The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1921-03-10

Jed stepped forth and went quickly
across the open. | went TO the front
entrance and stood on the porch.
The hunters moon was at full. and
the place was luminous In a soft. misty
yellow light
had tremors. frankly-felt the pres
ence Of tangible dangers, unseen and
Of intangible terrors. never felt such
oppression. doubt. distress and dlsmay
In my life. My patient was on n
strange errand far beyond any
strength ever knew him to have: and
Jed, whom I always dreaded. was fo;-
lowing him.
II may be wondered why was not
instantly In chase and why stood
worried and indecisive. The only ex-
planation Is that ! knew. as surely as
one could know anything by reason
and conjecture. that whatever was
happening that night had happened
this same night for n number OF years
In the past. and that whatever Il
was, II had direct connection with the
secret OF the place which Mrs. Sidney
so earnestly desired me not to pos
sess. For these reasons. or upon this
or the porch listening 10 the unnatu-
rally late whIppoorwili and looking
out toward the dark woods and thick
cts which stood at the edge OF the
yellow moonlight.
The tension was 40 great that got
distinct shock when out OF this wall
Of darkness came figure running
into and across the moonllt space to-
ward the house. knew Il must be
jed, and ! waited where stood as
he approached. He barely had come
into the shadow OF the house when an
other figure came out OF the dark wall
Of the thickets and came slowly across
the moonlit space.
Jed. running up the steps. saw me
and gasped with astonlshment, but re-
covered himself with wonderful
promptness.
Inside. man. inside. and act natu-
ral," he cried. "Come'-taking my
arm-"in the Office"
He was so certain and so command
ing that I did just what was told.
Unto the office. man." he said. still
clutching me. "What are you doing
abroadf This night OF all nightsi But
no matter. Into the office. and turn on
the lights. Turn on the lights in the
hall--not all Of them, but some Of
them"
He ran TO do II himself and was all
futter and activity. Then he or.
dered:
"lnto the office now, and act natu.
raj. You're a man OF genius; think Of
something we could naturally be DO
ing at this time. Think quick man; (;
It's beyond me. What are you doing
here2 Good Lord, what are you do
ing here7 / could have managed II
without you. Why did you have to be
on the scene7 And l can think OF
nothing"
you have severe cramps In the
stomach" said. IT'S not to be won.
dered at. considering the way you
abuse your stomach. may say you
are the only human being | ever was
glad TO see drinking himself TO death.
You have now some premonitory symp-
toms OF gastritis. You have got me
up. II do not have collar and tie
on II will look more natural"
tossed these articles and my coat
behind couch.
And possibly II you were less clad
II would help the Illusion"
a "a.
coat and disposed OF them In the same
fashion.
"Now, I imagine" said. 1--WE are
reasonably convincing as physician
and sinner. What are your symp-
tomsT'
you're a man OF genlusw Jed ex.
claimed. "Wait a minute"
He ran TO the window, conceallng
himself behind curtain.
Hes almost here" he said. as he
looked out on the CHASTITY white lawn.
Then he came running back.
The door had better be opened"
he said. and he threw the door TO
the office open. Then he sat In one OF
the chairs and began TO whine loudly.
ITS an acute shooting pain. doc
tor" he said loudly and then he whis-
pered: "What ought II TO bef"
heard the front door open and
shut.
Il have often told you" said with
loud professional dignity. that there
Is penalty attached TO such habits
as yours. Have you any nauseaf
"Sick as can be with pain" said
Jed. groaning tremulously.
II don't mind at all being aroused,
jed" said, Just loud enough to carry
to the person approaching and to
sound 10 him as II II were a normal
tone TO Jed with me in the office.
THAT Is n part OF my business here"
l knew Mr.. Sidney was standing In
the doorway. So did Jed. Neither Of
us betrayed our knowledge until the