the chronicles of clovis

8/13/2019 The Chronicles of Clovis

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THE CHRONICLES OF CLOVIS

by "SAKI" (H. H. MUNRO)

with an Intro!tion by A. A. MILNE

TO THE L#N$ KITTEN%&ITH HIS RELUCTANTL# 'IVEN CONSENT% THIS OOK IS AFFECTIONATEL#

EICATE

H. H. M.

A!*!+t% ,-,,

INTROUCTION

Thr ar *oo thin*+ whih w want to +har with th wor/ an*oo thin*+ whih w want to 01 to o!r+/2+. Th +rt o3 o!r 3a2o!rit r+ta!rant% to ta0 a a+% i+ *!ar 4a/o!+/y 3ro5a// b!t a 3w inti5at+6 th +rt% to ta0 a ontrary a+% o3 o!r in3a//ib/ r5y 3or +a+i0n++ i+ thr!+t !1on 2rytra2//r w 5t% 2n i3 h b no 5or than a a+!a/

a7!aintan abo!t to ro++ th Sr1ntin. So with o!r boo0+.Thr ar ar/y /o2 boo0+ o3 whih w babb/ to a ni*hbo!r atinnr% in+i+tin* that +h +ha// +har o!r /i*ht in th56 anthr ar boo0+% 7!a//y ar to !+% o3 whih w +ay nothin*%3arin* /+t th 1rai+ o3 othr+ +ho!/ ha1n th */ory o3 o!r i+o2ry. Th boo0+ o3 "Sa0i" wr% 3or 5 at /a+t% in th+on /a++.

It wa+ in th &ESTMINSTER 'A8ETTE that I i+o2r hi5 (I /i0 tor55br now) a/5o+t a+ +oon a+ h wa+ i+o2rab/. Lt !+ +1ara 5o5nt% an a tar% 3or tho+ *o/n ay+ in th ar/y nintn

h!nr+% whn thr wr 3i2 /i+!r/y 1a1r+ o3 an 2nin* inwhih th 3r9/an 5i*ht *ra!at% an h o!/ +1a0 o3 hi+A/5a Matr% whthr th 'LOE or th :ALL MALL% with a+ 5!h 1ria+% h n2r o!bt% th 'LOE or th :ALL MALL wo!/ +1a0 onay o3 hi5. My+/3 b!t /at/y own 3ro5 ST. ;AMES<% I wa+ not too 1ro! to ta0 +o5 +/i*ht b!t 1ityin* intr+t in 5n o3 othr o//*+. Th !n!+!a/ na5 o3 a 3r+h5an !1 at &ESTMINSTER attrat 5y attntion6 I ra what h ha to +ay6 an it wa+ on/y



o3 1!ttin* thin*+" whih i+ a+ in2itab/y hi+ own 2inta* a+% onta+t% it bo5+ th 1ri2at 2inta* o3 th onnoi++!r.

Lt !+ ta0 a +a51/ or two o3 "Sa0i% ,-,,."

"Th ar/ir +ta*+ o3 th innr ha worn o33. Th win /i+t+ha bn on+!/t% by +o5 with th b/an0 5barra++5nt o3 a+hoo/boy +!n/y a// !1on to /oat a Minor :ro1ht in thtan*/ hintr/an o3 th O/ T+ta5nt% by othr+ with th +2r+r!tiny whih +!**+t+ that thy ha2 2i+it 5o+t o3 th hi*hr9 1ri win+ in thir own ho5+ an 1rob thir 3a5i/ywa0n+++."

"Loat" i+ th 1/a+ant wor hr. Sti// 5or +ati+3yin*% in th+tory o3 th 5an who wa+ tattoo "3ro5 o//ar9bon to wai+t9/inwith a */owin* r1r+ntation o3 th Fa// o3 Iar!+%" i+ th wor"1ri2i/*"?

"Th +i*n whn 3ina//y 2/o1 wa+ a +/i*ht i+a11oint5nt toMon+i!r 1/i+% who ha +!+1t Iar!+ o3 bin* a 3ortr++ta0n by &a//n+tin in th Thirty #ar+< &ar% b!t h wa+ 5orthan +ati+3i with th =!tion o3 th wor0% whih wa+ a/ai5 by a// who ha th 1ri2i/* o3 +in* it a+ :inini<+5a+tr1i."

Thi+ +tory% THE ACK'ROUN% an MRS :ACKLETIE<S TI'ER +5 to 5to b th 5a+tr1i+ o3 thi+ boo0. In both o3 th5 C/o2i+=ri++% n/++/y% hi+ tit!/ar ri*ht o3 ntry% b!t h an br5o2 witho!t a5a*% /a2in* Sa0i at hi+ b+t an 5o+tharatri+ti% +a2 that h +how+ hr% in aition to hi+ own+hinin* 7!a/iti+% a o51atn++ an a 3ini+h whih h i not

a/way+ ahi2. &ith th+ I intro! yo! to hi5% on3int thattn 5in!t+ o3 hi+ on2r+ation% 5or +!r/y than any wor+ o3 5in% wi// ha2 *i2n hi5 th 3ro5 o3 yo!r ho!+.

A. A. MILNE.

CONTENTS

ESMTHE MATCH9MAKER TOERMOR#MRS. :ACKLETIE<S TI'ER THE STAM:EIN' OF LA# ASTALETHE ACK'ROUN



HERMANN THE IRASCILE99A STOR# OF THE 'REAT &EE:THE UNREST9CURETHE ;ESTIN' OF ARLIN'TON STRIN'HAMSRENI VASHTAR ARIANTHE CHA:LETTHE BUEST&RATISLAVTHE EASTER E''FILOI STU'E% THE STOR# OF A MOUSE THAT HEL:ETHE MUSIC ON THE HILLTHE STOR# OF ST. VES:ALUUSTHE &A# TO THE AIR#THE :EACE OFFERIN'THE :EACE OF MO&SLE ARTONTHE TALKIN'9OUT OF TARRIN'TONTHE HOUNS OF FATETHE RECESSIONALA MATTER OF SENTIMENTTHE SECRET SI$ OF SE:TIMUS RO:E"MINISTERS OF 'RACE"THE REMOULIN' OF 'RO# LIN'TONACKNO&LE'MENT

ESM

"A// h!ntin* +tori+ ar th +a5%" +ai C/o2i+6 "4!+t a+ a// T!r3 +tori+ ar th +a5% an a//99"

"My h!ntin* +tory i+n<t a bit /i0 any yo!<2 2r har%" +aith aron++. "It ha11n 7!it a whi/ a*o% whn I wa+ abo!ttwnty9thr. I wa+n<t /i2in* a1art 3ro5 5y h!+ban thn6 yo!+% nithr o3 !+ o!/ a33or to 5a0 th othr a +1arata//owan. In +1it o3 2rythin* that 1ro2rb+ 5ay +ay% 1o2rty01+ to*thr 5or ho5+ than it bra0+ !1. !t w a/way+ h!ntwith i33rnt 1a0+. A// thi+ ha+ nothin* to o with th +tory."

"& ha2n<t arri2 at th 5t yt. I +!11o+ thr wa+ a 5t%"+ai C/o2i+.

"O3 o!r+ thr wa+ a 5t%" +ai th aron++6 a// th !+!a/row wr thr% +1ia//y Con+tan ro/. Con+tan i+ ono3 tho+ +tra11in* 3/ori *ir/+ that *o +o w// with a!t!5n+nry or Chri+t5a+ oration+ in h!rh. <I 3/ a 1r+nti5nt that +o5thin* ra3!/ i+ *oin* to ha11n%< +h +ai



to 56 <a5 I /oo0in* 1a/><

"Sh wa+ /oo0in* abo!t a+ 1a/ a+ a btroot that ha+ +!n/yhar ba nw+.

"<#o!<r /oo0in* nir than !+!a/%< I +ai% <b!t that<+ +o a+y3or yo!.< 3or +h ha *ot th ri*ht barin*+ o3 thi+ r5ar0 wha +tt/ own to b!+in++6 ho!n+ ha 3o!n a 3o= /yin* o!t in+o5 *or+9b!+h+."

"I 0nw it%" +ai C/o2i+% "in 2ry 3o=9h!ntin* +tory that I<22r har thr<+ bn a 3o= an +o5 *or+9b!+h+."

"Con+tan an I wr w// 5o!nt%" ontin! th aron+++rn/y% "an w ha no i33i!/ty in 01in* o!r+/2+ in th3ir+t 3/i*ht% tho!*h it wa+ a 3air/y +ti33 r!n. Towar+ th3ini+h% how2r% w 5!+t ha2 h/ rathr too in1nnt a /in%3or w /o+t th ho!n+% an 3o!n o!r+/2+ 1/oin* ai5/++/ya/on* 5i/+ away 3ro5 anywhr. It wa+ 3air/y =a+1ratin*% an5y t51r wa+ b*innin* to /t it+/3 *o by inh+% whn on 1!+hin* o!r way thro!*h an ao55oatin* h* w wr */an by th +i*ht o3 ho!n+ in 3!// ry in a ho//ow 4!+t bnath !+.

"<Thr thy *o%< ri Con+tan% an thn a in a *a+1% <InHa2n<+ na5% what ar thy h!ntin*><

"It wa+ rtain/y no 5orta/ 3o=. It +too 5or than twi a+hi*h% ha a +hort% !*/y ha% an an nor5o!+ thi0 n0.

"<It<+ a hyana%< I ri6 <it 5!+t ha2 +a1 3ro5 Lor:abha5<+ :ar0.<

"At that 5o5nt th h!nt ba+t t!rn an 3a it+ 1!r+!r+%an th ho!n+ (thr wr on/y abo!t +i= o!1/ o3 th5) +tooro!n in a ha/39ir/ an /oo0 3oo/i+h. E2int/y thy ha bro0n away 3ro5 th r+t o3 th 1a0 on th trai/ o3 thi+ a/in+nt% an wr not 7!it +!r how to trat thir 7!arry now thyha *ot hi5.

"Th hyana hai/ o!r a11roah with !n5i+ta0ab/ r/i3 an5on+tration+ o3 3rin/in++. It ha 1robab/y bn a!+to5to !ni3or5 0inn++ 3ro5 h!5an+% whi/ it+ 3ir+t =1rin o3 a

1a0 o3 ho!n+ ha /3t a ba i51r++ion. Th ho!n+ /oo0 5orthan 2r 5barra++ a+ thir 7!arry 1ara it+ +!n inti5aywith !+% an th 3aint toot o3 a horn in th i+tan wa+ +ion a+ a w/o5 +i*na/ 3or !nobtr!+i2 1art!r. Con+tan an Ian th hyana wr /3t a/on in th *athrin* twi/i*ht

"<&hat ar w to o>< a+0 Con+tan.



"<&hat a 1r+on yo! ar 3or 7!+tion+%< I +ai.

"<&//% w an<t +tay hr a// ni*ht with a hyana%< +h rtort.

"<I on<t 0now what yo!r ia+ o3 o53ort ar%< I +ai6 <b!t I+ho!/n<t thin0 o3 +tayin* hr a// ni*ht 2n witho!t a hyana.My ho5 5ay b an !nha11y on% b!t at /a+t it ha+ hot an o/watr /ai on% an o5+ti +r2i% an othr on2nin+ whihw +ho!/n<t 3in hr. & ha bttr 5a0 3or that ri* o3 tr+ to th ri*ht6 I i5a*in th Crow/y roa i+ 4!+t byon.<

"& trott o33 +/ow/y a/on* a 3aint/y 5ar0 art9tra0% with th ba+t 3o//owin* hr3!//y at o!r h/+.

"<&hat on arth ar w to o with th hyana>< a5 th in2itab/7!+tion.

"<&hat o+ on *nra//y o with hyana+>< I a+0 ro++/y.

"<I<2 n2r ha anythin* to o with on b3or%< +ai Con+tan.

"<&//% nithr ha2 I. I3 w 2n 0nw it+ += w 5i*ht *i2 ita na5. :rha1+ w 5i*ht a// it E+5D. That wo!/ o in ithr a+.<

"Thr wa+ +ti// +!33iint ay/i*ht 3or !+ to i+tin*!i+h way+iob4t+% an o!r /i+t/++ +1irit+ *a2 an !1war 1r0 a+ w a5!1on a +5a// ha/39na0 *i1+y brat 1i0in* b/a0brri+ 3ro5 a/ow9*rowin* b!+h. Th +!n a11arition o3 two hor+wo5n an ahyana +t it o33 ryin*% an in any a+ w +ho!/ +ar/y ha2*/an any !+3!/ *o*ra1hia/ in3or5ation 3ro5 that +o!r6 b!t

thr wa+ a 1robabi/ity that w 5i*ht +tri0 a *i1+y na515nt+o5whr a/on* o!r ro!t. & ro on ho13!//y b!t !n2nt3!//y3or anothr 5i/ or +o.

"<I wonr what that hi/ wa+ oin* thr%< +ai Con+tan 1r+nt/y.

"<:i0in* b/a0brri+. Ob2io!+/y.<

"<I on<t /i0 th way it ri%< 1!r+! Con+tan6 <+o5how it+wai/ 01+ rin*in* in 5y ar+.<

"I i not hi Con+tan 3or hr 5orbi 3ani+6 a+ a 5attr o3 3at th +a5 +n+ation% o3 bin* 1!r+! by a 1r+i+tnt 3rt3!/wai/% ha bn 3orin* it+/3 on 5y rathr o2r9tir nr2+. For o51any<+ +a0 I h!//o to E+5D% who ha /a** +o5what bhin.&ith a 3w +1rin*y bo!n+ h rw !1 /2/% an thn +hot 1a+t !+.

"Th wai/in* ao51ani5nt wa+ =1/ain. Th *i1+y hi/ wa+



3ir5/y% an I =1t 1ain3!//y% h/ in hi+ 4aw+.

"<Mri3!/ Ha2n +ra5 Con+tan% <what on arth +ha// w o>&hat ar w to o><

"I a5 1r3t/y rtain that at th La+t ;!*5nt Con+tan wi//a+0 5or 7!+tion+ than any o3 th =a5inin* Sra1h+.

"<Can<t w o +o5thin*>< +h 1r+i+t tar3!//y% a+ E+5Dantr a+i/y a/on* in 3ront o3 o!r tir hor++.

":r+ona//y I wa+ oin* 2rythin* that o!rr to 5 at th5o5nt. I +tor5 an +o/ an oa= in En*/i+h an Frnhan *a501r /an*!a*6 I 5a ab+!r% in33t!a/ !t+ in thair with 5y thon*/++ h!ntin*9ro16 I h!r/ 5y +anwih a+ atth br!t6 in 3at% I ra//y on<t 0now what 5or I o!/ ha2on. An +ti// w /!5br on thro!*h th 1nin* !+0% withthat ar0 !no!th +ha1 /!5brin* aha o3 !+% an a ron o3 /!*!brio!+ 5!+i 3/oatin* in o!r ar+. S!n/y E+5D bo!na+i into +o5 thi0 b!+h+% whr w o!/ not 3o//ow6 th wai/ro+ to a +hri0 an thn +to11 a/to*thr. Thi+ 1art o3 th+tory I a/way+ h!rry o2r% ba!+ it i+ ra//y rathr horrib/.&hn th ba+t 4oin !+ a*ain% a3tr an ab+n o3 a 3w 5in!t+%thr wa+ an air o3 1atint !nr+tanin* abo!t hi5% a+ tho!*h h0nw that h ha on +o5thin* o3 whih w i+a11ro2% b!t whihh 3/t to b thoro!*h/y 4!+ti3iab/.

"<How an yo! /t that ra2nin* ba+t trot by yo!r +i>< a+0Con+tan. Sh wa+ /oo0in* 5or than 2r /i0 an a/bino btroot.

"<In th 3ir+t 1/a% I an<t 1r2nt it%< I +ai6 <an in th+on 1/a% what2r /+ h 5ay b% I o!bt i3 h<+ ra2nin* atth 1r+nt 5o5nt.<

"Con+tan +h!r. <o yo! thin0 th 1oor /itt/ thin*+!33r 5!h>< a5 anothr o3 hr 3!ti/ 7!+tion+.

"<Th iniation+ wr a// that way%< I +ai6 <on th othr han%o3 o!r+% it 5ay ha2 bn ryin* 3ro5 +hr t51r. Chi/rn+o5ti5+ o.<

"It wa+ nar/y 1ith9ar0 whn w 5r* +!n/y into thhi*hroa. A 3/a+h o3 /i*ht+ an th whir o3 a 5otor wnt 1a+t !+at th +a5 5o5nt at !no53ortab/y /o+ 7!artr+. A th! an a+har1 +rhin* y// 3o//ow a +on /atr. Th ar rw !1%an whn I ha rin ba0 to th +1ot I 3o!n a yo!n* 5an bnin*o2r a ar0 5otion/++ 5a++ /yin* by th roa+i.

"<#o! ha2 0i// 5y E+5D I =/ai5 bittr/y.



"<I<5 +o aw3!//y +orry%< +ai th yo!n* 5an6 I 01 o*+ 5y+/3%+o I 0now what yo! 5!+t 3/ abo!t it I<// o anythin* I an inr1aration.<

"<:/a+ b!ry hi5 at on%< I +ai6 that 5!h I thin0 I 5ay a+0 o3 yo!.<

"<rin* th +1a% &i//ia5%< h a// to th ha!33!r.E2int/y ha+ty roa+i intr5nt+ wr ontin*ni+ that ha bn 1ro2i a*ain+t.

"Th i**in* o3 a +!33iint/y /ar* *ra2 too0 +o5 /itt/ ti5.<I +ay% what a 5a*ni3int 3//ow%< +ai th 5otori+t a+ thor1+ wa+ ro// o2r into th trnh. <I<5 a3rai h 5!+t ha2 bn rathr a 2a/!ab/ ani5a/.<

"<H too0 +on in th 1!11y /a++ at ir5in*ha5 /a+t yar%< I+ai r+o/!t/y.

"Con+tan +nort /o!/y.

"<on<t ry% ar%< I +ai bro0n/y6 <it wa+ a// o2r in a%5o5nt. H o!/n<t ha2 +!33r 5!h.<

"<Loo0 hr%< +ai th yo!n* 3//ow +1rat/y% <yo! +i51/y 5!+t/t 5 o +o5thin* by way o3 r1aration.<

"I r3!+ +wt/y% b!t a+ h 1r+i+t I /t hi5 ha2 5y ar++.

"O3 o!r+% w 01t o!r own o!n+/ a+ to th ar/ir 1i+o+ o3

th 2nin*. Lor :abha5 n2r a2rti+ th /o++ o3 hi+ hyana6whn a +trit/y 3r!it9atin* ani5a/ +tray 3ro5 hi+ 1ar0 a yar or two 1r2io!+/y h wa+ a// !1on to *i2 o51n+ation in/2n a++ o3 +h19worryin* an 1ratia//y to r9+to0 hi+ni*hbo!r+< 1o!/try9yar+% an an +a1 hyana wo!/ ha25o!nt !1 to +o5thin* on th +a/ o3 a 'o2rn5nt *rant. Th*i1+i+ wr 7!a//y !nobtr!+i2 o2r thir 5i++in* o33+1rin*6 Ion<t +!11o+ in /ar* na515nt+ thy ra//y 0now to a hi/ or two how 5any thy<2 *ot."

Th aron++ 1a!+ r3/ti2/y% an thn ontin!?

"Thr wa+ a +7!/ to th a2nt!r% tho!*h. I *ot thro!*h th 1o+t a har5in* /itt/ ia5on brooh% with th na5 E+5D +t in a+1ri* o3 ro+5ary. Ininta//y% too% I /o+t th 3rin+hi1 o3 Con+tan ro/. #o! +% whn I +o/ th brooh I 7!it 1ro1r/y r3!+ to *i2 hr any +har o3 th 1ro+. I 1ointo!t that th E+5D 1art o3 th a33air wa+ 5y own in2ntion% an thhyana 1art o3 it b/on* to Lor :abha5% i3 it ra//y wa+ hi+



hyana% o3 whih% o3 o!r+% I<2 no 1roo3."

THE MATCH9MAKER

Th *ri//9roo5 /o0 +tr!0 /2n with th r+1t3!/!nobtr!+i2n++ o3 on who+ 5i++ion in /i3 i+ to b i*nor.&hn th 3/i*ht o3 ti5 +ho!/ ra//y ha2 rnr ab+tinn an5i*ration i51rati2 th /i*htin* a11arat!+ wo!/ +i*na/ th 3atin th !+!a/ way.

Si= 5in!t+ /atr C/o2i+ a11roah th +!11r9tab/% in th b/++ =1tany o3 on who ha+ in +0thi/y an /on* a*o.

"I<5 +tar2in*%" h anno!n% 5a0in* an 33ort to +it own*ra3!//y an ra th 5n! at th +a5 ti5.

"So I *athr6" +ai hi+ ho+t% "3ro5 th 3at that yo! wrnar/y 1!nt!a/. I o!*ht to ha2 to/ yo! that I<5 a FooR3or5r. I<2 orr two bow/+ o3 bra9an95i/0 an +o5ha/th bi+!it+. I ho1 yo! on<t 5in."

C/o2i+ 1rtn a3trwar+ that h in<t *o whit abo2 tho//ar9/in 3or th 3ration o3 a +on.

"A// th +a5%" h +ai% "yo! o!*ht not to 4o0 abo!t +!h thin*+.Thr ra//y ar +!h 1o1/. I<2 0nown 1o1/ who<2 5t th5.

To thin0 o3 a// th aorab/ thin*+ thr ar to at in th wor/%an thn to *o thro!*h /i3 5!nhin* +aw!+t an bin* 1ro! o3 it."

"Thy<r /i0 th F/a*//ant+ o3 th Mi/ A*+% who wnt abo!t5orti3yin* th5+/2+."

"Thy ha +o5 =!+%" +ai C/o2i+. "Thy i it to +a2 thir i55orta/ +o!/+% in<t thy> #o! nn<t t// 5 that a 5an whoo+n<t /o2 oy+tr+ an a+1ara*!+ an *oo win+ ha+ *ot a +o!/%or a +to5ah ithr. H<+ +i51/y *ot th in+tint 3or bin*

!nha11y hi*h/y 2/o1."

C/o2i+ r/a1+ 3or a 3w *o/n 5o5nt+ into tnr inti5ai+with a +!++ion o3 ra1i/y i+a11arin* oy+tr+.

"I thin0 oy+tr+ ar 5or ba!ti3!/ than any r/i*ion%" h r+!5 1r+nt/y. "Thy not on/y 3or*i2 o!r !n0inn++ to th56 thy 4!+ti3y it% thy init !+ to *o on bin* 1r3t/y horri to



th5. On thy arri2 at th +!11r9tab/ thy +5 to ntr thoro!*h/y into th +1irit o3 th thin*. Thr<+ nothin* inChri+tianity or !hi+5 that 7!it 5ath+ th +y51athti!n+/3i+hn++ o3 an oy+tr. o yo! /i0 5y nw wai+toat> I<5warin* it 3or th 3ir+t ti5 to9ni*ht."

"It /oo0+ /i0 a *rat 5any othr+ yo!<2 ha /at/y% on/y wor+. Nw innr wai+toat+ ar bo5in* a habit with yo!."

"Thy +ay on a/way+ 1ay+ 3or th =+++ o3 on<+ yo!th65ri3!//y that i+n<t tr! abo!t on<+ /oth+. My 5othr i+thin0in* o3 *ttin* 5arri."

"A*ain@"

"It<+ th 3ir+t ti5."

"O3 o!r+% yo! o!*ht to 0now. I wa+ !nr th i51r++ion that+h< bn 5arri on or twi at /a+t."

"Thr ti5+% to b 5ath5atia//y =at. I 5ant that it wa+ th3ir+t ti5 +h< tho!*ht abo!t *ttin* 5arri6 th othr ti5++h i it witho!t thin0in*. A+ a 5attr o3 3at% it<+ ra//y Iwho a5 oin* th thin0in* 3or hr in thi+ a+. #o! +% it<+7!it two yar+ +in hr /a+t h!+ban i."

"#o! 2int/y thin0 that br2ity i+ th +o!/ o3 wiowhoo."

"&//% it +tr!0 5 that +h wa+ *ttin* 5o1% an b*innin* to+tt/ own% whih wo!/n<t +!it hr a bit. Th 3ir+t +y51to5that I noti wa+ whn +h b*an to o51/ain that w wr /i2in*

byon o!r ino5. A// nt 1o1/ /i2 byon thir ino5+nowaay+% an tho+ who arn<t r+1tab/ /i2 byon othr 1o1/+. A 3w *i3t ini2i!a/+ 5ana* to o both."

"It<+ har/y +o 5!h a *i3t a+ an in!+try."

"Th ri+i+ a5%" rt!rn C/o2i+% "whn +h +!n/y +tart ththory that /at ho!r+ wr ba 3or on% an want 5 to b in byon o</o0 2ry ni*ht. I5a*in that +ort o3 thin* 3or 5% whowa+ i*htn on 5y /a+t birthay."

"On yo!r /a+t two birthay+% to b 5ath5atia//y =at."

"Oh% w//% that<+ not 5y 3a!/t. I<5 not *oin* to arri2 atnintn a+ /on* a+ 5y 5othr r5ain+ at thirty9+2n. On 5!+tha2 +o5 r*ar 3or a11aran+."

":rha1+ yo!r 5othr wo!/ a* a /itt/ in th 1ro++ o3 +tt/in*own."



"That<+ th /a+t thin* +h< thin0 o3. F5inin r3or5ation+a/way+ +tart in on th 3ai/in*+ o3 othr 1o1/. That<+ why I wa++o 0n on th h!+ban ia."

"i yo! *o a+ 3ar a+ to +/t th *nt/5an% or i yo! 5r/ythrow o!t a *nra/ ia% an tr!+t to th 3or o3 +!**+tion>"

"I3 on want+ a thin* on in a h!rry on 5!+t + to it on+/3.I 3o!n a 5i/itary ;ohnny han*in* ro!n on a /oo+ n at th/!b% an too0 hi5 ho5 to /!nh on or twi. H< +1nt 5o+to3 hi+ /i3 on th Inian 3rontir% b!i/in* roa+% an r/i2in*3a5in+ an 5ini5iin* arth7!a0+% an a// that +ort o3 thin*that on o+ o on 3rontir+. H o!/ ta/0 +n+ to a 12i+hobra in 3i3tn nati2 /an*!a*+% an 1robab/y 0nw what to o i3 yo! 3o!n a ro*! /1hant on yo!r ro7!t9/awn6 b!t h wa+ +hyan i33int with wo5n. I to/ 5y 5othr 1ri2at/y that h wa+an ab+o/!t wo5an9hatr6 +o% o3 o!r+% +h /ai hr+/3 o!t to3/irt a// +h 0nw% whih i+n<t a /itt/."

"An wa+ th *nt/5an r+1on+i2>"

"I har h to/ +o5 on at th /!b that h wa+ /oo0in* o!t 3or aCo/onia/ 4ob% with 1/nty o3 har wor0% 3or a yo!n* 3rin o3 hi+%+o I *athr that h ha+ +o5 ia o3 5arryin* into th 3a5i/y."

"#o! +5 +tin to b th 2iti5 o3 th r3or5ation% a3tr a//."

C/aw+ wi1 th tra o3 T!r0i+h o33 an th b*innin*+ o3 a+5i/ 3ro5 hi+ /i1+% an +/ow/y /owr hi+ =tr y/i. &hih%

bin* intr1rt% 1robab/y 5ant% "I ON<T thin0@"

TOERMOR#

It wa+ a hi//% rain9wa+h a3trnoon o3 a /at A!*!+t ay% thatin3init +a+on whn 1artri*+ ar +ti// in +!rity or o/

+tora*% an thr i+ nothin* to h!nt99!n/++ on i+ bo!n onth north by th ri+to/ Chann/% in whih a+ on 5ay /aw3!//y*a//o1 a3tr 3at r +ta*+. Lay /5/y<+ ho!+91arty wa+ not bo!n on th north by th ri+to/ Chann/% hn thr wa+ a3!// *athrin* o3 hr *!+t+ ro!n th ta9tab/ on thi+ 1arti!/ar a3trnoon. An% in +1it o3 th b/an0n++ o3 th+a+on an th tritn++ o3 th oa+ion% thr wa+ no tra inth o51any o3 that 3ati*! r+t/++n++ whih 5an+ a ra o3



th 1iano/a an a +!b! han0rin* 3or a!tion bri*. Th!ni+*!i+ o1n5o!th attntion o3 th ntir 1arty wa+ 3i= onth ho5/y n*ati2 1r+ona/ity o3 Mr. Corn/i!+ A11in. O3 a//hr *!+t+% h wa+ th on who ha o5 to Lay /5/y with th2a*!+t r1!tation. So5 on ha +ai h wa+ "/2r%" an h ha*ot hi+ in2itation in th 5orat =1tation% on th 1art o3 hi+ho+t++% that +o5 1ortion at /a+t o3 hi+ /2rn++ wo!/ bontrib!t to th *nra/ ntrtain5nt. Unti/ ta9ti5 that ay+h ha bn !nab/ to i+o2r in what irtion% i3 any% hi+/2rn++ /ay. H wa+ nithr a wit nor a ro7!t ha51ion% ahy1noti 3or nor a b*ttr o3 a5at!r thatria/+. Nithr ihi+ =trior +!**+t th +ort o3 5an in who5 wo5n ar wi//in* to 1aron a *nro!+ 5a+!r o3 5nta/ 3iiny. H ha +!b+iinto 5r Mr. A11in% an th Corn/i!+ +5 a 1i o3 tran+1arnt ba1ti+5a/ b/!33. An now h wa+ /ai5in* to ha2/a!nh on th wor/ a i+o2ry b+i whih th in2ntion o3 *!n1owr% o3 th 1rintin*91r++% an o3 +ta5 /oo5otion wrinon+irab/ tri3/+. Sin ha 5a bwi/rin* +tri+ in5any irtion+ !rin* rnt a+% b!t thi+ thin* +5 to b/on* to th o5ain o3 5ira/ rathr than to +inti3iahi25nt.

"An o yo! ra//y a+0 !+ to b/i2%" Sir &i/3ri wa+ +ayin*%"that yo! ha2 i+o2r a 5an+ 3or in+tr!tin* ani5a/+ in thart o3 h!5an +1h% an that ar o/ Tobr5ory ha+ 1ro2 yo!r 3ir+t +!++3!/ 1!1i/>"

"It i+ a 1rob/5 at whih I ha2 wor0 3or th /a+t +2ntnyar+%" +ai Mr. A11in% " b!t on/y !rin* th /a+t i*ht or nin5onth+ ha2 I bn rwar with */i55rin*+ o3 +!++. O3 o!r+ I ha2 =1ri5nt with tho!+an+ o3 ani5a/+% b!t /attr/y

on/y with at+% tho+ wonr3!/ rat!r+ whih ha2 a++i5i/atth5+/2+ +o 5ar2//o!+/y with o!r i2i/iation whi/ rtainin*a// thir hi*h/y 2/o1 3ra/ in+tint+. Hr an thr a5on*at+ on o5+ aro++ an o!t+tanin* +!1rior int//t% 4!+t a+on o+ a5on* th r!0 o3 h!5an bin*+% an whn I 5a tha7!aintan o3 Tobr5ory a w0 a*o I +aw at on that I wa+ inontat with a <yon9at< o3 =traorinary int//i*n. I ha*on 3ar a/on* th roa to +!++ in rnt =1ri5nt+6 withTobr5ory% a+ yo! a// hi5% I ha2 rah th *oa/."

Mr. A11in on/! hi+ r5ar0ab/ +tat5nt in a 2oi whih h

+tro2 to i2+t o3 a tri!51hant in3/tion. No on +ai "Rat+%"tho!*h C/o2i+<+ /i1+ 5o2 in a 5ono+y//abi ontortion whih 1robab/y in2o0 tho+ ront+ o3 i+b/i3.

"An o yo! 5an to +ay%" a+0 Mi++ R+0r% a3tr a +/i*ht 1a!+%"that yo! ha2 ta!*ht Tobr5ory to +ay an !nr+tan a+y+ntn+ o3 on +y//ab/>"



"My ar Mi++ R+0r%" +ai th wonrwor0r 1atint/y% "ontah+ /itt/ hi/rn an +a2a*+ an ba0war a!/t+ in that 1i5a/ 3a+hion6 whn on ha+ on +o/2 th 1rob/5 o3 5a0in*a b*innin* with an ani5a/ o3 hi*h/y 2/o1 int//i*n onha+ no n 3or tho+ ha/tin* 5tho+. Tobr5ory an +1a0 o!r /an*!a* with 1r3t orrtn++."

Thi+ ti5 C/o2i+ 2ry i+tint/y +ai% " yon9rat+@" Sir &i/3ri wa+ 5or 1o/it% b!t 7!a//y +1tia/.

"Han<t w bttr ha2 th at in an 4!* 3or o!r+/2+>"+!**+t Lay /5/y.

Sir &i/3ri wnt in +arh o3 th ani5a/% an th o51any +tt/th5+/2+ own to th /an*!i =1tation o3 witn++in* +o5 5oror /++ aroit rawin*9roo5 2ntri/o7!i+5.

In a 5in!t Sir &i/3ri wa+ ba0 in th roo5% hi+ 3a whit bnath it+ tan an hi+ y+ i/at with =it5nt.

"y 'a% it<+ tr!@"

Hi+ a*itation wa+ !n5i+ta0ab/y *n!in% an hi+ harr+ +tart3orwar in a thri// o3 awa0n intr+t.

Co//a1+in* into an ar5hair h ontin! brath/++/y? "I 3o!nhi5 oin* in th +5o0in*9roo5% an a// o!t to hi5 to o5 3or hi+ ta. H b/in0 at 5 in hi+ !+!a/ way% an I +ai% <Co5 on%Toby6 on<t 01 !+ waitin*6< an% by 'a@ h raw/ o!t in a5o+t horrib/y nat!ra/ 2oi that h< o5 whn h a+h w// 1/a+@ I nar/y 4!51 o!t o3 5y +0in@"

A11in ha 1rah to ab+o/!t/y inr!/o!+ harr+6 Sir &i/3ri<+ +tat5nt arri in+tant on2ition. A ab/9/i0hor!+ o3 +tart/ =/a5ation aro+% a5i whih th +inti+t +at5!t/y n4oyin* th 3ir+t 3r!it o3 hi+ +t!1no!+ i+o2ry.

In ti/ 5i+t o3 th /a5o!r Tobr5ory ntr th roo5 an 5ahi+ way with 2/2t tra an +t!i !nonrn aro++ to th*ro!1 +at ro!n th ta9tab/.

A +!n h!+h o3 aw0warn++ an on+traint 3// on th o51any.

So5how thr +5 an /5nt o3 5barra++5nt in ar++in* on7!a/ tr5+ a o5+ti at o3 a0now/* nta/ abi/ity.

"&i// yo! ha2 +o5 5i/0% Tobr5ory>" a+0 Lay /5/y in arathr +train 2oi.

"I on<t 5in i3 I o%" wa+ th r+1on+% o!h in a ton o3 2n ini33rn. A +hi2r o3 +!11r++ =it5nt wnt thro!*h



th /i+tnr+% an Lay /5/y 5i*ht b =!+ 3or 1o!rin* o!tth +a!r3!/ o3 5i/0 rathr !n+tai/y.

"I<5 a3rai I<2 +1i/t a *oo a/ o3 it%" +h +aia1o/o*tia//y.

"A3tr a//% it<+ not 5y A=5in+tr%" wa+ Tobr5ory<+ r4oinr.

Anothr +i/n 3// on th *ro!1% an thn Mi++ R+0r% in hr b+t i+trit92i+itor 5annr% a+0 i3 th h!5an /an*!a* ha bni33i!/t to /arn. Tobr5ory /oo0 +7!ar/y at hr 3or a 5o5ntan thn 3i= hi+ *a +rn/y on th 5i/ i+tan. It wa+ob2io!+ that borin* 7!+tion+ /ay o!t+i hi+ +h5 o3 /i3.

"&hat o yo! thin0 o3 h!5an int//i*n>" a+0 Ma2i+ ://in*ton/a5/y.

"O3 who+ int//i*n in 1arti!/ar>" a+0 Tobr5ory o//y.

"Oh% w//% 5in 3or in+tan%" +ai Ma2i+% with a 3b/ /a!*h.

"#o! 1!t 5 in an 5barra++in* 1o+ition%" +ai Tobr5ory% who+ton an attit! rtain/y i not +!**+t a +hr o3 5barra++5nt. "&hn yo!r in/!+ion in thi+ ho!+91arty wa++!**+t Sir &i/3ri 1rot+t that yo! wr th 5o+t brain/++wo5an o3 hi+ a7!aintan% an that thr wa+ a wi i+tintion btwn ho+1ita/ity an th ar o3 th 3b/95in. Lay/5/y r1/i that yo!r /a0 o3 brain91owr wa+ th 1ri+7!a/ity whih ha arn yo! yo!r in2itation% a+ yo! wr th on/y 1r+on +h o!/ thin0 o3 who 5i*ht b iioti no!*h to b!y thir o/ ar. #o! 0now% th on thy a// <Th En2y o3 Si+y1h!+%<

ba!+ it *o+ 7!it ni/y !19hi// i3 yo! 1!+h it."

Lay /5/y<+ 1rot+tation+ wo!/ ha2 ha *ratr 33t i3 +hha not a+!a//y +!**+t to Ma2i+ on/y that 5ornin* that th ar in 7!+tion wo!/ b 4!+t th thin* 3or hr own at hr 2on+hirho5.

Ma4or ar3i/ 1/!n* in ha2i/y to 33t a i2r+ion.

"How abo!t yo!r arryin*+9on with th tortoi++h// 1!++ !1 at th+tab/+% h>"

Th 5o5nt h ha +ai it 2ry on ra/i th b/!nr.

"On o+ not !+!a//y i+!++ th+ 5attr+ in 1!b/i%" +aiTobr5ory 3ri*i/y. "Fro5 a +/i*ht ob+r2ation o3 yo!r way+ +inyo!<2 bn in thi+ ho!+ I +ho!/ i5a*in yo!< 3in itinon2nint i3 I wr to +hi3t th on2r+ation on to yo!r own/itt/ a33air+."



Th 1ani whih n+! wa+ not on3in to th Ma4or.

"&o!/ yo! /i0 to *o an + i3 oo0 ha+ *ot yo!r innr ray>"+!**+t Lay /5/y h!rri/y% a33tin* to i*nor th 3atthat it want at /a+t two ho!r+ to Tobr5ory<+ innr9ti5.

"Than0+%" +ai Tobr5ory% "not 7!it +o +oon a3tr 5y ta. Ion<t want to i o3 ini*+tion."

"Cat+ ha2 nin /i2+% yo! 0now%" +ai Sir &i/3ri harti/y.

":o++ib/y%" an+wr Tobr5ory6 "b!t on/y on /i2r."

"A/ai@" +ai Mr+. Corntt% "o yo! 5an to no!ra* that atto *o o!t an *o++i1 abo!t !+ in th +r2ant+< ha//>"

Th 1ani ha in bo5 *nra/. A narrow orna5nta/ ba/!+tra ran in 3ront o3 5o+t o3 th broo5 winow+ at thTowr+% an it wa+ ra// with i+5ay that thi+ ha 3or5 a3a2o!rit 1ro5na 3or Tobr5ory at a// ho!r+% whn h o!/wath th 1i*on+99an ha2n 0nw what /+ b+i+. I3 hintn to bo5 r5ini+nt in hi+ 1r+nt o!t+1o0n +train th33t wo!/ b +o5thin* 5or than i+onrtin*. Mr+. Corntt%who +1nt 5!h ti5 at hr toi/t tab/% an who+ o51/=ion wa+r1!t to b o3 a no5ai tho!*h 1!nt!a/ i+1o+ition% /oo0 a+i// at a+ a+ th Ma4or. Mi++ Srawn% who wrot 3ir/y+n+!o!+ 1otry an / a b/a5/++ /i3% 5r/y i+1/ayirritation6 i3 yo! ar 5thoia/ an 2irt!o!+ in 1ri2at yo!on<t n++ari/y want 2ry on to 0now it. rti 2an Tahn% whowa+ +o 1ra2 at +2ntn that h ha /on* a*o *i2n !1 tryin*

to b any wor+% t!rn a !// +ha o3 *arnia whit% b!t h inot o55it th rror o3 a+hin* o!t o3 th roo5 /i0 OoFin+brry% a yo!n* *nt/5an who wa+ !nr+too to b rain* 3or th Ch!rh an who wa+ 1o++ib/y i+t!rb at th tho!*ht o3 +ana/+ h 5i*ht har onrnin* othr 1o1/. C/o2i+ ha th 1r+n o3 5in to 5aintain a o51o+ =trior6 1ri2at/y h wa+a/!/atin* how /on* it wo!/ ta0 to 1ro!r a bo= o3 3any 5ithro!*h th a*ny o3 th E$CHAN'E AN MART a+ a +1i+ o3 h!+h95ony.

E2n in a /iat +it!ation /i0 th 1r+nt% A*n+ R+0r o!/

not n!r to r5ain too /on* in th9ba0*ro!n.

"&hy i I 2r o5 own hr +h a+0 ra5atia//y.

Tobr5ory i55iat/y a1t th o1nin*.

";!*in* by what yo! +ai to Mr+. Corntt on th ro7!t9/awny+tray% yo! wr o!t 3or 3oo. #o! +rib th /5/y+ a+



o!r broo5+ an !nr hair+% an +o 3orth."

An arhan*/ +tatia//y 1ro/ai5in* th Mi//nni!5% an thn3inin* that it /a+h !n1aronab/y with Hn/y an wo!/ ha2 to b in3init/y 1o+t1on% o!/ har/y ha2 3/t 5or r+t3a//nthan Corn/i!+ A11in at th r1tion o3 hi+ wonr3!/ahi25nt. :!b/i o1inion% how2r% wa+ a*ain+t hi599in 3at%ha th *nra/ 2oi bn on+!/t on th +!b4t it i+ 1robab/that a +tron* 5inority 2ot wo!/ ha2 bn in 3a2o!r o3 in/!in*hi5 in th +tryhnin it.

3ti2 train arran*5nt+ an a nr2o!+ +ir to + 5attr+ bro!*ht to a 3ini+h 1r2nt an i55iat i+1r+a/ o3 th 1arty% b!t innr that 2nin* wa+ not a +oia/ +!++. Sir &i/3ri haha rathr a tryin* ti5 with th +tab/ at an +!b+7!nt/y withth oah5an. A*n+ R+0r o+tntatio!+/y /i5it hr r1a+t to a5or+/ o3 ry toa+t% whih +h bit a+ tho!*h it wr a 1r+ona/n5y6 whi/ Ma2i+ ://in*ton 5aintain a 2initi2 +i/nthro!*ho!t th 5a/. Lay /5/y 01t !1 a 3/ow o3 what +hho1 wa+ on2r+ation% b!t hr attntion wa+ 3i= on thoorway. A 1/at3!/ o3 ar3!//y o+ 3i+h +ra1+ wa+ inrain++ on th +iboar% b!t +wt+ an +a2o!ry an ++rtwnt thir way% an no Tobr5ory a11ar ithr in th inin*9roo5 or 0ithn.

Th +1!/hra/ innr wa+ hr3!/ o51ar with th +!b+7!nt2i*i/ in th +5o0in*9roo5. Eatin* an rin0in* ha at /a+t+!11/i a i+tration an /oa0 to th 1r2ai/in* 5barra++5nt.ri* wa+ o!t o3 th 7!+tion in th *nra/ tn+ion o3 nr2+an t51r+% an a3tr Oo Fin+brry ha *i2n a /!*!brio!+rnrin* o3 "M/i+an in th &oo" to a 3ri*i a!in% 5!+i

wa+ tait/y a2oi. At /2n th +r2ant+ wnt to b%anno!nin* that th +5a// winow in th 1antry ha bn /3t o1na+ !+!a/ 3or Tobr5ory<+ 1ri2at !+. Th *!+t+ ra +tai/ythro!*h th !rrnt bath o3 5a*ain+% an 3// ba0 *ra!a//y%on th "a5inton Library " an bo!n 2o/!5+ o3 :UNCH. Lay/5/y 5a 1rioi 2i+it+ to th 1antry% rt!rnin* ah ti5with an =1r++ion o3 /i+t/++ 1r++ion whih 3or+ta//7!+tionin*.

At two o</o0 C/o2i+ bro0 th o5inatin* +i/n.

"H won<t t!rn !1 to9ni*ht. H<+ 1robab/y in th /oa/ nw+1a1r o33i at th 1r+nt 5o5nt% itatin* th 3ir+t in+ta/5nt o3 hi+ r5ini+n+. Lay &hat<+9hr9na5<+ boo0 won<t b in it.It wi// b th 2nt o3 th ay."

Ha2in* 5a thi+ ontrib!tion to th *nra/ hr3!/n++% C/o2i+wnt to b. At /on* intr2a/+ th 2ario!+ 55br+ o3 th ho!+9 1arty 3o//ow hi+ =a51/.



Th +r2ant+ ta0in* ro!n th ar/y ta 5a a !ni3or5anno!n5nt in r1/y to a !ni3or5 7!+tion. Tobr5ory ha notrt!rn.

ra03a+t wa+% i3 anythin*% a 5or !n1/a+ant 3!ntion than innr ha bn% b!t b3or it+ on/!+ion th +it!ation wa+ r/i2.Tobr5ory<+ or1+ wa+ bro!*ht in 3ro5 th +hr!bbry% whr a*arnr ha 4!+t i+o2r it. Fro5 th bit+ on hi+ throat anth y//ow 3!r whih oat hi+ /aw+ it wa+ 2int that h ha3a//n in !n7!a/ o5bat with th bi* To5 3ro5 th Rtory.

y 5iay 5o+t o3 th *!+t+ ha 7!itt th Towr+% an a3tr /!nh Lay /5/y ha +!33iint/y ro2r hr +1irit+ to writan =tr5/y na+ty /ttr to th Rtory abo!t th /o++ o3 hr 2a/!ab/ 1t.

