Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1918-03-12

tween that tragedy and the alleged
supernatural! manifestations which had
80 torn the nerves OF his friends. Nor
cams first words. however, reached
him with Il sense OF shock
in this path, BY heavens, it isn't
safe II was here, just about here,
thai Mrs Andcrson's cat was struck
the other day. Ne didn't think enough
of that We haven't been careful
enough"
Morgan controlled himself with an
effort
Poor devl And this viii hi the
Andcrson's hard all OF rs
As he stood, looking down al Jake,
Miller thought he noticed sonnet hin,
peculiar. He didnl care 10 appear ian
ciful nor did he wish 10 give Morgan
.nc impression that sis own nerves
We're running away with him. More.
over. he made up his mind he would
have plenty Of time 10 convince him
self when Jake had been carried 10
The house. He spoke Of that ia Nor.
gan,
Yves, yes" Morgan agreed.
lie glanced at his watch
81 wish Anderson was back. Maybe
we'd better wait until them
Yes" Miller said, land is there any.
thing We ought 10 do-some formality'
/ don't know much about such things,
lut II seems to me
by AL means. It's coronel:s
ease" Morgan answered I'VE must
avoid getting tangled up in any un-
familiar red tape
Miller nodded.
Were practically certain TO run
against country official who'll prob
ably use all the ceremony possible to
impress us with his importance. But
what can we do? suppose Sand
port
It's only collection of fisherman's
hutS,' Morgan answered. but | be-
lieyc the coroner for this coast sec
ion has headquarters there. guess
lis best to notify him"
He turned away.
This is hard to grasp"
I'll has to be grasped," Miller said
firmly ITS getting late. What we have
to do should be done at once"
You're right Morgan answered
ITS the safest scheme. I'll send my
p..n to Sandport TO report the case
Snd bring back the coroner If he hul.
RIGS they ought 10 return a little after
dark. Then he can authorize he re-
noyaL Besides Anderson ought 10 be
back by that time"
"If he only comes" Miller muttercG.
There's possibility he won't, you
know Anyhow. 90 ahead I'll stay
here with Jake until The errands done,
until we've satisfied all The pititul
formalities.'
but there's Mrs. Anderson. Con
found it! Why isn't Anderson here?
She must be told. If neither Jake MOI
shows up as arranged with her.
she'll be frantic with anxiety. If YOU
don't mind you'd better tell your man
20 stop and give her the facts
at won't do Morgan said. "One OF
Us must take that task, unpleasant as
II is. III hurry on to The plantatio
and get my man off. then I'll so 10
the coquina house and do The best /
can
Morgan started up the path, but af
Ter he had taken few steps he turned
back.
"You don't mind staying here? II
won't be long"
Miller shook his head, and Morgan
went on. The forest closed behind
him and hid his hurryng figure
Miller lighted his pipe but tho
smoke seemed to ,hicl>en HE heuvs
atmosphere. Instead Of soothing II t..
ritated his nerves. After Il moment
lie let the pipe 20 out. So this was
4! he end Of his ioyo and determined
plans to call at the plantation ana
force. ii possible, another interview
with the queer" GIRL He frowned.
J. seemed that there was always some.
thing arising TO limit his knowledge o,
Ter 10 that mystfying encounter on
The beach.
In a few minutes Morgan appeared
with his man, He had evidently OK.
plained the situation. for the fellows
face was'whio and frightened and ne
went by almost at Il run with avcrlcd
head.
iii be back as soon as | can.' Nor.
gan said us he went on TO he shore
and his disquieting task al he co.
1uina house.
Alone again, Miller settled himself
10 wait and watch. Tho light was al,
ready falling in that thick vegetation.
For some moments he paced up ana
down. slancing at Jake, dead in this
way. But that peculiar