The herald. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1905-1953, 1918-07-18
The INTRUDER
BY AGNES G. BRoGAN.

OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
Copyright, 1918. Western Newspaper Union.J
Harry was going to New York on
business, and this would be Janeti
first opportunity to visit her home
since marriage. The one difficulty
was In leaving the new apartment va
cant in winter. Janet was afraid that
the water pipes might freeze, and II
would be impossible to leave Nancy
the parrot, In the cold rooms.
However, Harry departed upon the
morning train, and as she was leaving
upon a later trolley, Janet sat at the
telephone, considering whom among
her friends would be willing to care
for her troublesome pet. Just In the
midst Of her problem the telephone
rang with q sound Of promise.
Hello, Janey," called tone Of pc
culiar sweetness, you will never
guess who this Is. so I'll tell you. Your
old college sister, Theodore and am
on my way home from a trip with
Nell Truesdale. Could you keep me
over night? We want to go to the
theater."
Janet's brain worked busily. "Come
out right now" she replied. The two
girls had written of their wandering
trip to the homes of various old school
friends. There would be much of in
terest In the city that week. Perhaps
she might be able to persuade them
to stay and keep house In the apart
ment during her absence; a mutual
exchange OF accommodations, the new
experience for the girls, care for her
plants, and pet. So when the girls
came all was quickly and satisfactorily
arranged. Joyously her friends escort
ed Janet to the trolley.
"You can rely upon u.s." they as
sured her, 1--WE will keep the gas go
ing In the furnace. and have every
thing In readiness for your return"
Nell Truesdale eagerly scanned the
evenings theatrical notices while
Theodore attended to the electric cof-
fee pot.
isn't it delightful, being alone like
this?" she said. mo one to entertain
us as we do not wish to be enter
tanned. The only thing that troubles
me, Nell, is a fear of burglars. Obi
you needn't SMILE" as her friends
lip curled sarcastically, 1--WE have been
reading enough about apartment
thieves. Couldn't we leave all the
rooms lighted, so that when We return
at late hour tonight there will be no
fearsome dark corners?
mot a single light" Nell answered
firmly. THAT would be fine way to
keep house for Janey. running up her
electric light bills. We will press the
lighting button in the entrance hall
when we return. If II will then ease
your mind, you may sit at the tele-
phone ready to give the alarm while
! explore hidden corners" Nell was
laughing, but Theodora's lovely face
expressed apprehension, as the two
went into the night.
A man stumbling later, up the same
darkened stairway, fitted first one key
and then another, without success. A
moment longer he persisted, then
made his way to a rear entrance with
rewarded effort. The back hall door
responded to his touch, and feeling his
way the man entered the apartment.
He made his way to an inner chamber,
the one vacated by the inmates, and
after investigating, reclined on the
couch and Lit cigar.
ooh" screamed Nancy.
"Shut up" the man GROSSLY shouted,
and watching the smoke rise from his
cigar, he unexpectedly fell asleep.
Perhaps Nell was not as brave as
she would have her friend believe At
any rate, she entered In the same tense
listening air Of silence. Neither girl
spoke as they pressed the button in
the hall, and peered on into the room.
"SmokeI" breathed Dora.
Cigar smoke" echoed Nell. They
stood for a moment transfixed, then
hand In hand moved into the room to-
gether. As the reclining manly figure
met their gaze, Dora screamed a
smothered scream, but the mans eyes
snapped open.
"Shut up" he roughly commanded.
"Oh, mercyI" murmured Nell.
The man laughed. $50 you can do
more than screech," he said.
Theodora's fear vanished In indigna-
ton, the cool impudence of himl Eyes
flashing, she advanced to the tele-
phone.
Station No. 8, and at once" she
called.
Daringly. with one spring the In
truder jumped to his feet.
Women" he exclaimed, "and I
thought it was the parrot" But Dora
was giving her message.
"Send an officer to the Randley, No.
II, at once" she demanded.
Comprehension dawned In the mans
face.
Pardon me-" he said with a smile.
"And am to be the er-object Of the
officers vislt7 Or may I ask a ques-
ton? Who are you both and how do
you happen to enter my friends home
at u1idnightw