Tobr5ory ha bn A11in<+ on +!++3!/ 1!1i/% an h wa++tin to ha2 no +!++or. A 3w w0+ /atr an /1hant inth r+n 8oo/o*ia/ 'arn% whih ha +hown no 1r2io!+ +i*n+o3 irritabi/ity% bro0 /oo+ an 0i// an En*/i+h5an who haa11arnt/y bn ta+in* it. Th 2iti5<+ na5 wa+ 2ario!+/yr1ort in th 1a1r+ a+ O11in an E11/in% b!t hi+ 3ront na5wa+ 3aith3!//y rnr Corn/i!+.

"I3 h wa+ tryin* 'r5an irr*!/ar 2rb+ on th 1oor ba+t%" +aiC/o2i+% "h +r2 a// h *ot."

MRS. :ACKLETIE<S TI'ER

It wa+ Mr+. :a0/ti<+ 1/a+!r an intntion that +h +ho!/+hoot a ti*r. Not that th /!+t to 0i// ha +!n/y +non hr% or that +h 3/t that +h wo!/ /a2 Inia +a3r an 5orwho/+o5 than +h ha 3o!n it% with on 3ration /++ o3 wi/ ba+t 1r 5i//ion o3 inhabitant+. Th o51//in* 5oti2 3or hr +!n 2iation towar+ th 3oot+t1+ o3 Ni5ro wa+ th 3at thatLoona i5brton ha rnt/y bn arri /2n 5i/+ in an

aro1/an by an A/*rian a2iator% an ta/0 o3 nothin* /+6 on/ya 1r+ona//y 1ro!r ti*r9+0in an a ha2y har2+t o3 :r++ 1hoto*ra1h+ o!/ +!++3!//y o!ntr that +ort o3 thin*. Mr+.:a0/ti ha a/ray arran* in hr 5in th /!nh +h wo!/*i2 at hr ho!+ in C!ron Strt% o+tn+ib/y in Loonai5brton<+ hono!r% with a ti*r9+0in r!* o!1yin* 5o+t o3 th3or*ro!n an a// o3 th on2r+ation. Sh ha a/+o a/ray+i*n in hr 5in th ti*r9/aw brooh that +h wa+ *oin* to



*i2 Loona i5brton on hr n=t birthay. In a wor/ that i++!11o+ to b hi3/y +way by h!n*r an by /o2 Mr+.:a0/ti wa+ an =1tion6 hr 5o25nt+ an 5oti2+ wr/ar*/y *o2rn by i+/i0 o3 Loona i5brton.

Cir!5+tan+ 1ro2 1ro1itio!+. Mr+. :a0/ti ha o33r atho!+an r!1+ 3or th o11ort!nity o3 +hootin* a ti*r witho!to2r5!h ri+0 or =rtion% an it +o ha11n that a ni*hbo!rin*2i//a* o!/ boa+t o3 bin* th 3a2o!r rn2o!+ o3 an ani5a/o3 r+1tab/ antnt+% whih ha bn ri2n by thinra+in* in3ir5iti+ o3 a* to abanon *a590i//in* an on3init+ a11tit to th +5a//r o5+ti ani5a/+. Th 1ro+1t o3 arnin* th tho!+an r!1+ ha +ti5!/at th +1ortin* ano55ria/ in+tint o3 th 2i//a*r+6 hi/rn wr 1o+t ni*htan ay on th o!t+0irt+ o3 th /oa/ 4!n*/ to ha th ti*r ba0 in th !n/i0/y 2nt o3 hi+ att51tin* to roa5 away to 3r+hh!ntin*9*ro!n+% an th ha1r 0in+ o3 *oat+ wr /3t abo!twith /aborat ar/++n++ to 01 hi5 +ati+3i with hi+ 1r+nt7!artr+. Th on *rat an=ity wa+ /+t h +ho!/ i o3 o/ a* b3or th at a11oint 3or th 55+ahib<+ +hoot. Mothr+arryin* thir babi+ ho5 thro!*h th 4!n*/ a3tr th ay<+ wor0 in th 3i/+ h!+h thir +in*in* /+t thy 5i*ht !rtai/ thr+t3!/ +/1 o3 th 2nrab/ hr9robbr.

Th *rat ni*ht !/y arri2% 5oon/it an /o!/++. A 1/at3or5ha bn on+tr!t in a o53ortab/ an on2nint/y 1/atr% an thron ro!h Mr+. :a0/ti an hr 1ai o51anion%Mi++ Mbbin. A *oat% *i3t with a 1arti!/ar/y 1r+i+tnt b/at%+!h a+ 2n a 1artia//y a3 ti*r 5i*ht b ra+onab/y =1tto har on a +ti// ni*ht% wa+ tthr at th orrt i+tan.&ith an a!rat/y +i*ht ri3/ an a th!5bnai/ 1a0 o3 1atin

ar+ th +1ort+wo5an await th o5in* o3 th 7!arry.

"I +!11o+ w ar in +o5 an*r>" +ai Mi++ Mbbin.

Sh wa+ not at!a//y nr2o!+ abo!t th wi/ ba+t% b!t +h ha a5orbi ra o3 1r3or5in* an ato5 5or +r2i than +h ha bn 1ai 3or.

"Non+n+%" +ai Mr+. :a0/ti6 "it<+ a 2ry o/ ti*r. Ito!/n<t +1rin* !1 hr 2n i3 it want to."

"I3 it<+ an o/ ti*r I thin0 yo! o!*ht to *t it ha1r. Atho!+an r!1+ i+ a /ot o3 5ony."

Lo!i+a Mbbin ao1t a 1rotti2 /r9+i+tr attit! towar+5ony in *nra/% irr+1ti2 o3 nationa/ity or no5ination.Hr nr*ti intr2ntion ha +a2 5any a ro!b/ 3ro5i++i1atin* it+/3 in ti1+ in +o5 Mo+ow hot/% an 3ran+ annti5+ /!n* to hr in+tinti2/y !nr ir!5+tan+ whih



wo!/ ha2 ri2n th5 ha/on* 3ro5 /++ +y51athti han+. Hr +1!/ation+ a+ to th 5ar0t 1riation o3 ti*r r5nant+ wr!t +hort by th a11aran on th +n o3 th ani5a/ it+/3. A++oon a+ it a!*ht +i*ht o3 th tthr *oat it /ay 3/at on tharth% +5in*/y /++ 3ro5 a +ir to ta0 a2anta* o3 a//a2ai/ab/ o2r than 3or th 1!r1o+ o3 +nathin* a +hort r+t b3or o55nin* th *ran atta0.

"I b/i2 it<+ i//%" +ai Lo!i+a Mbbin% /o!/y in Hin!+tani%3or th bn3it o3 th 2i//a* ha5an% who wa+ in a5b!+h in ani*hbo!rin* tr.

"H!+h@" +ai Mr+. :a0/ti% an at that 5o5nt th ti*r o55n a5b/in* towar+ hi+ 2iti5.

"Now% now@" !r* Mi++ Mbbin with +o5 =it5nt6 "i3 h o+n<tto!h th *oat w nn<t 1ay 3or it." (Th bait wa+ an =tra.)

Th ri3/ 3/a+h o!t with a /o! r1ort% an th *rat tawny ba+t +1ran* to on +i an thn ro// o2r in th +ti//n++ o3 ath. In a 5o5nt a row o3 =it nati2+ ha +war5 on toth +n% an thir +ho!tin* +1i/y arri th */a nw+ toth 2i//a*% whr a th!51in* o3 to59to5+ too0 !1 th hor!+ o3 tri!51h. An thir tri!51h an r4oiin* 3o!n a ray ho inth hart o3 Mr+. :a0/ti6 a/ray that /!nhon91arty inC!ron Strt +5 i55a+!rab/y narr.

It wa+ Lo!i+a Mbbin who rw attntion to th 3at that th *oatwa+ in ath9thro+ 3ro5 a 5orta/ b!//t9wo!n% whi/ no tra o3 th ri3/<+ a/y wor0 o!/ b 3o!n on th ti*r. E2int/yth wron* ani5a/ ha bn hit% an th ba+t o3 1ry ha +!!5b

to hart93ai/!r% a!+ by th +!n r1ort o3 th ri3/%a/rat by +ni/ ay. Mr+. :a0/ti wa+ 1aronab/yannoy at th i+o2ry6 b!t% at any rat% +h wa+ th 1o++++or o3 a a ti*r% an th 2i//a*r+% an=io!+ 3or thir tho!+anr!1+% */a/y onni2 at th 3ition that +h ha +hot th ba+t. An Mi++ Mbbin wa+ a 1ai o51anion. Thr3or i Mr+.:a0/ti 3a th a5ra+ with a /i*ht hart% an hr 1it!r3a5 rah 3ro5 th 1a*+ o3 th TE$AS &EEKL# SNA:SHOT to thi//!+trat Monay +!11/5nt o3 th NOVOE VREM#A. A+ 3or Loonai5brton% +h r3!+ to /oo0 at an i//!+trat 1a1r 3or w0+%an hr /ttr o3 than0+ 3or th *i3t o3 a ti*r9/aw brooh wa+ a

5o/ o3 r1r++ 5otion+. Th /!nhon91arty +h /in6thr ar /i5it+ byon whih r1r++ 5otion+ bo5 an*ro!+.

Fro5 C!ron Strt th ti*r9+0in r!* tra2// own to th Manor Ho!+% an wa+ !/y in+1t an a5ir by th o!nty% an it+5 a 3ittin* an a11ro1riat thin* whn Mr+. :a0/ti wntto th Co!nty Co+t!5 a// in th haratr o3 iana. Sh r3!+to 3a// in% how2r% with C/o2i+<+ t51tin* +!**+tion o3 a



1ri52a/ an 1arty% at whih 2ry on +ho!/ war th +0in+ o3 ba+t+ thy ha rnt/y +/ain. "I +ho!/ b in rathr a aby!ntin* onition%" on3++ C/o2i+% "with a 5i+rab/ rabbit9+0in or two to wra1 !1 in% b!t thn%" h a% with a rathr 5a/iio!+ */an at iana<+ 1ro1ortion+% "5y 3i*!r i+ 7!it a+*oo a+ that R!++ian anin* boy<+."

"How a5!+ 2ry on wo!/ b i3 thy 0nw what ra//y ha11n%"+ai Lo!i+a Mbbin a 3w ay+ a3tr th ba//.

"&hat o yo! 5an>" a+0 Mr+. :a0/ti 7!i0/y.

"How yo! +hot th *oat an 3ri*htn th ti*r to ath%" +aiMi++ Mbbin% with hr i+a*rab/y 1/a+ant /a!*h.

"No on wo!/ b/i2 it%" +ai Mr+. :a0/ti% hr 3a han*in*o/o!r a+ ra1i/y a+ tho!*h it wr *oin* thro!*h a boo0 o3 1attrn+ b3or 1o+t9ti5.

"Loona i5brton wo!/%" +ai Mi++ Mbbin. Mr+. :a0/ti<+ 3a+tt/ on an !nbo5in* +ha o3 *rni+h whit.

"#o! +!r/y wo!/n<t *i2 5 away>" +h a+0.

"I<2 +n a w09n otta* nar or0in* that I +ho!/ rathr /i0 to b!y%" +ai Mi++ Mbbin with +5in* irr/2an. "Si=h!nr an i*hty% 3rho/. B!it a bar*ain% on/y I on<tha11n to ha2 th 5ony."

. . . . . . . . .

Lo!i+a Mbbin<+ 1rtty w09n otta*% hri+tn by hr "L+Fa!2+%" an *ay in +!55rti5 with it+ *arn borr+ o3 ti*r9/i/i+% i+ th wonr an a5iration o3 hr 3rin+.

"It i+ a 5ar2/ how Lo!i+a 5ana*+ to o it%" i+ th *nra/2rit.

Mr+. :a0/ti in!/*+ in no 5or bi*9*a5 +hootin*.

"Th ininta/ =1n++ ar +o ha2y%" +h on3i+ to in7!irin*3rin+.

THE STAM:EIN' OF LA# ASTALE



"It wo!/ b rathr ni i3 yo! wo!/ 1!t C/o2i+ !1 3or anothr +i= ay+ whi/ I *o !1 north to th Ma'r*or+<%" +ai Mr+.San*rai/ +/1i/y aro++ th bra03a+t9tab/. It wa+ hr in2ariab/ 1/an to +1a0 in a +/1y% o53ortab/ 2oi whn2r +h wa+ !n!+!a//y 0n abo!t anythin*6 it 1!t 1o1/ o33 thir *!ar% an thy 3r7!nt/y 3// in with hr wi+h+ b3or thy hara/i that +h wa+ ra//y a+0in* 3or anythin*. Lay a+tab/%how2r% wa+ not +o a+i/y ta0n !nawar+6 1o++ib/y +h 0nw that2oi an what it bto0n99at any rat% +h 0nw C/o2i+.

Sh 3rown at a 1i o3 toa+t an at it 2ry +/ow/y% a+ tho!*h+h wi+h to on2y th i51r++ion that th 1ro++ h!rt hr 5orthan it h!rt th toa+t6 b!t no =tn+ion o3 ho+1ita/ity onC/o2i+<+ bha/3 ro+ to hr /i1+.

"It wo!/ b a *rat on2nin to 5%" 1!r+! Mr+. San*rai/%abanonin* th ar/++ ton. "I 1arti!/ar/y on<t want to ta0hi5 to th Ma'r*or+<% an it wi// on/y b 3or +i= ay+."

It wi// +5 /on*r%" +ai Lay a+tab/ i+5a//y.

"Th /a+t ti5 h +tay hr 3or a w099"

"I 0now%" intrr!1t th othr ha+ti/y% "b!t that wa+ nar/y twoyar+ a*o. H wa+ yo!n*r thn."

"!t h ha+n<t i51ro2%" +ai hr ho+t++6 "it<+ no !+ *rowin*o/r i3 yo! on/y /arn nw way+ o3 5i+bha2in* yo!r+/3."

Mr+. San*rai/ wa+ !nab/ to ar*! th 1oint6 +in C/o2i+ harah th a* o3 +2ntn +h ha n2r a+ to bwai/ hi+

irr1r++ib/ waywarn++ to a// hr ir/ o3 a7!aintan+% ana 1o/it +1tii+5 wo!/ ha2 *rt th +/i*ht+t hint at a 1ro+1ti2 r3or5ation. Sh i+ar th 3r!it/++ 33ort ata4o/ry an r+ort to !ni+*!i+ bribry.

"I3 yo!<// ha2 hi5 hr 3or th+ +i= ay+ I<// an/ thato!t+tanin* bri* ao!nt."

It wa+ on/y 3or 3orty9nin +hi//in*+% b!t Lay a+tab/ /o2+hi//in*+ with a *rat% +tron* /o2. To /o+ 5ony at bri* annot to ha2 to 1ay it wa+ on o3 tho+ rar =1rin+ whih *a2

th ar9tab/ a */a5o!r in hr y+ whih it o!/ n2r othrwi+ ha2 1o++++. Mr+. San*rai/ wa+ a/5o+t 7!a//y2ot to hr ar winnin*+% b!t th 1ro+1t o3 on2nint/ywarho!+in* hr o33+1rin* 3or +i= ay+% an ininta//y +a2in*hi+ rai/way 3ar to th north% roni/ hr to th +ari3i6whn C/o2i+ 5a a b/at a11aran at th bra03a+t9tab/ th bar*ain ha bn +tr!0.



";!+t thin0%" +ai Mr+. San*rai/ +/1i/y6 Lay a+tab/ ha+ 2ry0in/y a+0 yo! to +tay on hr whi/ I *o to th Ma'r*or+<."

C/o2i+ +ai +!itab/ thin*+ in a hi*h/y !n+!itab/ 5annr% an 1ro to 5a0 1!niti2 =1ition+ a5on* th bra03a+t i+h+with a +ow/ on hi+ 3a that wo!/ ha2 ri2n th 1!rr o!t o3 a 1a on3rn. Th arran*5nt that ha bn on/! bhinhi+ ba0 wa+ o!b/y i+ta+t3!/ to hi5. In th 3ir+t 1/a% h 1arti!/ar/y want to tah th Ma'r*or boy+% who o!/ w//a33or th 0now/*% how to 1/ay 1o0r91atin6 +on/y% tha+tab/ atrin* wa+ o3 th 0in that i+ /a++i3i a+ a r! 1/nty% whih C/o2i+ tran+/at a+ a 1/nty that *i2+ ri+ tor! r5ar0+. &athin* hi5 3ro5 bhin o+tntatio!+/y +/1y/i+% hi+ 5othr ra/i% in th /i*ht o3 /on* =1rin% thatany r4oiin* o2r th +!++ o3 hr 5ano!2r wo!/ bi+tint/y 1r5at!r. It wa+ on thin* to 3it C/o2i+ into aon2nint nih o3 th o5+ti 4i*9+aw 1!/6 it wa+ 7!itanothr 5attr to *t hi5 to +tay thr.

Lay a+tab/ wa+ wont to rtir in +tat to th 5ornin*9roo5i55iat/y a3tr bra03a+t an +1n a 7!it ho!r in +0i55in*thro!*h th 1a1r+6 thy wr thr% +o +h 5i*ht a+ w// *tthir 5ony<+ worth o!t o3 th5. :o/iti+ i not *rat/yintr+t hr% b!t +h wa+ ob+++ with a 3a2o!rit 3orboin*that on o3 th+ ay+ thr wo!/ b a *rat +oia/ !1ha2a/% inwhih 2ryboy wo!/ b 0i// by 2ryboy /+. "It wi// o5+oonr than w thin0%" +h wo!/ ob+r2 ar0/y6 a 5ath5atia/=1rt o3 =1tiona//y hi*h 1owr+ wo!/ ha2 bn 1!/ towor0 o!t th a11ro=i5at at 3ro5 th +/nr an on3!+in**ro!nwor0 whih thi+ a++rtion a33or.

On thi+ 1arti!/ar 5ornin* th +i*ht o3 Lay a+tab/ nthrona5on* hr 1a1r+ *a2 C/o2i+ th hint towar+ whih hi+ 5in ha bn *ro1in* a// bra03a+t ti5. Hi+ 5othr ha *on !1+tair+ to+!1r2i+ 1a0in* o1ration+% an h wa+ a/on on th *ro!n93/oor with hi+ ho+t++99an th +r2ant+. Th /attr wr th 0y toth +it!ation. !r+tin* wi//y into th 0ithn 7!artr+% C/o2i++ra5 a 3ranti tho!*h +trit/y non9o55itta/ +!55on+? ":oor Lay a+tab/@ In th 5ornin*9roo5@ Oh% 7!i0@" Th n=t 5o5ntth b!t/r% oo0% 1a*9boy% two or thr 5ai+% an a *arnr whoha ha11n to b in on o3 th o!tr 0ithn+ wr 3o//owin* ina hot +!rry a3tr C/o2i+ a+ h ha ba0 3or th 5ornin*9roo5.

Lay a+tab/ wa+ ro!+ 3ro5 th wor/ o3 nw+1a1r /or byharin* a ;a1an+ +rn in th ha// *o own with a ra+h. Thnth oor /ain* 3ro5 th ha// 3/w o1n an hr yo!n* *!+t tor5a/y thro!*h th roo5% +hri0 at hr in 1a++in*% "Th 4a7!ri@ Thy<r on !+@" an a+h /i0 an +a1in* haw0 o!tthro!*h th Frnh winow. Th +ar 5ob o3 +r2ant+ b!r+t in onhi+ h/+% th *arnr +ti// /!thin* th +i0/ with whih hha bn tri55in* h*+% an th i51t!+ o3 thir ha/on* ha+t



"It wa+ not a /ar* /*ay% 2n 3ro5 th 5o+t +tan1oint o3 Hnri 1/i+% b!t it i51// hi5 towar+ +o5 +5in*/y har5/++=tra2a*an+. In 1arti!/ar it / hi5 to 1atroni /oa/ art a+r1r+nt by th tattoo9n/+ o3 Si*nor Anra+ :inini.Si*nor :inini wa+% 1rha1+% th 5o+t bri//iant 5a+tr o3 tattoora3t that Ita/y ha 2r 0nown% b!t hi+ ir!5+tan+ wri/y i51o2ri+h% an 3or th +!5 o3 +i= h!nr 3ran+ h*/a/y !nrtoo0 to o2r hi+ /int<+ ba0% 3ro5 th o//ar9bonown to th wai+t/in% with a */owin* r1r+ntation o3 th Fa//o3 Iar!+. Th +i*n% whn 3ina//y 2/o1% wa+ a +/i*hti+a11oint5nt to Mon+i!r 1/i+% who ha +!+1t Iar!+ o3 bin* a 3ortr++ ta0n by &a//n+tin in th Thirty #ar+< &ar% b!t h wa+ 5or than +ati+3i with th =!tion o3 th wor0%whih wa+ a/ai5 by a// who ha th 1ri2i/* o3 +in* it a+:inini<+ 5a+tr1i.

"It wa+ hi+ *rat+t 33ort% an hi+ /a+t. &itho!t 2n waitin*to h 1ai% th i//!+trio!+ ra3t+5an 1art thi+ /i3% an wa+ b!ri !nr an ornat to5b+ton% who+ win* hr!b+ wo!/ ha2a33or +in*!/ar/y /itt/ +o1 3or th =ri+ o3 hi+ 3a2o!ritart. Thr r5ain% how2r% th wiow :inini% to who5 th +i=h!nr 3ran+ wr !. An thr!1on aro+ th *rat ri+i+ inth /i3 o3 Hnri 1/i+% tra2//r o3 o55r. Th /*ay%!nr th +tr++ o3 n!5ro!+ /itt/ a//+ on it+ +!b+tan% hawin/ to 2ry in+i*ni3iant 1ro1ortion+% an whn a 1r++in*win bi// an +!nry othr !rrnt ao!nt+ ha bn 1ai% thrr5ain /itt/ 5or than G 3ran+ to o33r to th wiow. Th/ay wa+ 1ro1r/y ini*nant% not who//y% a+ +h 2o/!b/y =1/ain%on ao!nt o3 th +!**+t writin*9o33 o3 ,G 3ran+% b!t a/+o atth att51t to 1riat th 2a/! o3 hr /at h!+ban<+a0now/* 5a+tr1i. In a w0<+ ti5 1/i+ wa+ ob/i* to

r! hi+ o33r to G 3ran+% whih ir!5+tan 3ann thwiow<+ ini*nation into a 3!ry. Sh an// th +a/ o3 thwor0 o3 art% an a 3w ay+ /atr 1/i+ /arn with a +n+% o3 on+trnation that +h ha 1r+nt it to th 5!nii1a/ity o3 r*a5o% whih ha *rat3!//y a1t it. H /3t thni*hbo!rhoo a+ !nobtr!+i2/y a+ 1o++ib/% an wa+ *n!in/yr/i2 whn hi+ b!+in++ o55an+ too0 hi5 to Ro5% whr hho1 hi+ intity an that o3 th 3a5o!+ 1it!r 5i*ht b /o+t+i*ht o3.

"!t h bor on hi+ ba0 th b!rn o3 th a 5an<+ *ni!+. On

1r+ntin* hi5+/3 on ay in th +ta5in* orrior o3 a 2a1o!r bath% h wa+ at on h!+t/ ba0 into hi+ /oth+ by th 1ro1ritor% who wa+ a North Ita/ian% an who 51hatia//y r3!+to a//ow th /brat Fa// o3 Iar!+ to b 1!b/i/y on 2iwwitho!t th 1r5i++ion o3 th 5!nii1a/ity o3 r*a5o. :!b/iintr+t an o33iia/ 2i*i/an inra+ a+ th 5attr ba55or wi/y 0nown% an 1/i+ wa+ !nab/ to ta0 a +i51/ i1 inth +a or ri2r on th hott+t a3trnoon !n/++ /oth !1 to th



o//arbon in a +!b+tantia/ bathin* *ar5nt. Latr on tha!thoriti+ o3 r*a5o% oni2 th ia that +a/t watr 5i*ht b in4!rio!+ to th 5a+tr1i% an a 1r1t!a/ in4!ntion wa+obtain whih barr th 5!h/y hara++ o55ria/ tra2//r 3ro5 +a bathin* !nr any ir!5+tan+. A/to*thr% h wa+3r2nt/y than03!/ whn hi+ 3ir5 o3 51/oyr+ 3o!n hi5 a nwran* o3 ati2iti+ in th ni*hbo!rhoo o3 ora!=. Hi+than03!/n++% how2r% a+ abr!1t/y at th Frano9Ita/ian3rontir. An i51o+in* array o3 o33iia/ 3or barr hi+1art!r% an h wa+ +trn/y r5in o3 th +trin*nt /aw whih3orbi+ th =1ortation o3 Ita/ian wor0+ o3 art.

"A i1/o5ati 1ar/y n+! btwn th L!=5b!r*ian an Ita/ian'o2rn5nt+% an at on ti5 th E!ro1an +it!ation ba5o2ra+t with th 1o++ibi/iti+ o3 tro!b/. !t th Ita/ian'o2rn5nt +too 3ir56 it /in to onrn it+/3 in th /a+twith th 3ort!n+ or 2n th =i+tn o3 Hnri 1/i+%o55ria/ tra2//r% b!t wa+ i55o2ab/ in it+ i+ion that thFa// o3 Iar!+ (by th /at :inini% Anra+) at 1r+nt th 1ro1rty o3 th 5!nii1a/ity o3 r*a5o% +ho!/ not /a2 tho!ntry.

"Th =it5nt i own in ti5% b!t th !n3ort!nat 1/i+% whowa+ o3 a on+tit!tiona//y rtirin* i+1o+ition% 3o!n hi5+/3 a3w 5onth+ /atr% on 5or th +tor59ntr o3 a 3!rio!+ontro2r+y. A rtain 'r5an art =1rt% who ha obtain 3ro5th 5!nii1a/ity o3 r*a5o 1r5i++ion to in+1t th 3a5o!+5a+tr1i% /ar it to b a +1!rio!+ :inini% 1robab/y thwor0 o3 +o5 1!1i/ who5 h ha 51/oy in hi+ /inin* yar+.Th 2in o3 1/i+ on th +!b4t wa+ ob2io!+/y worth/++% a+h ha bn !nr th in3/!n o3 th !+to5ary naroti+ !rin*

th /on* 1ro++ o3 1ri0in* in th +i*n. Th itor o3 anIta/ian art 4o!rna/ r3!t th ontntion+ o3 th 'r5an =1rtan !nrtoo0 to 1ro2 that hi+ 1ri2at /i3 i not on3or5 toany 5orn +tanar o3 ny. Th who/ o3 Ita/y an 'r5anywr rawn into th i+1!t% an th r+t o3 E!ro1 wa+ +oonin2o/2 in th 7!arr/. Thr wr +tor5y +n+ in th S1ani+h:ar/ia5nt% an th Uni2r+ity o3 Co1nha*n b+tow a *o/ 5a/on th 'r5an =1rt (a3trwar+ +nin* a o55i++ion to =a5inhi+ 1roo3+ on th +1ot)% whi/ two :o/i+h +hoo/boy+ in :ari+o55itt +!ii to +how what THE# tho!*ht o3 th 5attr.

"Manwhi/% th !nha11y h!5an ba0*ro!n 3ar no bttr than b3or% an it wa+ not +!r1ri+in* that h ri3t into th ran0+o3 Ita/ian anarhi+t+. Fo!r ti5+ at /a+t h wa+ +ort to th3rontir a+ a an*ro!+ an !n+irab/ 3ori*nr% b!t h wa+a/way+ bro!*ht ba0 a+ th Fa// o3 Iar!+ (attrib!t to :inini%Anra+% ar/y Twntith Cnt!ry). An thn on ay% at ananarhi+t on*r++ at 'noa% a 3//ow9wor0r% in th hat o3 bat% bro0 a 1hia/ 3!// o3 orro+i2 /i7!i o2r hi+ ba0. Th



r +hirt that h wa+ warin* 5iti*at th 33t+% b!t thIar!+ wa+ r!in byon ro*nition. Hi+ a++ai/ant wa+ +2r/yr1ri5an 3or a++a!/tin* a 3//ow9anarhi+t an ri2 +2nyar+< i51ri+on5nt 3or 3ain* a nationa/ art tra+!r. A+ +oona+ h wa+ ab/ to /a2 th ho+1ita/ Hnri 1/i+ wa+ 1!t aro++th 3rontir a+ an !n+irab/ a/in.

"In th 7!itr +trt+ o3 :ari+% +1ia//y in th ni*hbo!rhooo3 th Mini+try o3 Fin Art+% yo! 5ay +o5ti5+ 5t a 1r++%an=io!+9/oo0in* 5an% who% i3 yo! 1a++ hi5 th ti5 o3 ay% wi//an+wr yo! with a +/i*ht L!=5b!r*ian ant. H n!r++ thi//!+ion that h i+ on o3 th /o+t ar5+ o3 th Vn!+ Mi/o% anho1+ that th Frnh 'o2rn5nt 5ay b 1r+!a to b!y hi5. Ona// othr +!b4t+ I b/i2 h i+ to/rab/y +an."

HERMANN THE IRASCILE99A STOR# OF THE 'REAT &EE:

It wa+ in th +on a o3 th twntith nt!ry% a3tr th'rat :/a*! ha 2a+tat En*/an% that Hr5ann th Ira+ib/%ni0na5 a/+o th &i+% +at on th riti+h thron. Th Morta/Si0n++ ha +w1t away th ntir Roya/ Fa5i/y% !nto th thiran 3o!rth *nration+% an th!+ it a5 to 1a++ that Hr5ann thFo!rtnth o3 Sa=9rah+n9&aht/+tin% who ha +too thirtithin th orr o3 +!++ion% 3o!n hi5+/3 on ay r!/r o3 thriti+h o5inion+ within an byon th +a+. H wa+ on o3 th!n=1t thin*+ that ha11n in 1o/iti+% an h ha11n with

*rat thoro!*hn++. In 5any way+ h wa+ th 5o+t 1ro*r++i25onarh who ha +at on an i51ortant thron6 b3or 1o1/ 0nwwhr thy wr% thy wr +o5whr /+. E2n hi+ Mini+tr+% 1ro*r++i2 tho!*h thy wr by traition% 3o!n it i33i!/t to01 1a with hi+ /*i+/ati2 +!**+tion+.

"A+ a 5attr o3 3at%" a5itt th :ri5 Mini+tr% "w arha51r by th+ 2ot+93or9wo5n rat!r+6 thy i+t!rb o!r 5tin*+ thro!*ho!t th o!ntry% an thy try to t!rn ownin*Strt into a +ort o3 1o/itia/ 1ini9*ro!n."

"Thy 5!+t b a/t with%" +ai Hr5ann.

"a/t with%" +ai th :ri5 Mini+tr6 "=at/y% 4!+t +o6 b!thow>"

"I wi// ra3t yo! a i//%" +ai th Kin*% +ittin* own at hi+ty1writin* 5ahin% "natin* that wo5n +ha// 2ot at a// 3!t!r/tion+. Sha// 2ot% yo! ob+r26 or% to 1!t it 1/ainr% 5!+t.



Votin* wi// r5ain o1tiona/% a+ b3or% 3or 5a/ /tor+6 b!t2ry wo5an btwn th a*+ o3 twnty9on an +2nty wi// bob/i* to 2ot% not on/y at /tion+ 3or :ar/ia5nt% o!ntyo!ni/+% i+trit boar+% 1ari+h o!ni/+% an 5!nii1a/iti+% b!t 3or oronr+% +hoo/ in+1tor+% h!rhwarn+% !rator+ o3 5!+!5+% +anitary a!thoriti+% 1o/i9o!rt intr1rtr+%+wi55in*9bath in+tr!tor+% ontrator+% hoir95a+tr+% 5ar0t+!1rintnnt+% art9+hoo/ tahr+% athra/ 2r*r+% an othr /oa/ 3!ntionari+ who+ na5+ I wi// a a+ thy o!r to 5.A// th+ o33i+ wi// bo5 /ti2% an 3ai/!r to 2ot at any/tion 3a//in* within hr ara o3 r+in wi// in2o/2 th35a/ /tor in a 1na/ty o3 J,G. Ab+n% !n+!11ort by ana7!at 5ia/ rti3iat% wi// not b a1t a+ an =!+.:a++ thi+ i// thro!*h th two Ho!++ o3 :ar/ia5nt an brin* itto 5 3or +i*nat!r th ay a3tr to95orrow."

Fro5 th 2ry o!t+t th Co51!/+ory F5a/ Franhi+ 1ro!/itt/ or no /ation 2n in ir/+ whih ha bn /o!+t in5anin* th 2ot. Th b!/0 o3 th wo5n o3 th o!ntry ha bnini33rnt or ho+ti/ to th 3ranhi+ a*itation% an th 5o+t3anatia/ S!33ra*tt+ b*an to wonr what thy ha 3o!n +oattrati2 in th 1ro+1t o3 1!ttin* ba//ot91a1r+ into a bo=.In th o!ntry i+trit+ th ta+0 o3 arryin* o!t th 1ro2i+ion+o3 th nw At wa+ ir0+o5 no!*h6 in th town+ an iti+ it ba5 an in!b!+. Thr +5 no n to th /tion+.La!nr+++ an +a5+tr+++ ha to h!rry away 3ro5 thir wor0 to2ot% o3tn 3or a aniat who+ na5 thy han<t har b3or%an who5 thy +/t at ha1haar6 35a/ /r0+ an waitr+++*ot !1 =tra ar/y to *t thir 2otin* on b3or +tartin* o33 tothir 1/a+ o3 b!+in++. Soity wo5n 3o!n thir arran*5nt+i51 an !1+t by th ontin!a/ n++ity 3or attnin* th

1o//in* +tation+% an w09n 1arti+ an +!55r ho/iay+ ba5*ra!a//y a 5a+!/in /!=!ry. A+ 3or Cairo an th Ri2ira% thywr 1o++ib/ on/y 3or *n!in in2a/i+ or 1o1/ o3 nor5o!+wa/th% 3or th a!5!/ation o3 o,G 3in+ !rin* a 1ro/on*ab+n wa+ a ontin*ny that 2n orinari/y wa/thy 3o/0 o!/har/y a33or to ri+0.

It wa+ not wonr3!/ that th 35a/ i+3ranhi+5nt a*itation ba5 a 3or5iab/ 5o25nt. Th No9Vot+93or9&o5n La*!n!5br it+ 35inin ahrnt+ by th 5i//ion6 it+ o/o!r+%itron an o/ !th95ar% wr 3/a!nt 2rywhr% an it+

batt/ hy5n% "& on<t want to Vot%" ba5 a 1o1!/ar r3rain.A+ th 'o2rn5nt +how no +i*n+ o3 bin* i51r++ by 1a3!/ 1r+!a+ion% 5or 2io/nt 5tho+ a5 into 2o*!. Mtin*+ wri+t!rb% Mini+tr+ wr 5obb% 1o/i5n wr bittn% anorinary 1ri+on 3ar r4t% an on th 2 o3 th anni2r+aryo3 Tra3a/*ar wo5n bo!n th5+/2+ in tir+ !1 th ntir /n*tho3 th N/+on o/!5n +o that it+ !+to5ary 3/ora/ oration hato b abanon. Sti// th 'o2rn5nt ob+tinat/y ahr to it+



on2ition that wo5n o!*ht to ha2 th 2ot.

Thn% a+ a /a+t r+ort% +o5 wo5an wit hit !1on an =1int whihit wa+ +tran* that no on ha tho!*ht o3 b3or. Th 'rat &1wa+ or*ani. R/ay+ o3 wo5n% tn tho!+an at a ti5% w1tontin!o!+/y in th 1!b/i 1/a+ o3 th Mtro1o/i+. Thy w1t inrai/way +tation+% in t!b+ an o5nib!++% in th Nationa/ 'a//ry%at th Ar5y an Na2y Stor+% in St. ;a5+<+ :ar0% at ba//aonrt+% at :rin<+ an in th !r/in*ton Ara. Th hithrto!nbro0n +!++ o3 th bri//iant 3aria/ o5y "Hnry<+ Rabbit"wa+ i51ri// by th 1r+n o3 rari/y w1in* wo5n in +ta//+an ir/ an *a//ry% an on o3 th bri*ht+t i2or a++that ha bn tri 3or 5any yar+ wa+ robb o3 5!h o3 it++1ar0/ by th /ahry5o+ bha2io!r o3 a +tion o3 th a!in.

"&hat ar w to o>" a+0 th :ri5 Mini+tr% who+ oo0 ha w1tinto a// th bra03a+t i+h+ an who+ n!r+5ai ha *on o!t%ryin* 7!it/y an 5i+rab/y% to ta0 th hi/rn 3or a wa/0 inth :ar0.

"Thr i+ a ti5 3or 2rythin*%" +ai th Kin*6 "thr i+ a ti5to yi/. :a++ a 5a+!r thro!*h th two Ho!++ 1ri2in* wo5no3 th ri*ht to 2ot% an brin* it to 5 3or th Roya/ a++nt thay a3tr to95orrow."

A+ th Mini+tr withrw% Hr5ann th Ira+ib/% who wa+ a/+oni0na5 th &i+% *a2 a 1ro3o!n h!0/.

"Thr ar 5or way+ o3 0i//in* a at than by ho0in* it withra5%" h 7!ot% "b!t I<5 not +!r%" h a% "that it<+ notth b+t way."

THE UNREST9CURE

Gn th ra0 in th rai/way arria* i55iat/y o11o+it C/o2i+wa+ a +o/i/y wro!*ht tra2//in*9ba*% with a ar3!//y writtn/ab/% on whih wa+ in+rib% ";. :. H!/% Th &arrn%

Ti/3i/% nar S/owboro!*h." I55iat/y b/ow th ra0 +it thh!5an 5boi5nt o3 th /ab/% a +o/i% +at ini2i!a/%+at/y r++% +at/y on2r+ationa/. E2n witho!t hi+on2r+ation (whih wa+ ar++ to a 3rin +at by hi+ +i%an to!h hi3/y on +!h to1i+ a+ th ba0warn++ o3 Ro5anhyainth+ an th 1r2a/n o3 5a+/+ at th Rtory)% on o!/ha2 *a!* 3air/y a!rat/y th t51ra5nt an 5nta/ o!t/oo0 o3 th tra2//in* ba*<+ ownr. !t h +5 !nwi//in* to /a2



. . . . . . . . .

Two 5ornin*+ /atr Mr. H!/ bro0 in on hi+ +i+tr<+ 1ri2ay a++h +at rain* Co!ntry Li3 in th 5ornin* roo5. It wa+ hr ayan ho!r an 1/a 3or rain* Co!ntry Li3% an th intr!+ion wa+ab+o/!t/y irr*!/ar6 b!t h bor in hi+ han a t/*ra5% an inthat ho!+ho/ t/*ra5+ wr ro*ni a+ ha11nin* by th hano3 'o. Thi+ 1arti!/ar t/*ra5 1artoo0 o3 th nat!r o3 ath!nrbo/t. "i+ho1 =a5inin* on3ir5ation /a++ inni*hbo!rhoo !nab/ +tay rtory on ao!nt 5a+/+ in2o0+ yo!r ho+1ita/ity +nin* +rtary arran*."

"I +ar/y 0now th i+ho16 I<2 on/y +1o0n to hi5 on%"=/ai5 ;. :. H!/% with th =!/1atin* air o3 on whora/i+ too /at th ini+rtion o3 +1a0in* to +tran* i+ho1+.Mi++ H!/ wa+ th 3ir+t to ra//y6 +h i+/i0 th!nrbo/t+ a+3r2nt/y a+ hr brothr i% b!t th wo5an/y in+tint in hr to/hr that th!nrbo/t+ 5!+t b 3.

"& an !rry th o/ !0%" +h +ai. It wa+ not th a11ointay 3or !rry% b!t th /itt/ oran* n2/o1 in2o/2 a rtain1art!r 3ro5 r!/ an !+to5. Hr brothr +ai nothin*% b!t hi+y+ than0 hr 3or bin* bra2.

"A yo!n* *nt/5an to + yo!%" anno!n th 1ar/o!r95ai.

"Th +rtary@" 5!r5!r th H!/+ in !ni+on6 thy in+tant/y+ti33n into a 5ano!r whih 1ro/ai5 that% tho!*h thy h/a// +tran*r+ to b *!i/ty% thy wr wi//in* to har anythin*thy 5i*ht ha2 to +ay in thir 3n. Th yo!n* *nt/5an% whoa5 into th roo5 with a rtain /*ant ha!*htin++% wa+ not at

a// H!/<+ ia o3 a bi+ho1<+ +rtary6 h ha not +!11o+that th 1i+o1a/ +tab/i+h5nt o!/ ha2 a33or +!h an=1n+i2/y !1ho/+tr arti/ whn thr wr +o 5any othr /ai5+ on it+ r+o!r+. Th 3a wa+ 3/tin*/y 3a5i/iar6 i3 hha b+tow 5or attntion on th 3//ow9tra2//r +ittin*o11o+it hi5 in th rai/way arria* two ay+ b3or h 5i*ht ha2ro*ni C/o2i+ in hi+ 1r+nt 2i+itor.

"#o! ar th i+ho1<+ +rtary>" a+0 H!/% bo5in*on+io!+/y 3rntia/.

"Hi+ on3intia/ +rtary%" an+wr C/o2i+. #o! 5ay a// 5Stani+/a!+6 5y othr na5 o+n<t 5attr. Th i+ho1 an Co/on/A/brti 5ay b hr to /!nh. I +ha// b hr in any a+."

It +o!n rathr /i0 th 1ro*ra55 o3 a Roya/ 2i+it.

"Th i+ho1 i+ =a5inin* a on3ir5ation /a++ in thni*hbo!rhoo% i+n<t h>" a+0 Mi++ H!/.



"O+tn+ib/y%" wa+ th ar0 r1/y% 3o//ow by a r7!+t 3or a/ar*9+a/ 5a1 o3 th /oa/ity.

C/o2i+ wa+ +ti// i55r+ in a +5in*/y 1ro3o!n +t!y o3 th 5a1whn anothr t/*ra5 arri2. It wa+ ar++ to ":rinStani+/a!+% ar o3 H!/% Th &arrn% t." C/o2i+ */an atth ontnt+ an anno!n? "Th i+ho1 an A/brti won<t b hrti// /at in th a3trnoon." Thn h rt!rn to hi+ +r!tiny o3 th 5a1.

Th /!nhon wa+ not a 2ry 3+ti2 3!ntion. Th 1rin/y+rtary at an ran0 with 3air a11tit% b!t +2r/yi+o!ra* on2r+ation. At th 3ini+h o3 th 5a/ h bro0+!n/y into a raiant +5i/% than0 hi+ ho+t++ 3or a har5in*r1a+t% an 0i++ hr han with 3rntia/ ra1t!r.

Mi++ H!/ wa+ !nab/ to i in hr 5in whthr th ation+a2o!r o3 Lo!i+ B!atorian o!rt/in++ or th r1rhn+ib/Ro5an attit! towar+ th Sabin wo5n. It wa+ not hr ay 3or ha2in* a haah% b!t +h 3/t that th ir!5+tan+ =!+hr% an rtir to hr roo5 to ha2 a+ 5!h haah a+ wa+ 1o++ib/ b3or th i+ho1<+ arri2a/. C/o2i+% ha2in* a+0 thway to th nar+t t/*ra1h o33i% i+a11ar 1r+nt/y ownth arria* ri2. Mr. H!/ 5t hi5 in th ha// +o5 two ho!r+/atr% an a+0 whn th i+ho1 wo!/ arri2.

"H i+ in th /ibrary with A/brti%" wa+ th r1/y.

"!t why wa+n<t I to/> I n2r 0nw h ha o5@" =/ai5H!/.

"No on 0now+ h i+ hr%" +ai C/o2i+6 "th 7!itr w an 015attr+ th bttr. An on no ao!nt i+t!rb hi5 in th /ibrary.Tho+ ar hi+ orr+."

"!t what i+ a// thi+ 5y+try abo!t> An who i+ A/brti> Ani+n<t th i+ho1 *oin* to ha2 ta>"

"Th i+ho1 i+ o!t 3or b/oo% not ta."

"/oo@" *a+1 H!/% who i not 3in that th th!nrbo/t

i51ro2 on a7!aintan.

"To9ni*ht i+ *oin* to b a *rat ni*ht in th hi+tory o3 Chri+tno5%" +ai C/o2i+. "& ar *oin* to 5a++ar 2ry ;w inth ni*hbo!rhoo."

"To 5a++ar th ;w+@" +ai H!/ ini*nant/y. "o yo! 5an tot// 5 thr<+ a *nra/ ri+in* a*ain+t th5>"



"No% it<+ th i+ho1<+ own ia. H<+ in thr arran*in* a// thtai/+ now."

"!t99th i+ho1 i+ +!h a to/rant% h!5an 5an."

"That i+ 1ri+/y what wi// hi*htn th 33t o3 hi+ ation.Th +n+ation wi// b nor5o!+."

That at /a+t H!/ o!/ b/i2.

"H wi// b han*@" h =/ai5 with on2ition.

"A 5otor i+ waitin* to arry hi5 to th oa+t% whr a +ta5 yahti+ in rain++."

