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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 12357 ***
+
+                          THE CASE AND THE GIRL
+
+                           BY RANDALL PARRISH
+
+                                  1922
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+CHAPTER
+
+
+     I THE LADY IN THE LIMOUSINE
+
+    II A SUDDEN ENGAGEMENT
+
+   III THE COOLIDGE HOME
+
+    IV MISS COOLIDGE EXPLAINS
+
+     V WEST WINS THE FIRST HAND
+
+    VI UNTANGLING THREADS
+
+   VII A VISIT TO THE INDIGENT
+
+  VIII A NEW MISS COOLIDGE
+
+    IX AN UNEXPECTED DISMISSAL
+
+     X THE BODY OF A SUICIDE
+
+    XI SUSPICION VERIFIED
+
+   XII AGAINST A STONE WALL
+
+  XIII 238 WRAY STREET
+
+   XIV TRAPPED
+
+    XV THE EDGE OF COMPROMISE
+
+   XVI WEST MAKES HIS CHOICE
+
+  XVII FACING DEATH
+
+ XVIII UNDER COVER
+
+   XIX THE COMING OF A MESSAGE
+
+    XX WHAT THE TELEPHONE TOLD
+
+   XXI THE YACHT "SEMINOLE"
+
+  XXII KIDNAPPED
+
+ XXIII THE FATE OF A PRISONER
+
+  XXIV THE SINKING YACHT
+
+   XXV FREE OF THE YACHT
+
+  XXVI THE COMING OF DAWN
+
+ XXVII LOVE BREAKS SILENCE
+
+XXVIII AN ESCAPE FROM THE RAFT
+
+  XXIX THE HOUSE IN THE BLUFFS
+
+   XXX HOBART FORGETS AND TALKS
+
+  XXXI McADAMS BLOWS IN
+
+ XXXII A BRIDGE OF LOVE
+
+
+
+
+THE CASE AND THE GIRL
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+THE LADY IN THE LIMOUSINE
+
+
+West, still attired in khaki uniform, but wearing the red chevron of
+honourable discharge on his left sleeve, sat in the Club writing room,
+his feet comfortably elevated, endeavouring to extract some entertainment
+from the evening paper. The news was not particularly interesting,
+however, and finally, obsessed with the feeling that it would soon be
+time for him to seriously contemplate the procuring of suitable
+employment, the young man turned the sheet about rather idly, and ran his
+eyes down the columns devoted to classified advertising.
+
+Half way down the first column, under the head of "miscellaneous," he
+paused and read a paragraph with some interest; then read it over again,
+emitting a soft whistle between his teeth.
+
+"Well, by Jove!" he said to himself slowly, "That doesn't sound so bad
+either; out of the ordinary, at least. Say, Thompson," and he turned to
+a tall young fellow busily writing at the adjoining desk, and shoved the
+paper under his eyes, pointing at the paragraph which had attracted
+attention, with one finger, "What do you make out of that, old man?"
+
+The other, rather sober-faced, and slow of speech, read the advertisement
+word by word, with no change of expression.
+
+"Rot," he said solemnly. "Either a joke, or some scheme on. Why?
+interested in it?"
+
+"In a measure, yes. Sounds rather business-like to me. I've got a good
+mind to answer, and take a chance."
+
+"You're a fool if you do, Matt," decisively, and turning back to his
+writing. "That is some game being pulled off, and the first thing you
+know, you'll be in bad. Likely as not it means blackmail. Besides there
+is no address."
+
+"That's one thing I like about it," retorted the other. "They are in
+earnest, and taking no chances of having their purpose guessed at. There
+is a way to reach them, if the one answering is sufficiently in earnest.
+By Jove, I don't see how any one can get in bad, merely by finding out
+what it all means."
+
+"Well, do as you please; you would anyhow. Only you have my advice."
+
+West read the item again. He had been eighteen months in France, and his
+discharge from the army had left him bored and dissatisfied with the dull
+routine of civil life. He dreaded to get back into the harness of a
+prosaic existence; even his profession as a civil engineer had someway
+lost its charm. He had tasted the joy of adventure, the thrill of danger,
+and it was still alluring. This advertisement promised a mystery which
+strangely attracted his imagination.
+
+_"Wanted: Young man of education and daring for service involving some
+personal peril. Good pay, and unusual reward if successful. May have to
+leave city. Purpose disclosed only in personal interview."_
+
+As Thompson had pointed out, this was not signed, nor any address given.
+
+West crossed over to an unoccupied desk, and wrote a reply, changing the
+wording several times, and finally making a clean copy. Thompson glanced
+across at him, but said nothing. The answer read:
+
+_"To Advertiser: Am 26; late captain of Engineers; University graduate
+adventurous disposition. Would be glad to consider your proposition.
+Address, Box 57, University Club."_
+
+He placed this in an envelope, called a Club messenger, and, handing the
+boy a sum of money, sent him over to the newspaper office.
+
+Two days elapsed before an answer appeared in his box; a small envelope,
+addressed in a lady's handwriting apparently, and mailed from one of the
+sub-postoffices. West tore it open rather eagerly, and read the contents
+with surprise. The words within had been written by the same hand which
+appeared upon the envelope, but the language used gave him no clue to the
+purpose of the writer. The brief note read:
+
+"Box 57 University Club.
+
+"Your answer to advertisement makes a good impression, and I am willing
+to put you to the further test of a personal meeting. If you are in
+earnest in this matter, and quite prepared to assume the necessary risk,
+you will be at the north-west corner of Spaulding Park at 5:30 to-morrow
+afternoon. Do not come in uniform, but it will be well to bring evening
+clothes in a bag. Be sure of yourself, and be prompt.
+
+"Very truly yours,
+
+"The Advertiser."
+
+West read this over, again and again, smoking furiously, and endeavouring
+to weigh each word. He saw Thompson in the other room, but decided not to
+submit the epistle to his criticism. The letter sounded honest and
+sincere; the writer evidently had a purpose in view, and was selecting
+an agent with great care and secrecy. No hint as to what that object was
+would be revealed blindly--he must be tried in every way first;
+thoroughly tested as to both character and courage. Undoubtedly steps had
+already been taken to do this. The delay in reply would have afforded
+opportunity for some investigation, as his address would give the
+necessary clue to his identity. The request for evening clothes, however,
+rather reassured him; evidently his first plunge into this mystery was
+not to occur in any stratum of low society; no vast amount of personal
+danger could be involved in such preliminaries. The truth was, the note
+only increased his former interest in the case, and his determination to
+probe more deeply into its mystery. So the advertiser was a woman! This
+fact also stimulated his imagination, and rendered him the more eager. By
+Jove! he would see the thing through!
+
+His decision was reached, yet West, although still young and adventurous,
+had received the rigorous training of the soldier, and learned lessons of
+discretion. He would go, but would make every effort to protect himself
+against any possible treachery. He had a room at the Club, and wrote a
+letter or two before proceeding to dress, arranging for their personal
+delivery in case he failed to return at a designated time; carefully
+examined his service revolver, and deposited it in the pocket of the
+business suit he decided to wear. Satisfied with these arrangements, he
+dressed rapidly, and then packed his bag, bearing it in his hand as he
+departed in ample time for the point of rendezvous. A cab took him to the
+place designated, and he found himself alone in a rather desolate spot,
+with which he was in no way familiar. No doubt he had passed there again
+and again, as a boulevard extended along one side of the small park, yet
+his memory retained no clear recollection of the place. There were a few
+small stores opposite, while the park itself was well kept, and populated
+almost entirely by nursemaids, judging from the number of baby carriages
+trailing along the walks. Back of the curb were a few benches, but West
+chose to remain outside, depositing his bag in plain view of any one
+passing, and then walked back and forth somewhat nervously. He was there
+several minutes ahead of time, and compared his watch by a clock in a
+church tower a block away. He had no knowledge of how he was to be
+approached, or identified, but his being requested to bring a bag
+containing evening clothes, somehow suggested riding, rather than
+walking, and consequently his eyes followed more or less intently the
+constant stream of automobiles.
+
+He grew restless, and more doubtful as the moments slipped past. Surely
+he could not have mistaken the place of appointment or the hour? He
+glanced at the scene to again reassure himself. No, that was impossible;
+the park name was plainly decipherable beside the entrance, and his watch
+coincided exactly with the clock in the tower. He stood beside his bag,
+staring up and down the boulevard, permitting his eyes to occasionally
+wander to the scene within the enclosure. Nothing rewarded his scrutiny.
+Then suddenly, without slightest warning, a black limousine whirled in
+alongside the curb, and came to a stop immediately in front of where he
+waited. The chauffeur, dressed in plain dark livery, stepped out, and
+threw open the rear door, without asking so much as a question. Except
+that the fellow stood there, looking directly toward him, his fingers on
+the latch, expectantly, West would not have known that he was wanted. Yet
+it was all so obvious he could not question. Silently he picked up his
+bag, and stepped forward. He saw no one within, but firm in the belief
+that the chauffeur must have his orders, he entered blindly, the door
+closing instantly behind him. The curtains were drawn, the interior
+gloomy and indistinct, and the driver had resumed his seat, and started
+the motor, before West realized that he was not alone. In one corner of
+the wide back seat, drawn back from any possible observation from
+without, sat a woman.
+
+At first glance he could only barely distinguish the outlines of her
+figure, dimly discernable against the dark background of the upholstery,
+but, as his eyes accustomed themselves to the faint light, her features
+also became dimly visible--enough so, at least, to convince him that she
+was young. Neither spoke for some moments, while the automobile gathered
+speed, and West had an uncomfortable feeling that the lady was watching
+him with great intentness. Slightly embarrassed, and uncertain as to his
+best course of action, the young man remained silent, his eyes on the
+burly back of the chauffeur, revealed through the front glass. He could
+only quietly await her explanation of this strange situation. The delay
+was not a long one. She laughed, nervously perhaps, yet with a sense of
+humour at the awkward position.
+
+"Quite melodramatic, is it not, Captain West?" she asked, in a decidedly
+pleasant voice. "I trust it appeals thoroughly to that disposition for
+adventure of which you wrote. I assure you I have arranged the details
+to the best of my ability."
+
+"Nothing more could be desired, I am sure," he confessed, surprised at
+her tone, and glancing toward her. "I certainly am left completely in the
+dark, unable even to clearly distinguish my mysterious companion in
+adventure."
+
+"And there really is no longer any occasion for such concealment." She
+lifted the heavy curtain beside her, permitting the grey light to rest
+upon her face. "I preferred not to be seen at the park for obvious
+reasons; but here, alone with you, such precaution is quite
+unnecessary. We are to be either friends, or enemies, so frankness is
+the best course."
+
+He saw the face of a young woman of twenty-four, or five, with dark eyes
+and hair, her cheeks flushed with health and excitement, her lips
+smiling. It was a face of unusual attractiveness, not regular, perhaps,
+in any of its features, yet filled with character, and glowing with life.
+It was to him a totally unfamiliar countenance, but one which as
+instantly awakened his interest. He liked the girl, and believed in her.
+
+"I can only thank you," he said, rather lamely. "Although I do not
+understand now how we could ever become enemies. Surely, that is not
+a threat?"
+
+"Oh, no, it is far too true. You have yet to learn what I require. Yet
+that was very nicely said. I take it to mean your first impression of me
+is not unfavourable?"
+
+"Very far from it. I am already deeply interested in my task. If I lacked
+an incentive before, you have furnished it. I am only too glad I was the
+fortunate volunteer."
+
+She laughed again softly, her eyes still on his face.
+
+"Really, I had not anticipated such a sincere compliment. No doubt you
+learned these delightful speeches in France," she answered, a very faint
+tinge of sarcasm in the words. "However, this is a very serious matter,
+Captain West, and really has nothing to do with my personal appearance. I
+am, of course, being a woman, glad that I please you, but we must
+consider this particular affair from an entirely different standpoint. I
+am seeking neither flirtation nor compliment; merely a trustworthy agent.
+First of all, it is necessary that you comprehend this."
+
+He bowed, impressed by her manner, and somewhat ashamed of his
+impetuousity.
+
+"I accept the reproof," he said quietly, "and will endeavour henceforth
+not to offend in any way. I am entirely at your service."
+
+"There is no offence; I merely thought it best there should be no
+misunderstanding. Now, I am sure, we can proceed intelligently. Indeed, I
+am going to frankly confess, I also like your appearance. This mutual
+liking ought to be half the battle. We have quite a ride before us yet;
+you may question me if you wish."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+A SUDDEN ENGAGEMENT
+
+
+West gazed out through the window, wondering where they were. In his
+interest in his companion, he had until this moment, taken no note of
+things without, nor did his eyes rest now upon any familiar scene. They
+were swiftly, and noiselessly, passing blocks of respectable residences,
+none of these particularly distinguished. Her sudden invitation rather
+startled him.
+
+"You mean I am to question you freely."
+
+"Assuredly; while I am to remain quite as free in my answers. That is
+perfectly fair, is it not?"
+
+"At least, it sounds so. Where am I being transported then? And why the
+dress-suit?"
+
+His questions evidently amused, for her eyes sparkled.
+
+"Naturally that query comes first; and especially the dress-suit. You
+have the prejudices of your sex, I see, and without regret. I shall
+endeavour to reply catagorically, yet with reservations. We are going to
+a country home, where we dine, in company with a few guests."
+
+"I see; I am first of all to be projected into society. Are any of these
+guests known to me?"
+
+"God forbid; and I may even venture to predict that you will never care
+to know any of them again. You are to be present as my guest, and will so
+be welcomed."
+
+"I feel the honour; but would it not be well under these circumstances
+for me to know more clearly whose guest I am? Suppose, for instance, I
+had to refer to our long friendship, it would be extremely awkward not to
+even be able to mention your name."
+
+"My name! Why, of course, you do not know what it is. Well, really I am
+not altogether certain that I do either. We will therefore compromise on
+the one I am known by; which will be safer. Allow me, Captain West, to
+present to you Miss Natalie Coolidge."
+
+She held out frankly a neatly gloved hand, which he as instantly took,
+and retained in his own, the girl making no immediate effort to
+withdraw it.
+
+"This is very kind of you, Miss Coolidge," he acknowledged, adapting
+himself to her present mood. "But it seems there is no necessity for me
+to present myself. Apparently my identity is already known."
+
+"Otherwise you would not be among those present," she admitted frankly.
+"You must surely realize that I needed, at least, to have some
+information relative to a man in whom I expected to confide. Telling
+secrets--especially family secrets--to strangers is not my specialty."
+
+"Then, I judge you have not accepted me blindly?"
+
+"No, I have not," earnestly, and now releasing her hand. "I do not think
+we ever really know any one except through personal intercourse; but I do
+know who you are, and something of what your life thus far has been. It
+was two days after I received your answer before I replied to it. This
+time was devoted exclusively to making me somewhat better acquainted with
+my correspondent."
+
+"But how could you? I signed no name."
+
+She smiled, again quite at her ease.
+
+"The box number at the Club was amply sufficient. I have friends there;
+once possessed of your name and army rank, the department records at
+Washington furnished all further information. A Senator kindly attended
+to that end, and was also able to supply a little additional gossip
+through one of his Southern colleagues. So you perceive, Captain, I am
+not altogether reckless. Are you interested in learning what I know?"
+
+"I am; both from records and gossip. Will you tell me?"
+
+"Willingly," and she checked the points off on her gloved fingers. "You
+are Matthew West, the only son of Judge Robert Peel West, of Atlanta,
+Georgia. Your mother, who was of the well-known Bullock family, died when
+you were about fifteen, and her widowed sister has since been the
+house-keeper. You are a graduate of the university of Virginia, being
+fourth in your class in Scholarship. Your engineering course was
+completed in Massachusetts, and you later became connected with the Wyant
+Contracting Company, of Chicago. You were here, however, only a very
+brief time, making but few acquaintances, when the War broke out. You
+immediately entered the first officers' training school at Fort Sheridan,
+graduating with the rank of First Lieutenant, and were assigned to a
+regiment of Engineers, among the earliest to sail for France. While there
+you were wounded twice, and cited once for special gallantry in the
+rescue of a seriously injured private. Your last wound caused your return
+to the United States on a special mission, and also won you the rank of
+Captain. Since then you have been honourably discharged, but have made
+no effort to resume professional work. You are twenty-six, and unmarried.
+Is there anything else you care to know?"
+
+"I think not; really your agency has been most efficient. Could you tell
+me also if I have ever been in love?"
+
+"In love! Really I made no inquiries, as that did not interest me in the
+least. I am prepared to be confessed to, however, if you feel it
+necessary."
+
+"I may have to confess later. Just now it might be better to let matters
+remain as they are. And so this review satisfied you that I was really
+the man you sought?"
+
+"No, it did not wholly satisfy, but it looked promising. You were
+evidently courageous, and a gentleman. These qualities were essential;
+whether in other respects you measured up to my purpose, could only be
+ascertained through a personal interview. There was no other way."
+
+"And now?" he persisted.
+
+"Still encouraging. I must admit, although the test is not yet complete.
+However, we are now approaching the end of our journey. Before we turn in
+I am going to ask a favour of you--call me Natalie."
+
+"Natalie; that will be easy."
+
+"And also forgive me if I fail in always addressing you formally as
+Captain West. I presume your friends say Matt, do they not?"
+
+"Some have that habit."
+
+"Then I claim also the privilege."
+
+She bewildered him, left him in wonderment as to what she would do next,
+but there was scarcely time in which to answer before the speeding
+limousine turned abruptly into a private drive-way, curving gracefully to
+the front of a rather imposing stone mansion, set well back from the
+road. West caught a glimpse of a green lawn, a maze of stables at the
+rear, and a tennis-court with several busily engaged players. Then they
+were at the side entrance, and a servant, in the same unobtrusive livery
+as the chauffeur, was quietly opening the door. He turned and helped his
+companion to emerge.
+
+"Take the gentleman's bag to the Blue Room, Sexton," she said calmly,
+"and then lay out his evening clothes."
+
+"Yes, miss."
+
+"I will be in the hall when you come down, Captain, but there is
+no hurry."
+
+West followed the servant up the softly carpeted stairs, finding the
+apartment assigned him not only extremely comfortable, but even elegant
+in its furnishing. He stood at the window looking down on the tennis
+court, while Sexton opened the bag, and spread out the required
+garments on the bed. Evidently he was in a home of wealth and
+refinement. The grounds outspread before his eyes were spacious and
+attractive; in the distance he even perceived an artificial lake with
+paths winding enticingly along its shore, and through strips of
+woodland. Who could this strange girl be? this Natalie Coolidge? And
+what could she possible desire of him? These questions remained
+unanswered, yet continually tantalized. He could not even grasp her
+personality. In spite of her apparent friendliness, her irresistible
+smile, her lack of conventionality, there remained a certain reserve
+about the young woman he felt quite unable to penetrate. Whatever game
+she was playing she kept the cards securely in her own hands. He was
+not yet admitted to her confidence. He stood there immersed in these
+thoughts still, when Sexton spoke.
+
+"Shall I assist you, sir?"
+
+"No; it will not be necessary. You have laid out everything?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Very well; that will do, at present. What is the hour for dinner?"
+
+"Seven o'clock, sir."
+
+"I have ample time then. That will be all." The man retired noiselessly,
+closing the door after him, and West began slowly to dress, rather amused
+at the care he took, that all details should be as correct as possible.
+Unquestionably the girl interested him oddly. She was original, a new
+type, and he made no effort to drive her from his imagination. He had not
+been long back from the war zone, his acquaintance in the city was
+extremely limited, and consequently this girl, thus suddenly brought into
+his life, had made a far greater impression than she might otherwise. Yet
+under any conditions, she would have proven noticeable, and attractive.
+He endeavoured to analyse what constituted this peculiar attractiveness,
+but without arriving at any definite conclusion. She was young, of
+course, and undeniably pretty, with eyes really remarkable, and a smile
+not to be easily forgotten. She possessed a sense of humour, and had left
+upon him a strong impression of frank sincerity. Yet in these qualities
+she did not differ so greatly from others he had known. Perhaps mystery
+had much to do with her power of enticement--a continual wonderment as to
+what she might do next. Then she was so self-poised, so confident of
+herself, so naturally informed. All these things had their charm, and,
+coupled with her undoubted beauty, left his brain in a whirl.
+
+He was satisfactorily dressed at last, although obliged to switch on the
+lights before this was accomplished. The reflection of himself in the
+pier glass quite met his deliberate approval, and he glanced inquiringly
+at his watch, rather eager to delve deeper into this adventure. It was a
+few moments of seven, and she would undoubtedly be waiting for him in the
+hall below. He descended the broad stairs, conscious of a thrill of
+expectancy; nor was he doomed to disappointment.
+
+Miss Coolidge met him in the dimly lighted vacancy of the hall, with
+smiling eyes of welcome. They were mocking, puzzling eyes, the depths of
+which he could not fathom--they perplexed, and invited at the same
+instant. She was in evening dress, a creamy satin, revealing white
+shoulders, and rounded, beautifully mounded arms, visible beneath folds
+of filmy lace. If he had dreamed the girl attractive before in the
+plainness of street costume, he now beheld her in a new vision of
+loveliness. His heart throbbed at the sight, every nerve tingling to the
+intimate tones of her voice. And she met him in a more delightful mood of
+informality than had found expression even during their afternoon ride.
+She was apparently in the highest spirits, eager to overstep all
+conventionality.
+
+"Again you please me," she said, surveying him critically. "Really this
+is too much, the wonderful way in which you meet every test."
+
+"You mean in clothes?"
+
+"In everything, so far. Clothes--yes; do they not reveal the very soul of
+a man? I hardly think I could ever have forgiven if you had come down not
+looking the part you are to play."
+
+"Nor could I have forgiven myself, if I am to enjoy the pleasure of
+taking you in to dinner."
+
+"That privilege is yours even without the asking. But," quizzically, and
+glancing up frankly into his eyes, "You may not care when the time comes.
+For the great test arrives first. So, buck up, Captain, for you are going
+to have the shock of your life. Whatever you do, even if you feel that
+you are about to faint, don't, for my sake, let your face show it."
+
+"But," he protested, "give me some warning, some opportunity to prepare
+for such an emergency."
+
+"No," she laughed gaily, "there is no time; it is ordained to fall upon
+you like a thunder-bolt. They are all in there waiting for us now. You
+will offer me your arm."
+
+He accompanied her, amused, yet bewildered, through the wide archway into
+the more brilliantly lighted drawing-room. It was a magnificent
+apartment, containing a half dozen people. The one nearest the entrance
+was a man of middle age, exceedingly pompous and dignified, who
+immediately arose to his feet, expectantly. Miss Coolidge cordially
+extended her hand in greeting.
+
+"So glad to learn you could be out, Judge," she said, the least
+perceptible hesitancy in her voice. "Permit me to present Judge Cable, of
+the Supreme Court; Captain West, my fiancé."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+THE COOLIDGE HOME
+
+
+For an instant West was absolutely helpless to assert himself. The calm
+assurance of the girl's voice in this unexpected introduction left his
+brain paralysed with bewilderment. Yet his features did not betray his
+condition, nor did he entirely lose control over himself. His fingers met
+the outstretched hand of the Judge, and he seemed to gaze calmly into the
+latter's searching eyes. Fortunately he was not compelled to speak, as
+Cable voiced his own surprise fluently.
+
+"Well, well," he exclaimed. "This is certainly startling, Natalie. I am,
+indeed, bereft of words, yet I congratulate you, sir. Captain--Captain
+West, I think was the name? You are then in the service, sir?"
+
+"Discharged from the Engineers."
+
+"Ah, exactly. I can hardly adjust myself. Friends, come forward. I have
+to make an announcement extraordinary. It seems this sly minx has
+arranged a surprise for all of us. Perchance this was the purpose of our
+little dinner party?"
+
+"Oh, no, Judge," protested Miss Coolidge, her cheeks flushed, yet
+otherwise perfectly cool and self-possessed. West ventured to glance
+aside into her face, surprised at the quietness of her voice. "Really,
+this was unexpected, even to myself. I was not so much as aware that
+Captain West was in the city until a very short time ago. I am sure he
+will bear me out in this statement."
+
+"I could not do otherwise, and be truthful," West felt compelled to
+admit. "The announcement was quite unexpected."
+
+"But what is this all about?" asked a female voice eagerly. "Remember we
+have not heard, Judge Cable."
+
+"It is my pleasure then," he said gallantly, bowing, and at once
+instituting himself as master of ceremonies, "to introduce to you, Miss
+Natalie's fiancé, Captain West--Mrs. Lonsdale, Professor Scott, Miss
+Margaret Willis, Colonel LeFranc, Mrs. Wilber Somers. Possibly there may
+be no necessity of my presenting the next gentleman--Mr. Percival
+Coolidge."
+
+"Oh, but there is," the last mentioned interposed, a tall rather portly
+man, with grey hair and moustache, "I must confess this is as much a
+surprise to me as to any one present. However," he grasped West's hand
+with apparent cordiality, "I hasten to add my congratulations, and to
+wish Natalie all the happiness possible."
+
+The group slowly broke up, the members still discussing the undoubted
+surprise of this announcement, Miss Coolidge talking animatedly with Mrs.
+Lonsdale, and seemingly having forgotten West's presence in the room. He
+was utterly unable to even catch her eye, and finally found himself
+confronting Colonel LeFranc and Percival Coolidge, the latter instantly
+engaging him in conversation, evidently seeking more definite
+information.
+
+"This engagement with my niece," he said uneasily, "must have been rather
+sudden? Even your name is quite unfamiliar to me."
+
+"It was, indeed," admitted West, who had now completely recovered
+his nerve, and even begun to enjoy the situation. "Since my return
+from abroad."
+
+"You were with the army in France?"
+
+"In an Engineer Regiment. I have been in America only two weeks."
+
+"Ah, indeed. And this is your home?"
+
+Realizing that the elder Coolidge was diligently searching for
+information, West decided the best method would be a full confession.
+
+"Oh, no," he said candidly, "I am from the South--Atlanta, Georgia. My
+father is a District Judge, Robert Peel West, quite widely known, and my
+mother belonged to the Bullock family. I am a graduate of the University
+of Virginia, and also of the Massachusetts Polytechnic. Before the war I
+was connected for a short time, with a well-known firm of Engineers in
+this city, but, since my return, I have not resumed professional work.
+Having been wounded in France, I have felt entitled to a little rest
+after my return."
+
+"Quite interesting, I am sure," Coolidge turned to the Colonel. "You are
+Southern also, I believe?"
+
+"Very much so," was the quick response. "And I chance to know the name
+of Judge West rather well. I congratulate your niece on her choice of a
+life companion. There is no better blood in Georgia. I would be very
+pleased to hear more of your father, Captain West. I have not met him
+for several years."
+
+West, by this time, thoroughly impressed with the spirit of the occasion,
+passed the ensuing evening rather pleasantly, although obliged to be
+always on his guard against any incautious remark, and keenly interested
+in all that was occurring about him. He found the company rather pleasant
+and entertaining, although not quite able to gauge the real feelings of
+Mr. Percival Coolidge, who he imagined was not altogether satisfied with
+the state of affairs just revealed. The gentleman was outwardly cordial
+enough, yet his manner continued distinctively reserved, and somewhat
+cold. West, however, attributed this largely to the nature of the man,
+and finally dismissed the thought from his mind altogether. The person
+who continued to puzzle him most was Natalie Coolidge, nor was he able to
+approach her in any way so as to obtain a whispered private word of
+guidance. The girl unquestionably avoided him, easily able to accomplish
+this by devoting her entire attention to the other guests.
+
+She appeared in excellent humour, and there was laughter, and brilliant
+conversation wherever she paused, but not once could he encounter her
+glance, or find her for a moment alone. Nor dare he ask questions of
+those he conversed with, so as to gain any fresh insight into this
+mystery. He ventured upon thin ice once or twice most carefully, but the
+information obtained was infinitesimal, although it bore to some extent
+on the problem confronting him. The Colonel innocently lifted the veil
+slightly, permitting him to learn that this was a week-end party, and
+that Miss Coolidge was the mistress of the place, her parents having been
+dead for two years. Percival Coolidge, her father's brother, and a
+manufacturer in the city, was her guardian, and the affairs of the estate
+were not yet entirely liquidated. West drew the impression that Colonel
+LeFranc possessed a rather low opinion of the uncle, although he was
+careful to choose his words. Beyond this he apparently knew nothing of
+the family history, which he felt at liberty to communicate. As West had
+a delicacy in asking questions, the subject was pursued no further.
+
+He was assigned to escort Miss Willis, a tall willowy blonde, and quite
+talkative, in to dinner, but her conversation ran largely to the
+theatrical offerings in town, and he found it impossible to change her
+trend of thought into other channels. The hostess sat nearly opposite,
+where she could easily overhear the young lady, whose voice was decidedly
+penetrating, so West made no serious attempt to be otherwise than
+complacent. Once the smiling Natalie appealed to him, familiarly
+calling him "Matt" across the table, and he responded with equal
+intimacy, yet her eyes avoided his, and it was plainly evident to his
+self-consciousness, that her remark was merely part of the play. More
+and more her actions mystified and perplexed; he could not discover the
+key to her hidden motive, or guess at her purpose in this masquerade.
+Nothing remained but for him to go quietly forward, playing the part
+assigned. He had pledged himself blindly to her, and could only wait for
+the future to reveal the object of it all. Sometime he would succeed in
+getting the girl alone once more, and then he would compel a full
+confession.
+
+But this was not destined to take place that evening. She coolly and
+deliberately defeated every effort he made to get her alone, and yet this
+was accomplished in a manner so as not to attract the attention of
+others. Even Percival Coolidge, who, West felt, was watching them both
+shrewdly, never suspected the quiet game of hide and seek being played
+under his very eyes. Nevertheless, it was this growing suspicion of the
+man which prevented West from indulging in more rigorous methods. As the
+evening progressed he became almost convinced that her principal object
+was to deceive this gentleman; that she really cared nothing for what the
+others might think, or say. And she did her part to perfection, being
+with West often, although never alone, speaking to him intimately, and
+requesting of him little acts of service most natural under the
+circumstances. He played opposite her in a fourhanded game of bridge; he
+turned the leaves of her music when she sang, and her arm rested within
+his as they all stood on the porch watching the moon rise. It was all a
+masterpiece of acting, so exceedingly well done, as to finally convince
+the young man that she was greatly in earnest as to its success. She
+desired Percival Coolidge to have no lingering doubt of her engagement.
+And, finding all opportunity of explanation denied him, he yielded to the
+inevitable, and, for the evening at least, silently accepted his fate.
+
+Nor did circumstances favour him when the company finally broke up, and
+retired for the night. He had thought this moment might be propitious,
+but she calmly outgeneraled him again, suddenly bidding the men remain
+and smoke as long as they pleased, and, disappearing herself up the
+stairway with Miss Willis, without so much as a glance backward,
+indicative of any lingering interest. West, convinced that her retirement
+was final, and early wearying of the rather drowsy conversation about
+him, soon sought his own room. It was eleven o'clock of a bright,
+moonlight night, and, feeling in no degree sleepy, West seated himself
+at the window to finish his cigar. He heard the others pass along the
+hall on their way to the rooms assigned them, and finally all became
+quiet, even the servants apparently having retired. Outside was likewise
+noiseless, the moon revealing the scene almost as clearly as though it
+was day, yet leaving weird shadows to confuse the eye. Occasionally a
+belated motor car passed along the road, invisible because of the trees.
+Again and again his mind reviewed the strange events of the evening,
+unable to arrive at any definite conclusion. The harder he sought to
+delve into the mystery, the more obscure it became. The young woman
+herself thoroughly baffled him. If this was merely a test, it was
+certainly a most unusual one, and he hoped he had met the requirements to
+her entire satisfaction. He already frankly acknowledged to himself, at
+least, that she had become of personal interest to him. He fell a
+peculiar desire to be of service; but this desire was now permeated with
+a firm determination to know the whole truth. He would no longer remain
+ignorant of her object, for what purpose he was being used. She must
+trust him, and tell him frankly, if he was to continue to play a part. He
+would know whether this was tragedy or comedy, first of all.
+
+He had, indeed, reached some conclusions already. These might not be
+correct, yet they were already implanted in his mind. The guests of the
+night were mere puppets, having no real connection with the game being
+played, utterly ignorant of what was going on behind the scenes. The only
+one present having any real part was Percival Coolidge, and West had
+taken an instinctive dislike to this man. Moreover, he had some reason to
+believe this feeling was warmly reciprocated; that the latter already
+suspected and watched him. Only one explanation flashed into his mind to
+account for Miss Coolidge's unexpected announcement of an engagement
+between them--this would excuse any future intimacy; would enable them to
+meet alone freely without arousing comment. She had deliberately chosen
+this course to disarm suspicion, and had failed to warn him in advance
+that she might test his nerve and discretion. This appealed to him as the
+most reasonable explanation of the situation. But beyond this vague
+guess, it was impossible to delve. He possessed no facts, no knowledge;
+he could only keep faith in her, and wait the time of explanation.
+
+Tired by the uselessness of such thinking West finally sought the bed,
+and must have slept, although scarcely aware that he had closed his eyes.
+
+Some slight noise aroused him. The door leading into the hall, which he
+had failed to lock, stood partially ajar, and his eyes caught the vague
+glimpse of a figure gliding swiftly through the opening. With one bound
+he was upon his feet, springing recklessly forward. The hall was dark,
+but for a patch of moonlight at the further end. Against this he caught
+an instant, flitting glimpse of the intruder. It was a woman, yet even
+as his eyes told him this, she seemed to vanish into thin air--the hall
+was empty.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+MISS COOLIDGE EXPLAINS
+
+
+Vague and indistinct as was that fleeting vision in the moonlight, West
+felt no doubt as to the identity of his visitor--the woman was Natalie
+Coolidge. His one glimpse of her vanishing figure assured him of this
+fact, and he drew back instantly, unwilling to follow. Where she had gone
+he neither knew, nor cared. She had come to his room secretly, supposing
+him asleep, and this surprising knowledge dominated his mind. What could
+such an act mean? This was certainly a home of respectability, of wealth.
+The guests being entertained were evidence of that; yet this secret
+entrance into his private apartment at such an hour suggested theft, or
+even some more desperate crime. There was mystery here, at least, a
+mystery beyond his power of discernment. However, this recognition rather
+hardened him to his task, than otherwise. He had been forced into the
+strange environment, and now meant to penetrate its every secret.
+
+This time he locked the outer door carefully, and lay down on the bed,
+wondering if there would be any further developments. As he attempted to
+think, he was listening eagerly for the slightest sound of movement in
+the hall. There were none; the transom stood partially open, but no noise
+reached his ears from the outside; clearly enough the night prowler,
+assured that he was still awake, had decided to make no further effort.
+Doubtless she believed her escape had been unseen, or, at least, that she
+had remained unrecognized in the gloom, and would now resort to some
+entirely different method for achieving her end, whatever it could be. He
+could only wait, and watch for the next move. Perhaps the morning would
+bring full explanation. With this conception in his mind, his head sought
+the pillow, and he lapsed into unconsciousness.
