The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1909-01-09

odhy nad the key, but he could sas1y
swim across the canal and reach the tow
ing path unseen.
Alison's agony was rising to q pitch
that almost justified rashness. She was
becoming desperate in spite Of her terror.
A sudden thought came to her, thrilling
ner with horror-could she do It? Yes,
ior rogers sake she would try. Another
second she was gliding round the little
building and passed the curtained window
with CLEAN Of light shining through the
crevice. As she passed 1t there was sud-
den darkness: he had extinguished the
candle. In another instant Alison had
smut the door. almost knocking Fergus
son back, If she had known 1t, and had
turned the key in the lock. Alison had
1eit qui X, hysteric sob rise in her throat
US she heard the key turning under her
hand. Had she really done ir? Had
son'e unseen presence beside her given her
tue needful strength? Was the dishonest
servant prisoner, and she his captor?
But Alison hsG no time to do more than
ask herself these questions, for Timothy
came out of his shed. and was hobb,!ns
toward her, and the next moment the KEY
was in Alison's pocket, and she was stand
Ing at bay.
What does this mean, miss? How
came you here?" exclaimed the old man.
suspiciously.
have locked Mr.. Ferguson in he 10
stealing papa's money out of the safe"
returned Alison, turning her white face to
Timothy, and the sob rising in her throat
again. Il will not give up the key until
papa comes"
A fierce kick at the door behind her
drove her from it few PAGES.
Let me out, Timothy I" Numbered Fer
gusson. The girl is mad she must be
out OF her mind to say such things. Mr.,
Merle desired me to look over some papers
for him; they are most important, and
there must be no delay"
You hear what he says, MISS" return
ed Timothy, rather roughly; I'VE must
not keep the masters manager locked I'M.
l warrant you il is all right; they keen
them pApels in the safe. Give me the
Key and l will open the door for the gen.
tleman."
Not until papa comes" was Alison's
reply; and, in spite of Timothy's surly re-.
monstrances and Fergusson's impreca.
tons, she remained firm. Timothy was
driven to his wits end, when suddenly
footsteps were heard, and Alison darted
forward to meet them.
Papa, | saw him at the safe; he was
putting the gold and notes into his bag.
| saw him do it," she cried excitedly.
HE blew out the candle. and then lock-
ed him in. Here is the key"
Timothy, 60 at once to the police sta
tion! exclaimed Mr. Merle, in a voice
they had never heard BEFORE it was SO
hoarse with indignation. Roger, take
your sister into the house. There is q
fire in my study; will wait here"
mo, no; l can go Alone" returned ALI
son. Roger must not leave you, papa"
But he repeated in the same curt Way
"Take your sister away, Roger, and be
back as soon as you can" And Roger,
who understood his father, hurried her
across the yard and the garden, and did
not leave her until she was in the warm,
brightly lighted study.
take off your wet jacket, Allie" he
charged her, as he left her; but there was
no time to say more.
Alison obeyed him. She took off her
dripping hat also: and then she sat down
on the rug and laid her head against her
fathers chair, and food of tears re-
lieved her overweight nerves. Roger
found her still in the same position when
he came in half an hour later; but the
tears were flowing more quietly. In his
boyish exuberance he lifted her up as
though she were child
"Here she is, father, crying her pretty
eyes out! And no wonder, when she is SO
cold and tired. Allie, do you know you
are a perfect heroine! You have done q
plucky thing, and no mistake!"
"Come and kiss me, Alison, my dear !"
said Mr.. Merle. "You are a brave girl,
and have saved your poor fathers credit.
Roger and you have done nobly tonight.
l have let myself be duped by dishon-
est rogue. Give me your hand, boy; it
does not become a man to ask his own
son to forgive him, but think we shall
understand each other better from this
day."
ITO ho rOntinued1