"!t thr arn<t thirty ;w+ in th who/ ni*hbo!rhoo%" 1rot+t H!/% who+ brain% !nr th r1at +ho0+ o3 thay% wa+ o1ratin* with th !nrtainty o3 a t/*ra1h wir !rin*arth7!a0 i+t!rban+.

"& ha2 twnty9+i= on o!r /i+t%" +ai C/o2i+% r3rrin* to a b!n/ o3 not+. "& +ha// b ab/ to a/ with th5 a// th 5orthoro!*h/y."

"o yo! 5an to t// 5 that yo! ar 5itatin* 2io/n a*ain+t a5an /i0 Sir Lon irbrry%" +ta55r H!/6 "h<+ on o3 th5o+t r+1t 5n in th o!ntry."

"H<+ own on o!r /i+t%" +ai C/o2i+ ar/++/y6 "a3tr a//% w<2*ot 5n w an tr!+t to o o!r 4ob% +o w +han<t ha2 to r/y on

/oa/ a++i+tan. An w<2 *ot +o5 oy9+o!t+ h/1in* !+ a+a!=i/iari+."

"oy9+o!t+@"

"#+6 whn thy !nr+too thr wa+ ra/ 0i//in* to b on thywr 2n 0nr than th 5n."

"Thi+ thin* wi// b a b/ot on th Twntith Cnt!ry@"

"An yo!r ho!+ wi// b th b/ottin*91a. Ha2 yo! ra/i that

ha/3 th 1a1r+ o3 E!ro1 an th Unit Stat+ wi// 1!b/i+h 1it!r+ o3 it> y th way% I<2 +nt +o5 1hoto*ra1h+ o3 yo! anyo!r +i+tr% that I 3o!n in th /ibrary% to th MATIN an IE&OCHE6 I ho1 yo! on<t 5in. A/+o a +0th o3 th +taira+65o+t o3 th 0i//in* wi// 1robab/y b on on th +taira+."

Th 5otion+ that wr +!r*in* in ;. :. H!/<+ brain wr a/5o+ttoo intn+ to b i+/o+ in +1h% b!t h 5ana* to *a+1 o!t?



"Thr arn<t any ;w+ in thi+ ho!+."

"Not at 1r+nt%" +ai C/o2i+.

"I +ha// *o to th 1o/i%" +ho!t H!/ with +!n nr*y.

"In th +hr!bbry%" +ai C/o2i+% "ar 1o+t tn 5n who ha2orr+ to 3ir on anyon who /a2+ th ho!+ witho!t 5y +i*na/ o3 1r5i++ion. Anothr ar5 1i7!t i+ in a5b!+h nar th 3ront*at. Th oy9+o!t+ wath th ba0 1r5i++."

At thi+ 5o5nt th hr3!/ hoot o3 a 5otor9horn wa+ har 3ro5th ri2. H!/ r!+h to th ha// oor with th 3/in* o3 a5an ha/3 awa0n 3ro5 a ni*ht5ar% an bh/ Sir Lon irbrry%who ha ri2n hi5+/3 o2r in hi+ ar. "I *ot yo!r t/*ra5%" h+ai what<+ !1>"

T/*ra5> It +5 to b a ay o3 t/*ra5+.

"Co5 hr at on. Ur*nt. ;a5+ H!/%" wa+ th 1!r1ort o3 th 5++a* i+1/ay b3or H!/<+ bwi/r y+.

"I + it a//@" h =/ai5 +!n/y in a 2oi +ha0n witha*itation% an with a /oo0 o3 a*ony in th irtion o3 th+hr!bbry h ha!/ th a+toni+h irbrry into th ho!+. Taha 4!+t bn /ai in th ha//% b!t th now thoro!*h/y 1ani9+tri0n H!/ ra** hi+ 1rot+tin* *!+t !1+tair+% an in a3w 5in!t+< ti5 th ntir ho!+ho/ ha bn +!55on to thatr*ion o3 5o5ntary +a3ty. C/o2i+ a/on *ra th ta9tab/with hi+ 1r+n6 th 3anati+ in th /ibrary wr 2int/y tooi55r+ in thir 5on+tro!+ 5ahination+ to a//y with th +o/a

o3 ta!1 an hot toa+t. On th yo!th ro+% in an+wr to th+!55on+ o3 th 3ront9oor b//% an a5itt Mr. :a!/ I+aa+%+ho5a0r an 1ari+h o!ni//or% who ha a/+o ri2 a 1r++in*in2itation to Th &arrn. &ith an atroio!+ a++!51tion o3 o!rt+y% whih a or*ia o!/ har/y ha2 o!ton% th +rtary+ort thi+ nw a1ti2 o3 hi+ nt to th ha o3 th +tairway%whr hi+ in2o/!ntary ho+t await hi5.

An thn n+! a /on* *ha+t/y 2i*i/ o3 wathin* an waitin*.On or twi C/o2i+ /3t th ho!+ to +tro// aro++ to th+hr!bbry% rt!rnin* a/way+ to th /ibrary% 3or th 1!r1o+

2int/y o3 5a0in* a bri3 r1ort. On h too0 in th /ttr+3ro5 th 2nin* 1o+t5an% an bro!*ht th5 to th to1 o3 th+tair+ with 1!nti/io!+ 1o/itn++. A3tr hi+ n=t ab+n ha5 ha/39way !1 th +tair+ to 5a0 an anno!n5nt.

"Th oy9+o!t+ 5i+too0 5y +i*na/% an ha2 0i// th 1o+t5an.I<2 ha 2ry /itt/ 1rati in thi+ +ort o3 thin*% yo! +.Anothr ti5 I +ha// o bttr."



"&hat /!t>" +ai hr 5othr.

"It<+ a 7!otation%" +ai E/anor.

To +ay that anythin* wa+ a 7!otation wa+ an =//nt 5tho% inE/anor<+ y+% 3or withrawin* it 3ro5 i+!++ion% 4!+t a+ yo!o!/ a/way+ 3n ini33rnt /a5b /at in th +a+on by +ayin*"It<+ 5!tton."

An% o3 o!r+% Ar/in*ton Strin*ha5 ontin! to tra th thorny 1ath o3 on+io!+ h!5o!r into whih Fat ha b0on hi5.

"Th o!ntry<+ /oo0in* 2ry *rn% b!t% a3tr a//% that<+ whatit<+ thr 3or%" h r5ar0 to hi+ wi3 two ay+ /atr.

"That<+ 2ry 5orn% an I ar +ay 2ry /2r% b!t I<5 a3raiit<+ wa+t on 5%" +h ob+r2 o//y. I3 +h ha 0nown how5!h 33ort it ha o+t hi5 to 5a0 th r5ar0 +h 5i*ht ha2*rt it in a 0inr +1irit. It i+ th tra*y o3 h!5anna2o!r that it wor0+ +o o3tn !n+n an !n*!++.

Ar/in*ton +ai nothin*% not 3ro5 in4!r 1ri% b!t ba!+ h wa+thin0in* har 3or +o5thin* to +ay. E/anor 5i+too0 hi+ +i/n3or an a++!51tion o3 to/rant +!1riority% an hr an*r 1ro51thr to a 3!rthr *ib.

"#o! ha bttr t// it to Lay I+ob/. I<2 no o!bt +h wo!/a11riat it."

Lay I+ob/ wa+ +n 2rywhr with a 3awn o/o!r o//i at a

ti5 whn 2ry on /+ 01t nothin* b!t :0in+% an +h haon atn 3o!r *rn a11/+ at an a3trnoon ta in th otania/'arn+% +o +h wa+ wi/y rit with a rathr !n1/a+ant wit.Th n+orio!+ +ai +h +/1t in a ha55o0 an !nr+too #at+<+ 1o5+% b!t hr 3a5i/y ni both +tori+.

"Th ri3t i+ winin* to an aby++%" +ai E/anor to hr 5othr that a3trnoon.

"I +ho!/ not t// that to anyon%" r5ar0 hr 5othr% a3tr /on* r3/tion.

"Nat!ra//y% I +ho!/ not ta/0 abo!t it 2ry 5!h>" +ai E/anor%"b!t why +ho!/n<t I 5ntion it to anyon>"

"a!+ yo! an<t ha2 an aby++ in a /!t. Thr i+n<t roo5."

E/anor<+ o!t/oo0 on /i3 i not i51ro2 a+ th a3trnoon woron. Th 1a*9boy ha bro!*ht 3ro5 th /ibrary # MERE AN &OL



in+ta o3 # MERE CHANCE% th boo0 whih 2ry on ni ha2in*ra. Th !nw/o5 +!b+tit!t a11ar to b a o//tion o3 nat!r not+ ontrib!t by th a!thor to th 1a*+ o3 +o5 Northrn w0/y% an whn on ha bn 1r1ar to 1/!n* withi+a11ro2in* 5in into a r*rttab/ hroni/ o3 i//9+1nt /i2+it wa+ intn+/y irritatin* to ra "th ainty y//ow9ha55r+ arnow with !+ an 3/a!nt thir 4a!ni /i2ry 3ro5 2ry b!+h anhi//o0." +i+% th thin* wa+ +o ob2io!+/y !ntr!6 ithr thr 5!+t b har/y any b!+h+ or hi//o0+ in tho+ 1art+ or tho!ntry 5!+t b 3ar3!//y o2r+to0 with y//ow9ha55r+. Ththin* +ar/y +5 worth t//in* +!h a /i abo!t. An th 1a*9boy +too thr% with hi+ +/0/y br!+h an 1art hair%an hi+ air o3 ha+t an a//o!+ ini33rn to th +ir+ an 1a++ion+ o3 th wor/. E/anor hat boy+% an +h wo!/ ha2/i0 to ha2 whi11 thi+ on /on* an o3tn. It wa+ 1rha1+ thyarnin* o3 a wo5an who ha no hi/rn o3 hr own.

Sh t!rn at rano5 to anothr 1ara*ra1h. "Li 7!it/y ona/in th 3rn an bra5b/ in th *a1 by th o/ rowan tr% an yo!5ay +% a/5o+t 2ry 2nin* !rin* ar/y +!55r% a 1air o3 /++r whitthroat+ r1in* !1 an own th ntt/+ an h*9*rowth that 5a+0 thir n+tin*91/a."

Th in+!33rab/ 5onotony o3 th 1ro1o+ rration@ E/anor wo!/ not ha2 wath th 5o+t bri//iant 1r3or5an at Hi+Ma4+ty<+ Thatr 3or a +in*/ 2nin* !nr +!h !no53ortab/ir!5+tan+% an to b a+0 to wath /++r whitthroat+r1in* !1 an own a ntt/ "a/5o+t 2ry 2nin*" !rin* thhi*ht o3 th +a+on +tr!0 hr a+ an i51!tation on hr int//i*n that wa+ 1o+iti2/y o33n+i2. I51atint/y +htran+3rr hr attntion to th innr 5n!% whih th boy ha

tho!*ht3!//y bro!*ht in a+ an a/trnati2 to th 5or +o/i/itrary 3ar. "Rabbit !rry%" 5t hr y% an th /in+ o3 i+a11ro2a/ 1n on hr a/ray 1!0r brow. Th oo0 wa+ a*rat b/i2r in th in3/!n o3 n2iron5nt% an no!ri+h anob+tinat on2ition that i3 yo! bro!*ht rabbit an !rry91owr to*thr in on i+h a rabbit !rry wo!/ b th r+!/t. AnC/o2i+ an th oio!+ rti 2an Tahn wr o5in* to innr.S!r/y% tho!*ht E/anor% i3 Ar/in*ton 0nw how 5!h +h ha hathat ay to try hr% h wo!/ r3rain 3ro5 4o095a0in*.

At innr that ni*ht it wa+ E/anor hr+/3 who 5ntion th na5

o3 a rtain +tat+5an% who 5ay b nt/y o2r !nr thi+*!i+ o3 $.

"$%" +ai Ar/in*ton Strin*ha5% "ha+ th +o!/ o3 a 5rin*!."

It wa+ a !+3!/ r5ar0 to ha2 on han% ba!+ it a11/i 7!a//yw// to 3o!r 1ro5innt +tat+5n o3 th ay% whih 7!ar!1/ tho11ort!niti+ 3or !+in* it.



"Mrin*!+ ha2n<t *ot +o!/+%" +ai E/anor<+ 5othr.

"It<+ a 5ry that thy ha2n<t%" +ai C/o2i+6 "thy wo!/ ba/way+ /o+in* th5% an 1o1/ /i0 5y a!nt wo!/ *t !1 5i++ion+to 5rin*!+% an +ay it wa+ wonr3!/ how 5!h on o!/ tahth5 an how 5!h 5or on o!/ /arn 3ro5 th5."

"&hat o!/ yo! /arn 3ro5 a 5rin*!>" a+0 E/anor<+ 5othr.

"My a!nt ha+ bn 0nown to /arn h!5i/ity 3ro5 an =9Viroy%"+ai C/o2i+.

"I wi+h oo0 wo!/ /arn to 5a0 !rry% or ha2 th +n+ to /a2it a/on%" +ai Ar/in*ton% +!n/y an +a2a*/y.

E/anor<+ 3a +o3tn. It wa+ /i0 on o3 hi+ o/ r5ar0+ inth ay+ whn thr wa+ no aby++ btwn th5.

It wa+ !rin* th bat on th Fori*n O33i 2ot that Strin*ha55a hi+ *rat r5ar0 that "th 1o1/ o3 Crt !n3ort!nat/y 5a05or hi+tory than thy an on+!5 /oa//y." It wa+ not bri//iant% b!t it a5 in th 5i/ o3 a !// +1h% an thHo!+ wa+ 7!it 1/a+ with it. O/ *nt/5n with ba 55ori++ai it r5in th5 o3 i+ra/i.

It wa+ E/anor<+ 3rin% 'rtr! I/1ton% who rw hr attntionto Ar/in*ton<+ nw+t o!tbra0. E/anor in th+ ay+ a2oi th5ornin* 1a1r+.

"It<+ 2ry 5orn% an I +!11o+ 2ry /2r%" +h ob+r2.

"O3 o!r+ it<+ /2r%" +ai 'rtr!6 "a// Lay I+ob/<+ +ayin*+ar /2r% an /!0i/y thy bar r1atin*."

"Ar yo! +!r it<+ on o3 hr +ayin*+>" a+0 E/anor.

"My ar% I<2 har hr +ay it on+ o3 ti5+."

"So that i+ whr h *t+ hi+ h!5o!r%" +ai E/anor +/ow/y% anth har /in+ 1n ro!n hr 5o!th.

Th ath o3 E/anor Strin*ha5 3ro5 an o2ro+ o3 h/ora/%o!rrin* at th n o3 a rathr !n2nt3!/ +a+on% =it artain a5o!nt o3 !nobtr!+i2 +1!/ation. C/o2i+% who 1rha1+=a**rat th i51ortan o3 !rry in th ho5% hint ato5+ti +orrow.

An o3 o!r+ Ar/in*ton n2r 0nw. It wa+ th tra*y o3 hi+/i3 that h +ho!/ 5i++ th 3!//+t 33t o3 hi+ 4+tin*.



SRENI VASHTAR

Conrain wa+ tn yar+ o/% an th otor ha 1rono!n hi+ 1ro3++iona/ o1inion that th boy wo!/ not /i2 anothr 3i2yar+. Th otor wa+ +i/0y an 33t% an o!nt 3or /itt/% b!t hi+ o1inion wa+ nor+ by Mr+. Ro11% who o!nt 3or nar/y 2rythin*. Mr+. Ro11 wa+ Conrain<+ o!+in an*!arian% an in hi+ y+ +h r1r+nt tho+ thr93i3th+ o3 th wor/ that ar n++ary an i+a*rab/ an ra/6 th othr two93i3th+% in 1r1t!a/ anta*oni+5 to th 3or*oin*% wr +!55!1 in hi5+/3 an hi+ i5a*ination. On o3 th+ ay+ Conrain+!11o+ h wo!/ +!!5b to th 5a+trin* 1r++!r o3 wari+o5n++ary thin*+999+!h a+ i//n+++ an o/in* r+trition+ anrawn9o!t !//n++. &itho!t hi+ i5a*ination% whih wa+ ra51ant!nr th +1!r o3 /on/in++% h wo!/ ha2 +!!5b /on* a*o.

Mr+. Ro11 wo!/ n2r% in hr hon+t+t 5o5nt+% ha2 on3++to hr+/3 that +h i+/i0 Conrain% tho!*h +h 5i*ht ha2 bni5/y awar that thwartin* hi5 "3or hi+ *oo" wa+ a !ty whih +hi not 3in 1arti!/ar/y ir0+o5. Conrain hat hr with a+1rat +inrity whih h wa+ 1r3t/y ab/ to 5a+0. S!h 3w 1/a+!r+ a+ h o!/ ontri2 3or hi5+/3 *ain an a r/i+h3ro5 th /i0/ihoo that thy wo!/ b i+1/a+in* to hi+*!arian% an 3ro5 th ra/5 o3 hi+ i5a*ination +h wa+ /o0o!t99an !n/an thin*% whih +ho!/ 3in no ntran.

In th !//% hr/++ *arn% o2r/oo0 by +o 5any winow+ thatwr ray to o1n with a 5++a* not to o thi+ or that% or ar5inr that 5iin+ wr !% h 3o!n /itt/ attration. Th3w 3r!it9tr+ that it ontain wr +t 4a/o!+/y a1art 3ro5hi+ 1/!0in*% a+ tho!*h thy wr rar +1i5n+ o3 thir 0in b/oo5in* in an ari wa+t6 it wo!/ 1robab/y ha2 bn i33i!/tto 3in a 5ar0t9*arnr who wo!/ ha2 o33r tn +hi//in*+ 3or thir ntir yar/y 1ro!. In a 3or*ottn ornr% how2r%a/5o+t hin bhin a i+5a/ +hr!bbry% wa+ a i+!+ too/9+ho3 r+1tab/ 1ro1ortion+% an within it+ wa//+ Conrain 3o!n a

ha2n% +o5thin* that too0 on th 2aryin* a+1t+ o3 a 1/ayroo5an a athra/. H ha 1o1/ it with a /*ion o3 3a5i/iar 1hanto5+% 2o0 1art/y 3ro5 3ra*5nt+ o3 hi+tory an 1art/y 3ro5hi+ own brain% b!t it a/+o boa+t two in5at+ o3 3/+h an b/oo.In on ornr /i2 a ra**91/!5a* Ho!an hn% on whih th boy/a2i+h an a33tion that ha +ar/y anothr o!t/t. F!rthr ba0 in th */oo5 +too a /ar* h!th% i2i into twoo51art5nt+% on o3 whih wa+ 3ront with /o+ iron bar+. Thi+



"I tho!*ht yo! /i0 toa+t%" +h =/ai5% with an in4!r air%ob+r2in* that h i not to!h it.

"So5ti5+%" +ai Conrain.

In th +h that 2nin* thr wa+ an inno2ation in th wor+hi1 o3 th h!th9*o. Conrain ha bn wont to hant hi+ 1rai++% to9ni*ht h a+0 a boon.

"o on thin* 3or 5% Srni Va+htar."

Th thin* wa+ not +1i3i. A+ Srni Va+htar wa+ a *o h 5!+t b +!11o+ to 0now. An ho0in* ba0 a +ob a+ h /oo0 at thatothr 51ty ornr% Conrain wnt ba0 to th wor/ h +o hat.

An 2ry ni*ht% in th w/o5 ar0n++ o3 hi+ broo5% an 2ry2nin* in th !+0 o3 th too/9+h% Conrain<+ bittr /itanywnt !1? "o on thin* 3or 5% Srni Va+htar."

Mr+. Ro11 noti that th 2i+it+ to th +h i not a+%an on ay +h 5a a 3!rthr 4o!rny o3 in+1tion.

"&hat ar yo! 01in* in that /o0 h!th>" +h a+0. "I b/i2 it<+ *!ina91i*+. I<// ha2 th5 a// /ar away."

Conrain +h!t hi+ /i1+ ti*ht% b!t th &o5an ran+a0 hi+ broo5ti// +h 3o!n th ar3!//y hin 0y% an 3orthwith 5arhown to th +h to o51/t hr i+o2ry. It wa+ a o/a3trnoon% an Conrain ha bn bin to 01 to th ho!+.Fro5 th 3!rth+t winow o3 th inin*9roo5 th oor o3 th +h

o!/ 4!+t b +n byon th ornr o3 th +hr!bbry% an thrConrain +tation hi5+/3. H +aw th &o5an ntr% an thn hi5a*in hr o1nin* th oor o3 th +ar h!th an 1rin* ownwith hr +hort9+i*ht y+ into th thi0 +traw b whr hi+ *o/ay hin. :rha1+ +h wo!/ 1ro at th +traw in hr /!5+yi51atin. An Conrain 3r2nt/y brath hi+ 1rayr 3or th/a+t ti5. !t h 0nw a+ h 1ray that h i not b/i2. H0nw that th &o5an wo!/ o5 o!t 1r+nt/y with that 1!r++5i/ h /oath +o w// on hr 3a% an that in an ho!r or twoth *arnr wo!/ arry away hi+ wonr3!/ *o% a *o no /on*r% b!t a +i51/ brown 3rrt in a h!th. An h 0nw that th &o5an%

wo!/ tri!51h a/way+ a+ +h tri!51h now% an that h wo!/ *row2r 5or +i0/y !nr hr 1+trin* an o5inrin* an +!1rior wi+o5% ti// on ay nothin* wo!/ 5attr 5!h 5or with hi5% anth otor wo!/ b 1ro2 ri*ht. An in th +tin* an 5i+ry o3 hi+ 3at% h b*an to hant /o!/y an 3iant/y th hy5n o3 hi+thratn io/?

Srni Va+htar wnt 3orth%



Hi+ tho!*ht+ wr r tho!*ht+ an hi+ tth wr whit.Hi+ n5i+ a// 3or 1a% b!t h bro!*ht th5 ath.Srni Va+htar th a!ti3!/.

An thn o3 a +!n h +to11 hi+ hantin* an rw /o+r toth winow91an. Th oor o3 th +h +ti// +too a4ar a+ it ha bn /3t% an th 5in!t+ wr +/i11in* by. Thy wr /on*5in!t+% b!t thy +/i11 by n2rth/++. H wath th+tar/in*+ r!nnin* an 3/yin* in /itt/ 1arti+ aro++ th /awn6 ho!nt th5 o2r an o2r a*ain% with on y a/way+ on that+win*in* oor. A +o!r93a 5ai a5 in to /ay th tab/ 3or ta% an +ti// Conrain +too an wait an wath. Ho1 har1t by inh+ into hi+ hart% an now a /oo0 o3 tri!51h b*an to b/a in hi+ y+ that ha on/y 0nown th wi+t3!/ 1atin o3 3at. Unr hi+ brath% with a 3!rti2 =!/tation% h b*anon a*ain th 1aan o3 2itory an 2a+tation. An 1r+nt/yhi+ y+ wr rwar? o!t thro!*h that oorway a5 a /on*% /ow%y//ow9an9brown ba+t% with y+ a9b/in0 at th wanin* ay/i*ht%an ar0 wt +tain+ aro!n th 3!r o3 4aw+ an throat. Conrainro11 on hi+ 0n+. Th *rat 1o/at93rrt 5a it+ way ownto a +5a// broo0 at th 3oot o3 th *arn% ran0 3or a 5o5nt%thn ro++ a /itt/ 1/an0 bri* an wa+ /o+t to +i*ht in th b!+h+. S!h wa+ th 1a++in* o3 Srni Va+htar.

"Ta i+ ray%" +ai th +o!r93a 5ai6 "whr i+ th 5i+tr++>"

"Sh wnt own to th +h +o5 ti5 a*o%" +ai Conrain.

An whi/ th 5ai wnt to +!55on hr 5i+tr++ to ta% Conrain3i+h a toa+tin*93or0 o!t o3 th +iboar rawr an 1roto toa+t hi5+/3 a 1i o3 bra. An !rin* th toa+tin* o3 it

an th b!ttrin* o3 it with 5!h b!ttr an th +/ow n4oy5nt o3 atin* it% Conrain /i+tn to th noi++ an +i/n+ whih 3//in 7!i0 +1a+5+ byon th inin*9roo5 oor. Th /o! 3oo/i+h+ra5in* o3 th 5ai% th an+wrin* hor!+ o3 wonrin*4a!/ation+ 3ro5 th 0ithn r*ion% th +!ttrin* 3oot+t1+ anh!rri 5ba++i+ 3or o!t+i h/1% an thn% a3tr a /!//% th+ar +obbin*+ an th +h!33/in* tra o3 tho+ who bor a ha2y b!rn into th ho!+.

"&ho2r wi// bra0 it to th 1oor hi/> I o!/n<t 3or th /i3o3 5@" =/ai5 a +hri// 2oi. An whi/ thy bat th

5attr a5on* th5+/2+% Conrain 5a hi5+/3 anothr 1i o3 toa+t.

ARIAN



+oia/ ini+rtion.

"th> &hr i+ it> It +o!n+ /i0 A+ia% Minor. I+ +h 5i= !1with Con+!/ar 1o1/>"

"Oh% no. Hr wor0 /i+ a5on* th 1oor."

Thi+ wa+ a +i9+/i1 into tr!th. Th 5othr o3 Arian wa+51/oy in a /a!nry.

"I +%" +ai Mr+. Mbbr/y% "5i++ion wor0 o3 +o5 +ort. An5anwhi/ th boy ha+ no on to /oo0 a3tr hi5. It<+ ob2io!+/y 5y!ty to + that h o+n<t o5 to har5. rin* hi5 to a// on5."

"My ar A!nt S!+an%" =1o+t!/at L!a+% "I ra//y 0now 2ry/itt/ abo!t hi5. H 5ay not b at a// ni% yo! 0now% on 3!rthr a7!aintan."

"H ha+ /i*ht3!/ hair an a wa0 5o!th. I +ha// ta0 hi5 with5 to Ho5b!r* or Cairo."

"It<+ th 5a+t thin* I 2r har o3%" +ai L!a+ an*ri/y.

"&//% thr i+ a +tron* +train o3 5an++ in o!r 3a5i/y. I3 yo!ha2n<t noti it yo!r+/3 a// yo!r 3rin+ 5!+t ha2."

"On i+ +o ra3!//y !nr 2ryboy<+ y+ at Ho5b!r*. At /a+tyo! 5i*ht *i2 hi5 a 1r/i5inary tria/ at Etrtat."

"An b +!rro!n by A5rian+ tryin* to ta/0 Frnh> No% than0

yo!. I /o2 A5rian+% b!t not whn thy try to ta/0 Frnh.&hat a b/++in* it i+ that thy n2r try to ta/0 En*/i+h. To95orrow at 3i2 yo! an brin* yo!r yo!n* 3rin to a// on 5."<

An L!a+% ra/iin* that S!+an Mbbr/y wa+ a wo5an a+ w// a+an a!nt% +aw that +h wo!/ ha2 to b a//ow to ha2 hr ownway.

Arian wa+ !/y arri abroa !nr th Mbbr/y win*6 b!t a+ ar/!tant on++ion to +anity Ho5b!r* an othr inon2nint/y3a+hionab/ r+ort+ wr *i2n a wi brth% an th Mbbr/y

+tab/i+h5nt 1/ant it+/3 own in th b+t hot/ at oh/or3%an A/1in town/t +o5whr at th ba0 o3 th En*ain. It wa+th !+!a/ 0in o3 r+ort% with th !+!a/ ty1 o3 2i+itor+% thaton 3in+ o2r th *ratr 1art o3 Switr/an !rin* th +!55r +a+on% b!t to Arian it wa+ a// !n!+!a/. Th 5o!ntain air% thrtainty o3 r*!/ar an ab!nant 5a/+% an in 1arti!/ar th+oia/ at5o+1hr% a33t hi5 5!h a+ th ini+ri5inatin*3r2o!r o3 a 3orin*9ho!+ 5i*ht a33t a w that ha +tray



within it+ /i5it+. H ha bn bro!*ht !1 in a wor/ whr bra0a*+ wr r*ar a+ ri5+ an =1iat a+ +!h6 it wa++o5thin* nw an a/to*thr =hi/aratin* to 3in that yo! wron+ir rathr a5!+in* i3 yo! +5a+h thin*+ in th ri*ht5annr an at th ro*ni ho!r+. S!+an Mbbr/y ha =1r++th intntion o3 +howin* Arian a bit o3 th wor/6 th 1arti!/ar bit o3 th wor/ r1r+nt by oh/or3 b*an to b +hown a *ooa/ o3 Arian.

L!a+ *ot oa+iona/ */i51++ o3 th A/1in +o4o!rn% not 3ro5 hi+a!nt or Arian% b!t 3ro5 th in!+trio!+ 1n o3 C/o2i+% who wa+a/+o 5o2in* a+ a +at//it in th Mbbr/y on+t//ation.

"Th ntrtain5nt whih S!+an *ot !1 /a+t ni*ht n ini+a+tr. I tho!*ht it wo!/. Th 'rob5ayr hi/% a 1arti!/ar/y /oath+o5 3i29yar9o/% ha a11ar a+ <!bb/+<!rin* th ar/y 1art o3 th 2nin*% an bn 1!t to b !rin*th intr2a/. Arian wath hi+ o11ort!nity an 0ina11 itwhn th n!r+ wa+ own+tair+% an intro! it !rin* th +onha/3 o3 th ntrtain5nt% thin/y i+*!i+ a+ a 1r3or5in* 1i*.It rtain/y LOOKE 2ry /i0 a 1i*% an *r!nt an +/obbr 4!+t /i0 th ra/ arti/6 no on 0nw =at/y what it wa+% b!t2ry on +ai it wa+ aw3!//y /2r% +1ia//y th 'rob5ayr+.At th thir !rtain Arian 1inh it too har% an it y//<Mar5ar<@ I a5 +!11o+ to b *oo at +ri1tion+% b!t on<t a+0 5 to +rib th +ayin*+ an oin*+ o3 th 'rob5ayr+ at that5o5nt6 it wa+ /i0 on o3 th an*rir :+a/5+ +t to Stra!++<+5!+i. & ha2 5o2 to an hot/ hi*hr !1 th 2a//y."

C/o2i+<+ n=t /ttr arri2 3i2 ay+ /atr% an wa+ writtn 3ro5th Hot/ Stinbo0.

"& /3t th Hot/ Vitoria thi+ 5ornin*. It wa+ 3air/yo53ortab/ an 7!it99at /a+t thr wa+ an air o3 r1o+ abo!tit whn w arri2. 3or w ha bn in r+in twnty93o!r ho!r+ 5o+t o3 th r1o+ ha 2ani+h </i0 a !ti3!/ bra5%< a+Arian =1r++ it. How2r% nothin* !n!/y o!tra*o!+ ha11nti// /a+t ni*ht% whn Arian ha a 3it o3 in+o5nia an a5!+hi5+/3 by !n+rwin* an tran+1o+in* a// th broo5 n!5br+ onhi+ 3/oor. H tran+3rr th bathroo5 /ab/ to th a4oinin* broo5 oor% whih ha11n to b that o3 Fra! Ho3tath Shi//in*%an thi+ 5ornin* 3ro5 +2n o</o0 onwar+ th o/ /ay ha a

+tra5 o3 in2o/!ntary 2i+itor+6 +h wa+ too horri3i an+ana/i it +5+ to *t !1 an /o0 hr oor. Th wo!/9b bathr+ 3/w ba0 in on3!+ion to thir roo5+% an% o3 o!r+% thhan* o3 n!5br+ / th5 a+tray a*ain% an th orrior *ra!a//y 3i// with 1ani9+tri0n% +anti/y rob h!5an+%a+hin* wi//y abo!t /i0 rabbit+ in a 3rrt9in3+t warrn. Ittoo0 nar/y an ho!r b3or th *!+t+ wr a// +ort into thir r+1ti2 roo5+% an th Fra! Ho3rath<+ onition wa+ +ti//



a!+in* +o5 an=ity whn w /3t. S!+an i+ b*innin* to /oo0 a/itt/ worri. Sh an<t 2ry w// t!rn th boy ari3t% a+ hha+n<t *ot any 5ony% an +h an<t +n hi5 to hi+ 1o1/ a+ +ho+n<t 0now whr thy ar. Arian +ay+ hi+ 5othr 5o2+ abo!t a*oo a/ an h<+ /o+t hr ar++. :robab/y% i3 h tr!th wr0nown% h<+ ha a row at ho5. So 5any boy+ nowaay+ +5 tothin0 that 7!arr//in* with on<+ 3a5i/y i+ a ro*nio!1ation."

L!a+<+ n=t o55!niation 3ro5 th tra2//r+ too0 th 3or5 o3 at/*ra5 3ro5 Mr+. Mbbr/y hr+/3. It wa+ +nt "r1/y 1r1ai%" an on+i+t o3 a +in*/ +ntn? "In Ha2n<+ na5%whr i+ th>"

THE CHA:LET

A +tran* +ti//n++ h!n* o2r th r+ta!rant6 it wa+ on o3 tho+rar 5o5nt+ whn th orh+tra wa+ not i+o!r+in* th +train+ o3 th I9ra5 Sai/or wa/t.

"i I 2r t// yo!%" a+0 C/o2i+ o3 hi+ 3rin% "th tra*y o3 5!+i at 5a/ti5+>

"It wa+ a *a/a 2nin* at th 'ran Sybari+ Hot/% an a +1ia/innr wa+ bin* +r2 in th A5thy+t inin*9ha//. Th A5thy+tinin*9ha// ha a/5o+t a E!ro1an r1!tation% +1ia//y with that

+tion o3 E!ro1 whih i+ hi+toria//y inti3i with th ;oranVa//y. It+ oo0in* wa+ byon r1roah% an it+ orh+tra wa++!33iint/y hi*h/y +a/ari to b abo2 ritii+5. Thithr a5in +hoa/+ th intn+/y 5!+ia/ an th a/5o+t intn+/y 5!+ia/%who ar 2ry 5any% an in +ti// *ratr n!5br+ th 5r/y5!+ia/% who 0now how Thai0ow+0y<+ na5 i+ 1rono!n an anro*ni +2ra/ o3 Cho1in<+ not!rn+ i3 yo! *i2 th5 !warnin*6 th+ at in th nr2o!+% tah 5annr o3 rob!0 3in* in th o1n% an 01 an=io!+ ar+ o0 towar+ thorh+tra 3or th 3ir+t hint o3 a ro*niab/ 5/oy.

"<Ah% y+% :a*/iai%< thy 5!r5!r% a+ th o1nin* +train+ 3o//owhot !1on th +o!1% an i3 no ontraition i+ 3ortho5in* 3ro5 any bttr9in3or5 7!artr thy bra0 3orth into +!b! h!55in* byway o3 +!11/5ntin* th 33ort+ o3 th 5!+iian+. So5ti5+ th5/oy +tart+ on /2/ tr5+ with th +o!1% in whih a+ th ban7!tr+ ontri2 +o5how to h!5 btwn th +1oon3!/+6 th3aia/ =1r++ion o3 nth!+ia+t+ who ar 1!nt!atin* 1ota* St.'r5ain with :a*/iai i+ not ba!ti3!/% b!t it +ho!/ b +n by



tho+ who ar bnt on ob+r2in* a// +i+ o3 /i3. On annoti+o!nt th !n1/a+ant thin*+ o3 thi+ wor/ 5r/y by /oo0in* thothr way.

"In aition to th a3or5ntion ty1+ th r+ta!rant wa+ 1atroni by a 3air +1rin0/in* o3 th ab+o/!t/y non5!+ia/6thir 1r+n in th inin*9ha// o!/ on/y b =1/ain on th+!11o+ition that thy ha o5 thr to in.

"Th ar/ir +ta*+ o3 th innr ha worn o33. Th win /i+t+ha bn on+!/t% by +o5 with th b/an0 5barra++5nt o3 a+hoo/boy +!n/y a// on to /oat a Minor :ro1ht in thtan*/ hintr/an o3 th O/ T+ta5nt% by othr+ with th +2r+r!tiny whih +!**+t+ that thy ha2 2i+it 5o+t o3 th hi*hr9 1ri win+ in thir own ho5+ an 1rob thir 3a5i/ywa0n+++. Th inr+ who ho+ thir win in th /attr 3a+hiona/way+ *a2 thir orr+ in a 1ntratin* 2oi% with a 1/nti3!/*arni+hin* o3 +ta* irtion+. y in+i+tin* on ha2in* yo!r bott/ 1ointin* to th north whn th or0 i+ bin* rawn% ana//in* th waitr Ma=% yo! 5ay in! an i51r++ion on yo!r *!+t+ whih ho!r+ o3 /abo!r boa+tin* 5i*ht b 1owr/++ toahi2. For thi+ 1!r1o+% how2r% th *!+t+ 5!+t b ho+n a+ar3!//y a+ th win.

"Stanin* a+i 3ro5 th r2//r+ in th +haow o3 a 5a++i2 1i//ar wa+ an intr+t +1tator who wa+ a++!r/y o3 th 3a+t%an yt not in it. Mon+i!r Ari+ti Sa!o!rt wa+ th CHEF o3 th'ran Sybari+ Hot/% an i3 h ha an 7!a/ in hi+ 1ro3++ion hha n2r a0now/* th 3at. In hi+ own o5ain h wa+ a 1otntat% h* aro!n% with th o/ br!ta/ity that 'ni!+=1t+ rathr than =!++ in hr hi/rn6 h n2r 3or*a2% an

tho+ who +r2 hi5 wr ar3!/ that thr +ho!/ b /itt/ to3or*i2. In th o!tr wor/% th wor/ whih 2o!r hi+ration+% h wa+ an in3/!n6 how 1ro3o!n or how +ha//ow anin3/!n h n2r att51t to *!++. It i+ th 1na/ty an th+a3*!ar o3 *ni!+ that it o51!t+ it+/3 by troy wi*ht in awor/ that 5a+!r+ by 2!/*ar h!nrwi*ht+.

"On in a way th *rat 5an wo!/ b +i with a +ir towath th 33t o3 hi+ 5a+tr933ort+% 4!+t a+ th *!iin* braino3 Kr!11<+ 5i*ht wi+h at a +!1r5 5o5nt to intr! into th3irin* /in o3 an arti//ry !/. An +!h an oa+ion wa+ th

1r+nt. For th 3ir+t ti5 in th hi+tory o3 th 'ran Sybari+Hot/% h wa+ 1r+ntin* to it+ *!+t+ th i+h whih h ha bro!*ht to that 1ith o3 1r3tion whih a/5o+t a5o!nt+ to+ana/. Canton+ /a 5o <A5b/2. In thin *i/t /ttrin* onth ra5y whit o3 th 5n! how /itt/ tho+ wor+ on2y toth b!/0 o3 th i51r3t/y !at inr+. An yt how 5!h+1ia/i 33ort ha bn /a2i+h% how 5!h ar3!//y tra+!r/or ha bn !n*arnr% b3or tho+ +i= wor+ o!/ b writtn.



In th 1art5nt o3 !=9S2r+ !0/in*+ ha /i2 1!/iar an ba!ti3!/ /i2+ an i in th oo!r o3 +atity to 3!rni+h th5ain th5 o3 th i+h6 ha51i*non+% whih 2n a 1!ri+t 3or Sa=onEn*/i+h wo!/ ha2 h+itat to ar++ a+ 5!+hroo5+% haontrib!t thir /an*!oro!+ atro1hi boi+ to th *arni+hin*%an a +a! 2i+ in th twi/i*ht ri*n o3 th Fi3tnth Lo!i+ha bn +!55on ba0 3ro5 th i51ri+hab/ 1a+t to ta0 it+ 1artin th wonr3!/ on3tion. Th!+ 3ar ha h!5an 33ort /abo!rto ahi2 th +ir r+!/t6 th r+t ha bn /3t to h!5an*ni!+99th *ni!+ o3 Ari+ti Sa!o!rt.

"An now th 5o5nt ha arri2 3or th +r2in* o3 th *rat i+h%th i+h whih wor/9wary 'ran !0+ an 5ar0t9ob+++ 5ony5a*nat+ o!nt a5on* thir ha11i+t 55ori+. An at th +a55o5nt +o5thin* /+ ha11n. Th /ar o3 th hi*h/y +a/ariorh+tra 1/a hi+ 2io/in ar++in*/y a*ain+t hi+ hin% /owrhi+ y/i+% an 3/oat into a +a o3 5/oy.

"<Har0@< +ai 5o+t o3 th inr+% <h i+ 1/ayin* "Th Cha1/t."<

"Thy 0nw it wa+ <Th Cha1/t< ba!+ thy ha har it 1/ayat /!nhon an a3trnoon ta% an at +!11r th ni*ht b3or% anha not ha ti5 to 3or*t.

"<#+% h i+ 1/ayin* "Th Cha1/t%"< thy ra++!r on anothr.Th *nra/ 2oi wa+ !nani5o!+ on th +!b4t. Th orh+tra haa/ray 1/ay it /2n ti5+ that ay% 3o!r ti5+ by +ir an+2n ti5+ 3ro5 3or o3 habit% b!t th 3a5i/iar +train+ wr*rt with th ra1t!r ! to a r2/ation. A 5!r5!r o3 5!hh!55in* ro+ 3ro5 ha/3 th tab/+ in th roo5% an +o5 o3 th5or o2rwro!*ht /i+tnr+ /ai own 0ni3 an 3or0 in orr to b

ab/ to b!r+t in with /o! /a11in*+ at th ar/i+t 1r5i++ib/5o5nt.

"An th Canton+ /a 5o <A5b/2> In +t!13i% +i0nwonr Ari+ti wath th5 *row o/ in tota/ n*/t% or +!33r th a/5o+t wor+ ini*nity o3 1r3!ntory 10in* an /i+t/++5!nhin* whi/ th ban7!tr+ /a2i+h thir a11ro2a/ an a11/a!+on th 5!+i95a0r+. Ca/2+< /i2r an baon% with 1ar+/y +a!%o!/ har/y ha2 3i*!r 5or i*no5inio!+/y in th 2nin*<+ntrtain5nt. An whi/ th 5a+tr o3 !/inary art /an ba0 a*ain+t th +h/trin* 1i//ar% ho0in* with a horrib/ brain9

+arin* ra* that o!/ 3in no o!t/t 3or it+ a*ony% thorh+tra /ar wa+ bowin* hi+ a0now/*5nt+ o3 th han9/a11in*+ that ro+ in a +tor5 aro!n hi5. T!rnin* to hi+o//a*!+ h no th +i*na/ 3or an nor. !t b3or th2io/in ha bn /i3t anw into 1o+ition thr a5 3ro5 th+haow o3 th 1i//ar an =1/o+i2 n*ati2.

"<Noh@ Noh@ #o! o not 1/ay thot a*ain@<



"Th 5!+iian t!rn in 3!rio!+ a+toni+h5nt. Ha h ta0nwarnin* 3ro5 th /oo0 in th othr 5an<+ y+ h 5i*ht ha2 ati33rnt/y. !t th a5irin* 1/a!it+ wr rin*in* in hi+ ar+%an h +nar/ o!t +har1/y% <That i+ 3or 5 to i.<

"<Noh@ #o! 1/ay thot n2r a*ain%< +ho!t th CHEF% an th n=t5o5nt h ha 3/!n* hi5+/3 2io/nt/y !1on th /oath bin* whoha +!11/ant hi5 in th wor/<+ +t5. A /ar* 5ta/ t!rn%3i// to th bri5 with +ta5in* +o!1% ha 4!+t bn 1/a on a+i tab/ in rain++ 3or a /at 1arty o3 inr+6 b3or thwaitin* +ta33 or th *!+t+ ha ti5 to ra/i what wa+ha11nin*% Ari+ti ha ra** hi+ +tr!**/in* 2iti5 !1 to thtab/ an 1/!n* hi+ ha 1 own into th a/5o+t boi/in*ontnt+ o3 th t!rn. At th 3!rthr n o3 th roo5 th inr+wr +ti// +1a+5oia//y a11/a!in* in 2iw o3 an nor.

"&hthr th /ar o3 th orh+tra i 3ro5 rownin* by +o!1%or 3ro5 th +ho0 to hi+ 1ro3++iona/ 2anity% or wa+ +a/ toath% th otor+ wr n2r who//y ab/ to a*r. Mon+i!r Ari+ti Sa!o!rt% who now /i2+ in o51/t rtir5nt% a/way+in/in to th rownin* thory."

THE BUEST

An !nwont 1a h!n* o2r th Vi//a E/+inor% bro0n% how2r%

at 3r7!nt intr2a/+% by /a5oro!+ /a5ntation+ +!**+ti2 o3 bwi/r bra25nt. Th Mo5by+ ha /o+t thir in3ant hi/6hn th 1a whih it+ ab+n ntai/6 thy wr /oo0in* 3or it in wi/% !ni+i1/in 3a+hion% *i2in* ton*! th who/ ti5%whih ao!nt 3or th o!try whih +w1t thro!*h ho!+ an*arn whn2r thy rt!rn to try th ho5 o2rt+ anw.C/o2i+% who wa+ t51orari/y an !nwi//in*/y a 1ayin* *!+t at th2i//a% ha bn oin* in a ha55o0 at th 3ar n o3 th *arnwhn Mr+. Mo5by ha bro0n th nw+ to hi5.

"&<2 /o+t aby%" +h +ra5.

"o yo! 5an that it<+ a% or +ta51% or that yo! +ta0 itat ar+ an /o+t it that way>" a+0 C/o2i+ /ai/y.

"H wa+ to/in* abo!t 7!it ha11i/y on th /awn%" +ai Mr+.Mo5by tar3!//y% "an Arno/ ha 4!+t o5 in% an I wa+ a+0in*hi5 what +ort o3 +a! h wo!/ /i0 with th a+1ara*!+99"



to throw a hi//in* in3/tion into a 2oi that wa+ a/ray oin*a *oo a/ o3 +obbin* an ta/0in* at hi*h 1r++!r a+ w//.

Sh wa+ a*ain intrr!1t.

"Thr i+ no +!h thin* a+ rh!5ati+5%" +ai Mi++ 'i/1t. Sh+ai it with th on+io!+ air o3 3ian that a waitr ao1t+ inanno!nin* that th ha1+t91ri /art in th win9/i+t i+ no5or. Sh i not 1ro% how2r% to o33r th a/trnati2 o3 +o5 5or =1n+i2 5a/ay% b!t ni th =i+tn o3 th5 a//.

Mr+. Mo5by<+ t51r b*an to +hin o!t thro!*h hr *ri3.

"I +!11o+ yo!<// +ay n=t that aby ha+n<t ra//y i+a11ar."

"H ha+ i+a11ar%" on Mi++ 'i/1t% "b!t on/y ba!+ yo!ha2n<t +!33iint 3aith to 3in hi5. It<+ on/y /a0 o3 3aith onyo!r 1art that 1r2nt+ hi5 3ro5 bin* r+tor to yo! +a3 anw//."

"!t i3 h<+ bn atn in th 5anti5 by a hyana an 1art/yi*+t%" +ai C/o2i+% who /!n* a33tionat/y to hi+ wi/ ba+tthory% "+!r/y +o5 i//933t+ wo!/ b notiab/>"

Mi++ 'i/1t wa+ rathr +ta**r by thi+ o51/iation o3 th7!+tion.

"I 3/ +!r that a hyana ha+ not atn hi5%" +h +ai /a5/y.

"Th hyana 5ay b 7!a//y rtain that it ha+. #o! +% it 5ayha2 4!+t a+ 5!h 3aith a+ yo! ha2% an 5or +1ia/ 0now/* a+

to th 1r+nt whrabo!t+ o3 th baby."

Mr+. Mo5by wa+ in tar+ a*ain. "I3 yo! ha2 3aith%" +h +obb%+tr!0 by a ha11y in+1iration% "won<t yo! 3in o!r /itt/ Eri0 3or !+> I a5 +!r yo! ha2 1owr+ that ar ni to !+."

Ro+9Mari 'i/1t wa+ thoro!*h/y +inr in hr ahrn toChri+tian Sin 1rini1/+6 whthr +h !nr+too or orrt/y=1o!n th5 th /arn in +!h 5attr+ 5ay b+t i. Inth 1r+nt a+ +h wa+ !no!bt/y on3ront with a *rato11ort!nity% an a+ +h +tart 3orth on hr 2a*! +arh +h

+trn!o!+/y +!55on to hr ai 2ry +ra1 o3 3aith that +h 1o++++. Sh 1a++ o!t into th bar an o1n hi*h roa%3o//ow by Mr+. Mo5by<+ warnin*% "It<+ no !+ *oin* thr% w<2+arh thr a on ti5+." !t Ro+9Mari<+ ar+ wr a/raya3 to a// thin*+ +a2 +/39on*rat!/ation6 3or +ittin* in th5i/ o3 th hi*hway% 1/ayin* ontnt/y with th !+t an +o53a b!ttr!1+% wa+ a whit91ina3or baby with a 5o1 o3 tow9o/o!r hair ti o2r on t51/ with a 1a/9b/! ribbon.



"That% I thin0% i+ 3or yo! to =1/ain%" +ai Mr+. Mo5by +ti33/y.

"Ob2io!+/y%" +ai C/o2i+% "it<+ a !1/iat Eri0 that yo!r 1owr+o3 3aith a// into bin*. Th 7!+tion i+? &hat ar yo! *oin*to o with hi5>"

Th a+hn 1a//or 1n in Ro+9Mari<+ h0+. Mr+. Mo5by/!th th *n!in Eri0 /o+r to hr +i% a+ tho!*h +h 3arthat hr !nanny ni*hbo!r 5i*ht o!t o3 +hr 1i7! t!rn hi5 intoa bow/ o3 *o/93i+h.

"I 3o!n hi5 +ittin* in th 5i/ o3 th roa%" +ai Ro+9Mariwa0/y.

"#o! an<t ta0 hi5 ba0 an /a2 hi5 thr%" +ai C/o2i+6 "thhi*hway i+ 5ant 3or tra33i% not to b !+ a+ a /!5br9roo5 3or i+!+ 5ira/+."

Ro+9Mari w1t. Th 1ro2rb "&1 an yo! w1 a/on%" bro0own a+ ba/y on a11/iation a+ 5o+t o3 it+ 0in. oth babi+wr wai/in* /!*!brio!+/y% an th 1arnt Mo5by+ ha +ar/yro2r 3ro5 thir ar/ir /ahry5o+ onition. C/o2i+ a/on5aintain an !nr!33/ hr3!/n++.

"M!+t I 01 hi5 a/way+>" a+0 Ro+9Mari o/3!//y.

"Not a/way+%" +ai C/o2i+ on+o/in*/y6 "h an *o into th Na2ywhn h<+ thirtn." Ro+9Mari w1t a3r+h.

"O3 o!r+%" a C/o2i+% "thr 5ay b no n o3 a bothr abo!t

hi+ birth rti3iat. #o!<// ha2 to =1/ain 5attr+ to thA5ira/ty% an thy<r ra3!//y hibo!n."

It wa+ rathr a r/i3 whn a brath/++ n!r+5ai 3ro5 th Vi//aChar/ottnb!r* o2r th way a5 r!nnin* aro++ th /awn to /ai5/itt/ :ry% who ha +/i11 o!t o3 th 3ront *at ani+a11ar /i0 a twin0/in* 3ro5 th hi*h roa.

An 2n thn C/o2i+ 3o!n it n++ary to *o in 1r+on to th0ithn to 5a0 +!r abo!t th a+1ara*!+ +a!.

&RATISLAV

Th 'r3in<+ two /r +on+ ha 5a 1/orab/ 5arria*+. It



wa+% ob+r2 C/o2i+% a 3a5i/y habit. Th yo!n*+t boy%&rati+/a2% who wa+ th b/a0 +h1 o3 a rathr *ryi+h 3a5i/y% haa+ yt 5a no 5arria* at a//.

"Thr i+ rtain/y thi+ 5!h to b +ai 3or 2iio!+n++%" +aith 'r3in% "it 01+ boy+ o!t o3 5i+hi3."

"o+ it>" a+0 th aron++ So1hi% not by way o3 7!+tionin*th +tat5nt% b!t with a 1ain+ta0in* 33ort to ta/0 int//i*nt/y. It wa+ th on 5attr in whih +h att51t too2rri th r+ o3 :ro2in% whih ha ob2io!+/y n2r intn that +h +ho!/ ta/0 othrwi+ than inan/y.

"I on<t 0now why I +ho!/n<t ta/0 /2r/y%" +h wo!/ o51/ain6"5y 5othr wa+ on+ir a bri//iant on2r+ationa/i+t."

"Th+ thin*+ ha2 a way o3 +0i11in* on *nration%" +ai th'r3in.

"That +5+ +o !n4!+t%" +ai So1hi6 "on o+n<t ob4t to on<+5othr ha2in* o!t+hon on a+ a /2r ta/0r% b!t I 5!+t a5itthat I +ho!/ b rathr annoy i3 5y a!*htr+ ta/0 bri//iant/y."

"&//% non o3 th5 o%" +ai th 'r3in on+o/in*/y.

"I on<t 0now abo!t that%" +ai th aron++% 1ro51t/y 2rin*ro!n in 3n o3 hr o33+1rin*. "E/+a +ai +o5thin* 7!it/2r on Th!r+ay abo!t th Tri1/ A//ian. So5thin* abo!t it bin* /i0 a 1a1r !5br//a% that wa+ a// ri*ht a+ /on* a+ yo!in<t ta0 it o!t in th rain. It<+ not 2ry on who o!/ +ay

that."

"E2ry on ha+ +ai it6 at /a+t 2ry on that I 0now. !t thnI 0now 2ry 3w 1o1/."

"I on<t thin0 yo!<r 1arti!/ar/y a*rab/ to9ay."

"I n2r a5. Ha2n<t yo! noti that wo5n with a ra//y 1r3t 1ro3i/ /i0 5in ar +/o5 2n 5orat/y a*rab/>"

"I on<t thin0 yo!r 1ro3i/ i+ +o 1r3t a+ a// that%" +ai th

aron++.

"It wo!/ b +!r1ri+in* i3 it wa+n<t. My 5othr wa+ on o3 th5o+t not /a++ia/ ba!ti+ o3 hr ay."

"Th+ thin*+ +o5ti5+ +0i1 a *nration% yo! 0now%" 1!t in tharon++% with th brath/++ ha+t o3 on to who5 r1art o5+a+ rar/y a+ th 3inin* o3 a *o/9han/ !5br//a.



"My ar So1hi%" +ai th 'r3in +wt/y% "that i+n<t in th/a+t bit /2r6 b!t yo! o try +o har that I +!11o+ I o!*htn<tto i+o!ra* yo!. T// 5 +o5thin*? ha+ it 2r o!rr to yo!that E/+a wo!/ o 2ry w// 3or &rati+/a2> It<+ ti5 h 5arri+o5boy% an why not E/+a>"

"E/+a 5arry that ra3!/ boy@" *a+1 th aron++.

"**ar+ an<t b hoo+r+%" ob+r2 th 'r3in.

"E/+a i+n<t a b**ar@"

"Not 3inania//y% or I +ho!/n<t ha2 +!**+t th 5ath. !t+h<+ *ttin* on% yo! 0now% an ha+ no 1rtn+ion+ to brain+ or /oo0+ or anythin* o3 that +ort."

"#o! +5 to 3or*t that +h<+ 5y a!*htr."

"That +how+ 5y *nro+ity. !t% +rio!+/y% I on<t + what thri+ a*ain+t &rati+/a2. H ha+ no bt+99at /a+t% nothin* worth+1a0in* abo!t."

"!t thin0 o3 hi+ r1!tation@ I3 ha/3 th thin*+ thy +ay abo!thi5 ar tr!99"

":robab/y thr97!artr+ o3 th5 ar. !t what o3 it> #o! on<twant an arhan*/ 3or a +on9in9/aw."

"I on<t want &rati+/a2. My 1oor E/+a wo!/ b 5i+rab/ withhi5."

"A /itt/ 5i+ry wo!/n<t 5attr 2ry 5!h with hr6 it wo!/ *o+o w// with th way +h o+ hr hair% an i3 +h o!/n<t *t onwith &rati+/a2 +h o!/ a/way+ *o an o *oo a5on* th 1oor."

Th aron++ 1i0 !1 a 3ra5 1hoto*ra1h 3ro5 th tab/.

"H rtain/y i+ 2ry han+o5%" +h +ai o!bt3!//y6 ain* 2n5or o!bt3!//y% "I ar +ay ar E/+a 5i*ht r3or5 hi5."

Th 'r3in ha th 1r+n o3 5in to /a!*h in th ri*ht 0y.

. . . . . . . . .

Thr w0+ /atr th 'r3in bor own !1on th aron++ So1hi ina 3ori*n boo0+//r<+ +ho1 in th 'rabn% whr +h wa+% 1o++ib/y% b!yin* boo0+ o3 2otion% tho!*h it wa+ th wron*o!ntr 3or th5.



"I<2 4!+t /3t th ar hi/rn at th Ron+tah/+<%" wa+ th'r3in<+ *rtin*.

"&r thy /oo0in* 2ry ha11y>" a+0 th aron++.

"&rati+/a2 wa+ warin* +o5 nw En*/i+h /oth+% +o% o3 o!r+% hwa+ 7!it ha11y. I o2rhar hi5 t//in* Toni a rathr a5!+in*+tory abo!t a n!n an a 5o!+tra1% whih won<t bar r1tition.E/+a wa+ t//in* 2ry on /+ a wittii+5 abo!t th Tri1/A//ian bin* /i0 a 1a1r !5br//a99whih +5+ to bar r1tition with Chri+tian 3ortit!."

"i thy +5 5!h wra11 !1 in ah othr>"

"To b ani% E/+a /oo0 a+ i3 +h wr wra11 !1 in a hor+9r!*. An why /t hr war +a33ron o/o!r>"

"I a/way+ thin0 it *o+ with hr o51/=ion."

"Un3ort!nat/y it o+n<t. It +tay+ with it. U*h. on<t 3or*t%yo!<r /!nhin* with 5 on Th!r+ay."

Th aron++ wa+ /at 3or hr /!nhon n*a*5nt th 3o//owin*Th!r+ay.

"I5a*in what ha+ ha11n@" +h +ra5 a+ +h b!r+t into throo5.

"So5thin* r5ar0ab/% to 5a0 yo! /at 3or a 5a/%" +ai th'r3in.

"E/+a ha+ r!n away with th Ron+tah/+< ha!33!r@"

"Ko/o++a/@"

"S!h a thin* a+ that no on in o!r 3a5i/y ha+ 2r on%" *a+1th aron++.

":rha1+ h in<t a11a/ to th5 in th +a5 way%" +!**+t th'r3in 4!iia//y.

Th aron++ b*an to 3/ that +h wa+ not *ttin* th

a+toni+h5nt an +y51athy to whih hr ata+tro1h ntit/ hr.

"At any rat%" +h +na11% "now +h an<t 5arry &rati+/a2."

"Sh o!/n<t in any a+%" +ai th 'r3in6 h /3t +!n/y 3or abroa /a+t ni*ht."

"For abroa@ &hr>"



!+!a/ it5+ in a 1ro*ra55 o3 w/o5% +o5 o3 th5 3at!o!+ ano55on1/a% othr+ 7!aint an har5in*% ha bn arran* 3or% b!t th !r*o5a+tr ho1 that th r+o!r3!/ En*/i+h /ay 5i*htha2 +o5thin* nw an ta+t3!/ to +!**+t in th way o3 /oya/*rtin*. Th :rin wa+ 0nown to th o!t+i wor/% i3 at a//%a+ an o/93a+hion rationary% o5batin* 5orn 1ro*r++% a+ itwr% with a woon +wor6 to hi+ own 1o1/ h wa+ 0nown a+ a0in/y o/ *nt/5an with a rtain narin* +tat/in++ whihha nothin* o3 +tano33i+hn++ abo!t it. Knoba/thi5 wa+ an=io!+to o it+ b+t. Lay arbara i+!++ th 5attr with L+tr anon or two a7!aintan+ in hr /itt/ hot/% b!t ia+ wri33i!/t to o5 by.

"Mi*ht I +!**+t +o5thin* to th 'ni* Fra!>" a+0 a +a//owhi*h9h09bon /ay to who5 th En*/i+hwo5an ha +1o0n on or twi% an who5 +h ha +t own in hr 5in a+ 1robab/y aSo!thrn S/a2.

"Mi*ht I +!**+t +o5thin* 3or th R1tion F+t>" +h wnt on%with a rtain +hy a*rn++. "O!r /itt/ hi/ hr% o!r baby%w wi// r++ hi5 in /itt/ whit oat% with +5a// win*+% a+ anEa+tr an*/% an h wi// arry a /ar* whit Ea+tr **% anin+i +ha// b a ba+0t o3 1/o2r **+% o3 whih th :rin i+ +o3on% an h +ha// *i2 it to hi+ Hi*hn++ a+ Ea+tr o33rin*. Iti+ +o 1rtty an ia w ha2 +n it on on in Styria."

Lay arbara /oo0 !bio!+/y at th 1ro1o+ Ea+tr an*/% a3air% woon93a hi/ o3 abo!t 3o!r yar+ o/. Sh ha notiit th ay b3or in th hot/% an wonr rathr how +!h atowha hi/ o!/ b/on* to +!h a ar092i+a* o!1/ a+ thwo5an an hr h!+ban6 1robab/y% +h tho!*ht% an ao1t baby%

+1ia//y a+ th o!1/ wr not yo!n*.

"O3 o!r+ 'ni* Fra! wi// +ort th /itt/ hi/ !1 to th:rin%" 1!r+! th wo5an6 b!t h wi// b 7!it *oo% an o a+h i+ to/."

"& ha3 +o5 1/!33r+< **+ +ha// o5 3r+h 3ro5 &in%" +ai thh!+ban.

Th +5a// hi/ an Lay arbara +5 7!a//y !nnth!+ia+tiabo!t th 1rtty ia6 L+tr wa+ o1n/y i+o!ra*in*% b!t whn

th !r*o5a+tr har o3 it h wa+ nhant. Th o5bination o3 +nti5nt an 1/o2r+< **+ a11a/ +tron*/y to hi+ T!toni5in.

On th 2nt3!/ ay th Ea+tr an*/% ra//y 7!it 1rtti/y an7!aint/y r++% wa+ a ntr o3 0in/y intr+t to th *a/arow 5ar+ha// to ri2 hi+ Hi*hn++. Th 5othr wa+!nobtr!+i2 an /++ 3!++y than 5o+t 1arnt+ wo!/ ha2 bn !nr



th ir!5+tan+% 5r/y +ti1!/atin* that +h +ho!/ 1/a thEa+tr ** hr+/3 in th ar5+ that ha bn ar3!//y +hoo/how to ho/ th 1rio!+ b!rn. Thn Lay arbara 5o2 3orwar%th hi/ 5arhin* +to/i/y an with *ri5 tr5ination at hr +i. It ha bn 1ro5i+ a0+ an +wti+ *a/or i3 it *a2th ** w// an tr!/y to th 0in o/ *nt/5an who wa+ waitin*to ri2 it. L+tr ha tri to on2y to it 1ri2at/y thathorrib/ +5a0in*+ wo!/ attn any 3ai/!r in it+ +har o3 th 1roin*+% b!t it i+ o!bt3!/ i3 hi+ 'r5an a!+ 5or than ani55iat i+tr++. Lay arbara ha tho!*ht3!//y 1ro2ihr+/3 with an 5r*ny +!11/y o3 hoo/at +wt5at+6 hi/rn5ay +o5ti5+ b ti59+r2r+% b!t thy o not no!ra* /on*ao!nt+. A+ thy a11roah narr to th 1rin/y a+ Layarbara +too i+rt/y a+i% an th +to/i93a in3ant wa/03orwar a/on% with +ta**rin* b!t +ta3a+t *ait% no!ra* by a5!r5!r o3 /r/y a11ro2a/. L+tr% +tanin* in th 3ront row o3 th on/oo0r+% t!rn to +an th row 3or th ba5in* 3a+ o3 th ha11y 1arnt+. In a +i9roa whih / to th rai/way+tation h +aw a ab6 ntrin* th ab with 2ry a11aran o3 3!rti2 ha+t wr th ar092i+a* o!1/ who ha bn +o 1/a!+ib/y a*r 3or th "1rtty ia." Th +har1n in+tint o3 owari /it !1 th +it!ation to hi5 in on +wi3t 3/a+h. Th b/oo roar an +!r* to hi+ ha a+ tho!*h tho!+an+ o3 3/oo*at+ ha bn o1n in hi+ 2in+ an artri+% an hi+ brain wa+ th o55on +/!i in whih a// th torrnt+ 5t. H +awnothin* b!t a b/!r aro!n hi5. Thn th b/oo bb away in 7!i0 wa2+% ti// hi+ 2ry hart +5 rain an 51ty% an h +toonr2/++/y% h/1/++/y% !5b/y wathin* th hi/% barin* it+a!r+ b!rn with +/ow% r/nt/++ +t1+ narr an narr toth *ro!1 that wait +h19/i0 to ri2 hi5. A 3a+inat!rio+ity o51// L+tr to t!rn hi+ ha towar+ th 3!*iti2+6

th ab ha +tart at hot 1a in th irtion o3 th +tation.

Th n=t 5o5nt L+tr wa+ r!nnin*% r!nnin* 3a+tr than any o3 tho+ 1r+nt ha 2r +n a 5an r!n% an99h wa+ not r!nnin*away. For that +tray 3ration o3 hi+ /i3 +o5 !nwont i51!/+ b+t hi5% +o5 hint o3 th +to0 h a5 3ro5% an h ran!n3/inhin*/y towar+ an*r. H +too1 an /!th at thEa+tr ** a+ on tri+ to +oo1 !1 th ba// in R!*by 3ootba//.&hat h 5ant to o with it h ha not on+ir% th thin* wa+to *t it. !t th hi/ ha bn 1ro5i+ a0+ an +wt5at+i3 it +a3/y *a2 th ** into th han+ o3 th 0in/y o/

*nt/5an6 it !ttr no +ra5% b!t it h/ to it+ har* with/i51t *ri1. L+tr +an0 to hi+ 0n+% t!**in* +a2a*/y at thti*ht/y /a+1 b!rn% an an*ry ri+ ro+ 3ro5 th +ana/ion/oo0r+. A 7!+tionin*% thratnin* rin* 3or5 ro!n hi5% thn+hran0 ba0 in roi/ a+ h +hri0 o!t on hio!+ wor. Layarbara har th wor an +aw th row ra away /i0 +attr+h1% +aw th :rin 3orib/y h!+t/ away by hi+ attnant+6a/+o +h +aw hr +on /yin* 1ron in an a*ony o3 o2r5a+trin*



trror% hi+ +1a+5 o3 arin* +hattr by th hi/<+ !n=1tr+i+tan% +ti// /!thin* 3rantia//y% a+ tho!*h 3or +a3ty% atthat whit9+atin *w9*aw% !nab/ to raw/ 2n 3ro5 it+ a/yni*hbo!rhoo% ab/ on/y to +ra5 an +ra5 an +ra5. In hr brain +h wa+ i5/y on+io!+ o3 ba/anin*% or +tri2in* to ba/an% th ab4t +ha5 whih ha hi5 now in thra// a*ain+t thon o51//in* at o3 o!ra* whih ha 3/!n* hi5 *ran/y an5a/y on to th 1oint o3 an*r. It wa+ on/y 3or th 3ration o3 a 5in!t that +h +too wathin* th two ntan*/ 3i*!r+% thin3ant with it+ woon/y ob+tinat 3a an boy tn+ with o**r+i+tan% an th boy /i51 an a/ray nar/y a with a trror that a/5o+t +ti3/ hi+ +ra5+6 an o2r th5 th /on* *a/a+tra5r+ 3/a11in* *ai/y in th +!n+hin. Sh n2r 3or*ot th+n6 b!t thn% it wa+ th /a+t +h 2r +aw.

Lay arbara arri+ hr +arr 3a with it+ +i*ht/++ y+ a+ bra2/y a+ 2r in th wor/% b!t at Ea+trti hr 3rin+ arar3!/ to 01 3ro5 hr ar+ any 5ntion o3 th hi/rn<+ Ea+tr +y5bo/.

FILOI STU'E% THE STOR# OF A MOUSE THAT HEL:E

"I want to 5arry yo!r a!*htr%" +ai Mar0 S1ay/y with 3a/trin*a*rn++. "I a5 on/y an arti+t with an ino5 o3 two h!nr ayar% an +h i+ th a!*htr o3 an nor5o!+/y wa/thy 5an% +o I+!11o+ yo! wi// thin0 5y o33r a 1i o3 1r+!51tion."

!nan !//a5y% th *rat o51any in3/ator% +how no o!twar +i*no3 i+1/a+!r. A+ a 5attr o3 3at% h wa+ +rt/y r/i2 atth 1ro+1t o3 3inin* 2n a two9h!nr9a9yar h!+ban 3or hi+a!*htr Lonor. A ri+i+ wa+ ra1i/y r!+hin* !1on hi5% 3ro5whih h 0nw h wo!/ 5r* with nithr 5ony nor rit6 a//hi+ rnt 2nt!r+ ha 3a//n 3/at% an 3/att+t o3 a// ha *onth wonr3!/ nw bra03a+t 3oo% :i1nta% on th a2rti+5nt o3 whih h ha +!n0 +!h h!* +!5+. It o!/ +ar/y b a// ar!* in th 5ar0t6 1o1/ bo!*ht r!*+% b!t no on bo!*ht:i1nta.

"&o!/ yo! 5arry Lonor i3 +h wr a 1oor 5an<+ a!*htr>" a+0th 5an o3 1hanto5 wa/th.

"#+%" +ai Mar0% wi+/y a2oiin* th rror o3 o2r91rot+tation.An to hi+ a+toni+h5nt Lonor<+ 3athr not on/y *a2 hi+on+nt% b!t +!**+t a 3air/y ar/y at 3or th win*.



"I wi+h I o!/ +how 5y *ratit! in +o5 way%" +ai Mar0 with*n!in 5otion. "I<5 a3rai it<+ rathr /i0 th 5o!+ 1ro1o+in*to h/1 th /ion."

"'t 1o1/ to b!y that ba+t/y 5!0%" +ai !//a5y% noin*+a2a*/y at a 1o+tr o3 th +1i+ :i1nta% "an yo!<// ha2on 5or than any o3 5y a*nt+ ha2 bn ab/ to ao51/i+h."

"It want+ a bttr na5%" +ai Mar0 r3/ti2/y% "an +o5thin*i+tinti2 in th 1o+tr /in. Anyway% I<// ha2 a +hot at it."

Thr w0+ /atr th wor/ wa+ a2i+ o3 th o5in* o3 a nw bra03a+t 3oo% hra/ !nr th r+o!nin* na5 o3 "Fi/boiSt!*." S1ay/y 1!t 3orth no 1it!r+ o3 5a++i2 babi++1rin*in* !1 with 3!n*!+9/i0 ra1iity !nr it+ 3orin*in3/!n% or o3 r1r+ntati2+ o3 th /ain* nation+ o3 thwor/ +ra5b/in* with 3at!o!+ a*rn++ 3or it+ 1o++++ion. Onh!* +o5br 1o+tr 1it th a5n in H// +!33rin* a nwtor5nt 3ro5 thir inabi/ity to *t at th Fi/boi St!* whih/*ant yo!n* 3in+ h/ in tran+1arnt bow/+ 4!+t byon thir rah. Th +n wa+ rnr 2n 5or *r!+o5 by a +!bt/+!**+tion o3 th 3at!r+ o3 /ain* 5n an wo5n o3 th ay inth 1ortraya/ o3 th Lo+t So!/+6 1ro5innt ini2i!a/+ o3 both 1o/itia/ 1arti+% Soity ho+t+++% w//90nown ra5ati a!thor+an no2/i+t+% an i+tin*!i+h aro1/ani+t+ wr i5/yro*niab/ in that oo5 thron*6 not /i*ht+ o3 th 5!+ia/9o5y +ta* 3/i0r wan/y in th +ha+ o3 th In3rno% +5i/in*+ti// 3ro5 3or o3 habit% b!t with th 3ar+o5 +5i/in* ra* o3 ba33/ 33ort. Th 1o+tr bor no 3!/+o5 a//!+ion+ to th5rit+ o3 th nw bra03a+t 3oo% b!t a +in*/ *ri5 +tat5nt ranin bo/ /ttr+ a/on* it+ ba+? "Thy annot b!y it now."

S1ay/y ha *ra+1% th 3at that 1o1/ wi// o thin*+ 3ro5 a+n+ o3 !ty whih thy wo!/ n2r att51t a+ a 1/a+!r. Thrar tho!+an+ o3 r+1tab/ 5i/9/a++ 5n who% i3 yo! 3o!nth5 !n=1t/y in a T!r0i+h bath% wo!/ =1/ain in a//+inrity that a otor ha orr th5 to ta0 T!r0i+h bath+6 i3 yo! to/ th5 in rt!rn that yo! wnt thr ba!+ yo! /i0 it%thy wo!/ +tar in 1ain wonr at th 3ri2o/ity o3 yo!r 5oti2.In th +a5 way% whn2r a 5a++ar o3 Ar5nian+ i+ r1ort 3ro5A+ia Minor% 2ry on a++!5+ that it ha+ bn arri o!t "!nr orr+ " 3ro5 +o5whr or anothr% no on +5+ to thin0 that

thr ar 1o1/ who 5i*ht LIKE to 0i// thir ni*hbo!r+ now anthn.

An +o it wa+ with th nw bra03a+t 3oo. No on wo!/ ha2atn Fi/boi St!* a+ a 1/a+!r% b!t th *ri5 a!+trity o3 it+a2rti+5nt ro2 ho!+wi2+ in +hoa/+ to th *ror+< +ho1+ to/a5o!r 3or an i55iat +!11/y. In +5a// 0ithn+ +o/5n 1i*9tai/ a!*htr+ h/1 1r++ 5othr+ to 1r3or5 th 1ri5iti2



rit!a/ o3 it+ 1r1aration. On th bra03a+t9tab/+ o3 hr/++ 1ar/o!r+ it wa+ 1arta0n o3 in +i/n. On th wo5n3o/0 i+o2r that it wa+ thoro!*h/y !n1a/atab/% thir a/ in3orin* it on thir ho!+ho/+ 0nw no bo!n+. "#o! ha2n<t atnyo!r Fi/boi St!*@" wo!/ b +ra5 at th a11tit/++ /r0 a+ h h!rri wari/y 3ro5 th bra03a+t9tab/% an hi+ 2nin*5a/ wo!/ b 1r3a by a war59!1 5++ whih wo!/ b=1/ain a+ "yo!r Fi/boi St!* that yo! in<t at thi+5ornin*." Tho+ +tran* 3anati+ who o+tntatio!+/y 5orti3yth5+/2+% inwar/y an o!twar/y% with ha/th bi+!it+ anha/th *ar5nt+% battn a**r++i2/y on th nw 3oo. Earn+t+1ta/ yo!n* thn 2o!r it on th +t1+ o3 th Nationa/Libra/ C/!b. A bi+ho1 who i not b/i2 in a 3!t!r +tat 1rah a*ain+t th 1o+tr% an a 1r<+ a!*htr i 3ro5atin* too 5!h o3 th o51o!n. A 3!rthr a2rti+5nt wa+obtain whn an in3antry r*i5nt 5!tini an +hot it+ o33ir+rathr than at th na!+o!+ 5++6 3ort!nat/y% Lor irr// o3 /athr+ton% who wa+ &ar Mini+tr at th 5o5nt% +a2 th+it!ation by hi+ ha11y 1i*ra5% that "i+i1/in to b 33ti25!+t b o1tiona/."

Fi/boi St!* ha bo5 a ho!+ho/ wor% b!t !//a5y wi+/yra/i that it wa+ not n++ari/y th /a+t wor in bra03a+titary6 it+ +!1r5ay wo!/ b ha//n* a+ +oon a+ +o5 yt5or !n1a/atab/ 3oo +ho!/ b 1!t on th 5ar0t. Thr 5i*ht2n b a ration in 3a2o!r o3 +o5thin* ta+ty an a11tiin*%an th :!ritan a!+trity o3 th 5o5nt 5i*ht b bani+h 3ro5o5+ti oo0ry. At an o11ort!n 5o5nt% thr3or% h +o/ o!thi+ intr+t+ in th arti/ whih ha bro!*ht hi5 in o/o++a/wa/th at a ritia/ 4!nt!r% an 1/a hi+ 3inania/ r1!tation byon th rah o3 a2i/. A+ 3or Lonor% who wa+ now an hir++

on a 3ar *ratr +a/ than 2r b3or% h nat!ra//y 3o!n hr +o5thin* a 2a+t a/ hi*hr in th h!+ban 5ar0t than a two9h!nr9a9yar 1o+tr +i*nr. Mar0 S1ay/y% th brain5o!+ whoha h/1 th 3inania/ /ion with +!h !ntowar 33t% wa+ /3tto !r+ th ay h 1ro! th wonr9wor0in* 1o+tr.

"A3tr a//%" +ai C/o2i+% 5tin* hi5 +hort/y a3trwar+ at hi+/!b% "yo! ha2 thi+ o!bt3!/ on+o/ation% that <ti+ not in5orta/+ to o!ntr5an +!++."

THE MUSIC ON THE HILL

Sy/2ia S/to!n at hr bra03a+t in th 5ornin*9roo5 at #++nywith a 1/a+ant +n+ o3 !/ti5at 2itory% +!h a+ a 3r2nt



nwr *o+ ha2 rawn a+i hi+ 2otari+ 3ro5 ti5 to ti5% b!t hi+ th Nat!r9'o to who5 a// 5!+t o5 ba0 at /a+t. H ha+ bna// th Fathr o3 a// th 'o+% b!t 5o+t o3 hi+ hi/rn ha2 bn +ti//born."

Sy/2ia wa+ r/i*io!+ in an hon+t 2a*!/y 2otiona/ 0in o3 way%an i not /i0 to har hr b/i3+ +1o0n o3 a+ 5ra3tr*rowth+% b!t it wa+ at /a+t +o5thin* nw an ho13!/ tohar a Morti5r +1a0 with +!h nr*y an on2ition on any+!b4t.

"#o! on<t ra//y b/i2 in :an>" +h a+0 inr!/o!+/y.

"I<2 bn a 3oo/ in 5o+t thin*+%" +ai Morti5r 7!it/y% "b!t I<5not +!h a 3oo/ a+ not to b/i2 in :an whn I<5 own hr. Ani3 yo!<r wi+ yo! won<t i+b/i2 in hi5 too boa+t3!//y whi/yo!<r in hi+ o!ntry."

It wa+ not ti// a w0 /atr% whn Sy/2ia ha =ha!+t thattration+ o3 th woo/an wa/0+ ro!n #++ny% that +h 2nt!ron a to!r o3 in+1tion o3 th 3ar5 b!i/in*+. A 3ar5yar+!**+t in hr 5in a +n o3 hr3!/ b!+t/% with h!rn+ an3/ai/+ an +5i/in* airy5ai+% an ta5+ o3 hor++ rin0in* 0n91 in !09row 1on+. A+ +h wanr a5on* th *a!nt *ry b!i/in*+ o3 #++ny 5anor 3ar5 hr 3ir+t i51r++ion wa+ on o3 r!+hin* +ti//n++ an +o/ation% a+ tho!*h +h ha ha11n on+o5 /on +rt ho5+ta /on* *i2n o2r to ow/+ an obwb+6thn a5 a +n+ o3 3!rti2 wath3!/ ho+ti/ity% th +a5 +haowo3 !n+n thin*+ that +5 to /!r0 in th woo o5b+ ano11i+. Fro5 bhin ha2y oor+ an +h!ttr winow+ a5 thr+t/++ +ta51 o3 hoo3 or ra+1 o3 hain ha/tr% an at ti5+ a

5!33/ b//ow 3ro5 +o5 +ta// ba+t. Fro5 a i+tant ornr a+ha**y o* wath hr with intnt !n3rin/y y+6 a+ +h rwnar it +/i11 7!it/y into it+ 0nn/% an +/i11 o!t a*ain a+noi+/++/y whn +h ha 1a++ by. A 3w hn+% 7!+tin* 3or 3oo!nr a ri0% +to/ away !nr a *at at hr a11roah. Sy/2ia3/t that i3 +h ha o5 aro++ any h!5an bin*+ in thi+wi/rn++ o3 barn an byr thy wo!/ ha2 3/ wraith9/i0 3ro5hr *a. At /a+t% t!rnin* a ornr 7!i0/y% +h a5 !1on a/i2in* thin* that i not 3/y 3ro5 hr. A+trth in a 1oo/ o3 5!wa+ an nor5o!+ +ow% *i*anti byon th town9wo5an<+ wi/+to51!tation o3 +win93/+h% an +1i/y a/rt to r+nt an i3

n++ary r1/ th !nwont intr!+ion. It wa+ Sy/2ia<+ t!rn to5a0 an !nobtr!+i2 rtrat. A+ +h thra hr way 1a+tri0yar+ an ow+h+ an /on* b/an0 wa//+% +h +tart +!n/yat a +tran* +o!n99th ho o3 a boy<+ /a!*htr% *o/n an7!i2oa/. ;an% th on/y boy 51/oy on th 3ar5% a towha%win93a yo0/% wa+ 2i+ib/y at wor0 on a 1otato /arin* ha/39way !1 th nar+t hi//9+i% an Morti5r% whn 7!+tion% 0nwo3 no othr 1robab/ or 1o++ib/ b*ttr o3 th hin 5o0ry



"A// th +a5%" +ai Morti5r in hi+ 2n% i+1a++ionat ton% "I+ho!/ a2oi th woo+ an orhar+ i3 I wr yo!% an *i2 a wi brth to th horn ba+t+ on th 3ar5."

It wa+ a// non+n+% o3 o!r+% b!t in that /on/y woo9*irt +1otnon+n+ +5 ab/ to rar a ba+tar broo o3 !na+in++.

"Morti5r%" +ai Sy/2ia +!n/y% "I thin0 w wi// *o ba0 to Town+o5 ti5 +oon."

Hr 2itory ha not bn +o o51/t a+ +h ha +!11o+6 it haarri hr on to *ro!n that +h wa+ a/ray an=io!+ to 7!it.

"I on<t thin0 yo! wi// 2r *o ba0 to Town%" +ai Morti5r. H+5 to b 1ara1hra+in* hi+ 5othr<+ 1rition a+ to hi5+/3.

Sy/2ia not with i++ati+3ation an +o5 +/39ont51t that tho!r+ o3 hr n=t a3trnoon<+ ra5b/ too0 hr in+tinti2/y /ar o3 th ntwor0 o3 woo+. A+ to th horn att/% Morti5r<+warnin* wa+ +ar/y n% 3or +h ha a/way+ r*ar th5 a+o3 o!bt3!/ n!tra/ity at th b+t? hr i5a*ination !n+= th5o+t 5atron/y airy ow+ an t!rn th5 into b!//+ /iab/ to "+r" at any 5o5nt. Th ra5 who 3 in th narrow 1ao0 b/owth orhar+ +h ha a4!*% a3tr a51/ an a!tio!+ 1robation%to b o3 oi/ t51r6 to9ay% how2r% +h i to /a2 hi+oi/ity !nt+t% 3or th !+!a//y tran7!i/ ba+t wa+ roa5in* with2ry +i*n o3 r+t/++n++ 3ro5 ornr to ornr o3 hi+ 5aow. A/ow% 3it3!/ 1i1in*% a+ o3 +o5 ry 3/!t% wa+ o5in* 3ro5 th1th o3 a ni*hbo!rin* o1+% an thr +5 to b +o5 +!bt/onntion btwn th ani5a/<+ r+t/++ 1ain* an th wi/ 5!+i

3ro5 th woo. Sy/2ia t!rn hr +t1+ in an !1war irtion an/i5b th hathr9/a +/o1+ that +trth in ro//in*+ho!/r+ hi*h abo2 #++ny. Sh ha /3t th 1i1in* not+ bhin hr% b!t aro++ th woo o5b+ at hr 3t th win bro!*ht hr anothr 0in o3 5!+i% th +trainin* bay o3 ho!n+ in3!// ha+. #++ny wa+ 4!+t on th o!t+0irt+ o3 th 2on9an9So5r+t o!ntry% an th h!nt r +o5ti5+ a5 that way.Sy/2ia o!/ 1r+nt/y + a ar0 boy% bra+tin* hi// a3tr hi//%an +in0in* a*ain an a*ain o!t o3 +i*ht a+ h ro++ th o5b+%whi/ bhin hi5 +tai/y +w// that r/nt/++ hor!+% an +h*rw tn+ with th =it +y51athy that on 3/+ 3or any h!nt

thin* in who+ a1t!r on i+ not irt/y intr+t. An at/a+t h bro0 thro!*h th o!tr5o+t /in o3 oa0 +r!b an 3rn an+too 1antin* in th o1n% a 3at S1t5br +ta* arryin* a w//93!rni+h ha. Hi+ ob2io!+ o!r+ wa+ to ro1 own to th brown 1oo/+ o3 Unro5b% an thn 5a0 hi+ way towar+ th rr<+ 3a2o!r +ant!ary% th +a. To Sy/2ia<+ +!r1ri+%how2r% h t!rn hi+ ha to th !1/an +/o1 an a5 /!5brin*r+o/!t/y onwar o2r th hathr. "It wi// b ra3!/%" +h



tho!*ht% "th ho!n+ wi// 1!// hi5 own !nr 5y 2ry y+." !tth 5!+i o3 th 1a0 +5 to ha2 i away 3or a 5o5nt% anin it+ 1/a +h har a*ain that wi/ 1i1in*% whih ro+ now onthi+ +i% now on that% a+ tho!*h !r*in* th 3ai/in* +ta* to a3ina/ 33ort. Sy/2ia +too w// a+i 3ro5 hi+ 1ath% ha/3 hinin a thi0 *rowth o3 whort/ b!+h+% an wath hi5 +win* +ti33/y!1war% hi+ 3/an0+ ar0 with +wat% th oar+ hair on hi+ n0 +howin* /i*ht by ontra+t. Th 1i1 5!+i +hri// +!n/yaro!n hr% +5in* to o5 3ro5 th b!+h+ at hr 2ry 3t% anat th +a5 5o5nt th *rat ba+t +/w ro!n an bor irt/yown !1on hr. In an in+tant hr 1ity 3or th h!nt ani5a/ wa+han* to wi/ trror at hr own an*r6 th thi0 hathr root+5o0 hr +ra5b/in* 33ort+ at 3/i*ht% an +h /oo03rantia//y ownwar 3or a */i51+ o3 ono5in* ho!n+. Th h!*ant/r +1i0+ wr within a 3w yar+ o3 hr% an in a 3/a+h o3 n!5bin* 3ar +h r55br Morti5r<+ warnin*% to bwar o3 ho5 ba+t+ on th 3ar5. An thn with a 7!i0 throb o3 4oy +h +awthat +h wa+ not a/on6 a h!5an 3i*!r +too a 3w 1a+ a+i%0n91 in th whort/ b!+h+.

"ri2 it o33 +h +hri0. !t th 3i*!r 5a no an+wrin*5o25nt.

Th ant/r+ ro2 +trai*ht at hr bra+t% th ari +5// o3 thh!nt ani5a/ wa+ in hr no+tri/+% b!t hr y+ wr 3i// withth horror o3 +o5thin* +h +aw othr than hr ono5in* ath.An in hr ar+ ran* th ho o3 a boy<+ /a!*htr% *o/n an7!i2oa/.

THE STOR# OF ST. VES:ALUUS

"T// 5 a +tory%" +ai th aron++% +tarin* o!t +1airin*/y atth rain6 it wa+ that /i*ht% a1o/o*ti +ort o3 rain that /oo0+ a+i3 it wa+ *oin* to /a2 o33 2ry 5in!t an *o+ on 3or th*ratr 1art o3 th a3trnoon.

"&hat +ort o3 +tory>" a+0 C/o2i+% *i2in* hi+ ro7!t 5a//t a

2a/itory +ho2 into rtir5nt.

"On 4!+t tr! no!*h to b intr+tin* an not tr! no!*h to btir+o5%" +ai th aron++.

C/o2i+ rarran* +2ra/ !+hion+ to hi+ 1r+ona/ +o/a an+ati+3ation6 h 0nw that th aron++ /i0 hr *!+t+ to ho53ortab/% an h tho!*ht it ri*ht to r+1t hr wi+h+ in that



1arti!/ar.

"Ha2 I 2r to/ yo! th +tory o3 Saint V+1a/!!+>" h a+0.

"#o!<2 to/ 5 +tori+ abo!t *ran9!0+ an /ion9ta5r+ an3inanir+< wiow+ an a 1o+t5a+tr in Hr*o2ina%" +ai tharon++% "an abo!t an Ita/ian 4o0y an an a5at!r *o2rn++who wnt to &ar+aw% an +2ra/ abo!t yo!r 5othr% b!t rtain/yn2r anythin* abo!t a +aint."

"Thi+ +tory ha11n a /on* whi/ a*o%" h +ai% "in tho+!no53ortab/ 1iba/ ti5+ whn a thir o3 th 1o1/ wr :a*an%an a thir Chri+tian% an th bi**+t thir o3 a// 4!+t 3o//owwhih2r r/i*ion th Co!rt ha11n to 1ro3++. Thr wa+ artain 0in* a// H0ri0ro+% who ha a 3ar3!/ t51r an noi55iat +!++or in hi+ own 3a5i/y6 hi+ 5arri +i+tr%how2r% ha 1ro2i hi5 with a /ar* +to0 o3 n1hw+ 3ro5 whihto +/t hi+ hir. An th 5o+t /i*ib/ an roya//y9a11ro2 o3 a// th+ n1hw+ wa+ th +i=tn9yar9o/ V+1a/!!+. H wa+ th b+t /oo0in*% an th b+t hor+5an an 4a2/in9throwr% an hathat 1ri/++ 1rin/y *i3t o3 bin* ab/ to wa/0 1a+t a+!11/iant with an air o3 not ha2in* +n hi5% b!t wo!/ rtain/yha2 *i2n +o5thin* i3 h ha. My 5othr ha+ that *i3t to artain =tnt6 +h an *o +5i/in*/y an 3inania//y !n+aththro!*h a harity baaar% an 5t th or*anir+ n=t ay with a+o/iito!+ <ha I b!t 0nown yo! wr in n o3 3!n+< air that i+ra//y rathr a tri!51h in a!aity. Now H0ri0ro+ wa+ a :a*an o3 th 3ir+t watr% an 01t th wor+hi1 o3 th +ar +r1nt+% who/i2 in a ha//ow *ro2 on a hi// nar th roya/ 1a/a% !1 to ahi*h 1ith o3 nth!+ia+5. Th o55on 1o1/ wr a//ow to 1/a+ th5+/2+% within rtain i+rt /i5it+% in th 5attr

o3 1ri2at r/i*ion% b!t any o33iia/ in th +r2i o3 th Co!rtwho wnt o2r to th nw !/t wa+ /oo0 own on% /itra//y a+w// a+ 5ta1horia//y% th /oo0in* own bin* on 3ro5 th*a//ry that ran ro!n th roya/ bar91it. Con+7!nt/y thr wa+on+irab/ +ana/ an on+trnation whn th yo!th3!/ V+1a/!!+a11ar on ay at a Co!rt 3!ntion with a ro+ary t!0 into hi+ b/t% an anno!n in r1/y to an*ry 7!+tionin*+ that h hai to ao1t Chri+tianity% or at any rat to *i2 it a tria/.I3 it ha bn any o3 th othr n1hw+ th 0in* wo!/ 1o++ib/yha2 orr +o5thin* ra+ti in th way o3 +o!r*in* an bani+h5nt% b!t in th a+ o3 th 3a2o!r V+1a/!!+ h

tr5in to /oo0 on th who/ thin* 5!h a+ a 5orn 3athr 5i*ht r*ar th anno!n intntion o3 hi+ +on to ao1t th +ta*a+ a 1ro3++ion. H +nt aorin*/y 3or th Roya/ Librarian.Th roya/ /ibrary in tho+ ay+ wa+ not a 2ry =tn+i2 a33air%an th 01r o3 th 0in*<+ boo0+ ha a *rat a/ o3 /i+!r onhi+ han+. Con+7!nt/y h wa+ in 3r7!nt 5an 3or th+tt/5nt o3 othr 1o1/<+ a33air+ whn th+ +tray byonnor5a/ /i5it+ an *ot t51orari/y !n5ana*ab/.



