Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-07-30
HER MAN FRIDAY
By CAROLYN WELLS
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Copyright. by Joseph B. Bowles.)

on the trunk which was tumbled out of the baggage car at the same time that the young lady was ceremonious- ly assisted down the train steps by all obsequious porter.
 There were several traps and auto mobiles waiting at the platform, and Dorothy looked at them eagerly in search of the friends who were to meet her on her arrival.
 But she saw none of the Glenns, and with some surprise and little Annoyance she turned to the station. master for help.
 Can you tell me if any of Mrs. Glenn's people are about?" she said.
 They are not, ma'am. Did you ex. pect them to meet you?"
 Yes. But hey will probably come soon. I'll wait"
 The train was 20 minutes late, Miss. If they're coming they should be here by now
 'Is their house far? How could I get there?"
 Its good three miles out ia the country. But you could take a hack"
 T think I will. There must have been some misunderstanding. And then, may meet them on the road" {, The hack, though not much to look at, was comfortable enough, and Dor othy. after an almost sleepless night on the train. was willing to close her eyes to the three miles of scenery, and only opened them to find herself under the porte-cochere of a large country house.
 Jumping out, she paid the driver and dismissed him, and then paused a moment on the veranda before ring ing the door-bell.
 The hackman drove off, and with little sigh of delight Dorothy turned from the beautiful landscape and rang the bell Her ring was not i'm mediately answered, and she rang again.
 Again she rang-several times more --but still no one appeared. and the silence became oppressive.
 We'll" said she to herself, this is pretty state of things!"
 Impulsively Dorothy seized the doorknob and turned 1t, when to her surprise the door opened readily. Well, of all things" she cried. "But, at least there must be some body at home, or the front door would have been locked"
 She stood in the hall, listening, but heard no sound of any kind.
 "Helen!" she called at last. Helen, where are you?'
 Still no answer, and she was forced to the conclusion that the house was empty of any human beings save herself She closed the front door, and went through the parlors. library, dining room and even kitchen, with. out seeing anyone at all The rooms were all in order, yet showed ample evidence of the family's very recent presence.
 Its ghastly,' she thought. At first 1t seemed funny and interesting, but now it's horrid. If it's practical joke. they're carrying 1t too far, and in any case, they're certainly very rude!"
 But after few minutes her equa- nimity returned. and she concluded the only thing to do was to make the best of the situation and await de velopments.
 In the pantry was supply of what was beyond all doubt that mornings milk. and this fact cheered Dorothy, as corroborating her theories that the family would soon return. She helped herself to a glassful, and then strolled into the parlor. and seating herself at the open piano. began to play.
 T know what will do," she sud denly declared to herself. I'll go up in Helen's room and take nap. I hardly slept any last night in that old sleeping car. and I'm awfully tired"
 Pleased with this practical plan, Dorothy went up to HeleR's room, took oil her hat and jacket, and made herself generally at home. Then, throwing herself on the couch. she drew an afghan over her, and was soon sound asleep.
 Later. she awoke. How much later, she did not know. but on going in to look at Mrs. Glenn's watch, she found 1t was high noon.
 Going to the parlor, Dorothy walked toward the piano. and then stood suddenly stock-still Her big brown eyes grew bigger with amazement, her cheeks turned pale and then red, and a shiver of fear was quickly followed by grin of amusement For on the piano stool lay mans hat.
 Tt couldn't have been there when I was playing this morning" she thought
 She went to the hall and listened again. but there was only the same silence.
 Its the queerest thing" her thoughts continued, as she still stood staring at the hat on the piano stool: "the hat is there, and somebody must have put 1t there. It's just like when Robinson Crusoe discovered a foot print in the sand. To-day is Friday, and if there is an owner to that hat anywhere about. wish he'd appear. and be my Man Friday. for I'd like somebody to speak to-"
 At that moment Dorothy heard door opened and closed. The sounds were followed by quick steps down the stairs. and In another moment she saw a big. happy-looking young man. whose frank face wore an expression