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Show V. --- .Cliarl s The blond younj exquisite upon whose shoulders the, weight of the United States government was at that moment precariously resting addressed himself, with baleful eyes and honeyed acnts, tot the fifty-fifttime that morning to s vociferous telephone. Hello hello no, the consul is out of town, for a few days. This is Mr. Ward, the lice consul, les, the San Francisco is due to dock in about an hour from nyr. Yes, they storm' hi ths btca raninto sea, but no serious damage done be yond delaying them and giving the passengers a good scare. .Not at all. h i T Goodbye.' Between the intervals of ladling out this information, which apparently all Manila thirsted for, the young vie consul, paced the floor in anxious thought. It was during one of these dejected "promenades that Mr. Thomas Mac lain, ruddy and radiant from the recent ministrations of balK, barber and florist, burst in upon him. A panama over one ear, front top to toe in crisp white of the most fashionable cut, be pre seated a tropical vision of fashion, if scarcely beauty. A large and or nate bouquet of orchids somewhat startlingly completed hi costume. Greetings!' he cheered from the doorway to bis melancholy friend. And how" fares the blushing bride, groom t The groom merely groaned. Cold feet, I see, Mr. Madam soliloquized as he helped himself placidly to a thair and a cigaret. Yon neednt have. I cant say much for the groom; I dont know anything about the bride; but,., let me tell you, theres oe thing about this xfeddmg that can t be improved uppn, and thats ttf best man. Fourteen shaking victuhs bass I already escorted tq the altar:! seven church, five home, one justice of the peace, one elopement Absolutely no hitcb guaranteed, whatever . the circumstances, however limited the time or ... late the notice. Will you shut up ! This is jno laughing matter. Be calm, Charles, the best man soothed him with practiced ease. Millions have gone through it and lived. And false modesty shall not keep me from commenting that you could not be In better hands Last night yon sprung on me out of a clear aky that you intend to be married today. Already every detail iq arranged. Your wedding shall do reCredit you eredii, my boy. pellent word I withdraw it, m haste He from this auspicious occasion. tossed the flowers Tightly on the table. . Flowers to the brid from myself first graceful attention! The groom examined them un appreciatively and with suspicion. SchliizarsJ Hawd you ever get credit there! f.'I didnt, returned Me. Maelain With marked forethought airOy. I charged them to you. Charley, wheeling around upon him was rendered dumb and purple for the moment before a second proof ' of perfidy. Isa-- t that by Jove, it is! Thats my wery newest suit you have on. he managed to ejaculate in smothered tonea Certainly it is, agreed Mr. Maelain, surveying with satisfaction hi rotund form. Your best man had time, is flawless. If have had a suit made for myself at your expense.. Being hurried .this way, I had to pick out the best I - ' could from your wardrobe.the in heaven, guise of Protecting the telephone, averted the grooms just wrath. Again he forced his dark mood to dulcet tones as he prattled of the San Francisco s .welfare. At the close of th conversation he slammed the receiver vinThats dictively upon the table. the four hundredth time Ive answered that this morning. Im going to have peace for a little while at least. I wish that damned ship was at the bottom of the sea. Mr. Maelain Charles, Charles, Is this a fitting reproved him. nuptial mood! inarticulate Charley, growling thoughts too deep for expression, was again, examining Mr. Maelain Look here how floral tribute. did you ever get credit at Sehlitzers for met Hes dosed down on me for over a month the old skin- far embittered protest, Id flint' Thats Id where my unusual Maelain assured him modestly. Thats where "yon score in your bpst man, my boy. Bchlitzer displayed his usual vulgar reluctance for anything but a sordid cash basis. In my own winning manner I made an impassioned heart appeal. I told him that it was your wedding day. Coaid be refuse- yoa flowers for that romantie occasion! He eould Charles farrowed a white brow over this. Whod have ever believed old Sehlitzer would have any romance In him! he demanded incredulously. I fear it was not so much roadmitted the oramance, perhaps, as the. fact that. I gathered tor, from his remarks hq was expecting og to wed the Manila Hetty Green. Dont talk about Ethel that way , - , Im mighty fond of her. Certainly you are, irritatingly Ah! talents corns in, not!' t M arnage Perhaps Twas Fate; if the Exquisite Blond Charley HadAVed One Girl; Think How Sorry He Would Hive Felt for All the' Rest of Woxaankirid! 1 m sort of (from hts She, too Always has, 4o f a pocket end thrown It on the agreed his best man table Examining him mors closelv. ?h under and happily all Mani- t-l could discoter nothing in his that impression; And that thought- bills. I foolishly mentioned r was en- appearance to justify the strangely to JAary. and I don t know how formnlahle'"efTect"bf his prefence He ful fondneta is helping to pay for gaged he is going to takethat I didnt menwas a dark, not unattractive looking whichhave I tion. to man in hts middle thirties, with peneyour wedding dinner,, thapk goodness. I'd asked her ' He come ever snd me Ixrd' marry trating gray eves, which had 4 trick for already ordered at Antonios kicked the table viciously How d'd of blackening suddenly, and m grim. three at least, and as many more as I ever come to do such a fool thkig $lan shaven mouth and chin. The Climate or hunger, Mr, Maelain strong, sinewy figure, 411 at ease In I might telephone for later That diagnosed." conventional traveling clothes, held did! The deuce-yothe groom feeling Invariably comes from one a suggestion of careless grivee which of two.You the It were or easilv eomevmto Its own in might hungry exploded, almost beyond speech. was pouring buckets when you wrote khaki snd riding tiJSbta Beside Char-le- v that fatal letter s immaculate perfection It became Why, hang you "Well, anyway, Charley resumed marelv roughness and the.misfit of sn It will also pay forthe ring, displntedlv his narrative. "Inst my out of doors men in a if office at Mr. Maelain continued to meditate, lurk Jf Mary, dnin the ubqs diminish t.go .and. get. thai the same. tirr.e,.,m on top of her mother s in letter s own good looks ratio. Cbitrl dash" right 1trind no,' It, I'm afraid it won't for the minister. They're a good deal like Sehlitzer s Cold cash basis. Yes, everythings attended but to, Charley, he ended briskly, just one Utile detail. Ill have to ask you to lend me a fifty for my wedding present to you. Carter, I know,' wont give cither of us credit and I want to do something handsome for you, old chip. Ive already ordered it The groom had flung himself into a chair and was regarding him with a decidedly sinister expression. You have, have you! JYell, the next time I choose a best mat 1 ll choose one who isnt, in such damned bttr?y! Damned best the hurry! man defended himself shrilly. Didnt you say you were going to be married as soon as the boat got inf Thatll be in about" half an hour, and you only told me last night and now you say damned hiyTy to me! Well, of all the inr-- Mar-lai- ' - gratitude Bow'd I know I was joins to have man-whbuy up half Manila for me before Id even decided my own wedding? raved, the groom. Look here Who do yoii think Is going to pay foj. these things these suppers and flowers and rings and present youre so lavish with Chris's check ljasnt come this month and hs hasn t even answered my last letter about my .bills. Lord only knows what Tra going to do about them' There s no. one left here to bor- a best . Ie noticed how youve pined for her. the judge interjected with some dryness. O, well a fellow ha to amuse himself But when X first came Kefre I didnt know any Ion at'all in the beginning, you see. 1 was blue and lonesome and thinking of Mary ail the time, so in a- - rash moment I her to come over and marry begged me jump on the next boat, I believe I said told her the girts did it all the time here that Iht marry her the minute she landed." Charley groaned distractedly. WeTT, Just a soon as Id sent that fool letter I met Ethel She took me up and and I got in with began rushing the army crowd and began having ths time of my life You know how its been since youve known me. And heres Ethel- - again he flashed an appreciative look at the Adonis in the mirror and again his hand went to hts tie she s crasv about me Tm fond of hr, too shes a migbtJy attractive girl, and. of course, she ha &U that monev. Hang it all, Mac you don't know how hard it make it for a roangwhen women lose their heads about him." Mr Maelain lowered hi feet and raised his head to protest more forciAre ydu casting aspersions at bly. my fair young lace9 he demanded I may not have with some heat. and peculiar charm, your but Id have you know In my own modest little way whole The trouble started. Charley continued Irritably, unheedbecause It take ing this outburst, so long to get letters from the state. How can a man know how he I going to feel a whole month in advance9 1 didn t really worry much about it, because I wa t quite sure Mary wouldnt come. Shes so sort of timid and gentle and well, just not that sort. wouldnt have dared suggest it if Jd for moment- - thought she'd do ft on account of Chris of 2 Course, 'really ought to consider him You bet Td consider Chris" apHe always fork proved Mr. Maelain up on all your biQs doesnt be9 t never heard of poch a fraternal gold mine in, aU my Ufa es, fatal-boaut- y 1 a wa dotmr really for her. Nothin nil my life hurt so much as h went before 1 toultf do more for her than just kcef her from starv-Inj- r Now that 