The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-10-30
CHAPTER XVIII

w chicken and drank her coffee Ru
 pert told her some of the anus ing incidents of the sale he had at tended. There was new and friendly note in his voice and all her misgivings in regard to any connection he might have with the mysterious lights or the sinister looking man vanished. The evident anxiety which had marked his rather hurried departure was forgotten in the gay spirit of cameraderie that marked the hour. To Joan this unex- pected and intimate talk revealed the true nature of the man and she thanked her lucky stars a thousand times that she had stayed up late.
 As they fingered over their coffee. Rupert said, "How's Sonny behaving?
 "Oh, he's all right" answered Joan eagerly. You know we've had quite an exciting time l took him to town with me to do some shopping and then as a special treat we went to see wild animal movie.'
 I'm glad you get along so well with him." unused Rupert Poor little chap. I really feel he hasn't had d square deal altogether"
 But he's all right now" insisted Joan. You see he and l are great pals. He has even let me hold his baby mice in my hands," and Joan laughed quietly but merrily.
 "Oh. Miss Fairweather," reproached Rupert as he looked at her easnestly, you know you mustn't do things you don't like. I'll tell him you'd rather not have such pleasures"
 'Please don't" exclaimed Joan and there was Il note of -entreaty in her voice. Tt would break his little heart for he loves his pets, and besides when am q little used to have mice and I'm sure I'll soon get accustomed to handl- ing them again"
 | "But Miss Fairweather, I don't want your good nature imposed upon and if Sonny offers you any more pleasures of that order and you'd rather not ac- ccpt them, just suggest to him that perhaps I'd like them better than you"
 Joan smiled. Then noticing the time she jumped up quickly. T guess our party's nearly Over," she whispered. I'll wash the dishes and straighten things up. I think it's most discourag- ing to come down in the morning and find dishes to wash before breakfast"
 ''Oh, don't trouble" said Rupert, as Joan piled the dishes on the tray. Il know Rosanna wouldn't mind. How ever, if you persist, I'm going to help you put them away"
 But you shouldn't" protested Joan. There aren't many. Wouldn't you rather go and take q peep at Sonny?''
 I'll see him later" answered Ru- pert as he put the dishpan in the sink.
 In a few minutes the kitchen was again in shipshape order and Joan. after saying good night quietly tip-toed along the hall.
 Pleasant dreams whispered Rupert as she disappeared upstairs, while he entered his office and looked over the mail. There was nothing of vital i'm port so, lighting his pipe, he leaned back in his chair and gazed unseeing through vanishing clouds of smoke. He Lad had wonderful evening. He must write and tell Moberly how well Miss Fairweather was getting along. Then suddenly he drew his brows together What was that she had told him? Mrs. Love had called up and was coming out.
 At the moment he had paid scant at tention to the statement and accepted it without any comment, for he was enjoying the opportunity of getting ac- quainted with Miss Fairweather "Confound that woman." he exclaimed as his thoughts centered on the brief message Joan had given him. He did not actually dislike her, but somehow her arrival usually heralded some up set in the house. Well" he said as he arose. II guess she'll get along all right with Miss Fairweather. Per haps she was right after all about her predecessors"
 When Joan entered her room she dis covered she had turned her lights off at her desk and bed instead of at the switch near the door. As she groped her way through her room she sud denly saw in the darkness of outdoors the flashing of lights. Fastening to wards her window she flung herself down on her knees and leaning her ell