+
+The long training of army service caused West to awaken early, while the
+house was yet quiet, but with the dawn already red in the East. He
+crossed to the window, and looked out. It was a beautiful morning, the
+green lawn yet sparkling with dew; the estate was evidently a fine one,
+quite extensive and carefully attended to. To the right of the tennis
+court was a well arranged flower garden, criss-crossed by white paths, an
+ornate summer-house in its centre, completely concealed by vines. Beyond
+this, conspicuous against the green back-ground, West caught the flutter
+of a white skirt, realizing instantly that, early as the hour was,
+Natalie Coolidge was already up and about. He wondered if her presence
+might not be an invitation for him? Perhaps she had deliberately chosen
+this early hour, before the others awoke, to explain her strange conduct
+of the previous evening? At least, here was an opportunity to see and
+talk with her alone.
+
+He dressed swiftly, and slipped noiselessly down-stairs, unlocking the
+front door, and emerging into the fresh air, without encountering any
+stray members of the household. Not even a servant was visible. He passed
+beyond the vine draped arbour before she realized his approach, and
+straightened up, a freshly cut rose in one gloved hand, the pruning
+shears in the other, welcoming him with a little laugh, her eyes full of
+demure mischief.
+
+"I rather suspected army discipline had not entirely worn off," she said
+pleasantly, "and that you might still prove to be an early riser."
+
+"And does this expectation account for your presence?"
+
+"Not wholly; it has become a habit with me. I am always the first one
+out in the morning, and it will be an hour yet before breakfast is
+served. However, I promised to be very frank with you, did I not? Then I
+will begin now; this morning I really hoped I might see you for a moment
+before the others were stirring--we have so much to talk about."
+
+"It certainly seems so to me," he responded honestly, yet not greatly
+encouraged by the amusement in her eyes. "The night has been full of
+surprises."
+
+"During which you bore yourself exceedingly well. I have always read of
+the initiative of the American soldier, Captain, and in this case, you
+met my every expectation."
+
+"Then I have passed the test?"
+
+She hesitated, her eyes seeking his, and then falling before his gaze.
+
+"Yes," she acknowledged slowly, "I can scarcely say anything else now;
+the--the affair has progressed so far already there is nothing to do but
+go on with it."
+
+"Yet I remain wholly in the dark," he protested.. "Surely you cannot
+expect real service when given so blindly?"
+
+"No, I do not. I mean to trust you fully. It is the only way; but do you
+still truly wish to serve?"
+
+"I am enlisted in the cause without reserve," he insisted warmly. "While
+I learned but little last evening, that little was enough to convince me
+there is something strange under the surface. Your calling me to your
+assistance is no joke--you actually need me."
+
+"I need some one on whose judgment and courage I can rely," she
+answered earnestly, "and I believe now that you are the one. It is
+rather an odd situation, Captain West, but the circumstances surely
+justify my action. Perhaps I shall have time to partly explain now. Let
+us slip into the concealment of this summer-house; no one can approach
+without being seen."
+
+It was dark and cool under the shadow of the vines, but, for a moment
+after they were seated, neither spoke. West waited expectantly for his
+companion to break the silence, and she seemingly found it difficult to
+begin her story. The flush deepened on her cheeks, and her lips parted.
+
+"It really seems so ridiculous," she explained at last desperately.
+"Almost like a dream of fancy, and I hardly know how to put the situation
+into words. If I were ten years younger I would almost be convinced
+myself that it was all imaginary, yet everything I tell you is true. I
+wonder if you will believe me?"
+
+"Do not question that. I realize fully your earnestness."
+
+"Yet I am going to test your credulity, just the same. But it would be
+very foolish to venture as far as I have already, and then fail to go on.
+So I'll tell you just what I know, and--and then leave it there. That
+will be the best way. Those people you met last evening have nothing to
+do with the story--none of them, at least, unless it may possibly be
+Percival Coolidge. I am rather afraid of him; I always have been. I
+believe he knows what all this trouble means, but I do not dare go
+and talk with him about it. That is really what is the matter, I
+suppose--there is no one I can talk to; they would only laugh at me. If
+you do, I shall never forgive you."
+
+"I am not at all so inclined. Tell me the story from the very beginning."
+
+"Yes, I will. My father was Steven Coolidge, and was very wealthy. He did
+not marry until late in life, and, I have reason to believe it was a
+great disappointment to his brother Percival that a child was born.
+Perhaps I ought not to make such a statement, but much has occurred to
+impress me with his dislike--"
+
+"He is your guardian?"
+
+"Yes; you learned that last night?"
+
+"From the Colonel; he seemed to enjoy talking, and naturally, I was
+curious. Has Percival Coolidge wealth of his own?"
+
+"Only what my father left him, which was a considerable sum, and a
+limited interest in the business. He was very much dissatisfied with his
+share. Originally he was one of the two trustees in charge of the estate,
+but the other died, leaving him entirely in control. Before I was born he
+had confidently expected to inherit everything."
+
+"The estate then is not settled?"
+
+"Not until I am twenty-five; within a few days now."
+
+"And your mother?"
+
+"She died at my birth."
+
+West leaned forward eagerly. "It is the estate then that troubles you?"
+he asked swiftly. "You imagine it has wasted?"
+
+"No, not at all. They tell me it has increased in value. My father's
+lawyer assures me as to this. Percival Coolidge is a good business man,
+but something strange is going on behind the scenes. I cannot talk with
+the lawyer about it; I can scarcely be sure myself. I--I am simply up
+against a mystery I am unable to solve. Everywhere I turn I run into a
+blank wall."
+
+"But I do not understand."
+
+"How could you expect to, when it is so utterly obscure to me? I seem to
+be fighting against a ghost."
+
+"A ghost!"
+
+"Yes; now don't laugh at me! Do you suppose I would ever have done
+anything as reckless as advertising for help if I had not been actually
+desperate? Can you imagine a respectable girl performing so ridiculous an
+act, as putting her whole trust in a stranger, inviting him to her home,
+introducing him as her promised husband to her relatives and friends?
+Why, it almost proves me crazed, and, in a measure, I think I must be.
+But it is because I have exhausted all ordinary methods. I do not seem to
+be opposing anything of flesh and blood; I am fighting against shadows. I
+cannot even explain my predicament to another."
+
+"You must try," he insisted firmly, affected by her evident distress. "I
+must be told everything if I am to be of any value. A half way confidence
+can accomplish nothing."
+
+"But it sounds so foolish; I am being haunted! I know that, yet that is
+all I do know."
+
+"Haunted, in what way?"
+
+"I do not even know that; but by a woman, I think--a woman who must
+strangely resemble me. She pretends to be me--to my friends, to my
+servants, at my bank. I never see the creature, but I hear of her from
+others. She has actually drawn checks in my name, imitating my signature,
+and having them cashed by clerks who know me well. She has given orders
+to my servants, and they protest that I gave them. She meets and talks
+with my friends in places where I never go. I am sure she has actually
+been in this house, and ridden in my car undiscovered. I am constantly
+reported as being seen at restaurants and hotels where I have not been,
+and with parties I do not know. This has been going on for a month now. I
+am unable to prove her an imposter, even to identify her. I have
+endeavoured to discuss the situation with a few people, but they only
+laugh at the strange idea. No one will listen to me seriously. My lawyer
+actually believes I am demented."
+
+"And you conceived the thought that perhaps a total stranger might prove
+more sympathetic?"
+
+"Yes," she admitted. "If he was young and adventurous; provided I
+interested him at all. It would seem to offer me a chance; and then, if
+unknown to the party impersonating me, such a one might learn the truth
+unsuspected. Do you believe me, Captain?"
+
+"I have no reason to doubt what you say. What you describe is not
+impossible, and there surely must be an adequate explanation for it. I
+mean to do my very best to uncover the mystery. You have these
+fraudulent checks?"
+
+"Yes; one was returned to me only yesterday."
+
+"I shall want them, together with one you drew yourself. Also the names
+of the servants who have apparently been approached by this person, and
+the circumstances."
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"You do not mind if I ask you one or two rather direct personal
+questions?"
+
+"Assuredly not."
+
+"What caused you to announce our engagement?"
+
+She laughed, but from sudden embarrassment.
+
+"It was silly, wasn't it! Really I do not exactly know; a sudden impulse,
+and the words were spoken. It occurred to me that our intimacy could be
+accounted for in no other way."
+
+"So I supposed. Well, there is no harm done, but now, you understand, we
+must play out the game."
+
+"Play it out?"
+
+"Surely; act natural, permit no suspicion to be aroused. Even if I should
+feel impelled by duty, to kiss you, it is my privilege."
+
+"Why--why, you cannot mean that!"
+
+"Oh, but I do. This is no threat that I shall insist on carrying the
+matter to such an extreme, yet I must insist on the right if it becomes
+necessary. You would scarcely dare refuse, would you?"
+
+"No," she confessed, her eyes suddenly meeting his, "I--I suppose not;
+but--but is it necessary to discuss that now?"
+
+"Perhaps not, only I must know. You will play the game?"
+
+Her eyes fell, the breath pulsing between her lips.
+
+"I am not afraid," she said rather proudly. "Yes, I will play the game."
+
+"Good! I knew you would. And now for the second question; why did you
+come to my room last night?"
+
+She stared at him incredulously, the flush fading from her cheeks.
+
+"Your room! I come to your room! Assuredly no; what can you mean?"
+
+"Then it must be that I have already encountered the ghost," he declared
+smilingly. "For the very counterpart of you certainly visited me. I had a
+clear view of her in the moon-light, but she vanished down the hall. I
+would have sworn she was you."
+
+"A woman?"
+
+"Absolutely a woman; flesh and blood, no doubt as to that."
+
+"When was this?"
+
+"After midnight."
+
+"It was not I, Captain West; please believe that--but hush; there comes
+Percival Coolidge!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+WEST WINS THE FIRST HAND
+
+
+The newcomer stood at the edge of the front steps, and paused long enough
+to light a cigarette before descending. His features were as clear cut as
+though done in marble, and about as expressive. To all outward
+appearances, the man was cold, emotionless, selfish egotism written on
+every feature. For the first time, in the glare of the bright morning
+light, West took stock of the fellow, and realized his true nature.
+Instinctively he felt that here was the particular antagonist he was to
+be pitted against. Whatever might be the truth as to a strange woman,
+this man must be the controlling factor in any conspiracy. His companion
+must have sensed the same fact, for she swiftly drew back beneath the
+shadow of the vines.
+
+"You meet him," she whispered, "alone. I would rather he did not find us
+together."
+
+"But can you escape unseen?"
+
+"Yes, under cover of the hedge. But be very careful what you say."
+
+She had vanished before he could interpose, slipping away so noiselessly,
+he was scarcely aware of her swift action. His eyes followed the more
+deliberate movements of the man, who slowly descended the broad steps,
+pausing when once on the gravelled walk to glance curiously back at the
+house. West thought his interest centred on the open window of the room
+he had occupied, but this was merely a conjecture, for the delay was but
+for a moment; shortly after Coolidge strolled on directly toward the
+summer-house, the blue smoke of the cigarette marking his progress. West
+stepped carelessly forth from the concealment of the vines, watchful for
+any change of expression on the face of the other. There was none, not
+even a look of surprise, or a tightening of the lip.
+
+"Ah! Captain," he said easily, tossing his stub aside, and drawing forth
+his case for another. "Glorious air this morning; the advantage of early
+rising; you indulge, I presume?"
+
+"An army habit, I mean to do away with later. Thanks. I suppose breakfast
+is not ready?"
+
+"Hardly yet," glancing about inquiringly. "My niece is usually out here
+at this hour, which accounts for my venturing forth. She is not here?"
+
+"Not now, although there are evidences that she has been," indicating
+the gloves and pruning shears visible beside the walk. "We must have
+arrived too late."
+
+"So it seems. You came with the same purpose, no doubt?"
+
+"If you mean the hope of encountering Natalie, your guess is correct. She
+would not give me a word last night, and has even overturned my plans
+this morning. Does she play hide and seek with you also?"
+
+"Does she! One never knows what she will do. But this last escapade is
+the strangest of all."
+
+"You refer to our engagement?"
+
+"Assuredly; I had no warning, no conception of such a thing."
+
+"Do you mean, sir, that she had never consulted you? never even mentioned
+me to you before?"
+
+"Exactly. You are aware of who I am, I presume? the position I hold
+relative to her property?"
+
+"Certainly; you are her uncle and guardian. Under the terms of the will
+you remain in full control until she is twenty-five, now almost at hand,
+except for an annual income payable to her monthly. Is not that the
+situation?"
+
+"You have apparently made very careful inquiry," he commented with a
+perceptible sneer. "No doubt this was a matter of deep interest to you."
+
+"Of some interest, I confess," acknowledged West, controlling his temper.
+"Although my information has not come from inquiry. Miss Natalie was kind
+enough to talk to me about her affairs, presupposing my interest in them.
+However, I assure you, I have no personal ambition along this line."
+
+"Indeed; not fortune-hunting then?"
+
+"Far from it," good humouredly, but keenly aware that he was touching
+Coolidge. "My family is far from poverty stricken, and I have a very good
+profession. It is quite right you should know this."
+
+"What profession, may I ask?"
+
+"Civil Engineer."
+
+"But not established, I imagine?"
+
+"I had very good connections before the war. Since returning from France,
+I have made no effort to renew these, or seek others. I, of course,
+expect to do so later, and shall be in no way dependent upon Miss
+Coolidge's fortune."
+
+"Although quite willing to share it, I presume?"
+
+"I think you have insinuated that often enough," returned West, at last
+fully aroused by the insolent words and manner of the other. "Perhaps it
+may be well for us to have a plain understanding without further delay,
+Mr. Percival Coolidge. My engagement to Miss Natalie may be sudden and
+unexpected--perhaps not altogether pleasant from your standpoint--yet it
+hardly warrants you in thus attributing to me mercenary motives. As a
+matter of fact, I was not aware until last evening that she was an
+heiress to considerable property. I knew nothing of her relationships. I
+will say, however, that now I feel perfectly justified in showing an
+interest in her affairs. As I understand matters, you are her guardian
+under the special provisions of your brother's will?"
+
+"You are perfectly right, sir, and I should have been consulted previous
+to this engagement." Coolidge said with dignity. "Even now it is subject
+to my approval."
+
+"I think not. Your guardianship was merely a special provision of the
+will, with reference to the estate. So I understand, at least. At
+twenty-one, she became mistress of her own personal affairs, and no
+longer needed to consult you."
+
+"I controlled her income."
+
+"Only the surplus; a certain sum was to be paid her each month until she
+was twenty-five; then the entire estate came into her possession. Beyond
+this you exercised no legal authority."
+
+"You seem well posted."
+
+"The lady herself informed me as to these facts."
+
+"Since yesterday?"
+
+"Yes, since yesterday."
+
+"Where, may I ask?"
+
+"In the summer-house here, a few moments ago."
+
+Coolidge gave utterance to an oath, which burst from his lips before it
+could be wholly restrained.
+
+"Damn you! just what is your game?" he exclaimed roughly, forgetting his
+pose. "Are you trying to get your nose into my affairs?"
+
+"Most certainly not," returned West coolly, yet facing the other with a
+steady eye. "I can have no possible interest in your affairs. But I may
+be led to investigate those of Miss Coolidge, if she should so request.
+It seems she possesses no one to represent her at present--not even the
+family lawyer."
+
+"What do you imply by that remark?"
+
+"That she has gone to you, and to the attorney, who represents the
+estate, relative to some very strange occurrences of late, only to be
+laughed at. No effort has been made to relieve her anxiety."
+
+"You mean that fool story about some one else pretending to be her?"
+
+"It cannot altogether be a fool story when this mysterious party passes
+forged checks at the bank."
+
+"There was only one; that means nothing; the girl isn't using good sense.
+So this is the stuff she is filling you up with? And you propose
+investigating her wild imaginings, hey? By Gad, you are going to have an
+interesting time."
+
+"I hope so; at least I am hoping to discover some truth."
+
+"Good. I wish you well," and his tone was one of decided relief. "Your
+adventures ought to prove quite amusing."
+
+Coolidge laughed heartily, the whole affair apparently taking on a new
+aspect, now that he felt he comprehended the real purpose of the other.
+
+"Oh, by the way, West, you must pardon me if I send Sexton into your room
+for a valise I left there. You see I occupied that suite until you came."
+
+"Oh, indeed," surprised, "I noticed no other grip there."
+
+"It is in the closet. That has always been my room whenever I visit
+here. I do not know why Natalie decided to change me this time--naturally
+wished to reserve the best for you, I presume."
+
+"Very kind of her, I am sure. There is Sexton now."
+
+"Which means breakfast is served. Shall we go in?"
+
+The two men walked slowly up the gravelled path, leading to the side
+door. West's thoughts were busy with this new discovery. Had he
+inadvertently stumbled upon a clue? So he had occupied the room usually
+reserved for Percival Coolidge. Perhaps here was the explanation of the
+coming of his strange visitor. If so, then it was already clearly evident
+that whatever the plot might be, this fellow had a hand in it. West
+glanced aside at the face of his unconscious companion, deciding quickly
+to venture a chance shot.
+
+"Were you expecting a caller last night?" he asked calmly.
+
+Coolidge wheeled about, startled out of his self-control.
+
+"A caller! Of course not. What put that in your head?"
+
+"Because I had one, in that room you say you always occupied. The
+visitor vanished as soon as I was seen, and the thought occurred to me
+just now that you might have been the one sought."
+
+"Perfectly absurd, West. You must have had a night-mare. What did she
+look like?"
+
+"Oh, I only had a glimpse in the moon-light; resembled a ghost more than
+anything else."
+
+"And just about what it was," with a laugh of relief. "Some dream you
+better forget about. Come along; they are waiting on us."
+
+They passed up the steps together; and into the pleasant breakfast room,
+where the remainder of the company were already gathered. Coolidge was
+again perfectly at his ease, genially greeting the guests, and had
+apparently already dismissed the incident from his mind. Evidently even
+West did not consider it of any serious importance; he had clearly enough
+not recognized the intruder, and either decided the whole affair a freak
+of imagination, or else, at the worst, some midnight escapade of a
+servant. But West's mind had in reality settled on a point which Coolidge
+overlooked. He had gained the very information desired. He had carefully
+refrained from even suggesting the sex of his mysterious visitor.
+Percival Coolidge knew, without being told, that the caller was a woman.
+Then he also knew who that woman was.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+UNTANGLING THREADS
+
+
+The morning meal proved delightfully informal, Natalie gracefully
+presiding, and apparently in the highest spirits. West found his place
+reserved on her right with Miss Willis next, and, between the two, was
+kept extremely busy. The Colonel sat directly across the table, with
+Percival Coolidge just beyond the hostess. No intimation of anything
+wrong burdened those present, the single servant silently performing his
+duties to the constant laughing chatter of those about the table. Even
+Coolidge, somewhat distant at first, yielded finally to the prevailing
+humour, and joined freely in the conversation. This turned at last to the
+plans for the day, revealing a variety of desires, which Natalie arranged
+to gratify. The Colonel and two of the ladies expressed an inclination to
+attend church, the limousine being offered them for the purpose. Others
+decided on a match with the racquets, while Coolidge, rather to the
+surprise of the lady, suggested that Natalie accompany him into the city
+on a special errand of mercy. At first, amid the ceaseless clatter of
+tongues, West was unable to grasp the nature of his plea, or her reply,
+but finally overheard enough to arouse his personal interest, especially
+when his own name was mentioned in the discussion.
+
+"I was not aware you ever concerned yourself in such matters," she said
+soberly. "Is this a particular case?"
+
+"Decidedly so; the man before he died, was in my employ, but I did not
+learn until late yesterday of the condition in which his family was left.
+I understand something must be done for them at once. You are always
+interested in such cases, so I supposed you would accompany me gladly. It
+is extremely disagreeable duty for me."
+
+"It must be attended to today?"
+
+"The case is very urgent I am told."
+
+"But how can I leave my guests--especially Captain West?"
+
+West leaned forward.
+
+"Do not hesitate on my account. I can easily amuse myself; or, if there
+is room, and it is not disagreeable to Mr. Coolidge, I might enjoy being
+of the party."
+
+"Why, of course," she coincided eagerly. "Why couldn't he come along?
+There will be plenty of room if I operate the car. It is a case of
+destitution of which Uncle Percival has just learned--a widow and three
+children actually suffering. Surely it can do no harm for Captain West to
+accompany us?"
+
+Coolidge exhibited no enthusiasm over the proposition; indeed West felt
+his response almost discourteous, yet this very suspicion aroused his
+own desire to make one of the party. The fellow evidently disliked him
+instinctively, and would exert every influence possible to discredit
+him in the eyes of Natalie. The suggestion even came that this sudden
+call to charity might prove only an effort on Coolidge's part to get
+the girl alone where she could be plainly talked to. The man was not
+pleased with this new proposal, that was evident enough; but the niece
+unquestionably desired him to accept the invitation. Not only her lips,
+but equally her eyes, pressed the matter, and West experienced no
+hesitancy in saying yes.
+
+"Why, of course I will go," he returned heartily, "and I will be ready
+whenever you are."
+
+"About half an hour then."
+
+He retired to the room upstairs, partly for the purpose of exchanging
+his coat, but also half tempted to make a hasty examination of the
+valise which Coolidge had thoughtlessly left overnight in the closet.
+The conception had already taken strong hold on his mind that his
+visitor of the evening before had been the mysterious impersonator of
+Natalie Coolidge; and that she had come there with some deliberate
+purpose--no-doubt a secret conference with Percival. If her resemblance
+to the mistress of the house was as remarkable as he had been led to
+believe, her entrance to the place would be comparatively easy of
+accomplishment, and the danger of discovery correspondingly small. It
+never occurred to him to question Natalie's story. To be sure there were
+details he found it difficult to fully accept as true, but the girl
+certainly believed all she had told him. She denied earnestly having
+been the one invading his room, and he believed her implicitly; yet the
+person who had visited him was so closely her image as to make it still
+seem almost an impossibility that she could be a separate individual.
+Nothing less than Natalie's own word would have brought conviction. And
+this person had supposed she was visiting the apartment occupied by
+Percival Coolidge. This was the only satisfactory explanation of her
+presence there; whether she came that night for the first time, or as a
+supplement to other similar visits, it was unquestionably Coolidge
+whom she sought.
+
+For what purpose? To West's mind only one object appeared probable. The
+man was too far advanced in life--certainly much above sixty from his
+appearance--to be involved in a love affair with so young and attractive
+a woman. Moreover in such a case she would scarcely seek him out here in
+this private home, where he was merely a transient guest; he would never
+venture to use a place like this as a rendezvous. That was unthinkable.
+Some other purpose, demanding immediate attention, must furnish the
+reason for her venturing to enter this house at such an hour, and coming
+directly to the room where she supposed Coolidge to be sleeping. To
+West's mind there could be but one answer. The two were mutually involved
+in a conspiracy of some nature, undoubtedly connected with the
+approaching settlement of the Coolidge estate. This girl, so strangely
+resembling Natalie, had in some way been discovered by the scheming
+guardian, who was now using her for his own selfish ends. The plot had
+been carefully perfected, and the time must now be near for execution.
+This girl had been selected, and trained to act a part--the part of
+Natalie Coolidge. Her ability to deceive had been tested in various
+ways. Now the moment approached when they were ready to play out the real
+game. Yet the nature of that game was in no way apparent. He could only
+keep quiet, and wait for some further development, even appear
+indifferent, while he secretly watched every suspicious movement of
+Percival Coolidge.
+
+It was not at all probable the satchel contained any incriminating
+evidence, yet the temptation was strong to obtain, if possible, a hasty
+glance at the contents. But for this he was already too late, scarcely
+reaching the room indeed, before Sexton appeared, announcing his mission.
+West, perched on the arm of a chair, smoking, and watched the man bring
+forth the valise, and start toward the door.
+
+"Coolidge tells me he usually occupied this room," he ventured curiously,
+"How did it happen I was put in here?"
+
+Sexton paused, and faced about respectfully.
+
+"It was upon orders from Miss Natalie, sir. But she did not mention the
+change in time to remove the bag. The truth is, I forgot, sir, that it
+was here."
+
+"Oh, I see; this is not the grip he usually travels with then?"
+
+"No, sir; this was sent down in advance, sir. Mr. Percival Coolidge is
+here quite frequently."
+
+"Naturally. As I understand he has no home of his own?"
+
+"No, sir; he was never married, sir. In the city he stops at one of
+the big hotels. Of late he quite frequently spends the end of the week
+out here, sir. Of course he is deeply interested in the prosperity of
+the estate."
+
+"As the guardian of Miss Natalie, you mean?"
+
+"Just so, sir."
+
+"How long have you been here, Sexton?"
+
+"Sixteen years, sir."
+
+"You knew Miss Natalie's father then, and must enjoy the place to
+remain so long?"
+
+"It has been very pleasant, sir, until the last month or so,"
+regretfully, yet evidently glad of the opportunity to talk, lingering
+with one hand on the knob of the door. "Since then things haven't been
+just the same."
+
+"In what way?"
+
+"Well, I don't exactly know, sir. Miss Natalie seems to change her mind,
+an' we never can please her. That's the trouble mostly. Last night I
+waited up until you all went to bed, an' then locked the house, the way
+she told me to. But that didn't suit her at all, for she stopped me on
+the stairs, an' made me go back an' leave the side door unlocked--just
+said she'd attend to that herself."
+
+"Miss Natalie told you? You are sure, Sexton?"
+
+"Oh, it was her, sir; there was a light burning in the hall, an' she was
+all dressed up as though she was goin' out. 'Taint the first time,
+either. I ain't got no right to say anything, but it puzzles me what she
+wants to go out for at that time o' night. And I thought maybe I ought to
+speak to Mr. Percival Coolidge about it."
+
+"No. I wouldn't, Sexton," said West quietly. "It would likely enough only
+get you into trouble. Probably she cannot sleep well, and so walks in the
+garden. Anyway this is none of our business, my man. Where are Miss
+Natalie's apartments?"
+
+"In the other wing, sir; the first door beyond the head of the stairs."
+
+"And the door you were asked to leave open?"
+
+"At the farther end of the hall."
+
+As West made no further effort to continue the conversation, but began to
+carelessly roll a cigarette, Sexton slipped silently through the opening,
+the valise in his hand, and closed the door behind him. West touched a
+match to the cigarette, scarcely aware of the action.
+
+This attempt to dig information out of a servant was not a pleasant
+experience, yet he felt that in this case it was fully justified. To be
+sure he had gained little, yet that little helped to clear away the fog,
+and sustain the girl's theory that she was being impersonated by another
+even to her own servants. If West had retained any lingering doubt as to
+what had occurred the previous night, this doubt had entirely vanished in
+the face of Sexton's testimony. His visitor, and the one who had ordered
+the servant to leave the side door unlocked, had been the same--not
+Natalie Coolidge, but strangely resembling her. Whoever she was, she knew
+the house well, and possessed some means of entrance. Whatever else her
+purpose might be, one object was clearly connected with the presence
+there of Percival. She had sought his room, fleeing immediately on
+discovering it to be occupied by another. Very well! this meant that he
+already had two distinct lines of investigation opened to him--the woman,
+and the man. The first was like pursuing a shadow, but Coolidge was real
+enough. He determined to keep in touch with the fellow, confident that he
+would thus be eventually led to a discovery of his companion. Beyond all
+question, they were involved in the same scheme of conspiracy. West had
+deliberately arrived at this conclusion, rather pleased at his success,
+when a gentle knock sounded at the door.
+
+"What is it?"
+
+"Sexton, sir. Miss Natalie has the car at the door, and is waiting for
+you."
+
+"All right. I will be down immediately."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+A VISIT TO THE INDIGENT
+
+
+The guests had either retired to their rooms, or were wandering about
+the spacious grounds; at least none were in evidence when West emerged
+on to the side terrace, where Miss Natalie and Percival Coolidge
+waited. The car was an electric runabout, the single broad seat ample
+for the three, and West found himself next to the girl who took charge.
+Few words were exchanged until they turned into the main high-way,
+headed toward the city. Even then conversation scarcely touched on the
+special object of their trip. Indeed, Coolidge seemed inclined to avoid
+the subject entirely, turning the conversation into other channels
+whenever the matter was broached. This was so persistently done as to
+arouse West's notice, but Natalie appeared indifferent, interested only
+in her guidance of the car. It was not a long ride, the point sought
+being a short submerged street in the southwestern section of the
+city. To West this district was entirely unknown, even the street names
+being unfamiliar, but he learned through the conversation of the others
+that they were in the neighbourhood of some of the Coolidge factories,
+many of the surrounding houses being the homes of employees. Percival
+called his attention to a few of these, more substantial than the
+others, as evidence of the wages paid in their establishments, and also
+expatiated to some extent upon the benevolent oversight shown their
+workmen. The girl, however, remained quiet, her attention concentrated
+upon the street.
+
+Indeed it needed to be if they were to escape accident, for the streets
+traversed were, on this Sunday morning, evidently filled from curb to
+curb with children engaged in all manner of games, with their elders
+massed on the steps in front of the houses, watching them apathetically.
+The runabout felt its way cautiously forward through the jostling throng
+of screaming youngsters, and finally turned into Arch Street, only two
+blocks in length, with low, two storied, wooden cottages on either side.
+Percival, plainly nervous at the surroundings, indicated the place
+sought in the middle of the first block, and Natalie ran the car up
+against the curb.
+
+"Is this the place?" she asked doubtfully, eyeing the rather
+disreputable cottage, which seemed deserted. "I have never been
+here before. What a mass of kids! Do they always play like that in
+the street?"
+
+Coolidge unfastened the door, and stepped out.
+
+"Yes, it's all right," he answered sharply. "You might wait here, West;
+we'll only be gone a few minutes. Come along, Natalie,"
+
+The girl hesitated, evidently not altogether satisfied.
+
+"Is it necessary that I go in?" she asked.
+
+"That was why I asked you to come," impatiently. "Because you understand
+these matters, and, being a woman, can judge better what steps should be
+taken. Come; it will only require a few moments--West won't mind."
+
+"Certainly not," the younger man said heartily, "I shall be very
+comfortable; don't bother about me."
+
+He had a distinct impression that Coolidge did not desire his company any
+further, yet this suspicion aroused no resentment. This was a matter with
+which he was in no way concerned, and the only interest he felt was
+strictly impersonal. His eyes followed the two as they advanced up the
+board walk to the front door of the cottage, and he felt a measure of
+surprise at seeing Coolidge calmly open the door without knocking. Both
+disappeared amidst the darkness within, and he dismissed the whole affair
+from his mind almost instantly. Sinking comfortably back in the seat, his
+gaze centred on the maze of children playing in the street. Their antics
+amused him for some time, but, at last, he began wondering at the delay
+of those within, and his mind drifted to the peculiar conditions with
+which he was confronted. Over and over again he reviewed the facts told
+him, and compared these with his own observations. That something was
+wrong was beyond doubt; he could no longer question this, but no
+satisfactory clue to the mystery had yet presented itself. If some
+conspiracy was on foot against Natalie, what could be its object? and who
+were directly involved? There was apparently no way to settle this,
+except to wait patiently for some move on the part of the others. Any
+attempt at guessing would only lead him astray. Seemingly, Percival
+Coolidge was the only person who could be directly interested should
+misfortune occur to his niece; he was the guardian of her inheritance,
+and responsible for what remained of her father's estate. Undoubtedly he
+also was the next heir at law. His interest in the matter was therefore
+easily figured out. Yet there was nothing to prove that the fellow was a
+villain at heart, or had any reason to attempt desperate methods. The
+mere fact that some other woman amused herself in pretending to be
+Natalie proved nothing criminally wrong. It might be a mere lark, with no
+vicious object in view. Indeed, but for the deep interest West already
+felt in the girl herself, he would have dismissed this angle of the
+problem entirely from consideration. It seemed far too melodramatic and
+improbable to be taken seriously, although, from mere curiosity, he
+purposed to round up this masquerader, and satisfy himself as to why she
+was thus publicly impersonating the girl. Yet this appeared a matter of
+minor importance, his real task being to learn the condition of the
+Steven Coolidge estate, and whether or not, Percival had administered it
+justly. Once satisfied upon that point, he would know better what further
+steps to take. His whole mind had unconsciously centred upon a distrust
+of the man. He believed him to be a sneaking scoundrel, at present
+engaged in seeking some means for gaining possession of the trust funds
+left in his care. And yet, West had to confess to himself that this
+belief was largely founded upon prejudice--confidence in Natalie, and a
+personal dislike of the man himself. He possessed no proof of the
+fellow's perfidy, nor had he even determined in his own mind the means to
+be employed for learning the truth. He had nothing to build upon but the
+statement of the girl, which was extremely vague in detail, and largely
+mere suspicion. The more thoroughly he analyzed the situation the more
+complicated it became, and the less confident he felt regarding an early
+solution. If Coolidge was engaged in some criminal scheme the man was
+certainly shrewd enough to carefully cover his trail. It was no sudden
+temptation to which he had yielded, but a deeply laid plan, formed,
+perhaps, as long ago as his brother's death, and now just coming to a
+head. Even the books of the estate might have been so carefully
+manipulated as to leave no clue. Besides West possessed no authority by
+which to examine the books, or even question the bankers in whose hands
+the funds were supposed to be. The only immediate hope of striking a
+trail apparently lay in his discovery of the strange woman who was
+impersonating Natalie Coolidge, and learning her object in carrying on
+such a masquerade. Of course, even that might lead nowhere in particular,
+as she might be merely amusing herself, and have no connection with
+Percival whatever; yet such an investigation offered a chance not to be
+neglected.
+
+His glance took in the surroundings, but with no conception that they
+would have any direct bearing upon the mystery he was endeavouring to
+solve. It was a block of irregular houses, a tenement on the corner, a
+dirty looking brick, the other houses of wood, mostly two stories in
+height, rather disreputable in appearance, but the one before which the
+machine waited, was a frame cottage, well back from the street, and
+rather respectable in appearance, although it must have been some years
+since last painted. Its original white was dingy, and the tightly
+closed blinds gave an appearance of desertion. The door was shut. The
+chimney indicated no sign of smoke, the front yard gave every evidence
+of long neglect.
+
+An urchin, chasing a ball, plunged recklessly beneath the auto, emerging
+with the sphere in his grimy fist. West stopped him with a question.
+
+"Who lives in there?"
+
+"I do' know."
+
+"You don't know? Live 'round here, don't you?"
+
+"Sure; but these folks just come in. They ain't got no kids. G'wn; what
+yer asking me fer? Here ye are, Micky!"
+
+"Wait a minute. Here's a dime for you. You say these people just
+moved in?"
+
+"Yep."
+
+"When?"
