The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1907-12-25
Katie's spite, /" she told herself, but she

] not forgetting, however, 10 give hoD-
ert Murdock a nod and a smiling
Good morning."
How gravely he returned it! But OF
course this suspense was even harder
for him than for the other. A little
later she saw him entering the private
Office.
A particularly exasperating customer
taxed her attention to the utmost for
the next quarter of an hour, but her
long breath of relief as the woman de-
parted was cut short by the ominous
words:
you are wanted in the private Of
fee, Miss Irving"
Il? What for?" Floy gasped, in
dismay.
81 do not know. No doubt they will
tel you" Was it only her fancy, or
was the tone frosty with suspicion?
She saw the girls around exchange
startled glances, heard Katie's exult-
ant whisper, You see! Didn't l tell
you so?" and Jennie's indignant
Hush! That doesn't mean anything"
OF course it did not, Floy told her
self 1t was only their excitement
which gave significance to such a
trife. To be sure, girls were not sum-
moned to the private Office often. But
why should she be nervous? What II
she had seen Robert Murdock enter
ing that private room just a little
while ago? The villain in story
book might make false accusation to
rid himself of troublesome witness,
but in real life If only her cheeks
would not burn so! | was enough to
make any one suspect her, and the
very thought made them burn hotter.
All this flashed through Floy's mind
as she walked quickly from her coun-
ter to the door of the private office;
but if her heart beat so fast that it
seemed to choke her, she carried her
head bravely.
Inside the dreaded portal she passed,
outwardly calm, inwardly fighting
down a panic. The partners and head
bookkeeper were in close consultation.
Kindly Mr.. Hunt nodded to her, bid
ding her sit down. but nervous Mr..
Vane snapped out shortly:
I'VE hear that you were here after
hours last night, Miss Irving. How is
that? And how did you get in?"
Floy explained briefly why and how
she had returned, forcing herself to
speak steadily, although all the time
something seemed whispering in her
ear, How should they know that un-
less he has forestalled you by throw
ing suspicion on you? Why did you
let yourself be convinced so easily?
Didn't you know that a man who
would steal would lie? Why didn't
you speak out at first? After he has
once accused you, your story will
sound like a weak attempt at self-de-
fence.
And she could only tell herself, des-
peratey, Il told him he might trust
me. | can't break my word unless
am sure"
How long were you here? What
did you do? Be exact, now" Mr.. Vane
demanded, while Mr.. Hunt leaned
lack, watching her with an odd
amused air that bewildered and
alarmed her, as if he were expecting
she did not know what. Certainly
not the matter-of-fact answer she
save.
Not over 20 minutes, think.
stepped TO exchange few words with
Mr.. Murdock-maybe five minutes.
put the counter and drawers in order
as quickly as possible, and went out
as came in. The watchman spoke tc
me while | was at work, but that die
not delay me-"
And what were you talking about
if may ask?" Mr.. Vane snapped. Mr.
Hunts eyes twinkled as he waited fol
her answer.
That voice seemed to roar in hel
ears, Tell it all You will never have
such a chance again. Can't you SCI
that he has accused you to save him
self?" But she said, steadily, "Oh, thu
watchman teased me about coming
back so as to talk with Mr.. Murdock
We told each other how we happened
10 come back to the store, and"
And what?' Mr.. Vane demanded
sharply, as she hesitated.
And complained little about hov
nervous these mysterious thefts wer
making us ALL" she finished, boldly.
What do you think about thes
J thefts, Miss Irving?" Mr. Hunt asked
: suddenly, his eyes twinkling NOR
} than ever.
J Once more Flow desperately tough
off great temptation. Il don't know
, what to, think"
He chuckled, rubbing his hands to
gether in satisfaction.
: you understand stenography an
5 typewriting, l am told?"
r Yes, sir!" gasped Floy, staring. Sh
! had taken great pains to learn, hoI
4 ing to find better position, but S
e far none had offered.
2 well, am without private cler,
: this morning. Sit down there and pu