Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1907-12-16
She Hrgus Daily Short Story
.Ni1lies Strategy."-By w. Crawford Sherlock.
y Eastme
wright. 1907. by P. c. BASEMENT

opposite hers, While others were on
the floor below. similarly engaged.
Could it he possible that the Jacksons
were going to move? If they were the
adjoining house would probably be for
rent, and Mile raised her window
quickly and reached out her hand. 1t
almost touched the window Of the ad
Joining house. The houses were join
ed together in front. but in the rear
a small space less than three feet
wide separated them to admit light
and air. A solution of the problem
flashed across the girls mind as she
lowered and fastened the window. 1t
might be possible to Illustrate Aunt
Hetty and not wait FIVE years either.
During the next week Millie spent
much Of the time at home. Aunt Het-
ty, always on the alert. viewed this
unusual proceeding with suspicion and
remained indoors herself to guard
against any possible invasion by JACK
Mitchell. Instructions We're issued to
the servant TO admit no one. and Mrs.
Thompson felt confident of being able
to Illustrate any attempt OH Miles
part to marry according to the pro-
vision of her fathers will.
Millie smiled complacently, but said
nothing, as she noted her aunt's ac-
| tons Things were progressing fine
| ly, and at last the plan was ready for
Execution.
Locking and boiling her door. she
spent two hours in putting on her pref
| Il &c TO-
pleted to her satisfaction she raised
the curtain and opened the window.
| moment later Jack Mitchelrs hand
some face peered out of the window
of the adjoining house.
"All ready, Miller" he asked, re.
straining a strong desire to spring
across the intervening space and take
her in his arms. Here's the Rev. Mr..
| Walker, an old friend of mine and two
witnesses. Bert Latimer and Frank
Long. We are all ready if you are"
| Millie nodded. and the minister di.
rected them to join hands across the
space of separation. The marriage
service was read in slow, measured
tones. and they were pronounced man
and wife. Jack would have come over
to join his wife, but she prevented
him.
No, no, Jack; this is Aunt Hetty s
house. and she has forbidden YOU to
come here. Just wait for me at the
door,"
Mrs. Thompson, listening, as was her
wont, at the keyhole, had heard the
sound of voices and felt that some
thing was wrong. Vigorously and
viciously she had pounded on the door
OF Miles room, demanding admit
lance during the ceremony, but the
Rev. Mr.. Walker, previously apprised
of the situation. had not needed the
Interruption. AS Mile unfastened the
door Mrs. Thompson's angry face con-
fronted her
"Who is in your ROOM Millie?" de-
manded the aunt. glancing around in
quest of the intruder. She found nc
one in the room, but caught sight of
Jacks face across the way. The bride
groom had waited TO see what devel
Oped when the door was unfastened.
What is that man doing in the Jack
son house:" continued Mrs. Thompson
angrily. Il shall request Mrs. Jack
son TO forbid him coming there"
Mrs. Jackson and Mrs. Thompson
were excellent neighbors, and the
threat seemed sufficient to prevent any
further visitations of Jack Mitchell tt
the adjoining house.
Mrs. Jackson has moved, Aunt Het
ty," said Millie calmly. But you have
been so busy watching me that yor
failed to notice it. I. or, rather. we
have taken the house."
"We! What do you mean?" inquired
Mrs. Thompson excitedly. Il hav,
nothing to do with that house."
81 mean Jack and myself, aunt. W,
have just been married. l stood In m,
room and Jack stood in the room O
the house next door. was married
in your home and have complied will
the condition of my fathers VIII. Good
by, Aunt Hetty. Come over and Sc,
us. We will be at home on Tuesday
of next month";
But Mrs. Thompson was too mucl
discounted by the defeat of her wei
laid plan to make reply.