Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1918-03-14

TELL The truth, I'm not against A
little sunshine. Say. this house can't
be healthy-damp as graveyard in
the springtime"
Molly drew back. She pressed her
Mnd across her eyes.
GO on" Miller said irrtably
The coroner opened the screen door
and stepped outside.
Did he--did he annoy you?" Miller
asked. Was he at I'll nasty?'
Molly sighed
Il suppose not. suppose all he ask
ed and said was necessary. You'd
better go with him now, jim"
And YOU"
I'm all right alone"
Il wish | could be sure
"At any rate" she said, there's
nothing else for it at present. Don't
keep him waiting, Jim. We don't want
him to make it any harder
VERY well" he said. "rll leave
Tony. He'll be in the clearing within
easy call"
She thanked him, motioning him to
hurry She followed the coroner 10
the clearing.
Immediately Miller was sorry he
had sent the officer ahead, for, his
unpleasant voice subdued to an nnder-
tone, he was speaking to Tony and
Morgans man. and they listened with
increased uncertainty, glancing again
over their shoulders. 1t did not ap-
pear to Miller that the coroner ques-
toned them
Hello" he called from the steps.
SHALL we be Off"
The coroner turned. He studied
Miller while, with a leisurely air, he
took a plug of black tobacco from his
pocket bit off the end, aud commenc-
I'd To chew.
Miller came forward.
II say, is there any point In delay~
The coroner continued TO stare
Miller fought down the sense of an.
taSonism the man had aroused. He
knew it wouldn't do. Molly had been
wise. There was nothing to be gain.
ed by encouraging him to make diff
ficult task more painful
He was fair enough to ask himself
II this antagonism was justified. After
all it was not born of his own disturb.
cd and restless state OF mind? On the
other hand, what possible excuse did
the coroner have for tanning the un.
intelligent emotions of these two
frightened servants:
Miller fought back hi. exaspera ion.
He put his hand on the others arm.
He softened his voice. He tried to
fill II with appeal
Il mean this is pretty bad bust.
ness for us. The man, Jake, had been
with the Andersons for years. I'd
known him as long as they'd had hita.
These formalities-l realize they're
necessary and all that---but they're
drcadfully unhappy for US, SO the soou.
err they're over--Im sure you under.
stand"
The coroner shifted his weight.
I'm not holding back. | amt look.
ing to hang around here any longer
than | have to. Say, do you think I'm
holding back on my job? Is that what
you're trying 10 tell me?"
mo, no." Miller FASTENED to assure
him.
"Then let's co." the coroner said.
and, side by side with Miller, started
across the clearing.
"Those two,' he commented. don't
seem to be having mighty pleasant
time on this island"
yes. they're inclined to be ner.
yous,' Miller answered drily.
"Act as though they'd seen some.
thing the coroner said
He glanced up.
Understand amt blaming them.
IL suppose you questioned theu,'
Miller said
whats the use? Didn't need TO ask
much. They don't know. Just scared"
After moment he repeated
Don't blame them,
They walked out on the shore. Tho
coroner hesitated before the entrance
to the evil path
up there, eh." he muttered. UP
there.'
He impressed Miller as reluctant 10
enter the path.
Mrs. Anderson" The coroner said,
told me YOU found the body
"Mr. Morgan and |. We were on our
way through the path to the planta.
ton house"
THAT lady" the coroner unused, "ls
quite some upset Don't seem alto.
geiher natural, except"
He broke off. Miller noticed that a
little OF the colour had left his un.
couth face.
"And where'll we find Mr.. Morgan
ZIP the path with Jake" Miller an.
swered shortly.
The delay here. was annoying 1t
seemed 50 poin!les s.--I