+
+"Couple days maybe. Shucks, mister, I do' know. Hooligans moved out 'bout
+a week ago, an' then, a while after that, these guys moved in. I ain't
+seen nobody round, but a sorter middlin' ol' woman. Maybe Micky knows who
+they be--he lives in that next house. Hey, Micky; here's a guy wants to
+ask you som'thin'!"
+
+But Micky refused to be interested, beyond a derisive wiggling of his
+fingers at his nose, and West, having abstracted all the information
+possible, made no further effort. The knowledge thus obtained as to the
+present occupants of the cottage did not exactly coincide with the story
+Coolidge had told. He had spoken of a widow with three children in
+destitute circumstances following the father's death. The boy asserted
+there were no children in the family. And they had just moved in, within
+a very few days, during which time the neighbourhood had only glimpsed a
+"middling old" woman. It was strange at least, adding distinctly to the
+puzzle of the whole affair. West grew nervous, wondering why the two
+should remain so long within, out of sight and hearing. If this was
+merely a charitable visit, it surely did not need require such a length
+of time. He had been waiting now for three-quarters of an hour. He opened
+the door of the car, and stepped out upon the curb, almost tempted to
+investigate the cause of delay. As he stood there undecided, the two
+emerged from the cottage, and descended the steps together. Through the
+opened door he caught no glimpse of any one within, yet some unseen hand
+closed it quickly behind them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+A NEW MISS COOLIDGE
+
+
+They came down the narrow board walk together, Percival carefully holding
+the lady's arm to prevent her tripping over the loosened planks, but
+neither exchanging a word. The man was smiling, the fingers of one hand
+toying with the curl of his moustache, but Natalie appeared somewhat
+sobered by her visit, and West noticed that she had tied a light veil
+over her face, which slightly shadowed her features. It was only as they
+reached the curb that she spoke, her voice rather low and listless.
+
+"Would you mind driving the car back?" she asked Coolidge. "Really I feel
+quite unnerved."
+
+"No wonder," he returned sympathetically, "I have never witnessed a
+sadder case; the conditions were even worse than I imagined. I should
+never have brought you with me, my dear."
+
+"Oh, I am not sorry I came; but it has been a lesson to me. I do not
+think before I ever realized what such poverty meant."
+
+The words trembled from her lips, and were spoken slowly as though
+chosen with care. "The sad plight of the children particularly
+appealed to me."
+
+"There are children then?" West questioned, as Coolidge assisted her
+into the car. The latter cast a swift glance of inquiry into the younger
+man's face.
+
+"Children!" he exclaimed, "Of course; we spoke of them on the way down."
+
+"I know; that was what made me wonder when one of the lads playing out
+here in the street said there were no kids in the cottage."
+
+"Oh, I see," a bit sarcastically. "So you have been amusing yourself
+questioning the neighbours, have you?"
+
+"To a very small extent," West confessed, keeping his temper. "One of the
+players chased a stray ball under the automobile, and I asked him a
+question or two. The cottage appeared so deserted, and you were absent
+for such a length of time, I became somewhat curious."
+
+"And what did he tell you?"
+
+"Only that the occupants had moved in within a few days, and that he had
+seen no kids about; no one in fact but a middling old woman."
+
+"Did he mention any names?"
+
+"No; I didn't ask. It was nothing to me."
+
+"I should say it was not. So the kid told you there were no children,
+did he? Well, you heard what Natalie said just now--which are you going
+to believe?"
+
+"The lady, of course," smilingly. "Surely this is no matter to
+quarrel over."
+
+"No, Captain West," she broke in, leaning forward in the seat, and
+speaking again in the peculiar strained voice. "The boy was merely
+mistaken. He had not seen the children because they were kept closely in
+the house. They were turned out of their former home, and have absolutely
+nothing; no furniture even; only straw to sleep on. It was most pitiful."
+
+"Do not think of it any longer, Natalie," Coolidge insisted rather
+gruffly. "They are all right now. I shall telephone for a doctor as soon
+as we get back, and attend to the rent the first thing tomorrow."
+
+"I know, Uncle, but I cannot forget so easily. Do you know anything about
+poverty, Captain West?"
+
+"Nothing very direct. Of course, in a way I have occasionally come in
+contact with suffering of that nature. I have been hungry enough in
+the army, but usually I have experienced little need. I regret," he
+added apologetically, "that what I said was taken as criticism. I had
+no such meaning."
+
+"Criticism!" Coolidge turned the car around as he spoke. "Be as free with
+that as you please; what I object to is your intruding at every
+opportunity. It looks as though you were trying to find out something--is
+that your game?"
+
+"Not at all. I naturally spoke to the kid, and the only topic which
+occurred to me at the moment concerned the people you were visiting. I
+see no occasion for any misunderstanding."
+
+"And there is none," she asserted cordially, her eyes meeting his own
+frankly. "So let's drop the subject, and enjoy our ride. I am not going
+to have the whole day spoiled because of these people. They are all right
+now. What is that big building over there?"
+
+Coolidge emitted some answer, but devoted his attention to running the
+car, his jaw set. It was clear enough that West's explanation was not
+altogether satisfactory, and his dislike for the younger man had in no
+way lessened. The young woman, however, easily regained her vivacity, and
+devoted herself to making the ride homeward as pleasant as possible. West
+found her unusually entertaining, with a deep sense of humor he had not
+before suspected, and an occasional lapse into slang which rather
+surprised him. He had previously entertained the thought that she was
+rather conventional and not particularly easy to approach, but this
+conception vanished quickly in a free flow of conversation, to which
+Coolidge apparently paid small attention. Indeed, there were moments when
+her extreme frankness of speech rather surprised West, even her voice
+striking strangely upon his ears, but the happy laugh, and swift glance
+of the eyes reassured him. No doubt she was playing a part for the
+benefit of Percival Coolidge in which he must co-operate. Later all would
+be explained, and made clear. This belief encouraged him to keep up his
+end of the conversation, ignoring Coolidge entirely, and devoting his
+attention exclusively to her.
+
+The returning ride seemed very brief, and, almost before West realized
+it, the car whirled in through the Coolidge gate, and came to a stop at
+the door. Coolidge by this time had recovered from his spell of
+ill-nature, or else chose to so appear, and the party separated
+pleasantly. Natalie disappeared somewhere within, while the two men
+strolled out to the tennis court where the guests were enjoying a
+spirited game. All met again at lunch, and then separated, some to motor
+over to the lake, the others amusing themselves as they saw fit. Both
+Coolidge and Natalie vanished, while West, finding himself alone, chose a
+book from the library, and, solaced by a cigar, sought a shady nook on
+the porch.
+
+The book, however, was but a mark for his thoughts, which continually
+revolved about the strange surroundings in which he found himself. He was
+apparently making no progress, was no nearer a solution of the mystery
+confronting him. Thus far, at least, no direct clue had presented itself.
+Numerous things had occurred to strengthen suspicion, and to increase
+interest in the quest. But beyond this--nothing. He liked the girl and
+was completely enlisted in her service. He disliked Percival, and was
+convinced the fellow was planning evil. Several incidents had already
+strengthened this belief; yet there was nothing positive upon which to
+build; no path of adventure for him to follow. To speculate was easy
+enough, but real facts eluded him.
+
+Yet, in spite of this feeling of failure, West's reflections centred more
+upon the young woman than upon the particular problem which he had to
+solve. The ride back from the city had revealed a phase of her character
+he had never observed before--she had shown herself vivacious, light of
+speech, a bit slangy and audacious. He was not altogether sure that this
+new revealment quite pleased him, and yet it possessed a certain charm.
+He had before learned to think of her as rather quiet and reserved, and
+now must change his whole conception. It was difficult to adjust his mind
+at once to the different standard. He found himself wondering why she had
+afforded him glimpses of her nature so strangely unlike. What could have
+occurred within the cottage to thus make so suddenly manifest this new
+side to her character? The change in her only served to increase the
+mystery, and, he confessed, his admiration also. Her very freedom
+evidenced to his mind that he was really accepted, had been taken into a
+new intimacy; no longer to be held and treated as an interloper, a
+stranger employed for a purpose. She had deliberately cast aside the
+conventional, and become natural in his presence--free to speak and act
+as the spirit moved. This was a victory, and he chose to interpret it as
+proof that she already really liked and trusted him. Actuated by this
+feeling, she no longer deemed it necessary to dissemble in his presence.
+It was a long step in advance.
+
+He had arrived at this very pleasant conclusion, when Sexton appeared in
+the door, evidently looking for some one. The man espied him there in
+the shadow of the vines, and came forward.
+
+"Miss Coolidge requests your presence, sir, for a few moments," he
+said gravely.
+
+"Why, certainly; did she say where, Sexton?"
+
+"In the library, sir; she is waiting there now."
+
+West hesitated an instant. There was a question he was eager to ask, but
+immediately thought better of it. Interviewing servants was not in his
+line, and there were other ways of learning the truth.
+
+"Very well," he said quietly. "I will join her at once. Thank you,
+Sexton," and disappeared into the cool, darkened hall.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+AN UNEXPECTED DISMISSAL
+
+
+The shades had been drawn closely to exclude the sun, and, for a moment
+after he first crossed the threshold of the library, West was unable to
+distinguish any occupant. He heard Sexton silently close the door behind
+him, but it was not until she moved slightly that he was able to
+perceive her presence directly across from where he stood. Her voice
+broke the silence.
+
+"You will find a seat next to the window, Captain," she said quietly. "It
+was very good of you to come."
+
+"The pleasure was mine," he replied. "Only I am blinded coming in here
+from the bright sunshine without."
+
+"I have had a touch of headache--nervous, no doubt, from the visit this
+morning--and so ordered Sexton to draw the shades. Your eyes will soon
+accustom themselves to the lack of light. I see you quite well."
+
+"Oh, I am all right now," and he sank into the vacant chair, facing her,
+expectantly. "You wished to speak with me, the servant said."
+
+"Yes," she leaned back against the couch on which she rested, with face
+now clearly revealed, one hand nervously twirling a fan. "Although it is
+not easy for me to transform into words exactly what I mean. This is a
+very strange situation in which we find ourselves, Captain West."
+
+"I have felt so," he admitted, surprised at this beginning. "Yet I must
+confess, I am now becoming quite reconciled."
+
+She sat up suddenly, with eyes searching his face.
+
+"What do you mean by that?"
+
+"Perhaps I ought not to say," he answered boldly. "Yet circumstances
+seemingly justify frankness between us. I mean that I feel far more
+deeply interested in the final outcome of this affair today than I did
+yesterday--it means more to me."
+
+"Indeed! Why?"
+
+"Largely, I imagine, because I am privileged to know you much better.
+That naturally makes a difference."
+
+"Does it indeed? You imply then an increased interest in myself as an
+individual brings with it a greater desire to serve me?"
+
+"Assuredly, yes."
+
+"Then you render my task doubly hard," she said soberly, yet with a
+certain hardness in the tone. "I had not suspected any personal side
+whatever. You were a total stranger to me, Captain West, and I employed
+you in this matter merely in a business way, as--as--a detective. Surely
+you understood this clearly?"
+
+"In a measure that is quite true," feeling the sharp sting of her words.
+"Yet the comparison is hardly fair, is it? I am not a detective in the
+sense with which you employ the term. No question of pay even has been
+discussed between us. The appeal to my services was from an entirely
+different stand-point. More, you even investigated rather carefully my
+social and financial standing before taking me into your confidence, or
+admitting me to your home. Is this not true?"
+
+"Undoubtedly. I had reason to wish assurance in these matters. I had to
+present you to my friends."
+
+"Yet this very knowledge of my social position placed me on a totally
+different plane from that of a detective picked up at some agency. You
+knew I was not serving you for pay."
+
+"Did I?"
+
+"I should hope you did," his voice hardening slightly.
+
+"But for what other end did you volunteer your services?"
+
+"Perhaps that is not so easily explained. It was a spirit of adventure
+which first led me to answer your advertisement, I presume. At least, I
+can give it no other name. Then, when we met, you appealed to me
+personally; I felt a desire to further our acquaintance and--well, your
+story aroused my interest."
+
+"Is that all?"
+
+"It might have been had not you chosen methods of procedure which led me
+to other thoughts."
+
+She laughed.
+
+"Oh, I see! All this has happened because I introduced you to the others
+as my fiancé. Why, that is positively funny. Didn't you know that was
+only a part of the game being played?"
+
+"Yes," he said, ignoring the humour of it, and feeling oddly sober, "I
+understood, and was playing, the same as you. Only both of us, I think,
+forget an important fact."
+
+"What, please?"
+
+"That we were young, socially on a level, and that you were an
+exceedingly charming young woman."
+
+She laughed again, yet this time with more restraint.
+
+"That is quite ridiculous, Captain West. Surely, you are not actually
+making love to me?"
+
+"No, I am not. I am merely facing the situation very frankly. It would be
+useless for me to claim lack of interest in you. From our very first
+meeting, you have appealed to me strongly--more so than any other woman
+of my acquaintance. Then, perhaps, the peculiarity of our relationship,
+with the trust you seemed to impose in me, tended to deepen that
+interest. I confess I began to care for you--as a woman."
+
+"Really you are quite flattering. I never dreamed I possessed such
+marvellous powers." She remained silent a moment, her eyes shaded by
+their long lashes; then uplifted them again to his face. "This makes it
+all the more necessary that I now speak plainly," she went on at length.
+"That I should explain to you it has all been a mistake. That was why I
+asked you to come here now."
+
+"All a mistake! Not the trouble you were in surely?"
+
+"Yes. I must have dreamed most of it, I think. I have just had a long
+confidential talk with Percival Coolidge, and we understand each other
+perfectly. Everything has been explained. So there is no necessity for
+our pretending any longer."
+
+West rose to his feet, comprehending her full meaning, yet unwilling to
+yield his position without further explanation.
+
+"Your words are certainly plain enough," he said slowly, "yet I trust I
+may be pardoned if I ask a question or so."
+
+"Is it necessary?"
+
+"Perhaps not, but I feel my curiosity is justified. You told me a rather
+remarkable story and requested my aid in the solving of a strange
+mystery. Now you abruptly dismiss me from that service. Do you mean the
+mystery is already solved without my further assistance?"
+
+"I am convinced there was no mystery; that it was only imagination,
+Captain West. My calling you was a mistake."
+
+"Percival Coolidge assures you of this?"
+
+"Positively; we have discussed it from every angle, and all that appeared
+mysterious has been made clear."
+
+"There is no one else impersonating you?"
+
+"No."
+
+"The checks at the bank; the strange person using your name; all these
+were myths?"
+
+She laughed.
+
+"Of course. I really believed all I said to you at the time, but
+everything has been explained since, and I realize how very foolish I
+have been. Uncle Percival has been very nice about it. He simply didn't
+understand before how worried I was."
+
+"No doubt. You sent for me then merely to say I was dismissed?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And you told Coolidge, of course, how I came to be here?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And the others? What will they think?"
+
+"Why, that can make no difference. They can be told that you were
+suddenly called away. Let them suppose we had a quarrel, and that our
+engagement is broken," and she laughed again, evidently vastly amused
+at the idea.
+
+"But you, personally?" he insisted.
+
+She sobered instantly, also rising, and facing him.
+
+"Captain West, let us be sensible. I invited you here for a certain
+purpose. You were employed as much as any of my other servants. Is that
+a sufficient answer?"
+
+"It certainly is. I will depart at once."
+
+"Thank you. The limousine will be at the door. You will return to the
+Club, I presume?"
+
+"Temporarily, until other arrangements are made."
+
+He bowed and left her standing there in the shadows, the expression of
+her face veiled, but there seemed no response, no softening in the
+rigid attitude of her figure. She did not care; was only interested in
+his immediate departure. The change had occurred with such abruptness,
+West was unable as yet to realize its full significance, but, with no
+attempt to combat her decision, left the room, closing the door behind
+him. In that moment his mood changed. The dismissal had been so curt,
+his pride rose in rebellion. Finding Sexton in the front hall, he
+addressed him crisply.
+
+"My bag will be ready in ten minutes."
+
+"Yes, sir; you are going away, sir?"
+
+"Immediately. A call to return to the city at once."
+
+"I am very sorry, sir," he said respectfully, yet in a tone of such
+earnestness, as to cause West to glance toward him sharply. For an
+instant it was upon the lips of the younger man to ask a question, but
+Sexton turned away, and it remained unasked. Promptly at the time
+mentioned came the servant's soft rap on the door.
+
+"I came for the bag, sir."
+
+West handed it over with a glance at the rather expressionless face.
+
+"You said you regretted to see me leave, Sexton," he remarked jovially.
+"I presume you meant nothing in particular by that remark?"
+
+"Oh, no, sir," standing motionless, bag in hand. "Only you have been very
+kind, sir, and--and--of course, it is none of my business, but I hope
+there is no quarrel, sir?"
+
+"Quarrel! With Miss Natalie, you mean? Why should you suspect that?"
+
+"I--I spoke, sir, very thoughtlessly, sir," he stammered. "You will
+pardon me, sir."
+
+"Yes, but you must have had a reason, Sexton?"
+
+"Only that she has seemed very much out of humour, sir, since her trip to
+town," he explained rather lamely. "I have never known her to be so hard
+to please, sir. I'm sure something is wrong, but that is no reason why I
+should say what I did, sir."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+THE BODY OF A SUICIDE
+
+
+As the car whirled West down the circling driveway, the only sign of
+life visible about the house was the motionless figure of Sexton on the
+steps. If either Miss Natalie, or Percival Coolidge, took interest enough
+in the proceedings to witness his departure, they chose to remain
+carefully concealed within. His glance searched the front of the mansion
+vainly; no window revealed an occupant. From behind where the guests were
+at play, sounded a distant murmur of voices, and laughter, but the house
+itself expressed only calm indifference. There was no pretence even at
+speeding the parting guest. He had simply been dismissed, turned out,
+decently enough, perhaps, considering his status, yet with a certain
+measure of contempt which rankled nevertheless.
+
+The young man could not altogether reconcile this style of treatment with
+his preconceived conception of Miss Natalie Coolidge. He had been too
+deeply impressed by her to easily relinquish his previously formed
+opinion of her character. This latest action did not at all coincide with
+her former open friendliness. He had not gone to her as a servant, nor
+had she in any way treated him as such. What could account for so
+remarkable a change? Even if she had felt his present usefulness was
+ended; that she had made a mistake in ever admitting him to her
+confidence, the dismissal could have been much more pleasantly achieved.
+She could still have exhibited friendliness, and an interest in his
+departure. Her words and manner had been extremely abrupt, and her
+explanation far from satisfactory.
+
+Perhaps it was the influence of Percival Coolidge which accounted for the
+sudden change in the girl. This explanation seemed probable. The man had
+in some way regained her confidence, and then, through trickery, had
+succeeded in poisoning her mind. There was no doubt he would do this, if
+possible, and the probability was that he had finally discovered a way.
+From the very first, West had felt the antagonism of the other; there had
+never been any love lost between them. Coolidge disliked him
+instinctively, and made no effort to conceal his feelings; he resented
+the intimacy between him and Natalie, naturally enough, and would use
+every means possible to get the younger man completely out of the house.
+No doubt he looked upon him as dangerous. But why? There could only be
+one answer to this query. His own dishonesty; his secret knowledge of
+some trickery relative to the funds of the estate. He had convinced the
+girl of his honesty, but, more than ever, West believed the fellow a
+rascal. His very helplessness to intervene rendered him the more
+convinced.
+
+These thoughts flitted through his mind, yet not consecutively, as the
+car left the grounds, and turned on to the main road, leading citywards.
+They were still skirting the Coolidge estate, although the house behind
+was concealed by shrubbery. The road descending into a ravine spanned by
+a concrete bridge, and a rather dense growth of trees shut out the
+surrounding landscape. Nothing moving was in sight. Suddenly, just as
+they cleared the bridge, and began to mount the opposite grade, there
+came a sharp report, sounding so close at hand the chauffeur clamped on
+his brake, and glanced anxiously over the side of the car.
+
+"Blow-out, wasn't it, sir?"
+
+"No," said West shortly, staring himself out into the thicket of trees at
+their left. "It was a shot fired over there; a revolver I should say.
+Wait a second, Sanders, until I see what has happened."
+
+It was largely curiosity which led him to leave the car. The very
+conviction that it was a revolver which had been discharged brought a
+desire to learn the cause of the shot. The sound of either a rifle or a
+shot-gun in that lonely spot would have been instantly dismissed as
+natural enough, but a pistol was different. That was no place for such a
+weapon. It somehow had a grimly sinister sound. Led forward by a dim
+path, he plunged down the sharp incline of the hill, and pressed his way
+through the thick fringe of trees beyond. Behind these ran a wire fence,
+guarding a stretch of meadow, the high, uncut grass waving in the wind.
+Nothing was in sight except this ripening field of clover sweeping upward
+to the summit of an encircling ridge. The silence was profound; the
+loneliness absolute.
+
+It was this fact which startled West from curiosity into suspicion.
+Surely there had been a shot fired--a revolver shot--almost on the very
+spot where he stood. He could not doubt the evidence of his own ears. Yet
+who had fired? For what purpose? and how had the party disappeared so
+completely during that narrow margin of time? There was no place where a
+man could hide unless he lay flat in the clover; and what occasion would
+any one have to thus seek concealment? Even if the shooter knew of the
+passing automobile, or heard his approach through the trees, there could
+be no reasonable cause for concealment. Determined now to learn exactly
+what had happened, West pressed his passage forward through the vines of
+the fence, and emerged into the field beyond. A half dozen yards and he
+found the clover trampled, as though a man had passed that way. The trail
+led into a shallow depression, past a rather large boulder, near which
+the trampling of the grass was even more plainly revealed, as though the
+stranger had remained here for some time, had even seated himself, and
+then, abruptly ended a few yards away. Evidently the fellow had turned
+back at this point, and retraced his steps.
+
+West, now thoroughly puzzled, and already convinced that some mystery
+hovered over the place, began to circle through the untrampled clover,
+but without any defined purpose. All at once, at the lower end of the
+gully he came, unexpectedly, upon another trail, this one well marked,
+apparently frequently used, which led straight across the field, and
+terminated at a small gate leading through the wire fence. Evidently
+here was a short cut to the road, well known to the servants on the
+estate, and possibly others. The discovery, however, told nothing
+further than this, and contenting himself with another glance about the
+unchanged field of rustling clover, West proceeded along the course of
+the path, intending to thus rejoin the automobile, waiting his return
+behind the trees.
+
+Within a few steps of the gate, which was closed, he came to a sudden,
+horrified pause, staring ahead at a strange something huddled in the
+path. It was a shapeless thing, bearing no resemblance to a human being,
+until he advanced closer; then he recognized the form of a man, curled up
+as a dog sleeps, face down hidden by his arm, and limbs drawn up, as if
+in a sudden spasm of agony. A hat was in the path beyond, where it had
+fallen, and a revolver lay glittering in the sunlight a few feet away.
+There was nothing familiar about either figure or clothing, yet
+unquestionably there lay the body of a suicide. The single shot they had
+heard, the tell-tale revolver close to the dead man's hand, were clear
+evidence of what had occurred.
+
+The unexpectedness of this discovery, the peculiar position of the dead
+man, the loneliness of that deserted field in which he lay, shocked West
+and, for a moment left him strangely hesitant. Who was the man? What
+could have led up to the pitiful tragedy? Yet he advanced step by step
+nearer to the hideous object in the path. The man had been shot directly
+behind the right ear, killed instantly, no doubt, as the deadly bullet
+crashed through the brain. West lifted the arm which concealed the face,
+already shrinking from the suspicion, which had begun to assail him. Then
+he knew who the dead man was--Percival Coolidge.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+SUSPICION VERIFIED
+
+
+Affairs progressed far too rapidly for some hours for West to reflect
+seriously over this experience. He could only act swiftly, answer
+questions, and do all in his power to assist others. The real meaning of
+the tragedy he made no effort to solve; for the time being, at least, he
+must leave that to others.
+
+He stood guard beside the body until servants came and bore it to the
+house, but made no effort to follow. Instead he gave his address to
+Sexton, and continued his journey into the city. After what had passed
+between them he had no desire to again encounter Miss Natalie; and under
+these circumstances, actually shrank from meeting her. Just what this
+man's death might mean to the girl he could not safely conjecture, yet
+deep down in his own heart, he felt convinced that this act of
+self-destruction would later prove to be a confession of guilt. Yet, be
+that as it may, he was already definitely ruled out of the matter. Not,
+unless she personally sent for him, could he ever venture to go to her
+again in any capacity. To his mind this decision was final.
+
+He was called for the inquest and gave his testimony. The hearing was
+brief, and the facts ascertained so clear, there remained no doubt in the
+minds of any one, but what this was a case of suicide. No particular
+attempt was made to probe into the cause, the personal affairs of the
+dead man being left for later investigation. West saw Natalie at the
+inquest for the very few moments she was upon the stand, but their eyes
+did not meet, nor did the girl give any evidence of recognition. She was
+pale, yet calm, answering the questions asked her quietly. These
+pertained entirely to her last meeting with Coolidge, and had no direct
+bearing on the verdict. The moment she was released she retired from the
+room; and West merely lingered long enough to learn the decision of the
+jury. Somehow the impression the young woman had left upon him in those
+few moments was not a pleasant one. He could not clearly analyse this
+result, yet she was either acting a part to conceal her true emotions, or
+else she was really indifferent.
+
+It was not until the following day that reason began to reassert itself,
+and he succeeded in marshalling the facts of the case more clearly in
+his own mind. He even began to doubt and question his own testimony, yet,
+before he reached any real conclusion, one of the Club servants
+approached his chair.
+
+"Captain West, there is a man out here asking to see you."
+
+"A man! Where?"
+
+"I had him wait in the anteroom, sir. He would give no name, and seems to
+be of the working class; so I thought I better tell you first, sir."
+
+"Very well, Mapes. I'll soon find out what he wants."
+
+It was Sexton, twirling his hat nervously in his hands, and still
+standing irresolutely in the middle of the floor. As sight of West he
+took a hasty step forward, eager to explain the cause of his presence.
+
+"You'll pardon me, sir," he burst forth in apology. "But I must see
+you, sir."
+
+"That's quite all right, Sexton. You have some message?"
+
+"Not--not from any one else, sir. It's just my own business, but--but I
+thought you would help me, sir."
+
+"Certainly; only too glad. Let's step in here where we can talk quietly."
+
+He pointed the way into a private card room, closing the door behind
+his visitor.
+
+"Take the seat over there, Sexton. You came in to see me from Fairlawn?"
+
+"No, sir, I didn't. The fact is, I'm not out there any longer."
+
+"Not there! What do you mean?"
+
+"I've been discharged, sir, with two other servants, since the funeral
+yesterday."
+
+"Discharged! Why I understood you had been employed there for years."
+
+"Several years, sir."
+
+"And now discharged! By whom? Not Miss Natalie surely?"
+
+"Yes, sir. She didn't give no reason; just said we were not wanted any
+longer. That's one reason why I came here to see you, sir."
+
+"But I hardly know how I can be of help. I have no house of my own,
+and--well, the truth of the matter is, Sexton, just at present I am not
+on very good terms with the young lady myself."
+
+"I know that, sir," more confidently. "And it isn't a position I am
+seeking, at all. I have quite a tidy bit of money laid away, and could
+get plenty of work. That's not the point, sir. Why should Miss Natalie
+tell me to go like that? It isn't a bit like her, sir; she ain't seemed
+natural at all lately, and I tell you there's something wrong goin' on
+out there. I'm sure o' that, sir."
+
+"Sure of what?"
+
+"Well, for one thing, it's my opinion that Percival Coolidge never killed
+himself, sir."
+
+West sat up stiffly, as though struck a blow. These words startled him;
+drove his own mind into sudden activity.
+
+"What makes you think that, Sexton?" he questioned slowly.
+
+"Well, there's more than one thing," as though glad to have made the
+plunge, and anxious to justify himself. "But first of all that wasn't his
+revolver they found lying beside him. He always had one in his valise,
+an' it's there now, or was when I looked to see."
+
+"You didn't tell that to the coroner."
+
+"No, sir; he never put me on the stand. Besides I didn't know about it
+then. After I thought about it, I told Miss Natalie, sir."
+
+"Oh, you did! and what did she say?"
+
+"She didn't think that proved anything; that he probably had the other in
+his pocket."
+
+"This was before you were dismissed?"
+
+"Yes, sir; the evening before, sir."
+
+West whistled gravely, his gaze on the other's face.
+
+"And is that all, Sexton?" he asked finally. "Is there any other reason
+why you doubt Coolidge killed himself?"
+
+"Did you notice where he was shot, sir?"
+
+"Behind the right ear; the wound was plainly visible."
+
+"Not very easy for a man to do himself, sir."
+
+"No, but possible, nevertheless. The coroner was satisfied on that
+point."
+
+"Yes, sir, but the coroner overlooked one thing, sir. He was sure it was
+a suicide case, and wanted to get done with it in a hurry. I and
+Simmons, sir, washed the body to get it ready for burial, an' I combed
+the hair down over the bullet wound. There wasn't no powder marks on the
+skin, an' not a hair was singed, sir. That's what makes me say he never
+killed himself."
+
+West sat silent and motionless, looking straight at the man opposite,
+endeavouring to decide on a course of action. Someway in the depth of his
+earnestness, Sexton no longer appeared a servant. He was a man, voicing a
+man's heart. West realized the change instinctively; here was an
+intelligent loyal fellow, to be met frankly, and for the time being, at
+least, on the ground of equality. It would be useless to try to either
+mislead, or deceive.
+
+"Sexton," he began finally, "this is a pretty serious charge you make,
+my man, but since I have been thinking things over, I confess some
+suspicious circumstances have arisen in my own mind. Of course I was
+not aware of these facts you have just related, but they fit in nicely
+with some observations of my own. The truth is," he confessed frankly,
+"I did not tell all I knew to the coroner's jury. I meant to do so, but
+the right questions were not asked me, and certain details slipped my
+memory until too late. Do you recall a boulder of rock out in that
+clover field?"
+
+"Yes, sir, to the right of the path; it is mostly hidden now by
+the growth."
+
+"Entirely concealed a few yards away. Well, when I crawled through the
+fence after hearing that shot fired, I saw nothing, and heard nothing. I
+had advanced into the field several rods when I came upon the trail of
+some one leading directly north. It was not a path; merely evidence that
+a single person had passed that way. I followed, and came to this
+boulder. Here there was every proof visible that the previous party had
+remained for some time, seated and lying on the ground under protection
+of the stone. The occupancy was a recent one. Then evidently, whoever it
+was, had advanced to the right in the general direction of the gate
+through the fence, near where Coolidge's body was found. The marks of
+advance did not lead that far, or even to the marked path through the
+field. They ended on a little rise, some ten yards from the boulder,
+where the fellow apparently turned about, and retraced his steps."
+
+"How far was that from the gate into the road, sir?" he asked
+breathlessly.
+
+"Within easy shooting distance for a revolver of that calibre, I should
+say. Any good marksman could have rung the bell."
+
+"And you saw no one?"
+
+"No; not a sign; the fact is I failed at the time to put two and two
+together. The thought of a possible murder never occurred to me. It was
+only afterwards that I began to appreciate what all this might mean, and
+now what you have said has driven it home."
+
+"You think it was murder then, sir?"
+
+"Yes, I do," replied West gravely. "It has all the marks, but who
+committed the crime? What was the motive? It will never do for us to make
+such a charge, after the coroner's verdict, without positive proof."
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"And you know of nothing which might clear this up?"
+
+"No, sir; I've been with the Coolidges, sir, ever since Miss Natalie was
+a little girl, and I ain't heard of any trouble that ought to end in
+murder, sir."
+
+"How old was Miss Coolidge when her father died?"
+
+"She must have been seventeen, sir."
+
+"And since then Percival Coolidge had full charge of the estate?"
+
+"Practically, yes, sir; there was another trustee, but he died; and then,
+as I understand, Miss Natalie had some funds of her own."
+
+West took a cigar from his pocket, and lit it. Although not altogether
+clear in his own mind, he had begun to see light. For a moment he smoked
+in silence in an endeavour to figure out his own duty, while Sexton,
+nervously clinching and unclinching his hands, watched and waited.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+AGAINST A STONE WALL
+
+
+Was this discovery anything to him? What difference could it make whether
+Percival Coolidge had died by his own hand, or been treacherously shot
+from ambush? How would it benefit Natalie Coolidge to have the truth
+revealed? And, if it would benefit her, why should he devote his time and
+labour to such an effort? She had cast him off, thrown him aside; her
+affairs had no further interest for him. Let her lawyer take care of
+them. These were West's first thoughts.
+
+All true, yet this state of mind brought no satisfaction. He was
+interested; he could not escape his first impressions of the girl, or
+drive from him a desire to serve her, whether she wished it, or not.
+She might, indeed, be in equal danger from an assassin. He could not
+determine this until he learned the cause of the slaying of Percival.
+Then, on the other hand, suppose some one else's suspicions were also
+aroused. Who would they naturally look to as guilty of this horrible
+crime? There was but one answer--Natalie Coolidge. She was seemingly
+the only person to directly benefit by this sudden death. All these
+considerations urged him on, overcame his doubt and indecision. Then
+he desired to learn the truth himself. His eyes rested on Sexton's
+anxious face.
+
+"I've been thinking it over," he admitted quietly, "and I guess it is up
+to you and me to find out what this means."
+
+"Yes, sir," hesitatingly. "You--you don't think it was Miss
+Natalie, sir?"
+
+"No, I do not, Sexton. I have my own reasons for saying that. Yet
+naturally she is the one to be first suspected. Do you know anything?"
+
+"Only that I am sure she was in the garden, sir, when the shot was fired.
+I saw her there just after you drove away."
+
+"That is conclusive then, so far as her personal actions are concerned.
+But there is an odd angle to this matter, and I might as well explain it
+to you first as last. Perhaps you can help figure the oddness out. I was
+not engaged to Miss Natalie, Sexton; I was not even a friend. I came to
+the house, employed to perform a certain task. She introduced me as her
+fiancé merely to explain my presence there, and make the way clear. It
+was the impulse of a moment."
+
+"You don't say, sir! What, may I ask, was it you was expected to do?"
+
+"To discover who was masquerading in this city under her name."
+
+"Was there some one, sir?"
+
+"So she told me; we went into that rather thoroughly. She claimed it had
+been going on for some months; checks had been cashed at the bank; even
+her servants had been approached by some one so closely resembling her as
+to deceive them; and she had been reported at various places she never
+visited. She was very much exercised over it."
+
+"And she engaged you just to find this other woman?"
+
+"Yes; her lawyer and Percival Coolidge only laughed at her story."
+
+"But you believed it, sir?"
+
+"Well, perhaps not at first altogether. It seemed too strange and
+impossible. I thought something must have got on her nerves and caused
+her to imagine things. But the first night I remained out there gave me a
+shock. I do not know whether I left my door unlocked, or whether a
+pass-key was used, but I woke up suddenly to discover a woman in the
+room. I only had a glimpse of her, for she slipped out instantly, and
+disappeared down the hall; but it was moonlight and I would have sworn
+the intruder was Miss Natalie. I asked her the next day."
