Hopkinsville Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1889-1918, 1915-01-14

At supper both Ruth ana JOnn we're
silent, not only from WEAKNESS. but
because they had not settled things
yet Everett hndn't been seen nor any
preparations made for the raising %
the money needful to improve the Mas
ter Key" mine SO by mutual consent
they made n short meal Of IT, In the
lobby they sit and talked Il little while.
but presently Ruth had 10 confess that
she was worn out
"Of course you arc" said John re
pcntantly. I'm take you right up and
turn you over to your maid. A good
nights rest will set you on your feet
again"
IL shall dream Of that horrible China
manr she murmured, shuddcring.
Don't let that worry you" he said
comfortingly 81 have a room right
near yours. and II you want help I'll
be there"
She thanked him, and together they
entered the elevator and were lifted TO
their floor In the hallway Ruth grave
ly shook hands and said "GOod night"
John tried to hold her little hand long
err than was needful, but she shook
her head and slipped away to her own
room, just down a short hall He
watched her open the door and turned
to go to his own room when a thought
struck him, and he called gently,
RUTH
She came back quietly. I'm so glad
you called me- she said, with evident
nervousness. "After all, it's ridiculous
ly early to go TO bed. Let's go for a
ride some more"
They went out through Golden Gate
park and after brief stop on the
bright beach came back into town by
way Of the Preside.
Ruth was now Quieted, and as they
PLY.
THAT was beautiful, John" she said.
At the desk the clerk handed John
note addressed " a Grabbed hand. He
tore it open, glanced at the contents
and turned to Ruth
odd Tom Kane got here tonightr
he exclaimed "He came while we
were out and left this note for me-"
Ruth's face lit up wonderfully
Where is he? Where is he?" she de-
handed. 81 want to see him"
At her door be left her with hasty
I'm be right in as soon as Tom comes,
Ruth"
"All right!'' she called back, and
opened her door as he opened his own.
She paused on the threshold at the
sight within. A tall man in a light
mask was delving into the desk and
rummaging among her papers and be
lOngings. At the sight of her he quick
ly thrust bundle Of papers into his
pocket and slipped toward the open
window. Then Ruth understood and
screamed for help.
John Dorr heard that call and in
three bounds was in her room. She
pointed to the open window, gasping:
THAT way! The thief! He stole the
deeds"
Without a word Dorr leaped to the
| window. 1t opened on a fire escape.
! He peered down. No one. He looked
up. A slight figure was mounting
quickly and silently toward the roof.
| Within another instant John had
swung himself out on the ladder ana
was climbing rapidly after the un-
known hOusebreaker He paid no at,
tention to Ruth's agonized cry after
! him: John! John! Don't go after
him! He'll hurt your
Helplessly she peered out Of the win.
down and saw the two figures going
swiftly up toward the crest Of the
building. The seconds seemed hours
as she watched Then she saw John
stumble and catch himself. That de
clded her, She picked up her skirts
ana stepped out on the platform her
self Then she gingerly swung her
self out on the iron ladder and com
menced 10 climb upward She saw the
thief reach the cornice and crawl over,
then John. She struggled on up sob
bingly. bruising her tender hands on
the rusty rods. Once or twice she
stopped and called: John! joint"
There was no answer.
Then she realized that there was an
Their on the ladder below her. She
nearly lost her grip and fell. Surely
1t must be some accomplish OF the
thief! She fastened her way up the
ladder, not daring to look down again
At last she gained the cOrnice, where
the ladder bent suddenly outward and
she must perforce almost hang sus-
pended by her hands. But she man
aged to surmOunt this difficulty and
stumbled forward on the roof OF the
hotel
At first glance she saw no one. The
roof was huge, broken here and there
by skylights and chimneys and air
shafts. The shadows cast by the moon
lay dark and strange across the tarry
gravel.
"JOhn Johnw she called softly ,
Then again. in terror. she cried shrilly:
"JOhn, on. john
tbn+ YY,np,ppt tho 0c,,rro of th.