The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1914-03-06

pulieu Lnat-garment OF MISS C0DD 3
of table. 1t was early-nobody was
out yet You were alone, Minnie, or
no." she said suddenly, you were not
alone. Minnie, who was In the pan
try7"
What has that to do with it,"
managed, with my feet as cold as
stone.
She got up and buttoned her sweat
er.
Don't trouble to lie," she said II
can see through a stone wall as we'll
as most people. Whoever got those
letters thought they were stealing
mine, and there are only two people
who would try to steal MY letters;
one is Dick Carter, and the other is
his brother-in-law. 1t wasn't Sam in
the pantry-he came in just after with
his little snip of wife,"
"Well?" | managed
But she was smiling again, not so
pleasantly.
Il might have known it," she said.
What a fool I've been, Minnie, and
how clever you are under that red
thatch of yours! Dicky cannot appear
as long as am here, and Pierce takes
his place, and help to keep the secret
and to play the game! Well, can APP
preciate joke on myself as well as
most people, Minnie. Minnie,
think of that guilty wretch of Dicky
Carter shaking in the pantry!"
II don't know what you are talking
about" said, but she only winked and
went to the door,
Don't take it too much to heart, .
she advised. TOO much loyalty is a
vice, not virtue. And another piece
Of advice, Minnie-when l find Dicky
Carter, stand from under; something
will fall"
They had charades during the rest
hour that afternoon, the overweights
headed by the bishop, against the I'm.
derweights headed by Mr.. Moody. They
selected their words from one of Hor
ace Fletcher's books, and as Mr.. Pierce
wasn't either over or underweight
they asked him to be referee.
Oh, they were crazy about him by
that time. 1t was "Mr. Carter" here
and dear Mr.. Carter" there, with the
women knitting him neckties and the
men coming up to be bullied and ask
ing for more. And he kept the upper
hand, too, once he got 1t.
But II Mr. Pierce was making hi
with the guests, he wasn't 80 popular
with the Van Alstynes or the Carriers
The night the cigar stand was CLOSED
Mr.. Sam came to me and leaned ovel
the counter.
Put the key In a drawer" he said
81 can slip down here after the lights
are out and get smoke
Cant do it, Mr.. Van Alstyne,"
said. Got positive orders"
THAT doesn't include me-" He wal
still perfectly good-humored.
Sorry" l said Have to have /,
written order from Mr.. Pierce"
He put silver dollar on the desl
between us and looked at me over it.
will that open the case?" he asked
But shook my head.
well, I'll be hanged What tn,
devil sort of order did he give you?"
HE said" repeated, that I'd b,
coaxed and probably bribed to opel
the cigar case. and that you'd prob
ably be the first one to do 1t, but
| was to stick firm; you've been smok
ing too much. and your nerves are &c
| ing"
J "Insolent young puppy!" he eS
claimed angrily, and stamped away.
So that l was not surprised whel
i on that night. Friday, | was told t
be at the shelter-house at ten oclocl
J for protest meeting. Mrs. Sam toll
! me.
! Something has to be done,' sh
said Il don't intend to stand muc
] more. Nobody has the right to sa
when shall eat or what. If want t
eat fried shoe leather, that's my al
| fair"
r We met at ten o'clock at the shelter
! house, everybody having gone to be
t Miss Patty, the Van A1stynes an
myself. The Dickys were on goo
! terms again, for a wonder, and whe
l we went in they were in front of tn
r fire, she on box and he at her feet
with his head buried in her lap. H
] didn't even look up when we entered.
} They're here, Dicky," she said
"All right" he answered In a smott
! cred voice. How many of 'em?"
-Four" she said. and kissed the I'll
} of his ear
For goodness sake, Dick!" Mrs
Sam snapped in a Disguised tone
stop that spooning and get us some
| thing to sit on"
! Help yourself" he replied. still
from his wife's lap, "and don't b.
jealous, sis. If the sight of marrie'
happiness upsets you, go away. G.
away, anyhow"
Mr.. Sam came over and jerked hin
into a sitting position. Either you'll
sit up and take part in this discus
! sion," he said angrily, "or you'll g
/ out in the snow until it's over"
Mr.. Dick leaned over and kissed hi
! wife's hand.
| "a cruel fate Is separating u.s." b
r explained, but try to endure it unit
| l return. I'll be on the other side G
khA fraDtanan