The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1917-04-24

faintest suspicion breathed of hav-
ing been concerned In that das-
tardly attack upon her father: and
that she found herself without
aversion to Eaton now filled her
with shame and remorse.
Then she recollected herself Her
father, when he would awake,
would wish to work; there were
certain important matters he must
decide at once.
Harriet went to the end of the
room, removing a number OF books
from shelf, exposing a panel at
the back of the bookcase, which
she slid back. Behind 1t appeared
the steel door of a combination
wall safe. She opened II and took
out two large, thick envelopes
sealed and addressed to Basin San
tome; but they were not stamped.
for they had been delivered by
messenger. Harriet reclosed the
safe, concealed 1t and took the en-
velopes back to her fathers desk
and opened them. But even now
her mind was no on her work;
she was thinking of Eaton.
Eaton had left the room, think
ing of her. Yet the gaining of
Santoine's house would be worth
less now unless immediately-be
fore Santoine could get any fur
there trace of him-he could get
word to and receive word from his
friends.
lie had stopped, after leaving
Santoine's study, in the alcove of
the hall. AS he stood now, unde-
cided where to go, young woman
crossed the main part of the hall.
He stared at sight of her and
choked; then he controlled him
self rigidly, waiting until she
should see him.
She halted suddenly as she saw
him and grew very pale. "Hugh!"
she breathed.
He passed her and looked about
the hall. He held his breath while
he listened, but there was no
sound anywhere in the house
which told him they were likely 10
; be seen; so he turned.
Stay where you are, Edith" he
whispered. IF we hear any one
coming. we are just passing each
other in the hall"
81 understand: of course, Hugh (!
But you-you're here. In his
house."
: Even lower. Edith remember,
, I'm Eaton-Philip Eaton"
"Of course; | know; and I'm
Miss Davis here-Mildred Davis.
They let you come in and out
/, like this-as you want, with no one
watching you?"
No, no; do stenography for
Mr.. Avery sometimes, as | wrote
D you. That is all. When he works
. here. | do his tipping and some
Y even for Mr.. Santoine himself. But
| am not confidential yet; they
!. send for me when they want me-"
Then they sent for you today?'
mo; but they have just got
D back, and l thought | would come
to see If anything was wanted
But never mind about me; you
how did you get here? What are
you doing here?"
Eaton spoke swiftly. "He-San.
tone-wasn't taken i'll on the
train, Edith; he was attacked"
Attacked"
"He was almost killed; but they
concealed it-pretended he wa:
only Ill. I was on the train-yoi
know. of course; | got your wire
and they suspected me of the at
tack"
You? But they didn't find on
about you, Hugh?"
mo; they are investigating
Santoine would not let them max,
anything public. He brought m,
here while he is trying to find on
about me. So I'm here, Edith -
here! Is it here, too?"
"It?"
"The draft Of the new agree
ment."
1T either has been sent to him
or it will be sent to him very 500
here"
Here in this house with met"
Mr.. Santoine has to be a part,
to it-he's to draft 1t yeti know
that. 1t is either here now, Hugh
or 1t will be here before long"
You can't find out about that?
Whether 1t is here, or when /
will be? | think | can"
where will 1t be when 1t
here?"
where? OH" The girls eye
went to the wall close to wher
Eaton stood; she seemed to meas
ure with them a definite distanc
from the door and a point shoul
der high, and to resist the impuls
to come over and put her hand up
on the spot.
"A safer" he whispered.
Yes; Miss Santoine closed
just now. There are two OF Their
hidden behind the books one o.
each side of the door,"
Eaton tapped gently on the wal
Look out!"
Some one now was coming down
stairs. The girl had time only +
whisper swiftly, IF we don't get
chance to speak again, watch tina
vase" She pointed to a bronze an
tique on table near them. "Whe
I'm sure the agreement is in tn
house. I'll drop a glove-button 1
that--a black one, IL I think It'll b
lin the safe on the right. white n