Gilpin observer., 1910-11-24

Penelope sat up in bed with a wildly
fluttering heart. For the first time in
her life she was face to face with
deadly fear. Some one was stepping
to and fro in the adjoining room and
under the crack of the door there was
a line of light.
With awful distinctness came the
recollection that Bridget was spend
ing the night in Jersey City with
sick relative. Her father could not
have returned from Chicago, for she
had talked with him over the tele-
phone at nine o'clock. She was all
alone in the apartment and quite de-
fenseless against the intruder in the
next room.
AT almost any instant he might
open the door; it was unlocked. She
slipped noiselessly to the floor and
peered through the keyhole into the
lighted sitting room.
In line with the keyhole was her
writing desk and before the desk sat
man trying first one and then an
other key in the lock. Penelope saw
a broad back. line of white collar
and bronzed neck and close-cropped
black hair, and made quick deduc-
tion Of character.
"A desperate rufian-just out of
prlson-probably has several murders
to his credit" She breathed sharply
as the mans key grated in the lock
and the desk lid swung down into
place.
my daryl" gasped Penelope. indig-
nantly. 'No-he hasn't touched It
he's probably looking for money. oh,
dear! What shall I do?"
She arose and looked from the win
dow in the vain hope that she might
attract some policeman or owlish
householder; but the uptown cross
street was quiet as befitted its elegant
neighborhood. The electric light on
the corner sputtered and sank into
momentary gloom.
Penelope shuddered as she heard a
movement in the next room. The
burglar was opening the drawers Of
the desk leisurely.
There were two modes Of egress
from the room; one into the narrow
corridor and the other leading to the
sitting room where the burglar sat. A
daring thought came to Penelope Far
mum and she put It into immediate
action.
1t was plain that she could not call
for help or leave the apartment with
out detection; the telephone was in
the sitting room and the door that led
ho hor fnt h1
dor squeaked dismally.
With resolution born Of the emer-
gency. Penelope thrust her feet into
slippers. shrugged herself into her
big fur motor coat. buttoning It close
ly over her hanging golden braids.
Over her head she pulled a cloth trav-
cling cap. and this. with the addition
Of the huge motor goggles. completed
disguise that was intended to in
timidate the marauder.
The only available weapon was one
of her Indian clubs. and. grasping this
firmly in her right hand, Penelope
softly opened the door into the sitting
room.
The burglar was engaged in touch
ing lighted match to a cigarette, and
Penelope started at. the stern. hand.
some profile outlined against the dark
background of the desk. Her heart
stood still as the man turned quickly
and tossed the burned match into .
brass tray on the table.
For an instant they stared at each
other. Penelope at the slowly rising
figure Of the man. his fine gray eyes
wide open in surprise, one hand hold
ing the cigarette. In turn, he stared
at the slight little figure. enveloped in
fur coat, cap and goggles. with a pair
Of ridiculous red Turkish slippers on
her feet and wisps Of golden hair
struggling from under the cap.
The man opened his mouth to
speak, but Penelope's Indignation had
got the better Of her fright. She
swung the club menacingly.
whatever you say will be used
against you'll" she cried. excitedly. and
then, conscious that she had said
something quite absurd. a delicious
wave of pink spread over her cheeks.
His involuntary smile restored her
self-possession.
what are you doing here?" she de-
manded, coldly.
II was about to ask you that ques-
ton" He leaned carelessly against
the desk. watching her with curious
eyes. You area female burglar
l presume. madam?"
IA burglar!" gasped Penelope.
"The incidence! Leave this apart.
ment at once" She stamped her foot
with such energy that one little red
slipper sailed airily toward the intru.
der. With a quick gesture he bent
and caught It on one hand.
This will serve as clew." he said,
regarding It thoughfully.
"A clew--to what?" Penelope
curled one rosy foot under the fur
cont. ther cheeka vera crfyuuon ,ro~,