The Delta independent., 1914-01-16

agine my bed can " IA Y
wait Your wife, /
suppose, is get
ting her beauty Sleep" Rolling
ham settled comfortably, striking a
match.
Maybe. She was half mapping in
the parlor while ago, trying to make
up her mind to light up and read. AS
lady has retired"
Arden chatted merrily, with a
raised voice, and at last threw away
his stub. The coal glowed in the grass
below. winking at him cheerfully.
Have another" invited Harder.
Say. now, I'm not half through. Roll
lingham. These country boarding
houses with three of four guests.
where they don't encourage indoor
smoking are something of a nuisance
If l can't prevail upon you to stay
| longer, I'm for taking a walk, in spite
of the darkness. | know the road like
a book. and I'll sleep more soundly for
tramp to the red bridge"
1T will take you an hour" said
rockingham carelessly. I'll be dream
ing when you creep in
I'll bet you will be-" Harder
chuckled jovially.
He watched the duped husband stalk
down the path. Sneering with an
amused snicker. his fingers sought the
closed door. He passed inside, whist
ling very softly
Is it you. Arden?" The endearing,
cautious whisper brought his pulses
to a quick throbbing.
Yes. Laurel. my love. Where are
your"
Here in the big chair. Come and
| kneel by me. / heard through the
blinds. How fine to get rid OF him"
Isn't It? A whole hour. Laurel.
It's only ten o'clock. We must be
careful, though"
The minutes chased away a quarter
hour. They did not hear the slight
creak of the door. the stealthy foot.
steps. Only, when the aggravated NUT
ter, few yards away.
Arden's hand went over the wom-
ans mouth for silence. He arose
from his knees stiffiy, silently, Just as
the small pocket electric lamp flashed
a bright gleam in front of its cropping
owner.
STEADY! Keep quiet, Ralph" Roll
ingham's voice was tense and con-
trolled. Few situations found him
unprepared.
"Gracious!' Harder Jumped why,
what's the matter? / thought you
sound asleep. Laurel, too. Really,
now, / think you folks ought to have
light, hadn't your
He laughed embarrassedly, not an
grily. and coughed.
Il would have had one in another
moment" the words came solemnly.
Carefully bring that lamp bit
nearer" He was looking Harder in
the eye. Ralph, my friend, hope It's
nothing serious. but your wife hasn't
moved or spoken since l came in an
swer to her peculiar cry-not more
than n minute ago."
For goodness sake!" gasped Har-
den, starting. Arden, look! Some
thing has hurt her-bitten her. Those
crimson spots. her cheeks, brow.
hands, even her lips. And it's on you,
too. Your mouth Is all smeared-
your face. Mercy on usi'
The flashing CLEAN played over the
wild, disfigured features of the horri-
fled pair.
IL was writing with red ink"
stammered the guilty lover. l."
Red ink!' sneered Harder. burst
ing into hoarse laugh. You despica-
BILE liar. l deal in chemicals and dye
stuffs. You smoked dyed cigar.
Ohio! that preparation, tasteless, 80
diffusive with the slightest moisture.
proved a fine detective. 1t was made
for your deceitful lips. and for hers.
What now, fools?"
The woman shrank speechless save
for sobbing. The man glided back
ward with splitting curse.
"Wait!" snarled Harder, drawing a
glistening revolver. you snake OF
the bloody NAV. Wife, poor, foolish.
thoughtless dupe, tell me the truth.
Is this creature, shivering there. worth
a husbands bullets?
mo, mol" cried Laurel in passion
OF tears. believe me, Ralph, In the
name of my mother-not that"
Harder lowered his weapon.
Nottingham" he said sternly.
Tomorrow morning will not find you
here. Go! Carry your stain with you.
It will have to wear on. / alone pos
sess the secret formula for It's re-
moval. I'll take care Of my wife.
Col"