The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1919-07-02

Inree rect IN the air, but she atterWard
admitted that the distance was prob
ably no more than one.
The snap OF the twig was ominous,
and the light was weird, casting long
fantastic shadows that cavorted above
and around the trees in q way to give
one creepy sensation. Inez expert
enced chiNs all over her body and her
teeth chartered. She felt herself sink
ing 70 the ground, weak from fright,
but managed to steady herself by back
ing against the trunk OF tree.
Her nerves somewhat Gained by
the brace, she clasped weapon in her
right hand and waited. The weapon
was one OF those long, sharp instru-
Inents used to keep hats from blowing
from heads.
Two more twigs were released from
pressure and voiced resentment at be-
ing crushed by foot. The light
flashed on again and remained steady,
circling round the glen in a menacing
manner as II determined that no OBJ
ject. large or small was to go unre-
yealed
But bush interposed between Inez
and the flashlight which tried in vain
TO penetrate the place where she was
standing.
Some more noisy twigs indicated the
holder OF the light was approaching
with steady strides. She held her
ground determined to put up a fight.
Presently the brush was pushed
back and the sweeping arc of light al
most found the girl. A hand reached
out IN front Of the flashlight and point
ed formidable looking object at her
a long, narrow object that reflected
the light.
aDont dare to novel" warned a
harsh voice. 1--WE got you covered"
The hatpin fell from the girls nerv-
less hand and she trembled again. She
was as good as dead. she felt convinc-
ed. Even in these moments OF what
appeared to be dire peril she chided
herself for SO recklessly venturing into
the haunts of the hotel burglar. She
should have known he would be lurking
Somewhere in the Avonshire woods.
waiting for night to come so he could
play his trade.
Aspirit OF adventure however, had
prompted her to accept Bessie Elv.
ridges dare to walk alone through the
woods to the hotel and run chances of
meeting friend burglar" as she jocose
" called him.
Finally she was forced to the belief
that she was lost, and had wandered
about until she came across the dark
glen in which she was now being oolig
ed 20 pay for her intrepidity.
Il was a fool!" she told herself
while her teeth ratified. I'm in the
worst plight imaginable. Here
stand, helpless before that desperate
1pan who has terrorized the resort for
three weeks"
The light found her and rested on
her a few seconds. 1t showed slim,
light-haired gin, with a small, rather
round face, standing at bay, back
against q tree. Her big hat was tilted
on one side Of her head with radsh-
uess that was not intended.
A laugh came from the man with the
Hight, whom she could not see. Ine3
"A girl" exclaimed the harsh voice.
"a grill andy George! it's Inez
Lawtonl"
She started. Surely this robber could
not know her.
Who are your" she demanded in as
firm tones as she could muster.
He turned the light on his own face.
She almost screamed, but she manag-
ed to sttfle It, so that the sound that
came from her throat was more like
a gasp or moan.
Chester Straight" she said weak
~. You-you of al men! to think
that you-that you"
The situation was too much for her.
The intense fear she had experienced
coupled with the revelation that the
man who stood before her was one she
had once promised to marry, over
came her. Inez Lawton, for the first
time In her lie, knew what It was to
faint.
Chester Straight had attended col.
lego with her, and while they had not
fallen In love at first sight It had not
taken them long to become seriously
fond OF each other. On the day they
were graduated they became engaged
and Inez went to her own home to
teach music and wait for him 10 make
g name for himself and some worldly
wealth to go with It. A year later
Chester wrote her that the proposed
marriage conld never be, because he
had contracted tuberculosis, so here
leased her from her Obligation.
Don't expect to hear from me
again." he wrote. II must wipe the
memory OF you from my mind +" He in
sisted that she keep the ring, and she
did.
That was the last letter she ever
received from him, but she wore the
token OF their engagement, deciding
never 70 marry unless she could have
the one man she cared for. Two
years after the last word from Chester
Inez went with her parents on a tour
OF the West, which brought them to a
little resort In the foothills Of the Rock
les.
When Inez regatnsd consciousness
she was lying on her back, a wet hand
kerchiee pressed against her forehead.
When the naueeau that accompanies a
faint had passed she began TO take
interest IN her surroundings and dis.
covered that her head was palowed
IN Chester's lap. They were on the
shore Of small lake on which the
moonlight was dancing.
Don't move" cautioned that harsh
voice. You'll soon feel better"
Horrorsi Remain passive with her
head in a burglars lap? NeyerI She
struggled to her feet, where she sway.
= In =