New Britain herald., 1921-09-26

| emergency, arrived. Assuring me
 that no camoufiaging detail had been omitted, he brought in the stretcher-
 bearers from the hospital and swathing me in a blanket as realis- tically as if I were indeed the vic tim Of a dangerous nervous collapse. The last sound in my ears was Katie's heartfelt wall. and only the thought of my baby's danger kept me from rushing back to reassure her.
 My father and Dicky accompanied me to the hospital, remained there, correctly anxious, in the waiting room. until word was brought them by an unsuspecting attendant that l was comfortable. and that word would be sent them daily of my condition. Then they left and drove back home.
 They knew that by the clever ar- rangement of Dr. Petit and the hos pital authorities. a vacant private room would be the home for the next few days of a delightfully."- idle | private nurse, whose only duties would be to report my supposed condition from time to time. They knew. also. that by another door. I. in travelling costume, with Robert Savarin bearing my su1 case. had departed in a waiting taxi for the railroad station. The dreamy artist l with unsuspected energy and ef- | hciency had timed my departure from the hospital so that I was not in evidence upon the railroad platform at all. stepping directly across it | from the taxi to the train. And his thoughtful parting word was that from LiIlian-still woefully sick in the hospital-all news of our trouble had been kept.
 My trip South was like a night mare. could not sleep or eat, but counted the clicks of the wheels. measuring the miles as Dicky once had taught me to do, and dug my l1nger-nails deep in my palms to keep from screaming at my enforced lnaction and my impotence to ward off whatever terrible experience my baby boy might be going through. And then at last, at Aberdeen. | reeling, white-faced and sSaggering | with weakness, a kindly porter as- | sisted me down the steps, and I heard a shocked exclamation. felt strong arms lift me and carry me across the platform to a big luxurious limousine. Dimly I realized that the supporting arms were those of Hugh Grantland, and I recognized also the kindly voice of Mrs. Lukens in the car as one put an arm around me and drew my head to her shoulder.
 Just rest. my dear" she said, until the major comes"
 Hugh Grantland appeared a few | seconds later, swung my bags to the front gave a hurried direction to his driver, entered the car and closed the door.
 What news?" My stiffened lips could hardly frame the words. Hugh Grantland put his hand over mine.
 will you be patient just a little longer?" he asked. T have nothing certain up to this minute, yet I hope soon to have news that the child is safe, But you mus be strong, to help your baby if he's found. to continue the search for him if he is not. Drink this now"
 Betty Kane Aids. He had taken from a pocket of the car a patent bottle, which, when un- corked. gave forth the fragrance of strong. hot coffee. I forced down the draught he proffered. and felt | strengthened, not so much by it as by his words. And then we were in Mrs. Luken's well-remembered grounds, had entered her sitting room, where. ensconced in her wheeI-chair by the open fire. sat the crippled figure of Betty Kane, the woman I had liked so we'll during my sojourn in the South.
 Hugh Grantland drew up a chair for me opposite Bettys and stood, Miss Kane does not know why wanted her here" he said, except that It was a matter of life and l death to you. She knows. through the newspapers. of the loss of your child. Now, I have reason to sus- pect"-he turned to Betty Kane
 that Tim spirited the child away from his home at the instance of Grace Draper. who has some sinister hold upon him. know that you arc one only person who has any in- uence over Tim for good. and be- liece you can tell us where he may | be found"
 Betty Kane's face went white. then crimson. and she stretched her hands to me with anguished sympathy. "Oh. my dear, what you have suf- fered!" she said. And. oh. poor. misguided Tim! This means his death. doesn't it7" she asked Hugh Grantland. piteously.
 | "Or life imprisonment" he re- torted crisply. Put"
 "Oh, of course. I'll tell you any thing I know!" she said quickly.
 ''Of one thing I am sure though" She turned appealingly to me. Tim would never inture the child, even though he was compelled to take him at that wicked woman's bidding But if he is anywhere in hiding here. he is at the house of an old colored woman who lives out on the North road up in the hills. Tim once be- frtended her signally. and she would die for him. She is credulous, also, and would believe anything he told her about a child brought there. It is entirely possible-'
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