The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1915-12-02
HIDDEN HOUSE
~ clARissA MAckie.

out In a big steal. He's done time ana
now he Is out What Is he going to
do with the rest OF his life7 Bring me
the story-and youll get yours. seer
The chief smiled and Jack hustled
away to catch the first train for a re-
mote Long Island village, where II
was said Roberts was In hiding.
At Sandyways Jack guardedly ques-
toned the host OF the solitary hotel.
He reasoned that Lawson Roberts
would seek sanctuary under an as
sumed name.
MANY strangers in town." repeated
the hotel man. thoughtfully nibbling
a toothpick. Cant say as there arc
all the boarders have gone. ! reckon
you're an agent OF some kind-maybe
selling booksY"
Jack smiled evasively.
I'll bet there's one old party you
couldn't sell a book to-not II you was
to take on 80 per cent Of the price,"
went on the man.
who is he1"
Names Robinson-taken the old
Hidden house-used to be Judge Hid
denis place. Celia Hidden married
Lawson Roberts. the politician. he's
in prison now for crooked dealing.
His wife died ten years ago and the
place belongs TO the daughter. It's
never been rented until recently. when
Mrs. Hester Bird rented II. No one
ever heard OF her before: and now
her brother. old man Robinson, and
his daughter have arrived. And
they're all as close mouthed and up
pish as can be: as II Sandyways folks
weren't good enough for them. And
stingy-whew!"
Well you're not very encouraging"
responded Jack with a bored air as he
moved away. But when he was out
OF sight his pace quickcned. The
first urchin he met directed him to
Hidden house on the outskirts OF the
village
He approached the side entrance to
the gloomy old house. passing a small.
rustic summerhouse smothered In
woodbine.
Halt" said a determined voice.
Jack halted to confront a wicked
looking shotgun leveled by a sweet
faced. wide-eyed girl boyishly attired
In a short khaki skirt and blouse. with
high-laced tan boots on her pretty
feet.
His hat came of and his look OF
inquiry was mingled with sincere ad.
miration.
Perhaps you didn't observe the No
Trespassing' signs" she remarked
coolly.
Il didn't" he honestly confessed.
They are plainly TO be seen" she
said significantly. you can read them
as you pass out"
Thank you-but want to see some
one"
who are you looking for'" she
asked sharply.
"Mr-Roberts." he hazarded.
Her face paled and q desperate look
came into the sweet eyes that should
never have been troubled by sorrow.
You mean Mr.. Robinson" she
asked.
Il mean lawson Roberts" he said.
teeiing IKE u Dfute.
The gun dropped suddenly as II her
strength had failed her.
Il might have known Il! You want
to interview him, ! SUPPOSED He has
paid the price Of his sin--let him
alone!" she cried passionately.
"My-my paper" he stammered.
abashed at her emotion.
Your psp-r'" she mimicked. What
Is II to your paper what my father
does now that justice has been salts
fed? No one would listen to him
when he protested his innocence in
those old days" How scornfully she
looked at him!
Hardly that" he said brusquely.
He looked sharply down the path. The
bent form OF man was hobbling pain
fully down the walk.
He 10 like q child" she said tremu-
lously. He has been shut away from
the world so long. and now everything
IL strange to him. will not have him
bounded by curiosity seekers! will
kill the first man who tries to inter
view him!" She ended In q fierce
outburst that was strangely unlike
her gentle personality.
IT will 60. Miss Roberts," he said
slowly. Some day I'm coming back
again. not as a reporter to interview
your father. but as friend to help
prove his innocencel"
"Ah. thank you-but stay now and
hear his story Of the guilty man." she
cried eagerly.
He shook his head. II must throw
up my present Job before can tackle
another one" he smiled and went
away.
Afterward. when q great criminal
lawyer took up the Roberts case and
proved the innocence of the old man.
all credit was given TO Jack Shirley
for his strenuous efforts In the case.
and when Jack married Celia Roberts
people said he had his great reward.
The editor Of the Chronicle NUT
tered maledictions on womankind In
general and pretty girls in particular.
II wondered what Queered that
Roberts assignment" he frowned. 1T