The Guthrie daily leader. [volume] (Guthrie, Okla.) 1893-1996, 1922-05-05

/ rs everything all right7'
"Why. OF course insisted the lady
vainly trying 70 quiet her conscience
| at the same time by the assurance
| that everything was all right. and tha
II wasn't fb.
Miss Barton, IL am going TO dis
pute YOU" began the major desper-
ately, perspiration starting to his fore
head. when everything is all right,
people don't stand for an hour count
Ing money In their pocket books
''Why, really: h0w-how do you
know have been here an hourT she
demanded, determined at all costs TO
keep from fhis one man, at lenst, the
knowledge OF her predicalnent.
Miss Bartom Is it---lnoncyy he
burst out. Wont you let me-aid
your You--I--doubtless you have
started out with not so much us you
thought you had" he went on. trying
TO make volubilIty cover embarrnss-
ment. Il assure you, -
1T is not money" interrupted Miss
Barton. icily; the next instant she bit
her lip with vexation.
'Then there Is something" cried
the major. Miss Barton. you--you are
locked outr" he declared with sudden
inspiration.
There was no answer.
"You arei"
Still no reply.
.syhat shamel" exclaimed the
major alphabetically. "But, never
mind --I'il have the janitor here in
short order. l saw him down to the
corner not five minutes ago"
And the major leaped down the
stairs two steps at a time. Ten min
utes later. flushed and disturbed, he
faced Miss Barton again,
Hes eone--the rascal" painted the
major. Totally disappeared into thin
air! But. Miss Barton. couldn't YOU
can't | do somethingi'
Miss Barton shook her head; then
she laid hold OF her courage with both
hands.
Il was going to Tarrytown,' she ex-
plnined. II would 80 now, only--my
dress is caught--in the door,"
my dear lady l--you poor thing Il
beg OF you, allow met" And The
major was down on his knees at her
side Juggling at the dress.
I'm afraid | shall-tear IT," he fal-
tered at last,
''Never mind If you do" returned
Miss Barton miserably.
"Oh, but-it would be a shame -
such pretty dressl"
In spite of herself Miss Barton
smiled. The pink In her cheeks de-
parted.
III you have a knife you might--cut
IT. she suggested family.
"Never" protested the major.
springing to his feet.
Suddenly the man Strengthened him
self and squared his shoulders-not
for nothing had the major been placed
Ia command Of men.
MY dear lady," he began authori-
tatively. there is only one thing to
be done but first I'm going to make
you comfortable" And he disappeared
into his own apartment.
When the major came back he had
an ottoman, three cushions. ana
book. A minute later In spite Of pro
tests. Miss Barton found herself seated
on the ottoman, the cushions at her
back against the door. and the book
In her hand.
'Now where Is Mrs. Todd?" de-
manded the major. I'm going for her
keys"
You can't find her She's shopping"
announced Miss Barton, tragically.
'Then wen stay here till she
comes" retorted the major. dropping
himself upon the topmost stair With
long sigh that certainly was not one
or discomfort.
Fortunately the hall was light. the
building being only three stories high
and having a big skylIeht In, the roof.
Also, fortunately but two families
lived on the floor above; and as men,
bers Of both had already passed Miss
Barton on their way out, there were
few curious eyes to be amazed at the
remarkable tete-a-tete on the middle
landing.
II was at noon that me major and
Miss Barton feasted gayly on chicken
sandwiches. hot coffee, cake. and ice
cream brought In BY the major from a
neIghboring restaurant and spread on
his mothers sewing
One. two. three hours passed. The
prisoner and her attendant talked,
read aloud. and told stories. At four
o'clock Mrs, Todd, coming quietly up
stairs, found the two deep In game OF
chess.
"For heavens sakei" calculated
Mrs. Todd. cIutching Al the balusters
with both hands-she Ind nearly
fallen backwards.
When explanations had been given,
the door opened. and the gray dress
released. ana when Mrs. Todd had dis
appeared Ia her own room, 1flss Bar
ton turned flushed face. TO the major. |
THANK YOU" She said. sYou--you
have been very kind. -
Miss Barton. I'm fighter; I'm not
diplomat. know no way except to
come strAiuIlt 70 the mint f>ncp ha