Sequachee Valley news. (Sequachee [Sequatchie], Tenn.) 1896-1952, 1913-10-30

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of the running it was now too late to
do anything about it anyway, and If he
was not another day or so would make
no difference-she might be gladder to
see him then.
1t was Sunday and he would do no
work that day, but it was his custom
to go to his desk between eleven and
twelve on Sabbath fOrenoons 10 look
over his mail and get 1t ready for Mon
days dictation. He pursued his way
ofiiceward, therefore, opened the door
and sat himself down in the quiet
room Five minutes later the tele-
phone bell rang and he got up to an
swer 1T, wondering whom the caller
might be. 1t was Doris.
Knowing your custom OF opening
your mail on Sundays at about this
hour | was in hopes'of catching you
in your workshop" she began. And
how have you been during these awful
days?" He most untruthfully assured
her that he had never been better or
happier. She seemed pleased to hear 1t.
And your" he asked.
Quite well until this morning. But
today | am dreadfully worried and
nervous, and that is the reason
called you up"
81 see Something has gone wrong
and you really need me-"
You have guessed it exactly. You
remember promised you | should let
you know in case of such an event.
Well, l am keeping my promise"
And you wish to see me when?"
To-day. You may come out to din
ner at two o'clock If you will and
spend the afternoon with me-"
Delightful BY the way, saw Clay
a few moments ago and he looked
wondrously well and happy. Said you
were the queen of nurses or something
to that effect--so thoughtful, so ten
der, so sympathetic-here, here-Dor-
Isl" But Doris had hung up the re-
ceiver without waiting to hear more
and he was compelled, much against
his wishes, to return to his mall.
She met him at the door with her
usual friendliness, smiling and sweet.
altogether desirable, yet knowing her
as well as he did his first glance. told
him that she was indeed troubled. Her
eyes wore hunted look and there was
certain nervousness In her manner
that was in distinct contrast to her
usual calm. He held her hand tightly
despite her effort to withdraw it.
What is it, Doris?" he inquired So
licitously. She shook her head.
please don't speak about 1t now.
Father has to leave the house after
dinner, which is the principal reason
l called you. will tell you later" He
let her hand escape and followed her
down the hall. Impatient though he
was to hear the news. he knew he
would be compelled to await her
pleasure.
They finished their dinner amongst
the commonplaces of an ordinary Sun
day midday meal and then she and he
took their seats in the comfortable
chairs upon the shady veranda. Judge
Fulton had just departed, also looking
somywhat worried, as Allen thought.
and the girl and himself were alone.
And now?" he questioned.
Again the hunted look filled her
troubled eyes to the brim, she shiv-
cred as from a cold draft and glanced
about quickly Il hate to talk about
it, it was too hideous-yet want you
to know. And as father had to be abb
sent this afternoon he suggested that
| send for you to keep me company.
1t happened last night"
Eyes, Doris. / am listening"
And it was midnight and very dark
and / was asleep"
go on"
Il was awakened by a sound, very
small sound. l am light sleeper you,
know, especially these nights"
81 understand. Possibly we all are"
And I listened through the dark
ness and presently / heard 1t again.
called 1t to myself-and 1t seemed to-
come from my window. OF course
thought of burglars, but the window
Is high up, and besides why on earth
would a burglar be trying to get in
there when he could enter so much
more easily from the ground floor? So
listened and listened. and sometimes
thought / could hear something and
! thought / was mistaken,
and after while l turned my head
very slowly and looked towards the
l imagined | could see two
very faint, luminous balls through the
SO reached for the button
at the head of the bed and switched
On the electric light. Horrors!" She
covered her face with her hands, shak-
ng like an aspen. March's hair was
beginning to bristle and his hands
.urned in knobbed fists.
cTo BE coNTINUED.)