The Tucumcari news and Tucumcari times. [volume] (Tucumcari, N.M.) 1907-1921, 1915-02-11

lights which no found burning dim 10
the kitchen Offices aud other servants
quarters on the lower floor he ~ou'o
have thought tho house empty
He negotiated that last light OF
steps which led TO the topmost moor
with extraordinary stealth. ADVISED
thereto by a sound. or rather a series
Of sustained sounds, which had there
tofore been inaudible to him. Possibly
they had not till then existed; possibly
the man servant whom he found snor'
ing in a chair outside a closed door
had not fallen asleep and begun 10
snore until the moment when Alan SET
foot upon the lower step OF that hnai
ascent.
No sound warned him OF the door
that opened at his back as he stood
watching the sleeping guard. A pierre
ing shrek was the first intimation ne
received that his presence had been
discovered. II served as well TO move
him instantly into action: a single
glance overshoulder showed him the
figure OF a maid.seryant in cap ana
gown. her mouth still wide and full OF
southland Alan fell upon the guard
like a thunderbolt. The man had
barely time to jump up and recognize
the alarm: then a fist caught him on
the point OF his jaw. and he returned
promptly 10 deep Inconsistencies.
No time now for qualms OF com
junction on accoun OF the savage
ruthlessness OF that blow: no time
even to search the fellow for a key 10
the closed door: already the maid was
taking the stairs in full fight and cry,
four steps and n howl like a warlock's
to every Jump.
Backing of. Alan took a short run,
cleared the PROSTATE body OF the guard
with a leap. and flung himself full
force against the door. his shoulder
striking a point nearest the lock. With
a splintering crash II broke inward.
Without dignity or decorum he
sprawled on all fours into the presence
Of Judith Urine.
Poor Mr.. Law" she cried. with a
mocking nod. always disappointed!
I'm so sorry--truly ! ami"
oh, spare me your sarcasm" he
begged resentfully. 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 II is | and not Rose
whom you lind locked up here! For
you see, ! am locked up, by way OF
punishment-thanks 10 my having had
pity on you once too otten-while my
father decamps mysteriously for parts
unknown"
You don't know where he's gone.
them"
DO you" she asked sharply.
In a general way. by special train
TO the West"
Taking Rose?"
so I'm told"
The woman choked upon her anger,
but quickly mastered It.
He shall pay for this!" she assever.
ated.
Your father7 I wish him nothing
more nor less than our enmity," Alan
assured her civilly. But since Il
seems that he has gone. and Rose with
him, II you'll forgive me. | think III
be going"
"Alone?"
"Why-yes."
You wouldn't are for a companion
du voyage?" she suggested.
"Oh-really!" he protested.
She held up an arresting hand. Lis.
ten" she begged.
From the street below came the IN.
m~istakable rattle OF a policeman's To-
Gust or the sidewalk.
That damned maid" Alan OWNED.
"The same" Judith agreed with
ominous calm. Has It struck you that
you may have some trouble getting
away without my permission?"
I'm not so stupid as not TO have
thought OF that" he countered.
Then be advised-and take me
with you"
in what capacity. please, Al
enemy Orally"
"As ally-you're right: we can't be-
friends-until we overtake that spe.
cial train. After that. by your leave,
I'll shift for myself"
TITS not such a bad notion" he 70
iected; with you under my eye. you
can't do much to interfere"
III ! promise" she suggested.
"lll take your word" he agreed sim.
ply. But you're In for a lot OF hard.
ship. I'm afraid, The one way 10 catch
up with your father Is by aeroplane-
and I've got n waiting"
She nodded ~intently. Don, ron.
slider me as a oma when IL comea
to hardship" she limited o~bliQueiy.
i've no q TO. going on what I
know OF YOU"
Give me one minute to ind my coa,
and hat"
In less than that time she was a, nj.
side In the hallway.
The police entered by the front doo,
as the " crept out OF the srea win.
dow.
p WV,