The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1927-04-01

He marched with. dignity out of the
tent Fyler kept up a.weak fire of
reproach. Christie was used to such
things on more subjects than one,
and only continued to listen silently.
What thoughts were in her mind, her
father, least of all. could have sur
missed. She gave him some refresh
ment presently, and he fell into an
uneasy sleep. That moment seemed
to rouse her from her apathy and sig
nalize her resolve.
She rose cautiously but hurrfedly.
caught up shawl that lay across her
cot, opened her little trunk, and
stealthily drew out a scarf.
Pausing, and looking at her father
only long enough to be sure he slept,
she carefully lowered the wick of the
lantern, blew out the light, and
stepped with as little noise as posi-
BILE to the tent door. Wrapping her
self in her shawl, and winding her
scarf about her head and neck, she
pushed open the fly and stood alone
out in the moonlight
Once started, Christie did not hest
tate. She walked swiftly along the
street, hardly knowing which way to
look in her quest, but determined to
follow 1T. The only place where she
hoped she might make a successful
inquiry was at the big barn; and to-
ward this she directed her steps.
She was being trailed, though she
did not realize it. Believing herself
unobserved and unseen, she pursued
her course, and it was only when
Bob Scott stepped out OF shadow
in front of her that she was fright
ened.
"Were you looking for somebody,
lady?' he asked 81
Christie jumped, but Scott's inof-
fensive manner treasured her. She
had seen him in company with Sell
wood at the store, and some instinct
told her he meant no harm.
81 am looking for some one"
"Who is it,"
'.He's the superintendent Of the
freighting line.'
81 guess know who you mean. He
was down to see your father tonight"
"Oh, she cried in confusion. II
don't mean Mr.. Starbuck."
Scott was confident. II don't,
either. You mean John Selwood. If
you do want to see him, / think 1 can
find him. But I'll have to be gone
few minutes. Now, here's the barn"
he pointed to the big structure
close at hand. eff you'd walk down
with me and wait a few minutes in
the office, I'll have him here"
Still IN fear and trembling, Christie
accompanied her guide to the barn
office. Two formidable-looking dogs
rushed to the door as Scott opened
it. Admonishing them, he turned with
a quiet grin A lighted lantern on the
desk revealed the interior to Christie.
"If you can sit here for five minutes"
said Scott, "these dogs will guard
you better than anybody in Sleepy
Cat could do it. Just pet them a lit
tle." Christie made friends cautious
ly with the two dogs. 1--WE call one
Chloe" explained Scott, "and this is
Sweetheart. They're Mr.. Selwoods
favorite wagon dogs-half bull and
half mastiff- if anybody tries to
come into this Office while Pm gone,
they'll eat 'em up. Are you willing
to wait with them?"
Christie smiled rather mournfully.
II suppose can't help it," she said
uneasily. "Please hurry"
Scott lost no time in getting to Sell
wood, whom he found at his desk
The Indian whispered to him. Sell
wood seized his hat, followed Scott
out the back door and the two, singly,
and walking in different directions
Joined Christie.
Chloe and Sweetheart, barking
furiously, sprang up to be fondled
when Selwood opened the door. Scott
took the dogs outside, and Selwood
turned to Christie. 1--WE been looking
everywhere for you-and if | hadn't
seen Mr.. Scott, / never should have