+
+"And she denied being there?"
+
+"Absolutely, and convinced me it was true. There is no doubt in my mind,
+Sexton, but what she really is being impersonated by some one who
+resembles her most remarkably. Who this person is I have not the remotest
+idea; nor what her real object can be. Just at this moment, I am inclined
+to believe it has something to do with the Coolidge estate--a criminal
+scheme of some kind, and that Percival Coolidge had connection with it."
+
+"I can hardly believe that, sir."
+
+"No doubt you find it difficult. You told me yourself that had always
+been his room, the one I occupied."
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"That woman knew it; she came there to consult with him." He stopped
+suddenly. "By Gad! Sexton, maybe she came there to kill him. I hadn't
+thought of that."
+
+"It is too much for me, sir," the other said soberly. "I don't know why
+any one should want to kill him. But there's got to be a reason
+somewhere. Where was it the three of you went on Sunday in the runabout,
+Captain West?"
+
+"To a house over in the factory district; some charity case that Coolidge
+was interested in--the widow of one of his employees, I believe."
+
+"Did you see the people?"
+
+"No, I didn't go in; waited outside in the car; it was no affair of mine.
+Why?" he asked in surprise.
+
+"Because, sir, Miss Natalie seemed like a different person when she got
+back. Not in looks, or nothing like that I don't mean, but in the way she
+talked and acted. Nothing suited her all the rest of the day. You know
+how she was to you, sir. Well she was just that snappy with all of us,
+even after we brought the body back to the house. And she wouldn't look
+at him, sir, not even after he was dressed proper and laid out. She just
+went off up stairs, and stayed there; had a bit of toast an' tea, an'
+that's all."
+
+"I hardly believe," said West thoughtfully, "you can attribute her state
+of mind to anything that occurred on that trip. Indeed she was in high
+spirits all the way home."
+
+"I can't help that, sir," Sexton insisted blindly. "It was something that
+happened yesterday what set her wrong, an' if I was you, sir, I'd find
+out what happened in that house first of all. Could you find the place?"
+
+"Yes, I think so. I'll look it up, although I don't have much faith in
+your theory." He glanced at his watch. "I'll go out there now. You come
+back here about five, and we will talk over any discoveries I may make."
+
+"And what shall I do, sir?"
+
+Both were standing, West with hand on the knob of the door. The light in
+his eyes hardened.
+
+"Nothing occurs to me now, Sexton, unless you can find an excuse to
+return to Fairlawn, after something you have forgotten, let us say. If we
+can learn what Miss Natalie proposes doing it might furnish a clue."
+
+"Very well, sir, and I am to be here at five o'clock?"
+
+"Yes, at five; I will leave word with the doorman to show you in at
+once."
+
+West picked up a taxi-cab for the trip, bidding the chauffeur to drive to
+a certain section of the city, and then up and down the various streets
+until told to stop. He had no idea that his quest would reveal anything
+of importance relative to the death of Coolidge, yet no better
+suggestion occurred to him and he felt that he must do something. His
+conversation with Sexton had greatly strengthened his conviction that
+this was a murder, and he had determined to ferret out the truth if
+possible. Yet, thus far there was nothing to build upon, no clue, no
+motive, no suspicion as to who had perpetrated the deed. He simply faced
+a blank wall, in which no entrance was apparent, yet there must be one,
+if he was only fortunate enough to stumble upon it. Deep down in his
+heart West was conscious that he possessed a motive in this search far
+more worthy than mere curiosity. That motive was Natalie Coolidge. He
+smiled at the thought, yet confessed it true. In spite of her curt
+dismissal, his memory of the girl centred about those earlier hours of
+their acquaintance. Something mysterious had occurred to make her change
+so quickly, and he was unwilling to condemn her before learning the real
+reason. This murder must have some relation to the Coolidge estate; he
+could conceive of no other motive for such a cold-blooded affair; and
+hence its solving must prove of vital importance to her and her future.
+Now, when the verdict of the coroner's jury had been suicide, and when
+only he, and the servant Sexton suspected otherwise, it was of the
+utmost importance that they endeavour to unravel the crime. For her
+sake he could do no less, thus serving and protecting her to the best of
+his ability.
+
+The chauffeur drove slowly up and down obscure streets for half an hour
+before West recognized familiar surroundings, and motioned for him to
+draw up against the curb. He had discovered the place sought, but from
+the street it exhibited no signs of occupancy, nor did any knocking at
+the front door bring response from within. He circled the building,
+finding an uncurtained window at the rear, which merely revealed an
+unfurnished room. Every door was locked, but, as he passed along the
+other side to regain the taxi, a man emerged from the next house, and
+hailed him.
+
+"Say, what're yer snoopin' round there for? Lookin' for somebody?"
+
+"Yes, the parties who were here Sunday. What's become of them."
+
+"Hobart, you mean?"
+
+"Is that his name? I met him down town, and he told me to come here,"
+West explained rapidly. "We had a deal on."
+
+"Oh, yer did, hey," leaning his arms on the fence. "Well, Jim Hobart was
+the name he giv' me. That's my house, which is why I happen to know
+what his name was. Something queer about that fellar, I reckon, but
+'tain't none o' my business. You ain't a detective, or nothin' like
+that, are yer?"
+
+"Nothing at all like that," West laughed, although interested. "Why? Did
+you think the police might be after him?"
+
+"Not for anything I know about, only he skipped out mighty sudden. Paid
+me a month rent, and only stayed there three days. That looks sorter
+queer. Then Sunday that fellar what committed suicide out south--I read
+about in the papers--came to see him in a car. I got a boy workin' in his
+factory; that's how I come to know who the guy was. The next night
+Hobart, an' them with him, just naturally skipped out. So I didn't know
+but what the police might want him for something."
+
+"I don't know anything about that. I just called on a private matter.
+Where did he go to?"
+
+"Hell, man, I didn't even know he was goin'."
+
+"Who did he have with him here--a family?"
+
+"A woman 'bout his age I should say, an' a younger one. I didn't see 'em
+only from the window; didn't get no sight o' the girl's face at all, but
+could tell the way she walked she was young. They didn't have nothin'
+with 'em; that's all my stuff in the house there."
+
+Feeling the uselessness of trying to learn anything more, West thanked
+him, and returned to the taxi.
+
+"Back to the Club," he ordered briefly, and settled into his seat to
+think.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+238 WRAY STREET
+
+
+The information thus gained had been small enough, yet sufficient to
+stimulate his belief that he was at least upon the right trail. The
+sudden departure of this man Hobart, and the fact that no young children
+were in the family, were important items to consider. Coolidge then had
+not visited this cottage to aid a widow and orphans. There had been some
+other object in his call. The girl must have known and understood the
+real purpose; that was why they both acquiesced so readily to his
+remaining outside in the car. It was part of their mutual plan to thus
+leave him in ignorance. Yet they had made a mistake in taking him along
+at all. This error alone gave him now an opportunity to unravel the
+riddle. But did it? What did he know? Merely that Coolidge had not gone
+to this house on an errand of charity; that the occupant called himself,
+temporarily, perhaps, Jim Hobart; that his family consisted of two
+women, undescribed except as to age; and that all three had mysteriously
+disappeared together. He might take it for granted that this
+disappearance was caused by the death of Coolidge, but, they had left no
+trail, no inkling as to where they had gone. He might suspect this sudden
+vanishing had direct connection with the crime he was endeavouring to
+solve, but he possessed absolutely no proof, and, apparently, any further
+movement on his part was completely blocked.
+
+More puzzled than ever, although now fully convinced that murder had been
+committed, West could do nothing but wait the reappearance of Sexton. The
+latter arrived promptly on time, but, much to West's disappointment,
+merely nodded his head negatively to the general inquiry as to whether or
+not he had made any discoveries. The early hour enabled the host to
+secure a secluded table in the dining room, but there was no effort at
+conversation until after the meal had been ordered. Then West told his
+story. The retelling of these incidents of the afternoon, coupled with
+Sexton's evident interest in the narrative, and the questions the man
+asked, caused the discoveries made to assume a greater importance than
+before. His listener seemed to sense the situation clearly.
+
+"It wasn't no mistake, your goin' out there, sir," he said, confidently.
+"What we know now gives us something to work on anyhow, an' it's just
+what I thought--that trip Sunday led up to this killin', an' something
+happened while they was in there to stir Miss Natalie all up. Now we got
+to find this fellow--what did you say his name was, sir?"
+
+"Hobart--Jim Hobart; that is he was known by that name there."
+
+"And you say he has simply dropped out o' sight?"
+
+"That's true; never left a clue behind him."
+
+"Well, sir, I'm not quite so sure about that. You listen to me, sir. I
+walked out to Fairlawn from the car-line, an' come in across the fields
+to the house. I didn't have no good excuse for goin' back there, sir, an'
+was sorter afraid to meet up with Miss Natalie. She might have thought I
+was just spyin' 'round. But I didn't have no need for being afraid, for
+it seems she'd driven into town about noon, an' hadn't got back. There
+wasn't nobody but the servant around the place, sir. Do you remember
+Lizzie, the second maid--sorter full face, an' light hair?"
+
+West nodded, wondering what all this might be leading to.
+
+"Well, she an' I always hit it off together, an' I talked with her quite
+a bit. She's goin' to quit too, because of something what happened, so it
+was safe enough to question her. She told me, sir, that Miss Natalie had
+a telephone call this morning that took her into the city. Lizzie she
+went to the 'phone when it rang, an' it was a man's voice. He wouldn't
+leave no message, but insisted on speaking to Miss Natalie. Lizzie had to
+call her down from upstairs."
+
+"Did the girl overhear the conversation?"
+
+"Not so as to make very much out of it, sir. She was sorter
+interested, the man's voice being strange, and hung around in the hall
+listening, but about all she could make out was what Miss Natalie
+said. It seemed like he was givin' her some kind of address, which she
+didn't exactly understand, an' so she repeated it after him two or
+three times to be sure."
+
+"What was the address?"
+
+"238 Ray Street, sir."
+
+"You are certain of that?"
+
+"That was what Lizzie said; she was pretty positive, sir; an' then about
+an hour later, Miss Natalie ordered her car, an' drove into town."
+
+"Alone?"
+
+"Yes, sir; it was the electric she took."
+
+West remained silent, tapping with his knife on the table. This might
+prove important, and he could not afford to ignore the information. While
+to his mind it was hardly likely Hobart had called the girl, yet the
+possibility remained.
+
+"I never heard of a Ray Street," he said at length, "but of course, there
+may be one. Oh, Charlie," he stopped a waiter passing. "Bring me up a
+City directory, will you. You will find one in the office down stairs.
+Tell the Secretary Captain West wishes it and will return it at once."
+
+The first course had been served when the man returned with the book,
+placing it on a chair next West, who immediately deserted his soup to
+inspect the volume.
+
+"Ray Street," he said doubtfully, fingering the pages. "There is no such
+street here, Sexton. Are you sure you got that right?"
+
+"That's what she said, sir; I made her say it over twice."
+
+"Ray Street; wonder if it could be spelled with a W? By Jove, it
+is--Wray! Here we have it, only five blocks long, extending from Conway
+to Grogan. Rather tough section I should judge."
+
+"I don't know, sir. I never heard of any of those streets before. How do
+you get there?"
+
+"By car you mean? Well, let's see on the map. Oh yes, that's plain
+enough; Milwaukee Avenue to Gans, and then walk east three blocks. It
+wouldn't do any harm to take a look around there either. Perhaps that is
+where Hobart went; he might have been the one calling Natalie. Rather a
+wild guess, but it will give us something to do. What number was it?"
+
+"238, sir."
+
+"Good; we'll try our luck after we finish dinner; there will be a couple
+of hours of daylight yet. Are you game, Sexton?"
+
+"Quite so, sir."
+
+The sinking sun was still above the sky-line of the buildings fronting on
+Milwaukee Avenue, when the two men alighted at the intersection of Gans
+Street. West hardly took the adventure seriously, being more influenced
+by curiosity than any other motive, but Sexton was deeply in earnest, in
+full faith they were upon the right trail. Doubtful as he was, West had
+neglected no precautions. The map assured him that they were invading a
+disorderly section of the city, where to be well-dressed would only
+invite suspicion, and might lead to trouble. To avoid this possibility,
+he had donned his most shabby suit, and wore a cap largely concealing his
+face. In one pocket of his jacket within easy reach lay hidden his
+service revolver loaded, and he had induced Sexton to accept a smaller
+weapon in case of emergency.
+
+Gans Street was not inviting, the saloon on the corner being flanked by
+several small factories. The brick side-walk was in bad condition, and
+littered with junk of all kinds, while the road-way was entirely uncared
+for, and deeply rutted from heavy traffic. Half way down the block, was a
+tannery, closed now for the night, but with its odour yet permeating the
+entire atmosphere. Altogether, the scene was desolate and disagreeable
+enough, but the street was deserted of pedestrians, the factory doors
+tightly closed for the night.
+
+The two men pressed their way through along the narrow passage, finding
+less obstruction as they advanced, the second block being composed
+entirely of houses, largely of the tenement type, and apparently
+principally populated by children. Wray Street, once attained, was of an
+entirely different character, being lined with homes, usually humble
+enough outwardly, yet the throughfare was clean, and the small yards had
+generally an appearance of neatness in marked contrast to its
+surroundings. 238 was a three story brick, on the corner, the second
+story evidently utilized for living purposes, and the ground floor
+occupied as a saloon. The upper story exhibited no signs of occupancy,
+the windows unwashed, and two of them boarded up. The saloon possessed a
+fairly respectable appearance, the lettering across the front window
+proclaiming it as "Mike's Place," and seemed to be doing some business,
+several entering and departing by way of its hospitable door, while the
+two lingered in uncertainty opposite. Standing there idly however did not
+appeal to West.
+
+"Well, let's go over," he said impatiently. "There is nothing to be
+learned here."
+
+It was an ordinary bar-room, and their entrance apparently aroused no
+special interest. Besides the man behind the bar, a rather rough looking
+foreigner, a Pole in West's judgment, three customers were in the place,
+two with feet upon the rail talking with the drink dispenser, and, one at
+a small table moodily contemplating a half emptied stein of beer. There
+were three other tables in the room, and the Captain with a swift glance
+about, drew out a chair and sat down, his action being imitated by
+Sexton. The bar-tender came forward around the end of the bar, while the
+man nearest shifted his position slightly so as to look them over,
+conversation instantly ceasing. Something indefinable in the fellow's
+attitude, and steady stare, gave West a feeling of hostility, which was
+not dispelled by the gruff greeting of the bar-tender.
+
+"Well, what is it you fellers want?"
+
+"A stein apiece, and a sandwich--you serve them, don't you?"
+
+"Sure; ham or beef?"
+
+"Ham."
+
+There was no cordiality, no welcome in either manner or speech. It was
+plainly evident the proprietor of the saloon felt no enthusiasm over his
+unknown customers. The eyes of the two men met understandingly, but the
+few words exchanged between them were entirely foreign to the situation.
+Mike came back with the beer and sandwiches, pausing this time to wipe
+off the table, as an excuse for speech.
+
+"You guys live 'round here?" he asked gruffly, "Don't remember ever
+seein' yer in here before."
+
+"No," returned West indifferently, looking directly into the hard face.
+"I'm a smoke inspector, an' we just dropped in on our way back to the
+office. Why?"
+
+"Oh, nuthin'; only we don't get much trade outside the neighbourhood. I
+wish ter hell ye'd get after that tannery; can't hardly breathe here
+sometimes."
+
+"That's what we were looking after; had some complaints lately."
+
+"Sure, I been kickin' 'bout it for a month. You fellers have another
+beer on me."
+
+He walked back toward the bar, pausing an instant to whisper a word to
+the taller man who still stood there staring moodily at the table. What
+he said apparently determined action, for the fellow addressed, crossed
+the room to where West and Sexton sat, deliberately pulled up a vacant
+chair, and joined them.
+
+"Bring me another, Mike," he ordered. "That is, if these gents don't
+object to my joining 'em awhile."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+TRAPPED
+
+
+West smiled pleasantly, glad the man had taken the initiative, thus
+naturally opening up a way for asking certain questions. Whatever his own
+immediate object might be in thus scraping an acquaintance made no
+difference. It would doubtless develop in time, but meanwhile here was
+the opportunity sought to discuss the affairs of the neighbourhood. Yet
+the subject must be approached with due caution. The very indifference of
+the bar-tender coupled with the evident desire of this hanger-on to form
+an acquaintance, served to reveal the real nature of "Mike's Place."
+Plainly enough strangers were viewed with suspicion, and this was no
+ordinary saloon, catering to whatever trade drifted within its doors.
+More than likely it was rather a thieves' hang-out, ever suspicious of
+the activity of the police.
+
+Yet this fellow bore no outward semblance to the common conception of the
+under-world. Nor did his actions or words exhibit any motive other than
+ordinary good-fellowship. He was well dressed, easy of manner, with an
+exceptionally intelligent face, blue eyes meeting West's gaze frankly, a
+carefully trimmed moustache, with white teeth good humouredly showing
+when he smiled, and threads of grey in his hair. His very appearance
+invited confidence and comradeship, while his outspoken words increased
+this impression.
+
+"Excuse my butting in," he explained genially. "But it's damn dull around
+here tonight. Nobody to talk with but a couple o' bums. You see I don't
+belong around here; just dropped in for a bit of business with Mike."
+
+"I see," admitted West, puzzled, and wondering how far he dared venture.
+"You can get lonelier in a big city than anywhere else."
+
+"You bet you can. I like some one I can talk to; some guy with ideas. You
+see I run a broker's office down town, an' its pretty blame slow around a
+dump like this--you get me?"
+
+"Sure; this seems to be a pretty quiet place."
+
+"Quiet! Hell! it isn't always so quiet. I've dropped in here when it was
+lively enough, believe me. But tonight it's the limit. Fact is I come up
+for a little excitement, as much as anything else, but must have struck
+an off night. You're a smoke inspector, Mike says?"
+
+West nodded.
+
+"Know Fred Karvan, I suppose?"
+
+"Oh, yes; friend of yours?"
+
+"Used to be; we were kids together down on the southside. He's got a
+pretty soft job now; stands in strong with the City Hall, they tell me.
+Mean to drop in and see him some of these days."
+
+"You'll find him a mighty good fellow," asserted West to whom the name
+was entirely unfamiliar.
+
+"Well, I'm not so sure about that. He's got pretty stiff the last few
+years they tell me. But then you work under him, and ought to know. Head
+of your department, isn't he?"
+
+"Yes, but I only meet him in a business way, of course."
+
+"Sure; but that is the way you get to know them best. Been a soldier,
+haven't you?"
+
+"Yes, but what made you think that?" in some surprise at the unexpected
+query. The man laughed, lighting a cigar carelessly.
+
+"Oh, it has not been so long since, that the evidence is obliterated.
+I've got a habit of noticing things. The way you sit, and square your
+shoulders told me you'd been in uniform; besides you're the right age.
+Get across to France?"
+
+"Had over a year there," wondering what the fellow could be angling
+after. "You didn't get in?"
+
+"No; I was over the limit. I was thinking you might be interested in
+looking over a collection of war relics Mike has got stowed away here
+somewhere. He had two boys over there, and I reckon they must have put in
+most of their time gathering up souvenirs. Anyhow they brought back the
+greatest collection of war junk I've ever seen. Say, Mike, what did you
+do with those war relics the boys sent home?"
+
+The fellow addressed leaned over the bar, his face glowing with
+sudden interest.
+
+"They vas in the back-room, all spread out. Why you ask? The gentlemen
+would see them, what?"
+
+"Yes; this one was a soldier himself. Maybe he can tell more about them
+than the boys could. How is it? You fellows like to see the things?"
+
+West hesitated for just an instant, his eyes turning unconsciously toward
+Sexton, who had not spoken. He felt no suspicion, merely a vague doubt as
+to what this invitation might conceal. Yet it had all been natural
+enough, and promised an opportunity for him to learn something more of
+the place. An accident might reveal the very discovery he was eagerly
+seeking. Besides there could be no danger; both he and Sexton were armed,
+and apparently the invitation was innocently extended. To refuse to
+accept would be churlish.
+
+"Certainly," he said at last, quaffing the last of his beer and
+rising to his feet. "It will be nothing new to me, I imagine, but
+we'll have a look."
+
+The other man, who had been leaning against the bar, had disappeared,
+while the fellow at the table had seemingly fallen asleep. Mike came
+forward with a bunch of keys in his hand.
+
+"I keep dot room locked," he exclaimed gruffly, "for some beoples run off
+with all dings they get their fingers on. Hey, you, Carl," and he roughly
+shook the sleeper into semi-consciousness, "wake up, and see to the bar
+awhile. I've got some business. Whoever comes, you keep them
+here--understand. All right, gents."
+
+The three stood close behind him as Mike inserted the key, and opened the
+door. It was already growing dusk without, and the tightly closed room,
+with shade drawn at the single window, was so dark that West could
+scarcely discern its shape and contents. Mike, without hesitation,
+stepped within, his great bulk blotting out whatever view there was.
+
+"Come right in, gents," he insisted. "Von minute, an' I turn on
+the light."
+
+West never understood why he responded so recklessly to this invitation,
+and advanced without hesitation. He had no suspicion of any trick, no
+conception of being in any danger. He stepped in directly behind the
+leader, and Sexton followed. An instant later, the door closed, with the
+sharp click of a night latch, and Mike flashed on the light. As he did
+so, he wheeled about, and shot one mighty clinched fist straight into
+West's face. This was done so suddenly, so unexpectedly, the man
+attacked found no opportunity to even throw up a hand in self-defence.
+The giant Pole flung his whole weight into the crashing blow, and the
+ex-soldier went down as though struck by a pole-ax. For an instant, he
+realized that Sexton was in a fierce struggle; that his assailant stood
+poised above him ready to land again if he moved; then consciousness
+left him entirely.
+
+He woke up, sitting in a chair, his hands bound to the arms with strips
+of cloth. For a moment everything about seemed tinged with yellow, the
+various objects in sight vague and shapeless. It hurt him to move his
+head, and his mind functioned dully. He could not think, or bring back to
+memory a recollection of what had occurred. Yet slowly the mist cleared
+and the objects about him assumed natural form. He was in a room of some
+size--not the one in which he had been attacked he felt sure--fitted up
+with a long table, and a number of chairs. There was no other furniture;
+the walls were bare, and only a small rag rug partially covered the
+floor. At first he perceived no other occupants; only as, painfully, he
+finally twisted his head to the right, his eyes distinguished two men
+seated against the wall. The sight of their faces restored instantly his
+memory of what had occurred. The Pole rested back, with feet on the table
+and eyes closed, but the other--the younger man--was watching him
+closely, an unlighted cigar gripped in his teeth.
+
+"So, you've come out of it," the latter said unpleasantly. "I'd begun to
+think Mike had handed you a real knock-out that time. Ready to answer a
+few questions?"
+
+West, his brain clearing rapidly, sat up straighter in the chair,
+determined to play out his part the best he could.
+
+"Perfectly ready," he replied struggling to control his voice. "Only I
+should like to know what all this means? Why attack me?"
+
+"You'll find that out soon enough, Captain; but first I'll do the
+questioning."
+
+"Not until I know one thing, at least--what has become of the man who
+was with me?"
+
+"Well, I might as well tell you," carelessly. "He got hurt; the fool
+compelled me to hit him with a gat; so he's out of it, and you might as
+well come through clean--that guy isn't going to help you any."
+
+"You mean you killed him?"
+
+"Well, he's out of the game; that's enough. And as for you, your best
+play right now is to talk up straight." He laughed sneeringly, "Unless
+you want to call up your friend Karvan, at the City Hall, you know. Hell,
+but you was easy!"
+
+"Easy?"
+
+"That's what I said. I knew you all right when you first blew in, only I
+wasn't quite sure. Just had a glimpse of you once before. I naturally
+guessed your smoke-inspector stunt was a sham. So, I ran that Fred Karvan
+stuff in on you. You ate it up, which gave you clean away, for I never
+knew any guy of that name. Do you see the point, Captain West?"
+
+"Yes, I see all that plainly enough, but it does not explain the attack
+on me. You evidently know my name, and this assault has been
+deliberately made. Why? What have you against me? I have never seen
+either of you before."
+
+"Perhaps I'll tell you when you explain. What brought you into this
+neighbourhood. Hunting some one, wasn't you?"
+
+"Not exactly."
+
+"Oh, don't lie; that will bring you nothing, West. You were sticking your
+nose into a private matter which does not concern you in any way. That's
+right, isn't it? Very well, you've had your lesson, and now it is simply
+up to you to either drop this thing, or else take another. It's up to you
+how far we go. Now listen. I believe it was merely curiosity that brought
+you here. That's true, isn't it?"
+
+"Largely, yes."
+
+"You suspected something, and wanted to find out if it was so. Well, you
+came into a bad neighbourhood. We are not nice to your kind around here.
+What really caused your seeking me?"
+
+"I do not know that I did," West answered honestly. "In fact I haven't
+the slightest idea who you are."
+
+The other laughed.
+
+"So you are as green as that. Then I'll give you the information. My
+name is Hobart, Jim Hobart. I am the guy you were looking for?"
+
+"Yes," West admitted, seeing no reason to refuse an answer.
+
+"I thought so, although darned if I know how you ever located me here.
+However, the sooner we come to some understanding, the better. What do
+you know about me?"
+
+"Nothing."
+
+"Is that so! You knew my name when I spoke it. It was the Coolidge matter
+that sent you hunting me. Oh, hell, you might as well cough up, West, for
+I've got your number. You thought the girl was here, didn't you?"
+
+"I had reason to believe she came here."
+
+"I see; how did you gain that news?"
+
+"A conversation by telephone was overheard."
+
+"Now we are getting down to facts. And this comprises your entire
+information, doesn't it? Let's check up. You connected me with the case
+because you were with the uncle and her on their call Sunday. You
+discovered in some way that I had since disappeared from that
+neighbourhood. Then you accidentally got on to this telephone call, and
+decided to run me down. Some cute little detective, I'll say. But what's
+the object? What is it you are trying to connect me up with? What
+possible cause can you have for butting in on this affair?"
+
+"I told you before; merely curiosity."
+
+"And who was the guy with you?"
+
+"An old servant of the Coolidge family."
+
+"It was mere curiosity in his case also, I presume?"
+
+"So far as I know, yes."
+
+Hobart smiled, showing his teeth cruelly.
+
+"West," he said slowly, "you are a damned good liar, but I am about to
+spike your gun. Go on out Mike, and send in the first witness."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+THE EDGE OF COMPROMISE
+
+
+The two men sat silently watching each other, Hobart pretending a
+carelessness he was far from feeling, uncertain as to West's real
+purpose. The latter realized now the true seriousness of his position,
+yet this only increased his belief in the reality of the crime.
+Previously his mind had harboured doubts, but the very fact that Hobart
+would resort to such desperate methods was ample proof of his
+apprehension of danger. If Percival Coolidge had committed suicide, this
+fellow would surely have nothing to fear; he could safely ignore any
+efforts to trap him; indeed would possess no suspicions along that line.
+It was his own guilty conscience which drove him to desperation. Coolidge
+had been murdered, and this man was either guilty of the crime, or else
+knew the one who was, and had personal reasons for protecting the party.
+
+These thoughts took possession of his mind and were convincing. He no
+longer questioned but what he was on the track of crime, yet his thought
+at that moment concentrated more vividly on his own personal peril. How
+could he escape? What was he about to be confronted with? Nothing around
+him afforded inspiration. He was bound helplessly; Sexton had
+disappeared, whether dead or a prisoner, he did not know; the walls of
+the room exhibited no signs of weakness, while Hobart eyed his every
+movement coldly, evidently enjoying his predicament. Apparently the man
+comprehended the nature of his thought.
+
+"Perfectly useless, West," he said carelessly. "This place was
+constructed for the purpose, and you are not the only one who has tested
+its strength. You will get out when I say so, and not before."
+
+"Do you intend to say so?"
+
+"Well, that depends," shrewdly. "Not if your release means my taking
+any chances. But frankly, I do not believe it will. So far as I can see
+you possess no particular interest in this matter--only the attraction
+a young fellow always feels in a pretty woman. Have I got that doped
+out right?"
+
+"To an extent at least."
+
+"Yes, to a very large extent. Of course, curiosity also played a part,
+while everybody possesses a sneaking desire to do a detective act. Miss
+Coolidge filled you up with a lot of bunk; she was good looking, and you
+fell for it. Certain things happened that you failed to understand, so
+you rather naturally jumped to the conclusion that some crime was being
+concocted. That was what brought you here. Now I take it that,
+ordinarily, you are a man of some sense. Consequently I mean to try to
+get you to drop the whole affair, as being none of your business. If you
+agree to this, I accept your pledge, the door opens, and you go free;
+otherwise--" he waved his hand expressively.
+
+"Otherwise what?" asked West quietly.
+
+"I will see that you are removed from all temptation; my plans are too
+important to be interfered with by a meddlesome fool."
+
+"But you can scarcely expect me to give such a promise?"
+
+"Well, I don't know about that. It doesn't pay to be too obstinate. You
+have been in the army, I understand; then you are aware there is a harsh
+side to life, a way to make or break men. All right, now I've got the
+power; I can keep you locked up here; I could even kill you if necessary.
+You are utterly helpless. There is an argument worth your consideration.
+But I will give you yet another which may have even more weight."
+
+"What?"
+
+The door opened quietly, and then closed, leaving Natalie Coolidge
+standing there in the light, her eyes slightly frowning as she looked
+silently at the two men.
+
+"The lady, of course," explained Hobart, rising to his feet, "you will,
+at least, be gentleman enough to accept her word!"
+
+She waited, seemingly unable to quite grasp the situation, or realize the
+part she was called upon to perform, but as West failed to respond,
+finally asked a question.
+
+"What is it, Jim? You sent for me?"
+
+"Yes, as a last resort. You recognize this man?"
+
+"Of course," indifferently; "what is he doing here?"
+
+Hobart laughed.
+
+"It seems the fellow hasn't taken his dismissal very seriously, Natalie,"
+he explained, "and remains very much interested in your affairs. That
+covers the principal known facts in the case."
+
+"You mean he followed me here?"
+
+"He was on the trail, but just for what particular purpose I have failed
+to learn; the lad is a bit close mouthed, but it looks to me as though he
+was in love with you."
+
+The girl smiled, tossing her head as she stepped forward.
+
+"In love with me," she echoed. "That is a joke, yet I had some such
+suspicion when I told him to quit the job. He acted like a fool then, and
+began to question me as though he had a right. It was that being engaged
+business most likely."
+
+"Sure; he thought he had you copped, fortune and all, and it looks to me
+like he needs another jolt to put the idea entirely out of his head. That
+is what I brought you in for. I'll explain first just how it happened.
+This army guy blew in here before dark, along with another fellow,
+Sexton, who used to be a servant out at Fairlawn--you know him?"
+
+"Yes; he was discharged yesterday."
+
+"I was standing by the bar talking with Issy, and I was sure I knew this
+lad's face. I was stumped a bit at first where I had seen him; then all
+at once it came to me--he was the guy sitting out there alone in the
+automobile over on Arch Street. I knew then what he was over here for,
+and got to talking with him. He give himself away the first thing, and
+that is why we got him up in this dump."
+
+"How did he know I was here?"
+
+"Some of your precious help out there heard you talk to me over the
+'phone, and passed it on."
+
+"And what does he want? What do these men want?"
+
+"Well Sexton don't want much of anything--he's knocked out; the fool made
+a fight, and had to be hit; and, as to this bird, I rather think he was
+just naturally nosing around out of curiosity, and because he was stuck
+on you. I don't figure he is anything to be afraid of, but I am not going
+to have the fellow gum-shoeing around. I'll take his word to get out, and
+stay out; otherwise he and I are going to have a little seance of our
+own. That's all there is about it."
+
+West had said nothing, watching the others, and waiting to choose some
+course of action. His mind was confused, uncertain, yet he found
+encouragement in Hobart's statement of the case. The fellow felt no
+serious fear of him; had no suspicion as yet that anyone believed
+Percival Coolidge murdered. The probability was that not even the girl
+dreamed of such a thing. Whatever her connection might be with this man,
+she must be innocent of so foul a crime. If he could only speak to her
+alone; bring to her the truth; reveal to her the real character of this
+man Hobart, there would be no doubt of the result. In spite of the
+strange situation he yet retained faith in the girl; she had been
+deceived, led astray in some manner, but his first impression of her true
+nature still controlled his thought. He could only believe her a victim
+of scheming villains, driven by circumstances to play a part utterly
+foreign to her character. His only hope of learning the facts from her
+own lips, or of re-establishing her faith in him, lay in a moment's
+conversation alone. His mind instantly leaped to this conclusion, and his
+eyes met her own. They were wide-open, full of curiosity yet not unkind.
+He spoke swiftly.
+
+"That sounds fair enough, Hobart," he said quietly, taking the chance as
+though it was the most natural thing in the world. "I am not hunting
+trouble in any way, or seeking to butt in where I am not wanted. Your
+guess as to my purpose in coming here is about right. I had no other
+object but to be of some service to this young lady. If I can talk with
+her a moment alone, and thus assure myself as to her wishes, I'll give
+you any pledge you want, and forget all about the affair. Is that
+satisfactory?"
+
+"Alone, you said? You want to see her alone?"
+
+"Absolutely; no other arrangement will answer. I want her to talk
+freely; to answer my questions with no interference."
+
+Hobart glanced toward his companion inquiringly, evidently inclined to
+deny the request.
+
+"Hell, you don't want much," he said rather gruffly. "What do you think
+about this proposition, Natalie?"
+
+The girl smiled, her eyes still on West's face.
+
+"Fair enough," she admitted as though the whole matter was a joke. "The
+man can do me no harm, and I am willing enough to be interviewed. It
+looks like the easiest way out."
+
+His mood changed, influenced, no doubt, by her confidence in the result.
+
+"All right, if you say so. It is my guess you are equal to the job. How
+much time do you want, West?"
+
+"Ten or fifteen minutes. I want to get down to the bottom of this thing."
+
+"Oh, you do, hey? Modest as ever, I see. Well, here's luck to you. You
+needn't be afraid of the guy, Natalie; we got his gat before we brought
+him up here, and if he makes any break, I'll be out in the hall ready to
+take a hand. You're still for it?"
+
+"Yes," indifferently, seating herself on a convenient chair. "We might
+as well talk it out now as any time. You go on, Jim, and leave it to me."
+
+Hobart was not entirely satisfied, hesitating as he lit a fresh cigar,
+his keen eyes watchful of them both. However, it was plain to be seen the
+girl had made her decision, and he evidently knew her well enough to
+realize the uselessness of revolt.
+
+"All right, then," he replied finally, turning to the door. "Suit
+yourself, only watch your step. Anyhow, I'll be within calling distance,
+if this guy gets gay."
