Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1916-06-25
CHAPTER NNNIN.


The Gnrdcucr's Printing.
AS the three of them walked up to-
ward the fine old mansion Myra saw
n man working over the hedges with
The thick scissors used by gardeners
His face was strange to her
who is that MANI" asked the doctor
quickly
II never saw him before III ask"
replied the girl. She walked over to-
ward the man, nodding 7 leasan,ly
who are your she asked
Tho fellow touched his cap with a
srimy finger.
The lady jest engaged me as the
new gardener, ma'am. My name is
Joe
"All right. Joe. hope your work
turns out we'll. We have needed some
one 10 attend Ia the lawns and hedges
for over a week. attend to my own
flowers. but will be glad to have YOU
around to help me with your advice.
Good day"
She turned away. and the man again
touched his cap. There seemed a shade
of regret on his face. then his heavy
mouth frightened and he continued his
! task Of clipping the new shoots of the
old hcdGcrow. AS Alden and Narncy
passed, the latter shot q keen glance
at the workman. and then looked away
indifferentiy.
Within the house Mrs Maynard
greeted them, while Myra Wen; up
stairs to attend To the little vauitisS
OF adjusting her windblowu curiS ana
i tiny dab Of the powder puff She
removed her hat. She tossed her street
coat To chair. and then, realizing
that tho room was close. she walked
1" the window TO raise it. AS she did
81 there WAS sudden. sharp report
from outside the house
The glass Of tho window was shat
tered n few inches above the yellow
head and her hair was covered with
the broken fragments. She brushed
the slircrs aside and jumped 10 the
shelter of tho wall. Then she walked
quickly To the opposite side of the
room. where the little jagged hole III
the wall paper betrayed the presence
ri the bullet which had rraZcd her
SO narrowly. She ran her fingers over
il with Il shudder Of apprehension.
Alden, followed by varney. had
dashed up the stairs The two mon
pecrcd into the doorway cXctcdiy.
What was i;?' demanded the ply
sirian.
She pointed TO the bullet hole. and
then toward the broken pane of glass
window.
The physician turned quickly and
ran down the stairs. three steps at Il
time. lie sped through the doorway
Ia the portiCo. The gardener was
working with rake in one Of the
house.
Ibid you hear that shot. my man."
demanded the doctor Just now some
ono tried 10 shoot Miss Myra.
The gardener shook his head with
an expression Of increduity.
Il heard something sir. thought
IL Was the auto back firing. That WAS
all sir"
Where did the sound come from ?"
The physician stared kcenly at tho
workman.
~, came down that way. sir. as
rccol!ect it," answered the gardener.
He pointed toward the distant street.
far down the driveway, with stupid
uncertainty.
That IS too far away" declared Al
den Tho shot sounded very near.
Arc YOU sure you didn't see anyone
NIrncy had come up behind Alden.
The gardener reiterated his statement.
Il think the man is right he der!ar-
ed The sound came from long lis
tancr away. Or. Alden"
The physician shook his head. and
without more ado walked dawn the side
OF the ward toward Il little summc,
house which vas the only ossibi-
place OF concealmcnt for anyone on tn"
premises. He entered This. through tn.
doorway. which faced Myra's bedroom
window. Alden observed nothing more
dangerous than all old green gardeners
whctl-harrow, few potted plants and
some flower boxes AS he came out,
disappointed. nc observed Arthur Var
ncy questioning the gardener sharply.
Well what did YOU learn" asked
Narn"y This man is a stupid dolt and
knows nothing, / am sure
Alden looked fiXe,lly at the gardener.
who returned his gaze without a CULVER
OF the heavy eyclids. Then the doctor
walked back TO the house, followed by
Narncy
You must not worry, Mrs Maynard.
~ was doubtless an accident OF some
sort. Just LIT Miss Myra be moro care d.
tnl In The future, that is ALL" suggested
Alden.
III Is mere trifle." and Varnoy
Tor The first time nsscnted in an opin-
ion with his rival
But a sharp glance of subtle warn
ing arpriSrd Mvra that the physician
"as sending her wordlcss message
OF potent The four Of them took a
long motor ride that afternoon. dinin:,
az d" quaint old road tavern up in West
| chester When they returned II was
nearly midnight
MYra appr"hensiveiy asked the two
/ men Ia enter that She might look
| through the house for any possible in