New Britain herald., 1922-08-31
Why Allen Drake Changed One of IlilliAn's Plans


 Allen Drake crossed the room to me as soon as Lillian had closed the door, shutting herself and Katie out side.
 (Which are the lights to be kept burning all night?" he asked. "Ill see to them now. if you don't mind, and put out all the others"
 : One in the bathroom, one in the upper hall just outside Mother Gra- hams room and the third in the low CT front hall"
 You evidently believe in the ad. vice the reformed hold-up men are handing out concerning the safety in lighted houses" he commented with a smile which my imagination dubbed 8 supercilious one.
 T kept my house lighted long be. fore ever read ahy advice upon the subject" I retorted bit stiffy.
 Showing that you are an unusual ly sensible lady, as I've always con- tended" he rejoined, and I was sur prised to hear sincerity in his tones There is no other insurance so sure Tonight 1t will work in another di. rection. A man like Smith does not fall in the category of ordinary house breakers. He will want to be as- sured that everything in the house is following its usual routine. Any de. viation from it would arouse his sus- picions. So I'll get those light straight ened out at once. In the mean time"
 He broke off abruptly, went to each window of the room and inspected the tightly-drawn curtains, including the bizarre but artistic heavy draperies which Lillian had designed for the trying space between the library and its alcove.
 Allen Drake's Suggestion
 Come here, please" he said sud- denly, and I crossed the room to the alcove. secretly resenting the peremp- toriness of his tone.
 Stand just the way Mrs. Under wood has planned" he said, with your hand upon this door,"
 took the position Lillian had shown me, and for second or two he studied my attitude, then spoke to my father. who, with his hands be- hind him. was watching us from in front of the fireplace, in which. how ever, there was no fire, as Lillian had wished no light in the room which we hoped was to prove a trap for the man Smith.
 T wish you'd look this over, Chief, he said. all the deference he has for my father sounding in his voice.
 When my father had crossed to us MT. Drake party the heavy draperies and walked to the desk where Lillian had hidden the eyeglass case which Smith had left behind him.
 'I'd like to make this stunt fool proof if I can," he continued. Its always we'll I think, to expect the unexpected. Now, Mrs Graham, please imagine that I am Smith. l am opening this desk drawer under Katie's direction. when suddenly something-no matter what-alarms me, and r."
 "We Cannot Risk It"
 Never have I seen 50 quick move ment as that which Allen Drake made as he stopped speaking. He covered almost the distance to the all cove with single bound, and sec ond rush would have carried him to my side had not anticipated his ac- ton. I had watched him narrowly however, and as he leaped turned the knob of the door beside me slipped through the crack in the door which held ajar.
 You see ?" he demanded of my father, Mrs. Graham did that splend- idly, yet there wasn't a second to spare. It's too narrow a margin"
 My fathers face was grave.
 You are right, Allen," he an swered land we cannot risk it."
 Think what Lillian Is risking !" l famed. T can do it easily, and I will"
 "Of course you shall" Allen Drake's voice was indulgent, as if he were speaking to a spoiled child, "but with notifications. Pardon me.
 He passed me in the doorway. and took a quick survey of the small side hall.
 Instead of standing on the library side of this door, take your station this side with the door ajar," he di- rected. You'll be able to keep track of Katie just as well, and 1t will be less dangerous. Don't you think so, Chief"
 He evidently had no intention of asking my opinion, and I was hotly resentful not only on my account, but because he was changing a plan Lillian had made. Yet I could not help an inconsistent little feeling of