+
+"Don't worry about that," a flash of anger in her eyes. "I am no baby,
+Jim Hobart. Go on now, and leave Captain West to me."
+
+He closed the door behind him, and the two were alone in the room. No
+sound reached them from without, not even an echo of Hobart's footsteps
+in the hall. West looked across at the girl, who sat motionless, her eyes
+shaded by long lashes, and ringless fingers clasped in her lap. She
+appeared indifferent, uninterested, scarcely aware of his presence. He
+wondered if Hobart was listening at the door; what had become of Mike,
+and whether Sexton was alive or dead. For the moment he could scarcely
+make himself realize the true situation. His silence served to arouse her
+interest, for she suddenly lifted her head and looked at him.
+
+"Well," she said soberly. "You have something to ask?"
+
+"Much--yes; but first, are we alone?"
+
+"Certainly--why?"
+
+"This man Hobart, you are sure he is not listening at the door?"
+
+She glanced about; then laughed.
+
+"Little good that would do him; there is no key-hole, no chance for sound
+to penetrate. We are quite alone, Captain, and you are perfectly free to
+say whatever you please."
+
+"But even then, is this wholly fair?"
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+"I came here," he explained earnestly, "with no bad intention; no desire
+to injure any one, Miss Coolidge; my only thought the possibility of
+being of some service to you."
+
+"That is very interesting, I am sure. I am quite grateful."
+
+"Then I am going to ask you a favour. Release my hands and feet. You need
+not be afraid; I give my pledge to make no attempt at escape while we are
+together. Will you do this?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+WEST MAKES HIS CHOICE
+
+
+The girl neither answered, nor hesitated, but crossed the room swiftly,
+her hands seeking the lashings about his wrists. Her movement thrilled
+him, and his blood leaped at the soft touch of her fingers.
+
+"Really, I did not realize you were tied into the chair," she exclaimed
+indignantly. "Hobart is a fool to do such a thing. Why, what has caused
+him to become so frightened? Tell me, Captain West, how all this
+occurred?"
+
+"You know nothing?"
+
+"Only what has been said since I entered the room. Mike simply told me
+they had a man here who Hobart thought was a detective, and he wanted me
+to come in a moment. I came, and found you. Now, please, what does it
+all mean?"
+
+She slipped back to her seat again, her eyes on his face, as he arose and
+stretched his limbs to restore circulation. To his quick glance her face
+expressed only sympathy, and innocent interest. Any doubt he may have
+felt as to the sincerity of the girl vanished instantly; whatever of
+crime was concealed here, she had no suspicion. He could tell her the
+whole story without fear.
+
+"I'll try and explain, Miss Natalie," he began rather lamely, "although
+perhaps, you may not wholly understand the motives which have prompted
+me. This, of course, is really no business of mine, and the only thing
+that has involved me is the deep interest I have felt in you."
+
+"In me! why that is rather interesting. It was to serve me you
+came here?"
+
+"At least I thought so. Shall I make it more definite? No doubt you are
+aware that you are an unusually pretty woman. Well, at least, I think so
+for one, and our first meeting, with its subsequent adventures, was
+romantic enough to shake me out of a commonplace existence. In fact, I
+became quite deeply interested in you."
+
+"Why really, Captain," she interrupted, slightly puzzled. "I perhaps do
+not fully comprehend to what you refer. Do you mean there was something
+between us? Some special intimacy?"
+
+"Oh, no; not that; probably no dream of what was occurring in your mind.
+Yet the circumstances of our meeting were peculiar; they rendered a very
+brief acquaintance into what promised to become a real friendship."
+
+"How do you mean?"
+
+"Surely you cannot have forgotten so soon," he exclaimed in surprise at
+her attitude, seating himself once more and facing her determinedly. "I
+came to you in response to a strange advertisement; you trusted me so
+completely as to introduce me to your friends as your fiancé, and later
+confided to me the special trouble you were in. I pledged you my
+assistance, and it was surely very natural that, under these
+circumstances, I as a young man, should have become rather deeply
+interested--"
+
+"In both the case, and the girl."
+
+"Yes; so much so, indeed, that even when I was rather harshly dismissed,
+I could not accept it without a protest. I had grown to feel that this
+was not a mere business arrangement between us. Do you understand now?"
+
+"I can see it from your stand-point. But nevertheless, I am surprised,
+Captain West. You--you mean you actually fell in love with me?"
+
+"I felt a very, very deep interest in you," he admitted gravely, "a
+greater interest than I have ever felt in any other woman. That is my
+sole excuse for becoming involved in your affairs. I could not bear to
+see you make a mistake it might be in my power to prevent."
+
+"What mistake?"
+
+"Well, first of all, trusting in this man Hobart."
+
+She laughed, her eyes glancing up quickly into his face.
+
+"And why now, please? Remember your confession; I may think this only
+jealousy."
+
+"You are not so silly as that," earnestly. "Moreover, I may as well be
+perfectly frank. I did confess an interest in you, and in a measure, I
+still feel eager to serve you in every possible way; but you have
+changed so greatly, Miss Natalie, that my confidence in you has been
+severely tried."
+
+"You no longer believe?"
+
+"I hardly know; I fail utterly to understand you of late; you seem an
+entirely different girl. For one thing, you have deliberately
+deceived me."
+
+"Indeed! in what?"
+
+"In your visit to Arch Street with Percival Coolidge. That was no mission
+of charity to a poor widow and children."
+
+"What then?"
+
+"An arranged conference with this fellow Hobart. He rented that cottage
+for no other purpose, and left it the next day. You made a mistake when
+you took me along."
+
+She straightened up slightly in the chair, yet spoke rather
+indifferently, her voice cold.
+
+"No doubt I did," she said tersely. "Indeed I have already discovered,
+Captain West, that I made an even greater mistake when I first took you
+into my service. You have proven altogether too inquisitive. Now I will
+be plain with you. Whatever need I once supposed I had for your services
+ended with the explanation I received in that Arch Street cottage. I told
+you so very distinctly after our return home. You recall that interview,
+no doubt?"
+
+He bowed, waiting for her to go on.
+
+"You were then and there dismissed from my service. That should have been
+sufficient. I knew nothing of your silly feeling of personal interest in
+me; nor did I realize any occasion for discussing with you the reasons
+causing me to change my plans. You were my employee, and I discharged
+you; that was all. It is true Percival Coolidge took me to that cottage
+to have certain mysterious things explained, and they were explained to
+my complete satisfaction."
+
+"By Hobart?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"You knew the fellow before?"
+
+She hesitated slightly, although there was no perceptible change in the
+answering voice.
+
+"For several years; he was in my father's employ; the--the whole trouble
+originated in a joke, and--and was quite amusing, once I understood. Of
+course, after that, I had no further need for you. Why did you persist in
+annoying me?"
+
+West hesitated an instant, his mind struggling with the situation. Was
+she honest, truthful, in this statement? Could he say anything which
+would change her viewpoint? She must have been deceived by these men, yet
+how could he expose them so she would comprehend? He was so little
+certain of the facts himself, that he had nothing but suspicion to offer.
+
+"Why do you not answer, Captain West?"
+
+The girl's eyes were clear, insistent, a little amused; they somehow
+aroused his determination.
+
+"I will endeavour to make you understood, Miss Natalie," he explained
+slowly. "I would not have you feel that I deliberately pushed myself into
+this affair. When I left Fairlawn after your dismissal, I had no thought
+of ever seeing you again. I have already told you the interest I had felt
+in you up to that time, but your abruptness during our last interview,
+left me angry, and with no inclination to seek your presence again. You
+can scarcely blame me for such a feeling?"
+
+"No," she confessed. "I--I was so excited and nervous I was not
+very nice."
+
+"You certainly hurt me. I departed with a sense of wrong rankling, and no
+desire to come back. But fate intervened. You know, perhaps, that I
+overheard the shot which ended the life of Percival Coolidge, and I was
+the first to discover his dead body. This made no particular impression
+on me at the time. I supposed it a case of suicide, and so bore witness
+at the inquest. The whole matter would have ended there; but the next day
+you discharged Sexton also, and the man sought me out at the Club."
+
+She leaned forward, her lips parted, a new light in her eyes.
+
+"He told you something? He made you suspicious?" she asked breathlessly.
+
+"He caused me to see the affair from a somewhat different point of
+view--a point of view which, I confess, revived my interest in you. I
+began to believe you had been deceived, and your treatment of me arose
+through a misunderstanding; I thought you a victim, and that I would be a
+cad if I failed to stand by you. We put this and that together, carried
+out some investigations quietly, and arrived at a definite conclusion."
+
+"What investigations?"
+
+"In the field where the body was found first," West went on steadily, but
+no longer looking at her, "tracing the different tracks through the
+clover. Then I looked up that cottage in Arch Street, and thus learned
+about Hobart. Somehow he seemed to fit into the picture, and your
+mysterious visit there made me anxious to interview the man. He had left
+no address however, just faded out of sight suddenly, which increased
+suspicion. Then, when we were completely baffled, Sexton learned about
+your conversation over the telephone."
+
+"How? Was he at the house?"
+
+"Yes; he went out at my suggestion."
+
+"And heard me repeat this number?"
+
+"It makes no difference how he got the information; we knew you were
+coming here this afternoon, and jumped at the conclusion that you were
+going to meet Hobart for some reason."
+
+"Very bright, I am sure," and there was a tone of relief in her voice.
+"And that is your whole story, I suppose? What does it amount to?"
+
+"Not very much, perhaps."
+
+"And the two of you came out here seeking to learn my business, to pry
+into my personal affairs. That was not a very gentlemanly act, Captain
+West, and I hardly see how you can justify yourself."
+
+"I had two purposes," he insisted, "either of which justify. I felt it
+a duty to locate this man Hobart; and also to warn you of the danger
+you were in."
+
+"Warn me!" she laughed scornfully. "That is ridiculous enough surely. I
+have a perfectly good reason for being here, but I am not accountable to
+you in any way for my movements. A duty you say--a duty to locate this
+man? A duty to whom?"
+
+"To the State, if no one else," he answered gravely. "Percival Coolidge
+did not commit suicide; he was murdered."
+
+"Murdered!" she came to her feet with utterance of the word. "You cannot
+think that!"
+
+"I know it, Miss Natalie; the evidence is beyond question; he was
+murdered in cold blood."
+
+"But by whom? for what purpose?"
+
+"These points are not yet determined; I am only sure of the crime."
+
+"Yes, but--but you suspect Jim Hobart. Isn't that true? You came here
+seeking him--yes, and me. You even think I know how this death occurred.
+You--you connect it with my fortune."
+
+"No, Miss Natalie," he protested stoutly, moved by her agitation. "The
+cause is a mystery, and who did it equally mysterious. The evidence thus
+far unearthed is all circumstantial."
+
+"Then why did you come out here searching for Hobart?"
+
+"Because of his strange meeting with Percival Coolidge the very day of
+his death; because his sudden disappearance furnished the only clue."
+
+"And that is all the knowledge you possess, absolutely all?"
+
+"Yes; I am no more than groping in the dark. My main object in coming was
+to put you on your guard."
+
+"You have repeated these suspicions to no one else? The Police?"
+
+"To no one. Only Sexton and I have even talked the matter over. We are
+both too loyal to you to ever say a word which might be to your injury."
+
+She suddenly held out her hand, and he took it, conscious of the firm
+clasp of her fingers.
+
+"I thank you, Captain West," she said sincerely, "and believe your
+purpose was honourable. You have told me frankly all you suspect, and
+doubtless you have reasons. You have simply made a mistake, that is all.
+Percival Coolidge was not murdered; he killed himself because he had
+muddled my affairs, and knew he was about to be discovered. You have got
+upon a wrong trail. Will you accept my word for this, and drop the whole
+matter here?"
+
+West was almost convinced, but not quite; the explanation had not been
+sufficiently explicit.
+
+"This man Hobart--who is he? What connection does he have with
+your affairs?"
+
+She hesitated slightly, yet her eyes did not fall, or her apparent
+cordiality change.
+
+"Mr. Hobart," she explained, "I have known for years. I told you before
+he was once in my father's employ. Now he is a private detective, and
+was employed on my case, before I advertised for you. I thought then he
+was not accomplishing anything, but at our interview Sunday, all was
+cleared up."
+
+"In the presence of Percival Coolidge?"
+
+"Yes; he was given a week in which to straighten matters. That was why he
+killed himself."
+
+"But why is it necessary for you to meet Hobart in a place like this--a
+veritable thieves' den?"
+
+She shrugged her shoulders, releasing his hand.
+
+"He has not completed his work, and does not think it best for us to be
+seen together. I know him so well I am not at all afraid, even here. Is
+that all, Captain West?"
+
+"It seems to explain everything," he admitted, yet far from satisfied.
+
+"And you will drop the whole affair?" she asked anxiously.
+
+"If I say yes--what?"
+
+"You will be released from here of course, and the whole misunderstanding
+forgotten."
+
+"And otherwise?"
+
+"I have no means of knowing what the men intend to do. They will accept
+your pledge, I am sure."
+
+"Possibly, but I am not so sure I will consent to give such a pledge."
+
+"Then you do not accept my word; do not believe what I have told you?"
+
+"Not that exactly, Miss Natalie; I could have faith in your word, except
+that I believe you to be mistaken, deceived. Hobart is not square; he is
+using you for his own ends. Under these conditions, I would be a coward
+to give such a promise, and leave you helpless in this man's power."
+
+"You intend then to refuse?"
+
+"I do; I'll fight it out."
+
+She stared at him, scarcely believing her own ears, her lips parted, a
+look of angry fright in her eyes.
+
+"You are a fool, Captain West," she burst forth at last, unable to hold
+back the words. "I have done my best for you, and you spurn that. Now
+look out."
+
+She stepped backward, still fronting him, and, with hand behind her,
+rapped sharply on the panel of the door.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+FACING DEATH
+
+
+The change in the girl was so pronounced, her action so impetuous, as to
+leave West startled and silent. The thought came to him instantly that
+she was not the innocent victim he had supposed. Her words, and movements
+expressed disappointment, rather than regret. She was angry at his
+choice, ready to withdraw from him all sympathy, all assistance. Her plea
+had failed, and the woman had become a tigress. Then she must have been
+endeavouring to deceive him; as deeply interested as these others--in
+getting him safely off the trail of this crime. It was a hard lesson, one
+that instantly turned all his theories upside down, but the truth came to
+him with blinding, sickening force--she was as guilty as Hobart; they
+were both working to the same end, endeavouring to get him safely out of
+the way. They would accomplish this with lies if possible, if not then
+with force. It was for no other purpose he had been granted this
+interview alone--in the hope that he might thus be deceived by her. Now
+he saw through the trick.
+
+These thoughts swept West's brain in a sudden flash of revelation, but
+he had no chance to act; to denounce her, to make a single movement,
+before the door opened swiftly, and Hobart slipped eagerly into the
+room. The first glance the fellow had of the prisoner, standing erect
+and unbound, must have deceived him into believing the girl had
+succeeded in her quest.
+
+"So you've set him free," he exclaimed. "The fellow has come to his
+senses, has he?"
+
+"No, he has not," she snapped with temper darkening her eyes. "I was not
+afraid of him, so I let him loose, but he's made me no promise. Now it is
+up to you; I'm done."
+
+She slipped out through the opening, and Hobart leaned against the door,
+pushing it shut behind her, his scowling eyes watching West intently.
+
+"So, that is how it stands, is it, my man?" he growled threateningly.
+"You even refuse to accept the word of the lady, do you?"
+
+"Those are very nearly the facts," West replied steadily. "Then I told
+her I thought she must be mistaken; now I believe she was sent here for
+no other purpose but to deceive me. If I ever had any doubt of a crime,
+it has vanished since this interview."
+
+"What crime?"
+
+"Murder; the killing of Percival Coolidge. Is that plain enough, Hobart?
+I want you to understand. I am fighting this case from now on in the
+open; it is going to be man to man."
+
+"What the hell do you mean, you cur?"
+
+"I'll tell you," went on West coldly, determined now to so anger the
+fellow as to bring the whole matter to a climax, reckless of the
+consequences. "I charge you with murder. I haven't the proof, but I'll
+get it; I do not know the object, but I'll find out."
+
+"You fool! you'll never get away from here. My God, you must be crazy!"
+
+"Never was saner in all my life, Hobart. I am a soldier, and am taking a
+soldier's chance. Now listen. I feel no particular interest in the death
+of Percival Coolidge. In my judgment the world is just as well off with
+him dead as alive. But what this means to Natalie Coolidge is another
+matter entirely."
+
+"She told you--"
+
+"Yes, she told me--a lie. That is what hurts; what makes me ready to take
+any chance to put you where you belong. You have lied to her, deceived
+her, made her your accomplice in crime. I'm fighting for a woman, because
+she has got no one else to fight for her."
+
+"Oh, I see; in love, hey--with her, or her money?"
+
+"With neither so far as I know," frankly. "She is a woman helpless in
+your hands; that is sufficient."
+
+"But, hell, she hasn't any use for you--didn't she tell you so?"
+
+"Quite plainly--yes. But that is no excuse for any man to play the
+coward. I am not afraid of you, Hobart, or your gang. You got me before
+by treachery; I was not looking for trouble. But now I am. I am going
+through that door, and if you try to stop me you are going to get hurt."
+
+The fellow grinned, one hand thrust into the outer pocket of his coat,
+his eyes narrowed into ugly slits.
+
+"You think so! You haven't a weapon on you, West, and if you take a
+step, I'll put you out of commission. I know how to handle your kind,
+you big bluffer. What I want to know is what you have got in your head,
+for, believe me, I don't take any stock in this woman stuff. Are you
+after the coin?"
+
+"What coin?"
+
+"Well, maybe a slice of old Coolidge's boodle. There's enough of it for
+all hands to have a dip. How does that hit you?"
+
+"Sounds interesting at least," admitted West, so earnestly as to attract
+the other's attention. "But let's talk it over among ourselves--who is
+listening there?"
+
+Hobart glanced behind at the nearly closed door. It was for only a second
+he was off guard, yet that was enough. With one leap forward, West
+struck, his clinched fist smashing against the side of the fellow's jaw.
+It was a wicked, vicious blow, with all the propelling force of the body
+behind it, and Hobart went down stunned, crashing the door tightly shut
+as he fell. Once he strove blindly to reach his feet, tugging madly at
+the weapon in his pocket, but West, feeling no mercy, and wide awake to
+the fact that any shooting would mean a call for help, struck again,
+sending his groggy opponent flat, and unconscious. It was all the swift
+work of a minute, and there had been no noise to arouse alarm. Hobart had
+not even cried out; the only audible sounds being the sharp click of the
+door, and the dull thud of a falling body.
+
+West emptied the man's pockets, slipping two revolvers into his own; then
+stood for an instant motionless, staring down into the white upturned
+face. He had followed the impulse of the moment; had struck savagely;
+knowing it was his only chance. Thus far he had done well; but what next?
+He was conscious of but one thought, one purpose--to escape from this
+house, unpledged and still free to act. Yet how could this be
+accomplished? He had no plan, no knowledge even of his surroundings, of
+what lay beyond the walls of this room. His eyes swept the bare interior,
+seeing nothing to inspire hope. Hobart had said this room was practically
+a prison, and it looked it--the walls bare, and unbroken, and a rough
+single cot. All possibility of egress lay in the closed door, and a
+narrow window high up in the opposite wall, also tightly shut, and shaded
+by a heavy curtain.
+
+His hand tried the door cautiously; the knob turned easily enough, but
+there was no yielding to his pressure. The lock was evidently on the
+outside, and he could discover no key-hole, no possibility of operating
+it from within. Then, besides in all probability, a guard would be posted
+outside in the hall, waiting for some signal from Hobart. West glanced
+again at the recumbent figure, bending over to make sure of his
+condition, then, gripping a chair, silently crossed the room.
+
+There was not a minute to lose. He knew that he must choose quickly
+whatever course he pursued. Any instant Hobart might recover
+consciousness, and gain assistance by a rap on the door; indeed his
+confederates without might not wait for the signal. The silence within,
+the length of time, might arouse suspicion. The only chance lay in
+immediate action. Standing on the chair West found the window had been
+securely nailed into place, but this had been done so long ago, it was
+quite possible for him to work the nails loose, yet it required all his
+strength to press up the warped sash sufficiently far to enable him to
+gain a view outside. It was not encouraging. Evidently he was upon the
+third floor, at the rear of the building, looking down into a cluttered
+up back yard. His eyes could scarcely distinguish what was below, as the
+only glimmer of light came from a far distant street lamp at the end of
+an alley, the faint rays creeping in through holes in the fence. Yet one
+black shadow seemed to promise the sloping roof of a shed directly below;
+but even with that to break his fall, it was a desperate leap.
+
+He stared into those uncertain depths, endeavouring to measure the
+distance, deceived by the shifting shadows, afraid of what lay hidden
+below. For the moment he forgot all that was behind him, his whole mind
+concentrated on the perils of so mad a leap into the dark. The awakening
+came suddenly, the chair jerked from beneath his feet, his body hurled
+backward. He fell, gripping at the window seat, so that he was flung
+against the support of a side wall, able to retain his feet, but not to
+wholly ward off a vicious blow, which left him staggering. Half blinded,
+West leaped forward to grapple with the assailant, but was too late.
+Hobart rushed back out of reach of his arms, and rapped sharply on the
+door panel. It opened instantly, and big Mike, closely followed by
+another man, pushed forward into the room. West was trapped, helpless;
+one man pitted against three. He backed slowly away, brushing tack the
+dishevelled hair from his eyes, watching them warily, every animal
+instinct on the alert.
+
+Mike took one comprehensive glance at the scene, at the overturned chair,
+the half-open window, the trapped man crouching motionless against the
+further wall. The meaning of it all was plain, and his bar-room training
+gave quick insight as to the part he was to play. He spoke gruffly out
+into the dark of the hall behind him, an order to some one concealed
+there; then shut the door tightly, and faced West, his head lowered like
+a bull about to charge. West understood; he was locked in to fight it
+out--three against one. Hobart was nearest to him, his face swollen and
+red, his eyes ugly slits, with teeth snarling between thin lips. The
+fellow laughed sneeringly, as their glances met.
+
+"Now we'll take care of you, Captain," he taunted. "Never mind his guns,
+Mike; there's not a load in either of them. Give the guy what he is
+looking for. Come on you terriers!"
+
+But West did not wait. There was only one chance, and he took it--to
+carry the fighting to them. He had no doubt of the emptiness of his guns,
+and hurled one straight at Hobart's head, leaping forward with the other
+clutched in his hand straight at Mike, who had scarcely time to fling up
+one hand in defence. The thrown weapon missed its mark by a narrow inch,
+striking the wall behind, and falling clattering to the floor, but the
+other broke through the big saloon-keeper's guard, and sent him reeling
+to his knees, a gush of blood reddening his hair. Again and again West
+struck him, driving him prone to the floor before the other two dragged
+him away, wrestled the weapon from his hand, and closed with him in a
+desperate death grapple.
+
+What followed he never could relate. He was mad with fury of the fight.
+A mere animal defending life with every means at hand, caring nothing for
+either wound or hurt so that he won out in the end. Mike was out of it,
+but the two grappling him fought like wild cats, rough barroom fighters,
+resorting to any tactics to disable their opponent. Yet it was this that
+saved him. Crazed as he was, madly as his brain whirled in the fierce
+struggle, his long training held supreme--he knew how to fight,
+remembered instinctively every trick and guard. Again and again his
+clinched fist reached its mark, and slowly he broke away from clutching
+hands, and regained his feet. It was a terrific struggle, but luck, as
+well as skill, was with him. The next he knew, out of the red ruck, was
+that he had Hobart by the throat, jammed against the wall, with fingers
+clinched in the throat. Then he saw the other coming, a dim, shapeless
+thing, that he kicked at viciously. The boot must have landed, for he was
+suddenly free to strike the purple face fronting him, and fling the
+helpless rocking body in a huddled mass on the floor.
+
+By God, it was over with; he had won breathing space, a chance to see
+what was about him. Yet that was all. The fellow he had kicked was
+already up, doubled from the pain of the blow, but with mad eyes
+glaring at him. Hobart had struggled to his knees, cursing fiercely as
+he swept the blood out of his eyes. They would both be on him again in a
+minute, more desperate than ever, and the door was locked--there was no
+chance there. The window! Ay! there was the window. Death either way,
+yet a chance; and he was man enough to take it. He leaped on the chair,
+and clambered up; he heard Hobart swear, and felt the grip of a hand on
+his dangling leg; kicked himself free, and was on the ledge. He never
+looked below, or took time to poise for the leap. Heedless, desperate,
+scarcely realizing what he was doing, he flung his body out over the
+edge, and fell.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+UNDER COVER
+
+
+The shed roof was below, and he struck it, fortunately feet first, but
+the sharp slant of the boards sent him hurtling forward over the edge
+into a miscellaneous pile of boxes beneath, his body finally resting on
+the hard ground. He lay there dazed, the breath knocked entirely out of
+him, bruised, and scarcely certain whether he was dead or alive. For the
+moment, he seemed to have lost all consciousness, unable to realize even
+what had occurred in that upper room, or to comprehend the necessity of
+immediate flight. All about him was intense darkness, and, after the
+crash of his fall, no sound broke the silence. He could see nothing, hear
+nothing to arouse his faculties; his flesh quivered with pain, although
+he felt sure no bones were fractured, for he could move both arms and
+limbs freely, while after the first shock, his mind returned to activity,
+dominated by the single conviction that he must get away from there
+before those men could get down stairs.
+
+But how? He retained no strength, no ability to use his limbs sufficient
+to carry him away from the neighbourhood swiftly. He felt paralysed,
+numb, even his brain functioning strangely, the danger of his helpless
+condition its only incentive to action. He endeavoured to rise, rolling
+partially over in the effort which failed, but the movement, slight as it
+was, left one hand dangling over an excavation at his right. His fingers
+explored the edge of this opening cautiously, revealing a cellar-way,
+leading down into the basement. The opening was black, silent,
+mysterious, yet it was a hiding place. If he could manage to roll down
+those steps into those depths below, he might hide there unseen, until he
+regained strength, until the first effort at pursuit had been abandoned.
+Then there might be a chance for escape.
+
+West grasped the idea clearly enough. Those fellows would be there
+swiftly. If they found him gone they would have no doubt but what he
+landed safely, and had made a get-away. They would search, of course,
+perhaps out into the alley, hoping he might have been injured, but it was
+hardly probable they would think to explore the cellar. Even if they did,
+he could surely creep into some dark corner where he might escape
+observation. Anyway, crippled as he was, this offered the one and only
+chance. He could not argue and debate; he must act.
+
+He rolled over, and lowered himself down into the opening, locating the
+half-dozen broken and rotted steps with his feet. He made no attempt to
+stand, but simply slid down, finding a partially closed door at the
+bottom, the passage-way blocked by a litter, the exact nature of which
+could not be determined in the darkness. With some difficulty, and more
+than ever conscious of his weakness, and the pain of bruises, he managed
+to crawl over this pile of debris, and crouch down finally in the intense
+blackness within. He felt like a trapped rat, still gasping for breath,
+his body quivering from exertion.
+
+Yet his retreat had been none too rapid. The silence above was broken by
+the creak of an opening door, the sound of excited voices, and a sudden
+gleam of light, finding entrance through the open cellar-way. West
+startled, crept back into a corner, every nerve alert at approaching
+peril. He recognized Hobart's voice, as the fellow plunged down the steps
+from the first floor out into the yard.
+
+"To hell, of course he's here!" he stormed. "My God, man, he dived out
+head first; I saw him. He'll be dead as a door nail now. Come on with
+that lantern, Turner. Where in thunder is the ladder--does any one know?"
+
+"You think he lies on the roof?"
+
+"Why not? That's where he must have struck, ain't it, Shorty? I don't
+know though; it is so steep he'd most likely roll off. Here, you, let me
+take the glim. There's nothing here in these boxes. Ah, there's the
+ladder; climb up, Shorty, and see if the guy is stuck anywhere on the
+roof. Go on! What are you afraid of; if he's there, he's a stiff all
+right, believe me."
+
+Turner's voice, hoarse and rumbling, came back from above.
+
+"There ain't nuthin' up here, Jim. Damn me, if I don't believe the cuss
+got clean away. Gee, but he was sure a nervy guy all right."
+
+"Nervy? Crazy, you mean. But he never took that fall without busting
+something. The bird is lying about here somewhere. You make sure he ain't
+up there, Shorty."
+
+"Well, he ain't; I kin see every inch o' this roof. Perhaps he fell in
+between them barrels down there."
+
+The two evidently searched thoroughly, the rays of the lantern dancing
+wildly about, while Hobart savagely cursed his companion, and reiterated
+his belief that no man could ever take that plunge, and escape unhurt.
+
+"It couldn't be done, I tell you; maybe he could crawl, but that would be
+all. Why he went down head first; I saw him go out the window, and that
+drop would daze a cat. Say, Shorty, maybe the stiff dropped down into
+this cellar-way. Let's take a look."
+
+The light streamed in through the narrow opening, and some one
+scrambled cautiously down the rotted steps. West, drawing himself
+securely back behind the protection of his barrel, saw the lantern
+thrust forward, and a face behind it peering in the shadows. The fellow
+did not advance into the room, but Hobart did, pressing his way roughly
+past, and standing there full in the glow of light, staring about into
+the dim shadows. He evidently saw nothing to arouse suspicion, for his
+voice was angry with disgust.
+
+"Not a damn sign here, Shorty. It looks like the fellow maybe did get
+away. But it beats me how. There ain't no place now for us to look but
+the alley."
+
+"An' if he ain't there?"
+
+"Then we'll hop this dump mighty sudden, I'm telling you. We'll slip out
+and leave Mike to explain how he got his coco cracked. With that guy
+loose, it won't be healthy for me hanging around here."
+
+"He ain't got the goods on you, has he?"
+
+"No, he ain't got the goods, but he is dead wise to some things, and he
+didn't get out of that shindy up stairs without getting hurt. He'll be
+sore all right, and will raise all the hell he can. It's safer to keep
+out of the way."
+
+"An' what about that other buck, Hobart? It won't do to have him picked
+up, if this guy gets the harness bulls to take a look around here."
+
+"That ain't his style, Shorty; he won't spiel anything to the cops about
+this row. He's an ex-soldier, a Captain, and he's nuts on the girl.
+That's why he dipped into this mess--trying to save her--see? Maybe he
+won't be so keen now, after the song and dance she gave him up stairs.
+I'm half inclined to think the guy will drop out entirely, damn glad to
+get off alive, now he believes she is as rotten as the rest of us. But I
+ain't sure--maybe he is the kind that sticks. That's why I don't take any
+chances just now. Things ain't quite ripe for a get away--see?"
+
+"Sure; she gave him some straight stuff, hey?"
+
+"She certainly did; she's as smart as she is good looking. It somehow
+don't strike me this guy is going to bother her any more. I'm figuring
+that he's out of it."
+
+"But his partner?"
+
+"Oh, we'll leave him somewhere propped up against a door. Likely he'll
+never know what happened to him, or where. He ain't nothing to be afraid
+of--just a butler with a cracked head. It's the other guy who has got the
+brains. Come on; let's take a look out in the alley."
+
+Their shadows vanished up the stairs, the glow of light disappearing, and
+leaving the cellar in impenetrable darkness. West did not venture to
+move, however, content to wait until thoroughly assured the way for
+escape was clear. He had not learned much from this conversation, except
+to increase his conviction that a serious crime was being consummated.
+The full nature of this conspiracy was as obscure as ever; rendered even
+more doubtful indeed by the active participation of Natalie Coolidge.
+This was what puzzled and confused him the most. He could no longer
+question her direct interest in the affair, or her willingness to assist
+in overcoming his efforts. Even without the free testimony of the men
+this fact was sufficiently clear. She had deliberately lied to him,
+attempted deceit, and then, when he refused to yield to her efforts, had
+so reported to Hobart, and left him to his fate. It was manifestly
+impossible for him to believe in her any longer. Yet what could it all
+mean? How could she hope to benefit by such an association? Why could she
+thus shield the murderers of Percival Coolidge? What possible object
+could there be in the commission of this crime, except to gain possession
+of her own fortune? It was all mystery to his mind; a new unanswerable
+question arising wherever he looked.
+
+What strange influence could this man Hobart exercise over the girl? To
+West's judgment he was in no way the sort of man to appeal to Natalie
+Coolidge. He was of a low, cunning order, with some degree of outward
+polish, to be sure, yet inherently tough, and exhibiting marks of a
+birth-right which indelibly stamped him of a social class far below her
+own. Surely, she could not love the fellow, yet unquestionably he
+possessed a mysterious power over her, difficult to explain through any
+other hypothesis. If West had not known the young woman under different
+conditions, he might have accepted this theory, and dismissed the whole
+matter from mind. But it was the haunting memory of that earlier Natalie
+Coolidge, the mistress of Fairlawn, which would not permit his complete
+surrender. She had seemed all that his dream of womanhood called for.
+Unconsciously, he had given her his heart, and he could not tear the
+remembrance from mind. There was something wrong, terribly wrong; what it
+was he had no means of knowing, yet, there in the dark, he determined he
+would know, would never be content until he learned the whole truth. All
+his hope, all his future, depended on the answer.
+
+Hobart and Turner were absent for some little while; the sound of their
+voices ceased, but the distant flicker of the lantern enabled West to
+trace their progress up the alley, and then back again. They returned in
+no pleasant humour, convinced that their expected victim had escaped
+safely, but made no further effort to search the yard. Hobart said enough
+to make it plain that his immediate project was to disappear, leaving
+Mike to his own devices. With this point settled the two tramped heavily
+up the stairs, and disappeared within. West, confident at last, that the
+way was left clear, wriggled out from his place of concealment behind the
+barrel, and stood erect. He felt stronger now, and in less pain,
+convinced that his injuries were in no degree serious. He could move his
+limbs freely and his mind was active. The darkness was so intense he had
+to grope his way forward, anxious to make no noise which might betray
+his presence. No doubt the basement could be reached in some way from the
+floor above, and any unusual sound below might easily attract attention.
+
+In the intensity of the gloom, his sense of direction failed, taking him
+somewhat further back before he finally located the exact position of
+those outer steps. Then as he turned abruptly, his foot came in contact
+with an obstacle on the floor. For an instant he could not determine what
+it was; then, with a thrill of horror, he realized the presence of a
+human body. There was no sound, no movement, and West drew back from
+contact with the object, shrinking in horror. Then he gripped himself
+sternly--whoever, whatever this was, he must know. Alive or dead he must
+determine the truth. He bent over, feeling with his hands in the
+darkness. Good God, the flesh was warm; it was no cold corpse he touched,
+but a living human being; ay! tied like a mummy, unable to move hand or
+foot. Then, as suddenly, his groping fingers, eager enough now,
+discovered the cause of silence--the man was gagged, cruelly gagged,
+helpless to utter a sound.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+THE COMING OF A MESSAGE
+
+
+The situation once realized, West worked rapidly. If this bound man was
+Sexton, the quicker he could be released the better. Hobart had already
+revealed his plans, and might appear at any moment for the purpose of
+executing them. If escape was to be achieved, it must be accomplished at
+once. In the darkness his fingers could do nothing with the knot, but the
+sharp blade of a knife quickly severed the twisted cloth, and the gag was
+instantly removed from between the clinched teeth. The man moaned,
+breathing heavily, but made no other sound while West slashed at the
+cords lashing his limbs, finally freeing them entirely. Not until this
+had been accomplished did he pause long enough to ask questions.
