Montana oil and mining journal. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1931-1953, 1935-03-30
THE PURPLE BUS

Published by special Asrsnaemsns with Tns
ohicaso Tribune-New YORK Nsus Syndicate, Inc
Copyright: 1885: BY B. l. WHITE
part TWo)
AS they rolled on through dark
macabre country she felt more and
more depressed. and disproportionately
apprehensive Of the future, as though
an actual voice were warning her not
20 leave the safety Of the Purple bus.
Her mysterious warning had been dis
astrously fulfilled. She certainly would
not reach her journeys end. When the
bus stopped at Paddiscombe, outside
an ancient inn, she followed Miss Bat
out Of the bus.
rs that aIl?" asked Miss Bat. in
rather a strained voice as Lucy's small
suitcase was dumped down on the damp
stones.
Eyes" replied the girl. Il sent my
trunk luggage in advance"
Miss Bats lips frightened.
1t has just occurred TO me that we
had better establish Olives mumpS
These country folk are very ignorant
over illness. Suppose you send a vague
telegram to your school so as not to
burn your boats. Then, tomorrow morn
ing, I'll go over to Moone by the early
bus and investigate the matter. know
where Olive lives"
The good sense and kindly thought
of Miss Bats speech inspired Lucy to
fresh hope. With luck she might re-
turn tomorrow to her post
That's frightfully decent Of you"
she exclaimed. You're right, did fly
off the handle Which way?"
ITO the left. please"
In spite Of the fresh development,
however, Lucy had the exact sensation
of being entrapped in some nightmare.
Presently they reached a small shop,
which Miss Bat informed her was the
poStoffice. Her head had begun to ache
so badly that she was scarcely conscious
Of her action as she mechanically
Detained. Bad news. Writing"
1t was not until they were once again !
outside that she realized that Miss Bat
had dictated the message.
I'm letting myself be run by little |
cardboard lady" shethought with a
faint flicker of amusement.
Suddenly Miss Bat pulled her arm.
"Here we are at the Sundial house"
she said, her voice full Of pride.
Lucy looked up at the outlines OF a
beautiful Elizabethan mansion, set
flush with the road. She had vaguely
dreaded something damp and ivy
bound, so her spirits rose at the sight.
i've given my maid q holiday" ex-
planned Miss Bat as she unlocked the
massive front door, which was white
with age. THAT is why had tea at
the cafe. But she will be back tonight.
In the light of lamp Lucy saw an
oak paneled hall and the sweep Of
gracious staircase. Then her hostess
led the way down a short passage.
1--WE viii go into the library, which
Is in a back wing" she said. Since
has become popular can no
longer use my beautiful front rooms.
Lucy followed Miss Bat into q long,
narrow room, furnished in Victorian
style, with faded grass green carpet
md curtains and book cases filled with
nineteenth century authors. There were /
;Wo narrow windows on one side and
ln the other a halfglass door A fed
;aked fire glowed In the steel CRATE.
Miss Bat turned up the wick OF the
amp on the bureau and opened q
iraWer, from which she took another
1air of glasses.
There" she said, laying the smash
ID pair in their place, only can see
gain. The blessed relief not to feel
helpless Do you like my house2'
Its wonderful" Lucy assured her.
You must be very proud Of It"
II am. We have lived in II for over
wo hundred years. My family goes
,ack even farther That is our tree"
She nodded towards a dim framed
hart which hung on a corner of the
Vall outside the radius Of the lamp.
I'm these upstart days" she continu-
d, II feel that long pedigree means
verything."
IT don't agree" remarked Lucy
as she remembered the
nobbish atmosphere of the school. 81
ant see why any one has a right to
eel elevated Just because she stands
d q pile Of moldy bones"
Moldy bones2 The tinted glass hid
ne venom of Miss Bats gaze. But
resently Lucy became uneaSily con-
,ious of her acute scrunity.
"Are you looking at my bleached
reak?" she asked with forced laugh.
It's genuine and quite amusing. I'm
-oud of being distinctive
In spite OF Miss Bats hospitality she
as aware of a cold, tnfriendly atmo-
,here. There was something about
lie house and its mistress which at
cted her unpleasantly.
Springing to her feet she lit Gig
'et and began to pace the library.
Does this door lead to the gardenP"
lie asked
mo, the courtyard" replied Miss Bat,
CLEAN suddenly lighting her eyes.
md now I'm going to put a hot
ater bottle in your bed. VIII you