The Pulaskian., 1919-08-15

per in his ear Their shoulders touched. He wondered if she expert eneed the same delightful thrill that ran through his body She told him of the man who watched across the hall from the room supposed to be occupied by Loeb the secretary, and of Sprouse's incomprehensible daring
 Where is Mr. Curtis?' he asked.
 Her breath famed his cheek, her lips were close to his ear. "There is no Mir Curtis here. He died four months ago in Florida"
 'I suspected as mueh.'' He did not press her for further revelations. "Sprouse should be here by this time l must go out there and see if he re- quires any"
 She clutched his arm frantically. You shall do nothing of the kind. You shall not"
 ssh! What do you take me for, Miss Cameron? He may be sorely in need of help. Do you think that I would leave him to God knows what sort of fate?"
 But he said positively that was to go in case he did not return in-in if teen minutes" she begged. "He may have been cut off and was compelled to escape from another"
 "Just the same, I've got to see what has become of"
 NO! No" She arose with him, dragging at his arm. Do not be fool hardy. You are not skilled at"
 .'There is only one way to stop me, Miss Cameron. If you will come with me now"
 "Rut must know whether he se- cured the"
 ''Then let me go. will find out whether he has succeeded"
 He was rougher than he realized in wrenching his arm free. She uttered low moan and covered her face with her hands. Undeterred, he crossed to the door. His hand was on the knob when door slammed violently some where in distant part of the house.
 A hoarse shout of alarm rang out, and then the rush of heavy feet over thickly carpeted floors.
 Barnes acted with lightning swift ness. He sprang to the open window, half-carrying, half-dragging the girl with him.
 ''Now for p he whispered. "Not second to lose. Climb upon my back, l CnioI- opd bopor o,, fo,. ,lo,,, 1ifo y3 IT, had scrambled through the window and was lying flat across the sill Hurry! Don't be afraid I am strong enough to carry you if the vines do their part"
 With surprising alacrity and sure ness she crawled out beside him and then over upon his broad back clasp ing her arms around his neck Hold ing to the ledge with one hand he felt for and clutched the thick vine with the other. Slowly he slid his body off of the sill and swung free by one arm An instant later he found the lattice with the other hand and the hurried descent began.
 His feet touched the ground. In the twinkling of an eye he picked her up in his arms and bolted across the lit tie grass plot into the shrubbery. She did not utter sound
 Presently he set her down. His breath was gone, his strength ex- hausted.
 "Can you-manage to-walk little way?" he gasped Give me your hand and follow as close to my heels as you can. Better that l should bump into things than you"
 Shouts were now heard, and shrill blasts on a police whistle split the air.
 On they stumbled, blindly, reckless ly. He spared her many an injury by 1 taking it himself. More than once she murmured sympathy when he crashed l into a tree or floundered over log Utterly at sea, he was now guessing at the course they were taking. Whether their frantic dash was leading them toward the Tavern, or whether they were circling back to Green Fancy, he kRew not. Painting. he forged onward.
 At last she cried out, quaveringly:
 "Oh, I-I can go no farther! Can't we-is it not safe to stop for mo- ment? My breath is"
 God bless you. yes," he exclaimed and came to an abrupt stop. She leaned heavily against him, gasping for breath. "I haven't the faintest idea where we are, but we must be some distance from the house. We will rest few minutes and then take it easier, more cautiously. am sorry, but it was the only thing to do, rough as 1t was.
 q know, I understand. I am not complaining, Mir. Barnes. You will find me ready and strong and"
 Let me think. I must try to get my bearings. Good Lord, wish sprouse were here. He can see in the dark. We are off the path, that's I