Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1909-02-18

| Aacle interested him more than
slightly Irresolute, pertubed, tn i
man took a step or two after it.
changed his mind, and returned to his
post of observation.
kirkwood dropped the flap and turn
ed back to find the girls wide eyes
searching his face. He said nothing.
What was that?" she asked after
patient moment.
Your father, Miss Calendar he re.
turned uncomfortably
There fell short pause; then
"Why-will you tell me-is it neces.
sary TO run away from my father, MI.
k1rkWood?" she demanded, with a
moving little break in her voice
Eklrkwood hesitated It were unfeel-
ing to tell her why; yet it was essen
t1al that she should know, however
painful the knowledge might prove to
her.
| And she was insistent; he might
not dodge the issue. "Why?" she re-
peated as he paused.
Il wish YOU wouldn't press me for
an answer just now, Miss Calendar
Don't you think l had better
Instinctively he inclined his head in
assent
THE why"
Kirkwood bent forward and patted
the flank Of the satchel that held the
gladstone bag.
What does that mean, Mr.. Kirk
| wood?
That l have the Jewels" he told
her tersely, looking straight ahead
| At his shoulder he heard low gasp
OF amazement and incredulity COM
mingled
But! How did you. get them
My father deposited them in bank this
morning."
He must have taken them out
again. -. got them on board
the Alethea, where your father was
comforting with Mulrs>dy and Captain
Stryker'
THE Alethea!"
EYES,"
"You took them from those menu
you! But didn't nv father
-"
81 had to persuade him." said Kirk.
wood simply.
But there were three of them
against you'll"
| "Mulready wasn't-ah-feeling very
well, and Stryker's a coward. They
gave me no trouble l locked them
In Stryker's room, lifted the bag of
jewels and came away i ought
to tell you that they were discussing
the advisability of sailing away with
out you-leaving you here, friendless
and without means That's why |
| J,,f, &~
l don't like to tell you this
SO brutally, but you ought to know,
and can't see how to tone 1t down.
he concluded awkwardly.
Il understand ;"
But for some moments she did not
speak. He avoided looking at her.
The fiacre, rolling at top speed but
smoothly On the broad avenues that
enc1rcle the ancient city, turned into
| the Avenue de Keyser, bringing into
sight the Care Centrale.
You don't-k-know-" began the
girl without warning, in a voice gusty
with sobs.
STEADY on!" said Kirkwood gently.
Il do know. but don't let's talk about
1t now. Well be at the station in a
minute, and III get out and see what's
to be done about train, If neither
Mulready or Stryker are about. You
stay IN the carriage. =. MOI"
He changed his mind suddenly. I'LL
not risk lo:ing you again. It's a risk
We'll have to run in company.
"Please!' she agreed brokenly.
The fiacre slowed up and stopped.
Are you all right, Miss Calendar? q
| KirkWood asked
The girl sat up lifting her head
proudly. ~ am quite ready" she
said, steadying her voice
Kirkwood reconnoitered through the
window, while the driver was descend
ing H. >.
Care Centrale, M'sieu," he said,
opening the door.
mo one in sight" Kirkwood told the
girl. Come, please
He got out and gave her his hand,
then paid the driver, picked up the
two bags and hurried with Duro o,
into the station. to find in waiting a
string of cars into which people were
moving at leisurely rate. His inqui-
ries at the ticket window developed
the fact that it was the 1925 for Brus-
l rs<N1 II, L.. ~ 4