The Western news. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1933-current, 1935-09-12

gled In their fingers and slipping from
Its coverings a leather jewel-case
dropped to the floor.
Out Of 1t rolled flashing necklace
and confusion of smaller gems.
Marcia stitied an Involuntary cry.
Nevertheless, she neither looked up
nor delayed.
"Sorry to be so clumsy" she NUT
tered. as she swiftly scooped up the
jewels
1t was we'll she had made haste, for
no sooner was the clasp on the box
snapped and the treasure concealed be-
meath the floor than Sylvia returned.
and a moment later came both Doctor
Jared Stetson and Elisha Winslow.
"Mornin'. Marcia" nodded the doc
tor. I.ish happened to be in the
office when your niece called up. an
hearln' you had a man patient. he
thought mebbe he might be Of use.
Whit 'pears 10 be the trouble. str p
I've done something to my right
wrist"
"H-rn-ml" With skilled hand, he
pushed back the dripping sleeve.
you're mite water-logged. | no
tice." observed he. "Been overboard?'
Something of the sort" returned
the man, with the flicker of smile.
MIR" for the fraction of a sec
ond. Marcia hesltated thei continued
In an even tone, MIR. Carlton
grounded his boat and had to swim
ashore
you don't sayl Well, I aIn't sur
prised. faint no day to be afioat.
OH couldn't cut this fog with cary
in'-knife. How come you to take your
boat out In such weather. the doctor
| demanded.
II Was-was cruising"
| "Oh, an the fog shut down on yon.
| see. Fog has a trick of dom that,
unless one keeps an eye for fog symp-
| toms. Now, what I'd recommend for
you first of all, Mr.. Carlton. Is warm
| bed. You look clean beat out. Better
let 'Llsh an me help you upstairs, an
out of your wet things, cause with 4
wrist such as yours, | figger you Won.
| be very handy at buttons. Not that
'Llsh is a professional lady's maid
| That aIn't exactly his calm. Still, In
spite Of bein' town sheriff, he can turn
his hand to other things. It's lucky
| lie can, too, for he don't get much
sherIfiin' down this way. Wilton
doesn't go In for crime. In fact, We
was laughn' bout that very thing this
noon at the post office. Pears there's
/ been q robbery at one OF the Long
Island estates. Quantities Of jewery
taken, an no trace of the thief. The
alarm was sent out over the radio
early yesterday an listenin' In 'Lish,
here, got quite het up an not little
envlons. He said he most wished the
| burglary had took place In our town,
excitement bein at a pretty low ebb
now
Marcia, standing by the stove, spun
about.
Now. Elisha, don't you run down
Wilton. Why. | have twenty-five dol
lars In my purse this minute" she as
serted, taking worn pocketbook from
her dress and slapping 1t with chal-
longing candor down upon the table.
II keep 1t In that china box above the
stove" a
THAT might serve as a starter re
marked the stranger. regarding her
quizzcally.
She faced him, chin drawn In, and
head high and defiant.
Besides that, In my top bureau
drawer Is string Of gold beads that
belonged to my great-grandmother,
she continued. daring laughter curling
her lips. "They are very old and are
really quite valuable
"We'll make a note Of those, too,
nodded the man, his eyes on hers.
I'm afraid that's all | can offer ir
he way OF burglary inducements"
"That beln the case, s'pose you an
me start gettln' the patient upstairs
'Lish," broke IN Doctor Stetson. III
we don't. next we knnw he'll be havin
pneumonia das> yell as f0 bad wrist"
The straaseEH admlrfng glance tixe,
itself on Marcia's.
"What Is my next mover he In
qulred.
Il told you hefore-you must taxi
off your wet things and rest" she re
peated.
@you still prescribe that treatment?
Il still prescribe It,"
I'm spite Of the-the symptoms?
aWhy not?" was her quick answer
"yery well. | am ready, gentle
men" Erect, even with hint OF de
nance In his knocking smile. the maj
rose to his full height. Before we 60
however, must correct slight error
You misunderstood my name. II
not Carlton. 1t Is Heath stanle
Heath"
CHAPTER Nv