Holbrook argus., 1912-03-05

he footsteps she knew 1t was 2 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 1T searching for something.
 Mary repressed cry of fear when ! he finally appros ched the couch. BuI he did not attempt to move the heavy piece of furniture
 Next she heard a peculiar sound, and. hattening herself upon the floor she look surrepttious peep from beneath the couch. running the risk of immediate discovery. for the man v#s 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 g glimpse of glesmine ob- iect tucked up close against the leg If the couch where 1t had lain un- discovered through many pertunctory Iweepings. Plainly others beside the strange man had not taken the trouble to move the couch.
 Impulsively Mary stretched forth Ter hand and Erssped the tiny object, instantly mans strong fingers ,losed about her wrist and she felt herself growing faint with terror
 Who are you and what are you ioing here?" the man demanded iternly.
 Msry's heart gave violent bound.
 She rose from her cramped position and came forth meekly, rumpled, dust-covered object.
 "Mary!" the man Easped incredu- ]ously. Then he gathered her to him in close embrace.
 Here's your ring, Albert" Mary murmured several minutes later. You were searching for 1t, weren't you?"
 That wretched ring" Albert burst forth vehement1y. If it hadn't been for that and my abominable pride we might have been happy long ago. You see, Fred Hartwood was in straits, and to help him out 1 bought the ring from him. It was a much nicer one than I 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 it was second-handed. Of course I knew you didn't keep the ring know ingly, though I was brute enough to say so. l have only been back home week. Yesterday I happened to meet your cousin. He told me he had just been here. and borrowed the key, wishing to visit the spot where we had been so happy. When l entered the room 1 was overcome by feeling that the ring was still here. hated the very thought of 1t, but I could not resist the impulse to search for it."
 T should have thought you would have heard me when 1 entered the house." Mary remarked.
 "Oh, that's easily explained,". AL bert laughed. When I opened the door I was greeted by a strong rush of air, and went upstairs to see where it came from. I found that Ned had left one of the attic windows wide open, and I had some difficulty in shutting 1t. I 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. Tt will fit better now" she said demurely. My hands are ever SO much pllmper."
 Shows how much you've -pined over my loss," Albert chuckled. But come, we ought to be going. It's growing late"
 Tn g daze of happiness Mary led the way to the waiting car. After helping her in Albert took the driv- er's seat, az 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 a moment. Then he stammered sheep ishly: "I-I-came in a motor car, too. But forgot all about 1t from the mo- meut I found you"