Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1918-03-11

shhuNhn ph hoo
Stunted cedars and oaks met in a
thick roof overhead, and an under
growth of scrub palmettos and creep.
ing vines was tangled waist high he.
tween the trunks. The thought ~
snakes. was inevitable. An army OF
them might have lnrked unseen within
foot Of where he walked. He step
ped carefully, looking at The ground,
keeping his ears open.
Before he had gone half a mile the
path wideDed into a small clearing
from the rear of which the coQuina
house rose with grey, uncomrromisinS
solidity. The trees cast heavy sha d.
ows across it square front, and ever
the roof Of the tiny stable TO its left,
Miller paused The agent had been
right. This was loneler, more enolcs.
ed than Morsan's place.
Molly had evidently been on the
lookout for she ran eagerly down the
rerandah steps to meet him.
Jim. I'm so very glad you've come"
she called.
where's Andy" he asked, taking
her hand.
Had to go to Martinsburg," she ar
swered, simply had TO. An impor-
tant letter from his brokers. he had
TO see lawyer right away and sign
some papers. You can imagine how
he hated it, If he hadn't known you
were coming g.
But he'll get back on the little boat
this afternoon"
Unless this business positively
chains him. in that case he thought
YOU would change your plans and stay
here with Jake and me-"
"Of course I'd stay. That would
be necessary
"We'll know little after SIX she
said. Mr. Morgan went as far as
Sandport with him TO order some
things for MS both. I've been expect
ing him to come by"
She laughed uncomfortably.
You see, Jim, I've been stark alone
in this CHASTITY place since luncheon
jake he asked
ale started for walk"
Here! Without company, | gather.
ed Yesterday"
Jake she said lis trying to ripen
an acquaintance with Morgan's cook.
You're right. Nothing less compelling
would draw him so far afield alone on
this island. And it's such bright day
| didn't think I'd mind his going.
urged him to go. A little relaxation
a little something cheering TO think
about you don't know what it means
10 him, jim. He ought to be back
soon"
Miller turned towards the verandah.
but Molly seemed 10 prefer the clear
ing. She made excuses for lingering
there, pointing out the small view OF
the inlet which Jake had achieved by
cutting away few of the thickest
trees, and describing the canvasea
which Anderson had planned but had
been unable to carry through.
why, when the axe was working
Miller asked, didn't you tear out tina
mass of underground which threaten,
TO swallow the house from the rear?"
"Jake's been afraid to go in" she
answered. "He says he knows it's full
Of snakes. Looks as though it might
be. doesn't it? We haven't dared take
the responsibility Of forcing him to
work there against his own Judgment"
"Maynt see the house," he asked.
II acknowledge you and Andy have
some reason. It's exterior has a frown.
ing inhospitable air"
She walked slowly to the verandah.
She held the screen door open, motion.
ing him to enter.
He stepped into large, square win
dowless hall. Even with the door open
it was difficult TO see at first. and he
was chilled by the same revolving at
that had crept into his state.
room two nights before.
He shivered.
You ought to keep "a light and fire
burning here"
ITS warm enough outside isn't il?
Whole house is like this. We keep
the doors and windows wide, but the
heat and light appear to prefer the
OPEN
Sensible elements!, Miller mutter
ed.
The entire building housed This air
OF chill decay, and. although the
rooms were large and comfortably fur.
nished, Miller was restless in all OF
them. Molly's listening attitude trou.
bled him. He wandered from parlour
to library to dining room, and even 70
the Kitchen All bore testimony TO
M0llY's devotion and determination
Molly, Miller made up his mind. must
he rewarded. No matter what happen.
ed he would see her and Anderson
through to The recapture OF the mental
peace for which they were suffering
rn here.
Smoke, jim" Molly whispered
when they were back in the hall.
"Why do We Whisppry" Miller sskuu