Camas Prairie chronicle. [volume] (Cottonwood, Idaho) 1901-1917, 1909-05-28

othy nau the key, but he could easily
swim across the canal and reach the tow
ing path unseen.
Alison's agony was rising to pitch
that almost justified rashness. She was
becoming desperate in spite of her terror.
A sudden thought came to her, thrilling
her with horror-could she do it? Yes,
for 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 it there was sud-
den darkness; he had extinguished the
candle. In another instant Alison had
shut the door, almost knocking Fergus
son back, IL she had known it, and had
turned the key in the lock. Alison had
felt qui k, hysteric sob rise in her throat
as she heard the key turning under her
hand. Had she really done ir2 Had
sone unseen presence beside her given her
the needful strength? Was the dishonest
servant prisoner, and she his captor?
But Alison had no time to do more than
ask herself these questions for Timothy
came out of his shed, and was hobbling
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.
Il have locked Mr.. FERGUSON in; he is
stealing papa's money out of the safe,"
returned Alison, turning her white face to
Timothy, and the sob rising in her throat
again. II will not give up the key until
papa comes"
A fierce kick at the door behind her
drove her from 1t few PAGES.
Let me out, Timothy !' Numbered Fer
gusson. 1.-The girl is mad; she must bO
out OF her mind to say such things. Mr..
Merle desired me to look over some papers
Tor 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 IN.
warrant you II Is all right; they keen
them pApeIs In the safe. Give me the
key and l will open the door for the gen.
tleman."
"A
reply; and, in spite of Timothy's surly re-
monstrances and Fergusson's impreca-
lions, she remained firm. Timothy was
driven to his wits end, when suddenly
footsteps were heard, and Alison darted
forward to meet them.
Papa, l saw him at the safe: he was
putting the gold and notes into his bag.
| saw him do !" she cried excitedlv.
He blew out the candle. and then lock-
ed him in. Here is the key"
Timothy, go at once to the police sta
tlonv 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 Ia a
nre in my study; will wait here"
NO, 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 I'D as
though she wenl a 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 perfect hToine! You have done q |
plucky thing, an no mistake !"
Come and IS me, Alison, my dear %
said Mr.. Merle. you are brave girl. |
and have saved your poor fathers credit. |
Roger and you have done nobly tonight. |
have let myself be duped by a dishon. |
est rogue. Give me your hand, boy; II |
does not become a man to ask his own |
son to forgive him, but think we shall |
each other better from this
day."