The daily Alaskan., 1921-03-22
CHAPTER XII.
A Little Drop of Something.

girl looked about for Mrs. Curtis, then picked up a cigarette and lit 1t She was so white and drawn looking that her brother stared at her.
 "What's the matter, sisl" he asked with no particular interest in his voice.
 "I hate everybody In the world,' snapped the girl.
 "Whew! That's some hate" laugh ed Reggie.
 Katherine threw herself down on the divan.
 Worst of any one I hate Paul Pen dlehaven and next-well, next I hate Cousin JOhn," she said between her teeth. q wish, oh, how wish Paul would dle tonight. I'd almost like to kill him myself. If 1t weren't for him, we'd all have money, and If 1t weren't for that girl with him, he'd dle."
 "Well, l might cheer you up a little if told you that perhaps before long your illustrious Cousin Paul will be under the sod"
 The girl sat up and stared at him.
 Don't be a fool, Reggie" she said with a sheer. Cousin John says Paul will be able to go out of the house very soon, that by next week he can go anywhere lie likes"
 Reginald got up laz!ly. He said something under his breath that made his sister struggle to her feet. She stood a moment and gazed with star tied eyes at the door that had closed Reggie on the other side of It.
 Now, what'd he mean by thatr' she wondered duly. What did he mean by saying that if he could help lt Cousin Paul would never drive again. wonder just what he meant by that"
 Reggie knew what he meant by his words if Katherine didn't. He intend- ed to put Dr. Paul out of the way thus helping his mother as we'll as himself. He wanted to get away from Ithaca, to leave the town that always put hIm in mind of TonnIbel Devon. The least wind that blew brought back the awful moment when he and Devon had discovered the girl had drowned herself. and because of hls tormenting conscience he drank more heavily ey- cry day. After leaving his sister he went to his room where he filled him self up with brandy. The drunker he got the more dim grew the picture of Tony's pale, terrified face.
 He slept sOddenly for an hour or so and only awOke when servant rapped at the door and told him dinner was ready. He was too i'll to get up and lay staring hopelessly about the room. Then suddenly out of the shadows In the corner hoOted Tonnlbel Devon. He Croaned and turned slowly In the bed. Instead of getting better he was get ting worse. The ghost of Devons daughter was haunting him In every one of his sober hours. He hated Ithaca and every one in it. If pr. Paul were dead
 He sat up, his head whirling. He crawled to the floor. went to the bath room and soaked his head In cold wa ter. Then he sent a servant for pot of strong coffee.
 So happy was Dr. Paul to have Ton nibel back that he insisted on sitting up to his dinner.
 Tt was long hour, my dear he said, smiling. But I'm glad you went out. He's a nice fellow, Philip. My brother and 1 have often wished our young cousin would pattern after him, but it does seem as If nothing can be done with him. Even his mother has no influence over him."
 I've never seen him." stated Ton nibel.
 Hes scarcely ever at home," an- swered Dr. Paul, "and the worst of It is, he gives no explanation as to where he goes."
 Then after dinner as usual TOnnibel, with Gussie Piglet in her arms, read from the Bible. The clock struck ten when she arose softly and began to prepare for the night. By the even breathing of the man on the bed she knew he was asleep, and as quiet as a mouse she crept about softly so as not to arouse him. The suite directly back of Paul Pendlehaven's had been given to her. She went into her bed room and made ready to retire. Then over her night robe she drew a light kimOnO.
 She turned off the electric switch and stood near the window looking out. Her heart sang with gladness. She had but to hearken back to the afternoon to hear q dear voice telling her of a great love, love for her, Ton nibel Devon. How very much she had to be thankful for!
 Suddenly she saw the tall tree di- rectly in front of Dr. Paurs room shake as If a giant hand were clutch Ing at its roots. How could that beF There wasn't any wind, not even 6 breeze. Her heart jumped into her throat as she crept away from the window and back into Pendlehaven's room. The little night lamp glimmered dimly above the small table with Its