+
+"There; that's the last. Now who are you--Sexton?"
+
+"Yes, sir," weakly, and in a mere whisper, "an' I know yer voice, sir.
+Thank God, yer found me, sir."
+
+"It was a bit of luck; but we'll talk that over later. Now we've got to
+get out of here. Can you walk?"
+
+"I don't know, sir; after a fashion, maybe. I'm mighty stiff and
+numb, sir. Oh, Lord, but that hurts; give me a hand, an' perhaps I
+can make it."
+
+"Take it easy; work your legs up and down like that; good, that will
+restore the circulation. How long have you been lying here?"
+
+"I don't know, sir," his voice strengthening. "I must have been hit, the
+way my head aches. The first thing I knew after I went into that room
+with you, I was lyin' here in the dark. I couldn't move or speak, sir,
+an' it was so black, I kind of got it into my head maybe I was dead and
+buried. If it hadn't been for my hearing things--voices talking, and all
+that--I guess I would have gone clear batty. Maybe I didn't get
+everything straight, sir, but one o' them fellows was Hobart, wasn't he?"
+
+"Yes; we walked right into his trap. The fellow who came over to the
+table and talked to us was Jim Hobart. He knew me at first sight it
+seems, and easily guessed what we were there for."
+
+"And was Miss Coolidge here too, sir?"
+
+"Yes, she was; I had a talk with her that has mixed me all up, Sexton.
+She seems to be hand in glove with these fellows. But how did you suspect
+she was here?"
+
+"I heard her voice, sir; up there somewhere, sir, soon after I come to
+my senses. She and some man went along outside. Sounded like he was
+makin' her go with him. I couldn't get much of what was said, but he
+sure talked awful rough, an' she seemed to be pleadin' with him. They
+wasn't there but just a minute, an' then, a little later, I heard an
+automobile start up."
+
+"You have no idea how long ago this was?"
+
+"No, I ain't, sir. I been lyin' here about half dead, I guess, an' I
+don't seem to have known anything after that, until those fellows come
+down here with the lantern. Were they hunting after you?"
+
+"Yes; I outwitted them up stairs, and jumped from a window. But that is
+enough talk now; we'll go over the whole affair when we are safely away
+from this place. How is it? do you think you can navigate?"
+
+Sexton responded by getting slowly to his feet. He trembled, and was so
+uncertain, as he attempted to grope forward, that West grasped him
+firmly, helping him slowly toward the foot of the steps. Even this
+effort, however, helped the man to recover somewhat the use of his
+numbed limbs, while his breathing became much easier. The two crept up
+the stairs cautiously, and surveyed the cluttered up yard as best they
+might in the dim light of the distant street lamp. It appeared entirely
+deserted, nor was there any evidence that the building above was
+occupied. No doubt lights were burning within, but if so the shades must
+have been drawn closely, allowing no reflection to escape. No better
+opportunity for evading notice could be hoped for, and West, alert now to
+every chance, made instant decision.
+
+"They are all inside. Creep along behind that pile of lumber to where you
+see the hole in the fence. I'll be just behind you. That's the way."
+
+The narrow alley was much lighter, yet still dark enough to conceal their
+movements, as they clung close to the deeper shadows. Except for an old
+cart it was unoccupied, the surface covered with ashes, so packed as to
+leave no trace of wheels. Ahead of them at the end of the block, glowed
+the only street lamp visible. Sexton, by now largely recovered from his
+late experiences, broke into a run, with West following closely behind.
+Both were eager to escape from the immediate neighbourhood unseen.
+Suddenly Sexton stumbled, but arose almost instantly to his feet again,
+grasping something which gleamed like silver in his hand.
+
+"Not hurt, are you?" asked West anxiously.
+
+"No; what's this I found?"
+
+The other took it impatiently.
+
+"What is it? Why a small pocket knife, of course. Come on, man, don't
+stand mooning there." He slipped the article carelessly into his pocket.
+"Let's get out into the open while the road is clear."
+
+"Where are you going?" Sexton panted, endeavouring to keep beside him.
+"Have you anything planned out?"
+
+"Not very much; Milwaukee Avenue first. There is sure to be an all-night
+restaurant somewhere in sight. Telephone for a taxi, don't dare to risk a
+street car, we both look too tough."
+
+"Suppose they will follow us?"
+
+"Hardly; they will have no idea which way we went, or how long we'll have
+been gone. All Hobart will think about now will be getting out of sight
+himself. Once we turn off this street, we'll be safe enough."
+
+It was considerably past midnight when the two men finally reached the
+University Club; they had lunched at an all-night restaurant, washed and
+made themselves as presentable as possible, yet were hardly recognizable
+as they entered the Club lobby. Neither possessed a hat; Sexton was in
+his shirt sleeves, while West's coat clung to him in rags. Without
+waiting to explain anything to the servant in charge, except to state
+briefly that Sexton would be his guest for the night, the Captain hurried
+into the waiting elevator, and accompanied by his companion, ascended to
+his apartment above.
+
+The reaction from the excitement of the evening left Sexton dull and
+drowsy once he felt secure from any possible danger. His only desire was
+to lie quiet, and forget. Stretched out on a comfortable lounge, he fell
+asleep almost instantly, making no effort even to remove his clothes.
+West was of a different temperament, his mind far too active to find
+sleep possible. His only desire was to think, plan, decide upon some
+future course of action. With mind busy, forgetful of the very presence
+of his companion, he indulged in a bath, again dressed himself, and,
+lighting a cigar, settled back into an easy chair to fight the whole out
+alone with himself.
+
+The adventures of the night had greatly changed his conception of this
+affair in which he had become so strangely involved. The mystery
+confronting him appeared more difficult of solution than ever. His first
+vague theory of the case had already gone completely to smash. Question
+after question rose before him which remained unanswered. He was more
+thoroughly convinced than ever that Percival Coolidge had been murdered;
+that the act had been committed either by Hobart himself, or under his
+direction. He possessed no proof, however, nor could he figure out a
+motive for the crime. Who was this Jim Hobart? That was one of the first
+things to be learned. Was he in any way personally interested in the
+fortune left by Stephen Coolidge? Or did he hold any special relationship
+with the murdered man? How could he expect to profit by the sudden death
+of Percival? More important still, what peculiar influence did the fellow
+exert over the girl? Here was by far the deeper mystery, the one that
+troubled him most. The others seemed possible of explanation, but the
+sudden change in Natalie Coolidge was beyond all understanding.
+
+Except in face, form, dress, outward appearance, she no longer seemed to
+West as being the same woman he had formerly known. His original interest
+in her had vanished; he had learned to distrust and doubt her sincerity
+and truth. Beyond all question she was openly playing an important part
+in this tragedy under Hobart's direction, but for the life of him he
+could not figure out to what end. Still the very mystery of it had its
+fascination. While he felt no longer any special desire to serve her, to
+further risk his life in her cause, yet he experienced a fierce
+determination to learn what all this really meant; to uncover the object
+these conspirators had in view. Although he imagined love no longer
+spurred him on, his real interest in the affair became even more intense,
+with an aroused desire to read the riddle. He convinced himself that from
+henceforth this was to be his only object--not the girl, nor any
+attraction she once had for him, but a stern determination to solve this
+crime, and bring its perpetrators to justice. If she was involved it
+could not be helped, she would have to suffer with the rest; his own duty
+was clear.
+
+Yet how could he begin action? What clue did he possess which could be
+followed? Practically none. Before morning, that saloon on Wray Street
+would unquestionably be deserted, except perhaps by its proprietor, and
+Mike would simply deny everything. A search of the place would be
+useless, for Hobart would be too sly a fox to leave any trail. Two
+possibilities remained; the police might have some record of the fellow,
+might know his favourite haunts, even be able to locate his next probable
+hiding place. If not, the only hope remaining would seem to be Natalie
+Coolidge. She would undoubtedly return to Fairlawn; was probably there
+already, and, by shadowing her, the whereabouts of Hobart would surely be
+revealed either sooner or later.
+
+But possibly there was a quicker way to learn their purpose than by
+thus seeking to find either. If it was the Coolidge fortune which was
+at stake, why not endeavour to learn in whose trust it was being held,
+and what steps were being taken to safe-guard it? This investigation
+ought not to be particularly difficult, even though he possessed no
+authority; he could explain the nature of his interest to an attorney,
+and be advised how to proceed. Determined to take all three steps the
+first thing next day, West rested back comfortably in the chair,
+already half asleep. One hand rested in his pocket, and as his fingers
+fumbled some object there, he suddenly recalled the knife Sexton had
+found in the alley.
+
+He drew the article forth curiously, and looked at it under the glow of
+the electric light--it was a small silver handled pen-knife, such as a
+lady might carry, a rather strange thing to be discovered in a dirt alley
+back of Wray Street. The incongruity struck him forcibly, and he sat up,
+wide awake once more, seeking for some mark of identification on the
+polished handle. There was none, not an inscription of any kind, but he
+noted that the single slender blade did not fit closely down into its
+place. He opened it idly to learn the cause--beneath appeared the white
+gleam of tightly folded paper.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+WHAT THE TELEPHONE TOLD
+
+
+All West's indifference vanished instantly. He had to pry the paper out,
+so closely had it been wedged in beneath the closed knife blade, and it
+required a moment in which to straighten it out so that the writing was
+discernable. Even then the marks were so faint, and minute, he could not
+really decipher them until he made use of a magnifying glass lying on the
+desk. A woman's hand, using a pencil, had hastily inscribed the words on
+a scrap of common paper, apparently torn from some book--the inspiration
+of an instant, perhaps, a sudden hope born of desperation. He fairly had
+to dig the words out, letter by letter, copying them on an old envelope
+until he had the message complete: "_Please notify police to search
+Seminole quick_."
+
+West read this over, word by word, again and again. What did it mean? Did
+it mean anything? Had it any possible connection with the case in which
+he was interested? There was no signature, nothing to guide him; yet in
+some way the plea sounded real, was a cry of distress, an appeal for
+help. It could be given no other meaning, yet how long had it been lying
+there in the alley? Not any great length of time surely, for the polished
+silver was far too conspicuous to escape notice. It must have been
+dropped during the night, within a very short time of its discovery. But
+what did the words signify? "_Notify police_" was clear enough, but
+"_search Seminole_" meant absolutely nothing. What was "Seminole"--an
+apartment house? A hotel? A saloon? Perhaps the police would know;
+evidently the writer so believed, or she would never have used the name
+with such confidence. A familiar name to her, she assumed that the police
+would have no difficulty in instantly locating the place meant. The haste
+with which the message had apparently been written, its short, sharp
+words, bespoke urgent need, the consciousness of imminent peril. Plainly
+the writer had used the only means at hand in a hurried desperate effort
+to gain assistance.
+
+"The police." The request had been for the police; then why not appeal to
+the police? Why not take the note now directly to headquarters, and let
+them help solve its mystery? At first West hesitated, yet a moment's
+thought convinced him this would be the logical course to pursue. He
+could accomplish nothing alone, unguided. His appealing to the police
+need not necessarily involve any disclosure relative to the Coolidge
+matter. He had found this note accidentally in an alley in the northwest
+section of the city; his being there need require no special explanation;
+he did not understand its meaning, but it was quite evidently a police
+matter, and consequently he placed it in their hands. That all sounded
+natural enough. Besides at this hour of the night there was no other
+place to which he could go for information.
+
+He looked at Sexton, who was sleeping soundly, and decided not to awaken
+the man. He had no use for his services just now; the City Hall was only
+a few blocks away, and he might not be out more than an hour himself. He
+would leave a note so that if by any chance he should be delayed, Sexton
+would understand what had occurred. He scratched this off hastily, placed
+it in a conspicuous place, and swiftly departed, after extinguishing the
+light. He was no longer conscious of fatigue, or the pain of bruises, his
+mind eager to learn the meaning of this new discovery.
+
+It had been a quiet night at the City Hall Station, and West encountered
+no difficulty in reaching the presence of the lieutenant in charge. The
+latter gazed at his caller curiously over an early edition of the morning
+paper, as the officer who had opened the door to the inner office, said
+rather doubtfully.
+
+"This guy wants to see you personally, sir; he wouldn't talk to no
+one else."
+
+"All right, Slavin; shut the door, and I'll hear what he has to say. What
+is it, my man?"
+
+West explained swiftly and clearly, his manner of speech, as well as his
+statement as to who he was, evidently making a favourable impression on
+his listener, who interrupted the brief narrative with several
+respectfully asked questions. He look the note, spread it out on the
+desk, and studied it carefully.
+
+"Looks genuine enough," he commented at last, "but not very clear. I
+don't know any place in this town called Seminole. Wait a minute though;
+perhaps one of the boys may have an idea."
+
+He pressed a button on top of the desk, and in response to the summons, a
+side door opened, and a main in plain clothes entered.
+
+"You rang, sir?"
+
+"Yes, McAdams; this gentleman here--"
+
+"Captain West, as I am a sinner!" he exclaimed. "Gee! but I am glad to
+see you again, old man! Say. By Gad! you don't remember me."
+
+"Oh, but I certainly do, Mac," and West grasped the extended hand
+heartily. "It's a devil of a surprise, that's all. Saw you last at Brest,
+the day you sailed for home. So this was your job, Sergeant?"
+
+"Been with the department ever since I was a kid. Put me in plain clothes
+since I came back. Lieutenant, this is Captain West, over across the pond
+with the Engineers; we were buddies for about two months. What was
+wanted, sir?"
+
+"Well, Captain West has just been telling me a rather peculiar story, and
+wanted some information I thought perhaps you could give; you know the
+old town right now better than I do. First of all, do you recall any
+crook by the name of Hobart--Jim Hobart?"
+
+"Hobart? Hobart? no, not off hand, I don't. How old a man is he,
+Captain?"
+
+"Middle-aged, anyway; an active fellow enough, but his hair is
+quite grey."
+
+"Do you know where he hangs out?"
+
+"The last I saw of him was in a saloon known as Mike's Place over on
+Wray Street."
+
+"Off Milwaukee; yes, I know. Mike is a big Pole, but has never had any
+serious trouble so far as I know. However, being there is no special
+recommendation to a guy, but I don't believe this man Hobart has been
+pulled since I've been on the force. And you don't recall the name,
+Lieutenant?"
+
+"No; but he might be an old timer come back. Look him up in the index,
+Mac. That will soon tell you whether we have got any such mug, or not."
+
+McAdams drew out a thick volume from a near-by cabinet, and ran his
+fingers swiftly down a long column of names, indexed under the letter
+"H." Suddenly he stopped, with an exclamation.
+
+"The lad is here all right--Government offence, fifteen years ago, third
+arrest; mugged number 28113. Let's look him up, and see if he is the same
+man. Come over here, Captain."
+
+"Is that the fellow?" he asked.
+
+West studied the face seriously.
+
+"Yes, I believe it is, Mac," he said at length. "He looks much older now,
+but those are his features all right. What was his game?"
+
+"'Con' mostly, according to the record; only one conviction though, two
+years in Detroit for using the mails to defraud. Oh, yes, here is
+something different, 'assault with intent to kill'--indeterminate
+sentence to Joliet for that. Nothing heard of him since. So he is back,
+and at the old game again. Do you want him brought in, Captain?"
+
+"No, not yet. I haven't anything against the man now but a suspicion. I
+wanted to learn his record, that's all. This inquiry was only incidental.
+What I'm really interested in just at present is something I picked up in
+the alley back of Mike's Place three or four hours ago. It's a note in a
+woman's hand-writing, and when I found it, it was hidden in a small
+silver pen-knife, such as a lady might carry. I thought it might have
+some connection with the case I'm trying to catch this fellow Hobart in."
+
+"There is a woman in it, then?"
+
+"Yes; but I haven't got things hitched up sufficiently to talk about it.
+The note itself is blind."
+
+"In what respect?"
+
+"Well, here it is. Can you make it out? I'll read it for you--'_Please
+notify police to search Seminole quick_.'"
+
+"No signature?"
+
+"None."
+
+"But that is plain enough, isn't it?"
+
+"Yes, if you know what she means by Seminole; what is it? a street? an
+apartment house? a saloon? Do you know of anything under that name?"
+
+McAdams stood motionless thinking.
+
+"No, by thunder, I don't," he admitted reluctantly. "There is no street
+of that name in the city. There used to be a shady hotel over on Ontario
+Street called 'The Seminole,' but that was torn down ten years ago. I
+never heard of any other--did you, Dave?"
+
+"No," answered the lieutenant slowly, sucking away at a cigar. "I just
+been looking over the directory, and I don't find nothing. Maybe it's the
+name of a boat--seems to me I've heard some such name before, but I don't
+just recollect where."
+
+"A boat! Well, that's a straw anyway, and worth looking up." Mac picked
+up the telephone. "Who is on at the Harbour Master's office this time
+of night?"
+
+"Winchell, usually, and he'll have a record there."
+
+The detective jiggled the receiver impatiently.
+
+"Yes, this is police headquarters calling. Give me the Harbour Master's
+office, please--I said the Harbour office. Oh, is this you, Dan? Bob
+McAdams speaking. Do you know of any boat on the lakes called the
+_Seminole_? What's that? A lumber schooner at Escanaba? Never makes this
+port, you say? And you don't know of any other by that name? Sure, I'll
+hold the wire; look it up."
+
+"Not a very promising lead," he said over his shoulder, "but Dan will
+have the dope for us in a minute."
+
+He suddenly straightened up, the receiver at his ear.
+
+"I didn't quite get that, Dan. A medium sized yacht, you say? Where is
+it? Oh, at the Jackson Park lagoon. I see; and who did you say owned it?
+What's that? I didn't quite catch the name--Coolidge? What Coolidge?
+Exactly; the fellow who killed himself out south. Hold the wire."
+
+He swung about to face West, the receiver still at his ear.
+
+"This mean anything to you?"
+
+"It surely does," eagerly. "The girl I spoke of was Natalie Coolidge. By
+all the gods, we are on the right track."
+
+"All right, Dan," resuming his conversation. "What's that? Coolidge had
+the boat up the river a few weeks ago trying to sell it. That's how you
+happened to remember the name--I see. Say, is there any one out at
+Jackson Park I could talk to at this hour? Who? Oh, yes, the Life
+Saving Station. Sure: somebody will be on duty there. Thanks, old
+man--good night."
+
+He hung the receiver up on the hook, and reached for the telephone
+directory.
+
+"Some luck, I say. Jackson Park--oh, yes, here it is. All right, Central;
+sure, that is the proper number. This is the City Hall Police
+Headquarters again; hustle it up, please. Hullo, Jackson Park Life Saving
+Station? Good; this is McAdams speaking from the City Detective Bureau.
+Is there a yacht out there in the lagoon called the Seminole? belongs to
+a man named Coolidge; medium sized boat, with gas engine. Yes; what's
+that? Not there now; went out into the lake about two hours ago. The hell
+it did! Who was aboard? do you know? Say that again; oh, you wasn't on
+watch when she sailed; your partner said what? Three men and a woman. All
+right, yes, I got it. Say now, listen; this is a police matter, so keep
+your eyes open. It will be daylight pretty soon, and if you get sight of
+that boat, call up the City Hall Station at once. Do you get me?"
+
+He wheeled about, smiling whimsically.
+
+"It's on again, off again, Flannigan. We had it, and we have it not.
+Dave I am getting interested; I feel the lure of the chase. What say
+you? Can you spare me for a day or two? You can? good enough; we'll comb
+the lakes until we find out who is sailing aboard the _Seminole_. You're
+with me, old man?"
+
+West extended his hand silently, and the fingers of the two clasped in a
+mutual pledge.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+THE YACHT "SEMINOLE"
+
+
+There was little to do but wait impatiently for some further message of
+guidance. McAdams dispatched a few telegrams to nearby lake ports, and
+briefly outlined certain plans of action for the morrow, provided nothing
+further was heard from the missing boat; these included a possible visit
+to Fairlawn, and a city-wide search for Hobart, who both men decided
+could not be included among the party on the yacht. West told his new
+assistant the entire story in detail, and Mac's interest in ferreting out
+the matter became intense. It was the kind of case which fascinated him
+with its mystery, but no theory he could spin born from long police
+experience, seemed to exactly fit all the revealed facts. The great
+puzzle revolved about the strange actions of the girl; her part in the
+affair presenting an unsolvable riddle. They must have talked for an
+hour, discussing the situation frankly from every angle, yet arriving at
+no definite conclusion. The sky in the east was red with dawn when both
+men fell fast asleep in their chairs, still waiting.
+
+It was nine o'clock, and still no word. The two had eaten a hasty
+breakfast in a restaurant across the street, discussing the situation
+again thoroughly, but to no more satisfactory result. It seemed
+impossible to reconcile certain facts. If the silver knife, with its call
+for help, had indeed been dropped by Natalie Coolidge, and she was being
+held a prisoner in the hands of villains on board the _Seminole_, why had
+she acted toward West as she did in that house on Wray Street? To all
+appearances there she had been hand in glove with the conspirators,
+willing even to connive at the Captain's murder if necessary to the
+success of their crime. Only one theory was possible; that the girl was
+under constraint, driven to her strange act by personal fear. She dare do
+nothing else, terrorized by the threats of Hobart, and her own sense of
+utter helplessness in his power. This, and this only, must be the answer
+to the riddle.
+
+McAdams, unable to remain quiet, departed to get his police search
+started in an attempt to discover Hobart in his new hiding place. The
+fellow could not be on the yacht, as that had sailed from Jackson Port at
+far too early an hour for him to have possibly made one of the party. He
+would still be in the city then, securely concealed in some dive of the
+underworld, perfecting his plans, whatever they might be, and, perhaps,
+arranging to join those on the boat later. The detective even thought
+this unlikely, his theory being that Hobart merely desired to get the
+girl safely out of the way for a length of time sufficient to enable him
+to complete his nefarious scheme. He argued that Natalie was in no real
+danger; she would be held no doubt, kept out of sight as long as was
+necessary, but otherwise left uninjured. This was no strong-arm crime,
+but a high class confidence game, and the important thing was to quickly
+lay hands on Hobart. With him once in the toils, the whole conspiracy
+would instantly collapse. With this end in view, McAdams took up the
+man's trail, leaving West to stand guard over the telephone.
+
+The latter called up Sexton, and hurried him out to Fairlawn, with
+instructions to find out all he could from the servants there relative
+to any late developments. He expected no important revelation from this
+point, as Natalie could not have returned home, yet there might have
+been a telephone communication, or some other occurrence of interest to
+furnish a clue. Sexton was instructed to report the result of his
+investigation at the earliest moment possible. This accomplished,
+nothing remained for West to do, but sit down and wait for something
+else to happen.
+
+The delay was shorter than he anticipated. There was a sharp ringing of
+the bell, the police operator responding quickly.
+
+"Police Headquarters. What's wanted? McAdams; no he is not in just
+now. Who is calling him? Harbour Master's office; all right; hold the
+wire a minute."
+
+He turned his head around.
+
+"Must be your case, Captain; better hear what they have to say."
+
+West grasped the receiver eagerly.
+
+"Is this the Seminole matter?" he asked swiftly. "Certainly, I
+understand about it. What's that. Oh, Winchell told you to call up if
+you learned anything. Of course; what is it? Yes, I hear; just found her
+tied up at north side of Municipal Pier. What's the trouble? Engine
+working bad, and had to come in, hey? All right--thanks; I'll go
+straight over and see them."
+
+This was great luck, yet there was very little he could hope to
+accomplish alone, without the help and authority of McAdams. Even if the
+vessel had been stolen--which was probably not true--he possessed no
+power of arrest. All he could hope to do would be to keep the fellows in
+sight until Mac showed up, and, if possible, prevent them from putting
+out into the lake again. Even in that he needs must be cautious not to be
+seen by any of the gang who might recognize him. An alarm, proving they
+were being followed, would doubtless send them scattering instantly. If
+they were to be trapped, no suspicion could be aroused.
+
+West thought of all these things as a taxi bore him across the city to
+the pier, and acted accordingly. The open air restaurant accorded him
+every reasonable opportunity for concealment, while affording ample view
+of whatever was going on. It was a bright, sunshiny day, the waters of
+the lake a deep blue. No crowd was present, yet enough people were at the
+tables, or lounging about the pier, to make his presence unnoticeable.
+The pleasure boat for Lincoln Park, a band aboard, and with a barker
+industriously busy, was close by, surrounded by a bevy of women and
+children. Beyond these, on the same side, snuggled close against the
+cement wall, lay the yacht. West ordered a drink, and sat down at a table
+within easy view, although partially concealed himself by a pillar
+supporting the roof.
+
+The _Seminole_ was a much larger boat than he had anticipated seeing,
+yet he could not doubt her being the vessel sought. The name was plainly
+stencilled on the bow, as well as upon the dingy towing astern. Her deck
+lay almost even with the promenade, and he was able to trace her lines
+clearly from where he sat. The craft had evidently been constructed for
+comfort as well as speed. He noted two short masts unrigged, a bridge
+forward of the wheel-house, together with a decidedly commodious cabin
+aft. The deck space between was clear, except for the hatchway leading
+down to the engine. The planking was clean, as though newly scrubbed,
+while every handrail glistened in the sun. The cabin appeared tightly
+closed, even the windows being heavily draped. Some mechanics were
+evidently working below; there was a sound of hammering, and occasionally
+a fellow in overalls appeared at the hatch opening. No one wearing any
+semblance of a yacht uniform was visible, although four or five men
+lounged about the deck, or close at hand on the pier, apparently
+connected with the vessel. Two were well-dressed, rather gentlemanly
+appearing fellows, the others of a decidedly rougher class, although
+bearing no outward marks of being sea-men. While an air of carelessness
+was assumed by all these, yet West, watching them closely, felt that
+they were very much on their guard, anxiously waiting an opportunity to
+depart. No face among the party had any familiarity; he had encountered
+none of them at Mike's Place the evening before. Satisfied as to this, he
+left the table, and strolled out on to the promenade, joining the crowd
+watching the Lincoln Park boat get underway. So far as he could observe
+this movement attracted no attention, although a moment later his eyes
+plainly caught a bit of drapery drawn slightly aside at one of the cabin
+windows of the _Seminole_, and, he felt convinced, the quick gesture of a
+woman's hand.
+
+There was a woman on board then! This certainty of knowledge by evidence
+of his own eyes, set his blood leaping. Whatever the purposes of these
+people he was again upon the right trail. The uplifted curtain was
+immediately lowered, and, if any signal had thus been conveyed, there was
+no other evidence visible. A little later one of the two better dressed
+fellows loafing on the pier, a rather heavily built man, with closely
+clipped red moustache, and a scar over one eye, slowly crossed the deck,
+and entered the cabin. He came forth again a moment later, asked some
+question of the workmen below and then clambered back carelessly over
+the rail, joining his companion on the pier.
+
+"A half hour yet; it was quite a job the boy's had, but they are making
+time. Come over here a minute."
+
+They walked forward, out of earshot from where West sat on a bench in the
+sun. He watched the fellows closely, yet without neglecting the boat, but
+they neither glanced toward him, or seemed aware of his existence.
+Convinced that they felt no suspicion, but were merely exercising
+ordinary precaution not to be overheard, the watcher soon banished all
+fear of them from his mind. His whole thought centred on the early
+arrival of McAdams. Until the detective came, there was nothing he could
+do but sit there quietly and wait. But what if the necessary repairs were
+completed, and the _Seminole_ sailed before Mac got there? The fellow
+called Joe had mentioned half an hour, and he probably meant that was the
+time set by the mechanics for completing their job on the engine. Beyond
+doubt, the intention was to depart immediately. Was there any means in
+his power by which this could be prevented? The only suggestion which
+came to him was the picking of a quarrel in some way, with the two men
+ashore. The boat would never depart unless they were aboard, as they
+were evidently the leaders of the gang, yet this would be a most
+desperate expedient, to be resorted to only when all other effort had
+failed. The two were husky chaps, and he would probably be the one to
+suffer most in such an encounter. Besides it would put them on their
+guard, and possibly avail nothing. Why not speak to the fellows
+pleasantly, and naturally? They had no reason to be suspicious of him; he
+was but one of many others lounging idly about the pier. His curiosity
+would seem reasonable enough, and he might thus gain some clue as to
+their destination. Then, even if they did sail before Mac appeared, they
+could be safely intercepted in time for a rescue. Indeed, such
+information, if it could be gained, would give opportunity to plan
+effective action.
+
+Circumstances seemed to work to this end, the two men strolling
+carelessly back toward where he sat, pausing within a few feet of him,
+all their attention apparently riveted upon the yacht.
+
+"Had some hard luck?" he ventured. "Engine give out?"
+
+The red-moustached one glanced about, his eyes surveying the speaker
+indifferently.
+
+"Broke a piston, and had to be towed in," he replied carelessly, "We'll
+be off again presently."
+
+"Nice day for a sail."
+
+"Sure is."
+
+The very indifference of the fellow led West to take a chance.
+
+"Some nice boat you've got there. The Coolidge yacht, isn't it? Haven't
+seen it out lately."
+
+"Are you a yachtsman?"
+
+"A bit of an amateur, yes; have a cat-boat I play with some. Belong to
+the Columbia Club."
+
+"Off Grant Park; this boat quarters in the Jackson lagoon. We left there
+last night. You knew Coolidge?"
+
+"No, never met him; recognized the boat though. Has it been sold?"
+
+"Not yet. It wasn't his anyway; belonged to the estate. I'm one of the
+trustees; that's how I've got the use of it--see? Ever looked it over?"
+
+West shook his head.
+
+"No, but I wouldn't mind; she's a dandy."
+
+"She sure is; better inside than out to my notion. Come aboard; we've got
+time enough. Not thinking of buying a yacht, are you?"
+
+"Well, I might, if the price is not too steep. I've got the fever all
+right; what I lack maybe, is money. It costs a lot to run a yacht."
+
+"Oh, I don't know. We operate this with three men as a crew. That's not
+so bad. Come along with us, Mark; we'll take a look at the cabin first,
+and then go forward."
+
+The three men stepped over the low rail, and moved aft across the deck,
+the leader talking fluently, and pointing out various things of interest.
+His only object apparently was to arouse in West a desire to purchase.
+The other man never spoke, and the latter gave no thought to his
+presence. He had been rarely fortunate so far, and was looking for an
+opportunity to question his guide on the purpose of their voyage. He
+would wait until later; until the examination had been completed,
+perhaps, when they believed him a possible purchaser. Joe opened the
+cabin door, and West stepped inside, the interior darkened by drawn
+curtains. The dusk was confusing, and he stood still after the first
+step, hearing the latch click behind him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+KIDNAPPED
+
+
+A hand gripped his shoulder as though in a vise, and swung him around;
+the muzzle of an automatic confronted him, and behind it the threatening
+eyes of Joe glared directly into his own.
+
+"Not a move, you damned spy," a voice said coldly. "Now, Mark, frisk the
+cuss, and be lively about it. Had a gun, hey; I thought so. Give it to
+me. Now get the cord over there and give him a turn or two. A very good
+job, old boy; the fellow is safe enough, I should say."
+
+He turned his eyes away, searching the cabin, confident that West was
+sufficiently secured.
+
+"Come on out, Mary," he said sharply. "Who is this guy, anyhow?"
+
+A woman came forward through the shadows. West had a glimpse of her face,
+but the features were unfamiliar. A woman of forty, perhaps, still
+attractive in appearance, with dark hair and bold black eyes that met
+his own defiantly. He was puzzled, doubtful as to what it all meant. So
+this was the woman he had seen on board; not Natalie Coolidge at all.
+There had been a mistake of some kind; but if so, why had these people
+given him this sort of reception aboard? These thoughts swept his mind in
+a flash, as the woman peered forward to see his features more clearly.
+For a moment she said nothing, and Joe broke out impatiently.
+
+"He's the lad, ain't he?" he asked. "We ain't gone an' picked up the
+wrong guy?"
+
+"No; he's the bird all right. I never lamped him but once before myself.
+I heard his name then, but forgot it. He's her friend, there ain't no
+doubt o' that, Joe, and it ain't likely he's hanging around here just for
+fun, is it? My idea was it would be safer to take him in."
+
+"Sure; what's yer name, young fellow?"
+
+Concealment was useless; they evidently had him correctly spotted; to lie
+would do no good.
+
+"Matthew West."
+
+"That's the name," the woman exclaimed eagerly. "He is a soldier--a
+Captain, or something like that. Jim told me about him; he's the same
+fellow who was snooping about Mike's Place last night, before we
+pulled out."
+
+"Is that so? How the hell did you get out of there?"
+
+"We had a little trouble," West admitted, "but they let me go."
+
+"Yes, they did! I know better than that; Hobart don't do business
+that way. I reckon we've played his game all right taking you in.
+Well, you don't get out of here so easy, let me tell you. How'd you
+come to get onto us?"
+
+"That's my business."
+
+"Oh, is it? Well, we'll make it ours from now on. There is one thing
+pretty sure--you were here playing a lone hand. So it don't make much
+difference what yer idea was. We'll take the bird along with us, Mary;
+then he'll be out of temptation."
+
+The woman nodded.
+
+"Jim will know what to do with him," she said. "All we got to do is keep
+him safe."
+
+"I'll attend to that; come on, Mark, let's throw the damn sneak into that
+left-hand stateroom. He'll stay there all right. Aw, take hold; don't be
+afraid of hurting the fellow."
+
+They roughed him forward, but West made no attempt to resist; his hands
+were bound, and he was helpless. The woman threw open the narrow door,
+and he was bundled unceremoniously across the threshold, and thrown
+heavily to the floor. He struggled partially upright, protesting against
+being left in that helpless condition, but the red-moustached man only
+laughed, shutting the door tightly, and locking it. The single port hole
+was covered by heavy drapery, the stateroom in total darkness. Through
+the door panels he could hear a voice speaking.
+
+"He's better off that way until we get out of here. You stay here, Mary,
+till I can attend to him myself. Those fellows ought to have that engine
+fixed by this time. Mark and I better go up on deck awhile."
+
+"But, Joe, do you think they have caught on to us?" she asked anxiously.
+
+"No, I don't; this guy wouldn't be snooping about alone if they had. He
+ain't no fly cop, and just happened to be loafin' here--that's my guess.
+He knew this was the Coolidge Yacht, and that set him to asking
+questions. That guy don't look to me like he was the kind to be afraid
+of. All we got to do is hold him here until Jim decides what he's up to.
