The Winslow mail., 1912-03-30

the footsteps she knew it was q man,
though she dared not look to see for
fear Of revealing her presence to him
entered the room, and began walk
ing to and fro, moving the furniture
as II searching for something.
Mary repressed cry Of fear when
ne nnally approached the couch. But
ne ala not attempt TO move the heavy
piece Of furniture.
Next she heard peculiar sound,
and, fattening herself upon the floor,
sne TOOK surreptitious peep from
beneath the couch, running the risk
of immediate discovery, for the man
was on his hands and knees not far
from the couch; his face, fortunately,
was turned from her.
He must be insane" Mary thought
wildly, as she shrank back instinc-
lively. "A thief would never act like
that"
In the act of drawing back, her eyes
caught glimpse of a cleaning OBJ
ject tucked UP close against the leg
of the couch where it had lain un-
discovered through many perfunctory
sweepings. Plainly others beside the
strange man had not taken the
trouble to move the couch.
lmpulsively Mary stretched forth
1er hand and grasped the tiny object.
lnstantly q mans strong fingers
slosed about her wrist and she felt
herself growing faint with terror.
Who are you and what are you
doing here?" the man demanded
iternly.
Mary's heart gave a violent bound.
She rose from her cramped position
and came forth meekly, rumpled,
dust-covered object.
"Mary!" the man gasped incredu-
lously. Then he gathered her to him
in a close embrace.
Here's your ring, Albert" Mary
murmured several minutes later. "You
were searching for 1t, weren't your"
That wretched ring" Albert burst
forth vehemently 'If 1t hadn't been
for that and my abominable pride we
might have been happy long ago. You
see, Fred HARDWOOD was in straits, and
to help him out / bought the ring
from him. 1t was a much nicer one
than could have afforded to buy
new for you, and never thought you
would know the difference When you
developed such a talent for deduction
my pride wouldn't let me admit that
1t was second-handed. OF course
knew you didn't keep the ring know
ingly, though / was brute enough to
say so. l have only been back home
week. Yesterday 1 happened to
meet your cousin. He told me he
had just been here, and l borrowed
the key, wishing to visit the spot
where we had been SO happy. When
entered the room I was overcome
by feeling that the ring was still
here. l hated the very thought of 1t.
but could not resist the impulse to
search for It."
Il should have thought You would
have heard me when / entered the
house." Mary remarked.
"Oh, that's easily explained" AL
bert laughed. when l opened the
door l was greeted by strong rush
of air, and went upstairs to see where
1t came from. / found that Ned had
left one Of the attic windows wide
open, and l had some difficulty In
shutting 1t. l was probably too much
engaged in my task to heed any noise
you may have made. But what shall
we do with the ring. now 1t is found,
little girl?"
Mary held up white finger invit-
ingly. "It will fit better now," she
said demurely. my hands are ever
so much plumper."
Shows how much you've pined
over my loss," Albert chuckled. "But
come, we ought to be going. It's
growing late
In a daze of happiness Mary led
the way to the waiting car. After
helping her in Albert took the driv-
er's seat, as a matter Of course.
When they had nearly reached the
home of the aunt with whom Mary
was staying, Mary suddenly asked.
"But how did you get out to the old
place, Albert? You surely did not
walk?"
Albert stared at her blankly. for
moment. Then he stammered sheep
ishly: "I-I-came in a motor car, too.
But | forgot all about 1t from the mo-
ment I found you"