The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1935-01-04

tributing gifts. He sent me to look
after you. Come on, let's eat"
The middle Of the long refectory
table was banked with red roses; the
supper was as varied and delectable
as a noted caterer knew how to serve
it. The guests eyes were wide with
admiration, their cheeks pink with
repletion. Perched on one of the wide
window stills, Prudence pretended to
eat.
How is the numbering coming, Jim?"
"It's a cinch. The two men who de-
serted to Galloway skunk back and
asked for a job. We took one, but the
crew rode Kusciko out of town."
"Why?"
"He dumped the truck of liquor"
81 suppose he was doing the dirty
work of someone higher up"
"Of course-but he tried to knife
Rod. That gets you, doesn't it? Here,
drink this punch. It will bring your
color back. Don't care much for old
Rod, do your"
"Who are you to try to probe the
secrets Of a maiden's heart" Her
eyes lost their laughter. "How is Cal
loway?"
Better. He has made public con-
fession that he was solely responsible
for dumping that load of liquor in
front Of the cattle barn and that he
will pay the bills. He did it to get
even with Rod. When he found out
that he was wrong"
"He IL such a just man." Prudence
interpolated crisply.
she is doing his darndest to be one
now. He diverted the girder which
would have finished Rod. had turned
away and didn't see it coming"
Prudence shivered. THAT'S the worst
of the horrors of that lurid night.
Oh, let's not think of it. / must find
the Puffers. They probably want to
go home"
AS Prudence came down the broad
stairs in her green velvet wrap with
its broad mink collar, Rodney Gerard
was waiting.
"Going? My party has been a
Knockout, hasn't it?" The blue Of
his eyes was black, hint of passion
underlay the laughter in his voice.
II don't like to talk about myself,
but" Prue flouted gaily. If only her
heart would stop humping, she wished
wildly. "You have immortalized your
self. Goodnight"
She could feel the throb of his fin
ger-tips as he held the hand she Of
fered.
"Are you sure 81 is waiting? Then
/ will leave you and speed my other
guests"
HE didn't say goodnight" Pru-
dence told herself over and over, as
she squeezed in beside Mrs. Puffer on
the back seat of the automobile.
Foolish for your brother to drive
home alone" ST protested, as he start
ed the car. 'Whatta mean is, he
might have come along with us. But
perhaps there wouldn't be room. I'm
always forgettin'. Mother, that you're
not so slim as you were in the days
when you and went to the circus"
"The circus! That reminds me,
what happened to Milly Gooch?' Pru-
dence inquired.
Mrs. 81 drew long, troubled breath.
"She went to pieces the night Of the
fire, dearie. She had Mysteries hang
ing on to Roddy Gerard-guess If
folks hadn't been scared to death
thinking where those flames might go
there would have been some whisper
ing"
"'Twouldn't have lasted, Mother.
Len Calloway's confession brought out
the whole story of how Roddy'd helped
her. Walt Gerard had better not set
his foot in the village or he'll be tarred
and feathered.
Here we are at your door, Miss
Prudence"
Prudence fingered outside the red
brick house. Moonlight silvered the
dormers. How low the stars seemed
They were like gold dust spangling
lnulgO velvet.
David was standing before the fire,
an arm on the evergreen-banked man.
tel, when she entered the living room.
He smiled as he met her eyes. Thank
heaven, he could smile.
"I'll call this a day." he said. at is
so long since have stepped out to an
evening festivity that I am tired"
"Oh, thought we would talk it over
before the fire, David. That's half the
fun of a party" She slipped her
hand under his arm and laid her cheek
against his sleeve. "Of course you
are tired, dear. Go to bed. will
lock up"
II want to be full of pep tomorrow.
Gerard is having big tree for the
crew at the bunk-house, sort Of a
house warming" His arm frightened
about her shoulders. mo matter how
dark and problem-logged the path,
Prue. you bring life and gayety and
courage In your train"
"Why, Dave! Dave!"
Prudence hid her quivering lips
against his shoulder His praise
hrouphf har heart fo her throat He