Montana oil and mining journal. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1931-1953, 1935-03-23

buried During the holidays only she
grudglngly shared her home with Miss
Yaxiey- Moore, who had no income.
After the first jolt Of hearing OF the
pupils death, Miss Xaxley Moore braz-
ened the affair out, for she foresaw q
future Of enforced and congenfal leisure
as her half sisters pensioner
}, If Sir Felix brings the matter into
court. she declared. my defense VIII
be that used my own Judgment, as IN
my opinion Il was dangerous 70 Waken |
the girl from her sleep. But which /
ever way the cat jumps you must face I
the fact. shant get another post.
Miss Bat said nothing. But through 4
silent days and sleepless nights the
dusty machinery Of her brain licked
ceaseleSSiy on until she lost all sense Of
proportion In one fixed purpose.
For forty years she had saturated
herself with the pride and Importance
Of her position as Miss Bat OF Sundial
house until 1t had become acute mon
omania. In addition her avarice was
awakened, for she would have 70 sup
port Miss Yaxley-Moore.
She determined that Lucy Tree must
not return to the school. She must be
tr1cked into breaking her journey at
Sundial house. In this connection Miss
bat worked out an ingenious ruse, with
H.
The rest would be easy, for there
would be nothing to connect a fatal ac-
cident-which could be made TO suggest
sliicide-with herself Lack Of motive
and her position raised her above
She plotted ceaselessly until near the
end Of the holidays, when Miss Yaxley- s
moore preached the subject Of sending
in her resignation
you win do nothing Of the kind
declared Miss Bat. you will return
two days earlier than the others and
find out the time and route OF this
girls return. You will telephone these
TO me and I also want q minute per-
sonal description. Remember, also to
crop hints OF an unhappy love affair
out at the Swiss winter sports
And what about me when she finds
me stu at the school?" demanded Miss
Yaxley-Moore
she win not come back" was the
grim reply.
Happily unconscious Of the menace to
her safety, Lucy rolled on toward Bath,
where she reached her destination. 4
1t was very warm inside the Purple
bus and the windows had become !
steamy with moisture Presently she !
felt obliged to appeal to a little lady
who sat in front. G,
do you mind If I open a Window" az
AS the LADY was frail and elderly she
was pleasantly surprised by the reply r.
IN crisp, educated voice:
please do. Let me help you. The
window is rather stiff"
Lucy did not know how the accident
happened, but as she leaned forward
he old lady turned her head so that
Ter glasses were swept off by the girls
lrm.
She stopped down and picked them
lp from under her seat. Although the
rame was intact, one pebble was
mashed completely and the other bad
y cracked.
The lady put them into her bag ii
nth slight exclamation of impatieace. II
''Iiresome," she said. How careless
f mel"
mo" confessed Lucy. TT was my
ault. I'm terribly sorry"
IL doesn't matter much. have
pare pair at home and I shall soon
e there"
AS she spoke the Purple bus stopped
nd the conductor made an announce
lent:
'Adoone. We stop here twenty min
les for tea" L.
8tches and began to scramble through
he doorways. Lucy fingered and - ~,
atched the elderly lady as she CROP h tsss.
her way between the seats. -
Feeling rather guilty, she took her M, nm
m. -
'PIease let me-" she said. perhaps -
: might have tea together?"
Thank you" replied the lady. "I'm
most blind without my glasses. Can
u see an old Tudor building Just
ross the road? That is the best cafe "
AS they entered the Elizabethan
luse Lucy gathered the impression
at her companion was known and
5pected in the neighborhood.
The cafe, which was low beamed
ID of irregular shape, was already
led with the other passengers from
E coach. AS Lucy looked around to
ID an empty table the little old lady
1ke:
There's wee room at the end which
" be empty. They always crowd in
ar the door. III order the tea now"
lucy went through the cafe and OPP
ed door at it's far end leading to
! inner room.
L was small and dimIy lit by a
ought iron lantern. The sunken floor
s stone-flagged and the atmosphere
d the chill of ages.
With a slight shiver Lucy crossed to
fire. over which sat big fat coun-
girl. Her neck and chin we're
lthed In gray wooden scarf and she
inly had heavy cold. AS Lucy
" AtCoAs ~ LII AAa8N@t sAc bAA
ghed explosiyely right into her face.
he Withdrew quickly Just as the door
ned and her friend Of the Purple
entered, accompanied by wait
with the tea tray.
instantly the girl rose respectfully to
feet. The lady smiled at her and
e her gentle nod Of dismissal.
Good evening, Olive. Wouldn't you
her have your tea outsider" She
Ided the girl a coin and added in a
evolent voice, You have shocking
L What's the matter with your
k?"
he girl stared at her with blank,
lid eyes.
Please, mum" she replied. I've got
mumps."
he broad foolish smile fingered on
e's face as she went into the large
a.