The coastland times. [volume] (Mnateo [i.e. Manteo], N.C.) 1947-1959, 1951-03-09

him. She never tells me-nor any
one else 1 should judge from what
her mother says-where she's GO
ing or when she'll be back"
81 told your aunt I was sure you
hadn't seen her. advised her to
call Poole-he must be back by
now-and she said she would. She
was terribly upset. She said Lana's
never stayed away all night be-
fore"
Its queer. Cleve, you don't sup
pose she was one Of the persons
Carol heard-whispering?"
His face hardened. ut doesn't
seem likely. Why on earth would
Lana have it in for you? You
haven't interfered with any Of her
plans, have your"
I'm sure l haven't. She's always
away. About the only time we meet
is at meals. l don't suppose we ex-
change half a dozen sentences a
day. You know, Cleve, can't be-
lieve she's really missing. She's
probably stayed all night some
place and will show up SOON"
II think so myself. Let's not
worry until we know there's some
thing to worry about" He piloted
Dorinda toward a door short dis
lance down the hall Breakfast,
Myrtle, and plenty Of it," he
shouted kitchenward.
A stout colored woman brought
bacon and eggs, coffee and fruit
juice, to the pair sitting side by
side at the round table in the break
fast room.
IT can do with a spot Of food
myself" Cleve explained, scraping
half the contents Of the big platter
into Dorinda's plate. Its over two
hours since l ate, honey child, and
to a growing boy like me that
means it's time for another meal"
"Mr. Cleve, I never saw you
when you wasn't hungry" Myrtle's
vast bulk shook with laughter.
"You folks jes' yell out if you
wants more" she told them over
one shoulder as she pushed through
the swinging door to the kitchen.
Knowing my appetite do you
think you'll be able to support me
in the style to which I've been &C.
customed?" Cleve asked.
DorinHa shook her head at him.
Don't bother me. I'm busy" she
said severely.
Twenty minutes later she pushed
back Ter plate. What a break
fHstl" She sighed. Its wonderful
being here, Cleve. feel so free"
"On1y one word from you and the
pace Is yours for life. YOU" He
stopped as Myrtle poked her black
:, head through the door.
That sheriff mans here to see
you, Mr.. Cleve."
"Oh, bother" Cleve grumbled'
''just when l had you, helpless with
food, at my mercy!"
But Dorinda noticed how swiftly
he put down his napkin and sprang
to his feet. He dropped quick kiss
on her hair as he passed. "See you
later, sweet. Don't run away"
When she finished drinking hel
coffee and went out into the hall
she could see the two men standing
on the front porch apparently alb
sorbed in conversation. But Poole
as if he had eyes in the back o.
his head, wheeled around and a
his imperative Miss LaCroix," she
went slowly toward him.
"Cleve's been telling me abou
your experience last night" the
| sheriff said gravely. He pushed hi!
big hat back upon his grizzlec
hair, hooked a thumb in his leath
er belt. Suppose you tell me the
whole thing just as it happened
She sat down in the porch swing
She felt more at ease with Poole
this morning than she had on the
two previous occasions he haC
questioned her. He seemed milder
less distrustful.
He listened intently as she talked
nodding now and then, once or twice
stopping her to ask question
When she had finished, he rubbet
his chin contemplatively and said
THANK you, Miss LaCroix. I thinl
that's quite clear"
He took step toward the porcl
steps, paused as Dorinda erie,
anxiously, But Mr.. Poole, who d
you think it was in the hall las
night? Cleve's told me that Lana
disappeared. Do you Think"
1T think we'll find Lana Thorr
dyke without any trouble" he as
sured her grimly. Don't worr
about it, Miss LaCroix. If ] don
miss my guess, Wen have thi
whole mess cleared up in the mex
twenty-four hours" His wide mout
twitched. That's not for publics
ton though" He lifted two finger
to his hat brim.
Cleve followed him out to his cal