The Marshall republican., 1913-03-14
CHAPTER XIII.
A Disappearance.

CHAPTER XIII.
A Disappearance.
Dawn found me lying on the couch
In my sittlng.room. pale and a little
sick from the ether. with my right
arm nicely boarded up and n bruise on
my shoulder about as big as a turkey.
platter. Doctor Graham, after mixing
me some vile stuff-doctors are brutes
about medicine-cheerfully turned 10
discuss art with 10, apropos of the
search of the gallery for any signs of
disturbance. Nothing unusual was
the bottom OF the steps leading to the
tennis courts was open, and a hammer
that was proved did not belong to any
one connected with Lone Oak was ly-
ing on one Of the courts. The thieves
had made good their escape during
the commotion that followed my
plunge down the steps into the wing.
When I awoke from the sleep the
doctor prescribed II was noon. The
room was fragrant with flowers and
there was a huge bunch OF pink roses
that I knew had not been cut at Lone
Oak. Laura was with me. and Cello
tearfully lowered In the background.
Celie brought my breakfast and Laura
explained that 10 had gone. reluctant
ly. to play golf with John Crownin.
shield. who decided not to go to town.
There's n nurse coming" she con.
cluded.
"Nursel" I exclaimed. What do I
want with a nurse? I'm going down
stairs tonight ~ ! a get a sleeve
over this arm"
To prove I could get up. | did, but
was rather trembly.
"Loulic. II was too funny about that
silk stocking and the hot.water bot
tie" Laura laughed gleefnlly.
"Hlas everybody discovered the rob-
bery?" I asked.
They we're up shrieking before
ten" she told me-. John had an aw-
ful time getting things straight. There
are ten solitaires still In doubt. |
think Dorothy and Mrs. Sargent will
have 10 toss for them. Funny, isn't
H.. people don't know their own
| lcNclsg" -ttsSeE~e
lid any one else hear the racket
40 made last night"
NO" she replied. NO wonder they
we're robbed Mrs. Cutler thinks there
.aust have been an attempt to chloro'
orm her. There Vas no cloth or any.
I M: = thpt has been saturated. but the
0dor of Chloroform was In her room.
Thank Heaven, there's no way 10 i'm.
plicute Winthrop In this"
Winthrop! | closed my lips tightly
again. No one but I knew he had
beet there on the lawn: no one but
myself was going to know Il. But
|. Thomas! The thought startled me!
lie knew Il. But
Laura finally broke the silence with
n Of her startling questions:
"Loulie, are you goins 10 marry
ilap7"
shook my head decidedly.
why not? Won't you tell me?
Have you a reason, dear?"
"Yes."
She paled a little, | didn't know why
at the time.
Wont you conhde in me?" she
pleaded. "And let me help you? ! can
help you. no matter how dimcult It
is."
She was very winning and sweet.
| Intended to tell her jokingly my rea-
son was that her mother really had
intended me as a pace.maker for her.
and that I'd have TO be free TO en-
courage the eligibles until she was
quite sure Just who she wanted TO
marry, but l was weak. and the tears
were very ear the surface. Two
brimmed over and rolled down my
cheek. ! couldn't joke!
You love him--don't try to deny
II. Why are You giving him up?"
Il can't let him spoil his life with
me-" was what ] said after all. II
couldn't spoil your chances with His
Grace IL o decide to want him.