The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-09-14
A Stenogrdpher's
Romance
BY JANE PHELPS
BY JANE l
DUGAN> APPEARS JUST IN TINE.
CHAPTER 52

CHAPTER 5z.
It was fortunate that Dugan took
an interest in Nellie, that in a way he
played the sleuth where she and her
men friends were concerned -.
1t was 9 o'clock when Cora discov-
cred they had no butter for>breakfast.
The delicatessen store would be open
and it was near, SO no one thought OF
Directing when Nellie offered to GO
out for it.
She bought the butter, also some
fruit, and with her parcels under her
arm started back home. 1t was a
lovely night and she walked slowly,
enjoying the soft air, watching the
few lighted places she passed. She
had noticed q tall fellow with a hard
made her purchases. But had forgot
ten him after she left.
Mice night, Honey!", Someone
touched her arm. 1t was the hard
faced fellow.
Nice night for you to mind your
own, business Nellie replied. un-
"Spunky, amt you? Well. that
don't hurt you for me. I like spunky
girls"
Let go my arm!"
With a laugh he Withdrew his hand
-C4uIlOuS because lney were pdSSiuS
small, wel1-lighted cigar store.
Just as you say, Honey"
For a moment they walked on in
silence. Then Nellie said: y
81 didn't ask you for your company
and / don't want it."
That's because you don't know me.
you Little Peach. Come now. let's
take a walk in the park? I'll carry
your bundles" he reached for chem.
mo. thank youi 1 can't afford an
errand boy The girl was almost
home, and no thought of fear of the
! hulking fellow at her side entered her
mind. As she reached the entrance
she turned quickly and ran inside. But
| quick as she was he was beside her,
his hand now grasping her arm
tightly.
Let go my armi' she ordered.
A laugh was her answer. Then:
'I shan't let you go, My Pretty'
Taint often 1 catch 'em like yeu.'
| Nellie with all her strength tried to
break away from him, but in vain
Neither could she reach the bell tc
push it. She hated to call out, to raise
an alarm, but her angry voice carried
| as well as her assailant's gruff tones
Suddenly Dugan appeared from the
| front of the house.
| THAT you, Miss Nellie?"
| Eyes. .Dugan. Have you got your
| boots on?"
| NOW Sne 10 the 1GIIOW WIN
was trying to break away. frightened
when he heard a mans voice.
"Shure I has, Miss Nellie" Dugar
was now inside the vestibule, barring
the way.
"Then use the toe! You'n never
get better chance" Nellie released
her hold of the fellow, who tried to
rush past Dugan, but who true to his
| promise gave him the ''feel' of his
boot so that he sprawled his length or
the sidewalk.
"rhot II teachy you to insult daceni
girls!" Dugan said, as the fellow
picked himself up. Next tonne II
Ebreak your head"
"There amt going to be any mex
time. Dugan!" Nellie laughed. "Bu
Pm glad you 'toed' him. He followed
me from the store"
"Yees amt no business goin' in the
guys hangin' around"
well, he didn't hurt me, 4Dugan
! and don't say a word to the others
| They would worry
whist it isl" But Dugan made W
his mind to keep ON watching Nellie
| He had been afraid of something like
unto what had happened. In a neigh
were many toughs, and Nellie wal
pretty.
How long you were gone" Gladly,
said. ct was just starting to NEE
you"
ut was a lovely night so I walked
as slow as could"
The thoughtfulness of these girl
for each other would have put Il
shame many women in far differen
world.
(TomorrowADissatis Hilda.)