The Huttig news., 1916-11-25
ed to hear footsteps retreating. dy,ns

| ncH lluafe turned to MISS Long streth. She had slipped off the bed, half to her knees, and was holding out trembling hands. She was as white as the pillow of her bed, She was terribly frightened. Again with warm ing hand commanding silence, Duane stepped softly forward, meaning to reassure her.
 "Oh ." she whispered wildly; and Dpanc thought she was going to faint. When he got close and looked into her eyes he understood the strange, dark expression in them. She was terrified because she believed he meant to kill her, or do worse, prob ably worse. Duane realized he must have looked pretty hard and fierce bursting into her room with that big gun in hand.
 The way she searched Duane's face with doubtful, fearful eyes hurt him.
 "Iisten. l didn't know this was Sour room. l came here to get away to save my life. l was pursued. I was spying on your father and his men. They heard me, but did not see ne. They don't know who was listen ng. They're after me now" Her eyes changed from blank gulfs to dilating. shadowing, quckening windows of thought. Then she stood up and faced Duane with the fire and intelligence of woman in her eyes.
 "1elI me now. You were spying on ny father?"
 Briefly Duane told her what had happened before he entered her room, not emitting terse word as to the character of the men he had watched.
 My God, So it's that? knew something was terribly wrong here with him-with the place-thepeople And right off I hated Floyd Eawson. Oh. it II kill me if-if- It's so much worse than l dreamed. What shall 1 do?.
 The sound of soft steps somewhere near distracted Duane's attention, reminded him of her peril and now, what counted more with him, made clear the probability of being discover cd in her room.
 "Ill have 10 get out of here," whispered Duane.
 Wait" she replied. "Didn't you say they were hunting for you?"
 "They sure are," he returned, grim ly.
 "Oh. then you mustn't go. They might shoot yoll. Stay. If we hear them you can hide. I'll turn out the light. I'll meet them at the door. You cantrHst me. Wait till all quiets down, if We have to wait fill morn- ing. Then you can slip ont.'
 q oughtn't to stay. I don't want toJ won't" Duane replied, perplex- ed and stubborn.
 But you must. It's the only safe way. They won't come here"
 Suppose they should? It's m even 1 chance Longstreth II search every room and corner in this old house. If they found me here I couldn't start fight. You might be hurt. Then the fact of my being here-''
 Duane did not finish what he meant, but instead made a step toward the door. White of face and dark of eye, she took hold of him to detain him. She was as strong and supple as a panther. But she need not have been either resolute or strong, for the clasp of her hand was enough to make Duane weak.
 Up yet, Ray?" came Longstreth's clear voice, too strained, too eager to be natural.
 "No. I'm in bed reading. Good night" instantly replied Miss Long streth, so calmly and naturally that Duane marveled at the difference be- tween man and woman. Then she motioned for Duane to hide in the closet. He slipped in. but the door would not close altogether.
 Are you alone?" went on Long streth's penetrating voice.
 "Yes," she replied. Ruth went to bed"
 The door swung inward with swift scrape and jar. Longstreth half en- tered, haggard. flamingeyed. Behind him Duane saw Lawson, and indis- tinctly another man.
 Longstreth barred Lawson from en- tering, which action showed control as well as distrust. He wanted to see into the room. When he had glanced around he went out and closed the door.
 Then what seemed a long interval ensued. The house grew silent once more. Duane could not see Miss Longstreth, but he heard her quick breathing.
 Presently he pushed open the closet door and stepped forth. Miss Long streth had her head lowered upon her arms and appeared to be in distress. At his touch she raised quivering face.
 ''I think I can go now-safely," he whispered.
 "Go then, if you must, but you may stay till you're safe" she replied.
 IT couldn't thank you enough. It's been hard on me-this finding out-and you his daughter. I feel