The San Francisco call., 1905-06-18
IN THE STOCKS
By Martho notwithstanding

thick under note. Mildred. Mildred" ne
went on. II have been blind this ten
days-now that 1 see-is it quite too
late7"
Il don't understand" Mildred said,
suddenly pIim and pale
karsens stood staring after the van
ishing figure in scowling daze. He was
angry clean through If it was Fate's
decree that he should be thus bowled
over. why had it not come to pass az
first?
There was also the man in the Iocket-
she had bluShed furiOusly when Dicky
told of him. Who could he be?
She was, after all the wife for him.
yet they had given her no chance He
had been likewise defrauded-how was he
to know that aught so nUnlike could
soften and brighten like a gray sky at
dawn? Until train time he asked himself
these things, and many more. over and
over He meant to have them answered
in part before he got back to the city.
There fate baked him At the very last
minute Mildred decided to stay another
day. Dicky howled delight and triumph
when he heard it and instantly carried
her off from everybody. Karsens made
his adieus with what grace he might and
went home more than ever dazed-
He did not sleep that night. Next day
betimes he sped him back to Hidaway.
He found the house deserted. Mrs. Bar
ton was out driving, said the butler. Miss
Gore? He was not sure: she might be in
the grounds; she was not in her own
room nor anywhere about the house.
Wherever she might be. Master Dicky
was with her Karsens waited to hear
nothing more. He plunged into the shrub
berry. took a short cut that led TO the pine
grove and came out at the edge of it
breathless, yet content For he heard
voices through the murmuring stiffness OF
it-Dicky's shrin and gIeeful, Mildred's
touched with pleading. yet wholly good
humored Karsens crept noiselessly to-
ward the pair, stopped in the ambush Of
a big pine six feet away and listened
shamelessly to what was said. having
much ado the while to keep himself from
laughing.
Mrs. Barton dotted on antiques: she had
astounded the countryside by paying
fabulously for all manner Of truck, an
cient and weather. beaten Thus IL hap
pened she had bought from the town
authorities the old stocks rummaged out
when the town hall was rebuilt and had
set them up in the pines. arranging them
so strollers might sit on them and hear
the tale of them. Adventures even put
their feet in the allotted spaces of tim
bers still stanch- Thus Dicky had learned
the trick He had played it this morning
himself, then persuaded Mildred to do the
same. When her feet were nicely settled
he slapped down the upper half, fastened
it tight and said: Now you are my pris-
oner will not let you out until"
Until what. Dicky dear?" Mildred
had asked, laughing heartily. She was
asking it still when Karsens came in
sight. Dicky seemed pondering deeply.
Its not fair to ask two things for one,
he said at last; land I want to ask two
1 don't know just yet which 1 want
worst"
Il f1k
YOU find out Mildred said, pretending
to sigh deeply. although Karsens was
sure her eyes were dancing. Dicky went
very near her. you better not" he
said: "'cause if you do mightn't have
to ask but one."
Indeed, Tell me what they are. May
be can decide which of them you ought
to care most about" Mildred said. coax
ingly Dicky shook his head. Il know
all by myself-now" he said. ~'cause
il I said you must stay here always you
couldn't We're only here for summer
time So you've got to show me-the
man in the locket If you don't Ill keep
you here till mamma comes to find u.s.
Then-she will punish me, and you'll be
mighty sorry
so sorry / cannot possibly let it hap
pen." Mildred said. with bu. bling laugh
Karsens heard the faint click of a spring.
then Dicky's sorrowful shout: why. it's
nobody iris the world but that silly Bert
Karscns. What do you want with him.
Milly? / know I'm ever so much better
Iookingr'
''Not doubt of it," Karsens said, rush.
ing forward and kneeling beside Dickys
prisoner. The tell-tale locket lay open
face down in her lap. where il had fallen
from her nerveless fingers As he closed
il, after one glance. he saidoin Mildreds
ear: Darling. if you kept that thing
maybe I can persuade you. after long,
long time. to take the original
Not unless your mother says so-she
sent me the picture" Mildred whispered
Dicky had seampered off As Karsens
set her free he drew her hand over his
arm. saying. with shake Of the head:
You're much too dangerous to be left
at large: I shall keep you prisoner all
the rest OF your life.'