New Britain herald., 1916-09-05
Why IiI Took Things Into Her Own
 Hands.

Hands.
 l As heard Lillian Underwood's s 2 voice hoarse with emotion, telling me l that she believed Grace Draper had -clutched at my foot and pulled me | under water in an attempt to drown 1 me, I stared at her mortified. 1 I was too spent with the weakness 1 following my narrow escape from drowning to contradict her. lnde~d, I was not sure that I would have done SO even if I had had the strength to ] comb her assertion, for the last memory I had before the salt waves rushed over me was of strong l clutching hand at my foot, relentless ly dragging me down.
 I law still after Lillian spoke, cling ing tightly to her strong friendly hasa, atching the generous Indignation III her face and eyes. At last I spoke slowly, hesitatingly.
 "But. Lllian,' I protested, faintly, 'how is it that they all say she saved my life? If she really tried to drown nc why didn't she let me go?'
 "Got cold feet" returned Lillian l jaconically. You see, she isn't naturally evil enough deliberately to plan to kill you. I'll give her credit l for that with all her devilishncss, but something happened today between her and Dicky. I don't know what it was that drove her nearly frantic. l saw her look at you two or three times in a way that chilled my blood. I didn't like the idea of your going out there with her, but I didn't sec any way of stopping you. 1 1T don't think at that she really
 4o ] display her unusual skill in swim ming with you for a foil, until she got you out there Then I suppose her particular little devil whispered to her how easy it would be to pull you l under.
 "After she had done it she may havo been remorseful, or she may have been afraid that Dicky and as you went under, would guess the l truth.
 T don't know which motive actu- ated her, but the fact remains that she really did save you. She grabbed you as you came up, and supported you above the water until the boys got to you"
 ! Lillian Has a Plan 1 Didn't I hear you scream?" asked, feebly.
 Well, I certainly screamed,' re turned Lillian, succincty. I never took my eyes from you al the time you were out there, anC when your head disappeared under water I set up a, yell that reached Dicky and Harry where they were swimming. They lost no time in get ting to you" She stopped and kissed | me.
 Now. there's one thing I want yo, to promise me-" she said. Although l know you we'll enough to know it something you would do anyway with out a promise. I don't want you t. hlnt to anyone, even Dicky, what yo1 know of the Drapers attempt to pu | you out of commission It's tn chance I've been looking for, the win hing card I needed so badly. l won need to stay a week with you m r '~0ar, as I thought when I first 'a'ianne < my -uS'A "ampaign to get n'lchy out the DraperS s clutches. can go hon tonight if I wish to with my missio accomplished'
 L Why, what do you mean ?" I aske Just this" retorted Lillian, "thf m going to spring the incest lit
 case of polite blackmail on Grac
 Draper before the day is. over tn; Il you ever saw.
 Il shall need you when I do it. S Il be prepared, although you won't nee to say anything.
 Tn effect I'm going to tell her: