New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-06-25


GlI(O end like a wet irccracker. The story
had no leg to stand on.
1t was received in just that spirit at Lone OAK lhere
was some embarrassment at first; but winthrop SuS-
peced of being thief was so ridcuotSly absurd taC
before noon it Joke.
Laura shed few tears of honest concern at the break
fast table when she saw the silly thing IN he papers;
then she laughed. Mr.. Abercrombc got hot under the
collar and told us all what he would do with the police
when he was Governor; then laughed. Everybody else
laughed including his Grace, who merely knew II was
nice little bou mot of American humor. Only Natalie
was serious
| met her on the threshold Of the wide doors that
opened upon the terrace where the younger people were
wildly welcoming the 09's as the motors arrived She
drew me back into the house, while merely wondered
what had brought her out 50 carly 1t was Only ten.
ITS rather tragic about Mr. Abbott, isn't 1t she
asked The tone OF her voice unusual and her atti-
tude held hint of excitement.
"Not now, | answered. 1T looked that way laSt
night; but this morning it is comedy, not tragedy.
General Schuyler isn't badly hurt Have you seen the
"Yes. | didn't know if the situation better or
worse; that's why wanted to know from somebody
from YOU
"Oh. the newspapers always try to make 1t worse,
YOU know" told her, "and even at that its nothing
The jewels Mr. Abbott s. and ne can prove It, TX
ccpt for the General having been shot its rather anus
ing and something to break the monotony. The boys
have gone to bring Mr. Abbott. They're going to cele-
brate or do something exciting. know Mrs. Dykeman
will think we have press agent. ~
But my flppancy met no response from her. i III
glad it isn't serious she sad.
looked after her cuously as she went through the
wide hallway and into the library; then | went out
on the terrace Winthrop had arrived with the C9s
who had gone for him, and Just as came out LYDIA
met him with outstrctchcd hands.
"Good morning, Mr.. Burglar, she laughed. Where
is Your revolver and dark lantern! Did you wear a
mask? And YOU were shot, tool Do YOU know you're
such an interesting person and have furnished us such
corkng excitement that I'm tempted to hug YOU:
Winthrop rubbed the back of his head rcflectively,
.Lo .,,,ia fiS1nDpdrpI
laugh that went up.
TWAS mentally juggling my crowd and planning my
schedule for the day when car that didnt belong
20 any of the O9s up the driveway. 1t carried
one passenger and a chauffeur the passenger beng
red headed young whom knew instantly Hap
knew him too. He reached the steps by the time the
newspaper did and politely managed to block his
progress. .
There was a curious silence the terrace after whis
perings as the identity of the Everybody
was listening.
"See Miss Sargent" we heard Hap repeat lawfully
sorry Miss Sargent is in town.
"Can YOU tell me where: the reporter asked.
"She's shopping" Hap lied glibly "Never know ex-
acv where a woman is when she shops.
"Shopping'" repeated the reporter. But" He
looked at Hap and smiled, glanced toward the front
crowd on the terrace. Hap noted the action and
grinned He swept his hand generally in our direction
"You see she isn't here" he remarked afably He
was that Natalie still up stairs i'll bed; but
knew better and every minute expected to see her step
through those doors the terrace. moved and stood
where could look down the hallway The reporter
glanced the front door again. Not one OF us thought
of its being holiday
"Wl she be back this afternoon; the reporter asked.
Il hardly think so, Hap answered. Il think she's
really can't tell you where She's staying II might be
with her aunt again il might be with her cousin, yet