Newspapers / The Coastland Times (Manteo, … / July 22, 1938, edition 1 / Page 7
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Friday, July 22, 1938 THE DARE COUNTY TIMES Page Three HEART’S HERITAGES • /oMph HcCort wm; atnrlM. I THE STOBT * CHAPTER I—Th« concTeRatlon of tho AM White Church in Locuit HiU tumi out In full force to look over the new ’Bicncher. Dr. Jonathan Parwell. and , there la much apeculatlon among the I 'communlcanta ai to what aort of man ha will be. Absent from the aorvlce la Caitlua Brady, treasurer of the church ,who had recommended Dr. Farwell for the post after hearing hla baccalaureate aermon at the graduation of Dale Far- Well, hla too, who la a geologist. Brady'a 'daughter Lenora Intareata Dale, who Uvea alone with hla father. i CHAPTER n—Dr. Farwell meeU the hneatbera of his congregation personally, 'aeaepta their tributes, but refuses to be Impretaaa by the banker's famlW, the Sfarbleataagg. whose daughter Evelyn 'obviously aato her cap for Dale. Mean- ,While the women of the town are eurloua labout the mystery of the Farwellt’ worn- anleaa housekeeping, and Abble Brown attempts to get beyond the parlor by bringing the men a pan of home-made Bougnnuta. In the privacy of hit room Dale has enshrined a picture of a betutl- gul woman. Inscribed in ehlldlah lattar- Ing "Elaine.” i CHAPTER m—The Marblestonet tn- wlta the Farwella to dinner with Cassius Brady. lanora, known as “tae," is away at the time with her mother, who is in poor health. At the dinner Evelyn mo nopolizes Dale, who tells her of hla E logical ambitions. He also tells her has only one friend In Locust Hill, I she is Lm Brady. Marblestone ntly quizzes Farwell about his wom- {anless menage. Brady attempts to dl- ,vert the conversation and the minister .then admits that the housekeeping ar- 'rangements are temporary, to be re lieved shortly by the arrival of a hired oousakeeper. ; CHAPTER rv—Constable Kemcy is perturbed by the arrival on the tram of « suspicious-looking little man and shad- ovps him. He is further mystified when the staanger goes to the parsonage. There the newcomer Is warmly greeted as "Pink” 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 :H111. Dale calls and Is won immediately by Mrs. Brady's delicate charm. CHAPTER V — Evelyn Marblestone gives a party in honor of Dale and is obvio»"*’v annoyed at his marked atten- ‘tlons to I le. Lw has been escorted to the party by Pliny Morchead. a young man for whom Dale forms an immedi ate dislike. Later, Dale takes Lee for a drive around historical spots in which he has a student's Interest, and he con- -fidcs in her his ideal of Elaln' ills imother. who died when he was "arely ■more than a baby and who is still e^-'iy mourned by his father. Lee Is sympa thetic and understanding and the two -are draw-n more closely together. , CHAPTER VI—Dr. Farwell invites the Marblestoncs to his first formal dinner. lUale has already accepted an Invitation , .'to attend a birthday party In honor of -Lee. but his father sternly Insists that • he stay at home and help entertain the Marblestoncs. Lee, although understand- 'Ing, is hurt, and Dale spends a miserable evening Against his will. Dr. Farwell is prevailed upon to play the piano and later exacts from Dale a promise never to make it necessary again. CHAPTER Vll—Evelyn hurries to tell Lee the details of the Farwells' dinner. Abbie Brown's curiosity la 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 Farw-ells. Pink tells her he has never seen Mrs. ■Farwell. that Dr Farwell saved his life ■in the World war, that he himself is a former lightweight prizefighter. Too late. Pink realizes he has said too much to 'the town gossip. ' CHAPTER Vlfl—Pink, finding the doughnut pan left behind, 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 his 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 rcmlnis- .cent of their trip around the historical countryside. CHAPTER DC—Marblestone. urged by I his daughter, offers Dale 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 her mother and father, whose empty car has been found on the road . to 'Trenton whither they went on a secret business trip. Dale drives ber 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, Leo and Dale discover their mutual love, pink advises Dale not to tell Ms father of the romance I yet, but when he finds Lee's family ' warmly approving, he decides he must . tell his father that night. CHAPTER XI—Dr Farw-eU's first re- action is disappointment, because of Dale's career, but the sensible stand of waiting pleases him, ana he wishes him happiness. Back at the university. Dale Is recommended by Dr. Payne for a ge ological survey In northern Ontam, backed by a man named Wade Kelsey, and agrees to go early in the summer CHAPTER Xn—Dale hurries home to tell his father and Lee. Driving with Lee, he hears the news that Evelyn and her mother are abroad, and that Pliny Morehcad now has the proffered Job at the bar':. CHAPTER Xm—The shock to Dr. Farwell of the name. Wade