Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1912-05-02
GOLDENHAIQ
By LOUISE MERRIfIELD
Copyright. 1911. by Associated Literary Press.

Copyright. 1911. by Associated Literary presa
Leslie was very glad to be home
She left the elevator with a buoyan
step, opened the door to the studi
suite, and breathed sigh of suprem
happiness. Home was home after all
1t was a warm Indian summe
night. She decided not to light tn
gas. The view of the city was to,
enthralling at that late hour to spoil
She threw her cloak and hat on tn,
hall settle, and Went on into the re
ception room
Yes, 1t was just as she had left 1t
two months before. The janitor's wifi,
had been up and cleaned for her, ant
l Il the tbs windows open, she noticed
me eoueh Was not in its usual place
She turned around and nearly fel
over chair placed at new angle
laughed, and dropped down on the
couch
Just for minutes rest" she tolG
herself, after the long day of travel
and even with that thought weighing
on her, she fell asleep, exhausted but
happy.
The closing Of the outer door was
what wakened her. She heard 1t fal
off In her dreams, and Weakened listen
| ing. Steps sounded through the hall
quiet, rather slow, but steps. AS she
propped herself on one elbow, and
looked cautiously out beyond the
hang1ngs at the arch, she saw the
figure of man outlined distinctly
against the half light. He was tall
and young, she could tell that much
even as she stood with averted face
before the dining-room door. He en-
tered the inner room, after pause,
and she caught the scratch OF match.
1t was daring burglar. More, he was
whistling softly under his breath as
he moved about.
leslie rose determinedly. Packed
under the sideboard was a full tea
set Of silver. and various precious
family odds and ends that she had
taken from the family home in Yer
mont to brighten her city abode. They
should not fall into the sack of any
Rallies II she could save them.
What are you doing here?"
He turned at her voice. It was a
trife shaky, but determined Her
wavy blond hair was rumpled, her
cheeks flushed from her short sleep
and her blue eyes very wide and start
lingly bright. She was figuring the
distance to the telephone in the hall
even while she watched him.
Yet his answer was an old one, and
most touching in his simplicity.
I'm hungry" he said, gently.
ooh. you poor fellow. she ex.
claimed before she thought. Cant
you find any employment at all? Do
you have to follow this life? You
don't look-that kind"
Its bully of you to say so," he re.
turned warmly, hands in pockets,
leaning across the table toward her,
with eyes full Of frankest admiration.
I'm awfully hungry, don't you know"
and there isn't thing to eat In
the icebox. I've been away for two
months"
II know it,
"And you thought l was still abb
sent, she flashed back. please don't
think I'm nervous. I'm not hit, but
won't you take your hands out Of
your pockets? keep thinking you
are going to leap at me-and brass
knuckle me-"
"By Jove. I'm sorry" His hands
came from his pockets instantly.
Honestly, haven't anything desper.
ate on me-"
Haven't you? Because you didn't
expect to meet anyone. suppose.
Can't we compromise? Truly, I'm
shivering tacks. l never even saw
burglar before. Couldn't you take
What cash have On hand-lt's about
twenty dollars, / think-and call it
off? That would get you something
8 IS speak" - = ~ "A'
The two faced each other, the broad
dining table between. He looked
straight into her eyes until the gaze
wavered and dropped.
you're the pluckiest girl l ever
saw" he said, fervently. II didn't tell
you at first because it was such rip
ping joke. you know, but you're in the
wrong apartment"
= Il amp" gasped Leslie. "Why, no,
I'm not. I've been asleep on the couch
in there"
cit is my COUCH" he murmured hap
PLY. "I'm glad you slept on 1t. Gold
enhair Did you also drink from my
bowl. and eat from my table, and sit
in the little bears chair?"
Isn't this number twelve?"
1T Is number twenty-five, directly
above number twelve"
But the pass key fitted the lock"
"They usually do fit all locks.
Please don't be disturbed. I'm awful
ly glad you came in. If you bad
opened the icebox you would have
found something to eat, honestly.
packed away couple of Holsters
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