The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1916-12-22
CHAPTER XII.
The Shadow of Terror.

The Shadow of Terror.
Two days before the date set for
Won Gerhard's departure the book
was finished, typed, re-read, pack
ed, and sent away. Half an hour
after ii was gone all its most glar-
ing faults seemed to marshal them
selves before my minds eye.
No one knew of the existence of
the book except Norah, Won Ger
hard, Blackie and me. Blackie had
way of inquiring after its prog
ress in hushed tones OF mock awe.
| had seen little of Blackie of late.
My spare hours had been devoted
to the work in hand.
On the day after the book was
little shock as | strolled into
Blackie's sanctum and took my ac-
customed seat beside his big desk
There was an oddly pinched look
about Blackie's nostrils and lips,
thought. And the deep-set black
eyes appeared deeper and blacker
than ever in his this little face.
A week of unreasonable weather
had come upon the city. June was
going out in a wave of torrid heat
such as August might have boast
ed. Perhaps, thought l, 1t was
the heat which had wilted Black
les debonair spirits.
ut has ben a long time since
we've had talk-talk, Blackie. I've
missed you. Also you look just a
wee bit green around the edges.
I'm thinking a vacation wouldn't
hurt you
Blackie's lean brown forefinger
earessed the bowl OF his favorite
pipe.
81 amt goin' t take my vaca-
ton for a while-not till fall,
p'raps. or maybe winter. But wen
l do take it, sa-a-ay, girl. it's goin'
t be a real one"
But why wait so long," |
asked. you need 1t now. Who
ever heard of putting off a vaca-
ton until winter"
"Well, / dunno" mused Black
lie. Il just made my arrange
ments for that time, and l hate t
muss 'em up. You'll say, wen
the time comes, that my plans are
reas' nable."
There was a sharp ring from
the telephone at Blackie's elbow.
He answered 1t, then thrust the
receiver into my hand. "For you"
he said.
1t was Won Gerhard's voice that
came to me. II have something to
tell you," he said. Something
most important. II l call for you
at six we can drive out to the bay
for supper, yes? ! must talk to
you."
fastened home, bathed and
dressed.
When the green car stopped for
me | was in a seraphic mood. We
darted away, out along the lake
front, past the toll gate, to the bay
road stretching it's flawless length
along the waters side.
The rush of cool air famed my
hot forehead, and l was grandly
content.
Even though you are going to
sail away, and even though you
have the grumps, and refuse to
talk, this is an extremely nice
world. You can't spoil 1t. Now
tell me the important news"
Not yet. Dawn. Later"
The lights of the bay pavilion
twinkled just ahead. The green
car drew up, painting, before a
vacant space between an imposing
scarlet touring car and a smart,
cream-colored runabout. We left 1t
there and walked up the light
flooded path.
We found a table within the
glow of the pavilion's lights, but
still so near the lake that one
could hear the water tapping the
shore. A cadaverous. sandy-haired
waiter brought things to eat. and
We made brave efforts to appear
hungry and hearty. but my high
spirits were ebbing fast, and Won
Gerhard was frankly distraught.
Won Gerhard beckoned the how
ering waiter. :,
Take these things away. And
you need not return.
Won Gerhard's face was turned