The state herald. (Holyoke, Logan County, Colo.) 1887-1921, 1910-12-23
CHAPTER XIV.


The Clnematograpn.
On Monday went out for the first
time did not go to the Office. l
wanted to walk. thought fresh air
and exercise would drive away the
blue devils that had me by the throat
Mcknight insisted on a long day In
his car, but | refused.
81 don't know why not" he said
sulkily. 81 can't walk. haven't
walked two consecutive blocks in
three years. Automobiles have made
legs mere ornaments-and some not
even that We could have Johnson
out there chasing us over the country
at S. an hour!"
He can chase us Just as well at five
miles an hour" | said. But what
gets me, Mcknight, is why | am un-
der surveillance at all. How do the
police know l was accused of that
thing?"
THE young lady who sent the flow
ers-she isn't likely to talk. is she?"
mo. That is, didn't say 1t was a
lady" | groaned as tried to get my
splintered arm into a coat. Anyhow.
she didn't TELL" | finished with con-
viction, and Mcknight laughed.
1t had rained in the early morning.
and Mrs. Klopton predicted more
showers. In fact, so firm was her be-
lief and so determined her eye that
took the umbrella she proffered me.
Never mind" said. I'VE can
leave It next doorl ! have a story to
tell you. Riohey, and It requires proper
setting"
Mcknight was puzzled but he fol.
lowed me obediently around to the
kitchen entrance of the empty house
1t was unlocked. as | had expected.
While we climbed TO the upper floor
! retailed the events of the previous
night
It's the finest thing | ever heard
OF" Mcknight said. staring up at the
ladder and the trap. What vaude-
Vile sIt It would make! Only you
ought not to have put your foot on
her hand They don't do It in the
best circles"
| wheeled on him impatIently
You don't understand the situation
at all, Richeyl" exclaimed What
| would you say II tell you II was the
hand of lady? 1t was covered with
rings"
"A lady!" he repeated why, I'd
say II was a darned compromising sit
utatlon. and that the less you say OF
It the better. Look here, Lawrence,
I think you dreamed H. You've been
in the house too much. take It all
back: you do need exercise"
"Shc escaped through this door,
suppose" / said as patiently as
could Evidently down the back stair.
case We might as well 20 down that
way"
According to the best precedents
in these affairs. we should find a glove
about here" he said as we started
down But he was more impressed
I than he cared to own lie examined
7 the dusty steps carefully and once.
I when n bit Of loose plaster fell Just
behind him. he started like nervous
/ woman
What don't understand is why
you let her go" he said, stopping
once. puzzled You're not usually
! quixotlc"
when we get out into the country,
Rlohey,' replied graycly, 81 am go
ing 10 tell you another story. and II
| you don't tell me I'm fool and a
craven, on the strength Of II. you are
no friend Of mine"
We stumbled through the twilight
/ Of staircase Into the blacknoss OF the
shattered kitchen The house had
the moldy smell Of closed buildings;
even on that warm September morn
ing II was damp and chilly As We
stepped into the sunshine Mcknight
gave a SILVER
Now that we are out. he said. Il
don't mind telling you that ! have
been there before. DO you remember
the night you left. and tho face at
tho Window"
when you speak Of lt-yos"
Well / was curious about that
thing" he went on. as we started up
the street, "and went back The
, street door was unlocked, and ! cN'
nmlnod every room, ! was Mrs. klop'
toms ghost that carried a light and
D rlumh"
did you hnd anything"
only n clean place rubbed on the
window opposite your dressing room.
Splendid view Of an uutdy interior,
| n that house n ever occupied, you'd
better put stained FlaHr Ia that win
I dow Of yours"
,Tu uE CONTINUED