1 ve mart my rate and could irie her o easy the thing I e ' ud He topped dreamed of I "Hav you been fllrttn at what old Chris bfts done for ual limelight moan teray about you any more. J,d One hundred thousand dollarsi have taken care. of you. anywav, when But Mary had shrunk out of hi she left you .to mo, bit had the embrace, snd her mien wa anything kind of feeling, too. youaee after but that of a bride receiving a golden that that everything I did for you gift. . iern voie softened incredibly "Chariey." ehe said wretchedly. with my brother, Marr9t He comno sorrv so. terribls sorry but 4nlv. Im emIt s hard luck, Charley attempted promised cleverlv between an I can't marry yon." to comfort him. brace and a handshake by taking both Gant marry me!" lt corrected the girls hands in hie. hell, 'T .hope 'o I Christopher possibly," Mary went him brief v now voull speak to me when you have a ong tear beginning Hut can ou to shine in her , He .munfr Itenely moment . leisure," he rebuked nhat I her "I brown wanted to tell yod eyes. 1 v finaround upon hi brother with tha tenderness he could never the very moment I landed the mogogered it out to mi .sr If that she keep out of hla voicevwh'en be spoke ment I could see you I v e tried my out that to a woman ing to haAei a chance jo li very hardest but fiobody would let me rhrii in rough uou. poor cold little hands lay very me Ive Just got to tell you now. Mary I m not I an t do it for her ort atHl in hie I dnn t understand;4' she What do you mean? asked Chare huk vou- ar in a wav Thi whv satd family otir- - brotheri He ley. stupefied. He put his arms ca- - . fvn slept on the wharvea aorh notoyour brother ressingly about her, lowering his voice He certainly .is affirmed Charley, to its silver note of Invemaking, He v flights, eo ymiihl a leap warm and soft gone hungry for hear unes. could even up a good many past -laughing with elaborate wf d tl i ojr Tmap moment. tioodsolji Chets1- - Nobody like him. score with Cbn in, tM ttvd tfvmatd all this he flung ru hv urciy you remember how dften "Did you think I didn't care any 'from I used to talk to you about Chris?' more because I didn't meet you beatrppoaediy adoring5 Manila mv life forever so vrm couM have No i don t remember, she an- cause I Hoi the swered. your club and fine friend But Mary was again InexpUoablT - -forgotten vou even had monev for em now for myself, too, a brother. IdYou "Please please."didn t lell me ha was out of his trail, but it too late neer be any- coming 4 never I vh begged him piteously. ommectikf the fists so to telLyvm, Charley, but th thing but the same rough name father aa Outdoor l the only I want to know,4 continued Ju't I dont koe yon." What place for me "Of course you do" Charley, anxious V keep the converYou're mistaken- But I Charley of- sation in this 4ieasanMy the girl repeated facetious fered again hi alwass graceful ac- strain is how you ever induced old desperately. "Im eo ashamed of myI t. self. don but companiment. Chris to speak to you In the Hr&t I eaid Christopher place know 9 that Hes always pretended to tpe aU "Youre worn out, tittle girl, I'm not complaining And I he "v dmplv And here, to Charley announced. from women. haeh-over all these havefled wouldn't have Can't 'No, no, Mary implored. out man a buttes' tike him turn how I make you understand? Dont you things except J wnr you I feel about this girl You'n disap- tins!' said Mary sim- see, Charley, when we got engaged i was ft the storm," our book ou pointed roopter in Your brother happened to have was still a girt a silly little jirL I ply. pgver did anything at college, you're the cabin next to mine Und took care thought, you were so wonderful, andal- I in her job every got of me Just going on disappointed through it of me anl Ihoughtth life meant for you but, by heaven, Charley, ou everyoneall else re were laughing and Her voice' ways wy around.' going to the theater-f- un shook a trifle. Be wan so wonder danciAg and time. And you Just fitail the shall never forget H" ful Her "It wa nothing," said Christopher ted Into thai. But afterward broke. voF He gave a gallant IKUe Hastily. You'll find it's Just th same new;, laugh. Funny, we should See so much of each other, wasn't it, not knowing Mary." You r the 5su Its not. Charter who we were9 I never knew you were but Im not I grew up When coming, you sew Smith s such a com- same, now end mon name, anyway I never dreamed mother died. I'm aa woman man. hav for a moment you were the girl Char- fd"I hat to know mean." what you dont ley wanted to marry." Informed ber stiffly. ChrisWith the fatal verb the situation Charley sat hi hand his with shading topher flushwas upon them full force. Mary, ing furiouaU, lifted pitiful eye to lore. breath a drew Marv long, hopeless Charley's embarrassed face. mean I d felt all Mr. Maelain' explained to me How snd tried again. "1 but I never knew Just abe said that before, very busy you are today, it