Glacier County chief. [volume] (Browning, Mont.) 1931-1940, 1939-09-29
CHAPTER N-Continued

ken question. He said, almost apol-
ogetcally, 1--WE were just driving
plain that he had been compelled to
make trip to some tiny crossroads
hamlet to straighten out the family
Tree OF a deceased gentleman who
had left considerable property.
Like all these swamp angels, !"
smiled Mr.. Forrest ruefully, s.they
never seem to remember all their
relatives. Andy drove me out this
afternoon and I've been talking to
uncles and aunts and cousins for
hours"
She conversed nervously. She
wanted them to go, to 60 quickly.
She was afraid all over again
afraid that Kirk might come while
they were with her.
Actually, they remained at the
house less than 20 minutes but
It seemed like that many hours. And
when they told her good night and
walked of toward the parking place
under the live oaks some 200 yards
back OF the house, Kay dropped onto
a chair and sat staring. She was
trembling with nervous reaction.
Margaret came downstairs first.
She crossed the room and put her
hand on Kay's shoulder. She said,
You've got to pull yourself togeth-
er, Kay"
eyes. I know But was so
afraid that Kirk might walk in on
them :"
But he didn't. And now I'm 60
ing TO say my last word on this.
I'm pretty fond of you, and I'm old
er. I think you're making a mis-
take
you don't understand"
"No?" The voice of the slim,
blonde girl was gentle. 81 wonder
if you do?"
Then you've got to play it as you
see it. ! just wanted you to re-
member that we all want to help"
Il know you do"
"And any time you'll let US in on
the secret :"
Mrs. Hamilton Joined them. The
three women tried to talk. Time
dragged. Then the front door opened
and Barney came in. His face was
white and stern and he said, "You
still here?"
Kirk hasn't shown up"
Il see. And you haven't changed
your mind?"
mo, Barney"
He fidgeted uncomfortably. "Think
I'll run along upstairs"
Kay noticed that he walked heav-
lily. She was dreadfully sorry for
him. She was glad when Jim Owen
by returned. At least there were
two men in the house now. Jim
settled his big figure on the arm of
Margaret's chair, and Margaret
whispered to him that they had
heard nothing from Kirk.
Jim's dark face was grave. He
said, He'd have 'phoned if he'd
changed his mind"
''You think so?"
"Sure. I know that lad"
Kay's nerves were jumpy. She
fought against a crazy impulse to
laugh; not mirthfully, but with hys-
terra. Anything, she felt, would be
better than this: this sitting around
waiting for a CHASTITY inevitability.
At II o'clock Kay felt that she
could stand it no longer. She said.
Kinks had time to get here a dozen
times over. I'm going to phone the
hotel"
She went to the telephone on the
landing halfway between the first
and second floor. She called the
White Star Hotel and asked for Mr..
Reynolds room. A mans voice at
the other end said, Hello"
She said, ''Pd like to speak to
Mr.. Reynolds.
who is it wants hin?"
"This is Kay Forrest"
"Oh!" The tone changed. "Tm
Dan Creedon. I work for him."
Eyes. l know"
Kirk amt here"
do you know where he is?"
Nom. He said he'd be back
before 10 o'clock at the latest. Shall
! tell him to call your"
Eyes. Please"
Again they settled into the awk-
ward tedium of waiting. Converse
ton Jagged. Even for persons like
these, it was not easy to simulate
interest in ordinary things.
Eleven-thirty. Midnight with
the ancient grandfather's clock toll
ing the hour with nerve-racking
slowness. They were exhausted with
the strain of it. At one o'clock Mar
garet said, He evidently changed
his mind"
Don't you think he'd have
'phoned mel"
Maybe not
At one-thirty Mrs. Hamilton sug-
gested that they all 60 to bed. Hes
certainly not coming tonight, Kay.
There's no sense waiting any long
er."
But suppose he does?"
Then you can dress and go with
him-1 you still think you must"