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THE HOUSE ON THE ISLAND. ‘ " I 9
trust. So, threats
him, and conscience he has none.”
Miss Wingate, with her trumpet to her
ear, seemed about to speak, but was
, checked by a ‘sign from her brother. Doris
leaned on the old woman’s chair, her eyes
fixed on Jacqueline. ’
“I rely uponpyou, Mr. VVingate,” re-
peated the girl, resolutely. “Only find
out Trevor’s present whereabouts-I ask
no further help. Surely, here in his native
city, some one-either old-time friend or
relative--must still know where to seek
the man.”
'Wingatc shook his head, but the little
gray woman with the ear trumpet spoke
u :. - .
“I think there is one person, in the city,
brother, who might give you the informa-
tion that Jacqueline wants.”
lVingate turned sharply. on his sister.
“It’s odd,” he said, in a withering tone,
“that deaf people can always hear the
things not intended for their ears.” .
-“But Jacqueline feels called to make
this venture,” replied Miss Wingate, “and
you certainly do not want her to go wan-
dering at random over the countryseeking
Philip Trevor.” . ’ , ‘
‘ “A plague upon all womankind!” mut-
tered Wingate. “Where’s my hat? Re-
member, none of you are to blame-me
for anything that may now happen. What!
do you wish to start upon your quest, Jac-
queline?”
“Immediately.”
“Mark my words--the finding of Philip
Trevor will bring no good to John Hat-
ton’s daughters.” ‘
“That. sir, remains to be seen.”
Without further words, Mr. Wingate left
the house. His sister put down her ear
trumpet, and. so severed communication
with her companions. Doris approached
Jacqueline, and slipped a caressing arm
around her. . -
“I told you I should he as wax in your
hands, Jacky,” she sighed, “and so I am.
I will not put a straw in the way of your
purpose, dear, and I feel sure that what-
ever you attempt to do will be well done.”
Jacquclineugave the caressing arm an
affectionate squeeze.
“I have money for all my expenses,” she
said, “for Aunt Bradshaw filled my purse
at parting. Just be patient, Doris, and
trust me.” '
“I will--I will!” said!Doris.
Meanwhile Mr. Wingate was walking
away in the direction of ‘Beacon Ilill. lie
had no intention of aiding and abetting
, I
will not avail with
1
Jacqueline’s folly. She was a. handsome
creature, and she possessed plenty of
spirit; but she had been reading romances
and she fancied herself called to perform
heroic service. In good time her common
sense would return to her. Mechanically
the old lawyer set his face toward his
club.
give no assistance to his young guest, he
felt moved to inquire if certain ‘absent
members of the Shawmut had yet returned
to the city. As he mounted the steps of
an imposing building overlooking the green
athletic person of George St. George, who
was just descending to the street. .
“Halloo, lVjngate!” said the blond man,
stopping to take from his lips a cigar,
which he had forgotten to light."
“Just powers!” mumbled Wingate. “I
hoped from my soul you were still in
Europe!”
“How flattering! I arrived to-day on
the Columbia. The younger ,Miss Hatton
was on the steamer with me.’ I trust she
is now under your roof?”
Wingate, unable to contain himself,
seized the othcr’s arm.
“See here, St. George! That girl has
conceived the idea of hunting up Trevor,
anddemanding the money which he stole
from her father. > And she has chosen me
to find out where the man is hiding!”
“Ah!” said St. George.
scheme-on the contrary, I oppose it
heartily. It is preposterous. sir, to think
of a girl like that faring forth alone--
for she insists ongoing alone-to seek res-
titution of Trevor.”
St. George bit the
thoughtfully. I
’ “Why discourage her’! The idea is not
so bad,” he said.
‘-‘Sir, it could not well be worse.”
“I do not knowabout that. She has a
persuasive voice, and her face matches it.
Let her have her, way-she may yet win
the game.” -
“Fiddlesticks!” ‘ said Wingatc; indig-
nantly. and he turned on his heel, and
started oil‘ down the street. He had not
gone a dozen yards when he heard St.
George behind him, In a moment the
blond man was at his side.
“lVait a bit, Wingaie,” he said, coolly.
“I admire Miss I-latton’s spirit, and gladly
offer her such aid as is in my power to
give. So, take this bit, of information:
After destroying: John llatton. his friend
end of his cigar
aml business partner, Philip Trevor, went
In spite of his determination to e
Common, Wingate ran plump against the,
“I assure you, I do not countenance the .
.. mi: