Carolina watchman. [volume] (Salisbury, N.C.) 1871-1937, 1933-04-07
GTM. INC
Fourth Installment

she realized-older, and wiser. His
dark eyes had heavy, dropping lids
and his mouth a slightly one-sided
twist to the full lips. The nose
was straight and clean cut, his chin
narrow, while, like Neil, his face
was evenly tanned. He was dress
ed in golf toys and had an unmis-
taxable air of smartness about him.
81 called up while you were as
leep," he went on, pulling out a
silver cigarette case did Roxie tell
you? This morning." Without tax
ing eyes from her, he put two Gig
arettes between his lips and lighted
them expertly, both from the same
flame. Extinguishing the match
with a quick shake of his hand, he
offered her one of the Cigarettes.
From his automatic manner, it was
plain that this was an accepted
procedure.
"I -. l don't are for any
now," faltered Joyce making no
move to take the cigarette and sur
reptitously attempting to push her
chair farther back, away from him.
He was so close that it seemed to
her he must be able to look right
through her eyes and read her con-
fused thoughts.
"For Heavens sake, Frills what's
the matter? Better smoke; your
nerves need steadying. How do you
feel?"
"Well, I have a headache, natur-
ally and I feel sort of shak-
en- up replied Joyce, dropping her
eyes before his ardent gaze.
"You're damn lucky it's not
worse" he remarked forcefully,
what you need is'a good stiff drink
right now, and Pm going to give II
to you. Got some real Canadian
rye here, some Jake Townsend got
me-" He drew out a large silver
flask, unscrewed and filled the tor
and handed it to her. She accepted
it without protest, silently. Per
haps it would help steady her ner-
YES.
Raising the flask high in one
hand, he placed his other hand on
her knee, and pressing it with a
sudden strong clasp that made her
vince, he exclaimed softly, "Here's
to Frills, the most marvellous girl
in the world"
Joyce smiled an embarrassed &C
acknowledgement and gulped, the
liquor down hastily.
Feel better?" he inquired, still
watching her closely, lord, Frills,
| was in a torment till l found out
you weren't seriously hurt! If Mel!
doesn't take Fire Queen away
where you can't get at her, Pm
going to do it myself. That beast
ought to be killed, and you know
it. If you weren't such a stubborn
little devil, you'd admit it."
Joyce now knew without doubt
that this man was Matt" His as
sured tone sent a tremor of appre-
nensive terror through her.
Did Neil get away this morn
ing?" he asked, Ticking ashes from
his cigarette.
"Oh, yes"
81 was afraid he might cut out
the trip on account of your acct
dent and do us out of our bit.
You'll be all right to go with the
crowd Wednesday,"
Joyce's heart sank. Go where.
"Oh, no, l can't. ...I...
don't feel up to going anywhere.
-" she answered quickly.
Frank p~erplexity mingled with
real alarm swept over the mans
face. Judas, you act queer this
morning! Never knew you so quiet
and SO queer.
Joyce was thinking desperately,
II must get rid of him. I can't
stand much more of this sort of
thing. I've got to do some
thing quick. I'll make use of a lit
tie Temperament | guess"
She jumped to her feet and ex-
claimed, "Oh, let me alone! Can't
you see Pm sick? And if you don't
like it, you can -. you can -.
she faltered, her burst of courage
evaporating suddenly, and she
turned toward the door, her one
thought to escape.
Il can go to HE'LL" supplied
Maitland. He laughed, without
rancor, and looked relieved. Fine!
That sounds more like you, darl-
ing
He followed her with long
strides into the living room. Joyce
confident now that he understood
he had been dismissed and was a.