The Detroit times., 1912-05-09
THE, IN
S:,T7OLEN -
SINGER @
A GREAT SERIAL STORY Ry, W.
MARTHA B j! M

II
was, he was nevertheless Keen
enough to see that Agatha's instincts
took alarm at his words. Indeed, one
skilled in reading her face could have
detected the nature OF the uneasiness
written there. She could not lie
again. as she had unhesitatingly lied
to the sheriff neither could she
abandon her position as protector 10
| Mr.. Hand. She wished for clever
ness OF the sort that could throw her
manager of the scent, but saw no
way other than the direct way.
Nothing know almost nothing
about him"
Comes from N'York?"
II fancy So"
Well, take II from me, the sooner
you get rid OF him the better
Chances are he's man OF no prin-
ciple. and he'll do you"
Agatha was silent. Meantime Mr..
| Straker got his second wind.
| "Of course he knows what he's
about when II comes TO machine,
the manager continued, but mark
me, he knows too much for an honest
man. Looks TO me a. If there want
anything on this green earth he
can't do"
Green ocean, too-he's quite as
much at home there, laughed Aga.
tina.
"Humph," Mr. Straker granted in
disgust. Let me assure you, Miss
richmond, that it's no sbking natter
Tradition TO the contrary, Agatha
was content TO let the man have the
last word Mr.. Straker turned 10
some business matters, wrote out
Geographic material enough to oc
cupy the leisureiy Charlesport OPP
orator for some hours, and then dis
appeared.
Agatha was impressed by the man
ayers WORDS somewhat more than her
manner implied. She had no swift
and sure judgment OF people, and her
experience OF the world, short at II
was. had taught her that reckless
ness is costly luxury. SIZE was
meditating as to the wisest course TO
pursue, when the ex-chauffeur ap-
peared.
Hand wore his accustomed loose
shirt and trousers, without cat or
waistcoat, and II seemed as II he had
never known a hat His thick hair
was tumbled back from the forehead.
His hands were now spotless, and his
whole appearance agreeably clean and
, wholesome. He even looked ae II he
were going to be frank, but Agatha
. knew that must be a delusion. II
was impossible, however. not to De
somewhat cajoled--he was SO emf
nently hkeable. Agatha took lesson
| hfo
lence for him to speak.
"Mademoiselle? His voice had sn
undertone OF excitement or nervous
ness that was wholly new.
: We'll, Mr.. Hand?"
He remained standing by the door
for a moment, then stepped forward
with the abrupt manner of STRIPPING
who, usually inarticulate. has sudden
: ly found tongue.
why did you do II. Mademoiseile?
do what, my friend"
Back me up before the sheriff
Give slick walkout like that"
Agatha laughed spontaneously
"Why should I answer your ques
: tons, Mr. Hand, when you so per
!. sistently ignore mine?"
Hand made a gesture of impotence
| MdueIuOlSelc, you thihh hi'
all kinds OF a scamp, but I'm no
O idiot enough 10 hide behind a woman
Don't you know me we'll enough e
! know that?" he demanded so earnest
: Ily that he seemed very cross.
o Agatha looked into his face With ;
q new curiosity. He was very young
Q after all. Something in the way o
a experience had been grinding philos
4 ophy, of a sort, into him--or out o
d him. Wealth and position had beer
his natural enemies, and he had some
q how been led to an attitude OF antag
r onism that was, at bottom, quite for
a eign to his nature.
Q SO much Agatha could guess at ant
for the rest instinct taught her to b.
n kind. But she was not willing now L
q take him quite so seriously as h
seemed to be taking himself. Sh
r. couldn't resist teasing him a bit, b.
r saying, Nevertheless, Mr. Hand, yol
), did hide behind me; you had to-"
D He did not reply TO her banterini
i smile, but, In the pause that follow
L ed, stepped to the bookcase wher'
Il she had been standing. gingefly pick
ed up a soft bit OF linen and lac,
t from the floor and dropped it into he
4. lap. Then he faced her in Az attitude
& of pugnacious irritation. For a brie
d moment his silence fell from him.
To Be Continued.