The Daily Alaska empire., 1934-03-21
Chapter Eight THE PICNIC

JUDITH waited while Tom Bevins J regained his composure. She had tried. to lead up to Cla's. message. gently, but the name of Lampere seemed to startle him.. "I never did trust that man, indy" he remarked at length, you know we retained that firm because of Norman's father. then when he died before Norman was admitted 10 the bar, Lampere took over our work Tell me what you know"
 Judith related what Clia had over heard and when she concluded, the big man nodded his head-"he's seen a chance to make quick money exploiting the land he needs 1t. Judith" as a steward appeared, keep this quiet won't you. don't say anything to Norman. How about your friend? Can you trust her?"
 Absolutely"
 They went below to dinner, Judith aware of the frigid condemnation in Mrs. Bevins' eyes for delaying the host. She found herself seated be tween two of Norman's friends who sought to make up for the lack of kindliness shown by her hostess.
 But at length the boat docked and Norman, his mother and Clia whisked Judith home to her apart. ment.
 Have big rest" Norman admon' ished. "Ill be around here about noon tomorrow or today. rather Want to take you on picnic; then we'll go home and have dinner with mother Is that agreeable to you?"
 "Of course.' agreed Judith. part. ing reluctantly from his embrace; i; any program which included him was more than agreeable.
 She walked out on the under sung jaw" of her attic after he had left. The janitor had kept her pot ted shrubs and flower boxes watered and weeded. She stretched out in a wicker chair and looked up into the velvety blackness of the sky where stars !. the color of Mathile's hair
 .. seemed neatly appliqued.
 Mathile loved Norman. Norman s partner Lampere was trying to hurt bis Tom |. Norman was going to marry her, mere stenographer She should stay and protect Big Tom. Women . stenographers and newspaper women . were quicker to sense dishonesty, than big bluff honest men. s't.-t q
 But she loved Norman and she couldn't go on being stenographel and have him too q. now that she had promised.
 She yawned at the velvety sky made a face at the stars which looked like Mathile Bevins hair wondered how girl like that coulC belong to a man like Tom 3evins wandered indoors. dropped the ruf fled dress and sheath of foam Clia Lad Insisted was petticoat. paweo sleepily through a drawer for 6 nightdress, donned it and tumblec into bed.
 HOW does this appeal to you as l a picnic spot?"
 Norman had brought his roadster to stop at the foot of an oak-cov cred knoll Judith. looking up from under the wide brim of starcheo linen hat, felt a queer tug at hel heart as she saw the knoll. the two stalwart old oaks topping it, the lazy stream meandering around it's hase to far meadow.
 Perfect" answered Judith. She ran ahead of Norman, who carried hampers and rugs. and at the tor ol the knoll stopped entranced- Norm <. look you can see the city skyline .. oh it's love of place l wonder who owns it."
 ''l do" answered Norman, spread ing a rug at the foot of an oak. ther seeing the rapt expression of Jud ith's face. Judy. would you couid you consider il as home site, l know you business girls prefer apartments want to be around where things are doing. won't be able to afford car for you fol awhile and it might be lonely unti we had neighbors but"
 Norman I'd love it. Even stenog raphers like a wee bit of nature y'know." she chided.
 Perfect stenographers." he cor rected. then Judy. see that swalt down there. that's where 1 used tt go frog hunting and that creek you'd be surprised at the size of the fish caught in there And see thal decrepit old oak. the one leanins