The Wilmington morning star., 1941-02-22
SIXTEEN

CHAPTER i
When l said the words, Couldn't
that something be among your
fathers p~apers?" Cary stiffened
abruptly, as might a watching sea-
man at night upon hearing a fog
horn close at hand.
There can be nothing deroga-
tory to the family among MY ia
theirs papers," he declared haught-
lily.
I'm sorry" I hated myself for
thus weakly begging the question,
but I couldn't afford to offend my
employer. ut was just an idea
which came to me-"
His arrogant expression faded
away; his charming smile flashed
out.
II think we will have to accept
Granddad's opinion" he said.
MAY I ask what that ISL" I said
humbly.
THAT the wind pulled the papers
out of the window
1 looked at him. I hoped I wasn't
showing the disgust I felt. If ever
anyone begged a question, he was
doing it now. Talk about the legen-
Diary ostrich sticking its head in
the sand!
Don't you think that might be
the way it happened?"
Job or no job, I couldn't sit there
and agree to that. 1t was the most
stupid idea ever voiced by man.
mo, l don't"
I made just the flat statement,
but it was enough to chase the
smile from his face, bring back his
arrogance.
"Why not?" he asked sternly.
1.-THE leather curtain was pushed to
one side; the library door was
pen. If the outer door was opened,
and it probably was it would
create a draft strong enough to
do it."
1T would take a hurricane to
pull the papers out from under
that heavy paper weight, and Dave
said the wind was blowing INTO
the room" 1 couldn't keep the
sarcasm out of my voice.
He moved restlessly. If he didn't
like this conversation, he could
easily end it! l fixed my gaze on
his face and waited.
THE winds are strong here" he
remarked, at last.
mot strong enough for that"
81 dislike to seem to question
your word, Nancy, but isn't it pos
sible that you didn't put the papers
under the paper weight"
That burned my up. So I was to
be made the goat! I rose from my
chair! 1 could fight better when
standing on my feet.
II put the papers under the
weight" I cried, Kaye saw me do
it. We're not both crazy! I don't
know why you r trying to put
the blame on me for something I
didn't do, but I'm telling you this.
/ know those papers were under
the weight and the window closed
when we left this room. Even you
will have to admit that the window
couldn't be opened without hands,"
IF the papers were of value to
anyone, I might be able to accept
your explanation, but why would
anyone steal notes of no particular
value?"
Because whoever came in that
window and saw the notes under
the weight didn't have tipe to ex-
anime them-just snatched them
and ran. The thief might have
heard Dave Otis coming and didn't
have a second to spare"
."You believe that?"
what else can I believe? I'm
using my head" And then, because
I was angry in every inch of my
body, I added bitterly: There has
been nothing but trouble, one thing
after another, since I came here.
I think I had better go. You can
easily find another secretary"
His face changed at my words.
He, too, ose from his chair, leaned
on the desk toward me. His voice
was entirely different; it now held
a pleading note.
mo- he said quickly, II won't
agree to that. I like to work with
you, +"
'This is only the third day I've
been here" I Interrupted him.
"You could work as well with
anyone else"
mo, I couldn't" His tone was
urgent. "You are an inspiration"
Inspiration! So that's what he
thought I was, yet he was willing
to pile the responsibility for los
ing the notes onto my shoulders. I
didn't like being that kind Of an
inspirer.
you'll find someone else," curt
1y. I pulled open the drawer into
which such a little while ago I
had so proudly placed my note
books and pencils.
He left his chair, came to my
size. With a caressing touch, his
hand fell on my arm.
L ~