Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1915-09-16
ed to quiet her. And as he spoke he
ascended the steps,
She pointed to a chair

| ed to quiet her. And as he spoke he
ascended the steps.
She pointed to chair.
BE seated, please" she said.
He gave her quick glance, and
placing the suit case on the floor Of
the porch, seated himself.
"You are not alone here?" he said
inquiringly, and there was a touch of
solicitude inshis tone.
Marjorie was frightened.
"Oh, no, no." she cried, "my friends
are very near"
He nodded.
THAT makes difference" he said.
She felt that it did make differ
ence, great difference to the Lane
silverware And even as this thought
crossed her mind, the point of the
rocker in which the man sat happened
to strike the suit case and the latter
again gave forth it's musical clink.
Marjorie wanted to cry out, but re-
strained herself.
"How do you like this house?" she
hastily asked.
hS uouSS! VII, yes. w ny, lHS
houseNis well enough. And you say
1t is in the market?"
Majorie fancied he spoke to her as
he might to little child.
And she could take no offense at
this. At all odds she must keep him
there until help came and he could
be secured.
Eyes, it is very good house, too.
The-next time you come l will show
you the inside. 1t is fully as good
as the outside. The porch is pleas
ant, don't you think?"
He looked about him critically,
ut seems to be a very good porch,
he said. but his gaze rested on the
girl.
She was seated on low chair close
to the steps-quite prepared to flee
down them and raise wild alarm IL
he attempted any threatening move.
"Yes," she answered; "it is even
better than it looks"
May l ask" he inquired, and she
fancied his voice grew suddenly gen
tie "if you are related to the owner?"
II am his daughter" Marjorie
promptly admitted.
He seemed impressed.
"And-pardon me-do they leave
you alone in the house?"
Marjorie flushed.
mo, no." she quickly replied. mot
really alone. There is always the
phone, you know"
He nodded.
But just now the phone is out Of
order"
Marjorie gave little gasp. Then
he knew. Her dark suspicion was at
once confirmed.
"Is it?" she weakly murmured.
YES" he answered. There is a
break that affects the entire block"
How dreadful" said Marjorie still
more weakly. But this would never
do. She must conceal her agitation.
She must hold this reprobate's' atten-
ton. She was afraid that he doubted
her sincerity. At least he had a very
singular way of looking at her. She
must continue the conversation and
do her best to make it sound natural.
You are quite sure the air is not
too chilly for you?" said the bad man
with still more solicitude.
Marjorie stared.
II am very comfortable" she hasti-
ly answered. And then she flushed.
She had never been more uncomforta-
BILE in all her two and twenty years.
"Wh-why do you think am uncom.
fortable?"
II was afraid" the man replied,
that after fever the atmosphere
might be considered chilly"
"Fever?" said Marjorie. 1--WE had
no fever" She could see his purpose
now. He wanted her to go into the
house-for a wrap, perhaps-and then
he could hastily take fight.
And you have no fear of incipient
grip?" he asked. They say it often
takes a very insidious form"
He moved his rocker a little and
again the suit case gave forth a clink-
Ing sound.