcase and my own and get to the
boat. shall be there at half-past ten.
You get there before eIeven-you
won't see me. But go straight on
board and ask for Mrs. Joyce's cabin.
Wait for me there!"
"But-but suppose you don't come :"
I'll be there before you. 1t is bet
ter for US not to meet upstairs. But
TO be sure I'll telephone you at Minna
divers at about nine o'clock tomor-
row morning. I'll just tell you that
I'm on my way and that everything is
all right Do you realize that by this
. time tomorrow we shall be out at sea, -
he added, leaning on the rail-watch-
ing the Pacific race by-and belonging
to each other forever and ever?"
The picture flooded her face with
happy color. Its tomorrow at last u
she said wonderingly as they walked
slowly toward the house. ST thought
1t would never be. It's only a few
hours more now"