The Wilmington morning star., 1947-02-01

Everything seemed to have been
said, but they were both unwilling
to separate, not because of any
need to be together, but because
they were reluctant to be alone
with their own thoughts.
Strange he heard her say.
Whats stranger"
That tomorrow I'll be flying
back to the States. l wonder
if we'll ever meet again"
Not likely. This is a pretty big
world"
II know. But l hope someday,
maybe years from now, We do
meet, and I'll be able to tell you
why | came here"
Cant you tell me now?"
mo"
Silence again, then she said.
You'll be glad to see the last Of
me, won't your" There was moth
ing of resentment in her voice, per-
haps at most a faint note of re-
gret.
He moved unconlfortably. Why
should l be glad?"
You will, though. And if Madi-
son had arrived, you would have
liked me still less" She had moved
closer, he could just make out the
dim triangle of her face. Did
Claribel talk about Madison and
me?" she asked with sudden in
tensity.
IA little"
Il suppose she said he was my
lover"
Impatiently he asked. What
does it matter? The only thing
Claribel said OF any importance
was Get out!"
She turned away. and he heard
ner foot on the step before her
shack, then, will you light the
lamp COR me?"
He struck a match and opened
the door. Afraid? ne asked.
Il just don't like the dark
The yellow flame of the lamp
sent the shadows back into the far
corners.
There. he said.
She stood watching him, just in
side the door, and for a heartbeat
their eyes held. He blew out he
match. Good night" he said.
"PL IASE!" 1t was like a cry.
She came toward him, and as if to
steady herself laid a hand on his
arm. please don't CO." she wills
pered. He felt her hand tighten,
then quickly it released its hold,
while her eyes, big with unspoken
things, studied him.
will you do something for
me?" she said.
He did not answer. The voice,
the face itself, were frankly plead
ing, but an echo of his old distrust
sounded a warning.
What is it?' he asked. His
voice, il the dim, quiet room
seemed brusquely sharp.
A long pause, a sigh. Never
mind" she said.
Listen" he began, eff you're in
any trouble"
"1t's nothing you could do" She
stopped, and for a moment seemed
to be listening to the sounds of the
night. Its nothing anyone a do
but myself" Her eyes passed over
Cliffs tall form, and she half
smiled, 1T must be wonderful
never to be frightened"
Il wouldn't know" he answered
1--WE been frightened many
times"
Something like gratitude was in
her eyes. 1T helps to have you
say that" She sank down upon the
narrow colt was as if she had
forgotten him.
Sure I can't help?" he asked.
She shook her head.
Crossing the clearing, Cliff en-
tered the little shack opposite
Janet's and lit the lamp. Outside,
with nights coming, the jungle
orchestration had begun-the high
shrilling of tree frogs, the cease
less hum of innumerable insects
against the screen door. The room
was damp and oppressive,
and as he drew off his shirt ne
heard again the nearing rumble Of
thunder.
Too hot to sleep. Either that, or
he was developing nerves. He
his cot closer to the door
and shut his eyes, but memories
of the past two days began passing
in vivid flashes through his mind.
The plane ride, the abortive inter-
view with Claribel, the burned and
battered warehouse. and then
the grim thought of that huge,
solitary man bound and locked in
a steel cage.
The sheet smelled family of mil
dew and he wondered if Janet
Norman vas lying awake too, the
specter of their shared defeat bear
ing her unwelcome company. To-
morrow they would go separate
ways, their strange and turbulent
alliance at an end. And Lilli too
he would never see her again. All
that little microcosm men called
New Dixie-with it's hopes and
hates and strivings-all would be
a fading memory.
(To Be Continued