The Daily Alaska empire., 1929-12-24
6y
 S1SaAsA sls 2 MQhaM P0nda

toward the door. "If you're hungry I'll go hurry her"
 No. No; please don't" objected Chase. He gained the hall dool first. T left most important sliI of paper with Miss Prescott, anc the half hour will give me time te get it. But don't wait for me il I'm detained"
 Don't hurry supper" he said maybe we'll all be late tonight.
 The housekeeper's heated objec- ton died unspoLen as she caught Obadiah's stern expression.
 And, Debby, stand by to answer the phone, no matter at what houS it rings"
 Turning on his heel, Obadiah was in time to open his front door be- fore the knocker fell again. Well, well, come on it." he ex- claimed cordially at sight of the little botanist. Here, let me take that bag" observing Aquila Chase's tired and bedraggled appearance.
 Careful, Obadiah" caution e d Chase, as the farmer tossed the canvas bag down on the hall table.
 T wouldn't have anything hap pen to that specimen of the green fringed orchis. Do you mind talk ing me in for the night?"
 Glad to-" responded the farmer with flattering warmth. You can have your old room and your broth CT the one next to it."
 My brotherl" Chase stumbled over a footstool which the house. keeper had put at the foot of the stairs, intending to carry it to her room on her next trip there. Phi lander?"
 Sure; he's been looking for you all day." and as the other started up the staircase: Your brothers over a Yew Lodge"
 "Ohl" Chase wiped all traces Of dust and perspiration from his face and returned his handkerchief to his pocket. "Ill walk over there and join him"
 But, I say, supper"
 Don't keep it for me- In his haste to be gone Chase jostled against the hall table and in so doing knocked his specimen bag to the floor e.
 It was Obadiah who stopped and picked it, up as the botanist shot out of the door and up the path The bag had been insecurely fas- tened and most of it's contents had fallen out.
 With the methodical habits of a lifetime, Obadiah found dustpan and brush and removed the soil from the floor. He shook his head over the plant, then, securing pail, set it in it, first adding some water.
 After the task was completed, he entered the best parlor and opened the top drawer of the highboy. His search proving futile, he took out the contents of the drawer, dump ing them on the sofa, went through them thoroughly, but with the same result-the automatic pistol holster he was looking for was not there.
 Julia's conscience pricked her and she hurried along Mohawk Lane with ever increasing speed. Nc matter how enticing the prospect Iof hot doughnuts, she should not have left Miss Peggy for so long a time,
 I Her gait became almost a run as she came in sight of Yew Lodge and her haste proved her undoing. Tripping over the same tree root which had caused Obadiah Evans to measure his length on the ground one stormy night, Julia fell prone.
 Getting hastily to her feet, she gathered up the doughnuts in her apron, which she still wore under her light coat, for the dish was broken in a dozen pieces. It was not the dish, however, that caused Julia concern, but the loss of her key to the front door. She had taken it out of her pocket to have 1t handy. The key had slipped from her grasp as she threw out her hand to save herself. But where had 1t fallen?
 Julia hunted about in the tall grass. but the light was growing dim and she failed to locate it. Pshaw, why bother longer; Miss Peggy would let her in. Fastening to the front door, she rang the elec- tric bell; then she rang it a second time; then third time-no answer She. could hear the bell in Che stillness-then why didn't Miss Peggy let her in?
 Waxing impatient, Julia banged the brass knocker up and down. Still Miss Peggy did not come. The maid paused for second. then, running around the house, she tried the kitchen door, beating upon it more and more vigorously. Getting no response, Julia tore around to the veranda and tried the living room door; it also was locked and