The Ypsilanti daily press. (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 1928-1962, 1944-09-26
CHAPTER I

"HIS time he knew they were
after him. Hand on the door,
- he could hear their voices
echoing down the dim hotel corri-
dor, nearer than before, and, enter
ing the room, he closed the door
softly behind him.
Warmer in there. The scent of
peffume fioated toward him. Across
the bed lay a woman's dress, a pair
of stockings, and little heap of
pale silk lingerie. On the table, an
open suitcase.
Browning, he stood hesitant,
hand still on the knob, but outside
the clamor of excited voices was in
full cry-no going back now. The
man-hunt was on.
Again his eyes traversed the
room, then fixed upon the inner
door. Slowly it was swinging open.
A shadow fell across the floor
and he found himself looking into
the startled eyes of a girl.
He was conscious first Of the
wine-colored robe gathered tight
about her body; then of her hair
thick, full of vitality, shading from
dark brown to an almost taffy light
ness-hair that even in this breath
less second of discovery reminded
him of a VOLTS pelt. And last Of
all he was aware Of eyes that were
smoky green and very long beneath
black, level lashes.
Throughout a tense, unforget-
table moment they stood at gaze,
while the ticking of clock grew
louder. He saw the blood mounting
to her cheeks and waited for the
cry that never came.
Instead she moved forward. Her
eyes passed from his face to the
heavy mackinaw, the wooden field
clothes and high-top moccasins. He
heard the quick intake Of her breath
then the half whispered words
What do you want?"
The same quality Of richness in
her voice that he had noticed down,
stairs. But now he saw her finger:
tighten. "AnsUer mel"
Don't be frightened" He spoke
in quick, low voice.
"I'm not frightened. What are you
doing here?"
No, she wasn't frightened
those cool green eyes told him sh,
would not be frightened. She wa
one of those who had learned tn,
futility Of fear. The small hands
that clasped the folds Of her kimo
no-they weren't even trembling.
Rapidly she shook her head. "Yol
must 90 at once or III"
He raised hand to his lips
those voices were just outside tn,
door. She stopped, and like statues
they stood barely a pace apart.
Noisily the voices passed dow
the hall, and he permitted himself
to breathe again. She leaned for
ward, lips scarcely moving.
H. They are looking for you?"
He motioned her back from tn,
door, but without stirring sh,
asked, "Are you a eriminal?"
"No."
"Then why" She was lookin,
at him more closely. Have l seel
you before?"
Downstairs, at the desk. 70,
were asking the clerk about plane
TO Learmonth. That's why l cam
here"
"But still don't"
"You want TO fly to Learmonth
don't you? I can help you get there.
1.-THE clerk said there were n
planes"
"There won't be any schedule
planes until the lake is frozen over
But ] can charter one. It's eithe
that or waiting here two weeks
maybe more"
81 can't wait two weeks. I hav
10 get there sooner! mustl"
He half smiled. There's no mus
in this north country"
"There is for me-" The color o
her cheek deepened. 81 have exactl
three dollars left" She walked 10
ward the window, then swift
turned. why do you need met"
"To arrange for the plane. They
be watching for me to do that yer
thing"
And you came TO my room I
hide?"
Again that fleeing smile. at wa
getting a little warm for me out
side"