The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1932-12-31

Anyhow, she couldn't help it. She
couldn't shout across the table
Tom, you're mistaken! It isn't
Marvin-it's DeVos!"
The meal was a nightmare. How
she managed to keep from scream
ing aloud, from flying into violent
Mysteries as it proceeded on its
chatty, informal course she never
understood.
Fortunately ghost Of their first
evening arose to keep conversation
animated and to absolve her of
much responsibility. Some blithe,
ofhand statement of Shaugh-
nesseys aroused Mr.. Statlander's
controversial craving for accuracy.
A spirited argument ensued, into
which both Tom and Marvin even
tually we're drawn. Its vehemence,
however, lacked the acrimony of
that dreadful dinner party three
nights before, when poor Cousin
Amos served as finder to the ready
anger of all thu Others.
No. not quite all-certainly SO far
as the furious discussion was con-
cerned. Her mind flashed back and
she saw again the still, contemptu-
Gus look of the man on her right,
heard the cool venom of his tone.
I'VE did those things better-the
Congo"
The words rang through her
brain, and this time her control
quiyered dangerously. If she should
SCRANTON wouldn't understand.
There'd be troubleAand it might
warn him.
She laughed TREMENDOUSLY, elicting
a look Of startled inquiry from Mr..
Statlander who seemed to have
been reading her a homily on the
weakness of modern house con-
struction.
on the steps came a light,
quick tread. She felt she would
have known its owner anywhere, for
all she had heard it so little.
Something poised, something cat
like about 1.-THE step of tall.
graceful, agile man, in perfect con-
troll of every muscle and nerve of
his highly trained, beautiful body.
Then she saw her husband, turn
ing from Marvin with an air of sus-
pended interest, look up and start
some commonplace remark. Behind
her, in the doorway, she could feel
the graceful figure of the Belgian,
ready now to leave.
Suddenly Toms whole body
tensed. Half-rising, he fumbled his
napkin, dropped it to the floor. and
stopped to pick it up. Incredibly
nobody but herself seemed to feel
the air of Suspense-the horrible
lowering of terror. Tom stood up
little pale, she thought, rather
than flushed by STOPPING, but quite
himself.
In fact, the smile he flashed at
the newcomer was almost more
warm and welcoming than an ordi-
nary greeting.
BE right with you, De Vos," he
said, and through his voice ran the
same vibrant tone.
Suddenly she heard the beat of
drums, the martial music that sends
men forth to battle. You're ready?
Good! Linda, excuse me a mo-
ment--"
Then at last his eyes were to-
ward her, and from her own flashed
all the agonized warning she could
put into a look. He's the one!"
her eyes said.
Unbelievably, miraculously, in
Toms eyes she saw the same words,
He's the one!"
Then, the imperceptible second of
warning over, Tom walked out the
door with that 1.-THE, lifting swing
of his shoulders that again started
the ring of battle music in her
brain.
Fighting the impulse to spring up
and walk beside hint would hurt
more than it would help-she heard
his voice, steady. friendly, apollo
getic.
"Sorry-I'l have to keep you
waiting just moment, De Vos.
ran out the sedan, but I'm not
satisfied with the way the engine
misses and 1 think we'd better take
the little roadster.
mo, don't bother-the roads
dusty and the grass is damp. I'll
run her back here in jiffy. Just
wait at the door"
DUT it was more than a jiffy be-
D fore Linda, every nerve alert,
heard the scrunch of gravel under
arriving wheels.