The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-01-18

only door was the one opening into
the hall, while the windows were Sc
curely nailed down.
Panic-stricken, Mary glided behind
couch near which she had been
standing, and crouched low.
The man-from the heaviness of
the footsteps she knew it was a man.
though she Jared 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 if searching for something.
Mary represesd a cry of fear when
he finally approached the couch. But
he did not attempt to move the heavy
piece of furniture.
Next she heard a peculiar sound
and, flattening herself upon the floor,
she took a surreptitious peep from be-
meath 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 instructive
~ "A thief would never act like
In the act of drawing back. her
eyes caught a glimpse of a cleaning
object tucked up close against the leg
of the couch where it had lain undis-
Next she hear da peculiar SOUND
sweepings. Plainly others beside the
strange man had not taken the trou-
bic to move the couch.
Impulsively, Mary stretched forth
her hand and grasped the tiny object.
Instantly mans strong fingers
closed about her wrist and she felt
herself growing faint with terror.
Who are you and what are you do
ing here2' the man demanded sternly-
Mary's heart gave a violent bound
She rose from her cramped posi-
ton. and came forth meekly, a rum
pied, dust-covered object.
Mary" the man gasped incredu-
lousy. Then he gathered her to him
in a close embrace.
Here's your ring, Albert, Mary
murmured several minutes later You
We're searching for it, weren't you?"
THAT wretched ring" Albert burst
forth vehemently. IF it 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 I bought the ring from |
him. Tt was much nicer one than 1
[ could have afforded to buy new for /
you. and I never thought you would I
know the difference. When you devel- /
Oped such a talent for deductions, my
pride wouldn't let me admit that it was
second handed. OF course knew you
didn't keep the ring knowingly, though /
I was brute enough to say so. have
only been back home a week. Yester-
day happened to meet your cousin.
He told me he had just been here. and
I borrowed the key. wishing to visit the
spot where We had been so happy
When I entered the room 7 was over
come by a feeling that the ring was
still here. hated the very thought
of it, but I could not resist the i'm
pulse to search for it,
Il should have thought you would
have heard me when I entered the
house." Mary remarked
"Oh, that's easily explained Albert
laughed. when 7 opened the door 7
was greeted by strong rush of air.
and went up stairs to see where it
eanle from I found that Ned had left
One of the attic windows wide open.
and I had some difficulty in shutting
{. I was probably too much engaged
N my task 70 heed any noise you may
have made. But what shall we do with
he ring, now It is found. little girl?''
Mary held up a white finger invit-
ngly. 1T viii fit better now" she said
iemurely My hands are ever so iInuch
bumper
Shows how much you've pinned over
ny loss" Albert chuckled But come.
Ne ought to be going. It's growing I
ate"
In a daze Of happiness Mary led the ;
way to the waiting car. After helping
Ter in, Albert took the drivers seat. as
matter of course
When they had nearly reached the
lome of the aunt with whom Mary was
staying. Mary suddenly asked. But
low did YOU get out to the old place |
Albert? You. surely. did not W. Wa1 Ii %.
ALBERT stared at her blanklvs for a |
moment Then he stammered sheep
shly- I-I-came in a motor car. too
sui forgot all about it from the mo-
nent I found u."-(Copyright. 1912 I
," Associated Literary Press.) /