The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1920-07-12

.fANCk VI Lu6 klOut 0DSAt ~ OpSAsA
and closed soundlessly, letting In
to the darkened house a faint
breath Of the June night. The
man did not hesitate; with IN.
swerving feet he mounted the fine
/ oldcstaifcase, gained the upper
hS Ind entered a large room on
the left. He crossed TO the mantel.
Niece, fumbled along It's length aud
put something In his pocket. As
be turned away bis foot struck the
brass fender and there was the
faint clang Of metal.
BE stopped short and waited.
Out Of the black void Of the
Quiet room came q woman's voice.
'Who Is there!" Il asked wear
ny.
BE pulled out q handkerchief
and tied 1t about his face below
the eyes, pulling down his visor.
ed cap TO complete tie masking.
who is thers!" repeated the
voice, more alertly this time and
there was stirring from the great
ilbed In the corner.
IN three leaps the man gained
ethe door and then she spoke once
imore. II can see you now-I have
Won covered with q revolver-l can
loot. Don't move"
sWhat do you WANT" he numb.
I'D behind the handkerchief.
who are you!"
sA-RafHes, L you like" he
apRhed bitterly.
have no money here-or Jew
- 1nothing."
II don't want them" then he
added hastily, III you haven't got
them-I think I'll go"
'syou will stay!" she threatened.
very we'll" His tone was sui
len.
"How did you get t1!" she ask
sPass key-servants all went
out In the carl thought the house
was empty returned for some
thing / had left behind
LEFT behind!" she asked quick,
". Nho are you?"
Il have been here before" he
said IN a muffled voice. They
should not leave you alone in the
house. "
.sYou must be a thoughtful burg.
lar to think Of that" she laughed
nirthlessly.
win so now-if you please,
&c slipped toward the door and
dashed out into the hall.
sWait-please," she called trenl..
ulopsly. @Are there any more Of
Soi around.
BE laughed shortly. mo. l came
alor !,
Hs started down the stairs and
her little running feet FASTENED
lis going. When he was half way
lown, she gained the head Of the
tairs. STOP" she commanded,
but he did not heed It. The auto
matte In her hand spat blue flame
md he hesitated, ierked forward
md fell in q huddled heap on the
ich rugs below. He lay quite still.
The woman-she was a mere
girl-crcuched on the top step, her
back against the wall. The moon.
light shining through q diamond.
plned window betrayed her dainty
@egligee and the heavy braid OF
iair hair that fell over either
shoulder. It also cleaned on the
Httle automatic In her nerTeless
hand. She saw the flash and sud.
Ienly tossed the weapon away
nth q shudder Of obhorrence. 1t
I,il clattering down the polished
aifs and she bowed her head
IN her knees, her voice coming
6ny and drawn and pinful. AND
howl have killed q man He
Fo1'd have gone away peacefully
ut ! am misunderstanding
ald that when sent him away
cdly-broke up the house party
-htoke Dicks heart-and now !
ne killed q man-of course Dick
huld never want me nova muir.
gsss! ] wish dad and mother
b1ul6 come home!" Slowly she
faps down the stairs until she
,esched the foot. Then she push.
d 9 button and flooded the place
With Eight.
TearIully she turned the body
pyer and laid her hand on the
nan,s heart. It was beating regu.
arly. Then she tore the handker.
shiei away from his face and
ount his dark eyes staring dizzllyI
IT, her.
"Dick!" she moaned at last.
BE nodded, a queer smile curv.
Ing his Lips.
fare you hurt" she whispered.
.No-uckily my heel caught on
he stair and it'threw me-the fall
stunned me. that's ALL"
What are you doing here?" she
tSked tremulously. Il thought you
Rere IN Philadelphia by this time.
BE sat up and pushed back bis
hair, his face darkening. II can't
Dsek after something had forgot
TED saw all your people drive
lEa9 and supposed you were with
hem. The servants went, too, and
s0sI yentured the burglar act-and
rot caught Il did not expect you
were In my vacated room.
IT Is quiet there she STAN.
more9. She could not tell him that
her repentant tears had soaked his
pillows! "And yuu-you had left
something behind-something pre-.
fous?' she asked.
l II risked my lie for H." he said
,stsly; leaning against the newell
h;is this IT." she stopped, and
liked up q small case which had
lien from his pocket.
Yes-open II, Elsie"
he obeyed. "My-miniature,"
breathed softly.
That Is how much l love you.
) htr, he Whispered when she was
this arms once more.
When The Fight Started.
WIFE how did you come to pro