The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-08-11
THE VOICE IN THE DARK
BY KIT DEALTRY.

"At Panama" The elder woman laughed. Miss May, what can you hope to do in place like that: No, my dear, we must think out some thing better than that
 Then she went off to pay for Nora Mays passage to Ancon.
 "Poor little thingI" she thought. What Is going to become of her!"
 The thought still troubled her as after dinner, that night, she sat with the others around the captains cab in.
 A full moon was shinging down on them. The night was clear and warm. Scarcely a ripple stirred the sea. Not far away the lights of Cor into gleamed. A
 A faint sound of music gradually became distinct.
 The bachelor hurried off to ascer- tain who was playing. Presently he returned.
 Its Miss May" he told them.
 Silence followed his statement-a silence that was at first born of curi- osity, afterward. of admiration. For the music was beautiful; it was me lodious; above all, it was-music. Mrs. Sanderson listened intently. Into her eyes there stole curious half-yearning look. and a memory came to her, saddening the lines on her gentle mOtherly lace
 Leaving the others. she went along to the social hall and down into the saloon. Ere she had gained the low est steps the lights went out, and she stood waiting surprised. in utter darkness. The girl at the piano went on play | ing-playing. The listening woman stretched out her c1asped hands in the darkness. l ip Jofo f,-1y | her.
 Desmond My son! My sonl A sudden flash of light broke the spell.
 Nora looked about her. dazed. and met Mrs. aSnderson's eyes. They were full of tears.
 My dear,' she said, you have a wonderful gift. How is it you have not told me that you play?" "I did not think that-that it would interest you,'' the girl stammered | Interest mel Why, music Is part of my life." said the woman. My home was full of music until these last few months.'' | And now?" asked Nora tentative ly.
 "Now my home is silent" said Mrs. Sanderson. Miss May-Nora-per- haps you could bring the lost music back to me. Perhaps you could | if you would You have assured me that you are a good girl, and I believe you. The rest doesn't mat ter. Will you come with me?'' | 'But I could never tell you about I-about the past,'' hesitated Nora.
 ''I promise I will never question you." said the woman. twill you | come with me?"
 "GIadly-gladly!" said the girl placing her hand in the woman's l But you must let me do something. I must work"
 ''Yes. you shall work. And your work will be to play as you have played tonight in the dark"
 Nora, started. Mrs. Sanderson went on.
 Some days you may not be called upon to do anything. But always, day and night, you must be ready to go into that room to play-and it will be dark-darker than the blackest night. Nora. you wouldn't be afraid 9"
 The girl shivered, then forced her. self to answer
 NO, wouldn't be afraid"
 Then you'u come:"
 "Yes-Tn come"
 Mrs. Sanderson rose
 Then it's settled" she said,
 Mrs Sanderson turned to go back on deck. The mate came down the stairs.
 We are at Corinto. Mrs. Sander. son." he called out.
 At Corintot" she echoed
 "Yes," replied the mate, "and there's bad news from San Francisco The Pandoga has gone down and al hands lost.''
 | "The Pandoga'
 Yes. That makes the third bat. tleship America has lost within z month"
 A cry from behind stopped him Mrs. Sanderson and the mate turnef | quickly.
 Nora May was standing staring a the mate with mortified ghastly eyes 'Oh. God!' she was crying 1T isn't true-say it isn't true."
 Then she fell like figure Of ston, to the floor,