The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1914-12-11

lights which he found burning dim In |
the kitchen offices and other servants
quarters on the lower floor he would
have thought the house empty.
He negotiated that last flight of
steps which led to the topmost floor
with extraordinary stealth, advised
thereto by sound, or rather series
OF sustained sounds, which had there
tofore been inaudible to him. Possibly
they had not till then existed: possibly
the man servant whom he found snor-
ing In a chair outside closed door
had not fallen asleep and begun to
snore until the moment when Alan set
foot upon the lower step OF that final
ascent.
No sound warned him of the door
that opened at his back as he stood
watching the sleeping guard. A pierre
ing shrek was the first intimation he
received that his presence had been
discovered. 1t served as we'll to move
him instantly into action: a single
glance overshoulder showed him the
figure of maid-servant In cap and
gown, her mouth still wide and full Of
southland Alan fell upon the guard
like thunderbolt. The man had
barely time to jump up and recognize
the alarm: then a fist caught him on
the point of his jaw, and he returned
promptly to deep Inconsistencies.
No time now for qualms Of COM
junction on account of the savage
ruthlessness of that blow: no time
even to search the fellow for key to
the closed door: already the maid was
taking the stairs in full flight and cry,
four steps and howl like a warlock's
to every jump.
Backing off, Alan took a short run,
cleared the PROSTATE body of the guard
with leap, and flung himself full
force against the door, his shoulder
striking a point nearest the lock. With
a splintering crash 1t broke inward.
Without dignity or decorum he
sprawled on all fours into the presence
of Judith Urine.
Poor Mr.. Law!" she cried, with
hooking nod, always disappointed
I'm so sorry-truly | ami"
"Oh, spare me your sarcasm" he
begged resentfully. Its ridiculous
enough, this whole mad business"
"But am not sarcastic" she insist
ed with such sincerity that he opened
his eyes in wonder. Believe me, l
am sorry for once it is and not Rose
whom you find locked up here! For,
you see, l am locked up, by way of
MISUNDERSTANDING to my having had
pity on you once too often-while my
father decamps mysteriously for parts
unknown"
you don't know where he's gone,
them"
| do your" she asked sharply.
I'm a general way. By special train
to the West"
Taking Rose?"
so I'm told"
The woman choked upon her anger,
but quickly mastered it,
He shall pay for this!" she assever-
ated
Your father? l wish him nothing
more nor less than your enmity," Alan
assured her civilly. But since 1t
seems that he has gone, and Rose with
him, If you'll forgive me, think I'll
be going"
"Alone?"
"Why-yes."
you wouldn't care for a companion
du voyage?" she suggested.
"Oh-really!" he protested
She held up an arresting hand. Lis
tent" she begged.
From the street below came the I'M
mistakable rattle Of policeman's To-
Gust on the sidewalk.
That damned maid" Alan OWNED
"The same" Judith agreed with
ominous calm. Has it struck you that
you may have some trouble getting
away without my permission?"
I'm not so stupid as not to have
thought of that" he countered.
Then be advised-and take me
with you"
"In what capacity, please? As
enemy or-ally?"
Gas ally-you're right: we can't be
friends-until we overtake that spe-
cial train. After that, by your leave,
I'll shift for myself"
Its not such bad notion" he re.
fected: with you under my eye, you
can't do much to interfere"
IF I promise" she suggested.
"I'll take your word" he agreed sim,
ply. But you're in for a lot of hard
ship, I'm afraid. The one way to catch
up with your father is by aeroplane-
and I've got one waiting"
She nodded intently. Don't con.
slider me as a woman when 1t comes
to hardship" she limited obliquely
1--WE no reason to, going on what ]
know of you"
"Give me one minute to find my coat
and hat"
In less than that time she was at his
side in the hallway.
/ The police entered by the front door
as the two crept out of the area win.
dow.