Evening star., 1921-06-12

somebody wanted to pay him out Took
it out Of his boathouse a few nights
ago, started on a joy-ride, i suppose,
and ran it on the rocks
much loss?" Garth asked.
Total. except for the furnishings"
Are you one Of Mr.. Alden's serv-
ants?"
The drivers laugh was uncomforta-
Bile.
That's what I meant about his hav-
ing company. There aren't any serv-
ants except the old butler. A woman
from the village goes to get breakfast
and slunch for them, but she won't
stay after dark"
why did the servants quitT'
''Mr. Alden's right on the ocean
only house for two miles. You see he
owns a big piece Of this coast-woods
right down to the water. They've al
killed in those woods during the
revolution. All my life I've heard talk
about seeing things there. Servants
got talking few days ago-said they
saw shadows in grave clothes going
through the woods. 1 laughed at that.
too But I didn't laugh when they
found Mr.. Alden's valet yesterday
morning. dead as door nail"
Garth whistled.
''Violence?"
but that doesn't convince anybody
that doesn't want to be-"
4 + +
THEY turned through a gateway.
l and. across a broad lawn. he
caught a glimpse Of lights, dim, un-
real, as one might picture will-o-the-
wisps But the night and the mist
could not hide from Garth the size
of the house. significant Of wealth and
a habit of comfort.
In response to his ring he heard a
step drag across the floor, but the
door was not opened at once. Instead
a quavering voice demanded his iden-
uty.
with some impatience Garth grasped
the knob, and, as he heard the car
riage retreat toward the town, called
out:
my name is Garth. I'm expected"
thank heavens you've come. sir,
the old man said
Then you know. Garth answered
whats wrong here?
~Who is that? If 1t is Mr.. Garth
bring him to me at once"
I'm glad you've come. IL was
F&fraid you mfshtn't make it"
The man wore a dressing gown and
slippers. His hair was untidy. From
If with a newly-born hope. He put his
hands on the chair arms and started
to rise. then. with a Sigh, he sank
back again.
you'll e1cuse me-" he said: I've
for me to get up. but am glad to
see you. Garth-vefy glad"
A stified sound behind Garth caused
him to turn swiftly He was in time
to see the distortion Of the woman's
sistless tears sparkle in her eyes and
fall. to be shamed by the faborious
sobs which. after she had covered her
face, shook her in freeing themselves.
He advanced. at loss, shocked by
this unforeseen breakdown. He took
to have forgotten his presence.
Don't Cora" he rnumbled. You
mustn't do that any more. We are no
longer-alone."
Garth glanced from one to the other
answering to the atmosphere OF dis
may, which moment by moment be-
came more unavoidable.
At last Mrs. Alden resumed her con-
troll. She faced Garth apologetically.
IT'S because I can't get him IN, away ; .
Anybody can see that"
"a week or two more" Alden said
until the works are running right.
Then we'll go back TO New York. I've
had trouble. replacing unsatisfactory
workmen and I can't make the gov
ernment wait"
you've a doctorr' Garth asked
From the village" Alden answered
I'm afraid he doesn't understand me. .
Then" Garth said firmly, Il should
let the works go to blazes until I'd
! looked after myself"
ITS nothing-cold, maybe q touch
of the gout. I sometimes suffer. and
my nerves are a little under. Too
much involved here. Mr.. Garth. You
couldn't afford to take chances with
that"
IT couldn't" he answered, cautious
| ". I'm not so sure about you"
Mrs. Alden approached him timidly
you'll forgive our welcome? You'll
try to understand? You see we've no
servants but old John. Shall I tell
him to get you somethfng-a whisky
and soda~
Garth shook his head.
'r never drink when I'm at work.
L He Glanced at his watch Mrs Alden