The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1941-01-13
Lock Up My Heart

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Doctor Hobart was with Dale.
his deep set eyes sparkling with
interest as Marks twin brother
worked busi.y with knife and
wood
The doctor looked up as Mrs.
North entered. but her nephew was
so engrossed IN his work that he
didn't notice her until she spoke 10
him
Then he grinned up at her for
a moment. and went back TO his
carving.
Great young man we've got
here, - Doctor Hobart said II I
were as skillful with knife as he
is, I'd be the greatest surgeon IN
the country. He fascinates me,
with the delicacy Of his touch.
Why. he could remove an ap-
pendiX so smoothly that the patient
would never know he had been cut
open"
Mrs. Norths eyes expressed her
gratitude to the doctor for his
encouragement. He obviously was
urging Dale TO exercise his great
talent as much as possible. be-
ieving that in this way he might
straighten out some Of the GRIM
inal kinks in his brain.
In the short time he had been
at the house under Hobart's care.
Mrs North could see a decided
change for the better in her
nephew.
With relief from worry about his
immediate future, entirely isolated
from his criminal companions. he
seemed more the young man she
had reared than a desperate fugi-
tive.
oh. If they would only lei us
alone - give US chance to
straighten him out" she sighed in
wardly Pm sure that Amos could
accomplish it"
Dale undoubtedly had the same
artistic talent that Mark had. and
was as skillful with his carvings as
his brother was with brush and
oils. And Mark already had a ma
tional reputation for his work.
Everything going all right >"
Dale asked, looking up from his
work for a moment.
Fine. Not thing in the world
to worry about. dear" his aunt
answered. Mark and l have been
talking, however of an idea he
suggested-to move you and Doc
tor Hobart to yacht for awhile.
We can easily charter boat from
/ one of our friends.
"A sea voyage might be very
good for your health"
She darted quick glance at the
doctor as she spoke. and when he
replied. it WAS with full knowledge
that Mrs. North had definitely de-
/ cided on the yacht
That sounds great" he said,
enthusiastically. Il love the water
/ myself. It woul he a real relaxa-
/ ton to visit some of the smaller
islands off the coast. Perhaps we
might even go as far south as
Galapagos. Do you think we might
have that much time, Elizabeth ?"
Certainly. I'd considered some
thing like that myself when Mark
discussed it with me. I might even
go along myself.
You know how many times I've
| crossed the Atlantic, and with that
out of the question these days. I
think a cruise would be delightful.
How does it appeal to you Dale ,"
What? Oh, it doesn't make any
difference to me. Whatever you
say. I'm willing to let Doc do what
he can with me, and if he can do
i ii as well on the water as on land,
it might be lot Of fun at that.
Id like to do some fishing. It's
been years since I've had the
chance, you know"
He paused, and regarded her
with narrowed eyes. There's not
any danger, is there? They're not
closing in on me 20
on, no" Mrs. North answered,
hurriedly. IT'S not that"
Good Because if thew were. Id
get out Of here in hurry and give
myself up There's no sense Of
dragging you and Mark and Doc
| into a mess
Don't worry about that. Dale"
his aunt urged. Il just thought It
might be safer. At sea, we'd be
completely away from everyone
there'd be no chance Of q slip up"
Dale apparently was satisfied
with her explanation. as he lighted
cigaret and went back calmly to
his carving.
Later, when she left the room,
she gestured with her head and
ANUS f1OUdIl lD4lOHNl lltf u ltT
own apartments.
Anything wrong - ne inquired,
snxiously.
They're pretty bad. she ad-
mitted IF you want 70 call things
of and leave Us before they get
too bad you're at liberty to do so"
! "Wotlidr't think ~ - I've bee,
your friend for too many years 70
run out on you now-you and the
boys. Why, they seem almost like
my own sons 10 me-Ive known
them so long"
It's foolish of you 10 take the
risk. she insisted Tt would rum
your reputation-you'd have 10 re-
tire. It might even mean prison Z