+I don't want to hurt him none, unless I have to. Everything else all
+right, I suppose?"
+
+"Sure; quiet as a mouse; asleep, I guess."
+
+"That's good; well you stay here until I come back. Want a gun?"
+
+She did not answer so as to be heard, but West could distinguish the
+movement of feet in the outer cabin, and then the closing of a door.
+Undoubtedly the two men had gone on deck, leaving the woman there alone.
+His feet were not tied, and he could sit up, although the hands were
+tightly bound behind him. With eyes accustoming themselves to the gloom,
+he could discern something of his surroundings. He was in the ordinary
+stateroom of a small yacht, with barely space in which to move about
+comfortably. Two bunks were at one side, with a metal stand at their foot
+for washing purposes. A rug covered the floor, the beds were made, and a
+stool, screwed to the deck, occupied a position just below the porthole.
+A few hooks were in evidence on the opposite wall; but no garments
+dangled from them to tell of previous occupancy. Indeed the place was
+scrupulously clean, as though unused for some time.
+
+West made his way to the port, pushed aside the curtain with his
+shoulders and looked out. The smallness of the opening made any hope of
+escape in that way impossible; nor could he expect to attract the
+attention of any one ashore. His view was limited to the east and north,
+a wide expanse of blue water, the only thing in sight being the pleasure
+boat bound for Lincoln Park, already little more than a black dot in the
+distance. Convinced of his complete helplessness, he sat down on the
+stool to consider the situation.
+
+He had been a fool; there was no doubt as to that; the only thing now was
+how he could best retrieve his folly. He had walked blindly into a trap,
+suspecting nothing, confidently relying on his own smartness, believing
+himself unknown. Now he must find his way out. It angered him to realize
+how easily it had been accomplished; not so much as a blow struck; no
+opportunity even for him to cry out an alarm--only that dark cabin, and
+the threatening revolver shoved against his cheek. He wondered where
+McAdams was; perhaps hunting him even then on the pier; and Sexton, what
+had he succeeded in discovering out at Fairlawn? That Natalie Coolidge
+had returned home, no doubt. At least he no longer believed she was with
+this yachting party--evidently there was but one woman on board. Yet,
+whether she was there or not, it was clear enough from what he had heard
+that this sudden voyage of the _Seminole_ had some direct connection with
+the mystery he was endeavouring to solve. That was why he had been
+decoyed aboard, and made prisoner--to keep him silent; to get him
+securely out of the way. Yet this knowledge revealed nothing as to what
+their real purpose was.
+
+What did they intend doing with him now that he was in their hands? Joe
+had declared his fate would be left with Hobart. Then it must be that
+they had a rendezvous arranged somewhere with that arch-conspirator, some
+hidden spot along the lake shore where they were to meet shortly, and
+divide the spoils, or make further plans. Hobart unquestionably was the
+leader of the gang; but who was the woman? She had evidently been in
+Mike's Place the night before, and had a glimpse of his face. She must
+have left with that party in the automobile, yet she surely was not the
+one who had dropped that note begging the police to search this vessel.
+
+What then had become of the other? If she was being held prisoner, it was
+not at all probable she had been left somewhere ashore; apparently she
+had reason to know where she was being taken--to the _Seminole_;
+otherwise she would never have written as she did. She must have
+overheard their plans, before she hastily scratched off the note
+desperately; and yet those plans might have been changed. However, if so,
+why were these people--accomplices of Hobart no doubt--fleeing in the
+yacht, seeking to conceal their identity in an effort to disappear? What
+were they fleeing from? Why were they so fearful of discovery by the
+police? What would cause them to kidnap him, merely on suspicion that he
+was a friend of Natalie Coolidge? The very act was proof positive of the
+desperation of their crime. It could be accounted for on no other theory.
+
+West paced the narrow space, his brain whirling, as he attempted to
+reason the affair out, his own helplessness becoming more and more
+apparent. What could he do? There was but one answer--absolutely nothing
+as he was then situated. He could only wait for some movement on the
+part of the others; his fate was out of his own hands; he had been a
+fool, and must pay the price. The cords about his wrists chafed and hurt
+with each movement. The metal wash-stand gave him an inspiration; its
+upper strip was thin, and somewhat jagged along the edge; possibly it
+might be utilized to sever the strands. It was better to try the
+experiment than remain thus helplessly bound. With hands free he could
+at least defend himself.
+
+He made the effort, doubtfully at first, but hope came as the sharp edge
+began to tear at the rope. It was slow work, awkward, requiring all the
+strength of his arms, yet he felt sure of progress. He could feel the
+strands yield little by little, and redoubled his efforts. It hurt, the
+rope lacerating his wrists, and occasionally the jagged steel cut into
+the flesh cruelly, but the thought of freedom outweighed the pain, and he
+persevered manfully. At last, exercising all his muscle, the last frayed
+strand snapped. His wrists were bleeding, and the hands numb, but the
+severed cord lay on the floor and he again had the free use of his arms.
+The sudden freedom brought new hope and courage. He listened at the door,
+testing the knob cautiously. There was no yielding, and for the moment no
+sound reached him from without. The woman was doubtless there on guard,
+and any effort he might make to break down the door would only bring the
+whole gang upon him. Unarmed, he could not hope to fight them all. As he
+stood there, hesitating, unable to determine what to attempt, he became
+aware of a throbbing under foot, increasing in intensity. West knew
+instantly what it meant--they were testing out the engine; if all worked
+well, the boat would cast off.
+
+He sprang back to the port and stared out, eagerly hoping that, as they
+swept out into the lake, he might find some opportunity to communicate
+with some one on the pier. Perhaps by this time Mac would have arrived,
+and be watching their departure, unable to intervene, as he had no
+warrant for arrest, or any definite knowledge that the yacht was being
+used for a criminal purpose. He had not long to wait. Hurrying steps
+echoed along the deck; a voice shouted out some order, and the end of a
+loosened rope dropped splashing into the water astern; the boat trembled
+to the pulsations of the engine, and West realized that it was at first
+slowly, then more swiftly, slipping away into the broad water. Already he
+could perceive the white wake astern, and, an instant later, as the turn
+to the right widened, he had a glimpse of the pier, already separated
+from him by a broad expanse of trembling water. Above the noise his voice
+would scarcely reach that distance. A crowd of people stood there
+watching, clinging along the edge of the promenade--McAdams was not among
+them. It would be useless to strive to attract their attention; not one
+among them would comprehend; even if they did, not one of them could
+help. He still stood there, gazing back at the fast receding pier,
+gradually becoming blurred in the distance, but hopelessly. He knew now
+he must face his fate alone.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+THE FATE OF A PRISONER
+
+
+The _Seminole_ headed straight out into the lake, its course evidently a
+little to the north of east. The steady throb of the engine exhibited no
+lack of power, the snowy wake behind telling of rapid progress. There was
+a distinct swell to the water, increasing as they advanced, but not
+enough to seriously retard speed, the sharp bow of the yacht cutting
+through the waves like the blade of a knife, the broken water churning
+along the sides. West clung to his perch, peering out through the open
+port, watching the fast disappearing shore line in the giant curve from
+the Municipal Pier northward to Lincoln Park. In spite of the brightness
+overhead, there must have been fog in the air, for that distant view
+quickly became obscure and then as suddenly vanished altogether. There
+remained no sign of land in sight; only the seemingly limitless expanse
+of blue water, not so much as a trail of smoke breaking the encircling
+rim of the sky.
+
+Except for the occasional tread of feet on the deck above, and the faint
+call of a voice giving orders, the yacht seemed deserted, moving unguided
+across the waste of waters. No sound of movement or speech reached West's
+ears from the cabin, and he settled down into moody forgetfulness, still
+staring dully out through the open port. What was to be, would be, but
+there was nothing for him to do but wait for those who held him prisoner,
+to act. He was still seated there, listless, incapable even of further
+thought, when the door was suddenly unlocked. He had barely time to arise
+to his feet, when the man with the red moustache stepped within, facing
+him, as he pushed tightly shut the door behind. The fellow's eyes saw the
+severed rope on the floor, and he smiled, kicking the strands aside
+contemptuously.
+
+"Smart enough for that, were you?" he asked. "Well, I would have taken
+them off myself, if I had thought about it. How did you manage? Oh, I
+see; rather a bright trick, old man. Feeling pretty fit, are you?"
+
+West did not answer at once; this fellow had come with an object in mind,
+and his only desire was to baffle him. It was to be a contest of wits,
+and helpless as the prisoner was physically, he had no intention of
+playing into the other's hands.
+
+"I might be, if I knew what all this meant," he said at last. "Haven't
+you got hold of the wrong party?"
+
+The man laughed, standing where he blocked all passage.
+
+"I might have been convinced that I had an hour ago," he answered coldly.
+"But since then I find I've made rather a good bet. I have the honour of
+addressing Captain West, I believe?"
+
+"You have the name correct; there is no reason why I should deny that.
+Unfortunately, I do not know with whom I am conversing."
+
+"Quite easily remedied. I am Joe Hogan, commonly called 'Red' Hogan. The
+moniker means nothing to you."
+
+"I never heard it before."
+
+"I thought not, which merely proves you are not a 'fly-cop,' only a
+measly busy-body sticking your nose into some one else's business. Well,
+we know how to take care of your kind, and this is likely to prove the
+last case you'll dabble in for a while, my man."
+
+"What does that mean--a threat?"
+
+"Never mind what it means; it is a straight tip. Now listen,
+West--Captain West I believe is the proper term of address--and you will
+understand better. When I got you in here I had no real knowledge as to
+who you were. I merely took a chance on what Mary had to say, and she
+twigged you at once. She's smart, that woman; never forgets a face. She
+sure did a good job this time. But after you were locked in safe, and
+nobody knew what had happened, and you certainly handled easily enough, I
+slipped ashore into the restaurant and called up Jim Hobart on the wire.
+Did he give me your pedigree? He did. Jim was about the happiest guy in
+the town when he learned we had you bottled. Raised hell last night,
+didn't you? All right, my friend, you are going to pay the piper today.
+What got you into this muss, anyhow? You are no relation to the Coolidge
+girl, are you?"
+
+"None whatever; merely a friend."
+
+"Friend, hey! Well, she's a good looker; so this friendship stuff is
+easily accounted for. Friend, hell!" he laughed. "You must have it bad to
+put on all these stunts for sweet friendship's sake. You wouldn't even
+quit when she told you to."
+
+"I believed she was compelled to say what she did to me," replied West
+quietly. "That she was in Hobart's power, afraid of her life. There was
+no other explanation of her strange action possible."
+
+"Is that so?"
+
+"I am willing to listen to such an explanation, Hogan, and if satisfied
+she really wishes me to keep out of the affair, I will."
+
+"And if not?"
+
+"Then I am going to fight in her cause to the very end of things. You
+cannot frighten me; your only chance to influence my action is to make
+things clear. I confess I have been fighting in the dark, not even
+comprehending your purpose. I do know that the main stake your gang is
+after is the Coolidge fortune; that, in order to get hold of it, you are
+obliged to keep control over Miss Natalie. But I can conceive no reason
+why she should assist in the conspiracy. She certainly cannot be
+benefited by having her own fortune stolen. This is what puzzles me, but
+it hasn't changed my loyalty to her. I still believe in her, and feel
+that she is simply a victim of circumstances beyond her control. Am I
+frank enough?"
+
+"Sure; it all means you intend to remain a blunder-headed fool defending
+a girl who does not desire any defence--a Don Quixote tilting at
+wind-mills. That is your choice, is it?"
+
+"Unless you care to explain clearly just how Miss Natalie's interests are
+being protected."
+
+"Which I am not at liberty to do at present. She is satisfied, and has
+practically told you so, according to Jim Hobart. If you will not accept
+her word, there is no use of my saying anything about the matter.
+Besides, West, frankly I don't give a damn what you think. We've got you
+safe enough, where you can't do anything, even if you want to--so, why
+worry? Twenty-four hours more will finish our little job, and, until that
+time is up, you'll remain right here; after that we don't care where in
+hell you go, or what you do--the game will have been played."
+
+The man's tone, and air of confidence was impressive; beyond doubt
+he felt that the cards were all in his hands. West drew in his
+breath sharply.
+
+"Apparently you are right," he said quietly. "May I ask a question or
+two?"
+
+"Fire away; I'll answer as I please."
+
+"Who is the woman on board?"
+
+"Mary, you mean? Hobart's wife."
+
+"She came from the place on Wray Street last night in an auto?"
+
+"Yes; I brought her along myself."
+
+"Alone?"
+
+"There were two of us, Mark and I--why? what are you driving at?"
+
+"Just putting some broken threads together. Then Natalie Coolidge is not
+on this yacht?"
+
+"I should say not. What would we be doing with her out here?"
+
+"Where is she then?"
+
+"Oh, I begin to see what brought you aboard so easily, West. You thought
+we had the lady kidnapped, and was sailing off with her. Some stunt that.
+What put the idea in your head?"
+
+West hesitated a moment, but decided a truthful answer would do no harm.
+
+"I knew an automobile had driven out of the alley back of Mike's Place;
+and that a woman was in it. When I got away a little later, I picked up a
+message--a note which had been dropped. It was written in a woman's hand
+but unsigned--"
+
+"The little cat! She dropped it?"
+
+"It seems so. You forgot yourself that time. So she was with you, was
+she?"
+
+"I don't know what you mean. I told you who were with me. Go on; what did
+the note say?"
+
+"It was only a request for the police to search the _Seminole_ at once."
+
+"Oh, that's the way the wind blows. But you preferred to tackle the job
+yourself. I am certainly obliged to you, West."
+
+"You have no reason to be. I took that note to the police, and they are
+on the case. They are combing the city right now for Hobart, and if they
+get him, this bubble of yours is likely to be pricked."
+
+"Hell, they won't get him. There isn't a fly-cop in Chicago who could
+locate Jim in a week, and as for Natalie, believe me she is quite able to
+take care of herself."
+
+"But where is she?"
+
+"At home, of course, if you must know--'Fairlawn,' isn't that the name of
+the place? We left her there on our way to Jackson Park."
+
+"Then the girl was with you?"
+
+"Spilled the beans, didn't I? That comes from talking too much.
+However, there is no harm done. Sure she left with us, but we dropped
+her out at Fairlawn. It was her machine we were riding in. Say, you've
+questioned me about enough, so let up. Listen now--you will stay in
+this stateroom until we get ready to let you out. Don't try any funny
+business either, for if you do, you are going to get hurt. There is a
+guard outside in the cabin, and we are not afraid to shoot out here on
+the lake. Nobody knows where you are, West; so if you want to live,
+keep quiet--that's my advice."
+
+He started back, one hand on the knob of the door, but West stopped him.
+
+"Do you mind telling me where we are bound?" he questioned.
+
+Hogan smiled, but the smile was not altogether a pleasant one.
+
+"You will have to wait, and find that out for yourself, Captain. My
+orders are not to talk."
+
+"From Hobart?"
+
+"Sure; Jim is engineering this deal, and whatever he says goes, for he's
+the guy who has his hands on the dough--see?"
+
+He slipped out, closing and locking the door behind him. West, more
+thoroughly confused than ever over the situation in which he found
+himself, paced the brief length of the narrow stateroom, and then paused
+to stare moodily out of the port. His eyes rested on the same wide
+expanse of water, no longer brightened by the glow of the sun. A mass of
+clouds veiled the sky, while a floating bank of fog obscured the horizon,
+limiting the scope of his vision. Everything appeared grey and desolate,
+and the restless surge of waves were crested with foam. It was hard to
+judge just where the sun was, yet he had an impression the vessel had
+veered to the north, and was proceeding straight up the lake, already
+well out of sight from either shore.
+
+He had learned little of the slightest value; merely that Natalie had
+been of the party leaving in the automobile the night before. She,
+undoubtedly, had been the one who had dropped the note. Then, in spite of
+all they said about her, in spite of what she had told him, she was
+actually a prisoner, desperately begging for assistance to escape. As to
+the other things Hogan had told him, the probability was they were mostly
+lies. West did not believe the girl had returned to 'Fairlawn,' the story
+did not sound natural. If she had written that note, these fellows would
+never trust her alone, where she could communicate with friends. They
+might venture to send her in to talk with him, knowing her every word was
+overheard, but surely they would never be reckless enough to leave her
+free to act as she pleased. That was unthinkable. Besides why should they
+have taken this yacht, and sailed it out secretly in the night unless she
+was hidden away aboard? The only conceivable object would be to thus keep
+her safely beyond sight and hearing. And that would be a reason why
+Hobart's wife should also be on board--to look after the girl. The longer
+he thought it all over, the more thoroughly was he convinced they were
+both prisoners on the same vessel. Yet what could he do? There was no
+answer forthcoming; no possibility of breaking forth from that room was
+apparent; he was unarmed, helpless. If he did succeed in breaking through
+the door, he would only encounter an armed guard, and pit himself against
+five or six men, criminals probably, who would count his death a small
+matter compared to their own safety. He sank down, with head in his
+hands, totally unnerved--it was his fate to attempt nothing; only to wait
+on fortune.
+
+Mark brought in food, merely opening the door slightly, and sliding the
+tray in on the floor. No words were exchanged, nor was the tray removed
+until just at twilight, when the fellow appeared again on a similar
+mission. It became dark, but no light was furnished. Outside the clouds
+had thickened, and a heavy swell was tossing the vessel about rather
+roughly. Seemingly the engine was merely endeavouring to maintain
+head-way, with no port in immediate prospect; they were steering
+aimlessly into the promise of a stormy night. No sound reached him from
+the cabin, and finally, worn out mentally and physically, West flung
+himself on the lower bunk, and lay there motionless, staring up into the
+intense darkness.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV
+
+THE SINKING YACHT
+
+
+Lying there motionless, yet wide awake, his senses alert, every slightest
+sound and movement made clearer the situation. He could feel the laboured
+efforts of the vessel, the slap of waves against the side, the rush of
+water astern. Occasionally the echo of a voice reached him from the deck
+above, and once footsteps were audible almost over his head. The engine
+strokes were regular, but slow, the vibrations shaking the boat in its
+sturdy battling against the forces of the sea. The _Seminole_ rolled
+heavily, yet there was nothing at all alarming in her actions, and West
+felt no premonition of illness, or fear as to the sea-worthiness of the
+little craft. Whoever was handling her was evidently a seaman, quite
+capable of conquering a storm of this magnitude. No noise came to him
+from the cabin, yet he had no thought it could be deserted. Hogan would
+certainly retain a guard there, and probably others--with no duties of
+seamanship weighing on them--would seek refuge there from the wind-swept
+deck above. No doubt the fellows had a skipper, as neither Hogan, nor the
+man Mark, bore any resemblance to a lake sailor. Quite possibly the
+entire crew were innocent of what was actually transpiring aboard, and
+equally indifferent, so long as their wages were satisfactory. Yet it was
+even more probable that they had been selected for this special service
+because of lack of ordinary scruples; men who would never question so
+long as the pay was adequate for the danger involved. It seemed to West
+the wind and sea were slowly decreasing in violence; there was less noise
+and turmoil. The movement of the vessel began to lull him into
+forgetfulness, his vigilance relapsed, his mind drifting in thought. He
+endeavoured to arouse himself, to keep awake, but finally fatigue
+conquered, and he sank into a deep sleep. He had no knowledge of how long
+this slumber lasted, or what suddenly awakened him, so startled at the
+moment that he sat up in the berth, staring into the blackness. Was it a
+dream, or a reality? Had some one spoken? He could neither see nor hear
+anything; the boat seemed to be motionless, not even throbbing now to the
+beat of the engine--the silence was uncanny. It seemed to him his own
+heart had stopped, so still it was, and he felt a cold perspiration
+break out on his flesh. Something was wrong, must be wrong. Where were
+they--at anchor in some harbour? or helplessly adrift on the lake? The
+sea must have gone down; waves no longer dashed against the side, and
+there was no shriek of wind overhead; the yacht rocked gently, as though
+the swell of the sea no longer buffeted her; there was no sound of action
+on the deck above. Then he heard a voice again, outside, reaching him
+this time plainly through the open port.
+
+"All set, Mapes," it said sharply. "Come on down. You finished the job?"
+
+"Ay, ay, sir," the answer gruff, but with a tinge of excitement in the
+tone. "She's fixed all right. Hold hard, now, mate."
+
+West, thoroughly aroused, realizing instantly the importance of this
+new move, and as quickly suspecting its purpose, leaped to the
+port-hole, and, endeavoured to gain a glimpse without. The night was
+still intensely black, the sky overcast and starless, the only glimmer
+of light the reflecting of foam tipped surges. If land was near it
+remained invisible, nor could he even be sure of the close proximity of
+a boat. There seemed to be a smudge there at the left, a black, lumping
+shadow, shapeless against the background of sea; yet he could not be
+sure. Even as he gazed at it doubtfully, the dim object disappeared,
+fading away like a mirage. No sound reached him to cause the vision to
+seem real--no voice, no creak of oars, no flap of a sail; yet something
+told him that mysterious shadow was a boat, a boat filled with men,
+creeping away silently into the night, fleeing from the yacht, and
+vanishing into the darkness.
+
+My God, what could such action mean? Why were these fellows deserting the
+_Seminole_, leaving him helpless aboard, locked into that stateroom? Was
+the yacht disabled? sinking? and had they merely forgotten him in their
+own eagerness to escape? Were they in mid-lake? or close to some point of
+land? Had every one gone, leaving the vessel totally abandoned, a wreck
+buffeted by the surges, doomed to go down, unseen, its final fate
+unknown? Unknown! The word rising to his brain was the answer. There was
+the crest of the plot. What could be easier, or safer, than this ending?
+Who would ever know the truth? Who could ever prove anything, even if
+they suspected? And who was there to suspect?
+
+No one had reason to believe he was aboard the _Seminole_; not even
+McAdams. If it was to their interest to get him permanently out of the
+way--if Hobart had so decided--what simpler method could be found than
+the sinking of the yacht? The very crew might be innocent of the
+purpose, dupes of the conspiracy; they might even be unaware of his
+presence aboard, and deceived by Hogan into the belief that the vessel
+had opened a seam, and must sink shortly, would take to the boat without
+suspecting any one was left behind. They could so testify in all honesty
+if any question ever arose. The very simplicity of the scheme meant
+safety; yet the possibility of such cold blooded murder had never before
+occurred to him. Unknown! without a trace left; only a boat crew landing
+somewhere on the coast at dawn, and scattering to the four winds. It was
+a plot infernal.
+
+West stopped, his hands clinched, his heart seeming to stop its pulsing.
+But if Natalie Coolidge was also prisoner on board, what of her? Wasn't
+that the very thing most probable? Of course it was; how foolish he had
+been. These men, recklessly criminal, as they were, would never sacrifice
+the yacht, and risk their own lives, merely to put him out of the way. He
+was not important enough for that; he was but an incident. It was an
+accident which had made him a prisoner. While this was--must be--a
+carefully arranged plan. The girl then must be the real victim; his own
+plight arose merely because he chanced to be there, and the villains dare
+not leave him alive to tell the story.
+
+The certainty of this acted like an electric shock. He had not felt
+seriously alarmed before as to his own fate. He had only been conscious
+of a deep anger, a mad determination to make Hogan pay. If the _Seminole_
+was sinking, and beyond doubt this was the intention of those deserters,
+it was going down slowly, so slowly there would be ample time for escape.
+He was not asleep, but wide awake, and far from paralyzed by the danger.
+He was not the sort to give up while there was any hope left. Surely the
+guard in the cabin would have departed with the others, leaving him free
+to act. He could smash his way out through that door, and find something
+on deck to construct a raft from. This was Lake Michigan, not the ocean,
+and not many hours would pass before he was picked up. Vessels were
+constantly passing, and daylight would bring rescue.
+
+But now the task became difficult. He must find the girl, and serve her.
+To his surprise, his heart beat rapidly in contemplation of the task.
+Surely she must welcome his coming to her assistance now. She would be
+alone, free to reveal the truth of all this strange mix-up of affairs;
+perhaps the old trust, the old confidence between them would be renewed.
+At least in the midst of such peril, alone on the sinking yacht, facing
+possible death together, he would again discover the real Natalie
+Coolidge. The hope instantly inspired action. Every minute might mean
+life or death; the work must be accomplished now, if ever. The _Seminole_
+was evidently deserted, the boat containing the fleeing crew already far
+enough away to be beyond sound of any noise he might make. He already
+felt the wallowing of the deck beneath his feet, a dead, dull feeling,
+evidence enough that the deserted vessel was slowly, but surely going
+down. The condition could not last long; faster and faster the water
+would seep into her hold, until suddenly, without warning, perhaps, she
+must go down like a stone.
+
+All these thoughts flashed across his mind almost in an instant; there
+was no hesitancy, no waste of time. His eager eyes searched the narrow
+confines of the stateroom for some possible weapon with which to assail
+the door. The stout stool alone seemed available. Swinging this over his
+shoulder, hampered by the narrowness of space, he struck again and again,
+with all his strength, the upper panel splintering beneath the third
+crashing blow. He could see nothing, but felt with his fingers along the
+jagged ends of the shattered wood, and redoubled his efforts, striking
+wildly, but with effect, until suddenly the lock gave, and the door burst
+open. He was in the main cabin, which was unlit and deserted. Standing
+there confused in the grim silence, unable for the instant to determine
+how to advance in the dark, he could hear the rapid beating of his own
+heart, and the continuous lap of waves outside. God! how sodden the deck
+felt under foot; what a sickening swell hurled the craft, and such
+stillness! If the girl was aboard why did she not cry out? Surely she
+must have heard that noise, the rain of blows, the crunch of wood.
+
+He stood, crouched, listening intently for something to guide him in the
+right direction. And yet, even if Natalie had heard, what reason would
+the girl have to suspect the truth? Likely enough she was sound asleep,
+completely worn out, and with no knowledge of what had occurred on board.
+It was only the sound of that voice speaking loudly in the boat alongside
+which had aroused him. She had no reason to suspect desertion, no
+occasion to believe any other prisoner than herself was aboard. The noise
+of crashing wood, even if it awoke her, would have no special meaning to
+her mind, only perhaps to add to her terror. He must act alone; there was
+no other way. If he could only have a light of some kind, and not be
+compelled to grope blindly about in that intense darkness.
+
+He stepped cautiously forward, with hands outstretched, swaying to the
+sudden roll of the sinking hulk underneath his feet. He struck a piece of
+furniture, a bench bolted to the deck, and then his groping fingers came
+in sudden contact with the cabin wall, which he followed, circling to the
+left. In this manner he succeeded in finally locating the door opening
+out on to the deck, and had grasped the knob, when a deep moan from the
+black void behind caused him to become suddenly erect, his heart beating
+like a trip-hammer. No other sound followed, no repetition, and yet there
+could be no mistaking what he had heard. It was a groan, a human groan,
+emanating from a spot but a few feet away. He took a single step in that
+direction; then hesitated, fearful of some trap; in the silence as he
+stood there poised, he could faintly distinguish the sound of some one
+breathing unnaturally.
+
+"Who is there? Who moaned just now?" he asked, struggling to control
+his voice.
+
+"I did," the answer was a mere husky whisper out of the darkness.
+"Masters, the watchman; but who are you? I don't know your voice."
+
+"It makes no difference; are you hurt? Where are you? How can I
+get a light?"
+
+"Yes, sir; I'm about done for I guess; you're over by the door, ain't
+you? There's a hangin' lantern just up above, if you've got a match with
+you. Say, that looks good; I didn't hardly know but I was dead, it was so
+black. But I never saw you before; how did you get aboard here?"
+
+The flame of the match caught the wick, and flared up, throwing a dim
+illumination over the cabin interior. West drew down the glass, before he
+ventured to glance in the direction of the voice. A man lay facing him,
+curled up on the deck, his hair, matted with blood, hanging over eyes
+that were burning with fever. He made no attempt to rise, apparently was
+unable to move, and a dark, bloody stain covered the deck. West sprang
+forward, and lifted the head on his arm.
+
+"You are hurt--badly?" he exclaimed. "What can I do for you?"
+
+"Nuthin', I reckon," still in that same strained whisper. "I'm done
+for; no doubt of it. That guy got me. You ain't one o' that murderin'
+gang, are you?"
+
+"No; I was a prisoner on board; I came here to help a girl."
+
+"A girl! Miss Coolidge you mean, sir?"
+
+"Yes, Natalie Coolidge; do you know anything about her? Where she is?"
+
+"Sure, I know; the damn whelps left her here; that was their dirty game,
+sir. 'Twas because I tried to unlock her door that Hogan slugged me. The
+boat's goin' down, ain't it? I know'd it was; I heard the skunks talk
+about what they was goin' to do, an' then I tried to get her out, sir."
+
+"You were the watchman?"
+
+"Yes, sir; down in the lagoon at Jackson Park. These fellows come off to
+the yacht about midnight, an' they had Miss Coolidge with 'em. That's
+what fooled me, sir, an' I let 'em get aboard, thinkin' it must be all
+right. After that I couldn't do nuthin'--there was six to one, an' that
+'Red' Hogan had a gun in his mitt. They hustled me down into the cabin. I
+didn't even know she was a prisoner until they locked her into a
+stateroom; then I got wise, but it was too late."
+
+"And she is there yet, Masters? What room is it?"
+
+"The last one to the right, sir. Don't you mind about me; I'm done for,
+but maybe there's a chance for you two."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV
+
+FREE OF THE YACHT
+
+
+The man was evidently dying. West, from his experience on European
+battle-fields, felt assured the end was indeed close at hand. His face
+under the flitting rays of the swinging light was ghastly and drawn, his
+words were barely audible, and painfully uttered, while, as the arm
+supporting his head was withdrawn, he sank back heavily into his former
+position, and his eyes instantly closed. Only as West bent lower could he
+determine the surety of his breathing still.
+
+There was nothing to be done for Masters; no occasion for lingering there
+helplessly. The yacht was sinking under their feet, going down slowly,
+but surely, and the end could not be far off. The very movement of the
+vessel sickened him, brought to him a sensation of fear. Moreover he knew
+the truth now, and saw clearly his duty. The watchman had not told much,
+but it was sufficient to verify all his former suspicions. These fellows
+he fought were desperate criminals, playing for high stakes, conspiring
+to even commit murder to achieve their object--which could be nothing
+less than gaining possession of the Coolidge fortune. To that end they
+had coolly planned the sinking of the _Seminole_ in mid-lake, with the
+helpless girl locked securely in her cabin. It was a cowardly, diabolical
+crime, and yet, no doubt, they had figured it as the safest method of
+completely disposing of her. And, but for the accident of his presence on
+board, and his having been awakened by that incautious voice, the foul
+plot would probably have proven successful. They had already got safely
+away, leaving her behind a prisoner, her only possible rescuer this
+watchman wounded unto death. The yacht was sinking in the dark, going
+steadily down in those night shrouded waters. Who would ever know? The
+main body of the crew, perhaps, never even dreamed of her presence
+aboard. There was no evidence, nothing to convict the men really guilty.
+Here was the scheme of a master-mind in crime. West weaved his way across
+the rolling deck of the cabin to the stateroom door Masters had pointed
+out as the one sheltering the girl. There was no sound from within, nor
+would the knob yield to his grasp. It was locked, the key gone. There
+was no time to wait and hunt for that missing piece of metal doubtless
+safely hidden in Hogan's pocket, or else thrown overboard; he must break
+a way in; but first he must explain to her, so as to spare her the sudden
+fright of such an assault. He rapped sharply on the panel, pausing an
+instant for a response. None came, and he knocked again more roughly.
+
+"Miss Coolidge: you are there, are you not?"
+
+"Yes; who is that?" almost a cry of delight in the voice. "You--you have
+a voice I know."
+
+"I am Matthew West; but do not ask questions now. The yacht is going
+down, and I must break this door in to release you. Stand back while I
+smash the boards. You hear and understand?"
+
+"Yes--yes: I am safely away; have no fear."
+
+The light revealed the weapon he required just beyond where Masters
+lay--a heavy hatchet, still stained with blood, probably the very
+instrument with which the watchman had been brutally struck down. That
+made no difference now, and West snatched it up, and began to splinter
+the wood with well directed blows. He worked madly, feverishly, unable to
+judge there in the cabin whether he had a minute, or an hour, in which to
+effect their rescue. All he knew was that every second was worth saving,
+and with this impulse driving him, swung the sharp blade with all his
+strength and skill, gouging out great splinters of wood, and finally
+forcing the lock to yield. He sprang eagerly through the opening, the
+hatchet still in his grasp, and faced her.
+
+She stood there looking straight at him, seemingly unable even yet to
+wholly realize the marvellous truth of his presence. The light from the
+swinging lamp in the big cabin beyond, streamed in through the shattered
+doorway, and revealed her face, pale, but unafraid, the eyes wide-open,
+the lips parted. An instant both paused, and then she cried out in
+sudden relief.
+
+"Oh, it is really you, Captain West. I know now. What has happened? How
+did you come to be here?"
+
+"Not now," he insisted. "Don't ask me now. Just come as quick as you can.
+Do you not realize the boat is sinking, going down under our very feet?
+For all I know it may take the plunge before we can reach the deck. There
+is no time for anything but action. Quick; let me take your hand."
+
+She obeyed without a word, and he pressed her before him out through the
+door into the more brightly lighted cabin. Her eyes opened in horror at
+the sight of Masters, and she drew back trembling against West's arm.
+
+"Who--who is that? A dead man?"
+
+"I fear so; wait just a second until I learn; if he still lives we cannot
+leave him here."
+
+West bent over the motionless figure; the flesh was no longer warm; and
+he could detect no breath. Satisfied, he regained his feet.
+
+"It is all over with," he said gravely. "He is beyond human aid."
+
+"But--but, please, who is he?" she insisted, clinging to his arm. "Surely
+I have seen the man before; what has happened?"
+
+"He was the watchman on the yacht--Masters he said his name was," West
+explained impatiently. "He was still alive when I first came, and told me
+where you were confined. He tried to serve you when the others left, and
+was struck down by Hogan."
+
+"The others left! Is the boat deserted? Are we here all alone?"
+
+"Yes; the villains left us both locked into state-rooms to die. They
+deserted the yacht, expecting it to sink, and take us both down with it.
+The craft is near foundering now, and our only hope is to obtain the
+open deck at once. Do not question any more, but do just as I say. You
+trust me, do you not?"
+
+"Trust you! of course I do."
+
+"Then let's talk afterwards. All I can think about now is how best to
+save your life."
+
+She permitted him to draw her through the door on to the black, deserted
+deck. For the first moment, as they hesitated there, little could be
+perceived other than vague shadows. The sky was overcast, but the wind
+light, yet with sufficient swell to the water to cause the yacht to
+wallow uncomfortably. West, bracing himself to the sudden plunging,
+managed to reach the rail. He drew back, sick at heart at the sight of
+the waves lapping the side almost on a level with the sloping deck on
+which he stood. The sight brought home to him as never before the drear
+deadly peril in which they were. It was already a matter of minutes; any
+second indeed that labouring hulk might take the fatal plunge. The
+knowledge brought back all his soldier instincts of command, his rough
+insistence. He would find some means of rescue; he must! He was back
+instantly, grasping her arm.
