New Britain herald., 1924-02-11

affections, had disappeared when after five years absence, Holes re- l turns to her. At her aunt's home he receives scant courtesy.
 NOW co ON WITH THE STORY 1 By great fortune--by a heavenly Providence, in her eyes-her niece was absent at the time. And so in the cause of holiness she lied to him although of this the poor fellow had no suspicion.
 Tn that case. young SIT, you seek something I cannot give you.'
 You mean, you do not know !. |. that that she has left you?" She braced herself 10 the righteous l falsehood. s
 That is what mean
 When did she leave you? Tell me that. at east"
 Two years ago. After she had ! been with me n year."
 And whither did she go? You must know that!"
 ''I do not. All know is that she went. Belike she is in London. That. at least. I know is where she would wish to be, being all worldli- ness and ungodliness."
 He stared al her. a physical sick ness expressing him. His little Nan in London, alone and friendless. with out means. What might not have happened to her in two years?
 Inquiries in the village might have altered the whole course of his life. n,,t i.tA Mrs. Tenfii's devotions removed all chances of the illustration of her ends, Randall rode out Of Charmouth with out having spoken to another soul.
 For six months after that he sought Nancy in all places likely and un- likely, And all that while in Char. mouth Nancy patiently and trustfully awaited his coming, which should de- liver her from the dreadful thraldom of Aunt Tenfil's godiincss For she did not share Potheridge's belief that he was dead.
 And meanwhile despair was settling upon young Randall. To have lived and striven with but one inspiration and one aim. and to find in the hour of triumph that the aim has been rendered unattainable. is 10 know ones self for Fortunes fool. To loyal soul such as his the blow was crushing. It made life purposeless, robbed him of ambition and warped his whole nature. His steadfastness was transmitted into recklessness and restlessness. He required distraction from his breeding; the career of arms at home, in time Of peace. could offer him none of this. He quilted the service of the Parliament, and went abroad--to Holland, that happy hunt. ing-ground Of all homeless adventur. CTS. He entered Dutch service, and for season prospered in 1t. But there was difference, deplorable and grim. He was no longer concerned 10 build himself a position in the state. Such a thing was impossible in a foreign land, where he was a a soldier of fortune, a man who made of arms a trade soul. 1 less and uninspired. With the mantle of the merccnary he put on a mer- cenary's habits. He easily earned gold he spent riotously, prodigally, as was ever the mercenary's way. He gamed and drank and souandered if on worthless women.
 He grew notorious; a man of reck- 1 less courage, holding his life cheap, | an able leader of men, but a disso- 4 dute, hard-drinking. auarrelsome whom it was not safe 10 trust too far.
 The reaction set in at last; but not until five years Of this life had cor | rcded his soul. IL came to him one day when he railized that he was over thirty. that he had dissipated | his youth. and that the path he trod must lead him ultimately to a com ! temptible old age. Some of the good that slumbered in the depths Of his soul welledNip to cry a halt. He would gov back. Physically and . morally he would rctrace his steps. He would seize this life that was slipping from him, and remold it 10 the original intention. For that he would return to England.
 He wrote 10 Monk. who then vas .he powerfulest man in the realm. But-Fortune's fool again-he wrote lust too late. The restoration was Ii was 2 few weeks
 
 oid. no more. For one who had been prominent Parliament man in the 1ld days, and the son Of parlia- nent man still more prominent. there Sas no place by then in English t 'ervice. Had he but made the ap. plicstion some months sooner. whilst he restoration was still in the bal- tnce, and had he then taken sides fith Monk in bringing il about, he night by that very sct have re- ieemed the past in Stuart eyes. set- Ing up A credit Co cancel the old lsbt.
 Then came the var. and Eneland's inspolen summons to every son of lers who trailed a skord abroad. Dutch service could no longer hold i'm This Eas his opportunity. Al sst he would shake of fhe flth of A nsrcenarrs life, and go boldly home Q find worthy employment for his word.
 CHAPTER Y.
 The Mcrcsusry
 Colonel HolIes took the air in 'aui's Yard. drawn forth partly byi he voice of a preacher on the steps f pauife .4-ho w-ae offr4rfs-z A