Newspapers / The Coastland Times (Manteo, … / July 22, 1938, edition 1 / Page 5
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Friday, July 22, 1938 TPIE DARE COUNTY TIMES Page Three HEART’S HERITAGES • /OMPh McCord Wiro InTlN. THE STORT I ’ CHAPTER t—The eon((c|ition of the fild White Church in Loeuit HIU turns •ut In full force to look over the new B retcher, Or. Jonathan ParweU, and , rare Is much speculation among the I communicants as to what sort of man he will be. Aluent from the service Is Cassius Brady, treasurer of the church ,who had recommended Dr. Farwell for the post after hearing hls baccalaureate Mrmon at the graduation of Dale Far- 'well, hls son, who Is a geologist. Brady s 'daughter tenors Interests Dale, who lives alone with bis father. i CHAPTER n—Dr. Farwell meeU the aneasbers of hls congregation Dersonauy. laceests their tributes, but refutes to be Impressed by the banker's family, the 'Marbleslaa^ whose dau^ter Evelyn 'obviously egb her cap for Dale. Mean- .'while the women of the town are curious labout the mystery of the Farwells' wom- enleas housekeeping, and Abble Brown ettempts to get beyond the parlor by brtaj^g the men a pan of home-made 'doughnuts. In the privacy of hls room Dale has enshrlnod a picture of a besutl- gul woman. Inscribed In childish lattar- tat “Elaine." CHAPTER m—The Marblestones In- hrlta the Farwells to dinner with Cassius Brady. Lenora, known as "lae,” ,1a away at the time with her mother, who Is In {poor health. At the dinner Evelyn mo- dopoUzes Dale, who tells her of hls ■eologlcal ambitions. He also tells her £e has only one friend In Locust Hill, End she it Lee Brady. Marblestone [bluntly qulases Farwell about hls wom- anlest menage. Brady attempts to dl- .vert the conversation and the minister .then admits that the housekeeping ar- Irangements are temporary, to be re- lUeved shortly by the arrival of a hired Voutekeeper, ; CHAPTER IV—Constable Kemey Is perturbed by the arrival on the tram of >a suspiclous-looklng little man and shad ows him. He la further mystified when the stranger goes to the parsonage. There the newcomer Is warmly greeted as "Pmk" Mulgrew and takes up his duties as housekeeper, adding to the ■town’s speculation. On the return of Mrs. Brady and her daughter to Locust HUl. Dale calls and ts won l.-nmediatcly by Mrs. Brady's delicate charm. CHAPTER V — Evelyn Marblestone Fives a party In honor of Dale and la obviously annoyed at hls marked atten- ■tlons to Lee. Lee has been escorted to the party by Pliny Morchcad, a young man for whom Dale forms an Immedi ate dislike. Later. Dale takes loe for a drive around historical spots In which he has a student's Interest, and he epn- •fides in her his Ideal of Elaine, hls [mother, who died when he was barely imorc than a baby and who is still deeply mourned by hls father. Lee Is sympa thetic and understanding and the two 'We drawn more closely together. , CHAPTER Vt—Dr. Fanvcll mvltcs the .Marblestones to hls first formal dinner. iDalc has already accepted an Invitation .'to attend a birthday party In honor of ILcc, but his father sternly msists that jhe stay at home and help entertain the Marblestones. Lee, although understand' 'Ing. Is hurt, and Date spends a miserable evening. Against hls will. Dr. Farwell Is prevailed upon to play the piano and later exacts from Dale a promise never to make It necessary again. CHAPTER vn—Evelyn hurries to tell 'Lee the details of the Farwells' dmner. Abble Brown’s curiosity Is heightened by a sight of the party and she calls .on Pink In the Farwells’ absence, os tensibly to recover her doughnut pan. She leads him on to talk of the Farwells. Pink tells her he has never seen Mrs. •Farwell. that Dr. Farwell saved his life iln the World war, that he hlm^U Is a former lightweight prlzcllghter. Too late, Pliik realizes he has said too much to the town gossip. ' CHAPTER Vltl—Pink, finding the doughnut pan left behmd, returns It to Abble, but flees from meeting her moth er, realizing the women's gossip curi osity. Meanwhile. Dale calls on Lee and after a preliminary