Emmons County record. [volume] (Williamsport, D.T. [i.e. N.D.]) 1884-current, 1917-09-27

mouth ajnr, his eyes transfixed; then,
recollecting himself, he said almost
nonchalantly:
"Mind answering that? II it's any.
body for me, suy I'm out"
AS Lydia rose he swung sharply back
Into his bedchamber. When she turned
back from the door she saw him poised
alertly just within the threshold, his
right nand buried in his coat pocket.
"A note for yOu-wants an answer.
The bellbOy's waiting"
With nervous gesture Craven adj
vanced and took the envelope. his
breath Quickening and brows clouding
rs he conned the superscrlption-his
name in Ink and the room number in
blue pencil. But for several seconds
he seemed to hesitate. Then abruptly
he ripped 1t open.
And this time he seemed to have
been prepared; for he manifested no
untoward emotion when he drew from
the envelope single playing card, the
knave of clubs.
Drawing u deep breath. which might
have been sigh Of relief, Craven de-
liberntely tossed the card face upward
on the table. "You'L notice a pin
puncture in the stem of the club, be-
meath the small j." he observed cOolly.
"That means one Of my agents, on
urgent business"
I'LL stay in my room with the door
Shut" Lydia volunteered.
"NO-wasn't thinking Of that: mere
~ wondering II you could. You see,
I'm likely to be detained by this chap
can't tell how long" He consulted
his watch, frowning. "After ten now;
I can't well Gull on Betty much later.
How would you like to take a taxi to
the Margrnve, and give her this con-
founded collarr'
He could have made no suggestion
more shrewdly calculated. In breath
Lydia's countenance lightened and her
eyes grew animated.
"Oh. II I may!"
"Why not? You'll be perfectly safe.
It's no great distance, nobody knows
you have the collar, and Betty'll be
glad to see you. You might stop with
her till I call for yeu-if you don't
uind being made an excuse of
"Yes," she agreed, breathless. "Tu
De glad"
"Then Jump into your hat and coat
and Half minute! wonder would
you mind running another errand for
mel"
"Of course not"
"It's only few blocks out Of your
way, and won't delay you longer than
to deliver note and get an answer.
I'll write the note now-twO lines will
do"
I'll hurry" Lydia promised, dashing
OF into her bedchamber.
When she returned, ready for the
street, Crnven was folding down the
flap Of an envelope blank save for the
figures in ink, ''0S." I'm suppressing
the address," he said. smiling mysteri-
Ously, because this is official business.
That, however, Is the number Of the
house: the street you'll have to carry
In your memory. East Seventy-sixth.
also the name. Mrs. Ellsworthy, one Of
our most valued agents. Hand this to
her personally, and ask for an answer.
I'll join you at Betty's about eleven
thirty; earlier II possible. Now the
Margrave-but every chauffeur In the
town knows where that is.'
Anyway" Lydia returned, 1--WE the
address in my pocketbook. Mrs. Beg.
garstaff Is stopping there too, you
know. and LIN to lunch with her Mon
day!'
ITO be sure!" Craven opened his
arms and stepped toward her. "My
dear, dear girl, you don't know what q
help you are to mel"
Lydia didn't move or speak; but her
direct and searching gaze proved dis
concerning. With arms almost about
her, Craven hesitated, his look at once
abnshed and aggrieved. my dear
Lddy!" he expostulated.
The girl sighed and shook her head
SIN sorry, father. No, please DOM
shy anything more. I'm glad to be VI
service; and perhaps, in the course OF
time, shall understand you better
But tonight" She made helpless
gesture, in unfeigned sadness. "There
are too many misunderstanding be
tween us, and I don't seem able tt
think clearly enough to reconcile then
tonight. Tomorrow. hope"
She was at the door before Craver
found reply. AT your pleasure, my
lady!" he laughed, not pleasantly. Is,
confess it's new thought to me. that {
man in my position may have no Sc
crets from his child"
"Please don't say any more tonight,
Lydia begged, with her hand on thu
knob.
"Oh, very welll" he returned with {