Kelsey, brings out the story of Elaine. Dale listens. Engaged to Wade Kelsey when Dr. Fanvcll fell In love with her, Elaine had married Fanvell. but unable to stand the life of a minister's wife and heartsick over her failure, bad disap pear i. With Elaine gone, Farwcllx faith 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 his dis illusionment Pink, meanwhile, prom ises Lee to find Dal., and tries to tell Farwell Dale Is no quitter. Wade Kel sey calls, accuses Farwell of being re- iponsibie for Elaine's death, but with difficulty tries to convince him Dale is Farwell’s eon. not Kelsey's. ' Lenora Brady was slightly inco herent when she flung open front door for a young man who came bounding up her porch steps. "Dale! Dalel Is It really you? Come in quick. Shut that doorl” There was a brief interval with- 'out words. •‘You’ll have to excuse me. I’m a cry-TjaTiyT” 'Le'e winked hack her tears with a laugh. I think I came very near fainting with excitement when I heard your voice. 1 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 his 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 wUL" “I'll do my best. Lady Lee." Dale gave a glowing account of the future to Lee. Old Payne bad been a trump to recommend him. It seemed that this chap Kelsey had a lot of interests and ^ere 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 feel, 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 I hear." "It docs 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 wc run off?" “You saw the car out there, didn't you? I'll go, if you'll drive.” "Bargain. We can have several hours to ourselves. I promised fa ther 1 would show up for dinner. Wo had only a moment And I want to see your mother before we go.” "Of course. I'U send her down. She’s waiting upstairs for mo to get over the shock. I 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. •;isn’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 1 call her father and tell him. He is very much pleased and anxious to SCO you." "I do wish we could drive o'Jei to Staten," said Lee when he helped her into the car. “But it’s too far. tVherc shall we go?” "I was hoping you would want to go there. We will before I go away. What do you say if we run out and park on the top of Allen’s HiU for a time? I like the view there." "I'd love it” "Then I shaU take you up into an exceeding high mountain and sbow- eth you aU the kingdoms of this world and the glory. There are some special peaks to see today.” “You mustn't tempt me too far and . . . IVatch out for that car. Sir Lucifer. He s going to try to pass us. This steering wheel has too much play. You'U have to get used to it—and back-scat driving." Sudden silence stlUcd their lively flow of talk when Dale parked the car on the summit of Allen's HiU and the two sat watching the land scape unrolled at their feet Woods and farmUands basking in tho early afternoon sunUght Locust HiU among its trees, two mUcs to the cast The slender spire of Old White thrust above a sea of green. "tVhat are you so busy thinking about Dale’" Lee asked It gently. For some minutes she had been watching his 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 i.iose three sisters. Always together and always dressed In black. I sat in the pew with them the first Sunday I was heie.” "Did you ever hear anything about them?” "Can’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 aU three have worn mourning. It makes you won der about Miss Elolse and Miss Jane. They gave their Uves to Hel en. And now she has gone. Why did you think about her -Just .row, Dale?" "Just how strange it all Is. Fa ther standing in the pulpit and tell ing people what a good woman she was. Miss Emmons there, too. Perhaps she knows more than any body in the world, what it's all abouL” “I hope so." _l‘3bsl!* j'hatJ 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. I—I "Doo’t talk like that. I—I can’t bear it." can’t bear it. If anything happened now, I—I think I'd die!" The moss- agate eyes were brimming with sudden tears. "Lady Lee!" Dale exclaimed re morsefully. "I 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 I couldn't have very well. Just the same, I feel that we wasted time." "We’ll 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. 1 never will be sorry. I love you more than anybody in the world. It will always be like that” "I know. But my chin' gets wob bly every time 1 think of you going so far away. I've got to worry some. Dale. You’ll be away oil from everybody. There won't even be letters. If you were hurt or sick, I might know nothing about It for a long time.” “Don’t '.vorry, dear. Nothing can happen to me as long as you love me. And I know you do.” "So terribly. I'U try to keep my chin up while 1 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” "Eveij'n Is away. She and her mother have gone to Europe. 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 Into 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 tlteir feet "I’m afraid we should be going," Lee sighed regretfully. "1 hate to sec this day go. It’s the happiest 1 have ever knott-n. Dale.” "I know. I feel the same way. But it isn’t gone. That is, if you'U let me come over for a little while after dinner.” "I was almost afraid to suggest it. Of course I want yoa 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’U 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! tVhat coiUd separate us?" CHAPTEB Xni When Dale reached the parson age he went directly to the study. As he had hoped he found his fa ther there. FarweU lalC 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 Missinalbi 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 untU be located the desired map. “I’ll be starting from Minneapo- Us," 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 Missinalbi 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 bunt for gold. But no one is supposed to know thit” Dale's blue eyes were alight with excitement "I'U have to u!;e a canoe and Indian guides. Mr. Kelsey says ..." “Whom did you say?" FarweU broke In sharply. His head sUU was bent over the atlas. _ . _ "Oh, didn’t I tcU you? Wade Kel sey. He’s Uie man who is sending me up there. He's a mining man. A great friend of Doctor Payne." “Then you met this man." "I’U say I did. He 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 aU the time I need. Of course all my ex penses arc paid and I get a (air salary In addition. I may have to lay out some money for my outfit, but I guess I can manage that" "Lht me know if you need any thing.” "Thanks, Father. If I do, it wiU be a loan this time. If I have real luck, Mr. Kelsey rather hinted there might be something . ." "Dinner!” Pink’s strident voice interrupted from the lower halt "I must wash up,” Dale remarked hurriedly, "See you downstairs. Fa ther.” A few moments later, he was In the dining room chatting 'X'ith Mul grew as they waited for Doctor Far weU to put in an appearance. “Didn’t the dominie hear?” Pink demanded. "The calf's goto’ to be havin’ a chill pretty quick." “Why, yes. He heard.” Dale said. "I was telling him about the Job up north when you caUed. I’d just been giving him aU the dope I had from my new boss, Wade Kelsey, and . . "Gawd!” Mulgrew’s smaU face was ashen. His gray eyes stared helplessly. "Pink!” Dale leaped forward and caught the man oy his white shoul ders. “What’s happened? What U it?” “Kid . . Pink’s tongue wet his Ups. They were trembling oddly. "Kid, you’d best go up and see your dad.” Dale hastened upstairs. "Father, 1 must ask you something." "WeU . . .?” 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, ”1 felt that something was wrong. I was talking to Fink and "What did he teU you?” "Nothing. But he . . Father, who is Wade Kelsey?” FarweU sighed wearily. He pulled himself to bis feet, bolding to the table with both hands. His face was a white mask of misery. "Sit here on the bed. Dale. tVe wiU talk as two men.” He dropped heavily to a place at Dale's side and sat in brooding silence. "Did this Kel sy question you about your mother?" “Then It’s something about my mother ” "About aU of us. Dale. Our day of reckoning. Hearts of men arc as nothing . . . The old familiar fervor touched his voice. 'Vanished. “Souls are in the balance now. Souls, I say. Arc you listening?" "Yes." "When I left the seminary. I sup plied the pulpit of our church In a smaU Oregon town. Middleton. It was your mother’s home from child hood. Her father was dead. Some of tliis 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 chUd. Frag- Ue. I am wondering if I 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 another 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," he 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. He meant nothing to me, save that he stood In the way of 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 known. Hundreds of miles away. Among strangers.” I “But she was happy,” Dale inter jected defensively. Again it was Lee. I “Some flowers do not bear trans- I planting. I may not spare myself, ' if you are to understand. I bruised j her with my relentless efforts. I Elaine tried—pitifully. God knows. ' So do I, now. She wanted to con- 1 form to my pattern of life. The tragedy of all was my own blind- I ness. I failed her. And she never knew . . .’’ ! "What are you trying to say?” The boyish voice could not conceal ; lU wguiAb. — ’'"fhat 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 want of faith—tor 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 fell to the bed. "She vas gone when 1 came home. There was a note. She had failed me, so she said. My life and work were all that mattered. She was doing it for me. Me." "Go on.” “Even then, I did not believe the truth. I went to your grandmother'* at once. I kept telling myself Elaine would be there. That a moment of panic had driven her home. Mrs. Cameron could tell me nothing. We searched. Oh, yes, we searched. Days dragged by. Months. 