The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1895-08-03

and, bidding me goOdby, ran down the
steps. Jack stayed few minutes longer,
and then said:
Good night, foolish little girl. You
will be sorry tomorrow, when you see me
looking worn and haggard after sleepless
night worrying about you. You ought to
be made to obey, but l declare l can't
undertake task at which your parents
have SO signallly failed.'
And dear, sweet Jack kissed me good
night and left
When he was really gone regretted the
foolish pride that had made me stick to my
threat of remaining alone in that great,
dreary house, but repentance came too late.
Feeling nervous and excited, took book
to my room and read for half hour or
So trying to quiet my disturbed nerves.
Finally, getting somewhat sleepy,
began to prepare for bed. AS 1 stepped to
the dressing case to braid my hair for the
night the first glance into the mirror re
vealed the face of Harry Allen at the tran
som. My first thought was that was in
some danger and he had come to protect
me. My impulse was to call him by name,
but as looked again his desperate express
ion showed me that should L speak or
scream no course would be too brutal for
him. For one moment | felt numb and
cold, and any action seemed impossible,
but | reused myslf and by what now seems
almost superhuman effort forced myself
to carry out plan that formulated like a
flash in my dazed brain.
With trembling hands I arranged my
hair and when | had finished went to the
pocket of my gown and took out the pack
age of money, looking at it and counting it
in as interesting II manner rs | could feigu.
Then l carefully placed it under some boxes
in my bureau drawer. All this time felt
his cleaning eyes upon me, though | did
not again have the courage to look into the
glass. Before went to bed knelt down
to pray, in hope that some latent feeling
some inherent goodness, might come to
that wretched man at the sight of innocent
devotion. My only prayer was, God
help me. God help me!' turned my light
low and laid myself in bed, acting like
some one in trance. thought can this
be I, can this be Dorothy Clyde?
| closed my eyes and waited. 1t seemed
life time before heard Harry Allan let
himself down over the transom and creep
softly in his stocking feet to the foot of my
bed. Oh, the horror Of it! l groaned.
groaned. l thought then that was done
for, but he evidently took it for the breath
ing of heavy sleeper and went on over to
the bureau, opened the drawer, took tn,
money package and stole back to the door.
heard the key turn in the lock and hi,
was gone.
lay there some time in state of semi
consciousness, but after what must have
been about thirty minutes | pulled myself
together and managed to prepare for my
part in the game. I rose hastily, dressed
anu Nclit 'lultiiy out vi liC ilouSt
| stood waiting on our steps for the police
man to pass on his beat. He saw me and
paused, looking at me suspiciously.
IL am Miss Clyde said. II came to
town today, and am staying alone in our
house find | have forgotten one OF my
principal errands | wish to 90 up to Mr..
10
morning for the east, and if don't see him
to night it will be too late and father will
be so put out. If you have any doubt of
my being Miss Clyde, here is my watch,
with Dorothy Clyde on it, and see-this is
the latchkey of our house.
A. showed these slight proofs of my
identity pressed a s. bill into his hand
and was pleased ut its effect and his
apparent belief i'll my improviscd story.
How can serve you, miss? Shall
walk up to Mr.. Allan's house with you?
1t isn't exactly on my beat, but | can fix
that all right"
As we approached the Allan house my
courage began to fail, but | was ashamed
then to back out and determined that if
died for it would make an effort to get
back that money. | asked the policeman
to rim. the door bell wished to save all
my strength. The house was dark and
quiet and it WAS after continued pulls at
the bell that sleepy maid servant let us
in.
Il wish to See Mr.. Allan said |.
SUE, mum, he's in bed.
"Nevcr mind if he is. Take me to the
door VI his ROOM
The stupid girl was too far gone wi
sleep too see anything unusual in this de-
mand Of mine.
You stay here in the hail." | said to
the policeman, land wait till want you
to walk home WITH" | added seeing his
surprised look.
We paused on the landing and the girl
pointed to door at the head of the
stairs
Sure, that's his room, Teddy. Will
you be wanting me any more?"
PLEASE stay here, so you can show me
out after | have seen Mr.. Allen" |
replied.
With SuIl on cnuraUn horn of ,lasneration