Evening star., 1927-11-09
THE BLACK JOKER
BY ISABEL OSTRANDER.
Continued from Yesterdays star1

"Never mind that now" Firm fin
gers touched the limp wrist of her
free hand, and Affords voice came
smoothingly to her ears. Frank, you
have a flask. haven't you? l think
Miss Dane needs little strength"
A burning liquid poured down her
throat and she swallowed spasmod-
lcally, and then relaxed while a tin
Cling warmth stole through her veins.
She was too utterly exhausted to Won
der any more. That those who had
attacked them were cohorts OF Nor
man she had no doubt, but her brain
reeled when the thought of Philip
Marriott came to her.
She had last seen him going down
the steps Of his house and away in
the limousine with the golden-haired
woman. Perhaps. knowing that their
purpose had failed, they had even now
arranged to leave the country. Janet
hoped so. fervently; she hoped that
never again would she see his face.
hear the mention OF his name: She
wanted only Daddy.
The momentary weakness had been
exercised and she started up, glanc-
ing about her. On either side sat
Durant and Afford and, moving eau
tiously about through the under
growth. Four of Clubs appeared to be
reconnoltering. when through the belt
of shrubbery from the direction of the
great house Nat came plouGhing his
way.
There you are. folks he cried ex-
citedly. big doins up at Daneholm.
Reckon they done scotch EN- like rat.
tleSnakes, and a bunch OF fellers
march in the gales just now from that
train that was switched to a Sidin
Its all oveh now. 'ceptin just little
scrmmage and then it'll be safe for
us to go on in
I'm all right here" Janet glanced
from one to the other of them. Don't
you want 10 go to my fathers assist.
ance, if he's having trouble? You can
come back for me-
They shook their heads and Durant
replied firmly:
NO, our instructions were to guard
you, and your father doesn't need us.
l don't hear any more shots, but per-
haps we had better make for the cover
of the bath houses and wait there.
We don't want that posse after US be-
fore explanations are in order. Feel
equal TO it now, Miss Dane?"
Janet assented and strove to rise,
but weakness overcame her and she
would have fallen back if once more
the tall farmer had not caught her up
in his arms.
IN carry her" he announced
briefly. Lead the way, one of you.
and never mind the path-take the
shortest way"
The girls head dropped upon his
shoulder and her .eyelids dropped. She
could feel the jogging motion as they
trotted onward, but an utter helpless.
ness enyeloped her. If she could ONLY
retain consciousness. just keep on
breathing until she could see Daddy's
lace, feel his arms about her.
But the jogging, jerking motion had
stopped and she was gently lowered
to a concrete bench in a small. high
walled enclosure where a small foun.
tain played. Low settees and little
tables We're scattered about and be.
yond stretched the empty swimming
pool, its drained, shelving bottom
cleaning whitley in the sun.
From the direction of the house
there came now low, rising murmur.
Dut there had been no more firing. and
Nat went again to survey the scene.
won't have to deliver your mes
sage. Janet put out her hand weakly
to Afford. Perhaps you haven't failed
after all"'
He smiled sadly.
There's no possible question of
that. my dear. | shall only get you
10 your father and make my report
and then my usefulness is over. Don't
think Of that now, though: courage
!or a 1eW minutes more and you will
be-"
The words died on his lips. for run.
md 1a
concrete structure appeared a woma n
with gray hair streaming in the breeze
and vague, high-pitched cries issuing
from her colorless lips. Janet shrank
back in amazed horror, wondering who
the dreadful creature could be as she
ned past and disappeared through the
little arched gateway.
With question on her lips the girl
turned to Durant, but before she could
speak Nat came rushing back.
It's all right now, folks he cried,
THE ways clear, Want l should tote
Miss Janet now?"
But between them Afford and
Durant helped her to her feet.
Il can walk" she said. II want to,
please. My-my father"
They guided her through the gate
way and with Nat and the farmer be.
hind traversed the winding path, past
the golf course and toward the wide
side entrance of Daneholm. No one
was visible there, but beyond, toward
the strip Of woods rising to the rolling
hills, vague figures were moving back
and forth. They halted at sight of
the little procession, converged for a
moment In wonder and then ran to-
ward them, but Janet scarcely noticed
them.
The door on the terrace had opened
and group OF people issued-men in
sober, dark clothing with here and
there the CLINT of gold braid in the sun
and behind them a woman, alone.
Janet had eyes for only one figure
however. 1t had leaped to the front
flung its arms over its head and then
dashed toward them-a figure Of sub.
stantial girth, yet singularIy 1.-the and
agile despite the touch Of silver in it's
hair, and a keen, rugged face alive
with yearning affection.
Janet drew herself from the SUD.
porting arms OF her two protectors
and tottered forward. The earth was
rocking beneath her feet, darkness
was closing in upon her, but through
1t she saw that face close-close.
Daddy" she cried, with a little run.
ming sob Ain her tones, Daddy, it's
safe. I've brought il to you"'
CHAPTER III
The Gray Glove Treaty.