Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1912-07-25

on the shoulder, ana both called rood
by after her as she set out across the
fields. turned to find Ephraim Bond
standing In the middle Of the road, like
some lost soul alone In infinite space.
"Well,' I said, hadn't you better
get into the automobile?"
He started as II he had been struck.
and without answering me, moved
alphabetically forward and climbed In
to place beside Mrs. Lathrop. got
up after him, closing the door after
me, and perched myself ON the uphol-
stored side where I could be close to
Nancy.
"All right" I said: ~Iet her go.''
The soft purr Of the waiting motor
broke abruptly into roar. The car
started forward with an almost imper-
ceptible Jerk. The chauffeur threw In
the high. sitting the motor into q
steady drone, and we started to glide
up the gentle hill with growing and
easy velocity. Fields that had begun
to know already slipped KALEIDOSCOPE
cally behind US, and miles that had
seemed long to walk or drive were
only brief ribbons of road to our de-
vouring speed. At the inn we slowed
down and came to stop. 1t was full
daylight now, and the little country
village was already astir. Blinds were
everywhere being thrown open as we
passed, and yawning hired man was
sOusing the inn steps with water.
Mr.. Ogilby whispered something to
his chauffeur. and they both climbed
out and went into the inn. in the door
of which the chauffeur presently re-
appeared and beckoned me. 2
"See what they want" said Nancy.
and vaulted over the side of the car
and followed the chauffeur into lit
tie waiting-room, where I found lMr.
Ogilby waiting for me.
II have decided" he began abruptly,
mot to go on any further. The chr
Is really carrying too much welei,t.
and besides, well, rye determined to
go back by train.
mo, don't argue about It," he went
on, as started to interrupt. ~ am
quite determined. You're to take the
car and use 1t as long as you like.
That is all arranged for. Can you run
1t yourself?'
Why. yes" said in my surprise;
but"
Please don't start arguing said
Mr.. Ogilby; III you can run 1t. go out
and do 1t. I'm going to keep the chauf-
feur to do some things for me. You
can make much better time going
light. Take Nancy in The front seat
with you and make pleasant trip OF
1t. If you'll take my advice, though
you will drop Ephraim Bond as soon
as you've had your talk with him.
He paused with a sudden chuckle.
ITO think Of his being locked up In
that sanatorium," he said. Its the
funniest thing ever heard in my life.
Well, run along now. have had your
things put into the automobile. You
will find plenty of road maps under
the drivers seat. l will pay your bill
here. Remember, though, you're not
to talk about me-"
He gave my hand quick grasp,
gave me lusty thwack between the
shoulders, and with both hands pushed
me toward the door.
CHAPTER xxx.
Where are your friendsy' Mrs.
Lathrop asked, as came out again to
the car and started cranking up.
"Friends?" I repeated, remem bering
Mr. Ogilby's Injunction. "Oh, you
car to meet US. They aren't going on
any farther
ooh, sea-" Mrs Lathrop replied, but
I do not think she did at all; for had
told her something of my means, and
this sudden acquisition of large a,l-
tomobile must have nearly strained
her curiosity to the bursting point.
Nevertheless, she crossed her hands
in resignation.
Ito Be Continued.)