The Mobridge news. [volume] (Mobridge, Walworth Co., S.D.) 190?-1917, 1910-09-23
CHAPTER xII-contInued.

And there was no n l could talk
10 about 1t, no one to tell me how
hideously absurd 1t was, no one to
give me a slap and tell me there are
tons Of fine gold chains made every
year, or to point out the long arm OF
coincidence!
With my one useful hand I FUN,
bled the things back into the bag and
thrust 1t deep out of sight among the
pillows. Then | lay back in a cold
perspiration. What connection had
Alison West with this crime? Why
had she stared so at the gun-metal Gig
arctic case that morning on the train
What had alarmed her so at the farm
house? What had she taken back tC
the gate? Why did she wish she had
not escaped from the wreck? And
last, in heavens name, how did a part
of her necklace become torn off and
covered with blood?
Downstairs Mcknight was still at
the telephone, and amusing himself
with Mrs. Klopton in the interval OF
waiting.
Why did he come home in a gray
suit, when he went away in a blue?'
he repeated. well, wrecks are queer
things, Mrs. Klopton. The suit may
have turned gray with fright. Or per,
haps wrecks do as queer stunts as
lightning. Friend of mine once was
struck by lightning; he and the caddy
had taken refuge under a tree. After
the flash, when they recovered con.
seriousness, there was my friend In the
caddy's clothes, and the caddy in his.
And as my friend was a large man
and the caddy a very small boy"
Meningitis story was interrupted
by tine indignant slam Of the dining
room door. He was obliged to wait
some time. and even his eternal cheer,
fulness was ebbing when he finally got
the hospital.
rs DIR. Van Kirk there?' he asked.
Not there? Well, can you tell me
how the patient is whom DR.. Williams
from Washington, operated on last
night? Well, I'm glad of that. Is she
conscious? DO you happen to know
her name? Yes, I'll hold the line"
There was a long pause, then Nc
Knights voice:
"HelIo-yes. Thank you very much.
Good-by."
He came upstairs, two steps at a
time.
* TX here" he said. bursting into
the there may be something
in o u theory, after all. The woman's
name-it may be a coincidence, but
It's curious-her name is Sullivan"
What did | tell your" | said, sitting
mp suddenly in bed. She's probably
a sister of that scoundrel in lower
ever and she was afraid Of what he
Nght do
"Confound this arm,' ! said, paying
for my energy with some excruciatins
throbs. There's so much to be look
ed after, and here l am, bandaged
splintered. and generally useless. IT.
q beastly shame"
Don't forget that | am here" sai'
Mcknight pompously. And anothe
thing, when you feel this way just re
member there are two less desirable
places were you might be. One /
Jail, and the other Isl He strummaI
on an imaginary harp, with devotiona
eyes.
But Meningitis Hght-heartednes
Jared on me TINT morning. 4 lay an
frowned under My helplessness. Whe
by chance ! touched the little gol
bag, 1t seemed to scorch my finger
Richey, finding me unresponsive. lei
to keep his luncheon engagement wit
Alison West AS he cAattered dow
the stairs, I TUNED my back to tn
morning sunshine and abandoned N,
self to misery. BY what strain on b,
frayed nerves was Alison West kee
ing up. / wondered?
But Mcknight had not gone, aft,
all. heard him coming back, b
voice preceding him. and / groans
with irritation,
Wake up.e be called Somebody
sent you a lot Of flowers. Please no
the Dox, AIRS. Kiopt0n; I'm going o
10 BE- run down BY an automobile. Z
raNsea til feeble interest N
S4M&&t ~tffn A. 0tturt{1touu ~