The Daily Alaska empire., 1932-02-26

was forced to sweep her skirts tc avoid contact. She came on. Rock could not determine whether or not her face was beautiful, but he cer- tainly imagined 1t was. The mo- mensary halting of the party, evil dently to choose a direction, brought this Colonial masquerader so close to Rock that he meant to step for ward and allow her more room. But she seemed to be looking at him, though her eyes were hardly discernfble. He felt suddenly root ed to the spot.
 They turned, some of them laugh ing. and the wonderful girl in white pressed close to Rock in passing, still apparently gazing at him. As the soft, fluffy, perfuned gown swept him. Rock felt a hand touch his slip folded paper into his palm with quick pressure. Then she passed and he leaned there staring. She vanished with the others.
 Rocks trembling fingers tight ened on the paper. It was 8 note That girl had been Thiry. In one glance she had pierced his dis guise. And he had been far indeed from returning the compliment What joke on him
 Rock peered into his palm at the note, then rushed off to find light by which he could read it. All the swinging lights were Chinese lan- terms end those stationary on the walls were dimmed by colored pa- per. Finally he found one under which he thought he could discern the writing, and here, after a keen glance around, he opened the note Dear Trueman.
 I will know you the instant l lay eyes on you. Will you me? I am in terrible fear, but will come to the dance, cost what it may.
 Ash is in town, hiding. I do no. know what he means. It may ba there is some other reason for his action. Allie and I will go to tho Farrells' to dress and come with their crowd.
 Ash never saw my great-grand mothers wedding dress He won't recognize me, when he comes. For he will cornel You must keep close watch over me, else would not dare take the risk. He is capable of stripping me before the crowd I will dance with the Farrell boys a little-the rest with you. I shall not stay until they unmask. l want to go before he knows me. You must take me away before that.
 It may be madness. But I let my heart become set on this one dance. I grow furious at the thought of giving it up. I don't know myself of late. I will cone-if only to-
 THIRY.
 Rock did not draw a breath dur ing his swift perusal of this note. Then he gasped-and devoured ii again. Though he could not believe he was awake the words were there on white paper, in ink, clear and firm, in even. beautiful script. What did they betray? He could not subdue his pounding heart, but he strangled the leaping, whirling rapturous thoughts. Her letter be- trayed terror, yet woman's will ful longing for freedom, a little joy of youth She asked his protec- tien. Thiry PreSton-who not long before had begged him to leava her!
 Lastly, she did not know herself She would come, if only to-Tc whatl Rock storned at his insane ! hopes.
 1 Rock placed the note inside his vest and strode back toward the corridor, his breast throbbing, his head high, his step buoyant, his nerves vibrant.
 As he entered the corridor, ThirY lcame out of a door halfway down . and seemed to float toward him They met, both aware of others present. Rock, removing his hat made her an elaborate bow.
 Lady from Virginia, I salute you" he said gallantly.
 sir Knight of the Gard Table, she replied, and offered her hand.
 Rock ciasped it, and kissed il with the old-fashioned courtesy dut the character she personified. But they acted no more. She seemed silently confused as he led her tC the patio. There. in the stibduec glow of the lanterns they were comparatively alone.
 "Thiry! You paralyzed me-" ht said, at length. T didn't know you I I didn't know you. ;. And, oh how lovely you look"
 She murmured her thanks. The, stood under an archway beside tht fountain. The falling water tihklet