Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1913-10-22


two and think it over. If he was out
of the running It was now too late to
do anything about, it anyway, and If he
was not another day or so9would make
no difference she might b gladder to
see him then.
1t was Sunday and he would do no
work that day, but it was his custom
to 60 to his desk between eleven and
twelve on Sabbath forenoons to look
over his mail and get it ready for Nom
days dictation. He pursued his way
of1iceward, therefore, opened the door
and sat himself down tn the quiet
room Five minutes later the tele-
phone bell rang and he got up to an
swer it, wondering whom the caller
might be-. 1t was Doris. u
KNOWING your custom OF opening
your mail on Sundays at about this
hour I 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. sheseemed pleased to hear It
And you?" he asked. M 81 y
Quite well until this morning. But
today l am dreadfully worried and
nervous, and that is the reason l
called you up" al. .5
Il see. Som ething has gone wrong
and you really need me" &
'You have guessed it exactly You
remember 4 promised you should let
you know in case of such an event
Well. am keeping my promise"
And you wish to see me when ?" y.
Today. 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 we'll and happy. Said you
were the queen Of nurses or something
to that effect--so thoughtful, so ten
der, SO sympathetic here. here-Dor-
is! 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 mail.
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 worefa hunted look and there was
aycertain 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 1t, Doris ?" he inquired So
.licitously. She shook her head. $
Please don't speak about It now.
Father. has to leave the house after
dinner, which is the principal reason
I 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 Sum
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
somewhat worried, as Allen thought,
and the girl and himself were alone.
::..'.And now?" he questioned. S5
q 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
1t, it was too hideous-yetI want you
to know. And as father had to be abb
sent this afternoon he suggested that
I send for you to keep me company.
It happened last night, Y,
Yes, Doris Tam listening"
""And 1t was midnight and very dark
and i was asleep " J: I
go on = \, 4, IA d: Ssh :tis
II was awakened by a sound, very
small sound. i am light sleeper, you
know, especially these nights. 4.
t$..T understand. Possibly we all are"
"And / listened through the dark
ness and presently heard It again.
q peculiar sound Ia scratchy sound I
called 1t to myself-and 1t seemed to
come from my window. OF course
Jul SAa4 D DNS SAAo "AAAASW
is high up, and besides why on earth:
would burglar be trying to get In
there when he could enter so much
more easily from the ground floor? So
I listened and listened, and sometimes
/ thought ! could hear something and
sometimes thought was mistaken,
and after while turned my head
very slowly and looked towards the
window. imagined l could see two
very faint, luminous balls through the
darkness, 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.
ing like an aspen. March's hair was
beginning to brfstle and his hands
turned in knobbed fists.
CTO BE CONTINUED.)
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