The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1944-10-05

Alan, staggering Dack IrOHl II1e
glaring rocks, going blind by de-
grees. A long drawn-out torture
for the sensitive boy. She did not
hear the door of the shop open.
'Hallop John had left Mrs. Ma
turin in the car.
II thought =" Odette was
deadly white. "You said you
would not see me again"
did I? But that was last
night"
Il =" Odette bowed her
head.
"You minded. Well, that's as it
should be, and I'm glad to know.
Because now I've come with re-
quest. Mrs. Maturin is outside in
the car waiting to take you back
with us to Pole Star House. I
don't consider it safe for you to
remain here"
"You mean "
II mean that I don't like that
dirty piece of work. Fergus Lei
ter" said John promptly. "And I
mean to have you under a roof
that can really shelter you.'
''But you don't understand"
said Odette frantically. She
caught hold of his sleeve. II
can't" she gasped. 81 can't
can't explain why, but I can't"
81 have just told you, don't be-
gin this sort of thing said John
quietly. "Otherwise, I shall 60 to
the police"
"Police!" White to the lips now,
Odette was staring. 'How dare
you! I can't leave my shop"
"You needn't. You can carry
on as usual during the day. only
want you to be at Pole Star House
for the nights
'Why particularly for the
nights?" Odette was trying to
, think. Fergus would stop at moth
ing. Murder; he would murder
this man who was befriending
her. Not because he resented his
attention to her but simply be-
cause he would suspect him. Sus-
pect him of what? ooh, God!
Odette choked out the words.
Hurry up and decides Mrs.
Maturin is waiting outside. I'll
tell you how the matter stands
Pole Star House, like a good girl
or the police sergeant in Barns.
taple."
II can't think why you threaten
me with the police" said Odette
wildly. Then she laughed shakily
Cali right, I'll come quietly" she
said.
Her eyes shone like stars, re.
Elected John ten minutes later a.
he helped her with her suitcase
He caught her eyes on him anc
smiled. A smile that stole dowr
into her innermost being and lin.
gered there, fragrant as a bunch
of violets wet from spring rain.
Alfred Cummings moved swift.
ly round Fergus Letters bedroom
There had been a great scene that
morning. Fergus had found AL.
fred staring out to sea.
well, what's the matter with
you?" Fergus had just got Odette's
note telling him that she was al
Pole Star House. With the ex-
cuse of getting a little air before
breakfast, she had rushed around
to the Point Hotel with it before
John came down to breakfast
And now with Odette's note in his
hand. Fergus Letter surveyed
the white-coated back of the youth
on whom he was beginning to re-
ly.
well, what's the matter with
your" he said again. But even he
was taken aback by the blazing
excitement in the white face that
swung round on him.
"Heil Hitler,'' said Alfred Cum
minis, his quivering arm out
stretched. Hell Hitler. My
Fuehrer, I dedicate myself to
your SERVICE" and as his tremb-
ling voice gave out these terrific
words he wondered why it was
that he almost felt as if he meant
it. For the excitement was over
Whelming terrific. Like being an
actor with all the audience Sob
bling and crying before him.
do you mean it?"
Il do, SIR said. Alfred quietly.
He dropped his hands down by his
sides and stood very still.
"You will help me and my
Fuehrer?"
81 will, sir"
''Then read this" said Fergus
suddenly, tossing over Odette's
letter. The boy was perfectly
safe, he had had him under OBJ
servation for days now. And he
would be of inestimab1e value
v