The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-12-16
CHAPTER III
SoundDort


 The train went slowly enough from Mancasset to New York. At | the Grand Central Station I took | cab and drove to the Long Island | port and crossed the East River to | Long Island City.
 I got a place in a forward car. | My attention was attracted by a | aisle from me. I found myself star | ing at a strange contradictory face | She was a strong-looking creature. | Her high cheek-bones suggested In was tight Tipped. She carried sev- 1 eraI cumbersome parcels. The name ! of a large dry goods shop of Brook | lyr stared at me from a big dress | box.
 The woman wore a rough, brown dress. A soft felt hat was pulled | tight over her head. commented l mentally on the easy ouickness of her moveme ents.
 In spite of the impression she made upon me, I forgot her after | few moments
 At last ge rumb1ed into Sound port stat on. I was on my feet and | had seized my 1usgage when, turn ing, I found myself face to face With | the strange woman, who was getting off.
 found myself hoping I should never have to put my wits against a woman of that type A moment later, I had boarded the trolley that runs from the station to the village.
 To my surprise, the Addressed woman carried her bundles over to a large motor car, climber Tn and the m otor started. It passed us, and the at the steering wheel turned for an instant toward me. Then the motor and it's occupants disappeared down the road In a cloud of dust. Our car l I questioned the conductor as to q hotel. There was only one in town, he said-the Barton House. close to the trolley terminal. The car came to a stop. and I climber the wooden steps of the dingy brown tavern. I made my way quickly to the office. James Barton was both pro prietor and clerk. I was about to sign my name when 1t occurred 10 me that it would be wise to traved in cog for a little while, so I signed, John Bolton" That would account for the "J, B. on my bags. The room to which he assigned me was neat and clean.
 As I went through the office. Mir. Barton hailed me.
 "Supper's ready" he said. as he led me down the bare dining room. I sat down at the table. The 'wait' ress drought the coffee had ordered and I gulped it down, ate as much as I could of what was set before
 
 fLookin' for anything specia1?' Barton asked He was seated in a big rocker, and had just lighted a fresh cigar.
 Don't happen to know of good little place to build. do you?' I "a asked.
 Might" he replied dryly.
 "I was casting about in my mind for the easiest and quickest way to get to Micah Graham's place. MT. Barton was looking at me shrewdly. Nearly landlocked isn't it?"
 MT. Barton nodded.
 I fastened my eyes on the distant
 Looks attractive out there. Nor toms Point. did you sayf"
 My landlord nodded again.
 "Old man Graham's place"
 ''M cah Graham"
 ''Uh-huh. D'you know him?"
 i've heard of him. Queer old chap" his cigar and spoke judicially. | He's been Twin out there nigh a village has ever heard him speak word. He comes over from his pnace in his motor. an whenever they stop l anywhere for anything, Banks, his does all the talking. His housekeep- | CT comes over, now an then. ana she's about as mum as the old fel- 1 low himself"
 She went to town today. I seen her get off the o'clock with a lot of bundles Banks met her with the automobile"
 "Queer look:n' woman" comment l ed my landlord. Reminds you some tim of an Injun." CCopyright. 1922. Thompson Feature
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