The Coolidge examiner., 1937-12-30

to Steele's train. He had learned
that trick on his own trip East, hav-
ing witnessed the arrival of mes
sages to travellers.
Greatly rejoiced at your coming.
Please arrange to be my guest
while you stay. Ineed you, and am
at your service in any way. Have
important matters to talk over with
you. viii meet your train"
That night Greg had the first full
nights sleep since Margaret disap-
peared.
The two young men were Like two
boys when they met the next morn
ing. Greg had never had man
friend since his high school days
and he was overjoyed to find this
man just as thrilling as he had re-
membered him. So many things
and people had been disappointing
that he had found himself looking
forward to this meeting anXiously,
but the anxiety fed in the light Of
Rhoderick Steeles smile and strong,
warm handclasp.
They went in a taxi to the hotel.
Steele called up the committee who
had invited him. learned what were
his appointments, and then they
went down TO late breakfast, for
Steele owned up he had only taken
a cup of coffee on the train, and
Greg grinned and said he had wax
ened too late to eat before he went
to the station. So over a good break
fast the two cemcnted their friend
ship again.
Suddenly the two discovered that
it was getting late. and almost time
for Steele's address at the confer
ence hall. and they hurried away.
Greg feeling for the first time in
years that he had a real part in
things worth while. a real new in
terest.
Rhoderick Steele had stayed three
days and Gregory Sterling learned
much, and found out how to learn
more.
He had tried TO take Greg home
with him, but Greg shook his head
gravely.
Il can't 60 away" ne said, mot
till I'm sure Margaret won't need
me. If l find her, and find she is
well fixed and has no need for me,
well, then / can come. But not
now"
Rhoderick looked at him tenderly.
On the train he thought Of the look
in his friends eyes and said to him
self. II wonder!" and then rested
his head back, closed his eyes and
began to pray for Greg and the little
lost girl.
Greg turned back to his hotel
after seeing his friend OFF with a
strange desolation upon him. And
yet it was not like the loneliness
that had been his before Rhoderick
came. His telephone rang and there
was the voice of Nurse Gowen!
Nurse Gowen had gone back TO
her hospital work. and was out on
a nervous case that required her
constant attention. She had not
been able to do much to help in the
search for Margaret She had not
called up for several days. She had
her living to earn, Of course, and
though Greg had paid her more than
she felt was right for the brief nurs-
ing case, and for the help she had
given him the first day of the
search, her pride had sent her back
to work
Now her voice was full Of eager
ness.
Have you heard anything yet OF
Miss Margaret" she asked.
Nothing yet" said Greg sadly.
i've sort of given up trying. There
wasn't anything else TO do, though
l did plan to 60 down to Rodman
street tomorrow and ask again if
she had been there. 1t seems
strange that she hasn't gone for her
clothes yet. She has the receipt for
her back board. She wouldn't have
to wait for that"
Maybe she hasn't discovered it
yet. Maybe she didn't understand
what you said about putting it in her
purse. Where did you put it? In
the outer pocket?'