coolness on her part, confides hls plans to return to college after Christmas to assist Dr. ■ Payne, head of the geology department. The young couple exchange Christmas ' presents. Dale’s being a picture reminis cent of their trip around the historical countryside. CHAPTER IX—Marblestone. urged by I his daughter, offers Date a position In ' the bank and confides the news to Brady. Dale promises to consider the offer and keeps It secret. Dale Is roused from sleep by a phone call from Lee. anxious about tier mother and father, whose empty car has been found on the road , to Trenton whither they went on a secret business trip. Date drives her there, where they find Brady In a hospital as the result of an accident. Mrs, Brady Is unhurt. CHAPTER X—Over their coffee on their return, Lee and Dale discover their mutual love. Pink advises Dale not to tell Ms lather ol the romance 1 yet. but when he finds Lee’s family ' warmly approving he decides he must . tell hls father that night. CHAPTER XI—Dr FarweU’s first re action is disappointment, because of Dale's career, but the sensible stand of waiting pleases him. and he wishes him happiness. Back at the university. Dale Is recommended by Dr. Payne for a ge ological survey In northern Ontarto, backed by a man named Wade Kelsey, and agrees to go early In the summer CHAPTER XII—Dale hurries home to tell hls father and Lee. Driving with Lee, he hears the news that Evelyn and her mother are abroad, and that Pliny MorehC'Sd now has the proffered Job at the bank. CHAPTER xm—The shock to Dr. Farwell of the name. Wade Kelsey, brings out the story ol Elolnc. Dale listens. Engaged to Wade Kelsey when Dr. Farwell fell In love with her, Elaine had married Farwell, but unable to stand the life of a minister's wife and heartsick over her failure, bad dlsap- f eared. With Elaine gone, FarwcU's alth was saved only by the war. Un- .known to him until he finds him with Elaine's mother. Dale becomes his means of atonement. But Farwell thinks Dale Is Kelsey’s son. CHAPTER XIV — Dale wanders through the night, to battle with hls dis illusionment. Pink, meanwhile, prom ises Lee to find Date, and tries to tell Farwell Dale is no quitter. Wade Kel sey calls, accuses FarwcU of being re sponsible for Elaine's death, but with duHcuUy tries to convince him Dala Is Farwelrs son, not Kelsey's. Lenora Brady was slightly inco herent when she flung open the front door for a young man who came bounding up her porch steps. "Dale! Dale! Is it really you? Come in quick. Shut that door!" There was a brief interval v/ith- 'C'dt words. _ "You'll have _to exstuq mi. I'm a cry-hatj'7" Lee ^nked hack her tears with a laugh. I think I came very near fainting with excitement when I heard your voice. I never dreamed of it being you! Why didn’t you prepare me'”' “There really wasn’t time. I came away on such short notice. Do you mind?” “Mind! I’m so excited I can’t talk.” She patted hls hand. “I was writing a letter to you when the phone rang. And when Hattie said some man wanted to speak to me “You thought It was Pliny,” Dale volunteered. “I want that letter just the same." “This Is better than a million let ters!” “I kept my promise, didn’t I?” “So wonderfully, dear. 1 believe you always will.” “I'U do my best. Lady Lee,” Dale gave a glowing account of the future to Lee. Old Payne had been a trump to recommend him. It seemed that this chap Kelsey had a lot of interests and there was no telling what the Canada job might lead to. Dale was going to do his best to make good right from the start. He would, too. "It's wonderful," Lee sighed. “I feeh too, that it's the start of happi ness for us. Only I dread to see you go so far away. Dale, dear . . "Yes?" "You must help me not to be self ish with you. We must think of your father. But you’ll give me every minute you can, won't you?" "Do you have to ask?" "Yes. It's because I am selfish about sharing my heart and geolo gist Have you those blue goggles?” “Not yet. I think mosquito net ting will be more appropriate, from what 1 hear.” "It does sound thrilling. Indians and everything. Maybe you'll fall in love with a squaw. Dale." “I just wouldn't wonder. Now, let's plan for this afternoon. It’s gorgeous out. Couldn't we run off?" "You saw the car out there, didn’t you? I'U go, if you’ll drive." "Bargain. We can have several hours to ourselves. I promised fa ther I would show up for dinner. We had only a moment. And I v. ant to see your mother before we go." "Ol course. I'U send her down. She's waiting upstairs for mo to get over the shock. 