The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1911-09-08
CHAPTER XIV.
The Cinematograpn.

80 SF''@
On Monday / went out for the first
time. I did not go to the office.
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.
Il don't know why not" he said
sulkily. Il can't walk I 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 IS an hour!"
He can chase us just as we'll at five
miles an hour" l said, But what
gets me, Mcknight, is why I am TN
| 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, l didn't say it was
lady" I groaned as / tried to get my
splintered arm into a coat Anyhow,
she didn't tell" l 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" l said I'VE can
leave it next door! l have a story to
| tell you, Richey, 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
l retailed the events of the previous
| night
IT'S the finest thing I ever heard
Of" Mcknight said. staring up at the
ladder and the trap. What a vaude-
vile skit it would makeI 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. Richey!" l exclaimed. What
would you say if tell you it was the
hand of lady? 1t was covered with
rings"
"a LADY," he repeated. Why I'd
say it was a darned compromising sit
utation, and that the less you say of
it the better. Look here. Lawrence.
l think you dreamed it. You've been
in the house too much. take it all
back: you do need exercise"
she escaped through this door, 1
suppose" said as patiently as I
could. Evidently down the back stair
case. We might as we'll go 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
than he cared to own. He examined
the dusty steps carefully, and once,
when a bit of loose plaster fell just
behind him, he started like a nervous
woman.
What don't understand is why
you let her CO." he said. stopping
once, puzzled. You're not usually
quixotic."
when we get out into the country,
Richey." replied gravely, 81 am go
ing to tell you another story, and if
you don't tell me I'm a fool and a
craven, on the strength of it. you are
no friend of mine"
We stumbled through the twilight
of staircase into the blackness of the
shattered kitchen. The house had
the moldy smell of closed buildings;
even on that warm September morn
ing it 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 l have
been there before. Do you remember
the night you left. and the face at
the Window
When you speak of it-yes.''
Well, l was curious about that
thing" he went on, as we started up
the street, and went back. The
street door was unlocked, and l ex-
amined every room. was Mrs. Klop-
toms ghost that carried a light, and
clumb."
Did you find anything?"
only a clean place rubbed on the
window opposite your dressing room.
Splendid view of an untidy interior.
If that house is ever occupied. you'd
better put stained glass in that win
dow of yours"