1 nev er saw her again." “You mean she . , . Kelsey.” Dale forced the words from his stiff Ups. "Walt.” FarweU lifted a hand la weary protest "You must let me teU you as I can. I paid tor it with my soul. It is a dreadful thing for a man to lose his soul. Dale. My conscience drove me out of my church and away from my God. The conviction that I was to preach was inborn. There was my (aC^r—hli father. I threw aU that aside and lived because I was afraid to die. I worked with my brain and my hands, trying to forget I tailed in everything. A Cain now. Always in fiight” 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 standstill. Jonathan FarweU'a voice again, pitched in that unbearable mono tone. 'It was In the taU of 1914 that a cant sHiT" ^ -f he tiad found 'hlm- seTf in a strange place. His eyes fell upon the picture of his mother hanging in the chimney niche. Very slowly he approached the one-lirre shrine, detached the photograph from the wall, 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 for an instant against his cheek. Very \ gently he laid it on the shelf. He left the room, walking quietly. This time, he sought the rear stairway. "Kid Wait a minute.” | There was Pink, barring the out er door of the kitchen with his small frame. Deep shadows fUled the room. "Get out of the way." "Don't be like that, kid. I know. Where you goin'?" “Anywhere." Fink followed Dale as far as the back porch and watched him hurry swiftly through the dusk. He made his way back into the darkened house with a heavy heart. Then he stepped into the parlor and listened attentively. From overhead came the sound of footfalls pacing back and forth. An hour later Fink was in the kitchen adjusting his tie before a small mirror. He bad 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 bis reflection. Lee Brady sat alone In the swing that hung in a shadowy comer of the front porch. When ber 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 ber, bat in hand. "Oh . Mr. Mulgrew. Won’t you come up? I was expecting Dale. Is—did he se£d me a message?" "No’m, he didn't.’’ Pink ascended the steps and glanced about uncer- i talnly. "I want to talk to you a [ minute. You see. Miss Lee, I don’t know you so very good. But you al- , I '"^’ever find. "Pink. I can guess." "You're one ahead of mo all the time. Can you beat that one'’ Twen ty years and never a word of the- guy Ard then right out of a clear sky. like I said. Worse'n a story book." "Where is Dale?” “Can't say for sure. He walked out. I tried to stop him. It woulda meant a fighL I didn't have the heart to smear him. Maybe I should, at that” "But suppose he doesn’t come back! Pink, he told me all about his mother. I know as well as you do what this is doing to him. We must help himi We must find him! And you don't know where he ix "Maybe I don’t But it don’t stop me from havin’ a good guess. If you say you want him. I'll dig bins up. That's a promise. Miss tee." "Oh, is it. Pink? I'U wait. Until tomorrow. You won’t fail me?" “Not a chance. Not a chance," .. struck me as bein’ pretty solution came to me. Thousands , square. Of course, I’m wise to you 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. 1 was in battle many times. I wanted to be among those I saw falling on every hand, but God would not let and the kid. I’m the first one he spilled it to. You're pretty strong for him, too. I’m wondering just how much you’d do for him if he was in a jam." "Is Dale in trouble? Oh, please tell me what it Is, Pink." “ 'Fraid be is. The kid's goin’ to try and ItUl me when he finds I me join their company. And some- , . .11 ti,-* J come here. But somebody s got to where in all t^t ruck of blood and ^ somethin' for him and you're the h to Pirfic:" ' ^ "So he knows.'' Oale muttered. ' around. "Yes, he knows everythmg When death waHts with men by c'ay and night, all human values s-hrink. Men (know each other for what Uiey are. I may not tell you of Pink Save that his small bady shelters a heart '■Y.ia can tell me. Pink There is iioUi 'ig in the world I wouldn't do for Dale." ' "Well then . . . Miss Lee. I'm a llot older’n you. It's a queer world any way you want to look at it. Did you ever stop to figure that whose equal I never have found in iwhen a guy climbs through the another. You are to believe that Some day, you will realize ray debt there.” Farwell rose to his feet with seeming difficulty and moved to the table where he stood supporting his 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 . . -" “No'" There was a ring of des peration In Dale's voice. He left the bed In his turn, to stand at Farw’ell’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 effort His head came j 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 all that you have done for me. Everything Is gone DOW?’ "Don’t say that. I do not wish you to think of me. I kiUed the j one great love of my life. Lived in I the heU from which I have warned ■ others. There was but one possl- I ble atonement Can't you see thaf i Yo are all that I have left of Elaine. Your life is aU ahead of you.” I “Yes. A nobody." Dale choked I 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. I might have-knowiir-• 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.” He made an effort to control hlmselL "I think there is only one thing I would ever like to know from you.” I Dale's voice was curiously calm. ' "You have let me live a lie. Why ‘ did you try so hard to make me believe that my mother . . .’’ He could not finish It I "Because your mother was good, ' Dale. The sin was mine. Never hers. Walt—where are you going?” "I don't know.” * ,ropes, he—well, he don't have such a hell of a lot to say about It He goes to his comer and waits lor 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-1 ■pened to Dale. Something that wasn’t his fault at aU.” "Yeah. His bout was fixed. That’s ■It" I “I ... 1 think I know what you’re ' trying to tell me. Pink." Lee saH after a little. "I'm thinking of Dale. Nothing else matters." i "You mean it. Miss Lee' You 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 it I know what sent the kid down "That's a tough ouc," Mulgrew admitted morosely. for the count today. Ho was think- in’ about you. IVhat it was goin’ to do to you. I know that, same as if he’d told pie." "What can we do. Pink? You and 1?" Lee asked soberly. 1 “That’s a tough one.” Mulgrew admitted morosely. "*’1 cant drag the dominie into this so much. You see, he told me the whole thing a { long time ago. You gotta take-my Dale fl'jng himself out of the word for it be bad his reasons for study. The door closed behind him . never xciUn’ the kid. Until today with a crash. A lew strides took • ' him into his own room where he ^ do^'nle aU about his new job. I paused, looking .a^ut with a va- he gets around to saym the I ' ~ name of the boss . . • CHAPTEB KIT Dale pushed on. His torturing reflections did net drive him as far afield as Pink suspected. He made bis way out over a road that passed a woodland patch not far from the town limit. It was dark among the trees. Grat*- fully dark. There was nearness at rain in the unseasonable warmth. Dale vaulted a fence and •tunS' bled through the crackling under' brush, heedless of briars thst caught ai.J tore at his knees te passing. 'When he found himself ia a small clearing, sale from tiM prying gleam of hurrying ear' lamps, he flung himself to ttad ground under a tree. Alone at last with his seetbiod thoughts. So far, there had been only Iks wild urge 'o escape. From every thing. Everybody. A vague real' ization that be must give battle to life, reach a decision of sort But his brain refused to function. He crouched alone in a mad upside' down world. Hands clenched in an^ guisb. Host to a stormy panorame of distorted .'mages. 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 his fingers tried to muti late the tangible evidence and failed. Elaine. Elaine. Her lace watching him through all this nightmare. It would not be blotted out. No matter how bci beat at it with his bare heart. ' That hurrying maddening proces sion, swinging past his staring eyes. Where was the end? A host of puzzling shadows larg ing by. Taking shape at last. T.ac-se I were pennons streaming from bob-i bing lance tips. Clearer. The liall-i 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 hoofbeat. Heralds with mute fumpets. ' And ever present m the motley of mail, a lone rider. Coming out again, hidden behind arms that bore no device. Blank. The shield argent Dale’s arm was upflung across his face to shut away the picture. He rolled over and pressed his eyes deep among the dead leaves. Sobs broke from him. "Elaine." When that first storm had spent Itself, the boy who had been Dale Farwell roused and stared dully at his surroundings Al the trees loom ing darkly on all sides. It was the same world he had seen slip from beneath his feet He still was in it if no longer of 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 some sort Slowly, mailers began to right themselves in his numb brain. It ca.-ne back to him how his fa ther That 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 map who had >’een kind to him lor her sake. Had he? This man of God. Who stood up on each Sunday and told people how to be good. Live righteous Uves. hate sin. And he let me live this lie. He lived it too. Why? Why? AH these years giving himself to the task of saving souls. What about his own soul? What about . . . The Lady Lee. No use to push that out of his mind any longer The thing that mattered most of all. He groaned softly to himself. She was waiting for him now— somewhere in this soft darkness. He bad promised. His last word* 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 keepers — "Say Porter, did y6u find a big' roll of money under wy pillow?" “Yessuh. r did, sn*-, and I tKanVq you, auh, very much, suh."
The Coastland Times (Manteo, N.C.)
Standardized title groups preceding, succeeding, and alternate titles together.
July 22, 1938, edition 1
7
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