"<#o! 5!+t ra+on with :rin V+1a/!!+%< +ai th 0in*% <ani51r++ on hi5 th rror o3 hi+ way+. & annot ha2 th hir toth thron +ttin* +!h a an*ro!+ =a51/.<

"<!t whr +ha// I 3in th n++ary ar*!5nt+>< a+0 thLibrarian.

"<I *i2 yo! 3r /a2 to 1i0 an hoo+ yo!r ar*!5nt+ in throya/ woo+ an o11i+%< +ai th 0in*6 <i3 yo! annot *tto*thr +o5 !ttin* ob+r2ation+ an +tin*in* rtort+ +!itab/to th oa+ion yo! ar a 1r+on o3 2ry 1oor r+o!r.<

"So th Librarian wnt into th woo+ an *athr a *oo/y+/tion o3 hi*h/y ar*!5ntati2 ro+ an +with+% an thn 1ro to ra+on with V+1a/!!+ on th 3o//y an ini7!ity anabo2 a// th !n+5/in++ o3 hi+ on!t. Hi+ ra+onin* /3t a1 i51r++ion on th yo!n* 1rin% an i51r++ion whih /a+t3or 5any w0+% !rin* whih ti5 nothin* 5or wa+ har abo!t th!n3ort!nat /a1+ into Chri+tianity. Thn a 3!rthr +ana/ o3 th +a5 nat!r a*itat th Co!rt. At a ti5 whn h +ho!/ ha2 bn n*a* in a!ib/y in2o0in* th *raio!+ 1rottion an 1atrona* o3 th ho/y +r1nt+% V+1a/!!+ wa+ har +in*in* ahant in hono!r o3 St. Oi/o o3 C/!ny. Th 0in* wa+ 3!rio!+ atthi+ nw o!tbra0% an b*an to ta0 a */oo5y 2iw o3 th+it!ation6 V+1a/!!+ wa+ 2int/y *oin* to +how a an*ro!+ob+tinay in 1r+i+tin* in hi+ hr+y. An yt thr wa+ nothin*in hi+ a11aran to 4!+ti3y +!h 1r2r+n++6 h ha not th 1a/ y o3 th 3anati or th 5y+ti /oo0 o3 th ra5r. On thontrary% h wa+ 7!it th b+t9/oo0in* boy at Co!rt6 h ha an/*ant% w//90nit 3i*!r% a ha/thy o51/=ion% y+ th o/o!r

o3 2ry ri1 5!/brri+% an ar0 hair% +5ooth an 2ry w// ar3or."

"It +o!n+ /i0 a +ri1tion o3 what yo! i5a*in yo!r+/3 to ha2 bn /i0 at th a* o3 +i=tn%" +ai th aron++.

"My 5othr ha+ 1robab/y bn +howin* yo! +o5 o3 5y ar/y 1hoto*ra1h+%" +ai C/o2i+. Ha2in* t!rn th +ara+5 into ao51/i5nt% h r+!5 hi+ +tory.

"Th 0in* ha V+1a/!!+ +h!t !1 in a ar0 towr 3or thr ay+%

with nothin* b!t bra an watr to /i2 on% th +7!a/in* an3/!ttrin* o3 bat+ to /i+tn to% an ri3tin* /o!+ to waththro!*h on /itt/ winow +/it. Th anti9:a*an +tion o3 tho55!nity b*an to ta/0 1ortnto!+/y o3 th boy95artyr. Th5artyro5 wa+ 5iti*at% a+ 3ar a+ th 3oo wa+ onrn% by thar/++n++ o3 th towr warn% who on or twi /3t a 1ortiono3 hi+ own +!11r o3 broi/ 5at an 3r!it an win by 5i+ta0 inth 1rin<+ //. A3tr th 1!ni+h5nt wa+ o2r% V+1a/!!+ wa+



own into an 2i/ +5//in* bar91it an bin* /aw an 5a!/ toath by i51r3t/y arni2oro!+ ani5a/+.

"It +o ha11n% how2r% that th 01r o3 th roya/ hi2+ ha/anin*+ towar+ Chri+tianity hi5+/3% an 5oro2r% /i0 5o+t o3 th Co!rt o33iia/+% h wa+ 2ry 5!h attah to V+1a/!!+. Onth 2 o3 th =!tion% thr3or% h b!+i hi5+/3 withr5o2in* th +tin*+ 3ro5 a// th roya/ b+6 it wa+ a /on* an/iat o1ration% b!t h wa+ an =1rt b95a+tr% an bywor0in* har nar/y a// ni*ht h +! in i+ar5in* a//% or a/5o+t a//% o3 th hi2 in5at+."

"I in<t 0now yo! o!/ ta0 th +tin* 3ro5 a /i2 b%" +ai tharon++ inr!/o!+/y.

"E2ry 1ro3++ion% ha+ it+ +rt+%" r1/i C/o2i+6 "i3 it han<tit wo!/n<t b a 1ro3++ion. &//% th 5o5nt 3or th =!tionarri26 th 0in* an Co!rt too0 thir 1/a+% an ao55oationwa+ 3o!n 3or a+ 5any o3 th 1o1!/a a+ wi+h to witn++ th!n!+!a/ +1ta/. Fort!nat/y th roya/ b9yar wa+ o3 on+irab/ i5n+ion+% an wa+ o55an% 5oro2r% by thtrra+ that ran ro!n th roya/ *arn+6 with a /itt/ +7!in*an th rtion o3 a 3w 1/at3or5+ roo5 wa+ 3o!n 3or 2ryboy.V+1a/!!+ wa+ arri into th o1n +1a in 3ront o3 th hi2+% b/!+hin* an +/i*ht/y 5barra++% b!t not at a// i+1/a+ atth attntion whih wa+ bin* ntr on hi5."

"H +5+ to ha2 r+5b/ yo! in 5or thin*+ than ina11aran%" +ai th aron++.

"on<t intrr!1t at a ritia/ 1oint in th +tory%" +ai C/o2i+.

"A+ +oon a+ h ha bn ar3!//y a4!+t in th 1r+rib 1o+ition o2r th hi2+% an a/5o+t b3or th *ao/r+ ha ti5 tortir to a +a3 i+tan% V+1a/!!+ *a2 a /!+ty an w//9ai50i0% whih +nt a// thr hi2+ to11/in* on o2r anothr. Thn=t 5o5nt h wa+ wra11 3ro5 ha to 3oot in b+6 ahini2i!a/ in+t n!r+ th ra3!/ an h!5i/iatin* 0now/*that in thi+ +!1r5 ho!r o3 ata+tro1h it o!/ not +tin*% b!tah 3/t that it o!*ht to 1rtn to. V+1a/!!+ +7!a/ anwri**/ with /a!*htr% 3or h wa+ bin* ti0/ nar/y to ath%an now an a*ain h *a2 a 3!rio!+ 0i0 an !+ a ba wor a+on o3 th 3w b+ that ha +a1 i+ar5a5nt *ot it+ 1rot+t

ho5. !t th +1tator+ +aw with a5a5nt that h +how no+i*n+ o3 a11roahin* ath a*ony% an a+ th b+ ro11 wari/yaway in /!+tr+ 3ro5 hi+ boy hi+ 3/+h wa+ +n to b a+ whitan +5ooth a+ b3or th ora/% with a +hiny */a 3ro5 thhony9+5ar o3 inn!5rab/ b93t% an hr an thr a +5a//r +1ot whr on o3 th rar +tin*+ ha /3t it+ 5ar0. It wa+ob2io!+ that a 5ira/ ha bn 1r3or5 in hi+ 3a2o!r% an on/o! 5!r5!r% o3 a+toni+h5nt or =!/tation% ro+ 3ro5 th



V+1a/!!+% who wa+ b!+i/y n*a* in or*aniin* th *a5+ anath/ti ont+t+ that wr to 5ar0 th o55n5nt o3 hi+ ri*n%ha no ti5 to *i2 h to th r/i*io!+ 3r2o!r whih wa+33r2+in* ro!n hi+ 1r+ona/ity6 th 3ir+t iniation h ha o3 th =i+tin* +tat o3 a33air+ wa+ whn th Co!rt Cha5br/ain (arnt an 2ry arnt aition to th Chri+tian o55!nity) bro!*ht 3or hi+ a11ro2a/ th o!t/in+ o3 a 1ro4t r5onia/!ttin*9own o3 th io/atro!+ +r1nt9*ro2.

"<#o!r Ma4+ty wi// b *raio!+/y 1/a+ to !t own th 3ir+ttr with a +1ia//y on+rat a=%< +ai th ob+7!io!+o33iia/.

"<I<// !t o33 yo!r ha 3ir+t% with any a= that o5+ hany%<+ai V+1a/!!+ ini*nant/y6 <o yo! +!11o+ that I<5 *oin* to b*in 5y ri*n by 5orta//y a33rontin* th +ar +r1nt+> Itwo!/ b 5o+t !n/!0y.<

"<!t yo!r Ma4+ty<+ Chri+tian 1rini1/+>< =/ai5 th bwi/r Cha5br/ain.

"<I n2r ha% any%< +ai V+1a/!!+6 < I !+ to 1rtn to h aChri+tian on2rt 4!+t to annoy H0ri0ro+. H !+ to 3/y into+!h /iio!+ t51r+. An it wa+ rathr 3!n bin* whi11 an+o/ an +h!t !1 in a towr a// 3or nothin*. !t a+ to t!rnin*Chri+tian in ra/ arn+t% /i0 yo! 1o1/ +5 to o% I o!/n<tthin0 o3 +!h a thin*. An th ho/y an +t5 +r1nt+ ha2a/way+ h/1 5 whn I<2 1ray to th5 3or +!++ in 5yr!nnin* an wr+t/in* an h!ntin*% an it wa+ thro!*h thir i+tin*!i+h intr++ion that th b+ wr not ab/ to h!rt 5with thir +tin*+. It wo!/ h b/a0 in*ratit!% to t!rn a*ain+t

thir wor+hi1 at th 2ry o!t+t o3 5y ri*n. I hat yo! 3or +!**+tin* it.<

"Th Cha5br/ain wr!n* hi+ han+ +1airin*/y.

"<!t% yo!r Ma4+ty%< h wai/% <th 1o1/ ar r2rnin* yo!a+ a +aint% an th nob/+ ar bin* Chri+tiani in bath+% anni*hbo!rin* 1otntat+ o3 that Faith ar +nin* +1ia/ n2oy+to w/o5 yo! a+ a brothr. Thr i+ +o5 ta/0 o3 5a0in* yo! th 1atron +aint o3 bhi2+% an a rtain +ha o3 hony9y//ow ha+ bn hri+tn V+1a/!!+ian *o/ at th E51ror<+ Co!rt. #o!

an<t +!r/y *o ba0 on a// thi+.<

"<I on<t 5in bin* r2rn an *rt an hono!r%< +aiV+1a/!!+6 <I on<t 2n 5in bin* +aint in 5oration% a+ /on*a+ I<5 not =1t to b +aint/y a+ w//. !t I wi+h yo! /ar/yan 3ina//y to !nr+tan that I wi// NOT *i2 !1 th wor+hi1 o3 th a!*!+t an a!+1iio!+ +r1nt+.<



"Thr wa+ a wor/ o3 !n+1o0n bar91it in th way h !ttrtho+ /a+t wor+% an th 5!/brry9ar0 y+ 3/a+h an*ro!+/y.

"<A nw ri*n%< +ai th Cha5br/ain to hi5+/3% <b!t th +a5 o/t51r.<

"Fina//y% a+ a Stat n++ity% th 5attr o3 th r/i*ion+ wa+o51ro5i+. At +tat intr2a/+ th 0in* a11ar b3or hi++!b4t+ in th nationa/ athra/ in th haratr o3 St.V+1a/!!+% an th io/atro!+ *ro2 wa+ *ra!a//y 1r!n an/o11 away ti// nothin* r5ain o3 it. !t th +ar an+t5 +r1nt+ wr r5o2 to a 1ri2at +hr!bbry in th roya/*arn+% whr V+1a/!!+ th :a*an an rtain 55br+ o3 hi+ho!+ho/ 2o!t/y an nt/y wor+hi11 th5. That 1o++ib/y i+th ra+on why th boy90in*<+ +!++ in +1ort+ an h!ntin* n2r +rt hi5 to th n o3 hi+ ay+% an that i+ a/+o th ra+onwhy% in +1it o3 th 1o1!/ar 2nration 3or hi+ +antity% h n2r ri2 o33iia/ anoniation."

"It ha+ +to11 rainin*%" +ai th aron++.

THE &A# TO THE AIR#

Th aron++ an C/o2i+ +at in a 5!h93r7!nt ornr o3 th:ar0 =han*in* bio*ra1hia/ on3in+ abo!t th /on* +!++iono3 1a++r+9by.

"&ho ar tho+ 1r++9/oo0in* yo!n* wo5n who ha2 4!+t *on by>" a+0 th aron++6 "thy ha2 th air o3 1o1/ who ha2 bow to +tiny an ar not 7!it +!r whthr th +a/!t wi// brt!rn."

"Tho+%" +ai C/o2i+% "ar th ri5/y o53i/+. I ar +ay yo!wo!/ /oo0 1r++ i3 yo! ha bn thro!*h thir =1rin+."

"I<5 a/way+ ha2in* 1r++in* =1rin+6" +ai th aron++% " b!t I n2r *i2 th5 o!twar =1r++ion. It<+ a+ ba a+ /oo0in*

on<+ a*. T// 5 abo!t th ri5/y o53i/+."

"&//%" +ai C/o2i+% "th b*innin* o3 thir tra*y wa+ that thy3o!n an a!nt. Th a!nt ha bn thr a// th ti5% b!t thy ha2ry nar/y 3or*ottn hr =i+tn !nti/ a i+tant r/ati2r3r+h thir 55ory by r55brin* hr 2ry i+tint/y in hi+wi//6 it i+ wonr3!/ what th 3or o3 =a51/ wi// ao51/i+h.Th a!nt% who ha bn !nobtr!+i2/y 1oor% ba5 7!it 1/a+ant/y



rih% an th ri5/y o53i/+ *rw +!n/y onrn at th/on/in++ o3 hr /i3 an too0 hr !nr thir o//ti2 win*+.Sh ha a+ 5any win*+ aro!n hr at thi+ ti5 a+ on o3 tho+ ba+t9thin*+ in R2/ation."

"So 3ar I on<t + any tra*y 3ro5 th ri5/y o53i/+< 1ointo3 2iw%" +ai th aron++.

"& ha2n<t *ot to it yt%" +ai C/o2i+. "Th a!nt ha bn !+to /i2in* 2ry +i51/y% an ha +n n=t to nothin* o3 what w+ho!/ on+ir /i3% an hr ni+ in<t no!ra* hr to o5!h in th way o3 5a0in* a +1/a+h with hr 5ony. B!it a *ooa/ o3 it wo!/ o5 to th5 at hr ath% an +h wa+ a 3air/yo/ wo5an% b!t thr wa+ on ir!5+tan whih a+t a +haow o3 */oo5 o2r th +ati+3ation thy 3/t in th i+o2ry ana7!i+ition o3 thi+ +irab/ a!nt? +h o1n/y a0now/* that ao53ortab/ +/i o3 hr /itt/ 3ort!n wo!/ *o to a n1hw onth othr +i o3 hr 3a5i/y. H wa+ rathr a 1/orab/ thin* inrottr+% an 7!it ho1/++/y to19ho/ in th way o3 *ttin*thro!*h 5ony% b!t h ha bn 5or or /++ nt to th o/ /ayin hr !nr55br ay+% an +h wo!/n<t har anythin* a*ain+thi5. At /a+t% +h wo!/n<t 1ay any attntion to what +h ihar% b!t hr ni+ too0 ar that +h +ho!/ ha2 to /i+tn to a*oo a/ in that /in. It +5 +!h a 1ity% thy +ai a5on*th5+/2+% that *oo 5ony +ho!/ 3a// into +!h worth/++ han+.Thy habit!a//y +1o0 o3 thir a!nt<+ 5ony a+ <*oo 5ony%< a+tho!*h othr 1o1/<+ a!nt+ abb/ 3or th 5o+t 1art in +1!rio!+!rrny.

"R*!/ar/y a3tr th rby% St. L*r% an othr notab/ rain*2nt+ thy in!/* in a!ib/ +1!/ation+ a+ to how 5!h 5ony

Ro*r ha +7!anr in !n3ort!nat bttin* tran+ation+.

"<Hi+ tra2//in* =1n++ 5!+t o5 to a bi* +!5%< +ai th /+tri5/y o53i/ on ay6 <thy +ay h attn+ 2ry ra95tin*in En*/an% b+i+ othr+ abroa. I +ho!/n<t wonr i3 h wnta// th way to Inia to + th ra 3or th Ca/!tta Sw1+ta0that on har+ +o 5!h abo!t.<

"<Tra2/ n/ar*+ th 5in% 5y ar Chri+tin%< +ai hr a!nt.

"<#+% ar a!nt% tra2/ !nrta0n in th ri*ht +1irit%< a*r

Chri+tin6 <b!t tra2/ 1!r+! 5r/y a+ a 5an+ towar+ *a5b/in*an =tra2a*ant /i2in* i+ 5or /i0/y to ontrat th 1!r+ thanto n/ar* th 5in. How2r% a+ /on* a+ Ro*r n4oy+ hi5+/3% I+!11o+ h o+n<t ar how 3a+t or !n1ro3itab/y th 5ony *o+%or whr h i+ to 3in 5or. It +5+ a 1ity% that<+ a//.<

"Th a!nt by that ti5 ha b*!n to ta/0 o3 +o5thin* /+% an itwa+ o!bt3!/ i3 Chri+tin<+ 5ora/iin* ha bn 2n aor a



harin*. It wa+ hr r5ar0% how2r99th a!nt<+ r5ar0% I 5an99abo!t tra2/ n/ar*in* th 5in% that *a2 th yo!n*+t ri5/yo53i/ hr *rat ia 3or th +howin*9!1 o3 Ro*r.

"<I3 a!nt o!/ on/y b ta0n +o5whr to + hi5 *a5b/in* anthrowin* away 5ony%< +h +ai% <it wo!/ o1n hr y+ to hi+haratr 5or 33t!a//y than anythin* w an +ay.<

"<My ar Vroni7!%< +ai hr +i+tr+% <w% an<t *o 3o//owin*hi5 to ra95tin*+.<

"<Crtain/y not to ra95tin*+%< +ai Vroni7!% <b!t w 5i*ht*o to +o5 1/a whr on an /oo0 on at *a5b/in* witho!t ta0in* 1art in it.<

"<o yo! 5an Mont Car/o>< thy a+0 hr% b*innin* to 4!51rathr at th ia.

"<Mont Car/o i+ a /on* way o33% an ha+ a ra3!/ r1!tation%<+ai Vroni7!6 <I +ho!/n<t /i0 to t// o!r93rin+ that w wr*oin* to Mont Car/o. !t I b/i2 Ro*r !+!a//y *o+ to i11abo!t thi+ ti5 o3 yar% an +o5 7!it r+1tab/ En*/i+h 1o1/*o thr% an th 4o!rny wo!/n<t b =1n+i2. I3 a!nt o!/+tan th Chann/ ro++in* th han* o3 +n 5i*ht o hr a /oto3 *oo.<

"An that wa+ how th 3at3!/ ia a5 to th ri5/y o53i/+.

"Fro5 th 2ry 3ir+t +t9o33 i+a+tr h!n* o2r th =1ition% a+thy a3trwar+ r55br. To b*in with% a// th ri5/yo53i/+ wr =tr5/y !nw// !rin* th ro++in*% whi/ th

a!nt n4oy th +a air an 5a 3rin+ with a// 5annr o3 +tran* tra2//in* o51anion+. Thn% a/tho!*h it wa+ 5any yar++in +h ha bn on th Continnt% +h ha +r2 a 2ry 1ratia/ a11rnti+hi1 thr a+ a 1ai o51anion% an hr 0now/* o3 o//o7!ia/ Frnh bat thir+ to a +tan+ti//. It ba5 inra+in*/y i33i!/t to 01 !nr thir o//ti2 win*+a 1r+on who 0nw what +h want an wa+ ab/ to a+0 3or it anto + that +h *ot it. A/+o% a+ 3ar a+ Ro*r wa+ onrn% thyrw i11 b/an06 it t!rn o!t that h wa+ +tayin* at :o!r2i//%a /itt/ watrin*91/a a 5i/ or two 3!rthr w+t. Th ri5/yo53i/+ i+o2r that i11 wa+ too row an 3ri2o/o!+%

an 1r+!a th o/ /ay to 5i*rat to th o51arati2 +/!+iono3 :o!r2i//.

"<#o! won<t 3in it !//% yo! 0now%< thy a++!r hr6 <thr i+ a/itt/ a+ino attah to th hot/% an yo! an wath th 1o1/anin* an throwin* away thir 5ony at :ETITS CHEVAU$.<

"It wa+ 4!+t b3or :ETITS CHEVAU$ ha bn +!11/ant by OULE.



"Ro*r wa+ not +tayin* in th +a5 hot/% b!t thy 0nw that tha+ino wo!/ b rtain o3 hi+ 1atrona* on 5o+t a3trnoon+ an2nin*+.

"On th 3ir+t 2nin* o3 thir 2i+it thy wanr into th a+inoa3tr a 3air/y ar/y innr% an ho2r nar th tab/+. rti2an Tahn wa+ +tayin* thr at th ti5% an h +rib th who/inint to 5. Th ri5/y o53i/+ 01t a 3!rti2 wath onth oor+ a+ tho!*h thy wr =1tin* +o5 on to t!rn !1% anth a!nt *ot 5or an 5or a5!+ an intr+t wathin* th/itt/ hor++ whir/ ro!n an ro!n th boar.

"<o yo! 0now% 1oor /itt/ n!5br i*ht ha+n<t won 3or th /a+tthirty9two ti5+%< +h +ai to Chri+tin6 <I<2 bn 01in*o!nt. I +ha// ra//y ha2 to 1!t 3i2 3ran+ on hi5 to no!ra*hi5.<

"<Co5 an wath th anin*% ar%< +ai Chri+tin nr2o!+/y. Itwa+ +ar/y a 1art o3 thir +trat*y that Ro*r +ho!/ o5 inan 3in th o/ /ay ba0in* hr 3any at th :ETITS CHEVAU$tab/.

"<;!+t wait whi/ I 1!t 3i2 3ran+ on n!5br i*ht%< +ai tha!nt% an in anothr 5o5nt hr 5ony wa+ /yin* on th tab/. Thhor++ o55n to 5o2 ro!n% it wa+ a +/ow ra thi+ ti5% ann!5br i*ht r1t !1 at th 3ini+h /i0 +o5 ra3ty 5on an 1/a hi+ no+ 4!+t a 3ration in 3ront o3 n!5br thr% who ha+5 to b winnin* a+i/y. Ro!r+ ha to b ha to5a+!r5nt% an th n!5br i*ht wa+ 1ro/ai5 th winnr. Tha!nt 1i0 !1 thirty93i2 3ran+. A3tr that th ri5/y

o53i/+ wo!/ ha2 ha to ha2 !+ onrt 3or to *t hr away 3ro5 th tab/+. &hn Ro*r a11ar on th +n +h wa+3i3ty9two 3ran+ to th *oo6 hr ni+ wr ho2rin* 3or/orn/yin th ba0*ro!n% /i0 hi0n+ that ha2 bn hath o!t by a!0 an ar +1airin*/y wathin* thir 1arnt i+1ortin* hr+/3 in a an*ro!+ an !non*nia/ /5nt. Th +!11r91arty whihRo*r in+i+t on +tanin* that ni*ht in hono!r o3 hi+ a!nt anth thr Mi++ ri5/y o53i/+ wa+ r5ar0ab/ 3or th!nr+train *aity o3 two o3 th 1artii1ant+ an th 3!nra/5irth/++n++ o3 th r5ainin* *!+t+.

"<I o not thin06< Chri+tin on3i a3trwar+ to a 3rin% whor9on3i it to rti 2an Tahn% <that I +ha// 2r b ab/ toto!h :AT E FOIE 'RAS a*ain. It wo!/ brin* ba0 55ori+ o3 that aw3!/ 2nin*.<

"For th n=t two or thr ay+ th ni+ 5a 1/an+ 3or rt!rnin* to En*/an or 5o2in* on to +o5 othr r+ort whr thrwa+ no a+ino. Th a!nt wa+ b!+y 5a0in* a +y+t5 3or winnin* at



:ETITS CHEVAU$. N!5br i*ht% hr 3ir+t /o2% ha bn r!nnin*rathr !n0in/y 3or hr% an a +ri+ o3 1/!n*+ on n!5br 3i2ha t!rn o!t 2n wor+.

"<o yo! 0now% I ro11 o2r +2n h!nr 3ran+ at th tab/+thi+ a3trnoon%< +h anno!n hr3!//y at innr on th 3o!rth2nin* o3 thir 2i+it.

"<A!nt@ Twnty9i*ht 1o!n+@ An yo! wr /o+in* /a+t ni*httoo.<

"<Oh% I +ha// *t it a// ba0%< +h +ai o1ti5i+tia//y6 <b!t nothr. Th+ +i//y /itt/ hor++ ar no *oo. I +ha// *o+o5whr whr on an 1/ay o53ortab/y at ro!/tt. #o! nn<t/oo0 +o +ho0. I<2 a/way+ 3/t that% *i2n th o11ort!nity% I+ho!/ b an in2trat *a5b/r% an now yo! ar/in*+ ha2 1!t tho11ort!nity in 5y way. I 5!+t rin0 yo!r 2ry *oo ha/th+.&aitr% a bott/ o3 :ONTET CANET. Ah% it<+ n!5br +2n on thwin /i+t6 I +ha// 1/!n* on n!5br +2n to9ni*ht. It won 3o!r ti5+ r!nnin* thi+ a3trnoon whn I wa+ ba0in* that +i//y n!5br 3i2.<

"N!5br +2n wa+ not in a winnin* 5oo that 2nin*. Th ri5/yo53i/+% tir o3 wathin* i+a+tr 3ro5 a i+tan% rw nar to th tab/ whr thir a!nt wa+ now an hono!r habit!D% an*a 5o!rn3!//y at th +!++i2 2itori+ o3 on an 3i2 ani*ht an 3o!r% whih +w1t <*oo 5ony< o!t o3 th 1!r+ o3 +2n<+ ob+tinat ba0r. Th ay<+ /o+++ tota// +o5thin*2ry nar two tho!+an 3ran+.

"<#o! inorri*ib/ *a5b/r+%< +ai Ro*r ha33in*/y to th5% whn

h 3o!n th5 at th tab/+.

"<& ar not *a5b/in*%< +ai Chri+tin 3rin*/y6 <w ar /oo0in*on.<

"<I ON<T thin0%< +ai Ro*r 0nowin*/y6 <o3 o!r+ yo!<r a+yniat an a!nt i+ 1!ttin* th +ta0+ on 3or a// o3 yo!.Anyon an t// by yo!r /oo0+ whn th wron* hor+ win+ thatyo!<2 *ot a +ta0 on.<

"A!nt an n1hw ha +!11r a/on that ni*ht% or at /a+t thy

wo!/ ha2 i3 rti han<t 4oin th56 a// th ri5/yo53i/+ ha haah+.

"Th a!nt arri th5 a// o33 to i11 th n=t ay an +thri/y abo!t th ta+0 o3 winnin* ba0 +o5 o3 hr /o+++. Hr /!0 wa+ 2ariab/6 in 3at% +h ha +o5 3air +tra0+ o3 *oo3ort!n% 4!+t no!*h to 01 hr thoro!*h/y a5!+ with hr nwi+tration6 b!t on th who/ +h wa+ a /o+r. Th ri5/y



o53i/+ ha a o//ti2 atta0 o3 nr2o!+ 1ro+tration on thay whn +h +o/ o!t a 7!antity o3 +har+ in Ar*ntin rai/+.<Nothin* wi// 2r brin* that 5ony ba0%< thy r5ar0/!*!brio!+/y to on anothr.

"<Vroni7! at /a+t o!/ bar it no /on*r% an wnt ho56 yo!+% it ha bn hr ia to brin* th a!nt on thi+ i+a+tro!+=1ition% an tho!*h th othr+ i not a+t th 3at 2rba//yin hr 3a% thr wa+ a rtain /!r0in* r1roah in thir y+whih wa+ harr to 5t than at!a/ !1braiin*+. Th othr twor5ain bhin% 3or/orn/y 5o!ntin* *!ar o2r thir a!nt !nti/+!h ti5 a+ th wanin* o3 th i11 +a+on +ho!/ at /a+t t!rnhr in th irtion o3 ho5 an +a3ty. Thy 5a an=io!+a/!/ation+ a+ to how /itt/ <*oo 5ony< 5i*ht% with ra+onab//!0% b +7!anr in th 5anti5. Hr% how2r% thir r0onin* wnt 3ar a+tray6 th /o+ o3 th i11 +a+on 5r/yt!rn thir a!nt<+ tho!*ht+ in +arh o3 +o5 othr on2nint*a5b/in* r+ort. <Show a at th way to th airy99< I 3or*t howth 1ro2rb *o+ on% b!t it +!55 !1 th +it!ation a+ 3ar a+ thri5/y o53i/+< a!nt wa+ onrn. Sh ha bn intro!to !n=1/or 1/a+!r+% an 3o!n th5 *rat/y to hr /i0in*% an+h wa+ in no h!rry to 3or*o th 3r!it+ o3 hr nw/y a7!ir0now/*. #o! +% 3or th 3ir+t ti5 in hr /i3 th o/ thin*wa+ thoro!*h/y n4oyin* hr+/36 +h wa+ /o+in* 5ony% b!t +h ha 1/nty o3 3!n an =it5nt o2r th 1ro++% an +h ha no!*h/3t to o 2ry o53ortab/y on. In% +h wa+ on/y 4!+t/arnin* to !nr+tan th art o3 oin* on+/3 w//. Sh wa+ a 1o1!/ar ho+t++% an in rt!rn hr 3//ow9*a5b/r+ wr a/way+ray to ntrtain hr to innr+ an +!11r+ whn thir /!0 wa+in. Hr ni+% who +ti// r5ain in attnan on hr% with th 1athti !nwi//in*n++ o3 a rw to /a2 a 3o!nrin* tra+!r

+hi1 whih 5i*ht yt b +tr into 1ort% 3o!n /itt/ 1/a+!rin th+ oh5ian 3+ti2iti+6 to + <*oo 5ony< /a2i+h on*oo /i2in* 3or th ntrtain5nt o3 a non+ri1t ir/ o3 a7!aintan+ who wr not /i0/y to b in any way +oia//y !+3!/to th5% i not att!n th5 to a +1irit o3 r2/ry. Thyontri2% whn2r 1o++ib/% to =!+ th5+/2+ 3ro5 1artii1ation in thir a!nt<+ 1/or *aiti+6 th ri5/yo53i/ haah+ ba5 3a5o!+.

"An on ay th ni+ a5 to th on/!+ion that% a+ thy wo!/ha2 =1r++ it% <no !+3!/ 1!r1o+ wo!/ b +r2< by thir

ontin! attnan on a r/ati2 who ha +o thoro!*h/y5ani1at hr+/3 3ro5 th +h/trin* 1rottion o3 thir win*+.Th a!nt bor th anno!n5nt o3 thir 1art!r with ahr3!/n++ that wa+ a/5o+t i+onrtin*.

"<It<+ ti5 yo! wnt ho5 an ha tho+ haah+ +n to by a+1ia/i+t%< wa+ hr o55nt on th +it!ation.



"Th ho5war 4o!rny o3 th ri5/y o53i/+ wa+ a 2ritab/rtrat 3ro5 Mo+ow% an what 5a it th 5or bittr wa+ th 3atthat th Mo+ow% in thi+ a+% wa+ not o2rwh/5 with 3ir ana+h+% b!t 5r/y =tra2a*ant/y o2r9i//!5inat.

"Fro5 5!t!a/ 3rin+ an a7!aintan+ thy +o5ti5+ *t */i51++o3 thir 1roi*a/ r/ati2% who ha+ +tt/ own into a on3ir5*a5b/in* 5ania% /i2in* on +!h +a/2a* o3 ino5 a+ ob/i*in*5ony/nr+ ha2 /3t at hr i+1o+a/.

"So yo! n not b +!r1ri+%" on/! C/o2i+% "i3 thy o war a 1r++ /oo0 in 1!b/i."

"&hih i+ Vroni7!>" a+0 th aron++.

"Th 5o+t 1r++9/oo0in* o3 th thr%" +ai C/o2i+.

THE :EACE OFFERIN'

"I want yo! to h/1 5 in *ttin* !1 a ra5ati ntrtain5nt o3 +o5 +ort%" +ai th aron++ to C/o2i+. "#o! +% thr<+ bnan /tion 1tition own hr% an a 55br !n+at an no no3 bittrn++ an i//93/in*% an th Co!nty i+ +oia//y i2ia*ain+t it+/3. I tho!*ht a 1/ay o3 +o5 0in wo!/ b an=//nt o11ort!nity 3or brin*in* 1o1/ to*thr a*ain% an*i2in* th5 +o5thin* to thin0 o3 b+i+ tir+o5 1o/itia/

+7!abb/+."

Th aron++ wa+ 2int/y a5bitio!+ o3 r1ro!in* bnath hr own roo3 th 1ai3yin* 33t+ traitiona//y a+rib to th/brat R/ o3 T!//oh*or!5.

"& 5i*ht o +o5thin* on th /in+ o3 'r0 tra*y%" +aiC/o2i+% a3tr ! r3/tion6 "th Rt!rn o3 A*a55non% 3or in+tan."

Th aron++ 3rown.

"It +o!n+ rathr r5ini+nt o3 an /tion r+!/t% o+n<t it>"

"It wa+n<t that +ort o3 rt!rn6" =1/ain C/o2i+ it wa+ a ho59o5in*."

"I tho!*ht yo! +ai it wa+ a tra*y."



"&//% it wa+. H wa+ 0i// in hi+ bathroo5% yo! 0now."

"Oh% now I 0now th +tory% o3 o!r+. o yo! want 5 to ta0 th 1art o3 Char/ott Coray>"

"That<+ a i33rnt +tory an a i33rnt nt!ry%" +ai C/o2i+6"th ra5ati !niti+ 3orbi on to /ay a +n in 5or than onnt!ry at a ti5. Th 0i//in* in thi+ a+ ha+ to b on byC/yt5n+tra."

"Rathr a 1rtty na5. I<// o that 1art. I +!11o+ yo! want to b A*a99what2r hi+ na5 i+>"

"ar no. A*a55non wa+ th 3athr o3 *rown9!1 hi/rn% an 1robab/y wor a bar an /oo0 1r5at!r/y a*. I +ha// b hi+hariotr or bath9attnant% or +o5thin* orati2 o3 that0in. & 5!+t o 2rythin* in th S!5!r!n 5annr% yo! 0now."

"I on<t 0now%" +ai th aron++6 "at /a+t% I +ho!/ 0now bttr i3 yo! wo!/ =1/ain =at/y what yo! 5an by th S!5!r!n 5annr."

C/o2i+ ob/i*? "&ir 5!+i% an =oti +0i11in*+ an 3/yin*/a1+% an /ot+ o3 ra1ry an !nra1ry. :arti!/ar/y!nra1ry."

"I thin0 I to/ yo! th Co!nty ar o5in*. Th Co!nty won<t +tananythin* 2ry 'r0."

"#o! an *t o2r any ob4tion by a//in* it Hy*in% or /i5b9!/t!r% or +o5thin* o3 that +ort. A3tr a//% 2ry on =1o++thir in+i+ to th 1!b/i *a an +y51athy nowaay+% +o why not

on<+ o!t+i>"

"My ar boy% I an a+0 th Co!nty to a 'r0 1/ay% or to ao+t!5 1/ay% b!t to a 'r09o+t!5 1/ay% n2r. It o+n<t oto /t th ra5ati in+tint arry on too 3ar6 on 5!+t on+ir on<+ n2iron5nt. &hn on /i2+ a5on* *ryho!n+ on +ho!/a2oi *i2in* /i39/i0 i5itation+ o3 a rabbit% !n/++ on want<+on<+ ha +na11 o33. R55br% I<2 *ot thi+ 1/a on a +2nyar+< /a+. An thn%" ontin! th aron++% "a+ to +0i11in*+an 3/yin* /a1+6 I 5!+t a+0 E5i/y !+h3or to ta0 a 1art. Sh<+a ar *oo thin*% an wi// o anythin* +h<+ to/% or try to6 b!t

an yo! i5a*in hr oin* a 3/yin* /a1 !nr any ir!5+tan+>"

"Sh an b Ca++anra% an +h n on/y ta0 3/yin* /a1+ intoth 3!t!r% in a 5ta1horia/ +n+."

"Ca++anra6 rathr a 1rtty na5. &hat 0in o3 haratr i+ +h>"

"Sh wa+ a +ort o3 a2an9a*nt 3or a/a5iti+. To 0now hr wa+



to 0now th wor+t. Fort!nat/y 3or th *aity o3 th a* +h/i2 in% no on too0 hr 2ry +rio!+/y. Sti//% it 5!+t ha2 bn 3air/y *a//in* to ha2 hr t!rnin* !1 a3tr 2ry ata+tro1hwith a on+io!+ air o3 <1rha1+ anothr ti5 yo!<// b/i2 whatI +ay.<"

"I +ho!/ ha2 want to 0i// hr."

"A+ C/yt5n+tra I b/i2 yo! *rati3y that 2ry nat!ra/ wi+h."

"Thn it ha+ a ha11y nin*% in +1it o3 it bin* a tra*y>"

"&//% har/y%" +ai C/o2i+6 "yo! +% th +ati+3ation o3 1!ttin*a 2io/nt n to Ca++anra 5!+t ha2 bn on+irab/y a51 byth 3at that +h ha 3orto/ what wa+ *oin* to ha11n to hr.Sh 1robab/y i+ with an intn+/y irritatin* <what9i9I9t//9yo!< +5i/ on hr /i1+. y th way% o3 o!r+ a// th 0i//in*wi// b on in th S!5!r!n 5annr."

":/a+ =1/ain a*ain%" +ai th aron++% ta0in* o!t a notboo0 an 1ni/.

"Litt/ an o3tn% yo! 0now% in+ta o3 on +w1in* b/ow. #o!+% yo! ar at yo!r own ho5% +o thr<+ no n to h!rry o2r th 5!rrin* a+ tho!*h it wr +o5 i+a*rab/ b!t n++ary!ty."

"An what +ort o3 n o I ha2> I 5an% what !rtain o I *t>"

"I +!11o+ yo! r!+h into yo!r /o2r<+ ar5+. That i+ whr on o3 th 3/yin* /a1+ wi// o5 in."

Th *ttin*9!1 an rhar+in* o3 th 1/ay +5 /i0/y to a!+%in a r+trit ara% nar/y a+ 5!h hart9b!rnin* an i//93/in*a+ th /tion 1tition. C/o2i+% a+ aa1tr an +ta*95ana*r%in+i+t% a+ 3ar a+ h wa+ ab/% on th hariotr bin* 7!it th5o+t 1ro5innt haratr in th 1/ay% an hi+ 1anthr9+0in t!nia!+ a/5o+t a+ 5!h tro!b/ an i+!++ion a+ C/yt5n+tra<++1a+5oi +!++ion o3 /o2r+% who bro0 own on 1robation witha/ar5in* !ni3or5ity. &hn th a+t wa+ at /n*th 3i= byonho1 o3 r1ri2 5attr+ wnt +ar/y 5or +5ooth/y. C/o2i+ anth aron++ rathr o2ri th S!5!r!n 5annr% whi/ th r+t o3

th o51any o!/ har/y b +ai to att51t it at a//. A+ 3or Ca++anra% who wa+ =1t to i51ro2i+ hr own 1ro1hi+% +ha11ar to b a+ ina1ab/ o3 ta0in* 3/yin* /a1+ into 3!t!ritya+ o3 =!tin* 5or than a +2r/y 1/anti*ra wa/0 aro++ th+ta*.

"&o@ Tro4an+% wo to Troy@" wa+ th 5o+t in+1ir r5ar0 +ho!/ 1ro! a3tr +2ra/ ho!r+ o3 on+intio!+ +t!y o3 a//



th a2ai/ab/ a!thoriti+.

"It<+ no arth/y !+ 3ort//in* th 3a// o3 Troy%" =1o+t!/atC/o2i+% "ba!+ Troy ha+ 3a//n b3or th ation o3 th 1/ay b*in+. An yo! 5!+tn<t +ay too 5!h abo!t yo!r own i51nin*oo5 ithr% ba!+ that wi// *i2 thin*+ away too 5!h to tha!in."

A3tr +2ra/ 5in!t+ o3 1ain3!/ brain9+arhin*% Ca++anra +5i/ra++!rin*/y.

"I 0now. I<// 1rit a /on* an ha11y ri*n 3or 'or* thFi3th."

"My ar *ir/%" 1rot+t C/o2i+% "ha2 yo! r3/t thatCa++anra +1ia/i in 3ort//in* a/a5iti+>"

Thr wa+ anothr 1ro/on* 1a!+ an anothr tri!51hant i++!.

"I 0now. I<// 3ort// a 5o+t i+a+tro!+ +a+on 3or th3o=ho!n+."

"On no ao!nt%" ntrat C/o2i+6 "o r55br that a//Ca++anra<+ 1rition+ a5 tr!. Th M.F.H. an th H!ntSrtary ar both aw3!//y +!1r+titio!+% an thy ar both *oin*to b 1r+nt."

Ca++anra rtrat ha+ti/y to hr broo5 to% bath hr y+ b3or a11arin* at ta.

Th aron++ an C/o2i+ wr by thi+ ti5 +ar/y on +1a0in*

tr5+. Eah +inr/y wi+h thir r+1ti2 r/ to b th 1i2ot ro!n whih th ntir 1ro!tion +ho!/ r2o/2% an ah/o+t no o11ort!nity 3or 3!rthrin* th a!+ thy ha at hart.A+ 3a+t a+ C/o2i+ intro! +o5 33ti2 bit o3 b!+in++ 3or th hariotr (an h intro! a *rat 5any)% th aron++wo!/ r5or+/++/y !t it o!t% or 5or o3tn o2tai/ it into hr own 1art% whi/ C/o2i+ rta/iat in a +i5i/ar 3a+hion whn2r 1o++ib/. Th /i5a= a5 whn C/yt5n+tra ann= +o5 hi*h/yo51/i5ntary /in+% whih wr to ha2 bn ar++ to thhariotr by a b2y o3 a5irin* 'r0 a5+/+% an 1!t th5 intoth 5o!th o3 hr /o2r. C/o2i+ +too by in a11arnt !nonrn

whi/ th wor+?

"Oh% /o2/y +tri1/in*% raiant a+ th awn%" wr tran+1o+ into?

"Oh% C/yt5n+tra% raiant a+ th awn%" b!t thr wa+ a an*ro!+*/ittr in hi+ y that 5i*ht ha2 *i2n th aron++ warnin*. Hha o51o+ th 2r+ hi5+/3% in+1ir an thoro!*h/y arriaway by hi+ +!b4t6 h +!33r% thr3or% a o!b/ 1an* in



bho/in* hi+ trib!t 3/t 3ro5 it+ +tin ob4t% an hi+wor+ 5!ti/at an twi+t into what ba5 an =tra2a*ant 1an*yri on th aron++<+ 1r+ona/ har5+. It wa+ 3ro5 thi+5o5nt that h ba5 *nt/ an a++i!o!+ in hi+ 1ri2at oahin*o3 Ca++anra.