meant nntll that night of -hurriedly. "I dont want to disturb what ou, but if I could Jut speak to you the storm. I waa so terribly fright, your brother came, and. ... for on moment, Charley; rtgtot now-be- fore ened. andihen right away I felt so o aafe. He wa I goso Mrong and kind eo eo strong. I Char-le-v 'Why why, certainly. Mary i quiesced, torn between inability knew then that was ' what I had been to refuse the fair sex anything and mtsslng irt you. "Of course, tf you don't trust me, ihe disturbing gestures Ctirietopher waa making him behind Mary's back Mary, Charles reproached her cold- what Ive dons to 1 i want to see you, too, about ly "1 don't know Theres something l'v deserve" u. then further explanaammetbing. gave Mary tell to you right away got tion 1 "I don tYb Charley," ah fust a minute, please, Miss Mary. ended simply, withyou. a sincerity Cask a her. detaining begged dirtstopber even Charleys vanity . , J know, pierced hand on Charleys shoulder "It s Jtil .right MarxL. Charley, wounded pride, reasfrom smarting me Charier, but If vou would Just let For the matter of sured her lightly. have five minutes with him first we I knew myself It was a mistake hadn't quite finished our talk. U you that, our marriage. In fact. 1 ipav as just would tell you. there another girl." girl "Why, of course, Mr. Ward. the 6he There is? cried Mary, unflatter answered with gentle dignity Joyful. . "O, Charley, I'm so glad tngly moved toward tfvs door, her little bead Im . rather high. waa It then that Christopher earns Mr. Maelain wants to show you the forward. view from the veranda," Christopher "Mine Marv," he asked her with 4 blundered on Ill Just keep Charley berentlene-- e on would not hav of the lieved a minute He shut the door his voicMbnld hold, "are vou looked It. office, snd, leaning against mis-tasure a quite making ywcaian't silently at his brother, hi eye blacjt yS' with passion Qtiltk sftrs," M sry answered In a soon a 1 was going tp tefl her low voice. Her head waa bent, very him assured sulkily. and he could see only a line of whit I could Charley "Hang It. Chris. I had to say How do neric beneath the wide sweep of her you do' to the girl first, didn't bet. "Tell her whatY demanded Christo"Charley loves you,' Mlaa Marv" hant" disappoint her la year mar- pher tensely. went on steadily. "Hs Christopher riage tt s aB off I uweor t you didn t mean what he laid ' I didn't mean " about that That 1 I got her other T waa, the minute Chris, we nothing but hurt meet to the that "I v, given you money girl A10 It wag because he Ifie right sort of girls mothers sort, And if pride. "You'd have thrown her over.1 then? didnt meet you it wasn't his fault, Tve given Christopher went to1on. and told that truly." vou the education marry one of em. You d have stood upwhos loved and little ber. to monev frightened girl, support "Please, plea." Mery begged him Ill give you the half fgintly enough to com from under ber I reckon you can get any one you want trusted vou that msrrv to world you, Mlaa 0 across the that all the "Don't make a- mistake, trimmings you've got And then you atm youve changed your mind and dont Mary," Christopher urged her bravetake with women cur1 You Ilf want her a to give mother Dont spoil your landladys daughter, JEhrough cried Char-le- ly any foolishness like that. Charley "Why, you made mt astonished face. a girl whod traipse three thousand laugh at Charley Into courage before this loves you and be got everything 4 It hasn t, by gum' I can see that miles to marry vou stung " Charley bass ingratituds Didn't you tD ms women could want I suppose vou thought it was enough "It was this way. Chris I had to7 1 was trying to do wht Then bfery looked up-- "Not everyfor nrn just to know there was a tried in vain to stem the tide Its "I don't care what way ... thing. he- said. beautiful being Uke ou on earth. you wanted. fhlnule. witn now was him this For a moment they stood motionI v never looked ax it to stop here scorching ilhrtstopher quite tha way, fot make contempt. Next less, blind to any audience, reading it all right with the girt Tm free to say a look of measureless He stfuck the taI wo what her so much of It foroff for yqji Just turn eyes. ble auddeejy with hi deep Into each other time dont thmlt fist buy ber me if she makes a fuss." Just think evident Christopher had quit want," he 'flung at him. "Ive never done any of itstrong for a min- over to she exth man if MW know .wouldnt do that," "Oh. of being ute for you. gotten tine cause he was pleading; of tbs word. My Oort, if he began answering, rapidly, boarselv, "You havent9 exclaimed Chariey. plained Charley, struggling to conceal Is. mssnin been hlf d the he saw In Just ons, his hm relief. thing "Its yba something unbplievstiie into honest amazement. surprised see. she's awfully in love with youd knocked mo down and told ms you d those brown depth. Not. on our life Chns assured you break ber