The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1934-09-28
CHAPTER III-Continued

She turned to wave her hand before
she entered the path to the back door,
opened it in response to a soft,
cushiony:
"Come IMP
The kitchen was gay with blue and
white checked gingham curtains at the
plant-filled windows, a blue and white
linoleum on the floor, blue pots and
pans arranged on the shelves. Spot
less town, If ever there was one.
"Glad you've come, Miss Prue.
cut that bokay for you. Wasn't that
Rod Gerard with you? / wonder
what's keeping him in this part of the
country so late in the season."
HE is looking after his timber"
"Lors! l hope he and Galloway
won't get into trouble again. Lens
been jealous of Roddy since they were
boys, when little Milly Gooch, the cir
Gus folks kid, was always turning
down Walt and Len for him. Len
thought twas because Rods folks
were rich and fine family, but what
did the child care for that? She just
about worshipped Roddy. Then there
was bad feeling between the two be-
fore Lon went west. He gets terrible
ugly If he's crossed. I'm afraid he'll
get the best of Rod, who's easy-going."
"Why not warn Mr.. Gerard? He
could escape before anything rough
happens to him. It's good flying
weather"
Now, Miss Prue, don't you make
fun of Rod"
I'm not making fun of him; on the
contrary, 1 am thinking of engaging
him as my legal adviser"
Then you've got another think COM
ing to you"
Prudence wheeled Her eyes wild
ened as they met the dark, near-set
eyes of Galloway, leaning against the
door frame
Understand Miss Schuyler, that if l
cut your timber, deal with you, with
you and no one else. Gerard will keep
out of my business or I'll know the
reason why. He stepped between me
and a girl once beforehand it's for
the last time"
Prudence regarded him from under
sweeping lashes. Just why are you
inflicting me with the story of your
young life?"
Even the bald spot of Calloways'
head went crimson. "You won't get
anywhere wisecracking with me.
You'll come round sooner or later to
wanting me to handle your timber
they all do-and when do it, won't
stand interference from anyone Get
that?"
Prudence never before had realized
her capacity for fury. 81 get it. Now
get this. There will be no interior
ence when you cut my timber, Mr..
Galloway, for you won't cut it. l have
already contracted with Mr.. Gerard to
do it."
Gerard! Gerard get out lumber!
That's a joke. Don't run away with
the idea that because he can pilot a
plane he'd stick to anything that was
work. He dances and games his days
away. He'd run at the first touch of
winter. AS for managing crew, his
poor fiabby muscles would make fine
showing in lumber camp. They"
''They are rather out of condition."
agreed an icy voice behind him, "but,
fabby as they are, 1 don't take that
wallop sitting down, they can chuck
you out"
Rodney Gerard's face was white, his
eyes were afire, as he caught the sur
prised Galloway round the waist and
by sheer force of arms and knees
rushed him outside.
He returned and banged the door
shut. He leaned against it, busted one
hand against the other, and observed
somewhat breathlessly:
Saw his red car here and came
back. Business seems to be opening
with a whang, partner"
=
For the third time in ten minutes
Prudence rearranged the egg-shell
cups on the butterfly table, lifted the
silver skittle-ball kettle to make sure
that the wick of the spirit lamp on its
brazier-like stand would fame at the
touch Of match. She glanced at the
banjo clock. Only five minutes since
she had looked before? Unbelievable.
Time was creeping on hands and
knees. The knocker? She glanced at
the clock. Not time for her brother.
Who could 1t be?
She went slowly through the hall.
She ought to be prancing with eager
ness at the prospect Of a caller. She
wasn't Since the family scandal she
dreaded to meet new people. She
opened the door.
She knew at once, from 81 Puffer's
description, that the tall woman facing
her was Mrs. Walter Gerard. Large
blue eyes, large fioppy hat, large pat
termed gown, perfect accessories. The
village women were right, she was a
nifty dresser" She extended white
gloved hand.
'Good afternoon, Miss Schuyler. 1
am your neighbor, Mrs. Gerard, and
this is my darling daughter JEAN"