The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1924-02-29
E. PHELPS OPPENHEIM
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case, my presence here proves how
well it was done. wish to present
you to my wife. who shares my graft
tude."
Francis bowed to the woman, who
now. at her husbands words, raised
her eyes. For the first time ne saw
her smile. 1t seemed to him that the
effort made her less beautiful
'tYour pleading was very wonderful,
Mr.. Ledsam," she said. very subtle
note of mockery family apparent in
her tone. 1--WE poor mortals find 1t
difficult to understand that with you
all that show of passionate earnest
ness is merelywhat did you call It
IA chapter In your days work? 1t is
a great gift to be able to argue from
the brain and plead as though from
the heart"
"We will not detain Mr.. Ledsam,"
Oliver Hilditch interposed, a little
hastily. HE perhaps does not care
to be addressed in public by client
who still carries with him the atmos-
phere Of the prison. My wife and !
wondered Mr.. Ledsam. whether you
would be good enough to dine with
us one night. / think could interest
you by telling You more about my case
than you know at present, and 1t
would give us a further opportunity,
and more seemly one, for expressing
our gratitude"
Francis had recovered himself by
this time. He knew very well that
the idea Of that dinner would be hor-
rible to him. He also knew that he,
would willingly cancel every engage
ment he had rather than miss 1t.
"You are very kind" he murmured.
"Are we fortunate enough to find
you disengaged," Hilditch suggested.
tomorrow EVENING"
Il am quite free" was the ready
response.
THAT suits you, MargaretY' Hilditch
asked, turning courteously to his wife.
For single moment her eyes were
fixed upon those Of her prospective
guest. He read their message which
pleaded for his refusal, and he denied
1t.
Tomorrow evening will suit me as
well as any other" she acQuiesced,
after brief pause.
4 AT eight O'clock, HEREUNDER 10
b, Hill Street. Hilditch concluded.
Francis bowed and turned away
with a murmured word of polite as
sent. Outside, he found Wilmore deep
in the discussion Of the merits of va
rious old brandies with an interested
maitre d'hotel. Z
ANY choice, Francis7" his host in
quired.
None whatever" was the prompt
reply. "only, for Gods sake. give me
double one quickly!"
The two men were on the point Of
departure when Oliver Hilditch and
his wife left the restaurant. As
though conscious that they had become
the subject of discussion as indeed
was the case, thanks to the busy
whispering Of the various walters, they
passed without lingering through the
lounge into the entrance hall, where
Francis and Andrew Wilmore were al
ready waiting for a taxicab. Almost
as they appeared, new arrival was
ushered through the main entrance,
followed by porters carrying luggage.
He brushed past Francis so closely
that the latter looked into his face.
half attracted and half repealed by
the waxen-like complexion. the pierre
ing eyes, and the dignified carriage of
the man whose arrival seemed to be
creating some stir in the hotel. re-
ception clerk and deputy manager
had already FASTENED forward. The
newcomer waved them back for a.
moment. Bareheaded. he had taken
Margaret Hilditch's hands in his and
raised them to his lips.
Il came as quickly as I could" he
said. 'There was the usual delay, Of
course. at Marseilles, and the trains
on were terrible. So all has ended
WELL"
Oliver Hilditch. standing by, re-
manned speechless. It seemed for a
moment as though bis self-control
were subjected to severe strain.
II had the good fortune" he inter-
posed. in a low tone, ito be wonder
fully defended. Mr.. Ledsam here.
He glanced around. Francis, with
some Idea Of what was coming, obeyed
an imaginary summons from the head
porter. touched Andrew Wilmore upon
the shoulder. and FASTENED without a
backward glance through the swing
doors. Wilmore turned up his coat
collar and looked doubtfully up at
the rain.
"I say. old chap he protested, ''you
don't really mean to walk?"
Francis thrust his hand through his
friends arm and wheeled him round
into Davis street.
II don't care what the mischief we
do. Andrew" he confded. but couldn't
you see what was going to happen?
Oliver Hilditch was going to introduce
me as his preserver to the man who
had just arrived"
"Are You afflicted with mofIestv ali