The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1921-11-18
THE TIMID ONE
BY MILDRED WHITE.
Copyright. 1921. western Newspaper Union

be afraid. You should try to grow
out Of 1t, Nell. All your young life
you have been dreading a possible bur-
glar that never came, and now be-
cause we happen to spend night In
a lonely small town hotel, you are GER
tain the burglars hour has arrived,
and that he will appear the moment
leave you alone to annex your belong
ings. Is 1t the new diamond ring that
you are specially fearful of loslngT"
Its not what he might take that
dlsturbs me-" Nell told her friend.
cts what the shock of seeing him
would be for me. 70 probably keel
over, unable to cry for help, and ex-
pire before his eyes. For, you must
admit. Honora the brave, that this
town is desolate hole and the best
location in the world for thieving."
Honora threw out her hands In
despair.
you are the limit ~ she exclaimed.
IF you feel that your night is likely
TO be made miserable by the sight of
your own shadow, / will persuade the
manager to put cot for me In your
room. AS an instructor In physical
training, l think I'd be able to hold
my own and yours, too against an in
truder. You might at least be able to
screech while kept busy"
Nell laughed. "Oh, will promise
to go to sleep and be good child" she
promised sweetly.
But when Nell was alone In the
silent room with its long windows
opening on the veranda roof. she
peeked covertly out into the darkness
and then securely fastened her door.
A second window near her own opened
out from the end of the dimly lighted
upper hall. She hummed bravely as
she slipped into china-blue kimono,
and lOosened her short thick hair. Very
much like small frightened child Nell
looked. squatted In the middle Of the
hotel bed re-reading mothers last let
ter: Try" wrote mother, mot to be
a little coward on your trip; but forget
timidity and enjoy things with
Honora."
Nell thought fondly of Honora, so
big and capable and kind. Small,
dainty and wide-eyed, Nell beheld her
self In the mirror Then-horror Of
horrors! she beheld also reflected
there a mans skulking figure huddled
on the veranda roof outside. This
man appeared to be coming from the
hall window nearby. Nell's long
dreaded burglar had arrived. She
was able to continue the humimng Of
her song naturally, as she method
ically replaced the letter, and careless
ly turned toward the door. AS she
closed it hurriedly upon the outside,
gentlemanly person, apparently hotel
guest. came from the direction of
room opposite.
BEG pardon" said this man, and
bowed alphabetically, at sight Of Nell
In her blue kimono. Eagerly, and re-
lievedly she ran to him. won't you"
she begged, "step into my room for
moment. l am sure that l saw n man
skuking about on the veranda roof
outside the window; by this time he
may have entered. There Is no bell
here to ring for assistance, but perhaps
/ could run down to the office" Nell
paused confusedly.
The man was quick In action.
~ will go right in" he agreed.
"wait a moment, other help may
not be necessary" His perplexed
tones came to her presently from the
veranda roof outside. "There is no
one here" called the man, cor in your
room, either. May have been a servant
out to close window or something
like that" Apprehensive still, Nell
ventured step or two inside the door.
However" her rescuer smilingly as
stired her. ~ will report the matter
downstairs so that you may be sure
of protection for the night" He stood
moment. looking down quizzically.
"Are you alone?" he asked abruptly.
"Honora and l." Nell explained, ."are
travelling together. Her room is the
second one down the hall. Honora,"
she laughed shamefacedly, "would not
have been afraid Of any possible bur-
glar think she would be able to
protect herself anywhere. But r"
Nell shook her head helplessly-"I
just run for protection" she said
The man grinned. "And get 1t, I
bet" he answered.
Nell nodded assent happily. "See
how nicely you came to my relief to-
night her eyes met his gratefully.
"And you are not afraid nowr
asked the man.
"Not at ALL" she earnestly told him.
He laughed shortly.
swell, good night and pleasant
dreams" he said. "And don't you ever
be afraid Of burglars anywhere; they
won't bother you"
Goodnight Nell responded cheer
fully. She smiled at him as she closed
the door.
Later. she sat up suddenly in her
bed. Stealthy footsteps undoubtedly
were passing down the hall. AS she
snapped on the light she saw beneath
the crack Of her door broad white
envelope.
ITS an adventurous night" she told
herself gleefully. Fear seemed to have