The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1935-05-18
CHAPTER NINE

NUM W W WIN
CHAPTER NINE
A FTER the fog the morning was
n crisp and cool and invigorat-
ing. There was a blue sky, hign
rtf7ed clouds, and a breeze dow
ing over the harbor.
Katharine dressed hurriedly, AFTER
her shower. eager 10 be out ana
away. Ellen brought her a tray
because the others we're not yet
stirring. There was crisp toast ana
clear coffee and strips Of bacon IN
der a silver bell
"Oh, Ellen, this is a divine break
fast"
you've got your appetite back
miss. That's what it is
Il was the fog, the brOoding heavy
weather. that had made her feel so
heavy and stupid, katharine told
herself. This morning she wanted
10 sing.
DIR. Kaye packing?'
Z think he is, miss. I heard him
moving around in the gunroom.
Berthe had put John in the gun
room half a flight up. because she
said ii was quieter Well, katharine
had said good-by to John last
night. it would spoil things-be an
anti-climax If she saw him again
now. Better slip away without say
ing a word.
The morning was clean washed
when she stepped out into 1t. Every
separate blade of grass, every newly
opened calyx enchanted her.
"Oh, beautiful day. Katharine
almost sang it aloud.
Her car purred under her touch.
Funny. some days the motor ran
/ better than others. Cars were like
people moody!
Good morning, Michael!
"Mornin'. Miss Strykhurst!" He
stood. smiling at her easily, one
hand braced against the rail fence
which bordered the meadow OF the
old Rogers place.
I thought I'd ride" Katharine
said demHely.
"Oh, splendid. Fury's rarin' to
be of. Tips!" he called to the boy
whose steps could be heard on the
stable floor. Bring Fury out, will
you?"
How do you think I'm dOing?"
Katharine inquired. of her proves
as hOrseWoman. There had been
many animated conversations be-
tween them all spring concerning
her progress; she was determined
now to have the relationship back
upon its old. safe footing-that OF
pupil and teacher.
"Oh. you're grand" he said sim
Div. I noticed the other day
Something within her exulted.
Michael, when you say you're
grand like that you sound wee
bit Irish"
His gaze left her. She was con-
scious Of having overstepped the
bounds.
I'm from Montana"
"Of course. I hadn't forgotten
that"
Why did he mind her saying he
sounded Irish? Why did he with
draw so completely and coldly at
the suggestion? That was rather
silly
They rode together, as before
Katharine chatted lightly and
Michael Heatheroe answered. Once
or twice his great laugh rang out.
He went ahead when the bride
path narrowed, glancing back over
his shoulder to see if Fury behaved
we'll
shes a bit skittish today"
oh. she's all right. really" Kath-
arine protested.
( CHE thought of Zoe and the fever
/ - she had suffered the night be-
fore. She thought of Gibbs Larkin
with his bold. exploring dark eyes
and the thickening line of his waist,
T his tOo-soft. tOo-intimate voice.
/ Poor Zoe! What was it going to
come TO?
She thought of John Kaye. Dear
Johnny. ne was so NIGEL The girl
who married Johnny would be a
/ lucky one. There would be no excite
ment. of course, but she would have
+ security.
All right?" That was Michaels
voice. He had gone on rather far
ahead and she had lost sight Of him.
f She hallOoed back reaSSuringly.
All right back there
He waited at the turn of the path,
T glancing at the watch strapped to
his wrist
Wed better turn back. I have an
appointment at g.
Sally Noon Well, what OF 1t?
But Katharine'S eXaltation was
gone for the instant. The morn
I ing had a cloud upon it.
Watch out for that dog" Michael
warned as the path wound again
into the open clearing. facing which
one lone white house stared down
into the fertile valley. The terrier
which had bothered Fury on the
ride down was sitting on the bank,
watching, waiting, sharp-eyed for
/ his enemy. At first sight Of the
riders. tie small brown dog hurled
I himself like a streak down the
4 precipitous slope. through thorn and
berry bushes, 10 yelp frantically at
( Furv's very heels.
The little mare began to dance.
She had done this before and
=