The Dolores star., 1920-01-09

possess When she rescued him md
.urhen MIN homeward, however. the
'hosical thought began.
lhat night he was called IN thu to,.-
phohe. She thought It strange enough
ana the wonder deepened when he
turned from the phone and said to her.
Lets 20 for stroll, Rena."
She agreed willingly enough, for she
had come to enjoy the walks with
hlin-even to fancy that she was WALL.
'ns win sane and normal man whom
sue more than pitied or liked.
"hen they reached the river road
ana the light breeze brought to them
lhe fragrant perfume of the southern
"o"ers. he caught her hand suddenly
and drew 1t under his arm She
,h"ueht nothing of the act, for it had
,ohg been familiar. But she was DUN.
founded when he stopped suddenly and
turned to her.
hang 1t! can't wait any longer |"
ne SAID as If TO himself. Then
She found herself drawn bv strong
arms close TO HMM a strong mans
grasp which she had never known.
She was frightened, but she kept con-
troll of herself.
Harvey, you mustn't do that.
Please. let me 90. Well walk on to
the falls. Please"
lie arms tightened. She turned her
race on his shoulder until she could
see his. He was smiling. and there
was some odd change in il. His voice
as he went on was full of emotion.
She trembled as she listened,
My dear girl forgot that Case
and have been deceivine you. have
been making believe | vas dippy.
had to. The hest friend of mine tried
To save fine business from being
stolen from an old lady by pair
of crooks. In order to do it, he had to
einbezzle funds. He broke the law.
The crooks nailed him. was the one
man whose testimony could convict
this pal of mine. | happened 10 he In
on the deal. We fixed 1t up to the end
that for a time | was to be mentally
erratic. Case was called in. and the
rest was easy. That telephone message
told me that my friend had been able
to get evidence against the pair who
were playing for the old lady's bread
and butter. 1t may sound wild to you.
but under the circumstances 1t was
easy, really. The worst of It Is | have
lppp I'm llpa With ha
ment saw you. Now am not going to
release you until you tell me you love
me-or you do not Which is IT."
Her mind was In a turmoil. He did
seem at that moment beyond ques-
tiOn utterly sane-voice and manner
had completely changed. But the whole
story seemed unusual-yet two men
of chivalric type might do just what
they had done.
Suddenly she decided She did love
him, as he had been. with mothers
love; she could love him as lover.
if-so she lifted her lips to his and
was swung in his strong arms bodily
from the path into his embrace.
1t left her breathless, dazed. but
even in her confusion she saw him.
with an exclamation, suddenly yank
his coat Off and turn it right side out.
The bnre of an auto horn sounded
family. Craig looked up and caught
her hand. Case has come. Come on.
Honey. ! want TO get even with him
for sasSin% me 10 my face in from
of you when could not say word"
She remembered as they hurried
back the doctors pleasure in saying
lust those things Now she understood.
BUT she understood even better than
when she saw the two men clasp
hands in silence and heard Case say
"Old chap. thought You and Haynes
were fools in way to play such Il
game but you've won. COnglatna'
tions. Miss Thatcner. | should oiie,
you an apology and an eXplana
tinn--"
"Cut out the explanation, Doc; apo
logize to her and tNen to me anf
thcn-congratlilate both of uS!" SUI
gcSted Craig. drawing her beside him