All-Story Weekly, March 1, 1919 — page 163: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

. “Sa, Dean. THE GROUCH “Td better see him,” interrupted Miss “Come on.” After that there was nothing for Mame _ to do but follow. She was under the domi- nation of a superior will, although she was probably not aware of it. Miss Dean led the way at a smart walk, taking a short cut that involved the climb- ing of a rail fence. She scaled the fence _with such dexterity that Mame received a new and distinctly unfavorable impression of her, which she stored away for future consideration, when the perils of the Grouch were either ended in recovery or death. Miss Dean walked into the cabin without ceremony and went directly to the bed, where she bent over and made a critical ex- amination of the Grouch. His face was averted from her, but when he became aware of a close presence he turned and looked up. Their glances met steadily for ee sec- onds. At first there seemed to be clear rec- ognition, then came a blank look. ‘““ Hello, Mame,” he said. Miss Dean straightened up and knitted her forehead. She reached for his wrist and pressed a firm finger on his pulse. The Grouch rolled his eyes and began to laugh. “Tm going fishing to-morrow, Mame,” he said, “and I want you to tell Knock to get me a million frogs. No; a million and a half. I’m going to catch all the fish in the world.” He continued to look steadily at Miss Dean, who lost count of his pulse, which was really very rapid. Presently she dropped his wrist, walked across the cabin, and beckoned to Mame. “You didn’t tell me he was delirious,” she said. ‘‘ How long has he been out of his head?” 2 ‘“‘ This—this is the first I noticed it,” an- swered Mame, in a trembling voice. “ He thinks you’re me, don’t he? Does that mean . he’s very bad?” “Not necessarily. Go down to the house and get me some ice. Bring a good-sized piece and something to crack it with.” Mame hesitated. For one thing, it was getting late, and it was a dark journey to the farmhouse. For another, Miss Dean would be left alone with the Grouch. © - 7 = 2. <= Pin Sea =F = et eg a. oe = A a ene 7 SF a aes = = ee — Ss ee = feel better. cottage. ‘* Do as I say—at once,” sharply. Surprised at her own submission, Mame : set out on her errand, The Grouch had rolled over so that he faced the wall again. He was scowling and muttering softly. 3 “Lord!” he whispered. ‘“ She’s here! I'll strangle that idiot for bringing her.” Miss Dean uncorked a small bottle of tablets she had brought with her from the cottage, poured a glass of water and walked over to the bed. The Grouch heard her coming. es Don’ t you come near me, Mame Brun- dage!” he called sharply. “ You can’t poison me.” 7 “Tt is not Mame. It is I.” He sat up, stared and laughed boisterous- ly. Miss Dean bit her lip and controlled a slight shudder. Get away from me!” he warned, with an ugly grin. “TI have something bs your fever,” she said quietly, showing him some tablets that lay in her palm. ‘ They will make you Take them.” The Grouch squinted at the tablets and shook his head knowingly. said Miss Dean, ‘ Lee be lw OS Aa) the tee A, Bure One p ~ ‘ ERIN. be 4 : 4 ; . art Aled | MARS PP ctaas PRY Wr \ Si ¥ \F td Lake | (1? » A’ if Wee Ait Atti any ay) Sr hitale a aoe e inh Sn tie aie abe 14 4 % “ha “You're trying to poison me,” he re- - peated, snickering. ‘“ But I’m too smart for you. Tl call the police if you don’t keep away.” Miss Dean was perplexed, but persistent. “You need only take three,” she said. “You don’t think Mame would poison you, do you?” He jerked his glance upward and glared. “Yes, you would!” he cried. “ You’re all trying to kill me. There’s Tilley; he’s trying. But I’ll fool him. ‘‘ All he does is to go and send telegrams to the city about the woman down in the Ha, ha!” Miss Dean started and nearly dropped the tablets. ‘“‘ What’s that?” she asked. He leered at her and ae his head in a silly fashion. “ Won't tell you any more, Mame. You’d go and tell her. She’s a bad one, Mame. You better keep away from her. “She had her picture taken with the \ 5 | ei} Se aS - Mics _< Pn awed Ae o> < 3 = Pe ang Pe, - ~—e heGAN », ras ie A baie hye yf Fe i gh ii Aut i , AYN) Tih '