Mansfield mirror. (Mansfield, Wright County, Mo.) 1908-1957, 1914-02-05

two and think 1t over. II he was out
of the running 1t raj now too late to
do anything about 1t anyway. and II 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 1t was his custom
to go to his desk between eleven and
twelve on Sabbath f%orenoons to look
over his mail and get 1t ready for Mon
days dictation. He pursued his way
officeward, 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 l 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 eve been better or
happier. She seemed pleased to hear It.
And you?" he asked.
Quite we'll until this morning. But
today l am dreadfully worried and
nervous, and that is the reason I
called you up"
81 see. Something has gone wrong
and you really need me-"
You have guessed 1t exactly. You
remember ! promised you I should let
you know in case Of such an event.
Well. I 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, I 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-
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 mail.
She met him at the door with her
usual friendliness, smiling and sweet.
altogether desirable. yet knowing her
as we'll as he did his first glance told
him that she was indeed troubled. Her
eyes wore a hunted look and there was
a certain vousn in her manner
that was in distinct contrast to her
usual calm. He held her hand tightly
despite her effort to withdraw 1t.
What is 1t, 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
I called you. l 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 commonplace 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 ayes to the brim, she shiv-
cred as from a cold draft and glanced
about quickly. II hate to talk about
1t, 1t was too hideous-yet I want you
10 know. And as father had to be abb
sent this afternoon he suggested that
I send for you to keep me company.
1t happened last night"
Eyes, Doris. l am listening"
"And 1t was midnight and very dark
and I was asleep"
go on"
81 was awakened by a sound, a very
small sound. l am a light sleeper. you
know, especially these nights"
II understand. Possibly we all are"
"And listened through the dark.
ness and presently l heard 1t again.
a peculiar sound-a scratchy sound !
called 1t to myself-and 1t seemed to
come from my window. or 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 l could hear something and
sometimes I thought l was mistaken.
and after a while / turned my head
very slowly and looked towards the
window. / imagined l could see two
very faint, luminous balls through the
darkness, 80 l 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 bristle and his hands
turned in knobbed fists.
(To BE CONTINUEDl
Motor Cars at Church.