marry whom you dam oless. me I ra afraid it will him "Mary, you dont mean you can't i Vmt mean you said a man you felt aafe 1& Who wa K for? Charley asked heart." way yon thats announced money's a powerful good mucilage It IfCharley him blankly Tra with, blit tf he was Just a rongh, Ignosullenly, of woman, with sort kind of an Indian with hardly Christopher that to marry whom I damn rant education Christopher got up with a little assured intending mend I can him Just what he'd mancynically. sent any Td movement which suggested swinging minute the knew I plea all right enough only, mie-- aged to pick up. himself oould epeak himself into the saddle and walked her heart, It wa ths lettw mend. Mary to tnore anv when he tried, but be mustnt there to the wndow correctly pretty ft wa for ?!!? qirttopber was You ve sot to premise me. Oh rleg up careleseilke when he said gruffly after- - pause,mother, apt to slip or "every to t hapwasnt thinking sort of lai excited he thi, thing got damned thing Iye ever done for you going was so terrible not a gentleman at All but loved you Marry this girl or one Do you remember her at ail9 he pen again. retreated, terrified Charley that never like and heart and spul and you'll get her sq all his with demanded a moment later. You Walt, Chris, wait'" he adjured strength He stopped in a sud were such a IHtie shaver when she other cent from roe and you know kind the Just She's him frantically. Give her means op, word een what hopeiesseneas-rmay Cfled bitter . OIv.. Z4 f .M ...t- ,marry den. ytnl'VF pern iirglng "mn d- not I oouMnt let you.-"A little Some one very gentle, and ru move like if you could.what everything mv money will position I about afford." told checkbook ance you remember my with a very suit Voice that about mothers sort'"not 21 Tt'a a mighty hard thing youre Marv Mother mother and father? I'd never pull Marv" like sort s care me for you to do, Chariey demurred, down like that. I That her. all right, returned asking in dazed tones. yeu m'nch. Wed be Just like them- too "but after all youve done for me re- Christopher repeated Christopher, more gruffly than be- he Hi threatening fist had dropped. He you end I just the same gave a magnificent gesture of fore. He stood frowning out at a last this Chris, I'll do It for you stood overwhelmed beforeincredulous "Not quite 'the earns," Mary Corblue and gold sea, words nunciation o revelation, facing with Ill give her up. him gently with difficulty withchoosingyhi a resentful dif- andHemother. of bis hopes "Do rected ruin final the eve much his out very held had told Charley the' truth. It She hand, fidence of g reticent man forced to on know-yvou dont to mean say woman who w4a looking at Christopher vou pleased with himself. lay bare hi heart. is mother an was a t Christopher. "I .prink you said gripped it. searching with troubled over cant see the Mary If you remember her youd again? Mpther would be proud didnt you Tom" mother didnt leva that weakness the for lay eyes always nave to remember thatat all. her soft . of her1 father." splendid promises voice and her soft ways what a lady behind Ybarleys now. a landlady daughter," your She a You'll tell her And stlUyCChrietopher. trembling, "It ends here ehe waa. You re like her in looks, was see demanded muttering he Charley unbelieving, transfigured, held baa though somehow youve aniseed the the minute youThat'Sher? core If shes a convict", happiness don't I a from bm. away promise. insistently. mg tit0? mother had in her face. Of You can't mean," he asked her daughter' cried Christopher passion'Its a promise, said Charley sol- ately oourae, Tm just father all over Shes a lady shes got that with a wtstfulnees Infinitely pathstm emnly. I remember father Tve all With God' to the Jrirl who loved him, "you can t It who Just at that moment that the something my Thats because Im him. I expect hollow a erst- given you all youve had - you cant-te- mean- - that any girl, after she'd onee travesty of Mr. Maelain How mother ever came to a while breezy sort." marry reached them the accents known Charley, could svar look at right old nut like that though I with rough Hs turned and. leaning against the me" spectacular opportuneness from pieced out from things she said about the lower Oh." cried Mary Impetuously, and, Here we are," he mantel, wit his head dowprinto hts veranda how it must hav happened. She shouted. A moment later the faithful arras. "Its none of it bepo the least as a last Intolerable touch to ber insick himself got ! aii Chsriev room began tnto the of of burst bit outburst, had evidently totally sulting Cupid emissary to Jp her and father dead eel began forgotten thgt Charley wa even la -a haggard and apopletle mur brokenlv CharieV himself mopping courreeton i?JEe tofc?r new meant to be browy hit. a as tf any girl could ever A couldn to. second t plucking room, her th "I swanKer keep her, huj, Ee juet dida know longer." he explained