Evening star., 1937-12-05
December S. 1887

That's anybodys guess He isn't at the
a store, and he isn't at the club"
"IIl wait He's the only man in Seaville
whose judgment trust. He's got to help us.
He will It'll work out all right, Alan
Nan Marshal shook her head. What be-
widers me is who could have killed Ramsay
and why?'
II reckon the whole county will be asking
that by tomorrow morning And don't want
to see the sheriff until after I've seen your
father
Take it easy" She rose and patted Judith
on the shoulder. I'm going to 'perk' some
coffee. You two look all in" The pantry door
closed behind her.
Judith said, Il feel rotten, Alan"
He did not pretend to misunderstood.
'She's pretty grand. isn't she?'
More than that" Judith looked down at
the wet toe of tiny and battered shoe. Shes
got quality which never had. suppose.
She doesn't even see the things which aren't
right. You're lucky lad, Alan.
Il know that Mighty lucky"
And I still feel guilty about coming here.
i was ntT luCd, iCiluNuCo 1hoAA. AA'N'
more than anything else, l want Mr. Mar
shal's advice" His face lighted. Gee! There's
a man for you. Judith
They were silent for long time. Judith
said suddenly, I'm ashamed of myself, Alan
- but I'm jittery. Awful jittery."
He saw that her lips were trembling and
that tears were close to the surface. He hitched
his chair closer and took cold hand between
both of his. Chin up, Judith Don't crack
upnow."
The pantry door swung back and Nan
Marshal entered bearing tray on which there
were three cups of black, steaming coffee and
a plate of little crackers. Her clear gray eyes
took in the tableau: Alan leaning forward
with Judith's hand imprisoned between both
of his, and for the briefest instant she paused
and her own eyes were less clear. Then she
called gayly: Coffee. folks!"
The coffee was good, and it revived Judith's
tagging courage. And as they drank, they
tried to pretend that this was casual visit
and that there was no dead body lying under
the balcony at the Lodge. Occasionally Nan
encountered Judith eyes and saw the agony
OF apprehension WHICH WdS iCiNSlCu dNiC'
and then she would touch Judith's hand or
her arm. and say something reassuring in that
soft, pleasant, confident voice which was so
like her fathers.
There was a lull in the pounding of the
rain and they heard footsteps on the veranda.
The door opened to the accompaniment of
peal of thunder. 1t closed behind David
Marshal He shook his long lean figure as
i dog shakes himself when he emerges from the
water, tossed raincoat and hat in the general
direction of the old-fashioned hall tree, and if
he felt surprise at seeing the trio in the sitting
room, he gave no sign.
He spoke to Judith, kissed his daughter,
and shook hands with Alan. The young man
said, I'm awful glad you're here, Mr.. Mar
shal want to talk to you about something
important"
The older man nodded II know what it is.
just got back from Duck Island"
For an instant, the reminder of horror in
truded, and was dispelled by Mr.. Marshal's
quiet voice. I'm glad you came straight here,
Alan"
He insisted on bringing me" said Judith.
And where else would he take you?"
David looked at his daughter. How about
taking Judith upstairs and getting some dry
clothes on herr"
Il suggested that - but we were waiting
for you."