Coulee City dispatch. [volume] (Coulee City, Wash.) 19??-19??, 1942-03-05

prophesied gloomily. 81 still don't
like Karl. The more I see of him
the less l trust him. And an
other one I don't care for is that
Mrs. Murdoch who runs the beauty
shop"
SIS that KarPs fault? He got you
the job. That's enough, isn't it?'
Joan had come home for dinner
and Karl had told her she need not
be back at work until nine, an hour
later than usual
81 never heard of such crazy
hours" Sybil objected ''Karl GER
tainly isn't very businesslike about
the club. I don't see how he makes
anything"
Joan walked restlessly up and
down the living room. "Karl makes
plenty of money. He's very clev-
er man." She glanced at the clock.
81 think I'll 60 back early. Karl
might need me-" Shortly before eight
she left.
Happily she opened the door of
Karl Miller's Office but the smile on
her face faded when she saw that
Karl was not alone. Eric Strom
was with him.
''I'm just leaving" Eric said, and
without word to Joan he walked
past her and down the corridor.
Karl did not seem surprised that
she had arrived early. He made no
comment upon her appearance. He
read her thoughts, when he said, 81
didn't think you'd want to see Eric,
so I told you to come later"
Instantly she was treasured. It
was kind of him to spare her a
meeting with Eric Strom.
"Joan," Karl continued, with his
quick smile, 81 hate to ask you to
do this on such bad night but
can't leave the office and I want
this package Delivered" He held out
small leather portfolio.
81 don't mind, Karl! Where does
1t go?"
''Do you remember the night /
took you aboard the freighter?"
She nodded and he went on, II
want it delivered there. Take taxi
and go immediately
Joan fastened her coat and slipped
on her gloves. "To whom shall I
give it,"
"They're expecting you. Someone
will meet you. Give him the pack
age and come right back. You'll
| find taxi outside" He kissed her
briefly.
When she arrived at the pier Joan
asked the driver to wait, and clutch
ing the portfolio tightly, ran into
the warehouse. She walked rapidly
through the darkness, through the
opening which led to the ship. There
was no one in sight as she assembled
the slippery gangplank.
| She stood uncertainty for a mo-
ment peering through the misty
darkness before she heard a voice.
over da?" She drew back involun-
tarily. The cultural voice frightened
her.
Instantly man appeared out of
the night and the muscles of his
SCARED face relaxed when he saw
who it was. Miss Leland?"
eyes," Joan faltered, Here is
package from Mr.. Miller
"Danke schoen!" He saluted her
and disappeared into the shadows.
Joan returned through the ware
house to the street. She shivered
as the wind swept the rain in great
gusts. Thank goodness, her taxi was
still there.
Quickly Joan ran to it, opened the
door and climbed in.
Good evening"" Paul Sherman
said.
He was sitting in the corner COM
posedly smoking cigarette. "I
thought you might need me-"
$50 you're following me again!"
She felt his arm nudge hers in
warning as he glanced towards the
taxi driver. Don't talk now!" he
said under his breath
ordered.
But Paul said, Drive straight
ahead till l give you further direc-
tons. And step on It'll"
Joan sat in furious silence as the
driver obeyed Paul's orders. They
climbed the slope of Mob Hill. Not
until they stopped at hotel and
were settled at small table in the
grill did she turn angrily to Paul.
"Would you mind telling me what
is the idea Of this? happen to be
working for Karl, and he's expect
ing me back at the office"
The room was warm and gay and
there was hum of voices.
RIO BE CONTINUED