The state herald., 1913-07-25

Green ocean, ,oo-he's quite a.
much at home there" laughed Aga
tha.
"Humph!" Mr.. Straker grunted In
disgust Let me assure you, Miss
Redmond. that It's no Joking matter"
Tradition to the contrary, Agatha
was content to let the man have the
last word. Mr.. Straker turned to
some business matters. wrote out tele-
graphic material enough to occupy
the leisurely Charlesport operator for
some hours. and then disappeared.
Agatha was impressed by the man
ayers words somewhat more than her
manner implied. She had no swift
and sure judgment of people, and her
experience Of the world. short as 1t
was. had taught her that recklessness
is a costly luxury. She was meditat-
ing as to the wisest course to pursue.
when the ex-chauffeur appeared.
Hand wore his accustomed loose
shirt and trousers without coat or
waistcoat, and It seemed as II he had
never known hat. His thick hair
was tumbled back from the forehead.
His hands were now spotless, and his
whole appearance agreeably clean and
wholesome. He even looked as II he
were going to be frank. but Agatha
knew that must be delusion. 1t was
impossible, however not to be some
hat tnla -hn mi N
likable. Agatha took lesson from
his own book, and waited In silence
for him TO speak.
"Mademoiselle? His voice had an
undertone of excitement or nervous
ness that was wholly new.
We'll. Mr.. Hand?"
He remained standing by the door
for a moment, then stepped forward
with the abrupt manner OF STRIPPING
who. usually inarticulate. has sudden
ly found tongue.
why did you do 1t, Mademoiselle7-
"Do what, my friendW
Back me up before the sherin
Give me slick walkout like that"
Agatha laughed good-humoredly
why should | answer your ques-
tions, Mr.. Hand. when you SO persist
ontly ignore miner"
Hand made gesture of impatience.
"Mademoiselle, you may think me
all kinds of scamp. but I'm not idiot
enough to hide behind woman. Dom,
you know me well enough to know
that?" he demanded SO earnestly that
he seemed very cross.
Agatha looked into his face with o
new curiosity. He was very young
after all. Something in the way oi
experience had been grinding philoso
ply, OF a sort, into him-or out o.
him. Wealth and position had beer
his natural enemies. and he had some
how been led to an attitude OF antag
onism that was, at bottom. quite for
eign to his nature.
So much Agatha could guess at. ant
for the rest. instinct taught her TO b'
kind But she was not willing now Il
take him so seriously as he seemed t.
be taking himself. She couldn't re
sist teasing him bit. by saying
Nevertheless. Mr.. Hand. you did hid
behind me: you had to-"
He did not reply to her banterin
smile. but. in the pause that followed
stepped to the bookcase where sh
had been standing. gingerly picked u
soft bit OF linen and lace from III
floor and dropped It into her lap Thel
he faced her in an attitude OF pugna
cious Irritation. For brief momen
his silence fell from him.
81 didn't have to-" he contradlcted
Il let It go because thought yo'
were good sport. and you wouldn'
catch me backing out Of your game
not by n good deall But there's
darned sight-pardon me. Mademo'
selle,-there's too much compan.
round here to suit me! You know me
you know you can trust me. Mademo'
selie! But what about Tom. Dick AM
Harry all over this place-castini
eyes at n man7"
Agatha. almost against her will
was forced to meet his seriousness
halfway. 81 don't know what yo'
mean" she said
"TelI 'em!" he burst out Tell 'en
the whole story. Tell that blame'
snoopin' manager that I'm croo'
and kidnaper. and then he'll sto
nosing round after me. III have al
hours start. and that's NIL want
Dogging man-runnIng him dow
under his own automobilol" Ham
permitted himself dry anile Mt hi
own joke. but Immediately added: Il
goes against the grain. Mademol
Hclle!"
Agatha's face frightened. ms sh
graspcd the clue TO Hand's wrath
"I've no doubt" she answered grave
ly She knew the manager. "But VIII,
should tell him. as you suggest7"
CTo DE coNrISuEDD