Gunnison news-champion., 1924-02-08

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Francis bowed 10 the woman. who
now. AZ her husbands words, raised
/ her eyes For the first time he saw
her smile II seemed 10 him that the
effort made her less beautiful
-Your pleading was very wonderful
Mr. Leisam.- she said. very subtle
note of mockery family apparent In
her tone I'VE poor mortals ind II
dlficul; to understand that with you
all that show Of passionate earnest
ness Is m.rely-whnt did you call II
"a chapter In your days work. IL Is
q great Gift TO be able TO argue from
the brain and plead as though from
the heart
-we will not detain Mr.. Ledsam,
Oliver HlidItch inierposed, little
hastily. lie perhaps does not care
10 be addressed In public by client
who still carries with him the atmos-
phere OF the prison Ny wife and j
wondered. Mr. Ledsam. whether You
would be good nough 10 dine with
US one night think could interest
you by telling you more about my case
than you know al present. and II
would give us q further opportunity.
and a more seernly one, foE expressing
our gratitude
Francis had recovered himself by
this time. He knew very well that
the Idea Of that dinner would be hor-
riblc TO him. He also knew that he
would willingly cancel every engage
meni he had rather than miss H.
You are very kind" he murmured.
Are we fortunate enough TO find
you dis.ngneed." Hilditch suggested.
tomorrov cvenIngy'
7 am quite free" was the ready
response.
That suits you. Margaretf Hlldltch
asked. turning courteously TO his wife.
For a single moment her eyes we've
fixed upon those Of her prospective
guest He read their message which
pleaded for his refusal. and he denied
II.
Tomorrow evening will suit me as
well as any other" she acqulesced.
after brief pause
AT eight O'Clock. then-number 10
b. HIN Street" Hilditch concluded.
Francis bowed and turned away
with 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
maisre d'hotcl.
ANY choice Francis7- his host in.
quired.
None whatever was the prompt
reply. only. for Gods sake. give me
q double one quickly"
The two men were on the point Of
departure when Oliver HiIdifch 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 taxicab. Almost
as they appeared. n new arrival was
ushered through the main entrance.
followed by porters carrying luggage
Tie brushed past Francis SO closely
that the latter looked into his face,
hRlf attracted and half repelled by
the waxen-like complexion, the pierc-
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 MarseIlies. and the trains
on were terrible. So all has ended
weli.''
Oliver Hilditch, standing by. re.
mained speechless. II seemed for a
moment as though his self-control
were subjected to a severe strain.
Il had the good fortune" he inter
posed, in 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
backward glance through the swing
doors. wiimore turned up his coat
collar and looked doubtfully up at
the rain.
Il 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
Il don't care what the mischief We
do. Andrew" he conhded. but couldn't
you see what was going to happenl
Oliver Hilditch was going to introduce
me ms his preserver to the man who
had just arrivedw
Are you afflicted with modesty. all
OF a suddeny Wilmore grumbled.
No. remorse." was the '4rse -
ply.