in a hoarse age from this Incredible weakness m Jook at- - Charley .joeam after shed ' 1, She ChrlaT once known Iron to Just you ' the Christopher whisper 4Wnt she?" wouldn't Look- - here Tm trying to plesse look at the sights kept sayIt waa perhaps five minutes later Otarieu mnirked, llf' anxious to done for all prosee after that youve to had the telephone, which Mr. Mac lain, she Charley right away vou, Cprf mo g this unexpiosivo Unite. Aftra ing My Godi I hope I may nevr again me; hut Im hanged If I know what had thoughtfully restored to ita proper father's accident, I moan that want. If make from a woman the do youd hive to backstop equilibrium, interrupted hie war dance, .er and before," Christopher of glee. Somewhere out on the veranda! She s downstairs I mao she lovea .ainer A hard hfe-a- nd Tittle to ,had located Farad iso. , marry that told her she could rest there whil "I want you Mary and plucky and brave about it as you rooted happy." Christopher Charley, etill exceedingly flushed. I up Charley, girl and make her Mill WUI . thoroughbred, to hla papers' SffJ J?h ail himself was applying But the eager anticipation er Miss told him huskily. talking tnto his That wag Just you sss He rained hla head to clench with an aasidutty and concentration- . Mary smith could not. it emed. be arms be was out of her class it,always was. never received from him be- j "If you don't they had gainsaid a moment longer she stood a still formidable fist. of 1th. A Father couldnt .help being on her if you fore. If you don't take care the threshold, a slender little fighe was, and I couldnt, try as I Answer th phone," he snapped! I remember mother used to ure in a simple black dress and hat, dare so much as ever look at another would. sourly at th portly bacchant, and! ftory woman" try to teach me French songs and silhouetted vividlv against the over- Say I'm out, whoever U la" at blue of a Manila sky Under the vhde was hfm,' little dances when I was a kid staring Charley I of her- her brown hair curled come by a second evidence of weakHello," , Maelain bellowed rowdiest- -, ud tw m and legs brim like hatchild Oh. !v tnto the receiver. s, her brown eyes ness to them, though it just ongue hello,, broke my heart softly, You Tov keg yourself" Ethel! He dropped hi voice eev- Chrim not to for her. She never knew that. still .looked out upon the world with v eral octave, to, a note more befit- fierce-lon a .child's wistful trust; her Sorrowfu1 him I reckon wheeled Christopher This is Mae. , If I do what does that matter. ting feminine einh "I remember some she taught me oung mouth had, tt seemed, outgrown She was so utterly, over- She wants you, and, bv heaven, shes Charley" not In Just at present. Thus, said Charley. He hummed musical- childhood He seated himto hav you' evening sure love to come. 1 w, 1 4 ly a strain from "Au flair de la whelmingly unlike that going Yoa, Luna' Color was beglnntrurlo come lade Christopher had pictured, who self at the consular desk and opened give him the message. What? tern-.-,, Why. iutiiei. thia is back to his face and osiim i n could travel alone to an altar three hi. eheck book... JTelL them to come don't say! thousand miles away, that tt was In. he told Charley curtly over one bie news! You'll have to give me time his eyes. You ought fo breag it, to recuperet Yea. she tangbtyoO, aB right small wonder he stood white and shoulder. gentlv. I o.-- o t When ths three reentered the room to your adorer TUmore enough, Christopher granted wist- stricken, his steady grip on Ilf for be well enough whether You took to, all that Uke a once completely shaken. v, fully. he wa, again hla virile, masterful sett. know will? eozna You Don't forget L to Yon1 duck to water. You were her family hs breathed. He faced Mary with resolutely ImGood-b- y thet. Ward!" Mr. said the Whv eves. ve Its throurhand through, she uaed to say I lifted to be so doggoned Jealous of girl amazedly. Her voice was very pair, Hanging irp th receiver he regarded Mira yooTJ forgive me. won't with an unholy Joy. I didnt recognise you, for Mary. ymt when I saw her pride In you. and. low and sweet. butting fn the way I have? Charley "Charles, X dont believe -ttt I go- -. of coarse though she was 4oo sweet yon for a moment It's so dark ik here I wont keep on being that kind of a n that In be to necessary to lnveto let me suepect it I knew T never after that dazzling sunlight." She brother. Fm going to turn Charley mask, after all. Ethel warns could be anything bat a disappointcame impetuously toward Christo- over to you now for good." He got tecs com meet to thia to us up of the to evening ment her rough, overgrown cub pher, obltvioua graceful figure looking suddenly very tired, and fiance: He s Just arrived on the that T waa. Well, selling papers and b ythe rVianteL T m so glad Im go- up, held out to, Charley the check" he had ber do Part know, you chariee, Francisco, anths wharvee from 1 years