The Arvada enterprise., 1924-02-21
THE BRANDING IRON

l =
Ing, outstretched hand. Jasper turned
away and stood near the lamp. But
his excitement prevented him from
reading. The angular writing jumped
before his eyes. At last the words
Strengthened themselves.
II am glad that you have given me
| this opportunity to escape from life
that for long time has been dread
| full to me. Ten years ago l made
disaster Of my life and yours. Forgive
me II you can and let me escape. l
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 l should speak to you.
| hope never to see you alone. want
you to hate me and this note ought to
make 1t 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
agreeable. What was back Of 1t all?
Another man, Of course. In imagina-
tion he was examining the faces Of his
acquaintances narrowing his lids as
though the real men passed In review
before him.
"Perhaps you understand the stu
alton better now?" asked Woodward
cruelty.
Jasper's intense pain and humilia-
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 q little. though there Ves a white,
even frame to his lips.
II shall not write to Betty nor at
tempt to see her." he said quietly.
But I 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 to walk
through the mire and there will be no
one waiting for her on the other side.
Can you remember that7 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. "and I believe that I shall win
1t. You may tell Betty SO II you like
or she can wait to hear It 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 I. Goodby."
He bowed slightly, and Woodward
found himself passing before him In
silence and some confusion. He stood
for 4 moment In the hall and, having
stammered his way to a cold Good
afternoon" he put on his hat and went
out.
Jasper returned to the empty draw
ing room and began his weaving
march.
Before he could begin his spinning
which he hoped would entangle Betty
and leave her powerless for him to
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.
"What's 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
near The frosty air was still about
her and her face was lightly stung to
color with exercise. Her wild eyes
were startling under the brim OF her
smart. tailored hat.
Jasper put hand on either Of her
shoulders and ben, his head before
her. "My poor child-if I'd only left
you In your kitchen!"
Joan frightened her lips, then smiled
uncertainty you've got me scared"
she said. stepped back and sat down,
her hands In her mum. "What Is IT."
she asked; and In that momen, of
waiting she was sickly reminded OF
other moments In her lif..-of the
nearing sound OF Plerre's webs on n
crystal winter night. OF the sound of
Prosper's footsteps going away from
her up the mountain trail on sword.
like, autumn morning.
jasper began his pacing Feeling