The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1926-06-11

hear anything" he answered after a
moment What did you think you
; heard?"
"Flossie's voice." the girl an
swered TREMENDOUSLY. Her eyes were
fixed on the door of one of the pri-
vate dining-rooms.
sob, fiddlesticksi You're imagfn-
ing things, Mary Rose, because you
are tired and nervous. Come along"
They had reached the swinging
door that opened into the yard when
she suddenly stopped again. Under
the dim light that hung there Tom
saw that her face was very white.
NO" she said, I'm going back.
know 1 heard Flossies voice in
that room. I'm sure she's in there"
Tom put his arm around her and
drew her out into the rainy dark.
ness. Honey, you're crazy. What
would Flossie be doing out here in
this dump2' he asked, almost lifting
her into his car. You'll see, she'll
be safe at home in bed when you
get there"
He jumped into the seat beside
her.
wait minute" Mary Roses
voice was sharp. She leaned for
ward, trying to pierce the darkness
with her eyes. She rubbed the
windshield with her hand.
tom, want you to go over to
the corner of the yard and see if
there S a big Dexter Eight stand
ing there. Will your she asked
I'll drive around that way on0ur
way out" Tom answered, and
started his motor. But what's the
big idea?"
The Dexter was still standing in
it's shadowy corner, its wet blue
sides and nickel trimmings cleaning
in the glow from Toms headlights
Mary Rose drew in her breath quick
ly as she saw it.
Tom" she said, THAT car be-
longs to Hilary Dexter"
We'll, what of it," Toms tone
was impatient. He wanted to get
away from the Pepper Pot, and out
on the lonely road, where he could
talk in peace to Mary Rose. HE
! has right to come here, hasn't
he?"
81 have an idea that F1ossie came
out here in. that car" the girls
voice went on unsteadily. IT thought
I heard her voice in one of those
little dining rooms off the hall
and now I'm sure of it. Tom, I'm
going back to get herr" She opened
the door of the car and jumped out
Tom followed her into the inn.
They stood there in the narrow,
dimly lighted hall, straining their
ears for sound. From one of the
little rooms there came a steady hum
Of voices. Then a girls high laugh
ter.
A waiter came down the hall, car
rying a bowl Of cracked ice. He
disappeared.
Then there was silence.
II don't know how you'd find Flos-
sic, even if you were sure she was
here" Tom whispered in Mary
Roses ear. you couldn't knock on
all these doors and ask for her"
He stopped abruptly as wild
Shrek of laughter rose in the room
nearest them. Then came the sound
of girls high voice. saying, shrilly:
"And what time does the big red
car leave for Oshkosh" Then more
laughter.
Mary Rose turned to Tom and
shook him by both of his shoulders.
did you hear that?'" she asked with
a sort of sob. 1T is Flossie! She's
in that room!"
With a single movement she
reached the door, pushed it open and
stood on the threshold. Three peo-
pie sitting at the table looked up at
her with startled eyes-Alice James,
Mr.. Dexter and man whom Mary
Rose had never seen before.
"Where's-?" she began, and just
then her eyes fell upon Flossie. She
was lying back in a big wicker chair
in. one corner of the room, tanning
herself with folded newspaper
Her eyes were closed and her face
was ashen.
''Is she sick?" Mary Rose looked
past the two men and spoke to Alice
James. "Is F'lossie sick?"
I'll say she's sick!" she answered
carelessly "She almost passed out
of the picture while ago, but shes
better now. Well, it's not my fault!
told her not to touch that crab
meat salad. Didn't I boys?"
Hilary Dexter and the unknown
man had risen to their feet. They
didn't seem to know what to do
! whether to go or stay.
Mary Rose met the eyes of the
president of the Dexter Company
squarely Then her glance swept the
table. 1T was Uttered with bits of
food, empty glasses and ginger ale
bottles. A gold vanity case marked
the place where Flossie had been
sitting.
Just then Flossie opened her
eyes and saw Mary Rose.
"Rosey," she said in a high un-
natural voice, take me home. I'm
so sick 1 could die!'
CHAPTER VII
Mary Rose went to her then, put
her arms around her, and smoothed
+, The little gold eurls back from her