Mexico Missouri message., 1914-02-26
"IIush!" the Eirl cried in alarm.

''Hush!" the girl cried In alarm.
Il couldn't help IT," apologized
Tom. 1T hurts like the very dev--like
the deuce. I'll be all right in min.
ute"
And after a bit when the circulation
was restored to the benumbed mem
bers. Tom himself made short work Of
the bonds around his ankles. He rose
unsteadily to his feet.
III l could stamp a few times" he
said
Mercy, no."
"Oh, shan't What next?"
While he lent himself submissively
to the operation, she bound one OF the
handkerchiefs over his eyes, Juggling
the fabric and disposing It In such a
way that by no possibility could he
see when he got where II was light
Her fingers touched his face many
times. and the nearness of her, now
on this side, now on that, and behind
him and in front. was making him
giddy.
You must walk Just as carefully as
ever you can," she enjoined-"just as
quietly as IL you we're burglar. will
It means you are TO step down-twice
means to step up. . What is it?"
for Tom mumbled something.
Il said that wished we were going
upstairs instead of down"
What In the world do you wish
oh! So that Is all your promise
amounts TO, is it?"
Il can wish. can't II" said Tom.
moodily. Il didn't intend for you to
hear"
Her response was a sharp command
for him not to speak another word.
Give me your hand she said curt.
ly.
Their fingers met and closed, but
when she attempted to move away
Tom drew her to a standstlll.
Just moment must disobey you
this once. What will happen to you
when II is discovered that am gomez"
Why. nothing"
1T seems improbable, don't you
know. that anybody who wanted me so
badly would be tickled to death to
have me get away"
Nevertheless nothing will happen
to me-" she repeated. II know that
what l am doing is for the best, not
only for you, but for US too. Pray
don't think am going to all this trou-
bic solely for you"
Il did think so,' Tom said In a
gloomy tone. Look here, IL I'm not
sure that everything will be all right
with you. I'm not going to bulge a
step"
In her evaporation his guide gave
his hand vigorous jerk.
Mercy goodnessl" he heard her ex-
claim. Did anybody ever see such an
aggrayating man. When explain
what have done, that will be the
end OF II. Now come on"
Truly"
Honor bright. Step carefully"
And 80. with infinite caution, and
without attracting the attention OF any
of the household. Tom was led down
the stairs--every step being indicated
by single hand-squeeze-and out In
to the night. Presently he OWNED
that he was being guided round in a
circle, but made no protest. Neither
spoke until the girl halted.
Now, then, Mr.. Phinney, listen to
your final Instructions she said in
low voice-no longer a whisper, but
the same marvelously sweet voice
that had charmed him earlier In the
evening.
You are in the middle OF the road
that leads to Rocky Cove, and facing
the town. You are to stand here and
count one hundred, slowly, then you
may remove the handkerchief from
your eyes. Bear In mind that you are
to count slowly. and that you are not
to try to follow me. Have l your
promise?"
THE conditions are hard" returned
Tom. IF am willing to agree. surely
am entitled to some slight considera-
ton in return?"
"Well?"--iupatiently. You must
hurry"
Said Toni Promise me that / can
see you some time"
Said the girl: why in the world
do you want me to promise that?"
Because" said Tom warmly, you
are the girl ! have been looking for
all my life-the One Girl"
How ridiculous!" she coolly inter-
rupted. You don't know me. II you
were to meet me tomorrow-any-
where--you wouldn't know that am
l."
Il would" Tom stoutly protested,
anywhere. would know you among
million. Tell me that can see you
soon"
There was long moment OF ST.