The Daily Alaska empire., 1933-11-08

The horrid little wretch giggled again. r
 You know"-with a burst of frankness-"I didn't really twist 1t at all. Jock was such beast, wouldn't go with him. Come on and walk. Caroline"
 Caroline opened the door and jumped out.
 "What rubbish you do talk. Kitty!"
 Kitty flung a vigorous arm round her waist and began to dance her along.
 You said that exactly like a school-ma'm If you're not fright fully careful, you'll get elderly be- fore. you know where you are. l do loathe elderlies! think people ought to be poisoned off at twenty five. Don't you?"
 Caroline couldn't help laughing.
 That would only give me another three years"
 DO you mean to say you're twen- ty-two? How grim! And you're not even engaged?" If get out of this, we'll get mar ried" .. Jim's voice and Jim's words came back to pierce her heart. For a moment she couldn't speak. Then she turned back towards the car.
 I'm sorry Kitty, but don't want to walk any more"
 Something in her voice stopped Kitty's flow of talk. l y walked back across the darkened field. And then, just as they came up to the car. someone moved between them and the hedge.
 "Hi, Jock-is that you?" There was relief in Kitty's tone. DUT it was Jim Randal's voice ID that answered.
 I'm afraid I'm not Jock"
 As he spoke. he opened the cars farther door and got in.
 Caroline got in too. She switched on the lights and leaned sideways to say.
 Why don't you go and sit in your car, Kitty? You'll fird it warmer"
 She turned back and pressed the starter. Kitty stood clear. It was really the most frightful jest. She only wished she could see their faces.
 What's the matter?" said Jim.
 "She won't start" i "She oughtn't be so cold. Shall I tickle the carburetor?"
 Please"
 Kitty was in ecstasies. She came nearer. and inquired in muffied voice,
 What's up?"
 "It's all right-shell start now" l Caroline pressed the starter again. It whirred. but there was no re- spense from the engine.
 Jim Randall went round to the front of the car and began to crank her vigorously. The little car bumped and rocked. The engine re- mained lifeless.
 He came to the far window pres ently.
 Have you got a torch?"
 "No."
 "Jock has," said Kitty, leaning on the door again. She lifted her voice in piercing scream. Jock! Hi! Jo-ock!"
 "Coming!" Jock Anderson's voice came from the other side of the hedge. He called again, and turned the corner, running.
 Caroline's heart went as dead as Jemimas engine. What was behind all this?
 Hi. Jock!" said Kitty. "Caro- lines car won't start. Where's your torch?"
 | A brilliant beam of light cut the darkness and played on Jim Ran dals face. Caroline saw something written on it which she did not un. derstand. Now, when everything was going wrong he looked as she had not seen him look this side of seven years-gay. confident. and ready to meet the world.
 Sorry" said Jock Anderson. He turned the beam of his torch away.
 Caroline felt weak and helpless, and she wanted to cry. She heard an exclamation from Jim. He came back to the window.
 Caroline, it's no go." | "What's the matter?"
 It's the coil. We'll have to ask for a lift.". 4
 She switched off the lights and got out on his side. For a moment they stood close together between the car and the hedge. In that mo ment his hand covered hers and pressed it hard.
 She put her lips to his ear. She said in soundless whisper.
 That boy is Jock Anderson, the Chief Constable's nephew. There's something wrong" l (CO.D-!qht f933 J. B. Lippincott Co.,.