The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1922-06-02

people don't stand for am hour count
ing money In their pocker books"
tWhy, really; how-b~x do yoH
know have been hsre - hourgr she
demanded, determined 81 80 costs TO
keep from this one man. al least, the
knowledge OF her predicament.
Miss Bartons Ii it-moneyT he
burst out. Won't you let me-aid
your You--Idoubfiess you have
started out with not so much as you
thought you had" he went on. trying
to make voiubility cover embarrass
ment. Il assure you, -"
1T Ii not money" interrupted Miss
Barton, icily; the next instant she bit
her lip with vexation.
Then there Is something's cried
the major Miss Barton, you you are
locked outr he declared with sudden
inspiration.
There was no answer.
you are r.
Still no reply.
"What shame I" exclaimed the
major sympathetically But, never
mind--I1 have the janitor here In
short order. saw him down to the
corner not five minutes ago"
And the major leaped down the
stairs two steps at time. Ten min
utes later. flushed and disturbed, he
faced Miss Barton again.
He's gone the rascal!'' painted the
major. Totally disappeared into thin
air But, Miss Barton, couldn't YOU
can't do something's"
Miss Barton shook her head: then
she laid hold of her courage with both
iiantis.
Il was going to Tarrytown.r she ex-
planned. II would 90 now, only-my
dress Is caught--in the door"
"My dear lady l-you poor thing II
beg of you, allow meF And the
major was down on his knees at her
side Juggling at the dress.
"I'm afraid / shall--tear 1t, he fall
tered at last.
Never mind IL yon do" returned
Miss Barton miserably.
eOh, butt would be shame -
such pretty dress !"
In spite of herself Miss Barton
smiled. The pink in her cheeks de-
parted.
"If you have knife you might-cut
IT, she suggested family.
"Neverl" protested the major,
springing to his feet.
Suddenly the man Strengthened him
self and squared his shoulders mot
for nothing had the major been placed
1 in command of men.
My dear lady," he began authori-
| tatiyely, there is only one thing TO
be done; but first I'm going to make
! you comfortable" And he disappeared
/ into his own apartment.
When the major came hack he had
book. A minute later, in spite Of pro-
tests. Miss Barton found herself seated
on the ottoman, the cushions al her
back against the door. and the book
In her hand.
/ Now where Is AIrs.s Todd?" de
handed the major I'm going for her
keys
You can't find her. She's shopping"
announced Miss Barton, tragically
Then we'll stay here till she
comes" retorted the major, dropping
himself upon the topmost stair with a
long sigh that certainly was not one
of discomfort.
/ Fortunately tiie hall was light, the
building being only three stories high
and having a big skylight In the roof.
Also. fortunately but two families
| lived on the floor above; and as mem
| hers of both had already passed Miss
Barton ON their way out, there were
few curious eyes TO be amazed at the
/ remarkable tete-a-tete on the middle
landing.
II was at noon that me major and
Miss Barton Toasted gayly on chicken
sandwiches. HOT coffee. cake, and ice
cre4m brought in By the major from a
! neighboring restaurant and spread on
his mothers sewing-table
One. two, three hours passed. The
prisoner and Der attendant talked,
read aloud. and told stories. At four
o'clock Mrs Todd, coming quietly up
stairs, found the two deep in game OF
chess.
"For heavens sakelr calculated
AIRS. Todd, clutching at the balusters
With both hands-she had nearly
fallen backwards.
| When explanations had been given
the door opened. and the gray dress
released, and when Mrs. Todd had dis.
appeared in her own room. Miss Bar
ton turned a flushed face TO the major
Thank you" she said. 'You-yor
have been very kind"
Miss Barton, I'm lighter: I'm moi
a diplomat. know no way except Il
come straight ta the point. Once be
fore | passed a pleasant Afternoon
3 with ycG-a very pleasant afternoon
but from then until today have beer
sternly held at the emf of a gravs
bow. Today discovered THAI Iieuten
ant Meers is our common friend Mis-: