The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1914-12-24
CHAPTER XIX.
A Blank Sheet of Paper.

pedTeu ITOm view 1OTk SnOrlly dIIeT
the fire, no doubt because of her fear
of the Black Hundred. The fire did
not destroy the house. but most of
the furnishings we're so thoroughly
drenched by water that they we're
practically ruined. Her coming and
going were a nine days wonder, and
then the public found something else
to talk about
Norton was a constant visitor at the
Hargreave place Thereewas to him a
new interest in that mysterious house,
with it's hidden panels, its false floors.
its secret tunnels; but he treated
Jones upon the same basis as hitherto.
One thing, however: He felt a sense
Of security in regard to Florence such
as he had not felt before So, between
assignments he ran out to Riverdale
and did what he could to amuse his
sweetheart. Later, they took short
rides in the runabout, and at length
she became as lively as she had ever
been.
But often she would catch Norton
brooding.
What makes you frown like that?"
Was frowning?" innocently
enough.
Il find you this way dozen times
in an afternoon. What is the matter?
Are they after you again."
Heavens, no! I'm only vague is
sue They will not bother me so long
as l do not bother them. 1t has
dwindled into a game of truce"
DO you think so?" eying him curl
ously.
why, yes"
What's the use of trying to fool
NE, jim? If they haven't been after
you, you are sensing presage of evil.
I'm not child any longer Haven't
been through enough to make me
woman? Sometimes l feel very old
ITO me you are the most charming
in all this wide world. No, you're not
a child any longer. You are a woman.
brave and patient and ! know that I
could trust you with any secret have
or own. But sometimes a person may
have a secret which is not his and
which he hasn't any right to dis
close"
She became silent for awhile. I
hate money" she said. 81 hate it,
hate it,"
It's mighty comfortable to have it
around sometimes" he countered.
"As in my case, for instance. II I
were poor and had to work DO one
would bother me-"
i would" lie declared, laughing.
Come; let's throw off moods and go
into town for tea at the Rose Garden;
and If you feel strong enough we'll
trip the light fantastic"
They had been gone from the house
less than an hour when man ran
up the steps of the veranda and rang
the bell. Jones being busy at the rear
of the house the maid came to the ,
door.
rs Miss Hargreave in?" the stran-
ger asked.
NO." abruptly. The door began to
close ever so slowly.
do you know where l can find
herr"
The maid eyed him with covert keen
ness; then, remembering that the re-
porter was with Florence, said Il
believe she Is at the Rose Garden this
afternoon"
That is in town."
Yes"
Thanks" The man turned abruptly
and ran down the steps.
The maid ran back to Jones.
why didn't you call me?" he de-
manded impatiently.
There wasn't time"
did you tell him where she was?"
"Yes. But l shouldn't have told him
II Mr.. Norton had not been with Miss
Florence"
Jones ran to the front, dashed out,
eyed the back of the man fastening
down the street, smiled. and returned
to his work, or, rather to the maid.
He took her by the shoulder, whirled
her about, and shot look into her
eyes that quailed her.
Always call me hereafter, no mat
ter what I'm doing. That man has
never laid eyes ON Florence and has
no idea what she looks like. Why did
you drug my coffee the night of that
ball?"
She stepped back.
"And how much did they pay you
for letting that doctor send Florence
to Atlantic City? l know everything.
Hereafter walk straight. If you play
another trick III kill you with these
two hands And listen and tell this
to your confederates: always know
every move they make; that is why no
one is missing from this house. There
is traitor. Let them find him II they
can. viii you walk straight, or will
you leave?"
IL will walk straight" she fall
tered. "The money was too big a
temptation"
did they give 1t to your"
Yes. And more to stay here. But