Th Co!nty% 3or*ttin* it+ i++n+ion+% 5!+tr in 3!// +trn*thto witn++ th 5!h9ta/09o3 1ro!tion. Th 1rotti2:ro2in that /oo0+ a3tr /itt/ hi/rn an a5at!r thatria/+ 5a *oo it+ traitiona/ 1ro5i+ that 2rythin*+ho!/ b ri*ht on th ni*ht. Th aron++ an C/o2i+ +5 toha2 +!n0 thir 5!t!a/ i33rn+% an btwn th5 o5inat th+n to th 1artia/ /i1+ o3 a// th othr haratr+% who% 3or th 5o+t 1art% +5 w// ontnt to r5ain in th +haow. E2nA*a55non% with tn yar+ o3 +trn!o!+ /i3 aro!n Troy +tanin*to hi+ rit% a11ar to b an !nobtr!+i2 1r+ona/ity o51arwith hi+ 3/a5boyant hariotr. !t th 5o5nt a5 3or Ca++anra(who ha bn =!+ 3ro5 any 2ry 3init o!t1o!rin*+ !rin*rhar+a/+) to +!11ort hr r/ by /i2rin* hr+/3 o3 a 3ww//9ho+n antii1ation+ o3 1nin* 5i+3ort!n. Th 5!+iian+ob/i* with a11ro1riat/y /!*!brio!+ wai/in*+ an th!51in*+% anth aron++ +i th o11ort!nity to 5a0 a a+h to thr++in*9roo5 to 33t rtain r1air+ in hr 5a09!1.Ca++anra% nr2o!+ b!t r+o/!t% a5 own to th 3oot/i*ht+ an%/i0 on r1atin* a ar3!//y /arn /++on% 3/!n* hr r5ar0++trai*ht at th a!in?

"I + wo 3or thi+ 3air o!ntry i3 th broo o3 orr!1t% +/39+0in*% !n+r!1!/o!+% !n1rini1/ 1o/itiian+ " (hr +h na5on o3 th two ri2a/ 1arti+ in th Stat) "ontin! to in3+t an 1oi+on o!r /oa/ o!ni/+ an !nr5in o!r :ar/ia5ntary

r1r+ntation6 i3 thy ontin! to +nath 2ot+ by n3ario!+ ani+ritab/ 5an+99"

A h!55in* a+ o3 a *rat hi2 o3 bwi/r an a33ront b+rown hr 3!rthr r5ar0+ an wor own th ronin* o3 th5!+iian+. Th aron++% who +ho!/ ha2 bn *rt on hr rt!rn to th +ta* with th 1/a+in* in2oation% "Oh%C/yt5n+tra% raiant a+ th awn%" har in+ta th i51rio!+2oi o3 Lay Thi+t/a/ orrin* hr arria*% an +o5thin*/i0 a +tor5 o3 o1n i+or *oin* on at th ba0 o3 th roo5.

. . . . . . . . .

Th +oia/ i2i+ion+ in th Co!nty ha/ th5+/2+ a3tr thir own 3a+hion6 both 1arti+ 3o!n o55on *ro!n in on5nin* tharon++<+ o!tra*o!+/y ba ta+t an tat/++n++.

Sh ha+ bn 3ort!nat in +!b9/ttin* 3or th *ratr 1art o3 hr +2n yar+< /a+.



THE :EACE OF MO&SLE ARTON

Cr3ton Lo0yr +at at hi+ a+% an a+ a/i0 o3 boy an +o!/%in th /itt/ 1ath o3 *ro!n% ha/39orhar an ha/39*arn% thatab!tt on th 3ar5yar at Mow+/ arton. A3tr th +tr++ annoi+ o3 /on* yar+ o3 ity /i3% th r1o+ an 1a o3 thhi//9b*irt ho5+ta +tr!0 on hi+ +n++ with an a/5o+t ra5atiintn+ity. Ti5 an +1a +5 to /o+ thir 5anin* an thir abr!1tn++6 th 5in!t+ +/i away into ho!r+% an th 5aow+ an3a//ow+ +/o1 away into 5i/ i+tan% +o3t/y ani51r1tib/y. &i/ w+ o3 th h*row +tra**/ into th3/owr9*arn% an wa//3/owr+ an *arn b!+h+ 5a o!ntr9rai+ into 3ar5yar an /an. S/1y9/oo0in* hn+ an +o/5n 1ro!1i !0+ wr 7!a//y at ho5 in yar% orhar% or roaway6 nothin* +5 to b/on* 3init/y to anywhr6 2n th*at+ wr not n++ari/y to b 3o!n on thir hin*+. An o2r th who/ +n broo th +n+ o3 a 1a that ha a/5o+t a7!a/ity o3 5a*i in it. In th a3trnoon yo! 3/t that it haa/way+ bn a3trnoon% an 5!+t a/way+ r5ain a3trnoon6 in thtwi/i*ht yo! 0nw that it o!/ n2r ha2 bn anythin* /+ b!ttwi/i*ht. Cr3ton Lo0yr +at at hi+ a+ in th r!+ti +at bnath an o/ 5/ar tr% an i that hr wa+ th /i39anhora* that hi+ 5in ha +o 3on/y 1it!r an that /attr/yhi+ tir an 4arr +n++ ha +o o3tn 1in 3or. H wo!/ 5a0a 1r5annt /o*in*91/a a5on* th+ +i51/ 3rin/y 1o1/%

*ra!a//y inra+in* th 5o+t o53ort+ with whih h wo!/ /i0to +!rro!n hi5+/3% b!t 3a//in* in a+ 5!h a+ 1o++ib/ with thir 5annr o3 /i2in*.

A+ h +/ow/y 5at!r thi+ r+o/!tion in hi+ 5in an /r/y wo5ana5 hobb/in* with !nrtain *ait thro!*h th orhar. Hro*ni hr a+ a 55br o3 th 3ar5 ho!+ho/% th 5othr or 1o++ib/y th 5othr9in9/aw o3 Mr+. S1!r3i/% hi+ 1r+nt/an/ay% an ha+ti/y 3or5!/at +o5 1/a+ant r5ar0 to 5a0 tohr. Sh 3or+ta// hi5.

"Thr<+ a bit o3 writin* ha/0 !1 on th oor o2r yonr.&hat i+ it>"

Sh +1o0 in a !// i51r+ona/ 5annr% a+ tho!*h th 7!+tion ha bn on hr /i1+ 3or yar+ an ha b+t b *ot ri o3. Hr y+%how2r% /oo0 i51atint/y o2r Cr3ton<+ ha at th oor o3 a+5a// barn whih 3or5 th o!t1o+t o3 a +tra**/in* /in o3 3ar5 b!i/in*+.



"Martha :i//a5on i+ an o/ with " wa+ th anno!n5nt that 5tCr3ton<+ in7!irin* +r!tiny% an h h+itat a 5o5nt b3or*i2in* th +tat5nt wir 1!b/iity. For a// h 0nw to thontrary% it 5i*ht b Martha hr+/3 to who5 h wa+ +1a0in*. Itwa+ 1o++ib/ that Mr+. S1!r3i/<+ 5ain na5 ha bn :i//a5on.An th *a!nt% withr o/ a5 at hi+ +i 5i*ht rtain/y3!/3i/ /oa/ onition+ a+ to th o!twar a+1t o3 a with.

"It<+ +o5thin* abo!t +o5 on a// Martha :i//a5on%" h=1/ain a!tio!+/y.

"&hat o+ it +ay>"

"It<+ 2ry i+r+1t3!/%" +ai Cr3ton6 "it +ay+ +h<+ a with.S!h thin*+ o!*ht not to b writtn !1."

"It<+ tr!% 2ry wor o3 it%" +ai hi+ /i+tnr with on+irab/+ati+3ation% ain* a+ a +1ia/ +ri1ti2 not o3 hr own%"th o/ toa."

An a+ +h hobb/ away thro!*h th 3ar5yar +h +hri// o!t inhr ra0 2oi% "Martha :i//a5on i+ an o/ with@"

"i yo! har what +h +ai>" 5!5b/ a wa0% an*ry 2oi+o5whr bhin Cr3ton<+ +ho!/r. T!rnin* ha+ti/y% h bh/anothr o/ ron% thin an y//ow an wrin0/% an 2int/y ina hi*h +tat o3 i+1/a+!r. Ob2io!+/y thi+ wa+ Martha :i//a5onin 1r+on. Th orhar +5 to b a 3a2o!rit 1ro5na 3or tha* wo5n o3 th ni*hbo!rhoo.

"<Ti+ /i+% <ti+ +in3!/ /i+%" th wa0 2oi wnt on. "<Ti+t+y Croot i+ th o/ with. Sh an< hr a!*htr% th irtyrat. I<// 1!t a +1// on <5% th o/ n!i+an+."

A+ +h /i51 +/ow/y away hr y a!*ht th ha/0 in+ri1tion onth barn oor.

"&hat<+ writtn !1 thr>" +h 5an% wh/in* ro!n onCr3ton.

"Vot 3or Soar0r%" h r+1on% with th ra2n bo/n++ o3 th

1rati+ 1a5a0r.

Th o/ wo5an *r!nt% an hr 5!ttrin*+ an hr 3a r +haw//o+t th5+/2+ *ra!a//y a5on* th tr9tr!n0+. Cr3ton ro+ 1r+nt/y an 5a hi+ way towar+ th 3ar59ho!+. So5how a *ooa/ o3 th 1a +5 to ha2 +/i11 o!t o3 th at5o+1hr.

Th hry b!+t/ o3 ta9ti5 in th o/ 3ar5 0ithn% whih



Cr3ton ha 3o!n +o a*rab/ on 1r2io!+ a3trnoon+% +5 toha2 +o!r to9ay into a rtain !na+y 5/anho/y. Thr wa+ a!//% ra**in* +i/n aro!n th boar% an th ta it+/3% whnCr3ton a5 to ta+t it% wa+ a 3/at% /!0war5 onotion thatwo!/ ha2 ri2n th +1irit o3 r2/ry o!t o3 a arni2a/.

"It<+ no !+ o51/ainin* o3 th ta%" +ai Mr+. S1!r3i/ ha+ti/y%a+ hr *!+t +tar with an air o3 1o/it in7!iry at hi+ !1."Th 0tt/ won<t boi/% that<+ th tr!th o3 it."

Cr3ton t!rn to th harth% whr an !n!+!a//y 3ir 3ir wa+ ban0 !1 !nr a bi* b/a0 0tt/% whih +nt a thin wrath o3 +ta5 3ro5 it+ +1o!t% b!t +5 othrwi+ to i*nor th ation o3 th roarin* b/a bnath it.

"It<+ bn thr 5or than an ho!r% an< boi/ it won<t%" +ai Mr+.S1!r3i/% ain*% by way o3 o51/t =1/anation% "w<r bwith."

"It<+ Martha :i//a5on a+ ha+ on it%" hi5 in th o/ 5othr6"I<// b 2n with th o/ toa. I<// 1!t a +1// on hr."

"It 5!+t boi/ in ti5%" 1rot+t Cr3ton% i*norin* th+!**+tion+ o3 3o!/ in3/!n+. ":rha1+ th oa/ i+ a51."

"It won<t boi/ in ti5 3or +!11r% nor 3or bra03a+t to95orrow5ornin*% not i3 yo! wa+ to 01 th 3ir a9*oin* a// ni*ht 3or it%" +ai Mr+. S1!r3i/. An it in<t. Th ho!+ho/ +!b+i+ton 3ri an ba0 i+h+% an a ni*hbo!r ob/i*in*/y brw taan +nt it aro++ in a 5orat/y war5 onition.

"I +!11o+ yo!<// b /a2in* !+% now that thin*+ ha+ t!rn !1!no53ortab/%" Mr+. S1!r3i/ ob+r2 at bra03a+t6 "thr ar3o/0+ a+ +rt+ on a+ +oon a+ tro!b/ o5+."

Cr3ton h!rri/y i+/ai5 any i55iat han* o3 1/an+6 hob+r2% how2r% to hi5+/3 that th ar/ir hartin++ o3 5annr ha in a /ar* 5a+!r +rt th ho!+ho/. S!+1iio!+/oo0+% +!/0y +i/n+% or +har1 +1h+ ha bo5 th orr o3 th ay. A+ 3or th o/ 5othr% +h +at abo!t th 0ithn or th*arn a// ay% 5!r5!rin* thrat+ an +1//+ a*ain+t Martha:i//a5on. Thr wa+ +o5thin* a/i0 trri3yin* an 1ito!+ in th

+1ta/ o3 th+ 3rai/ o/ 5or+/+ o3 h!5anity on+ratin*thir /a+t 3/i0rin* nr*i+ to th ta+0 o3 5a0in* ah othr wrth. Hatr +5 to b th on 3a!/ty whih ha +!r2i2in !ni5ini+h 2i*o!r an intn+ity whr a// /+ wa+ ro11in*into orr an +y55tria/ ay. An th !nanny 1art o3 itwa+ that +o5 horri !nwho/+o5 1owr +5 to b i+ti// 3ro5thir +1it an thir !r+in*+. No a5o!nt o3 +1tia/=1/anation o!/ r5o2 th !no!bt 3at that nithr 0tt/



nor +a!1an wo!/ o5 to boi/in*91oint o2r th hott+t 3ir.Cr3ton /!n* a+ /on* a+ 1o++ib/ to th thory o3 +o5 3t inth oa/+% b!t a woo 3ir *a2 th +a5 r+!/t% an whn a +5a//+1irit9/a51 0tt/% whih h orr o!t by arrir% +how th+a5 ob+tinat r3!+a/ to a//ow it+ ontnt+ to boi/ h 3/t thath ha o5 +!n/y into ontat with +o5 !n*!++9at an 2ry2i/ a+1t o3 hin 3or+. Mi/+ away% own thro!*h an o1nin*in th hi//+% h o!/ ath */i51++ o3 a roa whr 5otor9ar++o5ti5+ 1a++% an yt hr% +o /itt/ r5o2 3ro5 thartri+ o3 th /at+t i2i/iation% wa+ a bat9ha!nt o/ho5+ta% whr +o5thin* !n5i+ta0ab/y /i0 withra3t +5 toho/ a 2ry 1ratia/ +way.

:a++in* o!t thro!*h th 3ar5 *arn on hi+ way to th /an+ byon% whr h ho1 to ra1t!r th o53ortab/ +n+ o3 1a3!/n++ that wa+ +o /a0in* aro!n ho!+ an harth99+1ia//y harth99Cr3ton a5 aro++ th o/ 5othr% +ittin*5!5b/in* to hr+/3 in th +at bnath th 5/ar tr. "Lt !n+in0 a+ +wi5+% /t !n +in0 a+ +wi5+%" +h wa+% r1atin* o2r ano2r a*ain% a+ a hi/ r1at+ a ha/39/arn /++on. An now anthn +h wo!/ bra0 o33 into a +hri// /a!*h% with a not o3 5a/i in it that wa+ not 1/a+ant to har. Cr3ton wa+ */a whnh 3o!n hi5+/3 o!t o3 ar+hot% in th 7!it an +/!+ion o3 th1 o2r*rown /an+ that +5 to /a away to nowhr6 on%narrowr an 1r than th r+t% attrat hi+ 3oot+t1+% an hwa+ a/5o+t annoy whn h 3o!n that it ra//y i at a+ a5iniat!r roaway to a h!5an w//in*. A 3or/orn9/oo0in* otta*with a +ra1 o3 i//9tn abba* *arn an a 3w a* a11/tr+ +too at an an*/ whr a +wi3t 3/owin* +tra5 win o!t3or a +1a into a nt +i 1on b3or h!rryin* away a*ainthro!*h th wi//ow+ that ha h0 it+ o!r+. Cr3ton /an

a*ain+t a tr9tr!n0 an /oo0 aro++ th +wir/in* i+ o3 th 1on at th h!5b/ /itt/ ho5+ta o11o+it hi56 th on/y +i*n o3 /i3 a5 3ro5 a +5a// 1ro++ion o3 in*y9/oo0in* !0+ that5arh in +in*/ 3i/ own to th watr<+ *. Thr i+ a/way++o5thin* rathr ta0in* in th way a !0 han*+ it+/3 in anin+tant 3ro5 a +/ow% /!5+y wa/r o3 th arth to a *ra3!/% b!oyant +wi55r o3 th watr+% an Cr3ton wait with a rtainarr+t attntion to wath th /ar o3 th 3i/ /a!nh it+/3 on to th +!r3a o3 th 1on. H wa+ awar at th +a5 ti5 o3 a!rio!+ warnin* in+tint that +o5thin* +tran* an !n1/a+ant wa+abo!t to ha11n. Th !0 3/!n* it+/3 on3int/y 3orwar into

th watr% an ro// i55iat/y !nr th +!r3a. It+ haa11ar 3or a 5o5nt an wnt !nr a*ain% /a2in* a train o3 b!bb/+ in it+ wa0% whi/ win*+ an /*+ h!rn th watr in ah/1/++ +wir/ o3 3/a11in* an 0i0in*. Th bir wa+ ob2io!+/yrownin*. Cr3ton tho!*ht at 3ir+t that it ha a!*ht it+/3 in+o5 w+% or wa+ bin* atta0 3ro5 b/ow by a 1i0 or watr9rat. !t no b/oo 3/oat to th +!r3a% an th wi//y bobbin* boy 5a th ir!it o3 th 1on !rrnt witho!t hinran 3ro5



any ntan*/5nt. A +on !0 ha by thi+ ti5 /a!nh it+/3 into th 1on% an a +on +tr!**/in* boy ro// an twi+t!nr th +!r3a. Thr wa+ +o5thin* 1!/iar/y 1ito!+ in th+i*ht o3 th *a+1in* ba0+ that +how now an a*ain abo2 thwatr% a+ tho!*h in trri3i 1rot+t at thi+ trahry o3 atr!+t an 3a5i/iar /5nt. Cr3ton *a with +o5thin* /i0horror a+ a thir !0 1oi+ it+/3 on th ban0 an +1/a+h in%to +har th 3at o3 th othr two. H 3/t a/5o+t r/i2 whnth r5ainr o3 th 3/o0% ta0in* tary a/ar5 3ro5 th o55otiono3 th +/ow/y rownin* boi+% rw th5+/2+ !1 with tn+o!t+trth n0+% an +i/ away 3ro5 th +n o3 an*r%7!a0in* a 1 not o3 i+7!it! a+ thy wnt. At th +a55o5nt Cr3ton ba5 awar that h wa+ not th on/y h!5an witn++o3 th +n6 a bnt an withr o/ wo5an% who5 h ro*ni aton a+ Martha :i//a5on% o3 +ini+tr r1!tation% ha /i51 ownth otta* 1ath to th watr<+ *% an wa+ *ain* 3i=/y atth *r!+o5 whir/i*i* o3 yin* bir+ that wnt in horrib/ 1ro++ion ro!n th 1oo/. :r+nt/y hr 2oi ran* o!t in a+hri// not o3 7!a2rin* ra*?

"<Ti+ t+y Croot aon it% th o/ rat I<// 1!t a +1// on hr%+ i3 I on<t."

Cr3ton +/i11 7!it/y away% !nrtain whthr or no th o/wo5an ha noti hi+ 1r+n. E2n b3or +h ha 1ro/ai5th *!i/tin++ o3 t+y Croot% th /attr<+ 5!ttr inantation"Lt !n +in0 a+ +wi5+ " ha 3/a+h !no53ortab/y aro++ hi+ 5in.!t it wa+ th 3ina/ thrat o3 a rta/iatory +1// whih rowhi+ 5in with 5i+*i2in* to th =/!+ion o3 a// othr tho!*ht+ or 3ani+. Hi+ ra+onin* 1owr+ o!/ no /on*r a33or to i+5i++th+ o/9wi2+< thrat+ a+ 51ty bi0rin*+. Th ho!+ho/ at

Mow+/ arton /ay !nr th i+1/a+!r o3 a 2initi2 o/ wo5anwho +5 ab/ to 5atria/i hr 1r+ona/ +1it+ in a 2ry 1ratia/ 3a+hion% an thr wa+ no +ayin* what 3or5 hr r2n*3or thr rown !0+ 5i*ht not ta0. A+ a 55br o3 thho!+ho/ Cr3ton 5i*ht 3in hi5+/3 in2o/2 in +o5 *nra/ anhi*h/y i+a*rab/ 2i+itation o3 Martha :i//a5on<+ wrath. O3 o!r+ h 0nw that h wa+ *i2in* way to ab+!r 3ani+% b!t th bha2io!r o3 th +1irit9/a51 0tt/ an th +!b+7!nt +n atth 1on ha on+irab/y !nnr2 hi5. An th 2a*!n++ o3 hi+a/ar5 a to it+ trror+6 whn on yo! ha2 ta0n thI51o++ib/ into yo!r a/!/ation+ it+ 1o++ibi/iti+ bo5

1ratia//y /i5it/++.

Cr3ton ro+ at hi+ !+!a/ ar/y ho!r th n=t 5ornin*% a3tr ono3 th /a+t r+t3!/ ni*ht+ h ha +1nt at th 3ar5. Hi++har1n +n++ 7!i0/y tt that +!bt/ at5o+1hr o3 thin*+9bin*9not9a/to*thr w// that han*+ o2r a +tri0nho!+ho/. Th ow+ ha bn 5i/0% b!t thy +too h!/ abo!tin th yar% waitin* i51atint/y to b ri2n o!t a3i/% an th



1o!/try 01t !1 an i51ort!nat 7!r!/o!+ r5inr o3 3rr3in*9ti56 th yar 1!51% whih !+!a//y 5a i+orant 5!+iat 3r7!nt intr2a/+ !rin* th ar/y 5ornin*% wa+ to9ayo5ino!+/y +i/nt. In th ho!+ it+/3 thr wa+ a o5in* an*oin* o3 +!ttrin* 3oot+t1+% a r!+hin* an yin* away o3 h!rri2oi+% an /on*% !na+y +ti//n+++. Cr3ton 3ini+h hi+r++in* an 5a hi+ way to th ha o3 a narrow +taira+. Ho!/ har a !//% o51/ainin* 2oi% a 2oi into whih an awh!+h ha r1t% an ro*ni th +1a0r a+ Mr+. S1!r3i/.

"H<// *o away% 3or +!r%" th 2oi wa+ +ayin*6 "thr ar tho+a+ r!n+ away 3ro5 on a+ +oon a+ ra/ 5i+3ort!n +how+ it+/3."

Cr3ton 3/t that h 1robab/y wa+ on o3 "tho+%" an that thrwr 5o5nt+ whn it wa+ a2i+ab/ to b tr! to ty1.

H r1t ba0 to hi+ roo5% o//t an 1a0 hi+ 3w b/on*in*+% 1/a th 5ony ! 3or hi+ /o*in*+ on a tab/% an5a hi+ way o!t by a ba0 oor into th yar. A 5ob o3 1o!/try+!r* =1tant/y towar+ hi56 +ha0in* o33 thir intr+tattntion+ h h!rri a/on* !nr o2r o3 ow+ta//% 1i**ry% anhayri0+ ti// h rah th /an at th ba0 o3 th 3ar5. A 3w5in!t+< wa/0% whih on/y th b!rn o3 hi+ 1ort5anta!=r+train 3ro5 2/o1in* into an !ni+*!i+ r!n% bro!*ht hi5 toa 5ain roa% whr th ar/y arrir +oon o2rtoo0 hi5 an +1hi5 onwar to th ni*hbo!rin* town. At a bn o3 th roa ha!*ht a /a+t */i51+ o3 th 3ar56 th o/ *ab/ roo3+ anthath barn+% th +tra**/in* orhar% an th 5/ar tr% withit+ woon +at% +too o!t with an a/5o+t +1tra/ /arn++ inth ar/y 5ornin* /i*ht% an o2r it a// broo that air o3 5a*i 1o++++ion whih Cr3ton ha on 5i+ta0n 3or 1a.

Th b!+t/ an roar o3 :ain*ton Station +5ot on hi+ ar+ with aw/o5 1rotti2 *rtin*.

"Vry ba 3or o!r nr2+% a// thi+ r!+h an h!rry%" +ai a 3//ow9tra2//r6 "*i2 5 th 1a an 7!it o3 th o!ntry."

Cr3ton 5nta//y +!rrnr hi+ +har o3 th +ir o55oity.A row% bri//iant/y o2r9/i*ht 5!+i9ha//% whr an =!brantrnrin* o3 ",P,Q" wa+ bin* *i2n by a +trn!o!+ orh+tra% a5nar+t to hi+ ia/ o3 a nr2 +ati2.

THE TALKIN'9OUT OF TARRIN'TON



"Ha2n+@" =/ai5 th a!nt o3 C/o2i+% "hr<+ +o5 on I 0now barin* own on !+. I an<t r55br hi+ na5% b!t h /!nhwith !+ on in Town. Tarrin*ton99y+% that<+ it. H<+ har o3 th 1ini I<5 *i2in* 3or th :rin++% an h<// /in* to 5 /i0a /i3b/t ti// I *i2 hi5 an in2itation6 thn h<// a+0 i3 h 5ay brin* a// hi+ wi2+ an 5othr+ an +i+tr+ with hi5. That<+ thwor+t o3 th+ +5a// watrin*91/a+6 on an<t +a1 3ro5anyboy."

"I<// 3i*ht a rar*!ar ation 3or yo! i3 yo! /i0 to o a bo/tnow%" 2o/!ntr C/o2i+6 "yo!<2 a /ar tn yar+ +tart i3 yo!on<t /o+ ti5."

Th a!nt o3 C/o2i+ r+1on *a5/y to th +!**+tion% an h!rnaway /i0 a Ni/ +ta5r% with a /on* brown ri11/ o3 :0in*++1ani/ trai/in* in hr wa0.

":rtn yo! on<t 0now hi5%" wa+ hr 1artin* a2i% tin* withth r0/++ o!ra* o3 th non9o5batant.

Th n=t 5o5nt th o2rt!r+ o3 an a33ab/y i+1o+ *nt/5anwr bin* ri2 by C/o2i+ with a "+i/nt9!1on9a91a09in9arin" +tar whih not an ab+n o3 a// 1r2io!+a7!aintan with th ob4t +r!tini.

"I =1t yo! on<t 0now 5 with 5y 5o!+tah%" +ai th nw9o5r6 "I<2 on/y *rown it !rin* th /a+t two 5onth+."

"On th ontrary%" +ai C/o2i+% "th 5o!+tah i+ th on/y thin*abo!t yo! that +5 3a5i/iar to 5. I 3/t rtain that I ha5t it +o5whr b3or."

"My na5 i+ Tarrin*ton%" r+!5 th aniat 3or ro*nition.

"A 2ry !+3!/ 0in o3 na5%" +ai C/o2i+6 "with a na5 o3 that+ort no on wo!/ b/a5 yo! i3 yo! i nothin* in 1arti!/ar hroi or r5ar0ab/% wo!/ thy> An yt i3 yo! wr to rai+ atroo1 o3 /i*ht hor+ in a 5o5nt o3 nationa/ 5r*ny%<Tarrin*ton<+ Li*ht Hor+< wo!/ +o!n 7!it a11ro1riat an 1!/+97!i0nin*6 whra+ i3 yo! wr a// S1oo1in% 3or in+tan% th thin* wo!/ b o!t o3 th 7!+tion. No on% 2n ina 5o5nt o3 nationa/ 5r*ny% o!/ 1o++ib/y b/on* to S1oo1in<+

Hor+."

Th nw9o5r +5i/ wa0/y% a+ on who i+ not to b 1!t o33 by5r 3/i11any% an b*an a*ain with 1atint 1r+i+tn?

"I thin0 yo! o!*ht to r55br 5y na599"

"I +ha//%" +ai C/o2i+% with an air o3 i55n+ +inrity. "My



a!nt wa+ a+0in* 5 on/y thi+ 5ornin* to +!**+t na5+ 3or 3o!r yo!n* ow/+ +h<+ 4!+t ha +nt hr a+ 1t+. I +ha// a// th5 a//Tarrin*ton6 thn i3 on or two o3 th5 i or 3/y away% or /a2!+ in any o3 th way+ that 1t ow/+ ar 1ron to% thr wi// ba/way+ on or two /3t to arry on yo!r na5. An 5y a!nt won<tLET 5 3or*t it6 +h wi// a/way+ b a+0in* <Ha2 th Tarrin*ton+ha thir 5i>< an 7!+tion+ o3 that +ort. Sh +ay+ i3 yo! 01wi/ rat!r+ in a1ti2ity yo! o!*ht to + a3tr thir want+%an o3 o!r+ +h<+ 7!it ri*ht thr."

"I 5t yo! at /!nhon at yo!r a!nt<+ ho!+ on99" bro0 in Mr.Tarrin*ton% 1a/ b!t +ti// r+o/!t.

"My a!nt n2r /!nh+%" +ai C/o2i+6 "+h b/on*+ to th Nationa/Anti9L!nhon La*!% whih i+ oin* 7!it a /ot o3 *oo wor0 in a7!it% !nobtr!+i2 way. A +!b+ri1tion o3 ha/3 a rown 1r 7!artr ntit/+ yo! to *o witho!t ninty9two /!nhon+."

"Thi+ 5!+t b +o5thin* nw%" =/ai5 Tarrin*ton.

"It<+ th +a5 a!nt that I<2 a/way+ ha%" +ai C/o2i+ o//y.

"I 1r3t/y w// r55br 5tin* yo! at a /!nhon91arty *i2n by yo!r a!nt%" 1r+i+t Tarrin*ton% who wa+ b*innin* to 3/!+h an!nha/thy +ha o3 5ott/ 1in0.

"&hat wa+ thr 3or /!nh>" a+0 C/o2i+.

"Oh% w//% I on<t r55br that99"

"How ni o3 yo! to r55br 5y a!nt whn yo! an no /on*r ra//

th na5+ o3 th thin*+ yo! at. Now 5y 55ory wor0+ 7!iti33rnt/y. I an r55br a 5n! /on* a3tr I<2 3or*ottn thho+t++ that ao51ani it. &hn I wa+ +2n yar+ o/ Iro//t bin* *i2n a 1ah at a *arn91arty by +o5 !h++ or othr6 I an<t r55br a thin* abo!t hr% =1t that I i5a*ino!r a7!aintan 5!+t ha2 bn o3 th +/i*ht+t% a+ +h a// 5a <ni /itt/ boy%< b!t I ha2 !n3ain* 55ori+ o3 that 1ah.It wa+ on o3 tho+ =!brant 1ah+ that 5t yo! ha/3way% +o to+1a0% an ar a// o2r yo! in a 5o5nt. It wa+ a ba!ti3!/!n+1oi/ 1ro!t o3 a hotho!+% an yt it 5ana* 7!it+!++3!//y to *i2 it+/3 th air+ o3 a o51ot. #o! ha to

bit it an i5bib it at th +a5 ti5. To 5 thr ha+ a/way+ bn +o5thin* har5in* an 5y+ti in th tho!*ht o3 that /iat2/2t */ob o3 3r!it% +/ow/y ri1nin* an war5in* to 1r3tionthro!*h th /on* +!55r ay+ an 1r3!5 ni*ht+% an thn o5in*+!n/y athwart 5y /i3 in th +!1r5 5o5nt o3 it+ =i+tn.I an n2r 3or*t it% 2n i3 I wi+h to. An whn I ha2o!r a// that wa+ ib/ o3 it% thr +ti// r5ain th+ton% whih a h/++% tho!*ht/++ hi/ wo!/ o!bt/++ ha2



thrown away6 I 1!t it own th n0 o3 a yo!n* 3rin who wa+warin* a 2ry COLLET +ai/or +!it. I to/ hi5 it wa+ a+or1ion% an 3ro5 th way h wri**/ an +ra5 h 2int/y b/i2 it% tho!*h whr th +i//y 0i i5a*in I o!/ 1ro!r a/i2 +or1ion at a *arn91arty I on<t 0now. A/to*thr% that 1ah i+ 3or 5 an !n3ain* an ha11y 55ory99"

Th 3at Tarrin*ton ha by thi+ ti5 rtrat o!t o3 ar9+hot% o53ortin* hi5+/3 a+ b+t h 5i*ht with th r3/tion thata 1ini whih in/! th 1r+n o3 C/o2i+ 5i*ht 1ro2 ao!bt3!//y a*rab/ =1rin.

"I +ha// rtain/y *o in 3or a :ar/ia5ntary arr%" +ai C/o2i+to hi5+/3 a+ h t!rn o51/ant/y to r4oin hi+ a!nt. "A+ ata/0r9o!t o3 inon2nint bi//+ I +ho!/ b in2a/!ab/."

THE HOUNS OF FATE

In th 3ain* /i*ht o3 a /o+ !// a!t!5n a3trnoon Martin Stonr 1/o hi+ way a/on* 5!y /an+ an r!t9+a5 art tra0+ that/ h 0nw not =at/y whithr. So5whr in 3ront o3 hi5% h3ani% /ay th +a% an towar+ th +a hi+ 3oot+t1+ +5 1r+i+tnt/y t!rnin*6 why h wa+ +tr!**/in* wari/y 3orwar tothat *oa/ h o!/ +ar/y ha2 =1/ain% !n/++ h wa+ 1o++++ by th +a5 in+tint that t!rn+ a har91r++ +ta*/i33war in it+ /a+t =tr5ity. In hi+ a+ th ho!n+ o3 Fat

wr rtain/y 1r++in* hi5 with !nr/ntin* in+i+tn6 h!n*r%3ati*!% an +1airin* ho1/++n++ ha n!5b hi+ brain% an ho!/ +ar/y +!55on +!33iint nr*y to wonr what !nr/yin*i51!/+ wa+ ri2in* hi5 onwar. Stonr wa+ on o3 tho+!n3ort!nat ini2i!a/+ who +5 to ha2 tri 2rythin*6 anat!ra/ +/oth3!/n++ an i51ro2in ha a/way+ intr2n to b/i*ht any han o3 2n 5orat +!++% an now h wa+ at thn o3 hi+ tthr% an thr wa+ nothin* 5or to try. +1rationha not awa0n in hi5 any or5ant r+r2 o3 nr*y6 on thontrary% a 5nta/ tor1or *rw !1 ro!n th ri+i+ o3 hi+3ort!n+. &ith th /oth+ h +too !1 in% a ha/31nny in hi+

1o0t% an no +in*/ 3rin or a7!aintan to t!rn to% with no 1ro+1t ithr o3 a b 3or th ni*ht or a 5a/ 3or th 5orrow%Martin Stonr tr!* +to/i/y 3orwar% btwn 5oi+t h*row+an bnath ri11in* tr+% hi+ 5in a/5o+t a b/an0% =1t thath wa+ +!bon+io!+/y awar that +o5whr in 3ront o3 hi5 /ay th+a. Anothr on+io!+n++ obtr! it+/3 now an thn99th0now/* that h wa+ 5i+rab/y h!n*ry. :r+nt/y h a5 to aha/t by an o1n *atway that / into a +1aio!+ an rathr



n*/t 3ar59*arn6 thr wa+ /itt/ +i*n o3 /i3 abo!t% anth 3ar59ho!+ at th 3!rthr n o3 th *arn /oo0 hi// aninho+1itab/. A ri/in* rain% how2r% wa+ +ttin* in% anStonr tho!*ht that hr 1rha1+ h 5i*ht obtain a 3w 5in!t+<+h/tr an b!y a */a++ o3 5i/0 with hi+ /a+t r5ainin* oin. Ht!rn +/ow/y an wari/y into th *arn an 3o//ow a narrow%3/a** 1ath !1 to a +i oor. 3or h ha ti5 to 0no0 thoor o1n an a bnt% withr9/oo0in* o/ 5an +too a+i inth oorway a+ tho!*h to /t hi5 1a++ in.

"Co!/ I o5 in o!t o3 th rain>" Stonr b*an% b!t th o/ 5anintrr!1t hi5.

"Co5 in% Ma+tr To5. I 0nw yo! wo!/ o5 ba0 on o3 th+ay+."

Stonr /!rh aro++ th thr+ho/ an +too +tarin*!no51rhnin*/y at th othr.

"Sit own whi/ I 1!t yo! o!t a bit o3 +!11r%" +ai th o/ 5anwith 7!a2rin* a*rn++. Stonr<+ /*+ *a2 way 3ro5 2rywarin++% an h +an0 inrt/y into th ar59hair that ha bn 1!+h !1 to hi5. In anothr 5in!t h wa+ 2o!rin* th o/5at% h+% an bra% that ha bn 1/a on th tab/ at hi++i.

"#o!<5 /itt/ han* th+ 3o!r yar+%" wnt on th o/ 5an% in a2oi that +o!n to Stonr a+ +o5thin* in a ra5% 3ar away aninon+7!nt6 "b!t yo!<// 3in !+ a a/ han*% yo! wi//.Thr<+ no on abo!t th 1/a +a5 a+ whn yo! /3t6 no!*ht b!t5 an yo!r o/ A!nt. I<// *o an t// hr that yo!<5 o56 +h

won<t b +in* yo!% b!t +h<// /t yo! +tay ri*ht no!*h. Sha/way+ i +ay i3 yo! wa+ to o5 ba0 yo! +ho!/ +tay% b!t +h<n2r +t y+ on yo! or +1a0 to yo! a*ain."

Th o/ 5an 1/a a 5!* o3 br on th tab/ in 3ront o3 Stonr an thn hobb/ away own a /on* 1a++a*. Th ri/ o3 rainha han* to a 3!rio!+ /a+hin* own1o!r% whih bat 2io/nt/ya*ain+t oor an winow+. Th wanrr tho!*ht with a +h!r o3 what th +a9+hor 5!+t /oo0 /i0 !nr thi+ rnhin* rain3a//%with ni*ht batin* own on a// +i+. H 3ini+h th 3oo an br an +at n!5b/y waitin* 3or th rt!rn o3 hi+ +tran* ho+t.

A+ th 5in!t+ ti0 by on th *ran3athr /o0 in th ornr anw ho1 b*an to 3/i0r an *row in th yo!n* 5an<+ 5in6 it wa+5r/y th =1an+ion o3 hi+ 3or5r ra2in* 3or 3oo an a 3w5in!t+< r+t into a /on*in* to 3in a ni*ht<+ +h/tr !nr thi++5in*/y ho+1itab/ roo3. A /attrin* o3 3oot+t1+ own th 1a++a* hra/ th o/ 3ar5 +r2ant<+ rt!rn.

"Th o/ 5i++!+ won<t + yo!% Ma+tr To5% b!t +h +ay+ yo! ar to



+tay. <Ti+ ri*ht no!*h% +in* th 3ar5 wi// b yo!r+ whn +h b 1!t !nr arth. I<2 ha a 3ir /it in yo!r roo5% Ma+tr To5%an th 5ai+ ha+ 1!t 3r+h +ht+ on to th b. #o!<// 3inno!*ht han* !1 thr. Mayb yo!<5 tir an wo!/ /i0 to *othr now."

&itho!t a wor Martin Stonr ro+ ha2i/y to hi+ 3t an 3o//owhi+ 5ini+trin* an*/ a/on* a 1a++a*% !1 a +hort ra0in* +tair%a/on* anothr 1a++a*% an into a /ar* roo5 /it with a hr3!//y b/ain* 3ir. Thr wa+ b!t /itt/ 3!rnit!r% 1/ain% o/93a+hion% an *oo o3 it+ 0in6 a +t!33 +7!irr/ in a a+ ana wa//9a/nar o3 3o!r yar+ a*o wr abo!t th on/y +y51to5+ o3 oration. !t Stonr ha y+ 3or /itt/ /+ than th b% ano!/ +ar wait to tar hi+ /oth+ o33 hi5 b3or ro//in* in a/!=!ry o3 warin++ into it+ o53ortab/ 1th+. Th ho!n+ o3 Fat +5 to ha2 h0 3or a bri3 5o5nt.

In th o/ /i*ht o3 5ornin* Stonr /a!*h 5irth/++/y a+ h+/ow/y ra/i th 1o+ition in whih h 3o!n hi5+/3. :rha1+h 5i*ht +nath a bit o3 bra03a+t on th +trn*th o3 hi+ /i0n++to thi+ othr 5i++in* n<r9o9w//% an *t +a3/y away b3oranyon i+o2r th 3ra! that ha bn thr!+t on hi5. In throo5 own+tair+ h 3o!n th bnt o/ 5an ray with a i+h o3 baon an 3ri **+ 3or "Ma+tr To5<+" bra03a+t% whi/ a har93a /r/y 5ai bro!*ht in a ta1ot an 1o!r hi5 o!t a !1 o3 ta. A+ h +at at th tab/ a +5a// +1ani/ a5 !1 an 5a3rin/y a2an+.

"<Ti+ o/ ow0r<+ 1!1%" =1/ain th o/ 5an% who5 th har93a 5ai ha ar++ a+ 'or*. "Sh wa+ 5ain 3on o3 yo!6n2r +5 th +a5 a3tr yo! wnt away to A!+tra/. Sh i

<bo!t a yar a*on. <Ti+ hr 1!1."

Stonr 3o!n it i33i!/t to r*rt hr a+6 a+ a witn++ 3or inti3iation +h wo!/ ha2 /3t +o5thin* to b +ir.

"#o!<// *o 3or a ri% Ma+tr To5>" wa+ th n=t +tart/in* 1ro1o+ition that a5 3ro5 th o/ 5an. "&<2 a ni /itt/ roanob that *o+ w// in +a/. O/ iy i+ *ttin* a bit !1 inyar+% tho!*h <r *o+ w// +ti//% b!t I<// ha2 th /itt/ roan+a/ an bro!*ht ro!n to oor."

"I<2 *ot no riin* thin*+%" +ta55r th a+taway% a/5o+t/a!*hin* a+ h /oo0 own at hi+ on +!it o3 w//9worn /oth+.

"Ma+tr To5%" +ai th o/ 5an arn+t/y% a/5o+t with an o33nair% "a// yo!r thin*+ i+ 4!+t a+ yo! /3t th5. A bit o3 airin* b3or th 3ir an< thy<// b a// ri*ht. <Twi// b a bit o3 ai+tration /i0% a /itt/ riin* an wi/93ow/in* now an a*n.#o!<// 3in th 3o/0 aro!n hr ha+ har an bittr 5in+ towar+



yo!. Thy ha+n<t 3or*ottn nor 3or*i2n. No on<// o5 ni*hyo!% +o yo!< b+t *t what i+tration yo! an with hor+ ano*. Thy<5 *oo o51any% too."

O/ 'or* hobb/ away to *i2 hi+ orr+% an Stonr% 3/in*5or than 2r /i0 on in a ra5% wnt !1+tair+ to in+1t"Ma+tr To5<+" warrob. A ri wa+ on o3 th 1/a+!r+ ar+tto hi+ hart% an thr wa+ +o5 1rottion a*ain+t i55iati+o2ry o3 hi+ i51o+t!r in th tho!*ht that non o3 To5<+a3orti5 o51anion+ wr /i0/y to 3a2o!r hi5 with a /o+in+1tion. A+ th intr/o1r thr!+t hi5+/3 into +o5 to/rab/yw//93ittin* riin* or+ h wonr 2a*!/y what 5annr o3 5i+ th *n!in To5 ha o55itt to +t th who/ o!ntry+ia*ain+t hi5. Th th! o3 7!i0% a*r hoo3+ on a51 arth !t+hort hi+ +1!/ation+. Th roan ob ha bn bro!*ht !1 to th+i oor.

"Ta/0 o3 b**ar+ on hor+ba0%" tho!*ht Stonr to hi5+/3% a+ htrott ra1i/y a/on* th 5!y /an+ whr h ha tra51y+tray a+ a own9at9h/ o!ta+t6 an thn h 3/!n* r3/tionino/nt/y a+i an *a2 hi5+/3 !1 to th 1/a+!r o3 a +5artantr a/on* th t!r39*rown +i o3 a /2/ +trth o3 roa. Atan o1n *atway h h0 hi+ 1a to a//ow two art+ to t!rninto a 3i/. Th /a+ ri2in* th art+ 3o!n ti5 to *i2 hi5 a 1ro/on* +tar% an a+ h 1a++ on h har an =it 2oia// o!t% "<Ti+ To5 :ri0@ I 0now hi5 at on6 +howin* hi++/3 hr a*n% i+ h>"

E2int/y th /i0n++ whih ha i51o+ at /o+ 7!artr+ on aorin* o/ 5an wa+ *oo no!*h to 5i+/a yo!n*r y+ at a+hort i+tan.

In th o!r+ o3 hi+ ri h 5t with a51/ 2in to on3ir5th +tat5nt that /oa/ 3o/0 ha nithr 3or*ottn nor 3or*i2nth by*on ri5 whih ha o5 to hi5 a+ a /*ay 3ro5 th ab+ntTo5. Sow/in* /oo0+% 5!ttrin*+% an n!*in*+ *rt hi5whn2r h han !1on h!5an bin*+6 "ow0r<+ 1!1%" trottin* 1/ai/y by hi+ +i% +5 th on /5nt o3 3rin/in++ in aho+ti/ wor/.

A+ h i+5o!nt at th +i oor h a!*ht a 3/tin* */i51+ o3 a *a!nt% /r/y wo5an 1rin* at hi5 3ro5 bhin th !rtain o3

an !11r winow. E2int/y thi+ wa+ hi+ a!nt by ao1tion.

O2r th a51/ 5iay 5a/ that +too in rain++ 3or hi5 Stonr wa+ ab/ to r2iw th 1o++ibi/iti+ o3 hi+ =traorinary+it!ation. Th ra/ To5% a3tr 3o!r yar+ o3 ab+n% 5i*ht+!n/y t!rn !1 at th 3ar5% or a /ttr 5i*ht o5 3ro5 hi5 atany 5o5nt. A*ain% in th haratr o3 hir to th 3ar5% th3a/+ To5 5i*ht b a// on to +i*n o!5nt+% whih wo!/ b an



5barra++in* 1ria5nt. Or a r/ati2 5i*ht arri2 who wo!/not i5itat th a!nt<+ attit! o3 a/oo3n++. A// th+ thin*+wo!/ 5an i*no5inio!+ =1o+!r. On th othr han% tha/trnati2 wa+ th o1n +0y an th 5!y /an+ that / own toth +a. Th 3ar5 o33r hi5% at any rat% a t51orary r3!*3ro5 +tit!tion6 3ar5in* wa+ on o3 th 5any thin*+ h ha"tri%" an h wo!/ b ab/ to o a rtain a5o!nt o3 wor0 inrt!rn 3or th ho+1ita/ity to whih h wa+ +o /itt/ ntit/.

