The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1942-07-31
CHAPTER v

CHAPTER v
On his way home to lunch Jeff's
step was springy as a boys. As he
let the gate slam behind him, Buddy
and Chuck jumped from ambush be-
hind the hedge. This brought about
a free-for-all on the lawn until the
resultant bedlam made Lee, watch
ing from the screened livingroom-
veranda, put fingers to her ears.
"Hey, Man-mountain!" she called
to Curt. you're worse than the
boys. You know better, they don't.
We have neighbors, remember"
Curt snatched up the youngsters
to march inside.
Lunch ready? I'm starved"
eyes, but you'll" she eyed him sor-
rowfully. "Look at you. Your only
fresh whites! You look like a street
cleaner on rainy day."
Curt chuckled and pulled her to
him.
"Well, you didn't marry CLAM
our boy. Anyway, I won't need these
again for a while. I'm making the
first round this afternoon, so get
out my boots and field clothes. And
pack my old musette bag for over
night. Won't be back till sometime
tomorrow"
During lunch Curt was full of the
job ahead of him, but the meal was
nearly over before he realized Lee
hadn't been listening with the prop
er enthusiasm. That pucker had
returned to her forehead and it
brought back string of questions to
his own mind. He paused to give
her a chance.
''About Fora Mitchell, jeff" she
began.
eyes" Curt set down his glass Of
iced tea, carefully. II saw photo
graphic evidence this morning. They
took. pictures when they found her.
I reckon it's pretty conclusive" He
tried to speak lightly.
She was silent moment.
''But her child, so little and all
alone. I kept thinking all morning
what if it were Bud" Lee bit her
lip. Don't you think, jeff, we could
take her until arrangements are
made to send her north?"
"a swell idea, Lee! should've
thought of it myself. They're look
ing after her at the hospital nursery.
I'll speak to Montaya this after
noon"
Curt reached the San Alejo sta
ton before Montaya, equipped for
the field on this first tour of the
c. A. T. tract. His khaki breeches,
though just unfolded from his trunk,
bore stains no soap could ever re-
move. His battered Stetson was
faded and spotted from sun and
rain.
A As hung loosely at his side, as
integral part of his outfit as the
SCARED boots. A bullying musette
bag that had seen much service
and pair of field glasses were slung
over his shoulder.
First sight of Montaya swinging
down the path to the station brought
a chuclxle to Curtis lips. Lees cpl
tibet, 'sThe Dark Lily" popped into
mind-and settled there for good.
He kept his promise to Lee, rails
ing the subject Of the Mitchell child
before they set out.
Montaya knit his brows, selected
one of his long Turkish cigarettes,
fished a lighter from his pocket.
"Your former acquaintance with
the Mitchells," he finally said, sis
no reason for you to feel response
bility toward the child"
''We're not making the suggestion
out of duty" Curt replied, a bit
shortly.
Montaya studied the ash forming
on the end of his cigarette. Why so
much elaboration, Curt wondered,
over so simple a matter? He
frowned. At length Montaya spoke.
81 have been unable yet to locate
the relatives. According to our rec
ords there are only two-sisters of
Mrs. Mitchell, and they-ah, travel
in theatrical work. It will take time
to make arrangements. If Mrs. Cur
tbs will be SO kind, then. The child
is not happy at the nursery"
As they rolled down the noun
tainside Curt had better view of
the airfeld than from the unexpect-
ed glimpse of it the day before.
Again today Curt noted the length
of the field, but at once realized a
long runway was necessary for
heavily loaded planes. His eyes
travelling down the wide strip caught
a glimpse, but hardly more than
that, Of what seemed to be a dupli-
cate set Of buildings at the far end.
They were shaded by the big copse
of trees left standing there, but at
that end of the field the grass was
grown, there was no runway. Evil
IDENTIFY these buildings were not in
use-at least as hangers.
However, along the barely visible
front of the buildings ran plat
form breast high, and serving this
platform was spur track leading
from the airfield branch. Curt would
have missed the platform If the