Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1908-04-16
CHAPTER XVIII.
An Unconventional Tea Party.


As the flames broke through the
roof, Langford came rushing up where
the group stood little apart from the
press.
''Dick! I have been looking for you
everywhere" he cried hoarsely.
whats the trouble. old man."
asked Gordon quietly
81 have something to tell you" s:id
Langford, in loS voice. Come
quick-let's go back to your rooms.
Why, girls"
I'VE will go. too" said Mary, with
quiet decision She had caught
glimpse OF Red Sanderson's face
through the crowd, and she thought he
had leered at her. She had been
haunted by the vague feeling that she
must have known the man who had
attempted to carry her off-that dread
full night; but she had never been able
to concentrate the abstract, fleeting
I impressions into comprehensive sub
stance-neyer until she had seen that
scar. and glancin2 away in terror saw
that LangforG. too. had seen: but she
was not brave enough to lose herself
and Louise in the crowd where that
man was. She could not He had
leercd at Louise. too. last night at sup
per. They could not ask the protec-
ton OF Gordon and I.angford back to
the hotel then. when I.angford's
handsome, tanned face was white with
the weight of what he had to tell
ut will be best" he agreed. uncX.
pcctelly. "Come--we must hurry"
1t was Wills'on's little girl" whom
he took under his personal protection,
diving mp the street in the teeth Of the
gale which blew colder every mome nt.
with force and strength that kept
Mary half the time OFF her feet A
gentler knight was Gordon-though
as manly. All was lark around tho
premises, There was no one lurking
near. Everybody was dancing at.
tendance on the courthouse holocaust.
Gordon felt for his keys.
How good IL Is to get out Of the
wind whispered Louise. This pro-
ceeding smacked so much of .he mys.
ferrous that whispering followed as a
natural sequence.
They stepped within. 1t was lnky
black.
Lock the door said Langford, in
low voice
Gordon complied surprised, but ask
ing no question. He knew his friend
and had faith in his judgment. Then
he lighted lamp that stood on his
desk.
why did you do that" asked
Louise, gravely,
What"
Lock tho door"
81 don't know he answered. hon
estly. Il didn't think you would no
tice the click Ask Paul"
I'll explain in minute" said Lang
ford. He stepped to the windows and
drew the blinds closely.
Now that have Won safe" he said
lightly. TN confess had an old
woman's scare. II came TO me that
as long as you are not, strictly speak
ing, on Kind and loving terms with
every one west of the riyer-and this
being such an allround nasty night
anyway why. I'd Just spirit you home
and give the charged atmosphere q
chance of clearing a little"
Gordon looked at him steadily q
moment, His face did not pale YET
he knew that Langford had heard
!, or suspected--more than he intended
to teil-then. 1t was good to sec him
shrug MS shoulders in unconcern fol
the sake OF the two white faced girls
VINO sat thers Ia his stiff once chairs
ion are an old duffer. Paul" Id
said. In pretended annoyance. "You
treat me like a child. / won't stand
: IT always You'll see. Some day I'll
rebel-and--then-
J -r- ? vTtl NV