The Kennewick courier-reporter. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1914-1938, 1924-09-04

Inc car gllded SLOWLY up 10 where
! they were standing Gerald did not
!, hesitate for moment He stepped
into his place at the driving wheel
and motioned to the seat by his side.
Agreed" he said. "We will start
YOU, little one-tell me. how are you
| calledY
MYRTLE" she murmured
We will start you off on the great
adventure of life. 1t seems to me
that there can be nothing worse in
store for you than what you leave
behind" t TaEE
sprang into the car like frightened
thing. Gerald turned his head. Around
the corner Of the farm three unsteady
figures showed themselves; three
voices-two raucOus and one shrill-
called for MYRTLE. There were
threats, gesticulations. The girl
covered by Gerald's side.
Start" she implored. start,
please" =.
Christopher, however, hesitated.
81 Think" he said, Eve should first
hear what these people have to say.
They have, after all, some claim upon
the girl. It might be possible to aid
her without bringing her away from
! home"
MYRTLE chung to Gerald. Her eyes
were swimming pools Of passionate
entreaty.
"Start. monsieur" she pleaded.
There is nothing for me but escape
Why does the other gentleman mindY'
"Get in, there's u good fellow" Ger
aid begged impatiently. "We don't
want to have row with these 20
kels."
The chauffeur was already in the
t!ickey behind Myrtile's eyes fmplored
Christopher to take the place by her
side With his feet still on the road,
however, he leaned across her to Ger
sid.
Gerald" he said "this is more
serious affair than you seem to think
Who is going to look after the child
when We get to Monte Carlo?"
You can, if you like" was the care
less reply. I'm not thinking of play
ing the Lothario. if that is what you
meanw
sword of hOnor?
Word Of honor. Don't be an ass.
old chap. It's up to us to give the
girl chance"
Christopher stripped Off his coat
and wrapped il around MYRTLE. Then
he took the place by her side. Gerald
slipped In the clutch and they glided
off.
The twilight overlook them swiftly.
The lights Of Monte Carlo. as they
commenced the long descent, were like
pin pricks of fire thrust through deep
blue carpet. MYRTLE. whose eyes had
been fixed upon the flying milestones,
leaned forward now with little ex-
clamation of wonder.
1T Is fairyland!" she cried.
Gerald looked down at her indul-
gently.
you live so near and you have
never been even as far as this?" he
asked.
sit Is as I have told you," she an
swered. 81 have never travelled ten
kilometers from the farm In my life"
/ Christopher was almost incredulous.
Gerald, however. nodded sympatheti-
! cally. Both young men had taken II
for granted from the first that their
/ charge understood no English.
I'm France they are like that" Ger
aid remarked. 'It is the sous that
count But this child-isn't she amaz-
ing, Christopher? Except for her
clothes, there isn't thing about her
that suggests the peasant. She is like
a child Madonna-an qpgel-who has
stolen into the clothes of girl gone
! for her first communion"
81 should still like to know what you
are going to do with her when we ar
riveY Christopher asked, bluntly,
"Are you going to take her to the
villa?"
Later on. perhaps" was the care
less reply. Certainly not this eve.
ming"
'Why notY' Christopher persisted
your sister is very kind-hearted. II
60cIuS liC, do lOAS as VIC hoVS ShS
girl on our hands, that she is the prop
er person to look after her.
Gerald smiled slightly.
my dear Chris" he said, 'you ant
Mary are pals, know, but I am no,
sure that you altogether understand
her. She doesn't like surprises. W.
must pave the way little before W,
ask for her help"
MYRTLE had been looking from on,
to the other Of her two companion
with q sense Of growing trouble II
her eyes.
"MessIeurs." she interrupted. sit wa
wrong of me not to tell you before.
speak q little English. understan,
very WELL"
You are q most amazing child I
Gerald exclaimed, looking down at he
In genuine astonishment. You hav
iii