Lincoln County times. (Jerome, Idaho) 1911-1919, 1914-07-23

saw Mercer appear upon the landing,
then stoop down and catch the girls
hands and draw her up beside him.
Next he noticed, that instead of back
ing out, turning and heading for the
yacht, the sailor in charge of the
launch made her fast and himself
climbed upon the landing, where he
was soon lost to sight in the moving
throng.
This maneuver was observed by
Tom with grim smile of comprehen,
sion. 1t could mean only one thing
Miss Delia's errand would not con-
sumo much time; she was not going
any considerable distance-certainly
not all the way down to the city; and
Mercer had ordered the man to wait
So the Kohinur's master filed and
lighted his pipe, and defining a course
from gangway to stern and back again,
fell to pacing it with pendulum-like
regularity and patience.
Meanwhile, no sooner was the launch
away from the yacht than the girls
mood underwent a sudden change.
Mercer had entered into the apparent
gay humor of the adventure; he was
even casting ahead, hoping that the
opportunity would present itself of &C.
quiring indefinite quantities of liquid
refreshment; but his hopes and the H.
fusion of gayety were dispalled at one
stroke when his companion addressed
him in tone of deep concern.
Mr.. Mercer" she said, my errand
is one of pressing Importance, or, rest
assured, l should not have undertaken
go downtown alone at this hour
Thanks to your kindness, 1 do not
have to go alone, and my destination
is the city only because 1 know of no
nearby telephone station where l may
be certain of privacy"
IF that's all you want" he re-
turned. I'VE need go no further than
the Claremont. But, am disappoint-
ed"
Mr.. Mercer" she interrupted,
please bear with me and forgive me
for having persuaded you to come
with me under false pretenses. l
have reason to be greatly worried and
| anxious"
Believe me, 1 am only too glad to
be of SERVICE" he CALAMITY assured
her. Isn't there something more
definite that l can do for your"
mo, no-thank you. Only conduct
me to the nearest telephone and wait
a few minutes for me-"
With this she lapsed into silence.
Mercer watched her while she adjust
ed her veil so that it rendered her
completely unacceptable, and mar
veled at the circumstance not a little.
He saw her enter a telephone-booth;
then he took up his station outside
and waited. More than ore acquaint-
snce hailed him. or boisterously In.
vited him to join them; but he was not
to be persuaded.
Minutes passed. He reflected that
the telephone conversation was be-
coming uncommonly long drawn out,
when he was attracted by the booth
door opening behind him, and a moan
that could signify only intense agony
of mind.
He slowed round to behold the girl
clinging unsteadily to the door-knob.
She had not troubled to readjust her
veil, and he could see that her mouth
was drawn in lines of suffering and
her lips were colorless. He sprang
promptly to her assistance, and she
instantly transferred the sustaining
hand to his wrist, which she clutched
systematically.
What is it?" he demanded solicit
ously, yet with a restraining thought
of the ease with which any crowds
attention is attracted What has hap
pened?"
Mr.. Mercer"-her voice, pitched
low. was tense and vibrant with some