New Britain herald., 1922-01-17

l l leading, half carrying katie-ioward the picturesque old corncrib which picky had transformed Into studio, and which had been the scene or Grace Draper's terrible scheme 10 kidnap my baby boy. l shiyered as l drew near IL, and knew | that never would l be able to enjoy the place again, Rut il gave me the sccluslon l needed for my talk with Katie, and 1 welcomed its quiet isola- | ton now.
 With one hand holding her firmly l unlatched and flung open the door with the other. Then l led the sob bing girl inside, As I closed the door after us, caught a glimpse Of Jim leaning against an apple tree, his arms folded across his chest, his eyes watching us closely It was but Il glimpse that l had of his set, white face, so different from the good humored, If a bit stold, countenance which l always had associated with katie's husband. The consciousness oi something sinister, menaclng. in the atmosphere surrounding my faithful little maid settled upon me oppres- sively.
 "Comc Be Sensible I"
 l drew her with me to a cauch, sat down, and held her close. But she twisted away from me to her knees. bowed her head upon my lap and gave herself up to the fit of tempestuous sobbing which I knew must precede any confidence upon her part
 While the paroxysm continued I smoothed her hair and murmured the soothing words I would have given to frightened child. And it was not until she lifted her tear-swollen face to mine after her sobs had subsided that l spoke to her directly.
 "Tell me all about it, Katie" I commanded
 Her eyes widened with terror, her face blanched.
 terror that was so patiently obsessing Graham she replied pitifully. "I no can tell you nuttings I get me keeled if I do.
 That's nonsense, Katie" returned trying to keep a common sense at titude toward her emotion, but secret
  terror that was so patiently obsessing her. There is nothing you cannot tell me. And we'll make short work of anybody who Is frightening you. Come Be sensible girl and tell me everything that's troubling you"
 felt convulsive shudder go through her slight figure, and she looked at me with pitiful, apologetic. ! yet obstinate defiance.
 "Oh, Meesis Graham ! You no ask me dot ven you know" she stopped. trembling.
 Know what, Katie?" I encouraged.
 "S1hat Is It?"
 Know dot l sWore me great, big swear on my life, Jeem's life, my soul, Jeem's soul. on everything I lof in l dis World-babee-dot I would ~4nefer tell till he gifes me leave"
 Until who gives you leave, Katie ?" interposed quietly, but she was too quick for me.
 Nobody. I no mean dot" she said 
 l knew the look which was in her ayes. It was the fanatic superstition which her years in this country had never entirely banished Some one had brought 1t all back to her, and she would be cut into pieces before she would break the letter of her oath
 But there was something else in her syes, also childish cunning which old me that she had some scheme in mind. l spoke in as matter-of-f fact manner as I could manage:
 You want me to do something for 'ou. Katie, don't you? What is it?
 Her clutch upon my knees tight med. and her eyes were full of wild lope as she replied:
 "Oh, Meesis Graham You shoost afe me-safe everything eef you hoost do vun ting for me tonight, but 'fraid to tell you vot eet iss. Promise 'ou do eet for Katie?"