ing to have k chance to say good-b- y working been writing. I hope vpull ret some if I Were yon. I wouldn't spend quit on isnt calculated to make to yon, after all." she ended rather pleasure out of that weddingfreoeti.t,-h- e eo many sleepless night .worrying You'd gone when I a fellow aexactly ended. brrathleasly. drawing rootn ornament." over all those ladles who want to You were mighty good to her to came on deck. I left a note with the , look at It, after first bis Charier, aQ of us father, too, Charley began steward in ease you went back to oast to the winds hi cherished potee. many you!" the boat." gracefully. Like an exoHed Choottov be dashed Oh. 1 was glad enough to do tt. Dear me, this certainly needs look- over to Mary and. flinging Ms arm cut wa All I ing Into " Charley, making a dra- around ber, held the check In front of growled Christopher. out for, anyway. And somehow, (Oipyrighti-ISpe rite effort to master th situation, ber eves. by Juba France,' mother went, I never felt that advanced a trifle tardtiy into the WooL. Mary." lie Modted, wfa In- that cnt 11 1 - da. cjTjuid-have- T 11 T M -- lo-ee- Ie -- ke bargain'" "Its th devils lr WOOD - mitted such a fatal mistake with Hetty Ethel on th horizon Into the to-d- By JULfA FRANCES -- row of A hideous thought struck Mr Mao-lai- n. He collapsed weakly in his chair before it fearful Impact. Charles " he Implored feebly." von dont mean you can t mean that th lady has no pelf? s Not a cent to her name O. Charley." moaned his stricken friend. How could you? You of all men! How could you ever have com- own mess,", Charles admitted miserably. You can aee for yourself." He go up and prowled Look nervously about the office. here, Mac, you've got to help me out of this. Tell nee what I ought to do. Fire ahead with the whole story," Mr. Mar lain advised resignedly, leaning back and putting his feet on the table to promote Judicious counsel He rolled an eye back toward th clock. And you haven't long to tell it In either. The San 'Francisco may dock any minute" We can hear the whistle from bpre time enough to beat it down there then." Charley had settled himself for his recital. It waa In San Francisco fust before I came here, he began drearily. She waa my. landladys daughter" "Say no more, son I eense the situation." Mr.' Maelain waved asids unnecessary explanations on this point. Tve been engaged to four myself. It eases what la apt to prove a very painful relationship oils the wheels of room rent, as it were." It wasn't that way at all with Mary." Charles corrected him, stiffly. That had nothing riiat- virtuous. ever o with It. She's the sweetest sort of little girl crulet and sort of timid lots of fun, too, hut well. Just sweet. I thought a"lot of her. She was crazy jbout me" he glanced casually at th face in the mirror opposite and straightened ah impeccable lie "and I was really In love with or two Uttl mentioned th - on things 1 v happened to do for .you were seven years did7" since you have." "Why. no. Chris yoH.iSd' Charley admitted, surprised at this less formidable line of attack. "Well 1m going to now," Chris prepared him. " I vs never wanted vou to feel unoorafoirtatvie about 11. or under any sort of obligation. On th other hand. 1 admit it has kind of taken me bv surprise once or tw ice to have vou swallow it all Just like the air end water to have a brother slaving and drudging year after v ear lust to get for you the soft things of CharVev , why did it evnd have kept on doing ft now you re & man grxrn' Jle cae hi short rkr I" 7 death. I didnt know she d died when i wrote H or. of course. I wouldn t have written it up over that and oer being alone in the world And darned if a if In answer to jut that my fool suggestion doesn t roll In. and I suppose she think it is an answer to her jreayer Evidently she must haye decided on the spur of the moment to take me at mv word AJ1 1 know is I got this wireless. Coming Mary the counsel re"Coming. Marv There s a peated discouraglngiv horrible irrevocableness about that Charles. Too late to stop her now. There goes the whistle this very moment Sure enough, the San Francisoo was heralding its approach in the harbor It solemn snorts and rumblings wafted across the water to Charley guilty ears a hideous parodv on wedding belia Ho clutched desperately at Macs sleeve, hi handsome oung fare really ashen s p!oretr You are too busv Jo be married,' Markiin proffered. Certaanly! You're of cares in state immersed I thought of th$t too" sighed but it just prolonged the Charley, agony. I cant be busy forever. And what will I do with her wWn she oomes poor Mary and Ethel will be it sure to hcar-oDoes Mary get met or does she not interrupted Maelain. Of course' she does, Ohariey Informed him, rushing him frantically You must rush down to the door there this minute you've got to do this for me, Maelain think of aU I ve done for you Mr I will not marry her for vou. Mad&in