The Argosy, September 1915 — page 33: what you’re looking at

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

ONE-CYLINDER SAM. eh, Morton? Oh, I beg your pardon! Have you met Mr. Morton?” Miss Chalmers indicated that an in- troduction was unnecessary. “T was so early, I thought I’d bet- ter wait down here for a while,” she explained. ‘“* Nonsense! up at once? Why didn’t you come Ring the bell—bang on the door—do anything. We don’t mind. Do we, Morton? Why, man alive, what’s happened to you?” Mr. Witherbee. was regarding the white flannels with wide eyes. ‘“Mr. Morton dropped his glasses overboard and went to recover them,” said Miss Chalmers. : The man on the string-piece shot a swift glance at her, then nodded con- firmation. “Huh!” said Mr. Witherbee, as he marveled at the wetness of his guest. “‘ Just for a pair of glasses, eh? You're a queer cuss, Morton. By the way, Rosalind, did he tell you about the burglar? ”’ “He’s just finished telling me.” “Fine note! Tell you all about it by and by. This is your grip, is it? You must come straight up to the house. Mrs. Witherbee ‘ll be de- lighted.” He lifted the grip, grasped Miss Chalmers cordially by the arm, and started up the wharf. Then he stopped suddenly. A perplexed expression came into his face. Suddenly he cocked his head on one side and lis- tened. “Hear anything?” he asked Miss Chalmers. She shook her head. “T do,” he affirmed. clicking.” He listened again, then raised the grip and applied his ear to it. Miss Chalmers flushed. “ Please, let’s hurry,’ ing him on. Mr. Witherbee laughed. “ Clock, eh? I couldn’t make it out at all.” She did not venture a glance at the * Something ’ she said, urg- 247 guest, who remained behind, even - when Mr. Witherbee called back: ‘“ Better change those clothes, old man. Early breakfast to-day.” Mr. Morton remained sitting on the string-piece, looking after them with expressionless eyes. Mrs. Witherbee was a sunup riser, like her husband, and she greeted her new guest with open arms. “Everybody will be down present- ly,” she said.. “ My, how wonderfully fine you look! How do you manage it —at such an hour? I suppose I’m a fright. Well, no wonder—this morn- ing. Did Stephen tell you—the bur- elar? Oh, it was a terrible scare! I’m so glad, my dear, you were not here. It would have upset you frightfully.” Miss Chalmers, standing on the porch, glanced across the lawn and saw an overturned chair. 7 “Things like that do upset one,” she murmured. _““T should say they did!” exclaimed Mrs. Witherbee. “I’m afraid I'l never feel safe on this island again. I'll always be lying awake waiting for that alarm to go off. Really, I’d feel safer with it taken out, Stephen.” ‘““ Nonsense,” said Mr. Witherbee. “ Why, it scared him away, didn’t it?” “And scared the rest of us almost to death. I can’t see any economy in that, I must say. I suppose, though, we should be thankful we’re alive. Shall I show you your room now, Rosalind, or will you wait until after breakfast? ” “Tl wait,” said Miss Chalmers. Mrs, Witherbee stepped into the hall and called: “ Gertrude! ” “Yes, mother,” from above. “ Rosalind is here.” “Til be down in a jiffy.” “ And, Gertrude! ” “Well, mother? ” “Bring down what we found after the burglar left, dear.” “All right.” Mrs. Witherbee returned to the answered a voice COPMICGLOOLKS (E@)