The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1939-09-14
o TALBOT MUNDY-WNU SERVICE

stood there watching for him. He
looked filthy, and at least partially
drunk. But he made signals. It
was almost never wise to ignore
O'Leary's signals. Norwood drew
rein.
"Hssst!" said O'Leary. "I've
news!"
Quick"
''It amt good news"
''Out with it,
''It's all over the bloody bazaar
that you've taken bride from the
priests. Say it amt true!"
''What did you say?"
81 said what I've told the priest
any number O. times: I'm a bad
man, / am. There's almost nothing
l amt guilty of, one time or an
other. But I've this to my credit.
I'm the wet and dry nurse to a
gentleman That's what I said"
what do you mean by all over
the bazaar? Who told your"
"All the gamblers know it,"
"Hold your tongue. Go straight
back to the camp. Wait there for
me-"
"But I've more news-worse than
that news"
keep it. Do as I told you. Hold
your tongue. Return to camp and
wait for me. I'm going to the
palace"
When he arrived at the gates he
turned his horse over to one of the
guards.
There were five huge trunks on
the veranda and three native serv-
ants. Mrs. Harding, looking pale
and in vile temper, reclined on
the chaise Tongue, experimenting
the packing of the trunks.
Good afternoon. Can I speak to
Miss Lynn Harding?"
NorWood'S voice startled her. The
certainty that he had overheard her
remarks to the servants increased
her anger. She didn't even invite
him on to the veranda.
mo" ....
Sorry" said Norwood. 81 must.
Where is she?"
Unjust? Oh, well, come in, Captain
Norwood. Tell one of these imbe-
Giles to take the things off that
| chair"
SIS Miss Harding here?"
mo. Pray be seated. You may
give your message to me-" ...
Norwood smiled. 81 wish to speak
to Miss Lynn Harding-alone."
Mrs. Harding set her mouth grim
ly: 81 will not even deliver a mes
sage to her unless approve the
message. l am tired of being used
as a mere convenience"
Packing up to go?" asked Nor
wood. miss Harding going away
with your"
If not, it will be the last she
will ever see of me. l have re-
ceived an impairment note from the
| Maharanee."
"Well, 1 must see Miss Harding
before she leaves. I want a state
ment from her."
81 will have nothing to do with it!
Statment? What kind of state
ment?"
Norwood began to look courteous
ly determined. His smile froze
slightly:
81 didn't come here to consult
you," he said, 81 want to know
what Miss Lynn Harding saw"
"Well, if you can find her, ask
her. She will very likely not tell
you the truth"
II doubt that"
''That is your privilege, Captain
Norwood. 1 am also privileged to
have my doubts. Rumors reach
even me. That babu doctor can no
/ more keep story to himself than
he can diagnose an ailment.''
"Oh. What has he told you about
me?"
''He appeared to be well informed.
Ask him about tiff you care to-"
II am asking you, Mrs Harding"
eyes, 1 heard you. l don't re-
peat gossip. I don't wish to be
mixed up in it. In all my life, I
| have never met so many unscrupu-
lous persons in one place at the
same time. The Maharanee is my
hostess at the moment, so reserve
comment about her, beyond saying
that she knew I have disapproved
| Lynn'S conduct. She has had the
audacity to invite Lynn to stay on
with her after I leave. I forbid it,
of course. Equally, of course, Lynn
will do as she pleases. If Lynn &C.
cepts the invitation, I am through
with her forever"
Norwood's pugnacity broke re-
straint. He stood up. He looked ut
terly unconcerned and good-hu-
mored except for the fact that his
eyes looked steadily at Aunty Hard
ing's. He didn't raise his voice. He
didn't betray anger. He spoke quite
calmly:
Lynn is lovely girl. Has any,
one ever said that of you, Mrs.
Harding?"
did you come here to insult
me?"
mo, Mrs. Harding. 1 am being
more polite than perhaps the occa-
sion warrants"
"Oh. If that is your opinion"
He interrupted: ''My opinion is
this: if Lynn Harding should get into
trouble, God Almighty will hold you
answerable. There isn't a high-spirit-
ed girl in the world who wouldn't"
81 won't listen to you
Sorry to contradict lady, but
| you shall listen. 1t is your clear
duty, Mrs. Harding, to have your
self carried to the palace if you
can't walk"
"Oh? What on earth for?"
IF you can persuade your niece
to go away with you tonight, that
/ may save not only her, but more