The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1926-01-08
CHAPTER Continued

sb Y blame me- and not you. That's
Yin sending the yacht back-to
get e servants-taking. the response
bility upon myself. you See Mr.. Cut
Ter may rave and tear around. but hell
quiet down. How's the medicine work
ing? Did Alster say?"
mo, he doesn't tell me much I
don't know. But Miss Alice is worried
about her uncle-more than about the
servants"
TOO bad-for her sake"
There was genuine sympathy in the
voice. and Marie turned quickly and
glanced at him.
why should you be sorry for her?"
she asked. with awakening jealousy.
"Why! -Oh, no reason Whatever"
Blake stammered Then hating abb
ruptly. he added. I'VE must go back
now. You're lucky If you can reach
your room without disturbing Miss
Alice"
"Why go in?" Marie murmured. 1.-THE
moon is beautiful"
Yes, but it's getting late. Come
now. you must leave. I'll see you to
the door, No, wen say good night
here"
1t was perfunctory kiss he gave
her. but 1t awakened slumbering emo
lions in the girl. She flung both arms
around his neck, and drawing his head
down lavished kiss after kiss on his
lips, cheeks and forehead.
You're my man." she said emotion
ally. You love me, and love you. If
you ever love any other woman I'd
die. No, I'd kill her-kili you! I'm
pat kind, Allan. You understands
Don't make a scene Marie" re-
I'd Blake, trying awkwardly to dis
A6ege the arms around his neck. ''This
o time for such talk. OF course
owe each other"
Are you sure-quite sure?" she de-
lded Unexpectedly. looking him in
eyes,
What a question:" he said rebuk-
". why do you ask it?''
Because" she replied slowly,
metimes think you-you care for
Mss Alice-and If you had the money
bu would rather have her than me-"
"The moonlight must have affected
your brain, Marie he laughed un-
easily. II can't imagine what else put
such notion in your head. have to
be pleasant and companionable to Miss
Alice. / owe 1t to her because of my
position with her uncle. That's all
there is TO it."
Either satisfied by this explanation
or unwilling to pursue the subject
further, Marie nodded. and they re-
traced their steps to the front door of
the gloomy house. Dick waited until
they had disappeared, and then drew
a long breath of surprise.
Things are getting as muggy and
thick as the weather." he reflected
aloud land that's saying a good deal,
for there'll be storm before morn
ing"
This prediction proved true, and
within half an hour the rain fell Dick
hurried down to the dock and found
shelter In a boathouse filled with ca
noes and catamarans. In one Of the
former he curled up and fell asleep.
1t was morning when he woke. The
sun was shining directly In his eyes,
pouring through an open doorway in
which stood figure that he did not
instantly recognize. 1t was apparent
from her eyes and face that she had
seen him first, and had been obviously
watching him as he slept.
"Hello!" he said, sitting up with a
grin and blinking at the strong rays of
sunlight. "You got the surprise on me.
was out late last night. What time
is it?"
Its early" was the calm reply, $50
YOU needn't apologize. The suns just
up"
"You rise with 1t? he added. recog-
nizing the speaker for the first time.
Alice ,Cutler nodded She was
dressed in an athletic outing suit, with
her hair confined In a jaunty cap.
'Yes." she replied. Il generally rise
with the sun when down here. and
take a paddle before breakfast"
Dick intercepted hers glance, and
smiled. 'And I'm In your canoe" he
said. ITS the one you wanted. isn't
it?n
YES" she replied gravely when he
attempted to climb out. "But never
mind I'don't think I'll take paddle
this morning."
Il hope finding me here isn't going
to spoil your mornings sport. I'll leave
right away"
She SAT down on an overturned row.
boat placing her feet squarely on the
t5r of the boathouse to give her body
pport. and in this attitude she re-
iped silent for few moments while
got to his feet and prepared to
bit, pleased" she commanded.
re the fisherman who rescued my
rom the river three days ago,