The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-08-15
THE VOICE IN THE DARK
BY KIT DEALTRY.

be ere the sign for dismissal would come.
 The strain in the dark room was almost unenduralble that day, and when at least she was free to leave | the piano she fled like hunted | hare, leaving Mrs. Sanderson with her son.
 The necessity for air drew her in- to the garden. She walked down the drive breathing heavily. For a few minutes she stood at the gates, looking out, her eyes dwelling on the sea b1ank1y. It was very cold. Snow had fallen l in the night, and it had frozen the i ground. The sky was blue now, however, and the sun was shining. It was a day typical of a New York winter bright, brisk, dry. Nora looked up from sea to sun | and, thought of the man in the dark | room.
 He is righti" she thought. gro be denied the sun must be death in l life. To be blind-and so young"
 She started, and stared down the road suddenly at the rapidly ap- | preaching figure of man. | Taking a swift step toward him, she said hoarsely: Why have you come?" ''To warn you,'' the man replied, | without greeting. | To warn me!' Nora's gaze travelled over his pal lid face and gleaming eyes. | Father she whispered, ''some- thing has happened. What is it?" | The man looked about him before answering
 Their suspicious were aroused by my coming to New York; he said,
 ''aof they have had me watched" | '.Watched!"
 | "Yes, I found 1t out last night. I | was followed everywhere I vent
 Then you have been followed here" said the girl looking fearfully
 past him along the road. l "No. I think I gave them the slip l didn't see any one on the boat" | There's no one in sight, said the girl. Well, go on.'' We shall have to be careful" con- 1 tinued the man. I needn't tell you that they stop at nothing. If they l become convinced that I mean to leave them they will probably take my life"
 "oh, mol no! mol" cried Nora, in anguish.
 They would do it to seal my lips" said the other. "But that's not why l came over. It's on your account. You are no safer than l. In fact you are less safe, and came to beg you to be cautious-to take no risks,
 Nora shuddered.
 I'll be careful" she said. fou must not go out alone, day or night for the present. And Nora where do you sleep?"
 She pointed up at the house.
 On the second floor"
 Well, keep your window locked anyway" said the man.
 There's a Jan in the bouSo ,or-,, said Nora, with another shiver "A Jap! When did he come?" TWO days ago. Mrs. Sanderson help"
 The mans brows met in a frown. suppose he's all right" he said refiectively. Still, watch him. One can never tell"
 She clasped her hands together ae- itatedIy "Oh, God" she cried. "wbat a hldeous position to be in! To be afraid of ones very life-to go on from hour to hour wondering what awful thing is going to happen next," My poor girl!' said the man husk- fly. And l have brought all this on you! But it's too late to talk now. It's all done. and nothing can undo it." Ao
 That's the most terrible part of It, said the girl, her eyes turnine once more to the sea. Nothing can give those poor men back their lives ana they're all on our souls-au of | them!" oA
 Not on yours, Nora No. There is no one in the world who can bIame you" T blame myself. IT ought to nave soken when I found out the | truth You think that? You believe VOL, ought to have given me up to jus tice?'
 The mans voice was quiet and sad Nora moved from him with a sob. That was why I kept silent" she said brokenly.
 The sound of an opening window made her pull herself together. II must go back" she whispered. And you'll be carefu1?" 1es, yes, will"
 she began to walk quickly away. | steps she looked back. Father" she said, 'you will let
 me know when-when I am to come | to you?" 'oiiie lie nodded without soaking. In another minute he was standing i'm the road alone
 | He watched her till she vanished rom view. There was an unuttera-
 Die sadness, on bis face 1 ''She was glad to get away, he | told himself bitterly. "She's happy | and cared for up there And she dreads coming back to me. Well, I've nothing and nobody but myself | to blame. Curse me! Curse mel?
 He set his teeth as he turned and
 retraced his way to St. George.
 At the ferry depot he bought an | evening paper.
 | The front page was heavily out lined in four sensation headings. | WARSHIP CATASTROPHE Total Loss of the U. s. Cruiser H1lde- I o.ar6a