The times-herald. [volume] (Burns, Harney County, Or.) 1896-1929, 1915-04-17

ing IN chhtr OUTSIDE cloteu uoon
had not fanen asleep and begun 10
snoro until the moment when Alan set
foot upon tho lower step Of that nnsi
ascent.
Turning the head OF the stairs,
Alan paused for q little, speculatively
intent on this man who must somehow
be disposed OF before he might solve
the secret OF that shut and guarded
door.
Aside from actual violence no solul
tlon offered to the pusrlo--and vioi
lonco was abruptly forced upon him.
No sound warned him OF tho door
that opened at his back AZ he stood
Watching the sleeping guard. A pierc-
Ing shrek was the nrst intimation he
received that his presence had boon
discovered. IL served ne well TO move
him instantly into action: q single
glance ovorshoulder showed him the
| figure OF a maid.sorvant In cap and
gown. her mouth still wide and full of
sound--and Alan fell upon tho guard
like a thunderbolt. Tho man had
barely time TO jump up and recognise
the alarm: then n 1st caught him on
tho point OF his jaw. and he returned
promptly to deep sciousnesB.
No time now for qualms OF com
junction on account OF the savage
ruthlessness OF that blow: no time
oven TO search the fellow for key TO
tho closed door: already the maid was
taking the stairs In full night and cry,
four steps and u howl like a warlock's
to every jump.
Backing on. Alan took a short run.
cleared tho prostrate body OF the guard
with leap. and fiung himself full
force against the door, his shoulder
atriklng n point nearest tho lock. With
a Bpllntering crash II broke inward.
Without dignity or decorum he
spraw1cd on all fours into the presence
OF Judith Trine.
Poor Mr. Law!" she cried. with a
mocking nod. always disappointedi
I'm 30 sorry--truly ami"
"Oh, spare me your sarcasm" he
begged resontfully. IT'S 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. !
am sorry for once Il Ia ! and not Rose
whom you ind locked up here! For,
you see, ] am locked UP. by way OF
punishment-thanks 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,
then7"
DO your" she asked sharply.
I'm general way BY special train
TO the West"
Taking Rosef"
80 I'm told"
The woman choked upon her anger,
but quickly mastered IT,
He shall pay for thisi" she assever,
nted
Your fntheTi ! wish him nothing
more nor less than your enmlty," Alan
assured hor oiyllly. But since II
seems that he has gone. and Rose with
him. II youli forgive me. ] think III
bo going"
"Alonel"
That one word. uttered with all tho
nignificance that this woman know no
well how to infune into her tone.
checked him suspiciously on the
threshold.
"Why-yes"
"fou wouldn't care for u companion
du voyageY" she suggested.
"Oh-reallyi" he protested.
She held up an arrcsting hand. "Lis. |
ten" she begged.
From the street below came the VA.
mlstHkable rattle OF a policeman's To-
Gust on the sidewalk.
THAT damned maid" Alan diyined
thoughtfully.
The same" Judith agreed with
omlnous calm. "Ias Il struck you that
you may have some trouble getting
away without my permissiopW
I'm not so stupid as not 70 have
thought Of that" ho eountered.
Then bo adyised-and take mo
with you"
In what capacity. please' As
enemy pr-allyr
"Aa aliy--you'Te right, We can't bs
We overtake that spe.
cial train. Amer that, by your leave.
i'll shift for myself"
ITS not such = bad notion" he re,
hected; with you under my eye, you
can't do much TO interfere"
III ! promise" she suggested.
I'll take your word" he agreed sim.
ply but you're in for Q lot pf bard.
ship. I'm afraid, Tho one way 10 catch
up with your father is by aeroplane-
and I've got one waiting"
She noddee tntsntly, Don't con-
'lder me- hs a woman whan Il comes
o hardship she hinted obliquely.
I've no reason TO, going on what ]
tnow OF you"
Give me one minute TO nnd my coat
md hat"
In less theE That time she was at his
Iide In the hallway
The police entered by the front door
n the two crept out OF tho area win.
low.
CHAPTER XXX.