The Kenna record. (Kenna, Roosevelt County, N.M.) 190?-1924, 1918-01-04
IN The MEANTIME
81 poRorHY DOUGLAS.


Charlie Delroy might have felt like
the prodigal son had he been either
the son or the prodigal, but he was
neither. He was, however, returning
to the cottage that had been his home,
off and on, since his bOyhOod
Reasonably certain that Molly Cra-
ven and her mother would be at
home, since it was nine o'clock at
night, he anticipated the surprise with
which they would welcome him home
after his three months idle vagabond-
age.
There was a dim light burning In the
familiar lamp that always stood beside
the piano.
He whistled the peculiar little
whistle that heretofore had brought
Molly and her mother running out to
meet him. There was no answer. He
knocked loudly on the door. Not O
sound came from within.
After much effort he succeeded in
squeezing himself through small win
dow in the cellar.
After ambllng about the familiar
rooms he finally returned to the kitch-
en-, made himself a cupful of tea
and a slice of toast, and went
into the little living room to make
himself comfortable until the return
of Molly and Mrs. Craven.
He had not intended to sleep in the
great chesterfield, but he did.
When Daphne Earl and her mother
returned from long moonlight stroll
and found u strange man sleeping on
the chesterfield, and that same young
mans suitcase lying open beside him
and the contents generously sprlnkled
about the room they would have faint
cd had they been less sensible women.
Not wanting to prolong the scene
that might be troublesome, Daphne
thought quickly as to the best means
Of waking the stranger. "I will bang
the piano." she said, and suited the
action to the words. After a resound-
ing bang on the plano she and her
mother both slipped into chairs and
waited results.
Charlie suddenly startled from most
delightful dreams, flung the paper from
his face and jumped up, expecting to
clasp Molly and her mother in his
ample embrace.
He fell back, his face blanching.
Great Scott Who are you peo-
ple?
"If 1t is not impertinent," Daphne
asked cody, II would ask the same
question of you"
81 am Charles Deiroy, and I've been
brought up in this house. 1 have slept
on this chesterfield thousands of
times" He gazed blankly at Daphne,
who only smiled back ut him.
eve have rented this cottage fur
nlshed, for two months" she told him.
II know you are speaking the truth
and that you are not a burglar, be-
cause your photograph adorns my
dressing table. suppose Molly Craven
likes you well enough to keep 1t there"
Eyes" Charlie said boyishly, "they
do like me. In fact, l have no one In
the world who loves mo half so well
rs Molly and her mother. But" he
nrose quickly, 81 have no right to be
here now, and I apologize most humbly
for the appalling liberty I've taken"
He would have gathered his belong
lngs had not Mrs. Earl stopped him
with a soft word.
eve know there is not train back
to town nor hotel In the village"
she said. "You must stop with us at
least for the night. Don't you think
he could, DaphneT"
'If Mr.. Delroy would prefer It to
hiking the fifteen miles back to town."
she said, with q delightful blush.
can answer would be foolish"
Continued on page Three.