1 won’t be but a minute." "Dale! What a pleasant surprise this is!" was Mrs. Brady’s greet ing. when that young man planted an impulsive kiss on her cheek and escorted her to her favorite chair. •;lsn’t It, though?" he beamed. "I'm the one who's lucky.” "We are so delighted to hear of your good fortune. Lee was so ex cited she scarcely could tell me about it She insisted that I call her father and teU him. He is very much pleased and anxious to see you." “I do wish we could drive over to Staten," said Lee when he helped her into the ear. “But it's too far. Where shaU we go?" "I was hoping you would want to go there. We will before I go away. tVhat do you say if we run out and park on the top of Allen's Hill for a time? I like the view there." "I'd love it” "Then I shall take you up into an exceeding high mountain and sbow- eth you all the kingdoms of this world and the glory. There are some special peaks to see today.” "You mustn’t tempt me too far and . , . Watch out for that car, Sir Lucifer. He’s going to try to pass us. This steering wheel has too much play. You’ll have to get used to it—and back-seat driving." Sudden silence stilled their lively flow of talk when Dale parked the car on the summit of Allen's Hill and the two sat watching the land scape unrolled at their feet Woods and fariiillands basking in the early afternoon sunlight. Locust Hill among its trees, two miles to the east The slender spire of Old White thrust above a sea of green. “What are you so busy thinking about Dale?" Lee asked It gently. For some minutes she had been watching hls contemplative eyes looking into the distance. "Oh—things,” he admitted, with out shifting his gaze. “I suppose it sounds queer. But just now it was about the funeral over there.” He nodded in the direction of the church. “That’s where father went this afternoon." “I know. It's Helen Emmons. You remember her, don’t you?” “Of course. She was one of those three sisters. Always together and always dressed Ir black. I sat in the pew with them the first Sunaay I was here." “Did you ever hear anything about them?" “Cnn't say that I did." "I’ve often wished I knew the whole story. They say that Miss Helen—she was the oldest—was en gaged to be married when she was a young girl. Her lover died. Her sisters have never left her through all these years and all three have worn mourning. It makes you won der about Miss Elolse and Miss Jane. They gave their lives to Hel en. And now she has gone. Why did .you think about her Just jaow. Dale?” "Just how strange it ail is. Fa ther standing In the pulpit and tell ing people what a good woman she was. Miss Emmons there, too. Ferbaps she knows more than any body In the world, what it’s all about," "1 hope so.” _!!l?ial!s jyhatJ was thinking She's on the way out. You and I really are just coming in. I sup pose it’s that way all the time.” "Dale, dear!” Leo's hand came out and caught his in a fierce little clutch. "Don’t talk like that. 1—I "Don’t talk like that. I—I can't bear It.” can’t bear it. It anything happened now, I—I think I’d die!" The moss- agate eyes were brimming with sudden tears. "Lady Lee!” Dale exclamned re morsefully. "1 didn’t mean to." "I know." She mustered a smile. “You see, I love you so much. It makes me that way." "Well, nothing is going to happen. It couldn’t Not now ’’ “I don’t believe it could. It seems to me that I have known and loved you always. And it's really been but a few months, hasn’t It? After you went away 1 used to find my self wishing that I had told you about it sooner. But 1 couldn’t have very well. Just the same, I feel that we wasted time.” "We’U try to make it up." Dale smiled. "We have years and years coming to us.” “Do you suppose that you’ll ever be sorry?" "No. I never ■will be sorry. 1 love you more than anybody In the world. It will always be like that.” “I know. But my chin’ gets wob bly every tkne I think of you going so far away. I’ve got to worry some. Dale. You'll be away oil from everybody. There won’t oven bo letters If you were hurt or sick, I might know nothing about It for a long time." “Don't worry, dear. Nothing can happen to mo as long as you love me. And I know you do." "So terribly. I'll try to keen my chin up while I have you here and can see you every day. Oh. Dale, I have some gossip for you. It's bad news." “Go on. Break it." "Evelyn Is away She and her mother have gone to Eur'^pe. I was going to tell you In the letter.’’ “Tough.” "And that Isn’t all. Pliny re signed his position with the gas company and has gone iiito the bank with Mr. Marblestone. So ’ "I’m resigned, too. Pliny hasn’t a thing on me," "Sure you’re not sorry?” "What's the use?" And so lengthening shadows found them, watching the world at their feet. “I’m afraid we should be going,” Lee sighed regretfully. "I hate to see this day go. It’s the happiest I have ever known. Dale.” "I know, i feel the same way. But it isn’t gone. That is, if you’ll let me come over for a little while after dinner." "I was almost afraid to suggest It. Of course I want you to. I'll drop you at your house as we go in.” "Some day we’ll be going home together. Just you and I. Perhaps it will not be so long now.” “You know I’ll be ready whenever the time comes,” Lee answered softly. “Nothing can ever separate us now . . . TeU me it can’t.” she entreated. "Just once more." “Funny girl! Wliat could separate us?" "Oh, didn’t I toll you"* Wade Kel sey. He’s the man who is sending me up there. He's a mining man A great friend of Doctor Payne." "Then u met this man." “I’ll say I did. Ho came down to the U to consult Payne on the proposition. Ho wanted to send a man up there to make a report and the chief suggested me. I’m to make a survey while the snow Is off the ground and to take all the time I need. Of course aU my ex penses arc paid and I get a fair salary in addition. I may have to lay out some money for my outfit, but 1 guess I can manage t^t" "Lfet me know if you need any thing." "Thanks, Father. If I do, it wiU be a loan this time. It I have real luck, Mr. Kelsey rather hinted there might be something ..." ’’Dinnerl" Pink’s strident voice interrupted from the lower hall. "I must wash up," Dale remarked hurriedly. "See you downstairs, Fa ther.” A few moments later, he was in the dining room chatting with Mul grew as they waited for Doctor Far- well to put in an appearance. "Didn’t the dominie hear?" Plnl* demanded. “The calf’s goin’ to be havin’ a chill pretty quick." “Why, yes. He heard." Dale said. "I was telling him about the Job up north when you called. I’d just been giving him all the dope I had from my new boss, Wade Kelsey, and . . "Gawd!" Mulgrew’a small face was ashen. His gray eyes stared helplessly. "Pink!" Dale leaped forward and caught the man by his white shoul ders. "What’s happened? What U it?" "Kid . . Pink’s tongue wet hls Ups. They were trembling oddly. "Kid, you’d best go up and see your dad." Dale hastened upstairs. "Father, I must ask you something." “■Well . , .?’’ came a muffled voice from the man facing the win dow. The swivel chair swung about reluctantly. Dale caught his breath at the sight of his father’s face, the black eyes peering up at him In a lackluster stare. "When I went down,” Dale be gan, "I felt that something was wrong. I was taUting to Pink and l» ’ •’•'What did he tcU you?" "Nothing. But he . . Father, who is Wade Kelsey?" FarweU sighed wearily. He pulled himself to his feet, holding to the tabic with both hands. His face was a white mask of misery. "Sit here on the bed. Dale. We will talk as two men." He dropped heavily to a place at Dale’s side and sat in brooding silence. '"That I saw when it was loo late. How lonely and frightened she must have been. I was obliged to leave home for a few days. I told Elaine that I would expect her to conduct the weekly prayer service It seemed a trivial thing. She shrank from the Idea in terror. I would not listen. It was the simple duty of a pastor's wife. I chided her for wan*, of faith—for giving way to her nerves. It was the culmina tion for her. Everything must have toppled . . .’’ “What did my mother do?” Dale’s fingers slowly relaxed their hold. His hand feU to the bed, "She was gone when 1 came home. There was a note. She had tailed me, so she said. My Ufe and work were all that mattered. She was doing it for me. Me." "Go on.” "Even then, 1 did not beUeve the truth. I went to your grandmother’s at once. 1 kept telling myseU Elaine would be there. That a moment of panic had driven her home. Mrs Cameron could tell me nothing. Wo searched. Oh, yes, we searched. Days dragged by. Months. I nev er saw her again." "You mean she . . . Kelsey." Dale forced the words from his stiff lips. “Walt," FarweU lifted a hand in weary protest “You must let me teU you at 1 can. I paid for it with my soul. It is a dreadful thing for a man to lose bis soul, Dale. My conscience drove roe out of my church and away from my God. The conviction that I was to preach was inborn. There was my father—hit father. I threw aU that aside and Uved because I was afraid to die. I worked with my brain and my hands, trying to forget I failed in everything. A Cain now. Always in flight" Dale sat motionless, Ustenlng. Someone passed the house, whis tling carelessly. A hoUow thump against the front door. The eve ning paper from the city. And here in this upper room the world had come to a standstiU. Jonathan FarwcU’s voice again, pitched in thzt unbearable mono tone. "It was In the fall of 1914 that a solution came to me. Thousands were meeting death in the war. I crossed into Canada and enlisted with a contingent training for over seas. I had no intention of com ing back. "There is not much more. I was in battle many times. I wanted to be among those I saw faUing on every hand, but God would not let cant siOT" .Mi he ‘.lad found him self in a strange place. His eyes fell upon the picture of his mother hanging in the chimney niche. Very slowly he approached the one-lirrc shrine, detached the photograph from the waU. held it clenched In his two hands. A sud den wrench and the frame was pulled apart Its glass fell and shattered on the bare floor boards. Dale took one lingering look at the portrait, lifted it and held it lor an instant against hls cheek. Very gently he laid it on the shelf. He left the room, walking quietly This time, he sought the rear stairway. "Kid Walt a minute." There was Pink, barring the out er door of the kitchen with his small frame. Deep shadows fiUed the room. "Get out of the way." "Don't be Itke that, kid. I know. Where you goin’?” "Anywhere.” Pink followed Dale as far as the back porch and watched him hurry swiftly through the dusk. He made his way back into the darkened bouse with a heavy heart Then he stepped into the parlor and Ustened attentively. From overhead came the sound of footfalls pacing back and forth. j An hour later Pink was in the kitchen adjusting his tie before a | smaU mirror. He had changed into his checked suit and the ceremonial derby was on the back of his head. "I ain’t a-goin’ to get thanked none for this, either," he muttered to his reflection. Lee Brady sat alone in the swing that hung in a shadowy comer of the front porch. When her vigil was rewarded by the sound of ap proaching steps from the street she hurried forward with a low word of greeting—halted in confusion. A small man stood below her, bat in band. "Oh . . . Mr. Mulgrew. Won’t you come up? I was expecting Dale. Is—did be seAd me a message?" "No’m, he didn’t.” Pink ascended the steps and glanced about uncer tainly. “I want to talk to you a minute. You see. Miss Lee, I don't know you so very good. But you al ways struck me as bein’ pretty square. Of course, I’m wise to you and the kid. I’m the first one he