The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1934-12-07
One Dark Night
BY BERTHA L. CROSS
G. Mcclure Newspaper Syndicate.
WNU Service.

her roadstand was on the main high
way; she should have taken Ned's
advie. Her husband had wanted to
buy a piece Of land on the main high
way, and she had protested against the
extra expense. Besides, her place was
on the road that led to the lake. Bush
ness had been good. But tonight 1t
was lonesome. Then, too, the police
call early In the evening had upset
her. Sailing all cars" always made
her anxious. Ned drove one Of them.
Calling all cars. Calling all cars.
Blockade all roads leading from Bing-
ham. Look for a green sedan, two
men. Big hold-up on the turnpike.
Proprietor of garage shot. Stand by
for instructions. Car No. IL take Par
sons road at four corners"
Anne had listened eagerly. Now as
she glanced uneasily at the clock, she
decided to close up. $500
Anne slipped her arms into her rain
coat and went outside to close the
shutters.
AS she struggled with them car
zoomed down the road, throwing her
into bold relief. It swung into the
yard and stopped. She saw it was
Ned's car and was about to call out
when man stepped out. Then an
other and still a third.
"Hey, Girl, give me bite to eat,
will you?" the taller one said. He
strobe up to the door. The second man
was more clearly revealed. 1t was
Ned. And to her amazement he gave
no sign Of knowing her. Instead he
trod closely on the heels of the tall
man and was in turn closely followed.
Anne, trembling with sudden terror
followed them. She was no fool Ned
had not wanted to be recognized. She
stilled the tumult in her breast and
stepped briskly behind the counter.
The three men sat on the stools, Ned
in the middle. Hamburger with
onion" said the tall man.
Ann forced herself to obey the or
der as casually as possible.
Il was just getting ready to close
up" she said pleasantly. "Coffee?"
''Sure. See you've got radio"
She turned and caught the CLINT of
his cold gray eyes. ut doesn't work"
she replied calmly.
He was trying to find out If she had
heard the call Under cover Of the
counter, she pulled the plug. The man
grunted as he turned the dial and
got no response. Then he fell to eat
ing. Anne's eyes glanced at Ned. He
avoided her gaze.
If only he would give her signl
What could she do? She noticed with
a shudder that each of Ned's guards
held one hand in his coat pocket She
was certain now that they had aban-
doned their car and were forcing her
husband to help them in getaway.
That meant danger.
Her eyes fell on the oil stove. The
oil suddenly gave little glug-glug. 1t
was almost empty. This was her
chance!
"Would- you men mind tending store
few minutes?" she said, laughing
little. II must fill up my bottle before
I go home"
Sure" the smaller man said gruffly.
"Always want to please the ladies'.
Hurry, will your" 81
Maybe could help?' said the taller
one, leering knowingly. "Need anyone
to keep you company, Sister?"
"Oh, thanks! No, guess I'd make
better time alone" dimpling coquettish-
ly. "The tanks downstairs"
Couldn't use her own telephone. Too
risky. She would have to run across
the road to Mrs. Messer's camp.
"Phone the police" she cried breath
lessly throwing open the door. "Tell
them the bandits and Ned are at my
stand. Hurryl' Like aowraith, she
was out again, swallowed up by the
night. a. i0e
As she entered the entry, she
smoothed back her heavy hair, wiping
off the mist. Taking a long breath,
she picked up full bottle and care
lessly sauntered in.
Everything all o. K?" she said
smiling into the taller mans eyes.
"All here! Guess Wen have another
cup f coffee"
AS she stepped forward, her sodden
shoes went squish The tall man
glanced up sharply.
How'd you git your feet wet goin'
down cellar?" he asked suspiciously.
Listen, Girl, If you try any funny
business"
"What are you talking aboutw she
retorted. sand what do you mean by
funny business?" pretending to be
peeved. Anyway, l don't like your
Tone"
"But your feet?"
"The cellars mud floor it's soaked
If you must know"
That wasn't good enough. She knew
it, for his eyes, cold and unbelieving
continued to bore into hers. She felt
her face blanching. He set down his
cup so hard 1t splashed over onto the
counter and reached over to the back.
The dangling radio cord gave her