The Carlisle independent., 1918-02-28
CHAPTER lx-continaed.
"Ask him. suggested

Mine is very curious one 100. ! Russian duke gave it to me I never met him, but he sent ii 10 ny dressing room with some flowers"
 It seemed to me to be a possible way to gain little solitude for reflection, and assentcd to the wager
 You don't intend te tell him. then, that you are engaged alreadyE"
 "Gh, no. not until he proposes. Of course I might like him better than do Ned. Then I'd never tell him" I could see that Ned Blaney was go- ing to have the time of his life imme- diateiy after he found himself hitched more or less for life to this volatile young person. Vida was not one of those who would pass by an inviting pasture lot simply because she was in harness.
 The rest of us went into the house As We came in the telephone was ring ing. Asking Lucile's permission, I an swered it.
 "Hello.' said male voice, speaking with staccato sharpness. May l speak to Mr. Lipton S. CIair?7
 I put my hand over the mouthpiece and turned around. LuciIe had gone upstairs. but Bopp was gazing idly out of the window.
 "Is MT. Clair still there in the yard2o I asked him.
 No; be went of down the beach with Miss Dunmore"
 Hello" I spoke again into the tele- phone. "AIr. Clair was here moment ago, but he has just gone for a walk with young lady"
 'sImpossible!' The voice at the other end shot that emphatieally at me. "Its so."
 "Clair is a woman hater."
 What if he is? This one is going to convert him."
 ''Humph She can't do it. Who is she?"
 Her name is Miss Vida Dunmore." vida Dunmore there?"
 "Certainly.'
 "Thank heayenr he calculated fer yently I've been waiting for hours for her to get here. How does she come to be there?'
 I explained to the young man, who piOfEu u I1 -NEl 4JittilO'N, tS ud1 dI- ready suspected all about the wreck of the Mary Bell and the casting ashore of her passengers.
 Thanks very much said Blaney, with considerable relief in his voice "In come right over after her. Don't tell her that I called up and I will surprise her. GoOdby."
 He hung up before I could tell him that he probably couldn't get any kind of boat to come over to the island but I judged that he would find that out soon enough for himself.
 'Where's Miss Green2' I asked Bopp T advised her to lie down for it. tie while and rest. This search is wearing her cut. She is leaving every l, thing in my charge. T presume that congratulations are in order" l said, extending my hand with as good a show of cordiaIity as I could muster. T do congratulate you. MT. Bopp.."
 Were not regularly engaged Bopp said sourly "She has promised to be mine if l can find her mother. That makes me just about as near engaged
 
 So Lucile's promise had a string tied to it. My heart leaped exultantly There was chance yet.
 Lets have drink on the strength of your engagement anyway" l said, starting toward the kitchen.
 "Water?' queried Bopp, hoping against hope.
 Why, yes"
 No, thanks. My tummie is looking for Mount Ararat now" He sank dis consolately into a seat In a moment he rose wearily I've got to start out again. I promised Lucille I would search while she rested"
 Hardly had he left the house when the telephone rang again. answer ed it.
 Hello"
 Hello |. that you, Mir Blainey? Will you C. t-U'lle to the telephone: I want to
 The voic. ceased abruptly.
 Hello" called hello, bello!'
 There was no answer. The voi4e l had just been listening to was that of Mrs. Green.
 After awhile 1 got eeHtraHs attention and demanded Co be cold why 1 had been cut off. '"Fhat pary called up from Q pri-te taiephone," said central sweetlY. She had no right to Use it. Ii is q summer telephone only, and the instrument is 70 be taken out next week"
 But it vas Mrs. Green who was talking"
 Tt couldn't be- central was posi- tive. "You are speaking from Mrs. Greens residence yourself"