spilled it to. You’re pretty strong for him, too. I’m wondering just how mucu you'd do for him if he was in a jam." "Is Dale In trouble? Oh, please tell me what it is, Pink." " 'Frald be is. The kid’s goin’ , . , . . to try and kill me when he finds I me join their company, J^d some- , ^ut somebody’s got to where In ail that ruck of Wood and somethin’ for him and you’re the Vi found my souL I owe . j know who can bring So be knows,-' Dale -iiuttered [ teU me. Pink There is "Yes, he knows cverytlung When , j do "’’Tv’ever fnind. Pink I can guess.” "You’re one ahead of me all the time. Can you beat that one'’ Twen ty years and never a word of the guy And then right out of a clear si:y. like I said. Worse n a story book." “yVhere is Dale?” "Can’t sny for sure. H.. walked out. I tried to stop him. It woulda meant a fight. 1 didn't have the heart to smear him. Maybe I should, at tbaL” "But suppose he doesn’t come back! Pink, he told me all about hls mother. I know as well as you do what this is doing to him. We must help him! We must find him! And you don’t know where he ia “Maybe I don’t But it don’t atop me from havin' a good guess. IS you say you want him, I'U dig him up. That's a promise. Miss Lee.” "Oh, Is it. Pink'’ I’U wait Until tomorrow. You won’t fail me?” "Not a chance. Not a chance.” •Did this Kelsey question you j jjy y CIIAPTER Xni When Dale reached the parson age he went directly to the study. As he had hoped he found his fa ther there. Farwell laid aside his pen and leaned back in his chair. “Let me hear something about your new position. Dale," he sug gested. "Just where are you go ing?" “Into the Mlssinalbi country. Is the atlas handy? I’U show you.” “There beside you. On the lower shelf." ■Dale laid the volume on the ta ble and leafed through it until be located the desired map. “I'll bo starting from Minneapo lis,” he began importantly. "Then go up the north shore—^like this. I don’t know the exact route yet. But I'm to strike for the Misslnaibl Riv er and foUow it to some point along here." “It looks as if it might be rough and sparsely settled country.” "It Is. I’m going to make a hunt tor gold. But nc one is supposed to know thit." Dale’s blue eyes were alight with excitement "I'll have to use a canoe and Indian guit’'s. Mr. Kelsey says . . ." "Whom did you say?” FarweU broke in sharply. Hls head sUU was bent over the atlas. _ .. about your motlicr?" “Then It’s something about my mother ’’ “About all of us. Dale. Our day of reckoning. Hearts of men are as nothing . . . The old familiar fervor touched hls voice. Vanished. “Souls are in the balance now. Souls, 1 say. Are you listening?" "Yes." “When I left the seminary, 1 sup plied the pulpit of our church in a small Oregon tou'n. Middleton. It was your mother’s home from child hood. Her father was dead. Some of this you know. Elaine and your grandmother were alone." “You have told me that" A re spectful Impatience marked the words. “And I have tried to have you know Elaine. As she was then— very young and very beautiful. Scarcely more than a child. Frag ile. I am wondering if 1 can make you understand what I was. How bleak my early life had been. Those harsh experiences softened only by my faith in God. It drove me. I was zealous, intolerant I fancied myself anoffler Saint Paul called to persecute. Before these past few days, I doubt If you could have un derstood how I came to love Elaine. Or rather, how she could have loved such a man as myself.” Dale’s thoughts had turned swift ly to Lee. "I know,” bo said sim ply. "I think you do now. And I did love her. It was the same fierce ness that characterized my every desire. I brushed aside her every doubt. I was convinced our union ■was desired by God. And I forced her to see it. although . . . She was promised to another, Dale. The man’s name was Kelsey. Wade Kel sey. "I told you I never had seen this man. I believe that is true. Ho meant nothing to me. save that he stood in the way ol an ordained plan. I recall that he was an engi neer then. Stationed in Middleton. Elaine consented to our marriage