The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1922-07-06
REVELATIONS OF A WIFE
ADELE GARRISON

What 10 the Meaning of That Whistle?
My mother-in-law's explanation of
the mysterious flashing in the window
Of the Durkee house struck me at
once as most plausible one. But it
disturbed me more than cared to adj
NIT TO her.
II our new neighbors were using
the only window from which they
could see our home to spy upon US
with field glasses there was more rea-
son than ever for me to believe that
the tenants Of Mrs. Durkee's house
were men who knew me, and were
living there disguised for some SIMS
ter, unknown purpose.
It was imperative, however, that my
nother-in-law shouldn't suspect my
fear. Such knowledge would pull down
her nervous strength tremendously. ]
tried, therefore, to answer her OBJ
servation carelesly.
'Impudence, indeed" said. "But,
then, we can do nothing about 1t. And
they can't possibly do any harm with
their idle curiosity"
idle curiosity!" snorted my mother
in-law. 'T'm glad that's what you
call it. I tell you it's far more dan
gerous than that Those men belong
to gang of thieves. I'm sure Of it,
and they're just spying on us to see
how they can best break in. And just
think of it, Margaret! We haven't
man in the house at all, Richard will
be gone for weeks, and lin is gone to
the war"
'eYou forget William Turnbull," I
said. smiling to hide the very real
alarm felt. ], too, had realized, with
a little cold fear at my heart, that we
were a household Of defenceless wom-
en-. But it wasn't ordinary burglary
that / feared.
"Rut He's Very Strong"
"TIe's about as much protection as
a. rabbit" she replied caustically, but
her eyes belied her words, They nelo
the dawn of an idea which was just
entering my own brain. l nasteneo
to give 1t utterance. :,
.I think you're mistaken, mother
i said earnestly. william isn't over
burdened with brains"
you're stating his case very con-
siderately." she returned grtmly.
"But he's very strong" I went on
unheedinE the interruption, aoso-
lutelv dependable and devoted, to our
interests. And, besides, he has won
derful bun terrier. I'm wondering
"Don't tell me you're thinking OF
bringing that ourang outang and that
cur into the house, she interrupted,
but there was no force in the tone Oh
her protest.
@There's that small room at the
head Of the back stairs" said rerlec-
uSGu.
It's SO isolated from the rest that II
William did live in it for aWhlle ne
wouldn't disturb the rest OF us
What Madge Heard.
And we could have 1t scrubbed anu
disinfected after he left" my mother-
in-law interposed with shade OF en-
couragement in her voice wen
goodness knows, i don't like the losa'
but suppose while Richards gone We
ought to have some protection, espe-
cially as / imagine your doing THIS
work isn't the safest thing IN the
world for you or for the rest or US,
'Tm so glad you approve" re-
turned, trying to inject into my woes
! Just the right shade of grace1ul oe-
ference to her opinions. II a.tenu
to the matter at once and get halle
started at the room before u go Aol
my walk Goodbye.
Good bye" she returned eVioently
| a bit startled by my abruptncss. but
tr didn't intend to- give her any ehahcs
to change her mind, and l walked
swiftly to the door. unlocked II ana
threw it open.
Cousin Agatha was rapidly retreat
| ing down the hall. knew that she
had been trying to listen a. the Aes
hole, but l pretended ignorance.
.oh. Cousin Agathal" called
swestly. '.i'm going now, and I think
mother wants you"
I'll be there In q minute" sne re-
turred slI!lS;ly without turning, and
went down the stairs. Evidently SIS
dida't care TO meet my eyes,
With q sudden thought, born OF my
discovery that my new neigh0ors were
watching the house through field