The Richmond palladium. (Richmond, Ind.) 1906-1907, 1907-02-20
CHAPTER X.
WAITING FOR HELP.

If ever q fellow was bew ildered by a
single speech, it was Richard Gordon.
walked up and down that platform till
/ was called to breakfast, trying to de-
eide what Miss Cullen had expressed
only to succeed in reading so different
meanings in her parting six words. /
wanted 70 think that it was her way of
suggesting that / deceived myself in
thinking that there was anything be-
tween Lord Rallies and herself; but,
though l wished TO believe this. had
seen too much TO the contrary to take
stock in the idea. Yet couldn't believe
that Madge was a coquette. I became
angry and hot with myself for even
thinking it for moment.
Puzzle as I did over the words,
managed to eat good breakfast and
then went into the Cullens' car and
electrified the party by telling them of
Camps and Fred's dispatches and how
I had come to overhear the former. Mr..
Cullen and Albert couldn't say enough
about my cleverness in what had really
been pure luck and seemed TO think
had sat up all aight in order to hear
that telegram. The person for whose
opinion l cared the most, Miss Cullen,
didn't say anything, but she gave me
look that set my heart beating like a
trip hammer and made me put the most
hopeful construction on that speech OF
hers. 1t seemed impossible that she
didn't care for Lord Rallies and that
she might care for me; but, after having
had no hope whatsoever. the smallest
crumb Of chance nearly lifted me off
my feet.
We had consultation over what was
best 10 be done, but didn't reach any
definite conclusion till the station aseut
brought me telegram from the post
master general. Breaking it open, read
aloud:
Do not allow service of writ and retain pos
session of letters according to prior instruc-
TONS At the request of this department the
secretary of war has directed the command
ing officer at Fort whippie TO furnish you with
military protection, and you will call upon him
at once, if in your Judgment il is necessary ON
no account surrender United States property
to territorial authorities. Keep department
notified.
"Oh, splendid!o cried Madge, clap
ping her hands.
Mr.. Camp will find that other peo-
pie can give surprise parties as well as
himself, - said eheerfully
You'll telegraph at once:" asked
Mr.. Cullen.
Instantly, L said, rising. and add
ed, Don't you want to see what /
say, Miss Cullen:''
..Of course dor she cried, eagerly
jumping up.
Lord Rallies scowled as he said: es /
Let's see what Mr.. Superintendent has
to say "
1ou needn't trouble yourself -
said. But he followed Us into the sta /
ton 1 was Disguised but at the same |
time it seemed to ME that he had come I
because he was jealons, and that wasn't i
an unpleasant thought. Whatever his /
motive he was third party in the writ |
ing of that telegram and had TO stand /
by while Miss Cullen and I discussed /
and drafted il. ] didn't try to make
it any toe brief, not ,neraly asking for
a guard and when might expect it, but
giving rs well pretty full history of
case which was hardly necessary.
You'll bankrupt yourself. . laughed
Madge. fou must let as pay
.'I'll let you pay, Miss Cullen, if you
ly:' asked, showing the blanks In to
the operator.
''Nothin for lady, said Welply.
grinning.
There. Miss Cullen, said. Does
the east come up to that in gallantry:
DO yen really mean rEac uaere Is no
CHARGE demanded Madge iacrr6uio1aE-
II, with her purse in her hand
That's the size Of it, . slid the oper-
asor.-