"&i// yo! ha2 o/ 1or0 3or yo!r +!11r%" a+0 th har93a5ai% a+ +h /ar th tab/% "or wi// yo! ha2 it hott !1>"

"Hot% with onion+%" +ai Stonr. It wa+ th on/y ti5 in hi+ /i3that h ha 5a a ra1i i+ion. An a+ h *a2 th orr h0nw that h 5ant to +tay.

Stonr 01t ri*i/y to tho+ 1ortion+ o3 th ho!+ whih +5 toha2 bn a//ott to hi5 by a tait traty o3 /i5itation. &hnh too0 1art in th 3ar59wor0 it wa+ a+ on who wor0 !nr orr+ an n2r initiat th5. O/ 'or*% th roan ob% anow0r<+ 1!1 wr hi+ +o/ o51anion+ in a wor/ that wa+othrwi+ 3ro+ti/y +i/nt an ho+ti/. O3 th 5i+tr++ o3 th3ar5 h +aw nothin*. On% whn h 0nw +h ha *on 3orth toh!rh% h 5a a 3!rti2 2i+it to th 3ar5 1ar/o!r in anna2o!r to */an +o5 3ra*5ntary 0now/* o3 th yo!n* 5anwho+ 1/a h ha !+!r1% an who+ i//9r1!t h ha 3a+tnon hi5+/3. Thr wr 5any 1hoto*ra1h+ h!n* on th wa//+% or +t!0 in 1ri5 3ra5+% b!t th /i0n++ h +o!*ht 3or wa+ not a5on*th5. At /a+t% in an a/b!5 thr!+t o!t o3 +i*ht% h a5 aro++what h want. Thr wa+ a who/ +ri+% /ab// "To5%" a 1o*yhi/ o3 thr% in a 3anta+ti 3ro0% an aw0war boy o3 abo!t

tw/2% ho/in* a ri0t bat a+ tho!*h h /oath it% a rathr *oo9/oo0in* yo!th o3 i*htn with 2ry +5ooth% 2n/y 1arthair% an% 3ina//y% a yo!n* 5an with a +o5what +!r/y ar92i/=1r++ion. At thi+ /a+t 1ortrait Stonr /oo0 with 1arti!/ar intr+t6 th /i0n++ to hi5+/3 wa+ !n5i+ta0ab/.

Fro5 th /i1+ o3 o/ 'or*% who wa+ *arr!/o!+ no!*h on 5o+t+!b4t+% h tri a*ain an a*ain to /arn +o5thin* o3 thnat!r o3 th o33n whih +h!t hi5 o33 a+ a rat!r to b+h!nn an hat by hi+ 3//ow95n.

"&hat o th 3o/0 aro!n hr +ay abo!t 5>" h a+0 on ay a+thy wr wa/0in* ho5 3ro5 an o!t/yin* 3i/.

Th o/ 5an +hoo0 hi+ ha.

"Thy b bittr a*n yo!% 5orta/ bittr. Ay% <ti+ a +a b!+in++% a +a b!+in++."



An n2r o!/ h b *ot to +ay anythin* 5or n/i*htnin*.

On a /ar 3ro+ty 2nin*% a 3w ay+ b3or th 3+ti2a/ o3 Chri+t5a+% Stonr +too in a ornr o3 th orhar whih o55ana wi 2iw o3 th o!ntry+i. Hr an thr h o!/ + thtwin0/in* ot+ o3 /a51 or an/ */ow whih to/ o3 h!5an ho5+whr th *oowi// an 4o//ity o3 th +a+on h/ thir +way.hin hi5 /ay th *ri5% +i/nt 3ar59ho!+% whr no on 2r /a!*h% whr 2n a 7!arr/ wo!/ ha2 +5 hr3!/. A+ ht!rn to /oo0 at th /on* *ry 3ront o3 th */oo59+haow b!i/in*% a oor o1n an o/ 'or* a5 h!rri/y 3orth.Stonr har hi+ ao1t na5 a// in a ton o3 +trainan=ity. In+tant/y h 0nw that +o5thin* !ntowar ha ha11n%an with a 7!i0 r2!/+ion o3 o!t/oo0 hi+ +ant!ary ba5 in hi+y+ a 1/a o3 1a an ontnt5nt% 3ro5 whih h ra to bri2n.

"Ma+tr To5%" +ai th o/ 5an in a hoar+ whi+1r% "yo! 5!+t +/i1away 7!it 3ro5 hr 3or a 3w ay+. Miha/ Ly i+ ba0 in th2i//a*% an< h +war+ to +hoot yo! i3 h an o5 aro++ yo!.H<// o it% too% thr<+ 5!rr in th /oo0 o3 hi5. 't away!nr o2r o3 ni*ht% <ti+ on/y 3or a w0 or +o% h won<t b hr/on*r."

"!t whr a5 I to *o>" +ta55r Stonr% who ha a!*ht thin3tion o3 th o/ 5an<+ ob2io!+ trror.

"'o ri*ht away a/on* th oa+t to :!nh3or an 01 hi thr.&hn Miha/<+ +a3 *on I<// ri th roan o2r to th 'rnra*on at :!nh3or6 whn yo! + th ob +tab/ at th 'rnra*on <ti+ a +i*n yo! 5ay o5 ba0 a*n."

"!t99" b*an Stonr h+itatin*/y.

"<Ti+ a// ri*ht 3or 5ony%" +ai th othr6 "th o/ Mi++!+ a*r+yo!< b+t o a+ I +ay% an +h<+ *i2n 5 thi+."

Th o/ 5an 1ro! thr +o2ri*n+ an +o5 o +i/2r.

Stonr 3/t 5or o3 a hat than 2r a+ h +to/ away that ni*ht3ro5 th ba0 *at o3 th 3ar5 with th o/ wo5an<+ 5ony in hi+ 1o0t. O/ 'or* an ow0r<+ 1!1 +too wathin* hi5 a +i/nt

3arw// 3ro5 th yar. H o!/ +ar/y 3any that h wo!/2r o5 ba0% an h 3/t a throb o3 o51!ntion 3or tho+ twoh!5b/ 3rin+ who wo!/ wait wi+t3!//y 3or hi+ rt!rn. So5 ay 1rha1+ th ra/ To5 wo!/ o5 ba0% an thr wo!/ b wi/wonr5nt a5on* tho+ +i51/ 3ar5 3o/0+ a+ to th intity o3 th+haowy *!+t thy ha harbo!r !nr thir roo3. For hi+ own3at h 3/t no i55iat an=ity6 thr 1o!n+ *o+ b!t /itt/way in th wor/ whn thr i+ nothin* bhin it% b!t to a 5an who



ha+ o!nt hi+ =h7!r in 1nni+ it +5+ a *oo +tartin*9 1oint. Fort!n ha on hi5 a whi5+ia//y 0in t!rn whn /a+t htro th+ /an+ a+ a ho1/++ a2nt!rr% an thr 5i*ht yt ba han o3 hi+ 3inin* +o5 wor0 an 5a0in* a 3r+h +tart6 a+ h*ot 3!rthr 3ro5 th 3ar5 hi+ +1irit+ ro+ hi*hr. Thr wa+ a+n+ o3 r/i3 in r*ainin* on 5or hi+ /o+t intity ana+in* to b th !na+y *ho+t o3 anothr. H +ar/y bothrto +1!/at abo!t th i51/aab/ n5y who ha ro11 3ro5nowhr into hi+ /i36 +in that /i3 wa+ now bhin hi5 on!nra/ it5 th 5or 5a /itt/ i33rn. For th 3ir+t ti53or 5any 5onth+ h b*an to h!5 a ar/++ /i*hthart r3rain.Thn thr +t11 o!t 3ro5 th +haow o3 an o2rhan*in* oa0 tra 5an with a *!n. Thr wa+ no n to wonr who h 5i*ht b6th 5oon/i*ht 3a//in* on hi+ whit +t 3a r2a/ a */ar o3 h!5an hat +!h a+ Stonr in th !1+ an own+ o3 hi+ wanrin*+ha n2r +n b3or. H +1ran* a+i in a wi/ 33ort to bra0 thro!*h th h* that borr th /an% b!t th to!*h branh+h/ hi5 3a+t. Th ho!n+ o3 Fat ha wait 3or hi5 in tho+narrow /an+% an thi+ ti5 thy wr not to b ni.

THE RECESSIONAL

C/o2i+ +at in th hott+t on b!t two o3 a T!r0i+h bath%a/trnat/y inrt in +tat!+7! ont51/ation an ra1i/y5ano!2rin* a 3o!ntain91n o2r th 1a*+ o3 a not9boo0.

"on<t intrr!1t 5 with yo!r hi/i+h 1ratt/%" h ob+r2 torti 2an Tahn% who ha +/!n* hi5+/3 /an*!i/y into ani*hbo!rin* hair an /oo0 on2r+ationa//y in/in6 "I<5writin* ath/++ 2r+."

rti /oo0 intr+t.

"I +ay% what a boon yo! wo!/ b to 1ortrait 1aintr+ i3 yo!ra//y *ot to b notorio!+ a+ a 1otry writr. I3 thy o!/n<t*t yo!r /i0n++ h!n* in th Aa5y a+ <C/o2i+ San*rai/% E+7.%at wor0 on hi+ /at+t 1o5%< thy o!/ +/i1 yo! in a+ a St!y o3

th N! or Or1h!+ +nin* into ;r5yn Strt. Thy a/way+o51/ain that 5orn r++ hania1+ th5% whra+ a tow/ an a3o!ntain91n99"

"It wa+ Mr+. :a0/ti<+ +!**+tion that I +ho!/ writ thi+thin*%" +ai C/o2i+% i*norin* th by1ath+ to 3a5 that rti 2anTahn wa+ 1ointin* o!t to hi5. "#o! +% Loona i5brton ha aCoronation O a1t by th NE& INFANC#% a 1a1r that ha+ bn



+tart with th ia o3 5a0in* th NE& A'E +5 /r/y anhibo!n. <So /2r o3 yo!% ar Loona%< th :a0/tir5ar0 whn +h ha ra it6 <o3 o!r+% anyon o!/ writ aCoronation O% b!t no on /+ wo!/ ha2 tho!*ht o3 oin* it.<Loona 1rot+t that th+ thin*+ wr =tr5/y i33i!/t to o%an *a2 !+ to !nr+tan that thy wr 5or or /++ th 1ro2ino3 a *i3t 3w. Now th :a0/ti ha+ bn rathr nt to 5in 5any way+% a +ort o3 3inania/ a5b!/an% yo! 0now% thatarri+ yo! o33 th 3i/ whn yo!<r har hit% whih i+ a3r7!nt o!rrn with 5% an I<2 no !+ what2r 3or Loonai5brton% +o I hi11 in an +ai I o!/ t!rn o!t that +ort o3 +t!33 by th +7!ar yar i3 I *a2 5y 5in to it. Loona +ai Io!/n<t% an w *ot bt+ on% an btwn yo! an 5 I thin0 th5ony<+ 3air/y +a3. O3 o!r+% on o3 th onition+ o3 thwa*r i+ that th thin* ha+ to b 1!b/i+h in +o5thin* or othr%/oa/ nw+1a1r+ barr6 b!t Mr+. :a0/ti ha+ nar hr+/3 by 5any /itt/ at+ o3 tho!*ht3!/n++ to th itor o3 th SMOK#CHIMNE#% +o i3 I an ha55r o!t anythin* at a// a11roahin* th/2/ o3 th !+!a/ O o!t1!t w o!*ht to b a// ri*ht. So 3ar I<5 *ttin* a/on* +o o53ortab/y that I b*in to b a3rai that I5!+t h on o3 th *i3t 3w."

"It<+ rathr /at in th ay 3or a Coronation O% i+n<t it>" +airti.

"O3 o!r+%" +ai C/o2i+6 "thi+ i+ *oin* to b a !rbar R++iona/% th +ort o3 thin* that yo! an 01 by yo! 3or a//ti5 i3 yo! want to."

"Now I !nr+tan yo!r hoi o3 a 1/a to writ it in%" +airti 2an Tahn% with th air o3 on who ha+ +!n/y !nra2// a

hithrto ob+!r 1rob/56 "yo! want to *t th /oa/ t51rat!r."

"I a5 hr to *t 3ro5 3ro5 th inan intrr!1tion+ o3 th5nta//y 3iint%" +ai C/o2i+% "b!t it +5+ I a+0 too 5!ho3 3at."

rti 2an Tahn 1r1ar to !+ hi+ tow/ a+ a wa1on o3 1ri+ion% b!t r3/tin* that h ha a *oo a/ o3 !n1rottoa+t9/in hi5+/3% an that C/o2i+ wa+ 7!i11 with a 3o!ntain9 1n a+ w// a+ a tow/% h r/a1+ 1ai3ia//y into th 1th+ o3 hi+ hair.

"May on har =trat+ 3ro5 th i55orta/ wor0>" h a+0. "I 1ro5i+ that nothin* that I har now +ha// 1r4!i 5 a*ain+t borrowin* a o1y o3 th SMOK# CHIMNE# at th ri*ht 5o5nt."

"It<+ rathr /i0 a+tin* 1ar/+ into a tro!*h%" r5ar0 C/o2i+ 1/a+ant/y% "b!t I on<t 5in rain* yo! bit+ o3 it. It b*in+with a *nra/ i+1r+a/ o3 th !rbar 1artii1ant+?



+rnity% "*i2in* an 2nin* +n on th o!t+0irt+ o3 a 4!n*/2i//a*?

<&hr th oi/ obra in th */oa5in* */oat+%An 1row/in* 1anthr+ +ta/0 th wary *oat+.<"

"Thr i+ 1ratia//y no */oa5in* in tro1ia/ o!ntri+%" +airti in!/*nt/y6 "b!t I /i0 th 5a+tr/y rtin with whihyo! trat th obra<+ 5oti2 3or */oatin*. Th !n0nown i+ 1ro2rbia//y th !nanny. I an 1it!r nr2o!+ rar+ o3 thSMOK# CHIMNE# 01in* th /i*ht t!rn on in thir broo5+ a//ni*ht o!t o3 +hr +i0nin* !nrtainty a+ to &HAT th obra5i*ht ha2 bn */oatin* abo!t."

"Cobra+ */oat nat!ra//y%" +ai C/o2i+% "4!+t a+ wo/2+ ar a/way+ra2nin* 3ro5 5r 3or o3 habit% 2n a3tr thy<2 ho1/++/yo2ratn th5+/2+. I<2 *ot a 3in bit o3 o/o!r 1aintin*/atr on%" h a% "whr I +rib th awn o5in* !1 o2r thrah5a91!tra ri2r?

<Th a5br awn9rnh Ea+t with +!n9+ha3t+ 0i++%Stain +an*!in a1riot an a5thy+t%O<r th wa+h 5ra/ o3 th 5an*o *ro2+Han*+ in a 5i+t o3 o1a/+nt 5a!2+%&hi/ 1aint 1arrot93/i*ht+ i51in* th ha&ith +ar/t% ha/on an hry+o1ra+.<"

"I<2 n2r +n th awn o5 !1 o2r th rah5a91!tra ri2r%"+ai rti% "+o I an<t +ay i3 it<+ a *oo +ri1tion o3 th2nt% b!t it +o!n+ 5or /i0 an ao!nt o3 an =tn+i2 4w/robbry. Anyhow% th 1arrot+ *i2 a *oo !+3!/ to!h o3 /oa/

o/o!r. I +!11o+ yo!<2 intro! +o5 ti*r+ into th +nry>An Inian /an+a1 wo!/ ha2 rathr a bar% !n3ini+h /oo0 witho!t a ti*r or two in th 5i/ i+tan."

"I<2 *ot a hn9ti*r +o5whr in th 1o5%" +ai C/o2i+% h!ntin*thro!*h hi+ not+. "Hr +h i+?

<Th tawny ti*r++ <5i th tan*/ ta0 ra*+ to hr 1!rrin* !b+< nra1t!r ar+Th har+h ath9ratt/ in th 1a93ow/<+ ba0%A 4!n*/ /!//aby o3 b/oo an tar+.<"

rti 2an Tahn ro+ h!rri/y 3ro5 hi+ r!5bnt 1o+ition an5a 3or th */a++ oor /ain* into th n=t o51art5nt.

"I thin0 yo!r ia o3 ho5 /i3 in th 4!n*/ i+ 1r3t/yhorri%" h +ai. "Th obra wa+ +ini+tr no!*h% b!t thi51ro2i+ ratt/ in th ti*r9n!r+ry i+ th /i5it. I3 yo!<r*oin* to 5a0 5 t!rn hot an o/ a// o2r I 5ay a+ w// *o into



th +ta5 roo5 at on."

";!+t /i+tn to thi+ /in%" +ai C/o2i+6 "it wo!/ 5a0 thr1!tation o3 any orinary 1ot?

<an o2rhaTh 1n!/!591atint :!n0ah% 1arnt o3 +ti//born br.<"

"Mo+t o3 yo!r rar+ wi// thin0 <1!n0ah< i+ a 0in o3 i rin0 or ha/39ti5 at 1o/o%" +ai rti% an i+a11ar into th+ta5.

. . . . . . . . . .

Th SMOK# CHIMNE# !/y 1!b/i+h th "R++iona/%" b!t it 1ro2to b it+ +wan +on*% 3or th 1a1r n2r attain to anothr i++!.

Loona i5brton *a2 !1 hr intntion o3 attnin* th !rbar anwnt into a n!r+in*9ho5 on th S!++= own+. Nr2o!+ bra0owna3tr a 1arti!/ar/y +trn!o!+ +a+on wa+ th !+!a//y a1t=1/anation% b!t thr ar thr or 3o!r 1o1/ who 0now that +hn2r ra//y ro2r 3ro5 th awn bra0in* o2r th rah5a9 1!tra ri2r.

A MATTER OF SENTIMENT

It wa+ th 2 o3 th *rat ra% an +ar/y a 55br o3 LayS!+an<+ ho!+91arty ha a+ yt a +in*/ bt on. It wa+ on o3 tho+ !n+ati+3atory yar+ whn on hor+ h/ a o55anin* 5ar0t 1o+ition% not by ra+on o3 any *nra/ b/i3 in it+ r!+hin*+!1riority% b!t ba!+ it wa+ =tr5/y i33i!/t to 1ith onany othr aniat to who5 to 1in on+ 3aith. :ra2nt!r IIwa+ th 3a2o!rit% not in th +n+ o3 bin* a 1o1!/ar 3any% b!t by 2irt! o3 a /a0 o3 on3in in any on o3 hi+ rathr !ni+tin*!i+h ri2a/+. Th brain+ o3 /!b/an wr 5!h=ri+ in +0in* o!t 1o++ib/ 5rit whr non wa+ 2ry

ob2io!+ to th na0 int//i*n% an th ho!+91arty at LayS!+an<+ wa+ 1o++++ by th +a5 !nrtainty an irr+o/!tionthat in3t wir ir/+.

"It i+ 4!+t th ti5 3or brin*in* o33 a *oo o!1%" +ai rti2an Tahn.

"Uno!bt/y. !t with what>" 5an C/o2i+ 3or th twntith



"Lt<+ 4o//y w// ho1 h o+%" +ai rti 2an Tahn6 "!nr thir!5+tan+ a +on o!+in i+ a/5o+t a+ !+3!/ a+ +on+i*ht."

"That +tab/ o!*ht to 0now +o5thin*% i3 0now/* i+ to b 3o!nanywhr%" +ai Mr+. :a0/ti ho13!//y.

"I =1t yo!<// 3in h<// ho 5y 3any 3or Motorboat%" +aiCo/on/ ra0.

At thi+ 5o5nt th +!b4t ha to b ha+ti/y ro11. Lay S!+an bor own !1on th5% /anin* on th ar5 o3 C/o2i+<+ 5othr% towho5 +h wa+ on3iin* th 3at that +h i+a11ro2 o3 th ra3or :0in*+ +1ani/+. It wa+ th thir thin* +h ha 3o!n ti5to i+a11ro2 o3 +in /!nh% witho!t o!ntin* hr +i/nt an 1r5annt i+a11ro2a/ o3 th way C/o2i+<+ 5othr i hr hair.

"& ha2 bn a5irin* th Hi5a/ayan 1ha+ant+%" +ai Mr+.:a0/ti +!a2/y.

"Thy wnt o33 to a bir9+how at Nottin*ha5 ar/y thi+ 5ornin*%"+ai Lay S!+an% with th air o3 on who i+a11ro2+ o3 ha+ty ani//9on+ir /yin*.

"Thir ho!+% I 5an6 +!h 1r3t roo+tin* arran*5nt+% an a//+o /an%" r+!5 Mr+. :a0/ti% with an inra+ */ow o3 nth!+ia+5. Th oio!+ rti 2an Tahn wa+ 5!r5!rin* a!ib/ 1rayr+ 3or Mr+. :a0/ti<+ !/ti5at +tran*5nt 3ro5 th 1ath+o3 3a/+hoo.

"I ho1 yo! on<t 5in innr bin* a 7!artr o3 an ho!r /at to9ni*ht%" +ai Lay S!+an6 "Mot0in ha+ ha an !r*nt +!55on+ to *oan + a +i0 r/ati2 thi+ a3trnoon. H want to biy/thr% b!t I a5 +nin* hi5 in th 5otor."

"How 2ry 0in o3 yo!@ O3 o!r+ w on<t 5in innr bin* 1!to33." Th a++!ran+ a5 with !nani5o!+ an harty +inrity.

At th innr9tab/ that ni*ht an !nr!rrnt o3 3!rti2!rio+ity irt it+/3 towar+ Mot0in<+ i51a++i2 o!ntnan.On or two o3 th *!+t+ a/5o+t =1t to 3in a +/i1 o3 1a1r

ona/ in thir na10in+% barin* th na5 o3 th +ono!+in<+ +/tion. Thy ha not /on* to wait. A+ th b!t/r wnt ro!n with th 5!r5!r 7!+tion% "Shrry>" h a in an2n /owr ton th ry1ti wor+% "ttr not." Mr+. :a0/ti*a2 a +tart o3 a/ar5% an r3!+ th +hrry6 thr +5 +o5+ini+tr +!**+tion in th b!t/r<+ warnin*% a+ tho!*h hr ho+t++ha +!n/y bo5 ait to th or*ia habit. A 5o5nt /atr th =1/anation 3/a+h on hr that "ttr Not" wa+ th na5 o3



on o3 th r!nnr+ in th bi* ra. C/o2i+ wa+ a/ray 1ni//in*it on hi+ !33% an Co/on/ ra0% in hi+ t!rn% wa+ +i*na//in* to2ry on in hoar+ whi+1r+ an !5b9+how th 3at that h haa// a/on* 3ani ".N."

Ear/y n=t 5ornin* a +ha3 o3 t/*ra5+ wnt Townwar%r1r+ntin* th 5ar0t o55an+ o3 th ho!+91arty an +r2ant+<ha//.

It wa+ a wt a3trnoon% an 5o+t o3 Lay S!+an<+ *!+t+ h!n* abo!tth ha//% waitin* a11arnt/y 3or th a11aran o3 ta% tho!*h itwa+ +ar/y yt !. Th a2nt o3 a t/*ra5 7!i0n 2ryon into a 3/!ttr o3 =1tany6 th 1a* who bro!*ht tht/*ra5 to C/o2i+ wait with !n!+!a/ a/rtn++ to 0now i3 thr5i*ht b an an+wr.

C/o2i+ ra th 5++a* an *a2 an =/a5ation o3 annoyan.

"No ba nw+% I ho1%" +ai Lay S!+an. E2ry on /+ 0nw thatth nw+ wa+ not *oo.

"It<+ on/y th r+!/t o3 th rby%" h b/!rt o!t6 "Saowa won6an !ttr o!t+ir."

"Saowa@" =/ai5 Lay S!+an6 "yo! on<t +ay +o@ Howr5ar0ab/@ It<+ th 3ir+t ti5 I<2 2r ba0 a hor+6 in 3atI i+a11ro2 o3 hor+9rain*% b!t 4!+t 3or on in a way I 1!t5ony on thi+ hor+% an it<+ *on an won."

"May I a+0%" +ai Mr+. :a0/ti% a5i th *nra/ +i/n% "whyyo! 1!t yo!r 5ony on thi+ 1arti!/ar hor+. Non o3 th +1ortin*

1ro1ht+ 5ntion it a+ ha2in* an o!t+i han."

"&//%" +ai Lay S!+an% "yo! 5ay /a!*h at 5% b!t it wa+ th na5that attrat 5. #o! +% I wa+ a/way+ 5i= !1 with thFrano9'r5an war6 I wa+ 5arri on th ay that th war wa+/ar% an 5y /+t hi/ wa+ born th ay that 1a wa++i*n% +o anythin* onnt with th war ha+ a/way+ intr+t5. An whn I +aw thr wa+ a hor+ r!nnin* in th rby a//a3tr on o3 th batt/+ in th Frano9'r5an war% I +ai I MUST 1!t +o5 5ony on it% 3or on in a way% tho!*h I i+a11ro2 o3 rain*. An it<+ at!a//y won."

Thr wa+ a *nra/ *roan. No on *roan 5or 1/y than th 1ro3++or o3 5i/itary hi+tory.

THE SECRET SIN OF SE:TIMUS RO:E



"&ho an what i+ Mr. ro1>" 5an th a!nt o3 C/o2i+ +!n/y.

Mr+. Ri2r+*% who ha bn +ni11in* o33 th ha+ o3 3!ntro++% an thin0in* o3 nothin* in 1arti!/ar% +1ran* h!rri/y to5nta/ attntion. Sh wa+ on o3 tho+ o/93a+hion ho+t+++who on+ir that on o!*ht to 0now +o5thin* abo!t on<+ *!+t+%an that th +o5thin* o!*ht to b to thir rit.

"I b/i2 h o5+ 3ro5 Li*hton !ar%" +h ob+r2 by way o3 1r/i5inary =1/anation.

"In th+ ay+ o3 ra1i an on2nint tra2/%" +ai C/o2i+% whowa+ i+1r+in* a o/ony o3 *rn93/y with 2i+itation+ o3 i*artt+5o0% "to o5 3ro5 Li*hton !ar o+ not n++ari/y notany *rat +trn*th o3 haratr. It 5i*ht on/y 5an 5rr+t/++n++. Now i3 h ha /3t it !nr a /o!% or a+ a 1rot+t a*ain+t th in!rab/ an hart/++ 3ri2o/ity o3 it+inhabitant+% that wo!/ t// !+ +o5thin* abo!t th 5an an hi+5i++ion in /i3."

"&hat o+ h o>" 1!r+! Mr+. Troy/ 5a*i+tria//y.

"H it+ th CATHERAL MONTHL#%" +ai hr ho+t++% "an h<+nor5o!+/y /arn abo!t 55oria/ bra+++ an tran+1t+ an thin3/!n o3 yantin wor+hi1 on 5orn /it!r*y% an a// tho++ort o3 thin*+. :rha1+ h i+ 4!+t a /itt/ bit ha2y ani55r+ in on ran* o3 +!b4t+% b!t it ta0+ a// +ort+ to 5a0a *oo ho!+91arty% yo! 0now. #o! on<t 3in hi5 TOO !//% o

yo!>"

"!//n++ I o!/ o2r/oo0%" +ai th a!nt o3 C/o2i+6 "what Iannot 3or*i2 i+ hi+ 5a0in* /o2 to 5y 5ai."

"My ar Mr+. Troy/%" *a+1 th ho+t++% "what an =traorinaryia@ I a++!r yo! Mr. ro1 wo!/ not ra5 o3 oin* +!h athin*."

"Hi+ ra5+ ar a 5attr o3 ini33rn to 56 3or a// I ar hi++/!5br+ 5ay b on /on* ini+rtion o3 !n+!itab/ roti

a2an+% in whih th ntir +r2ant+< ha// 5ay b in2o/2. !tin hi+ wa0in* ho!r+ h +ha// not 5a0 /o2 to 5y 5ai. It<+ no!+ ar*!in* abo!t it% I<5 3ir5 on th 1oint."

"!t yo! 5!+t b 5i+ta0n%" 1r+i+t Mr+. Ri2r+*6 "Mr. ro1wo!/ b th /a+t 1r+on to o +!h a thin*."

"H i+ th 3ir+t 1r+on to o +!h a thin*% a+ 3ar a+ 5y



in3or5ation *o+% an i3 I ha2 any 2oi in th 5attr hrtain/y +ha// b th /a+t. O3 o!r+% I a5 not r3rrin* tor+1tab/y9intntion /o2r+."

"I +i51/y annot thin0 that a 5an who writ+ +o har5in*/y anin3or5in*/y abo!t tran+1t+ an yantin in3/!n+ wo!/ bha2in +!h an !n1rini1/ 5annr%" +ai Mr+. Ri2r+*6 "what2in ha2 yo! that h<+ oin* anythin* o3 th +ort> I on<twant to o!bt yo!r wor% o3 o!r+% b!t w 5!+tn<t h too ray toon5n hi5 !nhar% 5!+t w>"

"&hthr w on5n hi5 or not% h ha+ rtain/y not bn !nhar.H ha+ th roo5 n=t to 5y r++in*9roo5% an on two oa+ion+%whn I ar +ay h tho!*ht I wa+ ab+nt% I ha2 1/ain/y har hi5anno!nin* thro!*h th wa//% <I /o2 yo!% F/orri.< Tho+ 1artition wa//+ !1+tair+ ar 2ry thin6 on an a/5o+t har awath ti0in* in th n=t roo5."

"I+ yo!r 5ai a// F/orn>"

"Hr na5 i+ F/orina."

"&hat an =traorinary na5 to *i2 a 5ai@"

"I i not *i2 it to hr6 +h arri2 in 5y +r2i a/rayhri+tn."

"&hat I 5an i+%" +ai Mr+. Ri2r+*% "that whn I *t 5ai+with !n+!itab/ na5+ I a// th5 ;an6 thy +oon *t !+ to it."

"An =//nt 1/an%" +ai th a!nt o3 C/o2i+ o//y6

"!n3ort!nat/y I ha2 *ot !+ to bin* a// ;an 5y+/3. Itha11n+ to b 5y na5."

Sh !t +hort Mr+. Ri2r+*<+ 3/oo o3 a1o/o*i+ by abr!1t/yr5ar0in*?

"Th 7!+tion i+ not whthr I<5 to a// 5y 5ai F/orina% b!twhthr Mr. ro1 i+ to b 1r5itt to a// hr F/orri. I a5+tron*/y o3 o1inion than h +ha// not."

"H 5ay ha2 bn r1atin* th wor+ o3 +o5 +on*%" +ai Mr+.

Ri2r+* ho13!//y6 "thr ar /ot+ o3 tho+ +ort+ o3 +i//yr3rain+ with *ir/+< na5+%" +h ontin!% t!rnin* to C/o2i+ a+ a 1o++ib/ a!thority on th +!b4t. "<#o! 5!+tn<t a// 5 Mary99<"

"I +ho!/n<t thin0 o3 oin* +o%" C/o2i+ a++!r hr6 "in th 3ir+t 1/a% I<2 a/way+ !nr+too that yo!r na5 wa+ Hnritta6 anthn I har/y 0now yo! w// no!*h to ta0 +!h a /ibrty."



"I 5an thr<+ a SON' with that r3rain%" h!rri/y =1/ainMr+. Ri2r+*% "an thr<+ <Rhoa% Rhoa 01t a 1a*oa%< an<Mai+i i+ a ai+y%< an ha1+ o3 othr+. Crtain/y it o+n<t+o!n /i0 Mr. ro1 to b +in*in* +!h +on*+% b!t I thin0 wo!*ht to *i2 hi5 th bn3it o3 th o!bt."

"I ha a/ray on +o%" +ai Mr+. Troy/% "!nti/ 3!rthr 2ina5 5y way."

Sh +h!t hr /i1+ with th r+o/!t 3ina/ity o3 on who n4oy+ th b/++ rtainty o3 bin* i51/or to o1n th5 a*ain.

"F!rthr 2in@" =/ai5 hr ho+t++6 "o t// 5@"

"A+ I wa+ o5in* !1+tair+ a3tr bra03a+t Mr. ro1 wa+ 4!+t 1a++in* 5y roo5. In th 5o+t nat!ra/ way in th wor/ a 1i o3 1a1r ro11 o!t o3 a 1a0t that h h/ in hi+ han an3/!ttr to th *ro!n 4!+t at 5y oor. I wa+ *oin* to a// o!tto hi5 <#o!<2 ro11 +o5thin*%< an thn 3or +o5 ra+on I h/ ba0 an in<t +how 5y+/3 ti// h wa+ +a3/y in hi+ roo5. #o!+ it o!rr to 5 that I wa+ 2ry +/o5 in 5y roo5 4!+t atthat ho!r% an that F/orina wa+ a/5o+t a/way+ thr tiyin* !1thin*+ abo!t that ti5. So I 1i0 !1 that innont9/oo0in* 1i o3 1a1r."

Mr+. Troy/ 1a!+ a*ain% with th +/39a11/a!in* air o3 on whoha+ tt an a+1 /!r0in* in an a11/9har/ott.

Mr+. Ri2r+* +ni11 2i*oro!+/y at th nar+t ro+ b!+h%ininta//y a1itatin* a Vi+o!nt++ Fo/0+ton that wa+ 4!+to5in* into b/oo5.

"&hat wa+ on th 1a1r>" +h a+0.

";!+t th wor+ in 1ni/% <I /o2 yo!% F/orri%< an thn!nrnath% ro++ o!t with a 3aint /in% b!t 1r3t/y 1/ain tora% <Mt 5 in th *arn by th yw.<"

"Thr IS a yw tr at th botto5 o3 th *arn%" a5itt Mr+.Ri2r+*.

"At any rat h a11ar+ to b tr!th3!/%" o55nt C/o2i+.

"To thin0 that a +ana/ o3 thi+ +ort +ho!/ b *oin* on !nr 5yroo3@" +ai Mr+. Ri2r+* ini*nant/y.

"I wonr why it i+ that +ana/ +5+ +o 5!h wor+ !nr aroo3%" ob+r2 C/o2i+6 "I<2 a/way+ r*ar it a+ a 1roo3 o3 th+!1rior /iay o3 th at trib that it on!t+ 5o+t o3 it++ana/+ abo2 th +/at+."



"Now I o5 to thin0 o3 it%" r+!5 Mr+. Ri2r+*% "thr arthin*+ abo!t Mr. ro1 that I<2 n2r bn ab/ to ao!nt 3or.Hi+ ino5% 3or in+tan? h on/y *t+ two h!nr a yar a+itor o3 th CATHERAL MONTHL#% an I 0now that hi+ 1o1/ ar7!it 1oor% an h ha+n<t any 1ri2at 5an+. #t h 5ana*+ toa33or a 3/at +o5whr in &+t5in+tr% an h *o+ abroa tor!*+ an tho+ +ort+ o3 1/a+ 2ry yar% an a/way+ r+++w//% an *i2+ 7!it ni /!nhon91arti+ in th +a+on. #o!an<t o a// that on two h!nr a yar% an yo!>"

"o+ h writ 3or any othr 1a1r+>" 7!ri Mr+. Troy/.

"No% yo! + h +1ia/i+ +o ntir/y on /it!r*y an/+ia+tia/ arhitt!r that hi+ 3i/ i+ rathr r+trit.H on tri th S:ORTIN' AN RAMATIC with an arti/ on h!rhi3i+ in 3a5o!+ 3o=9h!ntin* ntr+% b!t it wa+n<t on+iro3 +!33iint *nra/ intr+t to b a1t. No% I on<t +how h an +!11ort hi5+/3 in hi+ 1r+nt +ty/ 5r/y by what hwrit+."

":rha1+ h +//+ +1!rio!+ tran+1t+ to A5rian nth!+ia+t+%"+!**+t C/o2i+.

"How o!/ yo! +// a tran+1t>" +ai Mr+. Ri2r+*6 "+!h athin* wo!/ b i51o++ib/."

"&hat2r h 5ay o to 0 o!t hi+ ino5%" intrr!1t Mr+.Troy/% "h i+ rtain/y not *oin* to 3i// in hi+ /i+!r 5o5nt+ by 5a0in* /o2 to 5y 5ai."

"O3 o!r+ not%" a*r hr ho+t++6 "that 5!+t b 1!t a +to1 toat on. !t I on<t 7!it 0now what w o!*ht to o."

"#o! 5i*ht 1!t a barb wir ntan*/5nt ro!n th yw tr a+ a 1ra!tionary 5a+!r%" +ai C/o2i+.

"I on<t thin0 that th i+a*rab/ +it!ation that ha+ ari+n i+i51ro2 by 3/i11any%" +ai Mr+. Ri2r+*6 "a *oo 5ai i+ atra+!r99"

"I a5 +!r I on<t 0now what I +ho!/ o witho!t F/orina%"

a5itt Mr+. Troy/6 "+h !nr+tan+ 5y hair. I<2 /on* a*o*i2n !1 tryin* to o anythin* with it 5y+/3. I r*ar on<+hair a+ I r*ar h!+ban+? a+ /on* a+ on i+ +n to*thr in 1!b/i on<+ 1ri2at i2r*n+ on<t 5attr. S!r/y that wa+th /!nhon *on*."

S1ti5!+ ro1 an C/o2i+ ha th +5o0in*9roo5 to th5+/2+ a3tr /!nh. Th 3or5r +5 r+t/++ an 1ro!1i% th /attr



7!it/y ob+r2ant.

"&hat i+ a /orry>" a+0 S1ti5!+ +!n/y6 "I on<t 5an ththin* on wh/+% o3 o!r+ I 0now what that i+% b!t i+n<t thr a bir with a na5 /i0 that% th /ar*r 3or5 o3 a /ori0t>"

"I 3any it<+ a /ory% with on <r%<" +ai C/o2i+ /ai/y% "in whiha+ it<+ no *oo to yo!."

S1ti5!+ ro1 +tar in +o5 a+toni+h5nt.

"How o yo! 5an% no *oo to 5>" h a+0% with 5or than a trao3 !na+in++ in hi+ 2oi.

"&on<t rhy5 with F/orri%" =1/ain C/o2i+ bri3/y.

S1ti5!+ +at !1ri*ht in hi+ hair% with !n5i+ta0ab/ a/ar5 on hi+3a.

"How i yo! 3in o!t> I 5an how i yo! 0now I wa+ tryin* to*t a rhy5 to F/orri>" h a+0 +har1/y.

"I in<t 0now%" +ai C/o2i+% "I on/y *!++. &hn yo! want tot!rn th 1ro+ai /orry o3 o55r into a 3athr 1o5 3/ittin*thro!*h th 2r!r o3 a tro1ia/ 3or+t% I 0nw yo! 5!+t bwor0in* !1 a +onnt% an F/orri wa+ th on/y 35a/ na5 that+!**+t it+/3 a+ rhy5in* with /orry."

S1ti5!+ +ti// /oo0 !na+y.

"I b/i2 yo! 0now 5or%" h +ai.

C/o2i+ /a!*h 7!it/y% b!t +ai nothin*.

"How 5!h o yo! 0now>" S1ti5!+ a+0 +1rat/y.

"Th yw tr in th *arn%" +ai C/o2i+.

"Thr@ I 3/t rtain I< ro11 it +o5whr. !t yo! 5!+tha2 *!++ +o5thin* b3or. Loo0 hr% yo! ha2 +!r1ri+ 5y+rt. #o! won<t *i2 5 away% wi// yo!> It i+ nothin* to ha+ha5 o3% b!t it wo!/n<t o 3or th itor o3 th CATHERAL

MONTHL# to *o in o1n/y 3or that +ort o3 thin*% wo!/ it>"

"&//% I +!11o+ not%" a5itt C/o2i+.

"#o! +%" ontin! S1ti5!+% "I *t 7!it a nt /ot o3 5onyo!t o3 it. I o!/ n2r /i2 in th +ty/ I o on what I *t a+itor o3 th CATHERAL MONTHL#."



C/o2i+ wa+ 2n 5or +tart/ than S1ti5!+ ha bn ar/ir inth on2r+ation% b!t h wa+ bttr +0i// in r1r++in*+!r1ri+.

"o yo! 5an to +ay yo! *t 5ony o!t o399F/orri>" h a+0.

"Not o!t o3 F/orri% a+ yt%" +ai S1ti5!+6 "in 3at% I on<t5in +ayin* that I<5 ha2in* a *oo a/ o3 tro!b/ o2r F/orri.!t thr ar a /ot o3 othr+."

C/o2i+<+ i*artt wnt o!t.

"Thi+ i+ VER# intr+tin*%" h +ai +/ow/y. An thn% withS1ti5!+ ro1<+ n=t wor+% i//!5ination awn on hi5.

"Thr ar ha1+ o3 othr+6 3or in+tan?

<Cora with th /i1+ o3 ora/% #o! an I wi// n2r 7!arr/.<

That wa+ on o3 5y ar/i+t +!+++% an it +ti// brin*+ 5 inroya/ti+. An thn thr i+99<E+5ra/a% whn I 3ir+t bh/hr%< an <Fair Tr+a% how I /o2 to 1/a+ hr%< both o3 tho+ha2 bn 3air/y 1o1!/ar. An thr i+ on rathr ra3!/ on%"ontin! S1ti5!+% 3/!+hin* 1 ar5in% "whih ha+ bro!*ht 5in 5or 5ony than any o3 th othr+?

<Li2/y /itt/ L!i&ith hr na!*hty n rtro!++D.<

O3 o!r+% I /oath th who/ /ot o3 th56 in 3at% I<5 ra1i/y

bo5in* +o5thin* o3 a wo5an9hatr !nr thir in3/!n% b!t Ian<t a33or to i+r*ar th 3inania/ a+1t o3 th 5attr. Anat th +a5 ti5 yo! an !nr+tan that 5y 1o+ition a+ ana!thority on /+ia+tia/ arhitt!r an /it!r*ia/ +!b4t+wo!/ b wa0n% i3 not a/to*thr r!in% i3 it on *ot abo!tthat I wa+ th a!thor o3 <Cora with th /i1+ o3 ora/< an a// thr+t o3 th5."

C/o2i+ ha ro2r +!33iint/y to a+0 in a +y51athti% i3 rathr !n+tay% 2oi what wa+ th +1ia/ tro!b/ with"F/orri."

"I an<t *t hr into /yri +ha1% try a+ I wi//%" +ai S1ti5!+5o!rn3!//y. "#o! +% on ha+ to wor0 in a /ot o3 +nti5nta/%+!*ary o51/i5nt with a athy rhy5% an a rtain a5o!nt o3 1r+ona/ bio*ra1hy or 1ro1hy. Thy<2 a// o3 th5 *ot to ha2 a/on* +trin* o3 1a+t +!+++ ror abo!t th5% or /+ yo!<2*ot to 3ort// b/i++3!/ thin*+ abo!t th5 an yo!r+/3 in th3!t!r. For in+tan% thr i+?



+!++3!/ 0o1ni0ry%" +ai th !0 ra5i/y.

"Oh% o3 o!r+% thr ha2 bn Fa/+ i5itri+ an :r0in&arb0+% who i51o+ on th wor/ 3or a ti5%" a++nt/t!rbt% "b!t thy 1r+onat 1o1/ who wr a or +a3/y o!to3 th way. That wa+ a o51arati2/y +i51/ 5attr. It wo!/ b3ar a+ir to 1a++ on+/3 o3 a+ a Hanniba/ than a+ /i2in*Ha/an% 3or in+tan."

"I wa+ thin0in*%" +ai th !0% "o3 th 5o+t 3a5o!+ a+ o3 a//%th an*/ who 0o1ni0 Kin* Robrt o3 Sii/y with +!h bri//iant r+!/t+. ;!+t i5a*in what an a2anta* it wo!/ b toha2 an*/+ 1!tiin*% to !+ a horrib/ b!t on2nint wor% 3or B!in+ton an Lor H!*o Si/% 3or =a51/. How 5!h +5oothr th:ar/ia5ntary 5ahin wo!/ wor0 than at 1r+nt@"

"Now yo!<r ta/0in* non+n+%" +ai /t!rbt6 "an*/+ on<t =i+tnowaay+% at /a+t% not in that way% +o what i+ th !+ o3 ra**in* th5 into a +rio!+ i+!++ion> It<+ 5r/y +i//y."

"I3 yo! ta/0 to 5 /i0 that I +ha// 4!+t O it%" +ai th !0.

"o what>" a+0 /t!rbt. Thr wr ti5+ whn hi+ yo!n*3rin<+ !nanny r5ar0+ rathr 3ri*htn hi5.

"I +ha// +!55on an*/i 3or+ to ta0 o2r +o5 o3 th 5ortro!b/+o5 1r+ona/iti+ o3 o!r 1!b/i /i3% an I +ha// +n tho!+t ori*ina/+ into t51orary rtir5nt in +!itab/ ani5a/or*ani+5+. It<+ not 2ry on who wo!/ ha2 th 0now/* or th 1owr n++ary to brin* +!h a thin* o3399"

"Oh% +to1 that inan r!bbi+h%" +ai /t!rbt an*ri/y6 "it<+*ttin* wari+o5. Hr<+ B!in+ton o5in*%" h a% a+ thra11roah a/on* th a/5o+t +rt 1ath th w//90nown 3i*!r o3 a yo!n* Cabint Mini+tr% who+ 1r+ona/ity 2o0 a !rio!+5i=t!r o3 1!b/i intr+t an !n1o1!/arity.

