The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1933-11-17
CHAPTER Iv-Continued

q
Then Sniff recalled that Charles had
warned her to be on her guard against
such an occasion. This man was a
reporter, subtle and insinuating in
terviewer who had got wind of her
unusual occupation, and she was not
inclined to be interviewed.
In an instant she was on her feet.
ssThe door is just behind you" she
told him.
He cast a deliberate glance toward
It. swell, it isn't going to run off"
he rejoined. II fancy I can always
make my getaway And there are
some things that l want to know that
I'm going to ask you. came here
for that. then l lost my nerve. Now
I've got 1t back again."
''You certainly have" Sniff agreed
fervently, "all the nerve in the world"
Despite his remark about getaway,
which she recognized as in character
for q gunman, she had definitely
abandoned that theory. This was a
new genus to her but he was not q
desperate.
"Are you reporter?" she inquired,
now considering the alternative theory.
s'No," said the man.
ssThen why should you wish to Ques-
ton mel"
'Tsn't it your job to answer quesr
tions?"
'You mean that you want to consult
me professionally? In that case, go
back to the waiting room and Ill send
for you when I'm ready"
'T-I'd really like to oblige," the
man hesitated, shut 1 don't see how I
could, even If there was any sense in
it. I'd be taking a risk Of losing my
nerve again and running away. And
only actually need your advice on
one point"
Buttons appeared bearing tray on
which were glass Of water, an apple
and the sandwiches.
Smif eyed the food lovingly, as did
the man.
"Jove, I'm starving" he said, "can't
he buy me some like those? I could
eat one of yours while he's gone.
CATCH" He tipped a number Of coins
in quick succession at Buttons, who
caught them cleverly and, with grin
on his freckled face, made off without
waiting for orders.
Feeling that the situation had now
gone quite beyond her control. Smif
mutely held out the plate. Her self
invited guest helped himself and took
large bite before speaking.
"Swell sandwiches" he mumbled.
@You live high. don't you?"
In her interest In this new speci-
men Of humanity, Sniff forgot her hum
ger and watched her visitor help HIM
self to another sandwich, the first hav-
ing disappeared, as she declared after
ward. alike a conjurers rabbit,
ado have a sandwich" he invited
her Hospitality, SELLING the fast empty
ing plate from her hands and offering
It to her. II can recommend them,
and it's a mystery to me how some
women get along eating nothing the
way they seem to-while there are
others who never stop eating" he
added as an afterthought.
What did one do to put in his place
Nan utter stranger who, invaded ones
office and wolfed ones lunch? Smif
acknowledged that she did not know
and, accepting his invitation to have
one of her own sandwiches, munched
companionably, regarding him ap-
pralsingly the while.
Aside from the pin, his attire was
conventional. A little on the loud side
perhaps. but well cut and becoming.
His shoes excellent. His hands, by
which she was given to judging char
acter, were lean, nervous, strong.
Well proportional. too, the fingers
neither long nor short, the nails well
cared for but not polished. The hands
Of man Of taste. she decided, and
then smiled broadly as he continued to
eat her sandwiches with relish. The
word struck her as peculiarly appro-
pirate In the circumstances.
Her gaze then Travelled to his face.
Any prejudice she might have had
was rapidly melting away and she
found It an interesting study.
"You can have that sandwich" she
volunteered, weakly giving way to the
instinct innate in every woman from
the time Eve shared her only apple
with Adam, to feed the male of the
species Buttons will be here soon
with more"
"Sure you don't want itr' he In
IQuired as nursery manners dictated,
land took 1t eagerly. while she went on
with her mental apnraIsal.