announced, struggling to exall e went that tricate himself, 'f there tai to U- - If Ive got to raarrv one Ive got a landlady's daughter of my own, and I owe her mother five months rent. Dont be more of an Idiot than vou can help Charley besought hirn I just want you to meet hrr. and me. Explain bring heron up here forhow the way fnghtfuUy to her ear in work busy I am up to my 'for minutes office five iho leave cant Then - you can hunt up a todxv the I her hope for boarding place-some money left afier poor kid ha her to take have her passage youll duy there. That will give me anothersometo tWnk things out, to plan is a of it going kind And what day the to give me, I ask you? objected I poiC my best man vehemently m g best man to vou word Char What am I to av is no sinecure to the female? 6tiell probablyorweep are And are you all over me today you not going to marry her for you 2 can answer that question voice assured a He !s not, them from the doorway It owner remained on the threshthe two old. surveying composedly white-Hnc- h form VbaU had v eared oft hurriedly toward him. Tnto the sudtropical atmosphere bad swept compelling, something, vital, some denly tingling electrically alive, as If hod torn unwind from the north buHed sone and the scathed through Beitself into the sleepy little office. and crinred openly, fore it Chariey even Madafn surrendered a trifle or his jaunty stammered Charley, Why, Chris airy cortrying desperately to infuse n voice; a into diality rrur aid on whatever re you doing of the globe Why didnt you tH a fellow? Did you come on the San not it hasn t even Francisco V-docked vet This Is my friend, Tv written you of him ltn Christopher submitted In grim sihandshake. to lence a double The newcomer had pulled abetter ij-be- panic-stricke- w 'a ca (nnwr that faatioa L - and social grace dwindled into startling cokrlessn5s and insignificance Hired a stham launch and got ashore ahad of the other passengers answer at last Christopher deigned He pointed to the letter And that s I came, wh he ended brmfl Charley packed it up, and with a flushed face examined it uncertainly. From roe? he asked In elaborate Ah ah yes to be sure surprise the one in which I spoke of my enI gagement, suppose?- 1 didnt answer it anv too soon So you were thinking of ft seems getting married today' see Why Charley began to stammer. Where the wrong tadv ? On the San Francisco Maelain wa starting to meet her for me just You see Chris Yes I see Christopher cut him, short grimly Game over to marry vou. did she Ducky we never knew we were relations-to-fc- e might have --H turned authoritatively to the strange W subdued Maelain. You better go at once.' Mr Mnclajn; the boat is just And dont bring her here docking for at least half an hour I want to have a talk with my brother first.'' What ehaJl I do with her9 demanded Madam, on the verge of tears. Mac. and Take her for a driv That will be show her the sights. Ch ariev urged him feverishly nice' asYe that will be verv ntco sented Maelain, with a venomous took at his ftiend He drew Charley cauBook here! Do I go tiously aside a a raain private citizen, or a official beat man9 No. no for heaven sake, dont mention imtrimory. Charley imYou plored him in abject terror can see how Chns feels Just "tell come and that her I was too busv to vou re a friend of mine. And. for God s sake keep her away as long as ro ran. until I can cool Chris off Job Which looks like a Mr Madam Opined pessifor me I wani to inform you mistically. right now Charley it' all rirht for vou tout brother pay your bills but he needn't think he can give me orders and expect me to eat out "of hi stand for Tt hand time for you to start, Mr Mac-ku- n It s the terrible newcomer adviced him quietly Going this minute, Mr Ward. Maelain answered, and departed in haste with a final bitter aside to vour brother Intends Charley. I to Tay for tTO cab Chn commanded as Sit down, I want to soon they were alone. talk to vou Charley obeyed, lighting a cigaret and trying with a desperate attempt at nonchalance, to meet hi brother eves. They were not easv eYes to meet for a man who had anything to erou two-ye- tnt conceal fhrtetopher waa - looking at him with a curious mixture of sadness, contempt, and grim determination. So you were going to be married Plantoday, were you9 he asked. ning to send me an announcement card I suppose Why it wa thia way, Chris,Charley began uneasily. Afraid your wild west hrothdfr would queer you with your fgahkm-abl- e frieoda Waa that it Oh, no Chris. Ycraae, tt 9 avitfwcwrled Chris You needn't I ahouldnH assured him jhnrtly. be leaned back have come. ..Charley in his ebatr. his hapdyodP in hi pocket; his eye riveting his, glance with the steady, dggsiooerting scrutiny Charley particularly disliked. Tv never thrown up ju you; have 2 never m much as It. v, s a 5 1 . -- , V XX- J- You yoirurwi?f s . better" -- S' no-bo- -- an-lbr- k'' - -- - af-;t- er U yoo-Aeo- |