Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1940-09-22
Il Short Story Complete on This Page

" HE girl, standing in the lighted doorway,
peered down into the dark room below;
- then, pausng twice to listen, she de-
seconded the stairs as quietly as shadow.
She was on the bottom step when beam
of light shot into her face. A man crouching
behind the safe rose slowly to his feet. He kept
the flashlight fixed on the girl as he moved
toward her.
What do you want in here" she asked un-
steadily. This is a post office - it's govern
ment property"
The man came nearer and, looking straight
into the girls eyes, spoke in voice that
purred with quiet menace.
Nov listen Close baby, because I'm not
going to say this twice. l didn't figure on you
coming down here But you did. and you're
dangerous You could spread the alarm be-
fore I'm mile away. So I'm going to take
you with me- Understand? You won't get
hurt as long as you don't try any funny bust
ness But if you start wasting my time argu-
ing" he added drawing his hand from his
pocket, IN use another way of shutting you
up. Understand"
ne girl lOOkeu dl lIlc DidSh dliu
then at the merciless eyes watching her.
Nov 20 get dressed" the man ordered.
And remember I'm in hurry
He followed her upstairs to the living
quarters and through doorway. Here he
glanced around the bedroom.
Keep away from that window, he said.
And move faster, baby"
She picked some clothing from chair be-
side the bed and faced him.
Are you going to stay in here!'
Baby, you're wasting my tnnef'
Turning her back she drew off the coat
of her pajamas and quickly pulled a slip over
her head AS she dressed there was thought
full look on her face. Are we going in carr
she asked casually.
I'VE are
How far are you going to take me-
Never mind, baby. just keep hurrying."
Nodding the girl thrust her feet into pair
of brown oxfords. She took rainCoat from
hook. I'm ready, she said.
In the room below while the man was
closing and locking small suitcase. the girl
stopped at counter beneath tiers of mail
boxes A bell tinkled when she pulled out a
wooden drawer. Instantly, as though sus-
pectng treaChery, the man was at her side.
'I'll need some money" she explained. ito
get back with after you drop me-.
The man. turning his flashlight into the
drawer, saw her rummage among loose stamps
and pick up a dime and several nickels.
Come on. III give you bus fare back
Ignoring him, she took out half-sheet
of special-delivery stamps, which she thrust
with the coins into her coat pocket
''I'll pay my own way" she said detiantly.
Il don't want any of your money"
OU1sIDE, in cool darkness they walked
quickly through the little sleeping village.
Already the sky showed the first gray of the
summer dawn as they hurried along the con-
crete highway. In narrow lane, stepping
through grass soaked with dew, they came to
a parked sedan.
The man put his suitcase in the rear of the
car Closing the door he turned
Hurry up" he said. What's keeping
you?"
The girl who was bending over with one
foot on the front bumper, raised her head.
Cant even tie my shoelace?' she asked.
Damn it, get in here!'
Strengthening, she ran around and climbed
into the front Spat and the sedan moved oft