Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1913-01-18

EIlery, don't talk So You don't know
Layiny: she amt like most women
Ii l should tell her that she'd don't
knows she wouldn't take and horse
whip me. Or commit suicide. She's
said she would afore now if-if-"
NONSENSE. She won't do that you
needn't worry" He burst into anoth-
er laugh. but checked himself. as he
saw the look of absolute distress on
poor Kyan's face
Never mind, Mr. Pepper" he said.
We'll think of some plan to smooth
matters over. I'll go home with you
now and well let her out together"
The little house was dark and still
as they approached 1t.
They entered. The dining room was
dark and quiet So was the sitting
room The clock licked, solemn and
slow. Kyan's trembling knees man
aged to carry him to the little hall
leading from the sitting room toward
the ell at the side of the house. This
hall was almost pitch black.
-Here-here, It's, painted Ryan.
Here's the door. 1 don't hear nothin',
do you? Listen,"
They listened. Not a sound. save
the dismal tick of the clock in the
room they had left. Ellery knocked
on the door.
Miss Pepper" he said: Miss Pep
per, are you there?"
Silence. absolute. Abishai could
stand it no longer He groaned and
collapsed on his knees.
She has;" he moaned. "che done
It and there amt nothin' in there but
her remains. Oh. my SOUL"
E1lery. now rather frigh. ,ned him
self, shook him violently
BE quiet, you IDIOT" he command
ed. I'VE must go in. Give me the
key"
After repeated orders and accom-
panying shakings. Ryan produced a
key. The minister snatched 1t from
his trembling fingers. felt for the key
hole and threw the door open. The lit
tie room was almost as dark as the
hall and quite as still. There was a
distinct smell of old clothes and cam
phoRs. The minister was going after
match, and said so. In a moment he
returned with several. One of these
he lit. Thebrimstone sputtered. burned
blue and fragrant. then burst into a
yellow flame.
The little room was empty.
John Ellery drew a breath of relief.
Then he laughed.
-Humph!" he exclaimed. shes
gone. Come into the sitting room.
light lamp. and let's talk it over"
The lamp was found and lighted at
last. It's radiance frightened the dingy
sitting room. The sound of wheels
was heard in the lane by the front
gate. A vehicle stopped Then some
one called a hurried good night. Mr..
Peppers fear returned.
ITS heri" he cried. "She's been
ahuntin' for me. Now I'll get 1t! You
stand by me, Mr.. Ellery. You got to.
You said you would. But how on earth
did she get out"
His sister appeared on the threshold.
She was dressed In her Sunday best,
Powered poke bonnet, mitts, imitation
India shawl, rustling black bombazine
at the minister.
20 Mr.. Ellery!" she exclaimed, "be
you here?"
presence. Miss Peppers demeanor
surprised him. She did not seem
angry; indeed, she acted embarrassed
and confused. as if she, and not her
brother, were the guilty party.
I'm awfully sorry, Mr.. Ellery."
gushed Lavinia, removing the bonnet
You see, 1 was invited out to ride
this afternoon and-and-I went"
She glanced at her brother, red
dened-yes. almost bIushed-and con-
tinued.
You know, 'Bishy." she said.
Thankful Payne's cousins home avis
itin' her. He come about that cousins
will-the other cousin that's just died
He's a real nice man-her live cousin
is-keeps a shoe store up to Sandwich,
and 1 used to know him years ago
When 1 was over to Thankful's t'other
day. him and me had quite talk. We
got speakin' of what nice drives there
well, he asked me IL I wouldn't like to
go to ride next Sunday afternoon
that's today. And ride bein' good
deal of a treat to me, said 1 would.
Thankful was goin' too, but-er-er-
she couldn't very well. So Caleb
that's his name, you remember, 'Bishy
he come round with his horse and
team about hat past three and we
started. But I'd no idee twas so late.
I-I-meant to tell you l was goin'
Bish, but I forgot
I'm SO sorry l kept you waitin' sup
per-" gushed Lavinia. .I'll get you a
good one now. Oh, well, deary mel
must be gettin' absent-minded. 1 amt
asked you where you've been all the
afternoon"
Abishais eyes turned beseechingly
| could not resist that mute appeal.