Rogue River courier. (Grants Pass, Or.) 1886-1927, 1908-05-01

Its WUugftS uoTs ~ VbTt
ut Is not too late to change our plans.
We still have ten minutes left. why
not let me call father and tell him
everything? He and Lord Croyland
and Mr.. Van der Awe could meet the
man. overpower him and get your let
ters back. and nothing would ever
come Of It."
At this sensible suggestion Miss
Imogene again exhibited symptoms OF
hysteds.
"Ob, Harriet, darling. please" she
Quavered. you've promised me! And
you can't refuse when It's nearly time.
I'm not going to faint or scream or
anything like that I'll be Just az
brave as a-a-iiou-ao. not lion.
maybe, but some other kind OF animal
that isn't 80 terribly afraid. You
needn't be scared. ri take care OF
you, Hattie. dear. Now, do be sensible.
Isn't II time n GOT"
Miss Harriet looked at the tlmepiece,
nodded, sighed and took the others
hand. They opened the bedroom door.
peeped ont and listened. Nothing could
be heard but the ticking Of the hall
clock, the sound Of the wind outside
and q mellow snors that ooEed from
Mr.. Renwyek's room across the hall.
IL wish he'd stop It." whispered
Imogene: "it makes ones hair rise up.
Don't let go my hand. darling please. I"
Hush" brcathed Harriet and led
the way along tho silent upper hall.
Slowly the two gentle conspirators
tipped down the gloomy stairs, start
ing at cracking step beneath their
feet. fearful OF dangers unknown, but
menaolng. that seemed to lurk at every
turn. In safety they reached the iower
hall at hast. paused. then drew aside
the heavy portieres which masked the
entrance TO the library.
II the hall outside was gloomy. the
room which they entered was darker
still. BY a sickly light which filtered
through the draperies OF the window
opposite they could see the shadowy
outlines OF the desk. the top OF a silver
inkstand and ghostly high backed
chair. while In an angle Of the wall
they deserted the metal disk OF the
combination lock on Mr. Renwyck's
safe.
They waited In silence till the clock
In the hall behind them doomed out
thA Af In,
cadence. and as the last echo died away
they heard a cautious tapping on the
window pane.
''0h, Lord. it's him. gasped Imo-
gene forgetting grammar and all else.
indeed. except her human terror in the
situation. while she clung TO Harriet's
arm and shook from head TO heel.
Don't tremble so, Harriet. darling
You-you make we want TO scream"
"S.s-s-hr her friend admonished.
Don't speak above whisper now.
Leave It TO me. There; I'm not afraid" /"
Miss Renwyck, having once keyed
her nerves TO the point OF meeting a
stranger In the dark. was not woman
TO falter In the crucial moment. A
sense Of calm was settling upon her,
and, though her heart beat faster than
was It's wont. she was now In posses
Sion OF her every faculty and could
face the danger without tremor of
her voice or hand
"Nou keep the purse" she whispered
to lmogenc. "Stand where you are
ana don't speak n single word Really.
dear. there isn't much danger. after
all, Yet remember" she smiled. you
have promised 10 be little lion. and
the man Is only 'ROddy.p poddykins.'"
She wondered afterward at this flash
OF humor yet II chanced TO be the
saving grace. for the terrified Miss
lmogene was crouched In the library
doorway, striving at once to be the
king OF beasts and TO keep her teeth
from chatterlng. In both efforts alas.
she failed.
Miss Renwyck crossed the room. FUN
hled an instant FOR the cls'tric switch.
then turned OF the burglar alarm
She dared not make light. lest il be
noticed II any one came into the upper
hall Then, breathing an inward pray
or. she unlatched the window. raised
the sash and stepped backward TO a
point OF vantage beside the desk.
AZ drst she saw nothing. hut present.
ly found herself enveloped Tor an in.
staut in a flash OF light from small
bullSeye lantern and heard low ex.
clamatlou OF surprise from the dark.
ness outside, Harriet rose to the emer-
gency.
"Mr Fiurcorge." she began IN a
guarded unteytone, 81 am Miss Rem