The Hardin tribune-herald. [volume] (Hardin, Mont.) 1925-1973, 1936-07-10
The Cilded Pupil 3, r~ Lima ~7"~

Chicago Tribune-New York News Syndicate.
Incorporated
Copyright: 1896: BY Ethel Lima White
IN TWO PARTS-PART TWO)
The next time Ann went to the cot
tage in the wood the door was opened
by the new madam ice cold compe-
tent brunette, in immaculate livery.
There was no doubt she was a domestic
treasure, and a great improvement on
Maggie: but Ann was repelled by the
expression OF her thin Tipped mouth.
II don't like your new maids face"
Coles had carried out the tea table Maen
Neither do l." remarked Miss West
calmly. She's far too good for nv
situation-yet she's no fool. My opin-
ion is she's wanted by the police and
has come here to hide. It's an ideal
But you won't keep her?"
why not? She's an excellent maid.
There's no reason why I should not
any: After all, it's only my suspicion"
What about her references?"
"Superlative. Probably forged. The
hadn't time to inquire too
closely: The place isn't popular, after
the attack on Maggie"
but I don't like to think of you
alone, at her mercy"
Don't worry about me. She's been
to the cupboard and found out it's bare.
I've nothing to lose"
Ann realized the sense of Miss Vests
argument, especially as she was in con-
slant touch with the manor Not long
afterwards she wondered whether she
had misjudged the woman, for she re-
post. which indicated that she was not
altogether callous.
Its address va the cottage in the
wood.
Dear madam" it ran, Pardon the
liberty of my writing to you, but I feel
responsible for Miss West in case any
thing happens to her and there's an
inquest. I would be obliged if you would
do in case of a sudden attack. I don't
like to trouble her ladyship as I am
q stranger to her and Miss West bites
my head off if I ask her. I could not
ask you today because she is suspicious
of whispering. Will you kindly drop me
a line in return and oblige.
Yours 5MSIPPsstf%lly COLES"
Ann hastily wrote the maid a brief
note: saying that Miss West had good
health-apart from the Gripping rileu-
matlsm-but recommending a bottle of
brandy, in case of emergency. She post
ed 1t and forgot the matter.
meanwhile, Miss West was finding
Coles competency a pleasant change.
on the following Saturday, when she
carried in her mistress lunch, Miss
West looked, with approval, at her spot
less apron and muslin collar.
After she had finished her well
cooked outlet and custard, she lay back
n closed her eyes, in order to be fresh
for AIMS visit.
She had begun to doze when she
heard the opening of the front door.
Her visitor was before her usual time.
"Ann," she called.
Instead Of her old pupil, a strange
woman entered the bedroom. Her fash
ionably thin figure was defined by a
tight black suit and a halo hat revealed
a sharp rouged face.
AS Miss West stared at her she gave
a CIV Of recognition.
The woman sneered at her.
Here's two gentlemen come to see
you," she announced.
AS she spoke, two men, dressed with
flashy smartnesS. sauntered into the
room. One was blond and handsome,
except for a red triangular mouth; the
other had the small cunning ewes and
low set ears Of an elementary criminal
type.
GO out of my room," ordered Miss
West. "Coles you are discharged"
The men only laughed as they ad-
vanced to the bed.
Were only going to make you safer,
old lady, said the fair man. "You
might Ia1e fall out Of bed and hurt your
Miss West did not condescend to
secured with cords III Her a4i wits tai told w Ser
that she would need to conserve every
ounce Of strength.
Aren't you taking an unnecessary
precaution with a bedridden Woman?"
she asked scornfully.
Nothing too good for you, sweet
heart" the fair man told her.
Why have you come here? My for
nothing of value in my cottage"
Nothing but you, beautiful"
How dare you be ~insolent to me?
Take off your hats in a lady's pres
ence.
The men only laughed. They sat and
smoked cigarets in silence, until a
knock on the front door made them
Let her in" ordered the ringleader.
Miss West strained at her cords as
Coles went out of the room. Her black
eyes glared with helpless fury when
Ann entered. and stood-horror strick-
en-in the doorway.
Don't dare touch her." she cried.
The men merely laughed again. as
they seized the struggling girl, forced
her down on a bedroom chair and be-
gan to bind her ankles.
Ann" commended the old governess.
Keep still. They're three to one. An
elementary knowledge of arithmetic
should tell you resistance is useless"
The pedantic old voice steadied AIMS
nerves.