The Argosy, Christmas 1912 — page 114: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

100 Bennett turned to the other two. ‘I may be kept a few minutes; but, of course, I'll be back as soon as I can.” He noticed, with a feeling almost of satisfaction, the look of concern in Edith’s eyes. It was splendid to know she was so much interested in him. The colonel’s reprimand was well worth undergoing for one look from her like that. “In the mean time,” he added, “‘ you will be excellently taken care of by Os- good. Wait for me at the station, won't you? Good-by. See you pres- ently.” He followed the waiting orderly, and together they made their way to the colonel’s tent. Osgood walked on slowly with Miss Trevor. He guided her to the edge of the stream of departing visitors. Here, on one side, they would be practically alone. He wanted to talk to her. She allowed herself to be guided. She guessed his intention. She did not entirely approve it, but he evidently wanted to say something. She wanted to: hear it. CHAPTER V. OSGOOD SPEAKS. Oscoop said little until they were really by themselves. Then, realizing that his time was limited, he began, with an almost blunt directness: “You and Bennett went for quite a long walk this afternoon, didn’t you? ”’ “Yes,” she answered. “ We got back just in time. I am glad he wasn’t late for the review.”’ “Well, that wouldn’t have been much worse than what happened. I can’t understand how he made that mis- take. I have never known him to do anything like it before. It looks as though there must be something wrong with his eyesight. Did he mention anything to you about the fortune- teller?” “What fortune-teller? ”’ tion. THE ARGOSY. “Then he hasn’t told you. It’s a curious coincidence that both things have happened on the same day. Why, just before you came we went into one of these gipsy tents on the edge of the parade-ground, and had our careers prophesied. Mine was all right. Ben- nett’s was different. He was told that a great darkness was coming into his ife.”’ “ Well?” Edith said inquiringly. ‘Well, do you remember your own prediction? ” “My prediction?” She looked at him blankly for a moment. Then she recalled it. “Oh, yes. I remember now.” “You used the very same words.” “Yes.” She smiled at the recollec- “It is a coincidence, certainly, but that’s all it is. I was only playing, you know.” Still, it’s curious.” “Lots of things are. What else did the fortune-teller predict? ” ‘“ Nothing much. A general dull out- look. This great darkness was the main thing. She construed it to mean that Bennett would lose his sight, not suddenly, but gradually.” The girl’s face became grave. “You don’t really place any faith in those things, do you?” “He doesn’t. He only laughs. I do to some extent. I am sorry to say I think there may be something: in this one. You see, there are several facts to support it, facts about which the prophetess could have no knowledge whatever. Bennett’s told me himself about his sight being a little uncertain at times. Then there is what happened at the review this afternoon. Think of that.” (79 Yes.”’ There was a short silence. “Your speaking of it,” she said, thoughtfully, “reminds me now of something that happened the other day. I hardly noticed it at the time, but it seens more important now. I had dropped a coin from my purse. He bent over to pick it up, but he couldn’t CoOMmicbook CO