"H!rry a/on*% 5y ar 5an%" +ai th yo!n* !0 to th Mini+tr%who ha *i2n hi5 a on+nin* no6 "yo!r ti5 i+ r!nnin*+hort%" h ontin! in a 1ro2oati2 +train6 "th who/ in1trow o3 yo! wi// +hort/y b +w1t away into th wor/<+ wa+t9 1a1r ba+0t."

"#o! 1oor /itt/ +trawbrry9/a3 nonntity%" +ai th Mini+tr%h0in* hi5+/3 3or a 5o5nt in hi+ +tri an ro//in* o!t hi+wor+ +1a+5oia//y6 "who i+ *oin* to +w1 !+ away% I +ho!/ /i0to 0now> Th 2otin* 5a+++ ar on o!r +i% an a// th abi/ityan a5ini+trati2 ta/nt i+ on o!r +i too. No 1owr o3 arthor Ha2n i+ *oin* to 5o2 !+ 3ro5 o!r 1/a ti// w hoo+ to7!it it. No 1owr o3 arth or99"



/t!rbt +aw% with b!/*in* y+% a +!n 2oi whr a 5o5ntar/ir ha bn a Cabint Mini+tr6 a 2oi 51ha+i rathr thanr/i2 by th 1r+n o3 a 1!339o!t bwi/r9/oo0in*+1arrow% whih ho11 abo!t 3or h 5o5nt in a a 3a+hion anthn 3// to a 2io/nt h1in* an +o/in*.

"I3 w o!/ !nr+tan +1arrow9/an*!a*%" +ai th !0 +rn/y%"I 3any w +ho!/ har +o5thin* in3init/y wor+ than<+trawbrry9/a3 nonntity.<"

"!t *oo Ha2n+% E!*n%" +ai /t!rbt hoar+/y% "what ha+ bo5 o399 &hy% thr h i+@ How on arth i h *t thr>"An h 1oint with a +ha0in* 3in*r towar+ a +5b/an o3 th2ani+h Mini+tr% whih a11roah on 5or a/on* th!n3r7!nt 1ath.

Th !0 /a!*h.

"It i+ B!in+ton to a// o!twar a11aran%" h +ai o51o+/y%"b!t I 3any yo! wi// 3in% on /o+r in2+ti*ation% that it i+ anan*/ !nr+t!y o3 th ra/ arti/."

Th An*/9B!in+ton *rt th5 with a 3rin/y +5i/.

"How ba+t/y ha11y yo! two /oo0 +ittin* thr@" h +ai wi+t3!//y.

"I on<t +!11o+ yo!< ar to han* 1/a+ with 1oor /itt/ !+%"r1/i th !0 ha33in*/y.

"How abo!t 1oor /itt/ 5>" +ai th An*/ 5o+t/y. "I<2 *ot to

r!n abo!t bhin th wh/+ o3 1o1!/arity% /i0 a +1ott o* bhin a arria*% *ttin* a// th !+t an tryin* to /oo0 a+ i3 Iwa+ an i51ortant 1art o3 th 5ahin. I 5!+t +5 a 1r3t 3oo/to yo! on/oo0r+ +o5ti5+."

"I thin0 yo! ar a 1r3t an*/%" +ai th !0.

Th An*/9that9ha9bn9B!in+ton +5i/ an 1a++ on hi+ way% 1!r+! aro++ th brath o3 th Hor+ '!ar+ :ara by atir+o5 /itt/ +1arrow that h1 in++ant/y an 3!rio!+/y athi5.

"That<+ on/y th b*innin*%" +ai th !0 o51/ant/y6 "I<25a it o1rati2 with a// o3 th5% irr+1ti2 o3 1arti+."

/t!rbt 5a no ohrnt r1/y6 h wa+ n*a* in 3/in* hi+ 1!/+. Th !0 3i= hi+ attntion with +o5 intr+t on a b/a0 +wan that wa+ +wi55in* with ha!*hty% +ti339n0 a/oo3n++ a5ith row o3 /++r watr93ow/ that ott th orna5nta/ watr.



For a// it+ 1ri o3 barin*% +o5thin* wa+ 2int/y r!33/in* annra*in* it6 in it+ way it +5 a+ an*ry an a5a a+ th+1arrow ha bn.

At th +a5 5o5nt a h!5an 3i*!r a5 a/on* th 1athway./t!rbt /oo0 !1 a11rhn+i2/y.

"Kon%" h whi+1r bri3/y.

"An An*/9Kon% i3 I a5 not 5i+ta0n%" +ai th !0. "Loo0% hi+ ta/0in* a33ab/y to a h!5an bin*. That +tt/+ it."

A +habbi/y r++ /o!n*r ha ao+t th 5an who ha bnViroy in th +1/ni Ea+t% an who +ti// r3/t in hi+ 5in+o5 o3 th o/ i*nity o3 th Hi5a/ayan +now91a0+.

"Co!/ yo! t// 5% +ir% i3 th5 whit bir+ i+ +tor0+ or ha/batro+++> I ha an ar*y5nt99"

Th o/ i*nity thaw at on into *nia/ 3rin/in++.

"Tho+ ar 1/ian+% 5y ar +ir. Ar yo! intr+t in bir+>I3 yo! wo!/ 4oin 5 in a b!n an a */a++ o3 5i/0 at th +ta//yonr% I o!/ t// yo! +o5 intr+tin* thin*+ abo!t Inian bir+. Ri*ht oh@ Now th hi//95ynah% 3or in+tan99"

Th two 5n i+a11ar in th irtion o3 th b!n +ta//%hattin* 2o/!b/y a+ thy wnt% an +haow 3ro5 th othr +i o3 th rai/ n/o+!r by a b/a0 +wan% who+ t51r +5 to ha2rah th /i5it o3 inarti!/at ra*.

/t!rbt *a in an o1n95o!th wonr a3tr th rtratin*o!1/% thn tran+3rr hi+ attntion to th in3!riat +wan% an3ina//y t!rn with a /oo0 o3 +ar o51rhn+ion at hi+ yo!n*3rin /o//in* !nonrn/y in hi+ hair. Thr wa+ no /on*r any roo5 to o!bt what wa+ ha11nin*. Th "+i//y ta/0" ha bntran+/at into trri3yin* ation.

"I thin0 a 1rairi oy+tr on th to1 o3 a +ti33i+h brany9an9+oa5i*ht +a2 5y ra+on%" +ai /t!rbt wa0/y% a+ h /i51 towar+hi+ /!b.

It wa+ /at in th ay b3or h o!/ +tay hi+ nr2++!33iint/y to */an at th 2nin* 1a1r+. Th :ar/ia5ntaryr1ort 1ro2 +i*ni3iant rain*% an on3ir5 th 3ar+ that hha bn tryin* to +ha0 o33. Mr. A1 a2% th Chan//or% who+/i2/y ontro2r+ia/ +ty/ nar hi5 to hi+ +!11ortr+ an5bittr hi5% 1o/itia//y +1a0in*% to hi+ o11onnt+% ha ri+nin hi+ 1/a to 5a0 an !n1ro2o0 a1o/o*y 3or ha2in* a//! in arnt +1h to rtain 1rot+tin* ta=1ayr+ a+ "+0!/0r+." H



ha ra/i on r3/tion that thy wr in a// 1robabi/ity 1r3t/y hon+t in thir inabi/ity to !nr+tan rtain /*a/thnia/iti+ o3 th nw 3inan /aw+. Th Ho!+ ha +ar/yro2r 3ro5 thi+ +n+ation whn Lor H!*o Si/ a!+ a3!rthr 3/!ttr o3 a+toni+h5nt by *oin* o!t o3 hi+ way to in!/*in an o!t+1o0n a11riation o3 th 3airn++% /oya/ty% an+trai*ht3orwarn++ not on/y o3 th Chan//or% b!t o3 a// th55br+ o3 th Cabint. A wit ha *ra2/y +!**+t 5o2in* tha4o!rn5nt o3 th Ho!+ in 2iw o3 th !n=1t ir!5+tan+that ha ari+n.

/t!rbt an=io!+/y +0i55 o2r a 3!rthr it5 o3 nw+ 1rinti55iat/y b/ow th :ar/ia5ntary r1ort? "&i/ at 3o!n in an=ha!+t onition in :a/a #ar."

"Now I wonr whih o3 th599" h 5!+% an thn an a11a//in*ia a5 to hi5. "S!11o+in* h<+ 1!t th5 both into th +a5 ba+t@" H h!rri/y orr anothr 1rairi oy+tr.

/t!rbt wa+ 0nown in hi+ /!b a+ a +trit/y 5orat rin0r6hi+ on+!51tion o3 a/oho/i +ti5!/ant+ that ay *a2 ri+ toon+irab/ o55nt.

Th 2nt+ o3 th n=t 3w ay+ wr 1i7!ant/y bwi/rin* to thwor/ at /ar*6 to /t!rbt% who 0nw i5/y what wa+ ha11nin*%th +it!ation wa+ 3ra!*ht with r!rrin* a/ar5+. Th o/ +ayin*that in 1o/iti+ it<+ th !n=1t that a/way+ ha11n+ ri2a 4!+ti3iation that it ha hithrto +o5what /a0% an th1i5i o3 +tart/in* 1r+ona/ han*+ o3 3ront wa+ not who//yon3in to th ra/5 o3 at!a/ 1o/iti+. Th 5innt hoo/at5a*nat% Sab!ry% who+ anti1athy to th T!r3 an 2rythin*

onnt with it wa+ a 5attr o3 *nra/ 0now/*% ha 2int/y bn r1/a by an An*/9Sab!ry% who 1ro to /tri3y th 1!b/i by b/o++o5in* 3orth a+ an ownr o3 ra9hor++% *i2in* a+ ara+on hi+ 5at!r on2ition that th +1ort wa+% a3tr a//% onwhih *a2 ha/thy o1n9air rration to /ar* n!5br+ o3 1o1/rawn 3ro5 a// /a+++ o3 th o55!nity% an ininta//y+ti5!/at th i51ortant in!+try o3 hor+9brin*. Hi+ o/o!r+%hoo/at an ra5 hoo1+ +1an*/ with 1in0 +tar+% 1ro5i+ to bo5 a+ 1o1!/ar a+ any on th T!r3. At th +a5 ti5% in orr to *i2 33t to hi+ on5nation o3 th 2i/+ r+!/tin* 3ro5 th+1ra o3 th *a5b/in* habit a5on* wa*9arnin* /a+++% who /i2

3or th 5o+t 1art 3ro5 han to 5o!th% h +!11r++ a// bttin*nw+ an ti1+tr+< 3ora+t+ in th 1o1!/ar 2nin* 1a1r that wa+!nr hi+ ontro/. Hi+ ation ri2 in+tant ro*nition an+!11ort 3ro5 th An*/91ro1ritor o3 th EVENIN' VIE&S% th 1rini1a/ ri2a/ 2nin* ha/31nny 1a1r% who 3orthwith i++! an!0a+ rin* a +i5i/ar ban on bttin* nw+% an in a +hortwhi/ th r*!/ar 2nin* :r++ wa+ 1!r* o3 a// 5ntion o3 +tartin* 1ri+ an 1robab/ winnr+. A on+irab/ ro1 in th



ir!/ation o3 a// th+ 1a1r+ wa+ th i55iat r+!/t%ao51ani% o3 o!r+% by a 3a//in*9o33 in a2rti+5nt 2a/!%whi/ a ro1 o3 +1ia/ bttin* broa+ht+ +1ran* !1 to +!11/yth nw/y9rat want. Unr thir in3/!n th bttin* habit ba5 i3 anythin* rathr wor wi/y i33!+ than b3or. Th!0 ha 1o++ib/y o2r/oo0 th 3!ti/ity o3 0o1ni0in* th/ar+ o3 th nation with =//nt/y intntion an*/ !nr9+t!i+% whi/ /a2in* th 5a++ o3 th 1o1/ in it+ ori*ina/onition.

F!rthr +n+ation an i+/oation wa+ a!+ in th :r++ wor/ byth +!n an ra5ati RA::ROCHEMENT whih too0 1/a btwn thAn*/9Eitor o3 th SCRUTATOR an th An*/9Eitor o3 th AN'LIANREVIE&% who not on/y a+ to ritii an i+1ara* th tonan tnni+ o3 ah othr<+ 1!b/iation% b!t a*r to =han*itor+hi1+ 3or a/trnatin* 1rio+. Hr a*ain 1!b/i +!11ortwa+ not on th +i o3 th an*/+6 on+tant rar+ o3 thSCRUTATOR o51/ain bittr/y o3 th +tron* 5at whih wa+ thr!+t!1on th5 at 3it3!/ intr2a/+ in 1/a o3 th a/5o+t 2*tarianit to whih thy ha bo5 on3int/y a!+to56 2n tho+who wr not 5nta//y a2r+ to +tron* 5at a+ a +1arat o!r+wr 1aronab/y annoy at bin* +!11/i with it in th 1a*+ o3 th SCRUTATOR. To b +!n/y on3ront with a 1!n*nt hrrin*+a/a whn on ha att!n on+/3 to ta an toa+t% or toi+o2r a rih/y tr!33/ +*5nt o3 :AT E FOIE i++5b/ in a bow/ o3 bra an 5i/0% wo!/ h an =1rin that 5i*ht !1+tth 7!ani5ity o3 th 5o+t 1/ai/y i+1o+ 5orta/. An 7!a//y2h5nt o!try aro+ 3ro5 th r*!/ar +!b+ribr+ o3 th AN'LIANREVIE& who 1rot+t a*ain+t bin* +r2 3ro5 ti5 to ti5 with/itrary 3ar whih no yo!n* 1r+on o3 +i=tn o!/ 1o++ib/y wantto 2o!r in +rt. To ta0 in3init 1ra!tion+% thy

o51/ain% a*ain+t th 4!2ni/ 1r!+a/ o3 +!h 5innt/yinno!o!+ /itrat!r wa+ /i0 rain* th Riot At on an!ninhabit i+/an. oth r2iw+ +!33r a +rio!+ 3a//in*9o33 in ir!/ation an in3/!n. :a hath it+ 2a+tation+ a+ w//a+ war.

Th wi2+ o3 not 1!b/i 5n 3or5 anothr /5nt o3 i+o53it!r whih th yo!n* !0 ha a/5o+t ntir/y /3t o!t o3 hi+ a/!/ation+. It i+ +!33iint/y 5barra++in* to 01 abra+to3 th 1o++ib/ wobb/in*+ an 2rrin*+9ro!n o3 a h!5an h!+ban%who% 3ro5 th +trn*th or wa0n++ o3 hi+ 1r+ona/ haratr% 5ay

/a1 o2r or +/i1 thro!*h th barrir+ whih i2i th 1arti+63or thi+ ra+on a 5ri3!/ 1o/itiian !+!a//y 5arri+ /at in/i3% whn h ha+ 3init/y 5a !1 hi+ 5in on whih +i hwi+h+ hi+ wi3 to b +oia//y 2a/!ab/. !t th+ tria/+ wr a+nothin* o51ar to th bwi/r5nt a!+ by th An*/9h!+ban+who +5 in +o5 a++ to ha2 r2o/!tioni thir o!t/oo0 on/i3 in th intr2a/ btwn bra03a+t an innr% witho!t 1r5onition or 1r1aration o3 any 0in% an a11arnt/y witho!t



ra/iin* th /a+t n 3or +!b+7!nt =1/anation. Tht51orary 1a whih broo o2r th :ar/ia5ntary +it!ation wa+ by no 5an+ r1ro! in th ho5 ir/+ o3 th /ain*+tat+5n an 1o/itiian+. It ha bn 3r7!nt/y an =tn+i2/yr5ar0 o3 Mr+. E= that +h wo!/ try th 1atin o3 an an*/6now th tab/+ wr r2r+% an +h !nwittin*/y ha ano11ort!nity 3or i+o2rin* that th a1aity 3or =a+1ratin* bha2io!r wa+ not a// on on +i.

An thn% with th intro!tion o3 th Na2y E+ti5at+%:ar/ia5ntary 1a +!n/y i++o/2. It wa+ th o/ 7!arr/ btwn Mini+tr+ an th O11o+ition a+ to th a7!ay or thr2r+ o3 th 'o2rn5nt<+ na2a/ 1ro*ra55. Th An*/9B!in+tonan th An*/9H!*o9Si/ ontri2 to 01 th bat+ 3r 3ro5 1r+ona/iti+ an 1in1ri0+% b!t an nor5o!+ +n+ation wa+ ratwhn th /*ant /a0aai+ia/ Ha/3an Ha/3o!r thratn to brin*!1 3i3ty% tho!+an +ta/wart+ to wr0 th Ho!+ i3 th E+ti5at+wr not 3orthwith r2i+ on a Two9:owr ba+i+. It wa+ a55orab/ +n whn h ro+ in hi+ 1/a% in r+1on+ to th+ana/i +ho!t+ o3 hi+ o11onnt+% an th!nr 3orth%"'nt/5n% I */ory in th na5 o3 A1ah."

/t!rbt% who ha 5a +2ra/ 3r!it/++ att51t+ to rin* !1 hi+yo!n* 3rin +in th 3at3!/ 5ornin* in St. ;a5+<+ :ar0% ranhi5 to arth on a3trnoon at hi+ /!b% +5ooth an +1r! an!nr!33/ a+ 2r.

"T// 5% what on arth ha2 yo! t!rn Co0+/y Co=on into>"/t!rbt a+0 an=io!+/y% 5ntionin* th na5 o3 on o3 th 1i//ar+ o3 !northoo=y in th An*/ian Ch!rh. "I on<t 3any hELIEVES in an*/+% an i3 h 3in+ an an*/ 1rahin* orthoo=

+r5on+ 3ro5 hi+ 1!/1it whi/ h<+ bn t!rn into a 3o=9trrir%h<// 2/o1 rabi+ in /++ than no ti5."

"I rathr thin0 it wa+ a 3o=9trrir%" +ai th !0 /ai/y.

/t!rbt *roan ha2i/y% an +an0 into a hair.

"Loo0 hr% E!*n%" h whi+1r hoar+/y% ha2in* 3ir+t /oo0w// ro!n to + that no on wa+ within harin* ran*% "yo!<2*ot to +to1 it. Con+o/+ ar 4!51in* !1 an own /i0 bronho+%an that +1h o3 Ha/3o!r<+ in th Ho!+ /a+t ni*ht ha+ +i51/y

+tart/ 2ryboy o!t o3 thir wit+. An thn on th to1 o3 it%Thi+t/bry99"

"&hat ha+ h bn +ayin*>" a+0 th !0 7!i0/y.

"Nothin*. That<+ 4!+t what<+ +o i+t!rbin*. E2ry on tho!*ht itwa+ +i51/y in2itab/ that h +ho!/ o5 o!t with a *rat 1oh95a0in* +1h at thi+ 4!nt!r% an I<2 4!+t +n on th ta1



that h ha+ r3!+ to ar++ any 5tin*+ at 1r+nt% *i2in* a+a ra+on hi+ o1inion that +o5thin* 5or than 5r +1h95a0in*wa+ want."

Th yo!n* !0 +ai nothin*% b!t hi+ y+ +hon with 7!it=!/tation.

"It<+ +o !n/i0 Thi+t/bry%" ontin! /t!rbt6 "at /a+t%" h+ai +!+1iio!+/y% "it<+ !n/i0 th REAL Thi+t/bry99"

"Th ra/ Thi+t/bry i+ 3/yin* abo!t +o5whr a+ a 2oa//y9in!+trio!+ /a1win*%" +ai th !0 a/5/y6 "I =1t *rat thin*+o3 th An*/9Thi+t/bry%" h a.

At thi+ 5o5nt thr wa+ a 5a*nti +ta51 o3 55br+ towar+th /obby% whr th ta195ahin+ wr ti0in* o!t +o5 nw+ o3 5or than orinary i51ort.

"COU: <TAT in th North. Thi+t/bry +i+ Einb!r*h Ca+t/.Thratn+ i2i/ war !n/++ 'o2rn5nt =1an+ na2a/ 1ro*ra55."

In th bab/ whih n+! /t!rbt /o+t +i*ht o3 hi+ yo!n*3rin. For th b+t 1art o3 th a3trnoon h +arh on /i0/yha!nt a3tr anothr% +1!rr on by th +n+ationa/ 1o+tr+ whihth 2nin* 1a1r+ wr i+1/ayin* broaa+t o2r th &+t En."'nra/ an9an 5obi/i+ oy9So!t+. Anothr COU: <TAT3ar. I+ &in+or Ca+t/ +a3>" Thi+ wa+ on o3 th ar/ir 1o+tr+% an wa+ 3o//ow by on o3 2n 5or +ini+tr 1!r1ort?"&i// th T+t95ath ha2 to b 1o+t1on>" It wa+ thi+i+7!itnin* 7!+tion whih bro!*ht ho5 th ra/ +rio!+n++ o3 th +it!ation to th Lonon 1!b/i% an 5a 1o1/ wonr whthr

on 5i*ht not 1ay too hi*h a 1ri 3or th a2anta*+ o3 1arty*o2rn5nt. /t!rbt% 7!+tin* ro!n in th ho1 o3 3inin* thori*inator o3 th tro!b/% with a 2a*! ia o3 bin* ab/ toin! hi5 to r+tor 5attr+ to thir nor5a/ h!5an 3ootin*% a5aro++ an /r/y /!b a7!aintan who abb/ =tn+i2/y in+o5 o3 th 5or +n+iti2 5ar0t +!riti+. H wa+ 1a/ withini*nation% an hi+ 1a//or 1n a+ a brath/++ nw+boya+h 1a+t with a 1o+tr in+rib? ":r5ir<+ on+tit!nyharri by 5o++9troo1r+. Ha/3o!r +n+ no!ra*in* t/*ra5 toriotr+. Lthworth 'arn City thratn+ r1ri+a/+. Fori*nr+ta0in* r3!* in E5ba++i+ an Nationa/ Libra/ C/!b."

"Thi+ i+ 2i/+< wor0@" h +ai an*ri/y.

/t!rbt 0nw othrwi+.

At th botto5 o3 St. ;a5+<+ Strt a nw+1a1r 5otor9art% whihha 4!+t o5 ra1i/y a/on* :a// Ma//% wa+ +!rro!n by a 0not o3 a*r/y ta/0in* 1o1/% an 3or th 3ir+t ti5 that a3trnoon



/t!rbt har =1r++ion+ o3 r/i3 an on*rat!/ation.

It i+1/ay a 1/aar with th w/o5 anno!n5nt? "Cri+i+n. 'o2rn5nt *i2+ way. I51ortant =1an+ion o3 na2a/ 1ro*ra55."

Thr +5 to b no i55iat n++ity 3or 1!r+!in* th 7!+to3 th rrant !0% an /t!rbt t!rn to 5a0 hi+ way ho5warthro!*h St. ;a5+<+ :ar0. Hi+ 5in% att!n to th a/ar!5+ an=!r+ion+ o3 th a3trnoon% ba5 i5/y awar that +o5=it5nt o3 a tah nat!r wa+ *oin* on aro!n hi5. In +1ito3 th 1o/itia/ 3r5nt whih ri*n in th +trt+% 7!it a/ar* row ha *athr to wath th !n3o/in* o3 a tra*y thatha ta0n 1/a on th +hor o3 th orna5nta/ watr. A /ar* b/a0 +wan% whih ha rnt/y +hown +i*n+ o3 a +a2a* anan*ro!+ i+1o+ition% ha +!n/y atta0 a yo!n* *nt/5an whowa+ wa/0in* by th watr<+ *% ra** hi5 own !nr th+!r3a% an rown hi5 b3or anyon o!/ o5 to hi+a++i+tan. At th 5o5nt whn /t!rbt arri2 on th +1ot+2ra/ 1ar0901r+ wr n*a* in /i3tin* th or1+ into a 1!nt. /t!rbt +too1 to 1i0 !1 a hat that /ay nar th +no3 th +tr!**/. It wa+ a +5art +o3t 3/t hat% 3aint/yr5ini+nt o3 Ho!bi*ant.

Mor than a 5onth /a1+ b3or /t!rbt ha +!33iint/yro2r 3ro5 hi+ atta0 o3 nr2o!+ 1ro+tration to ta0 anintr+t on 5or in what wa+ *oin* on in th wor/ o3 1o/iti+.Th :ar/ia5ntary S++ion wa+ +ti// in 3!// +win*% an a 'nra/E/tion wa+ /oo5in* in th nar 3!t!r. H a// 3or a bath o3 5ornin* 1a1r+ an +0i55 ra1i/y thro!*h th +1h+ o3 thChan//or% B!in+ton% an othr Mini+tria/ /ar+% a+ w// a+

tho+ o3 th 1rini1a/ O11o+ition ha51ion+% an thn +an0 ba0 inhi+ hair with a +i*h o3 r/i3. E2int/y th +1// ha a+to at a3tr th tra*y whih ha o2rta0n it+ in2o0r. Thrwa+ no tra o3 an*/ anywhr.

THE REMOULIN' OF 'RO# LIN'TON

"A 5an i+ 0nown by th o51any h 01+."

In th 5ornin*9roo5 o3 hi+ +i+tr9in9/aw<+ ho!+ 'roby Lin*ton3i*t away th 1a++in* 5in!t+ with th 5!r r+t/++n++ o3 a2an 5i/ a*. Abo!t a 7!artr o3 an ho!r wo!/ ha2 to/a1+ b3or it wo!/ b ti5 to +ay hi+ *oo9by+ an 5a0 hi+way aro++ th 2i//a* *rn to th +tation% with a +/t



+ort o3 n1hw+ an ni+. H wa+ a *oo9nat!r% 0in/yi+1o+ition 5an% an in thory h wa+ /i*ht to 1ay 1rioia/ 2i+it+ to th wi3 an hi/rn o3 hi+ a brothr &i//ia56 in 1rati% h in3init/y 1r3rr th o53ort an+/!+ion o3 hi+ own ho!+ an *arn% an th o51anion+hi1 o3 hi+ boo0+ an hi+ 1arrot to th+ rathr 5anin*/++ an tir+o5in!r+ion+ into a 3a5i/y ir/ with whih h ha /itt/ ino55on. It wa+ not +o 5!h th +1!r o3 hi+ own on+in thatro2 hi5 to 5a0 th oa+iona/ +hort 4o!rny by rai/ to 2i+ithi+ r/ati2+% a+ an obint on++ion to th 5or in+i+tnt b!t2iario!+ on+in o3 hi+ brothr% Co/on/ ;ohn% who wa+ a1t toa!+ hi5 o3 n*/tin* 1oor o/ &i//ia5<+ 3a5i/y. 'roby !+!a//y3or*ot or i*nor th =i+tn o3 hi+ ni*hbo!r 0in+3o/0 !nti/+!h ti5 a+ h wa+ thratn with a 2i+it 3ro5 th Co/on/% whnh wo!/ 1!t 5attr+ +trai*ht by a h!rri 1i/*ri5a* aro++ th3w 5i/+ o3 intr2nin* o!ntry to rnw hi+ a7!aintan withth yo!n* 1o1/ an a++!5 a 0in/y i3 rathr 3or intr+t inth w//9bin* o3 hi+ +i+tr9in9/aw. On thi+ oa+ion h ha !t5attr+ +o 3in btwn th ti5in* o3 hi+ =!/1atory 2i+it anth o5in* o3 Co/on/ ;ohn% that h wo!/ +ar/y b ho5 b3orth /attr wa+ ! to arri2. Anyhow% 'roby ha *ot it o2r% an+i= or +2n 5onth+ 5i*ht nt/y /a1+ b3or h n a*ain+ari3i hi+ o53ort+ an in/ination+ on th a/tar o3 3a5i/y+oiabi/ity. H wa+ in/in to b i+tint/y hr3!/ a+ hho11 abo!t th roo5% 1i0in* !1 3ir+t on ob4t% thn anothr%an +!b4tin* ah to a bri3 bir9/i0 +r!tiny.

:r+nt/y hi+ hr3!/ /i+t/++n++ han* +har1/y to an attit!o3 2= attntion. In a +ra19boo0 o3 rawin*+ an ariat!r+ b/on*in* to on o3 hi+ n1hw+ h ha o5 aro++ an !n0in/y/2r +0th o3 hi5+/3 an hi+ 1arrot% +o/5n/y on3rontin* ah

othr in 1o+t!r+ o3 rii!/o!+ *ra2ity an r1o+% an barin* a/i0n++ to on anothr that th arti+t ha on hi+ !t5o+t toant!at. A3tr th 3ir+t 3/!+h o3 annoyan ha 1a++ away%'roby /a!*h *oo9nat!r/y an a5itt to hi5+/3 th/2rn++ o3 th rawin*. Thn th 3/in* o3 r+nt5ntr1o++++ hi5% r+nt5nt not a*ain+t th ariat!ri+t who ha5boi th ia in 1n an in0% b!t a*ain+t th 1o++ib/ tr!ththat th ia r1r+nt. &a+ it ra//y th a+ that 1o1/*rw in ti5 to r+5b/ th ani5a/+ thy 01t a+ 1t+% an ha h!non+io!+/y bo5 5or an 5or /i0 th o5ia//y +o/5n birthat wa+ hi+ on+tant o51anion> 'roby wa+ !n!+!a//y +i/nt a+ h

wa/0 to th train with hi+ +ort o3 hattrin* n1hw+ anni+% an !rin* th +hort rai/way 4o!rny hi+ 5in wa+ 5or an5or 1o++++ with an intro+1ti2 on2ition that h ha*ra!a//y +tt/ own into a +ort o3 1arrot9/i0 =i+tn.&hat% a3tr a//% i hi+ ai/y ro!tin a5o!nt to b!t a +at5anrin* an 10in* an 1rhin*% in hi+ *arn% a5on* hi+3r!it tr+% in hi+ wi0r hair on th /awn% or by th 3ir+iin hi+ /ibrary> An what wa+ th +!5 tota/ o3 hi+ on2r+ation



with han9no!ntr ni*hbo!r+> "B!it a +1rin* ay% i+n<tit>" "It /oo0+ a+ tho!*h w +ho!/ ha2 +o5 rain." "'/a to +yo! abo!t a*ain6 yo! 5!+t ta0 ar o3 yo!r+/3." "How th yo!n*3o/0 +hoot !1% on<t thy>" Strin*+ o3 +t!1i% in2itab/ 1r3!ntory r5ar0+ a5 to hi+ 5in% r5ar0+ that wr rtain/ynot th 5nta/ =han* o3 h!5an int//i*n+% b!t 5r 51ty 1arrot9ta/0. On 5i*ht ra//y 4!+t a+ w// +a/!t on<+a7!aintan+ with ":rtty 1o//y. :!++% 1!++% 5iaow@" 'roby b*an to 3!5 a*ain+t th 1it!r o3 hi5+/3 a+ a 3oo/i+h3athr 3ow/ whih hi+ n1hw<+ +0th ha 3ir+t +!**+t% anwhih hi+ own a!+in* i5a*ination wa+ 3i//in* in with +!h!n3/attrin* tai/.

"I<// *i2 th ba+t/y bir away%" h +ai r+nt3!//y6 tho!*h h0nw at th +a5 ti5 that h wo!/ o no +!h thin*. It wo!//oo0 +o ab+!r a3tr a// th yar+ that h ha 01t th 1arrot an5a 5!h o3 it +!n/y to try an 3in it a nw ho5.

"Ha+ 5y brothr arri2>" h a+0 o3 th +tab/9boy% who ha o5with th 1ony9arria* to 5t hi5.

"#++ir% a5 own by th two93i3tn. #o!r 1arrot<+ a." Th boy 5a th /attr anno!n5nt with th r/i+h whih hi+ /a++3in+ in 1ro/ai5in* a ata+tro1h.

"My 1arrot a>" +ai 'roby. "&hat a!+ it+ ath>"

"Th i1%" +ai th boy bri3/y.

"Th i1>" 7!ri 'roby. "&hat2r<+ that>"

"Th i1 what th Co/on/ bro!*ht own with hi5%" a5 th rathr a/ar5in* an+wr.

"o yo! 5an to +ay 5y brothr i+ i//>" a+0 'roby. "I+ it+o5thin* in3tio!+>"

"Th< Co/on/<+ +o w// a+ 2r h wa+%" +ai th boy6 an a+ no3!rthr =1/anation wa+ 3ortho5in* 'roby ha to 1o++++ hi5+/3 in 5y+ti3i 1atin ti// h rah ho5. Hi+ brothr wa+waitin* 3or hi5 at th ha// oor.

"Ha2 yo! har abo!t th 1arrot>" h a+0 at on. "<:on 5y+o!/ I<5 aw3!//y +orry. Th 5o5nt h +aw th 5on0y I< bro!*htown a+ a +!r1ri+ 3or yo! h +7!aw0 o!t <Rat+ to yo!% +ir@< anth b/++ 5on0y 5a on +1rin* at hi5% *ot hi5 by th n0 anwhir/ hi5 ro!n /i0 a ratt/. H wa+ a+ a a+ 5!tton by thti5 I< *ot hi5 o!t o3 th /itt/ b**ar<+ 1aw+. A/way+ bn+!h a 3rin/y /itt/ ba+t% th 5on0y ha+% +ho!/ n2r ha2tho!*ht h< *ot it in hi5 to + r /i0 that. Can<t t// yo!



how +orry I 3/ abo!t it% an now o3 o!r+ yo!<// hat th +i*hto3 th 5on0y."

"Not at a//%" +ai 'roby +inr/y. A 3w ho!r+ ar/ir thtra*i n whih ha b3a//n hi+ 1arrot wo!/ ha2 1r+ntit+/3 to hi5 a+ a a/a5ity6 now it arri2 a/5o+t a+ a 1o/itattntion on th 1art o3 th Fat+.

"Th bir wa+ *ttin* o/% yo! 0now%" h wnt on% in =1/anationo3 hi+ ob2io!+ /a0 o3 nt r*rt at th /o++ o3 hi+ 1t. "Iwa+ ra//y b*innin* to wonr i3 it wa+ an !n5i= 0inn++ to/t hi5 *o on /i2in* ti// h +!!5b to o/ a*. &hat ahar5in* /itt/ 5on0y@" h a% whn h wa+ intro! to th!/1rit.

Th nw9o5r wa+ a +5a//% /on*9tai/ 5on0y 3ro5 th &+trnH5i+1hr% with a *nt/% ha/39+hy% ha/39tr!+tin* 5annr thatin+tant/y a1t!r 'roby<+ on3in6 a +t!nt o3 +i5ianharatr 5i*ht ha2 +n in th 3it3!/ r /i*ht in it+ y+ +o5iniation o3 th !nr/yin* t51r whih th 1arrot ha +o ra+h/y 1!t to th t+t with +!h ra5ati on+7!n+ 3or it+/3. Th+r2ant+% who ha o5 to r*ar th 3!nt bir a+ a r*!/ar 55br o3 th ho!+ho/% an on who *a2 ra//y 2ry /itt/tro!b/% wr +ana/i to 3in hi+ b/oothir+ty a**r++or in+ta// in hi+ 1/a a+ an hono!r o5+ti 1t.

"A na+ty hathn i1 what on<t n2r +ay nothin* +n+ib/ anhr3!/% +a5 a+ 1or :o//y i%" wa+ th !n3a2o!rab/ 2rit o3 th 0ithn 7!artr+.

. . . . . . . . .

On S!nay 5ornin*% +o5 tw/2 or 3o!rtn 5onth+ a3tr th 2i+ito3 Co/on/ ;ohn an th 1arrot9tra*y% Mi++ &1/y +at oro!+/yin hr 1w in th 1ari+h h!rh% i55iat/y in 3ront o3 thato!1i by 'roby Lin*ton. Sh wa+% o51arati2/y +1a0in* a nw9o5r in th ni*hbo!rhoo% an wa+ not 1r+ona//y a7!aint withhr 3//ow9wor+hi11r in th +at bhin% b!t 3or th 1a+t twoyar+ th S!nay 5ornin* +r2i ha bro!*ht th5 r*!/ar/y withinah othr<+ +1hr o3 on+io!+n++. &itho!t ha2in* 1ai 1arti!/ar attntion to th +!b4t% +h o!/ 1robab/y ha2 *i2na orrt rnrin* o3 th way in whih h 1rono!n rtain

wor+ o!rrin* in th r+1on++% whi/ h wa+ w// awar o3 thtri2ia/ 3at that% in aition to hr 1rayr boo0 anhan0rhi3% a +5a// 1a1r 1a0t o3 throat /on*+ a/way+r1o+ on th +at b+i hr. Mi++ &1/y rar/y ha ro!r+to hr /on*+% b!t in a+ +h +ho!/ b ta0n with a 3it o3 o!*hin* +h wi+h to ha2 th 5r*ny !/y 1ro2i 3or. Onthi+ 1arti!/ar S!nay th /on*+ oa+ion an !n!+!a/i2r+ion in th 2n tnor o3 hr 2otion+% 3ar 5or i+t!rbin*



to hr 1r+ona//y than a 1ro/on* atta0 o3 o!*hin* wo!/ ha2 bn. A+ +h ro+ to ta0 1art in th +in*in* o3 th 3ir+t hy5n%+h 3ani that +h +aw th han o3 hr ni*hbo!r% who wa+ a/onin th 1w bhin hr% 5a0 a 3!rti2 ownwar *rab at th 1a0t/yin* on th +at6 on t!rnin* +har1/y ro!n +h 3o!n that th 1a0t ha rtain/y i+a11ar% b!t Mr. Lin*ton wa+ to a//o!twar +5in* +rn/y intnt on hi+ hy5nboo0. No a5o!nt o3 intrro*atory */arin* on th 1art o3 th +1oi/ /ay o!/ brin* th /a+t +ha o3 on+io!+ *!i/t to hi+ 3a.

"&or+ wa+ to 3o//ow%" a+ +h r5ar0 a3trwar+ to a +ana/ia!in o3 3rin+ an a7!aintan+. "I ha +ar/y 0n/t in 1rayr whn a /on*% on o3 5y /on*+% a5 whiin* into th 1w% 4!+t !nr 5y no+. I t!rn ro!n an +tar% b!t Mr.Lin*ton ha hi+ y+ /o+ an hi+ /i1+ 5o2in* a+ tho!*h n*a*in 1rayr. Th 5o5nt I r+!5 5y 2otion+ anothr /on* a5ratt/in* in% an thn anothr. I too0 no noti 3or awhi/% anthn t!rn ro!n +!n/y 4!+t a+ th ra3!/ 5an wa+ abo!t to3/i1 anothr on at 5. H ha+ti/y 1rtn to b t!rnin* o2r th /a2+ o3 hi+ boo0% b!t I wa+ not to b ta0n in that ti5.H +aw that h ha bn i+o2r an no 5or /on*+ a5. O3 o!r+ I ha2 han* 5y 1w."

"No *nt/5an wo!/ ha2 at in +!h a i+*ra3!/ 5annr%" +aion o3 hr /i+tnr+6 "an yt Mr. Lin*ton !+ to b +o r+1t by 2ryboy. H +5+ to ha2 bha2 /i0 a /itt/ i//9br+hoo/boy."

"H bha2 /i0 a 5on0y%" +ai Mi++ &1/y.

Hr !n3a2o!rab/ 2rit wa+ ho in othr 7!artr+ abo!t th

+a5 ti5. 'roby Lin*ton ha n2r bn a hro in th y+ o3 hi+ 1r+ona/ rtainr+% b!t h ha +har th a11ro2a/ aor to hi+3!nt 1arrot a+ a hr3!/% w//9i+1o+ition boy% who *a2 no 1arti!/ar tro!b/. O3 /at 5onth+% how2r% thi+ haratr wo!/har/y ha2 bn nor+ by th 55br+ o3 hi+ o5+ti+tab/i+h5nt. Th +to/i +tab/9boy% who ha 3ir+t anno!n tohi5 th tra*i n o3 hi+ 3athr 1t% wa+ on o3 th 3ir+t to*i2 2oi to th 5!r5!r+ o3 i+a11ro2a/ whih ba5 ra51ant an*nra/ in th +r2ant+< 7!artr+% an h ha 3air/y +!b+tantia/*ro!n+ 3or hi+ i+a33tion. In a b!r+t o3 hot +!55r wathr hha obtain 1r5i++ion to bath in a 5o+t9+i 1on in th

orhar% an thithr on a3trnoon 'roby ha bnt hi+ +t1+%attrat by /o! i51ration+ o3 an*r 5in*/ with th +hri//r hattrin* o3 5on0y9/an*!a*. H% bh/ hi+ 1/!51 i5in!ti2+r2itor% /a on/y in a wai+toat an a 1air o3 +o0+% +tor5in*in33t!a//y at th 5on0y whih wa+ +at on a /ow branh o3 ana11/ tr% ab+trat/y 3in*rin* th r5ainr o3 th boy<+o!t3it% whih h ha r5o2 4!+t o!t o3 ha+ rah.



roo5% 5oro2r% to Lonar S1abbin0% th 5innt 1iani+t.

"H 1/ay+ Li+t /i0 an an*/%" ha bn th ho+t++<+nth!+ia+ti t+ti5onia/.

"H 5ay 1/ay hi5 /i0 a tro!t 3or a// I ar%" ha bn 'roby<+5nta/ o55nt% "b!t I wo!/n<t 5in bttin* that h +nor+. H<+ 4!+t th +ort an +ha1 that wo!/. An i3 I har hi5 +norin*thro!*h tho+ rii!/o!+ thin91an// wa//+% thr<// btro!b/."

H i% an thr wa+.

'roby +too it 3or abo!t two an a 7!artr 5in!t+% an thn 5ahi+ way thro!*h th orrior into S1abbin0<+ roo5. Unr 'roby<+2i*oro!+ 5a+!r+ th 5!+iian<+ 3/abby% r!nant 3i*!r +at !1in bwi/r +5i9on+io!+n++ /i0 an i9ra5 that ha+ bnta!*ht to b*. 'roby 1ro hi5 into o51/t wa03!/n++% anthn th 1tti+h +/39+ati+3i 1iani+t 3air/y /o+t hi+ t51r an+/a11 hi+ o5inrin* 2i+itant on th han. In anothr 5o5ntS1abbin0 wa+ bin* nar/y +ti3/ an 2ry 33t!a//y *a** by a 1i//ow9a+ ti*ht/y bo!n ro!n hi+ ha% whi/ hi+ 1/!51 1y4a5a</i5b+ wr ha!/ o!t o3 b an +5a0% 1inh% 0i0% an b!51 in a ath9a+9ath9an 1ro*r++ aro++ th 3/oor% towar+th 3/at +ha//ow bath in who+ !ttr/y ina7!at 1th+ 'roby 1r+2rin*/y +tro2 to rown hi5. For a 3w 5o5nt+ th roo5 wa+a/5o+t in ar0n++? 'roby<+ an/ ha o2rt!rn in an ar/y+ta* o3 th +!33/% an it+ 3/i0r +ar/y rah to th +1otwhr +1/a+hin*+% +5a0+% 5!33/ ri+% an +1/!ttrin*+% an ahattr o3 a19/i0 ra* to/ o3 th +tr!**/ that wa+ bin* wa*ro!n th +hor+ o3 th bath. A 3w in+tant+ /atr th on9+i

o5bat wa+ bri*ht/y /it !1 by th 3/ar o3 b/ain* !rtain+ anra1i/y 0in/in* 1an//in*.

&hn th ha+ti/y aro!+ 55br+ o3 th ho!+91arty +ta51 o!ton to th /awn% th 'or*ian win* wa+ w// a/i*ht an b/hin*3orth 5a+++ o3 +5o0% b!t +o5 5o5nt+ /a1+ b3or 'robya11ar with th ha/39rown 1iani+t in hi+ ar5+% ha2in* 4!+t btho!*ht hi5 o3 th +!1rior rownin* 3ai/iti+ o33r by th 1on at th botto5 o3 th /awn. Th oo/ ni*ht air +obr hi+ra*% an whn h 3o!n that h wa+ innont/y a/ai5 a+ thhroi r+!r o3 1oor Lonar S1abbin0% an /o!/y o55n 3or

hi+ 1r+n o3 5in in tyin* a wt /oth ro!n hi+ ha to 1rott hi5 3ro5 +5o0 +!33oation% h a1t th +it!ation% an+!b+7!nt/y *a2 a *ra1hi ao!nt o3 hi+ 3inin* th 5!+iiana+/1 with an o2rt!rn an/ by hi+ +i an th on3/a*rationw// +tart. S1abbin0 *a2 HIS 2r+ion +o5 ay+ /atr% whn hha 1artia//y ro2r 3ro5 th +ho0 o3 hi+ 5ini*ht a+ti*ationan i55r+ion% b!t th *nt/ 1ityin* +5i/+ an 2a+i2 o55nt+with whih hi+ +tory wa+ *rt warn hi5 that th 1!b/i ar



wa+ not at hi+ i+1o+a/. H r3!+% how2r% to attn thr5onia/ 1r+ntation o3 th Roya/ H!5an Soity<+ /i39+a2in*5a/.

It wa+ abo!t thi+ ti5 that 'roby<+ 1t 5on0y 3// a 2iti5 toth i+a+ whih atta0+ +o 5any o3 it+ 0in whn bro!*ht !nr th in3/!n o3 a northrn /i5at. It+ 5a+tr a11ar to b 1ro3o!n/y a33t by it+ /o++% an n2r 7!it ro2r th/2/ o3 +1irit+ that h ha rnt/y attain. In o51any withth tortoi+% whih Co/on/ ;ohn 1r+nt to hi5 on hi+ /a+t2i+it% h 1ottr+ abo!t hi+ /awn an 0ithn *arn% with non o3 hi+ r+twhi/ +1ri*ht/in++6 an hi+ n1hw+ an ni+ ar 3air/yw// 4!+ti3i in a//!in* to hi5 a+ "O/ Un/ 'roby."

the chronicles of clovis

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