The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1923-11-09


his excitement prevented him from
reading. The angular writing jumped
before his eyes AT last the words
Strengthened themselves.
Il am glad that you have given me
his opportunity to escape from a life
hat for a long time has been dread
full to me. Ten years ago l made a
disaster of my life and yoars. Forgive
me IL you can and let me escape.
will not see you again. Whatever you
may have to say, please say 1t TO
Woodward. From now ON he is my
protector. In other matters there are
my lawyers. 1t Is absolutely not to be
thought of that should speak to you.
l hope never to see you alone. want
you to hate me and this note ought to
make IL easy for you.
BETTY"
Jasper stared at the name. He was
utterly bewildered, utterly staggered,
by the amazing discrimination prac-
ticed by this small, soft-lipped, round
eyed girl who had lived with him for
so long, sufficiently pliable, sufficiently
Another man, of course. In magma
hon he was examining the faces of his
acquaintance narrowing his lids as
though the real men passed in review
before him.
perhaps you understand the stu
alton better now?" asked Woodward
cruelty.
fx.t4 81. Ifn-
ton gave him a sort of calm. He
seemed entirely cool when he moved
back toward his brother-in-law his
eyes were clear, the heat had gone
from his temples. He was even smil-
ing a little, though there was white,
even frame to his lips.
Il shall not write to Betty nor at
tempt to see her." he said quietly.
But 1 shall ask you to take a mes
sage TO her."
Woodward assented
Tell her she shall have her release,
but TO get 1t she will have 20 walk
through the mire and there will be no
one waiting for her on the other side.
Can you remember that? Not even
you will be there" He was entirely
self-assured so that Woodward felt a
chill of dismay.
II shall contest the suit" went on
Jasper, land / believe that shall win
it. You may tell Betty so If you like
or she can wait to hear II from my
lawyer" He put the envelope into his
pocket, crossed the room, and held
back one of the crimson curtains of
the door.
"If you have nothing more to say"
he smiled, neither have 1. Goodby."
He bowed slightly, and Woodward
found himself passing before him in
silence and some confusion. He stood
for a moment in the hall and, having
stammered his way to a cold Good
he put on his hat and went
oul.
Jasper returned to the empty draw
ing room and began his weaving
Before he could begin his spinning
which he hoped would entangle Betty
hold or TO release at will, he must go
to Jane West and tell her what trick
life with his help had played upon her.
The prospect was bitterly distasteful.
Jasper accused himself of selfishness.
Because she cared nothing for the
world, was a creature apart, he had |
let the world think what it would. He
knew that an askance look would not
hurt her; for himself, secure in inno-
cence, he did not care; for Betty, he |
had thought her cruelty certain of |
him.
He went to Jane the day after his |
interview with Woodward Kane. 1t |
was Sunday afternoon. She was out, |
but came in very soon, and he stood |
up to meet her with an air of confu-
sion and guilt.
whats the matter with your" she
asked, pulling her gloves from her long
hands.
Her quickly observant eyes swept
him. She walked to him and stood
hear. The frosty air was still about
Ter and her face was lightly stung to
color with exercise. Her wild eyes
we're startling under the brim Of her
smart, tailored hat.
Jasper put hand on either Of her
shoulders and bent his head before
Ter. my poor child-if I'd only left
Tou in your kitchenl"
Joan frightened her lips, then smiled
you've got me scared"
The said, stepped back and sat down,
Ter hands In her muff. 'What is it?"
he asked; and In that moment OF
Waiting she was sickly reminded Of
,ther moments In her life-of the
tearing sound of Pierre's webs on a
rystal winter night, of the sound Of
'rosper's footsteps going away from
Ter UP the mountain trail on a sword
Ike, autumn morning.
Jasper began his pacing. Feeling
arefully for delicate phrases. he told
er Betty's accusation, of her purpose.
Joan took off her hat, pushed back
he hair from her forehead; then, as
e came to the end, she looked up at