when I was given my first regular appointment. I took her out of the only home she ever had knotvn. Hundreds of miles away. Among strangers.” "But she was happy." Dale Inter jected defensively. Again it was Lee. "Some flowers do not bear trans planting. I may not spare myself, night, all human values s.hruik Men i "Well then . . . Miss Lee, I’m a ,know each other for what they ate. [lot older'n you. It’s a queer world I may not tell you of Pink Save jmy way you want to look at IL that his small body shelters a heart Did you ever stop to figure that whose equal I never have found in I'whca a guy climbs through the another. You are to believe that .ropes, he—well, he don’t have such Some day, you will realize my debt there." Farwell rose to his feet with seeming difficulty and moved to the table where he stood supporting hls weight on his hands. "When I returned from France I knew that my only salvation was in a life devoted once more to the church. I sought out a hcU of a lot to say about it. He 'goes to hls comer and waits for the gong. Sometimes, just some times. I say, the match is fixed ahead of time. Wonder if you get that . . .” "You mean," Lee hazarded in a low voice, “that something hap- , ipened to Dale. Something that .wasn’t bis fault at alL" "No!" There was a ring of des-"Yeah. His bout was fixed. That’s He left ’It.’’ > peratlon in Dale’s voice, the bed in his turn, to stand at FarweU’s back. "Let’s get this done. Where—^where did you find me?” "Your grandmother was caring for you." "My mother . . .’* “Had found rest Dale. She left you to me. Kelsey brought her home." Jonathan FarweU faced about with an offorL His head came up as he met Dale’s gaze unflinch ingly. "Say what you wUl. We are men." “I am trying to make myself think of you," Dale said slowly. “I want to remember aU that you have done for me. Everything is gone now?’ "Don't say that. I do not wish you to think of me. I killed the one great love of my life. Lived in the hoU from which 1 have warned others. There was but one possi ble atonement Can’t you see Uiaf’ You are aU that I have left of Elaine. Your life is aU ahead of you." "Yes. A nobody.” Dale choked on the word. "And you've let me go on and on." "I thought perhaps God was giv ing me a chance. I always was fearful of this day. But years passed. Nothing came out of the void. 1 might have- kndwjt ' God never forgets." "But you would have!" Dale ex claimed harshly. “Can’t you see what you’ve let me do to—to some body? I can take it. But Lee.” Ho made an effort to control himself. "1 think there is only one thing I would ever like to know from you." Dale’s voice was curiously calm. “You have let me live a lie. IVhy did you try so hard to make me .’’ He “I ... 1 think I know what you’re ’ trying to tell me. Pink." Leo said after a little. "I’m thinking of Dale. Nothing else matters." 1 I "You mean it. Miss Lee? You I mean you stick by what you said— , about doin’ anything for the kid?” "Yes, Pink. Anything." "Gawd! Excuse me. Miss Lee. You’re actin’ awful white about ft I know wbat sent the kid doi^'n , "That’s a iougb one,” Mulgrew admitted morosely. if you are to understand I bruised believe that my mother I her with my relentless efforts, could not finish IL I Elaine tried—pitifully. God knows. ' So do I, now. She wanted to con- I form to my pattern of life. The tragedy ol all was my own blind- > ness. I failed her. And she never I knew . . •" 1 "What are you trying to say?" The boyish voice coidd not conceal j Its Mgulsh. - for the count today. He was thlnk- in' about you. What it was goin’ to do to you. I know that, same as if he’d told me." “What can we do. Pink? You and I?" Lee asked soberly. "That’s a tough one," Mulgrew "Because your mother was good, 'admitted morosely. ""I can’t drag Dale. The sin was mine. Never the dominie into this so much. You hers. Wait—where are you going?" see- he told me the whole thing • "I don’t know." ' 1 lonS time ago. You gotta take my Dale flung himself out ol the ^"1 ‘t he had his reasons for study. The door closed behind him “ever tellin’ the kid. UnUl today CHAPTER XIV Dale pushed on. His torturing reflections did noC drive him as far afield as Pink suspected. He made his way out over a road that passed a woodlanit patch not far from the town limit. It was dark among the trees. Grate fully dark. There was nearness off rain in the unseasonable warmth. Dale vaulted a fence and stum bled through the crackling under brush, heedless of briars that caught and tore at bis knees la passing. When he found himself la a small clearing, safe from the prying gleam of hurrying ear lamps, he flung himself to tho ground under a tree. Alone at last With his seethittS thoughts. So far, there bad been only 1b» wild urge to escape. From every thing. Everybody. A vague real ization that be must give battle to life, reach a decision of sort. But bis brain refused to function. He crouched alone in a mad upside- down world. Hands clenched in an^ guish. Host to a stormy panorame of distorted images. Through It all, over it all, the name be bad been unable to force from his lips back there in the study. How long ago. That was the memory bis battered conscious ness desired most of all to crush. Even as bis Angers tried to muti late the tangible evidence and failed. Elaine. Elaine. Her face watching him through all this nightmare. It would not be blotted out No matter how be beat at it with bis bare heart. That hurrying maddening proces sion, swinging past his staring eyes. Where was the end? A host of puzzimg shadows forg ing by. Taking shape at last Tr.c-sei were pennons streaming frem bob-' blng lance tips. Clearer. The half-1 forgotten game of dreams. Old' guests of the Table Round. Men- at-arms astride their phantom charges. Bearings in confused masses of color. A pageant without voice or hoofheat Heralds with 1 mute trumpets. I And ever present In the motley ol mail, a lone rider. Coming out again, hidden behind arms that bore no device. Blank. The shield argent Dale's a was upflung across his face to shut away the picture. He rolled over and pressed hls eyes deep among the dead leaves. Sobs broke from him. "Elaine." When that first storm had spent itself, tszc boy who had been Dale FarweU roused and stared d'jUy at his surroundings At the trees loom ing darkly on all sides. It was the same world he had seen slip from beneath his feet He sUU was in it If no longer ol it For the moment his mind re fused to recognize the present or future. He must go back a little, reconstruct his chaos. Adjust him self to a perspective of so”ie sort Slowly, matters began to right themselves in his numb brain. It came back to him how his fa ther Tnal was it. He had no father. But he did He was the son of Ward Kelsey That should have been his name, too. No right to that other of which he had been so proud. Who was Jonathan Far- well'’ Only his mother’s husband. A man who had been kind to him for her sake. Had he? This man of God. Who stood up on each Sunday and told people how to bo good Live righteous lives, hate sin. And he let me live this' lie. He lived it. too. Why” Why? All these years giving himself to the task of saving souls. What about bis own soul? Wbat about, , . The Lady Lee. No use to push that out of hls mind any longer The thing that mattered most ol aU. He groaned softly to himself. She was waiting for him now— somewhere in this soft darkness. He had promised. His last words had told her that nothing could ever keep them apart. How could he ever tell her? He couldn’t Never to see her again , . . (Continued ne.-ct week) FINDERS KEEFERS with a *rash. A few strides took him into his own room where he paused^ looking . about with _a_ va- , You see—well the kid is tellin’ the dominie ail about his new Job. When he gets around to sayin’ th* name of the boss ..." “Say Porter, did y6u find a big roll of money under my pillow?" “Yessuh. r did, suh, and I thanks you, suh, very much, suh.”
The Coastland Times (Manteo, N.C.)
Standardized title groups preceding, succeeding, and alternate titles together.
July 22, 1938, edition 1
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