+
+"Quick," he cried. "You knew this yacht; what small boats did she carry?"
+
+"Only the one; the other was so warped it had been taken ashore."
+
+"Only one! Those fellows put off in that. There was nothing else to save
+life aboard?"
+
+"There are life-belts here; see, hung to the front of the cabin. Was that
+what you meant?"
+
+"Yes, and no." He snatched one from the hook, and hastily strapped it
+about her. "These may help, but we shall need more. Was there no
+life-raft? My God! there must surely be something of that kind."
+
+"Yes, there is; I remember now. It is forward there, near the engine-room
+hatch. Percival Coolidge explained to me how it worked once. But--but I
+don't believe just the two of us could ever launch it over the rail."
+
+"We will, because we must--it is our only hope. I'll take the other belt;
+now come. We haven't an instant to waste--the water is even now almost
+level with the deck; any second we may be awash, and go down like a
+stone. Hold on tight to me."
+
+The deck was already sloping to port in a dangerous degree, and West was
+compelled to cling to the rail, as they slowly made passage forward
+through the darkness. Their eyes had by then adapted themselves to the
+night, so as to distinguish larger objects, and, as there was no litter
+to encounter, as in the case of a ship wrecked by storm, the two
+progressed safely as far as the engine-hatch. Neither spoke, but West
+still clasped the hatchet, peering anxiously about for some signs of the
+life-raft. He located it at last, securely fastened to the side of the
+deck house, and, leaving the girl to hold herself upright as best she
+could, began to hack it loose. It was quite an affair, cork-lined, and
+evidently capable of sustaining considerable weight when once launched in
+the water, but cumbersome and hard to handle on deck, more particularly
+because of its awkward form.
+
+Fortunately it hung to the port side with a rather steep slant to the
+rail, which was not high. The waters of the lake, threatening to engulf
+them with every sodden roll of the vessel, were almost within reach of an
+outstretched hand, while occasionally a wave danced along the bulwark,
+and scattered its spray over the deck. West, working with feverish
+impatience, realized suddenly that his companion had deserted the place
+where he had left her and was also tugging and slashing at the lashings
+of the raft. These finally yielded to their blind attack. Without the
+exchange of a word the two grasped the sides and shoved the thing hard
+down against the port rail.
+
+"Wait now," he cried exultantly. "Stay behind, and brace yourself against
+the hatch-cover. I'll get underneath and lift. Once on the rail the two
+of us must shove it free overboard. Here, keep a grip on this line, so
+the raft can't float away."
+
+She understood instantly, and, with a single swift glance at her dimly
+revealed figure, West straightened up, bearing the full weight on his
+shoulders, every muscle strained to the utmost, as he thus pressed it
+over inch by inch across the wooden barrier. Twice he stopped,
+breathless, trembling in every limb, seemingly unable to exert another
+pound of strength. Perspiration dripped from his face, his teeth clinched
+in desperate determination. At the second pause, she was beside him,
+pressing her way in also beneath the sagging burden. He felt the pressure
+of her body.
+
+"No, no; I can make it alone," he panted indignantly.
+
+"Not so well as we both can, working together. I am strong, Captain West.
+Try it again now, and see."
+
+Suddenly the great unwieldy mass moved, slid forward, poised itself an
+instant on the rounded rail. The yacht rolled sharply to port, flinging
+both on to the deck together, but sending the raft crunching overboard,
+clear of the side. West grasped her, and dragged her to her feet. His one
+thought was that they were actually going down, but, even as he held her
+in his arms, ready to leap out into the black water, the shuddering
+vessel, with a last despairing effort, partially righted herself, and
+staggered on.
+
+"The rope," he questioned. "Did you lose grip on the rope?"
+
+"No, it is here. I can feel the jerk of the raft."
+
+"Thank God for that; let's pull it closer to the side. We can't wait to
+take anything with us; even if I knew where provision and blankets were,
+I could never find them in this darkness. I would not dare leave you to
+search; another dip like that must be the very last. Here, let me hold
+you up; can you see the raft?"
+
+"Yes; I'm sure it is just below; why I could almost touch it."
+
+"Can you jump to it from the rail? It is either that, or the water. Are
+you afraid to try?"
+
+"Afraid--no. Hold me; yes; that way, but--but what are you going to do?"
+
+"Follow, of course; but I shall take to the water. There are no oars
+here. Nothing to use as a substitute for them. I'll have to swim, and
+push that old ark as far away as possible. When the yacht goes down, the
+suction is liable to swamp us, if we are close in."
+
+"But I can swim, Captain West."
+
+"I am glad to know that; but now you do just as I say. There is no
+necessity for both of us getting wet through. Are you ready?"
+
+She poised herself, held steady by the grip of his hands, her eyes on the
+dark outline of the floating raft. There was no hesitancy, no
+questioning.
+
+"Say when," he said sharply.
+
+"Now."
+
+She sprang outward, and came down, sinking to her knees, and clinging
+fast, as the raft bobbed up and down under her sudden weight, dipping
+until the water rolled completely over it.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI
+
+THE COMING OF DAWN
+
+
+West leaned far out, and stared off at the faint blotch made by the raft
+against the water surface. He could perceive little except a bare,
+shapeless outline.
+
+"Did you make it? Are you all right?"
+
+"Yes, I'm safe enough; but wet just the same; the thing bobbed under."
+
+"It will hold us up though, don't you think?"
+
+"Why, of course, it will float; it is supposed to support four people. It
+rides dry enough now. But--but, Captain West, I want you to come."
+
+"I'm coming; I'll throw my shoes and coat over there to you first. To be
+rid of them will make swimming easier. Watch out now--good! Now draw in
+the line; we may need it. Got it all right? Very well; here goes."
+
+He made the plunge, coming up to the surface close beside the raft, the
+edge of which he quickly grasped with his hands. The girl remained
+motionless, barely perceptible through the gloom, but with anxious eyes
+marking his every movement. The frail support beneath her rose and fell
+on the swell of the waters, occasionally dipping beneath the surface.
+Beyond, a grim, black, threatening shadow, wallowed the wreck. West swam
+steadily, urging the unwieldy raft away from the menacing side of the
+vessel, driven by the necessity of escaping the inevitable suction when
+she went down. It was a hard, slow push, the square sides of the raft
+offering every obstacle to progress. Yet the waves and wind helped
+somewhat, the raft being lighter than the water-sogged _Seminole_, so
+that gradually the distance widened, until there extended a considerable
+waste of water between the two. Exhausted by his exertion, and breathing
+hard, West glanced back over his shoulder at the dimmer shadow of the
+yacht, now barely revealed against the clouded sky. The bulk of it seemed
+scarcely visible in any defined form above the level of the sea--the end
+must be almost at hand.
+
+Satisfied that they were far enough away for safety, he clambered
+cautiously upon the platform, the girl as carefully making room for him
+on the few dry planks. The raft tossed dizzily under the strain, but he
+made it at last, the water draining from his soaked clothing, his flesh
+shivering at the touch of the cool night air. He sat up, his limbs
+braced to hold him erect, glancing aside at her, wondering at her
+continued silence. Even in the darkness she must have known his eyes were
+searching her face.
+
+"You are cold," she said, doubtfully. "Here is your coat, and I have kept
+it dry--no, really, I do not need it; I am quite warmly dressed."
+
+He threw the garment over his wet shoulders, gratefully, and the two sat
+there very close together, staring back at the labouring _Seminole_.
+There was nothing to say, nothing to do; for the moment at least they
+were safe, and perhaps morning would bring rescue. Suddenly West
+straightened up, aroused by a new interest--surely that last wave went
+entirely over the yacht's rail; he could see the white gleam of spray as
+it broke; and, yes, there was another! Unconsciously his hand reached
+out and clasped that of his companion. She made no effort to draw away,
+and they sat there in awed silence, watching this weird tragedy of the
+sea, with bodies braced to meet the bobbing of the unwieldy support
+beneath them.
+
+At first the labouring vessel seemed to hold its own, fighting
+desperately to remain afloat, a mere shadow above the surface. Then,
+almost without warning, the end came. She went down bow first, the stern
+lifting until West could discern the dark outlines of the screw, and then
+dropped like a stone, vanishing almost instantly. One moment she was
+there; the next had disappeared, the black waters closing over. There was
+but little evidence of what occurred; only a deeper swell, tossing the
+raft giddily about for a moment, and causing West to tighten his grip on
+the girl's hand. She gave utterance to a half-smothered cry, and her body
+dropped forward as though she would hide the scene from her eyes.
+
+"That is the last of the _Seminole_" West said, feeling the necessity of
+strengthening her. "But it is nothing to frighten you. We are safe
+enough here."
+
+"Oh, it is not that," she explained hastily, lifting her head, and facing
+him. "I--I do not think I am frightened. I have not broken down before,
+but--but I thought then of that dead man lying there all alone in the
+dark cabin. It seemed so terrible when the yacht sank. Please do not find
+fault with me."
+
+"That was not why I spoke. But you must keep your nerve; we may be afloat
+for hours yet before we are picked up."
+
+"You are sure we will be?"
+
+"The probability is altogether in our favour," he insisted, as much to
+encourage himself as her. "This is Lake Michigan in summer time, and
+boats are plying everywhere. We shall surely be sighted by something when
+daylight returns. There is no sign of a storm brewing, and all we need do
+now is hold on."
+
+She was silent a moment, with head again bent forward.
+
+"What do you suppose became of the men who deserted the yacht?" she
+asked, her voice natural and quiet.
+
+"Ashore, perhaps, by this time."
+
+"Then we cannot be far away from land?"
+
+"I have no means of knowing. Probably not, if they relied upon oars."
+
+"Why should they? There was a mast and sails stowed in the boat; they
+were always kept there for an emergency." She lifted her eyes, and stared
+about into the gloom. "Do you suppose, Captain West, they could have
+remained nearby to make sure the yacht sank?"
+
+"No, I do not," he said firmly. "I thought of that once myself; but it is
+not at all probable. They were too certain they had done a good job, and
+too eager to get away safely. Hogan never deemed it possible for us to
+get away alive. As it was, the escape was almost a miracle."
+
+"A miracle!" softly. "Perhaps so, yet I know who accomplished it. I owe
+my life to you, Captain West," she paused doubtfully, and then went on
+impulsively. "Won't you explain to me now what it all means? How you came
+to be here? and--and why those men sought in this way to kill me?"
+
+"You do not know?"
+
+"Only in the vaguest way; is it my fortune? I have been held prisoner;
+lied to, and yet nothing has been made clear. This man who went down in
+the cabin--you said he died trying to save me?"
+
+"Yes; he endeavoured to release you from the stateroom, and was caught by
+Hogan. In the struggle he received a death wound."
+
+"I heard them fight. This Hogan then was the leader?"
+
+"Of those on board--yes. But he is only the tool of others. This devilish
+conspiracy has been plotted for a long while. There must be a dozen
+involved in it, one way or another, but, as near as I can learn, the
+chief devil, the brains of the gang, is the fellow named Hobart. Have you
+known him--long?"
+
+She hesitated, and West glanced aside wonderingly. Would she venture to
+deny her knowledge of the man?
+
+"No," she said at last doubtfully, "not unless his other name was Jim.
+There was a fellow they called Jim. He was my jailer after that woman
+locked me into a room."
+
+"A woman? The same one who was with you on the yacht?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Where was this?"
+
+"Why surely you must know. In that cottage where we stopped with Percival
+Coolidge."
+
+He drew a deep breath, more thoroughly puzzled than ever. What could be
+her purpose to make so bold an effort to deceive? Did she imagine for a
+moment that he could be made to believe she had been continuously held
+prisoner since that Sunday morning? It was preposterous. Why, he had seen
+her again and again with his own eyes; had talked with her, and so had
+Sexton. His heart sank, but he determined to go on, and learn how far she
+would carry this strange tale. Perhaps out of the welter he could discern
+some truth.
+
+"The fellow's name is Jim, all right, Jim Hobart. I've looked him up in
+the police records. He is a confidence man, with one charge of assault
+with attempt to kill against him. Nothing lately, however; it seems he
+disappeared about ten years ago, and has just drifted back. The woman
+passes as his wife. You knew nothing of all this?"
+
+"No; I only saw the man twice; he was very rough then, and swore when I
+questioned him."
+
+"And the woman?"
+
+"She would not talk either; only once she told me that Percival
+Coolidge had committed suicide. That made me wonder, for I believed
+he had something to do with my being held there. What did he say when
+he returned to the auto without me? What explanation did he make for
+my absence?"
+
+"Explanation! He needed none; you came out of the cottage with him."
+
+"I? What do you mean?"
+
+"But I saw you with my own eyes, talked with you, and all three of us
+drove back to 'Fairlawn' together. My God, Miss Natalie, have you lost
+your mind? Do you even deny dismissing me from your service?"
+
+She gazed at him through the gloom, utterly unable to comprehend.
+
+"I must have, if what you say is true," she admitted, "For I certainly
+have no such recollection."
+
+"You remember nothing of going back with us to 'Fairlawn'?"
+
+"Absolutely nothing."
+
+"Or of a conversation had with me later in the library?"
+
+"No, Captain West."
+
+He stared off into the black night, his lips pressed closely together.
+Could this be false? Could she sit there calmly, in the midst of such
+peril as surrounded them, and still deliberately endeavour to deceive?
+
+"And you knew nothing of the death of Percival Coolidge, except what was
+told you by that woman?"
+
+"She brought me a newspaper which I read; that was all I knew."
+
+"And in that house on Wray Street where I met you again last night. I
+suppose you were not there either?"
+
+"Wray Street? I do not know; I was at some place with a saloon on the
+ground floor. I could not tell you where it was."
+
+"That is where it was--Wray Street, on the northwest side, a thieves'
+rendezvous. And you talked with me there; tried to get me to quit
+following you. You surely haven't forgotten that already?"
+
+She dropped her face wearily into her hands, and her voice
+sounded listless.
+
+"I--I almost believe you are the crazy one, Captain West. I swear I have
+never knowingly met, or spoken to you since we drove to that cottage on
+Sunday. I cannot believe what you say."
+
+"Yet it is true, every word true"; he asserted stoutly. "Why else should
+I be here? You returned with us to 'Fairlawn,' and we chatted together
+pleasantly all the way. Later you seemed to change, and discharged me
+rather rudely. Then Percival Coolidge was killed--shot down by an
+assassin, not a suicide. I know because I found the body. You were at the
+inquest, and testified. I saw you with my own eyes. The next day you
+discharged Sexton, and later he learned, and reported to me, that some
+one called you on the phone from Wray Street, and wanted you to come over
+there at once."
+
+"Was that why you went there?"
+
+"Yes; I felt something was wrong; the killing of Percival Coolidge had
+aroused my suspicions; and I sought to learn who those people were you
+had visited in the cottage. They were gone, and only for this telephone
+call, I should have lost the trail entirely. I found you there, and this
+fellow Hobart with you."
+
+"But, Captain West, I never saw you; I never left the room in the third
+story where I was locked in, except when they took me away in a machine
+to the yacht."
+
+"You dropped a note in the alley, enclosed in a silver knife?"
+
+"Yes, I did. I dared not hope it would be found, but I took the chance.
+Did you find it?"
+
+"Sexton did, and that was what brought me here."
+
+"But it is all so strange," she exclaimed despairingly. "How could I have
+done all these things, been in all these places, and yet know nothing
+about it? Could I have been drugged? or influenced in some way by those
+people? I have read there is such a power--where one person can make
+another obey absolutely, with no knowledge of what he is doing; what do
+they call that?"
+
+"Hypnotism. I have seen it cut some odd capers; but I do not believe you
+were either hypnotized or drugged. Good God; why did I not think of this
+solution before? I must have been blind; that was not you; I can recall a
+hundred little things now to convince me."
+
+"What is it you mean?"
+
+"Another woman played your part; a woman most wonderfully like you, even
+to the voice. There is no other solution of the problem. And that reveals
+the plan of robbery--to get you out of the way, and then have her take
+the fortune. Who would ever suspect such a fraud?"
+
+She sat silent, motionless, apparently unable at once to grasp all the
+meaning in his words. It seemed unbelievable, and her gaze was straight
+out across the black waters, one hand clinging firmly to offset the
+rocking of the frail raft. Then she pointed away into the distance.
+
+"See, there is light over there," she exclaimed eagerly. "That must be
+the east, and it is morning."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII
+
+LOVE BREAKS SILENCE
+
+
+West was so immersed in his own thoughts, awakened by these new
+developments, he apparently did not hear what the girl said. She reached
+out and pressed his arm.
+
+"Do you not see, Captain West? Daylight is coming; it is much lighter
+over there."
+
+He lifted his head, and looked where she pointed. A dull, grey light
+topped the waters, and the sky above held a faint tinge of crimson. The
+wan glow accented the loneliness, and for the moment left him depressed.
+Was there ever a more sombre scene than was presented by that waste of
+tumbling waves, stretching to the horizon, arched over by a clouded sky?
+It grew clearer, more distinct, yet remained the same dead expanse of
+restless water, on which they tossed helplessly and alone. Nothing broke
+the grimness of it, not even a bird in the air, or a leaping fish;
+complete desolation met the eye in every direction, a threatening,
+menacing dreariness amid which each approaching swell seemed about to
+sweep them to destruction. The wind increased slightly with the dawn,
+buffeting the frail raft to which they clung desperately, and showering
+them with spray, while, as the light became stronger, they searched
+vainly for any sign of ship, or shadow of land. Nothing appeared within
+range of vision to break the drear monotony of grey sea and sky. Neither
+felt any desire to speak; they could only stare out silently across the
+desolation of waters, feeling their helplessness and peril. This then was
+the morning they had struggled forward to--this green, grey monster,
+whose dripping jaws showered wet foam over them; this terrible
+nothingness which promised death.
+
+Her head sank forward into her hands, as though she would thus shut out
+the whole weird picture, and West, aroused by the slight movement,
+glanced quickly aside. The sight of her distress gave him instant mastery
+over his own depression. His hand sought her own, where it gripped for
+support, and closed over it warmly.
+
+"It cannot be as bad as it seems," he insisted, trying to say the words
+cheerfully. "I know these waters, and they are never long deserted. Luck
+will change surely; perhaps within the hour we shall be picked up, and
+can laugh at all this experience."
+
+She lifted her head, and their eyes met frankly.
+
+"I am not afraid," she protested. "Not physically, at least. Truly I have
+not felt fear since you joined me, Captain West. Before that I was alone,
+and was frightened because I could not in the least understand why I was
+being held a prisoner, or what my fate was to be. Now all I must meet is
+the danger of the sea, with you to share the peril with me."
+
+"But you are very tired?"
+
+"Perhaps so, yet I have not thought about that. There are other things;
+you do not believe in me."
+
+"Why say that?" he asked, in astonishment. "There is no question of the
+kind between us now."
+
+"Truly, is there not? There has been, however; I know from the way you
+spoke. What was it you believed of me--that--that I was part of this
+conspiracy?"
+
+"I do not know what I believed, if I actually believed anything, Miss
+Natalie," he explained rather lamely. "I cannot make the situation
+altogether clear even to myself. You see I kept meeting and talking with
+you--or I thought I did--and yet never found you to be the same. I was
+all at sea, unable to get anything straight. One moment I was convinced
+of your innocence; the next something occurred to make you appear guilty,
+a co-conspirator with Jim Hobart. Under the circumstances, you cannot
+condemn me justly."
+
+"Condemn! I do not. How could I? You must have kept faith in me
+nevertheless, or you would never be here now. That is what seems
+marvellous to me--that you actually cared enough to believe."
+
+"I realize now that I have," he said gravely. "Through it all I have kept
+a very large measure of faith in you."
+
+"Why should that faith have survived?" she questioned persistently, as
+though doubt would not wholly leave her mind, "we had no time to really
+know each other; only a few hours at the most, and even then you must
+have deemed me a strange girl to ask of you what I did. Surely there was
+never a madder story told than the one I told you, and I couldn't have
+proven an item of it."
+
+"Yet it has shown itself true," he interrupted.
+
+"You actually believe then that there is another woman--a counterfeit
+of myself?"
+
+"It is the only theory feasible; you have convinced me of that."
+
+"Yet this does not answer my question altogether. You are convinced now,
+perhaps, because you accept my word, but how have you kept faith in me
+when you believed just as strongly that it was actually I who met and
+talked with you? I who was playing in the game with the man Hobart?"
+
+"Will you believe what I say?"
+
+"Implicitly."
+
+"Perhaps it sounds like a fairy tale," he spoke frankly, his eyes seeking
+her own, all their surroundings forgotten in the eagerness of the moment,
+"but I will tell you the exact truth. Before this misunderstanding
+occurred you had confided in me, trusted me, although I was a stranger
+and I believed absolutely in your story. I had that basis to rest on. In
+addition to this, those few hours I passed at 'Fairlawn' served to
+confirm my faith. I got hold of various odds and ends of evidence which
+convinced me that something was wrong--that you were actually being
+conspired against. I even gained a suspicion that Percival Coolidge was
+the actual leader of the conspiracy."
+
+"Percival Coolidge! but why? What could he gain by such a crime?"
+
+"I have not found the answer yet, but my conviction remains
+strong--stronger, indeed, than ever since our talk last night. You could
+never have been made prisoner in that cottage without his connivance; he
+must have lured you there for that particular purpose, so that this other
+girl could take your place without danger of discovery. It was a neat
+trick, so well done as to even deceive me. The reason for Percival's
+participation is only a guess, but my theory is the fellow had so juggled
+your fortune, and the time for final accounting was so near, he had to
+take a desperate chance in order to save himself."
+
+"You mean the opportunity came, and he could not resist?"
+
+"Perhaps so, and perhaps it was his own deliberate plan. That remains to
+be discovered. My own theory is that when Hobart learned what Percival
+Coolidge proposed doing, his own criminal tendencies told him that here
+was some easy money. The girl was undoubtedly wholly under his control;
+some denizen of the underworld probably. She had already played her part
+sufficiently well to convince Hobart of success. Why then, shouldn't he
+have this money instead of Percival? There was no reason except that
+Percival was in the way. That was why he was killed."
+
+"By Hobart?"
+
+"He may not have fired the shot, but I have no doubt he inspired it; and
+the job was so expertly done the coroner called it suicide. The way was
+open; you were a prisoner, and the false Natalie Coolidge safely
+installed as mistress of 'Fairlawn.' No one apparently suspected
+anything wrong."
+
+"And," she questioned breathlessly, "the man meant to murder me also?"
+
+"Not at that time in my judgment," West answered thoughtfully. "Such an
+additional crime was not a part of the original plan. There was no
+apparent necessity. Your estate was about to be settled finally, and
+given over to your control in accordance with the terms of your father's
+will. Hobart must have known all this from Percival Coolidge, and exactly
+what steps must be taken to secure it. Once the money, and other
+property, were delivered to the fake Natalie, the cashing in and get away
+would be easy; even the identity of the thieves would be concealed.
+Killing you was not at all necessary to the success of their scheme."
+
+"But they did try to kill me."
+
+"Yes, later, by the sinking of the yacht. Probably I am largely
+responsible for that."
+
+"You?"
+
+"Yes; the persistency with which I stuck to the trail. They became
+frightened. My appearance in Wray Street must have been quite a shock,
+and when I succeeded in escaping from their trap there, Hobart very
+evidently lost his head completely. He did not dare risk my ever finding
+you. The knowledge that I was free, perhaps in communication with the
+police, led to your night trip to the _Seminole_, and the secret sinking
+of the yacht. He had gone too far by then to hesitate at another murder."
+
+She waited breathlessly for him to go on, her eyes on the tumbling waste
+of water. He remained quiet, motionless, and she turned toward him
+expectantly.
+
+"I--I think I understand now," she admitted, "how all this occurred; but
+why--why were you so persistent? There--there must have been a reason
+more impelling than a vague suspicion?"
+
+"There was--the most compelling impulse in the world."
+
+"You mean faith in me?"
+
+"Even more than that; love for you. Natalie, listen; what I have to say
+may sound strange, cruel even under such conditions as now surround us,
+but you force me to say them. I love you, have loved you all the time,
+without fully realizing exactly what it meant. There have been times when
+I have doubted you, when I could not wholly escape the evidence that you
+were also concerned personally in this fraud. I have endeavoured to
+withdraw from the case, to forget, and blot everything from memory. But
+something stronger than will prevented; I could not desert you; could not
+believe you were wilfully wrong. You understand what I mean."
+
+"Yes," the words barely reaching him. "It was the other girl; she
+undermined your faith."
+
+"That is the truth; yet how could it be, do you suppose? My very love
+should have enabled me to detect the difference. I can see now, thinking
+back, where the fraud was even apparent--in mood, temper, action--and yet
+at the time these made no such impression. Even Sexton never questioned
+her identity; in face, figure, dress the resemblance was absolutely
+perfect. Good heavens, but she is an actress!"
+
+She touched his arm with her hand, and under the slight pressure he
+looked aside at her.
+
+"You know now," she said softly, "and I know. All this is passed and gone
+between us. We are here alone, the sport of the waves, and I have no
+reason to be other than frank. I believe in you, Matthew West; in your
+honesty and manhood. You say you love me?"
+
+"With all my heart and soul; it seems to me now I have always loved
+you--you came to me, the lady of my dreams."
+
+Her eyes were wet with unshed tears, yet she smiled back into his face,
+her voice trembling as she answered.
+
+"And I," she said slowly, "have had no thought but of you since our
+morning in the garden together. How far away that seems."
+
+"You mean you love me?"
+
+"Yes; I love you; there is no word stronger, but I would speak it--is
+that not enough?"
+
+He held her in his arms, in spite of the trembling raft, tossed by the
+swell of the sea, and crushed her against him in the ardent strain of
+passion. An instant she held her head back, her eyes gazing straight into
+his; then, with sigh of content, yielded, and their lips met, and clung.
+
+The very silence aroused them, startled both into a swift realization of
+that dreary waste in which they floated helplessly alone, a drifting chip
+on the face of the waters. Her eyes swept the crest of the waves, and she
+withdrew herself partially from his arms.
+
+"Why, we must be crazed to dream of happiness here," she exclaimed. "Was
+there ever before so strange a confession of love? I am trying to be
+brave--but--but that is too much; that waste of green water, with the
+grey sky overhead. There is no ending to it--just death mocking us in
+every wave. Oh, Matthew, can this be all? Only this little moment, and
+then--the end?"
+
+He held her hands tightly, his heart throbbing, but his courage and
+hope high.
+
+"No, dear," he whispered eagerly. "Don't think that for a moment. We have
+passed through too much to dream of such an ending now. There will be
+ships--there must be. Look! what is that, yonder against the sky-line? It
+is, sweet-heart; it is the smoke of a steamer."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+AN ESCAPE FROM THE RAFT
+
+
+They watched with sinking hearts, West rising to his knees, and shading
+his eyes with his hand, as that thin spiral of smoke crept along the
+horizon, and finally disappeared into the north. The raft rode so low in
+the water that no glimpse of the distant steamer could be perceived, and,
+when the last faint vestige of smoke vanished, neither said a word, but
+sat there silent, with clasped hands. The bitterness of disappointment
+wore away slowly, and as the uneventful hours left them in the same
+helpless condition, they fell again into fitful conversation, merely to
+thus bolster up courage, and lead their minds to other thoughts. It was
+maddening to sit there motionless and stare off across the desolate
+water, seeing nothing but those white-crested surges sweeping constantly
+toward them, and to feel the continuous leap and drop of the frail raft,
+which alone kept them afloat.
+
+The hours went by monotonously, with scarcely an occurrence to break the
+dreariness or bring a ray of hope. The clouds obscured the sky, yet
+occasionally through some narrow rift, came a glimpse of the sun, as it
+rose to the zenith, and then began sinking into the west. The air was
+soft, the breeze dying down, and the height of the waves decreasing; the
+raft floated more easily, and it no longer became necessary for them to
+cling tightly to the supports to prevent being flung overboard. But there
+came out of the void no promise of rescue; the sea remained desolate and
+untraversed, and finally a mist hung over the water, narrowing the
+horizon. During the day they saw smoke but always far to the east, and
+quickly disappearing. Once West felt assured his eyes caught the glimmer
+of a white sail to the southward, but it was too far away for him to be
+sure. At best, it was but a momentary vision, fading almost instantly
+against the grey curtain of sky. He had scarcely attempted to point it
+out to Natalie when it completely vanished.
+
+Their effort to talk to each other ceased gradually; there was so little
+they could say in the presence of the growing peril surrounding them.
+They had become the helpless sport of the waves, unable to act, think or
+plan, surrounded by horror, and aimlessly drifting toward the gloom of
+another night. Wearied beyond all power of resistance, the girl sank
+lower and lower until she finally lay outstretched in utter abandonment.
+West thrust his coat beneath her head, securely binding her to the raft
+by the rope's end, and sat beside her dejectedly, staring forth into the
+surrounding smother. She did not speak, and finally her eyes closed.
+Undoubtedly she slept, but he made every effort to remain awake and on
+watch, rubbing his heavy eyes, and struggling madly to overcome the
+drowsiness which assailed him. How long he won, he will never know; the
+sun was in the west, a red ball of fire showing dimly through the cloud,
+and all about the same dancing expanse of sea, drear, and dead. The raft
+rose and fell, rose and fell, so monotonously as to lull his
+consciousness imperceptibly; his head drooped forward, and with fingers
+still automatically gripped for support, he fell sound asleep also.
+
+The raft drifted aimlessly on, the waves lapping its sides, and tossing
+it about as though in wanton play. The currents and the wind held it in
+their relentless grip, and bore it steadily forward, surging along the
+grey surface of the sea. The girl lay quiet, her face upturned,
+unconscious now of her dread surroundings; and the man swayed above her,
+his head bent upon his breast, both sleeping the sleep of sheer
+exhaustion. Out of the dim mist shrouding the eastern sky the vague
+outline of a distant steamer revealed itself for a moment, the smoke from
+its stacks adding to the gathering gloom. It was but a vision fading
+swiftly away into silence. No throb of the engines awoke the unconscious
+sleepers; no eye on the speeding deck saw the low-lying raft, or its
+occupants. The vessel vanished as suddenly as it had appeared, leaving
+nothing but a trackless waste of sea. The two slept on.
+
+It was the startled cry of Natalie that roused West, and brought his
+drooping head, upright. She was sitting up, still held safely by the coil
+of rope, and pointing excitedly behind him.
+
+"Oh, see there! Look where I point--isn't that land?"
+
+The raft rocked as he swung his body hastily about, and gazed intently in
+the direction indicated. Land! of course it was land; land already so
+close at hand, his eyes could trace its conformation--the narrow strip of
+sand beach, the sharp bluff beyond, the fringe of trees crowning the
+summit. He rubbed his eyes, scarcely able to credit his sight, half
+believing it a mirage. Yet the view remained unchanged; it was land, a
+bit of the west shore, a short promontory running out into the lake
+toward which the raft, impelled by some hidden current, was steadily
+drifting. His arm clapped the girl in sudden ecstasy.
+
+"Yes, it's land, thank God!" he exclaimed thoughtfully. "We are floating
+ashore, Natalie--saved in spite of ourselves. Why, we could not have been
+so far out in the lake after all. That must be why all those vessels
+passed to the east of us. I ought to have thought of that before; those
+villains would never have deserted the yacht in mid-lake, and taken to
+the boat. They must have known they could make shore easily."
+
+Her glance searched the face of the bluff, which with each moment was
+becoming more distinctly visible.
+
+"You don't suppose they landed here, do you?"
+
+"Not very likely; even if they did they are not here now. They would have
+made it before daylight this morning. All the time we have been drifting
+out there they had to get away in. There is no danger that Hogan is
+anywhere along this shore now."
+
+"You think he and--and those others have all gone?"
+
+"Yes; why should they hang around here? The last idea in their heads
+would be the possibility of our ever drifting in alive. Hogan has gone
+back to Chicago to make a report to Hobart, and the rest have scattered
+like a covey of partridges. Not one of them has a thought but that we
+went down in the _Seminole_. Now they'll pull off their graft, and pull
+it quick."
+
+"And what will you do?"
+
+"Get safely ashore first. It will be dark in less than an hour; but we
+are too far out yet to venture swimming. We shall have to hang tight to
+the raft a while yet, and drift; the current is carrying us all right. Do
+you see any sign of life over there--houses, or smoke?"
+
+"No; I have been looking; the whole shore-line appears utterly deserted.
+Have you any idea where we can be?"
+
+"Not the slightest; only this is certainly the west shore; there is no
+such abandoned spot anywhere between Chicago and Milwaukee, and we must
+be much farther north. They had plenty of time to put the yacht quite a
+ways up shore before they sank her."
+
+"Hogan must have known where he was."
+
+"Unquestionably; it was all planned out; he knew exactly where he
+intended to land, and how long it would take them to reach there after
+they left the yacht."
+
+"Perhaps," she suggested hesitatingly, "the gang had some rendezvous up
+here in these north-woods, a place where they could hide."
+
+West shook his head negatively.
+
+"No, I don't think that; they may know the country, and how best to get
+away quickly. But those fellows are city thieves--Hobart and Hogan
+anyway--and would feel far safer back in their haunts in Chicago. There
+is no place like a big city to hide in, and besides, even if they have
+got the money already,--which I doubt--there has been no chance to divide
+it, and 'Red' would never let Hobart get away without paying him his
+share. They are not loitering around here, Natalie, waiting for ghosts to
+appear; they are back in town hours ago."
+
+"But what can we do?"
+
+"Get ashore first, of course, and discover the quickest way to return to
+the city. None of this shore is deserted, and we'll find houses back
+behind that fringe of woods. I figure we have a big advantage. We know
+their real game now, and they are so sure we are both dead, they'll
+operate in the open--walk right into a trap. By this time McAdams must
+have discovered some clue as to the whereabouts of Hobart. With him under
+arrest, and our story told, some of these fellows will confess, and it
+will all be over with."
+
+"But suppose they have already succeeded in their purpose?"
+
+"That can hardly be possible, Natalie. There hasn't been time yet.
+Certain legal forms must be complied with. You could only draw a
+limited amount."
+
+"Until I reached a certain age; after which there was no restriction. I
+attained that age yesterday."
+
+"And they are aware of it, no doubt. Yet there must be some legal
+authorization necessary which may cause delay. The sooner we reach
+Chicago, the better. It is twilight already--the sun has gone down behind
+the bluff, but it will require an hour yet for this raft to drift into
+shallow water. You swim, you told me?"
+
+"Yes, very well indeed."
+
+"Shall we risk it then together? It is not far to the end of the
+point yonder."
+
+She looked where he pointed and smiled, glancing back into his
+questioning eyes.
+
+"Why, that involves no danger at all. I will do anything to get off this
+raft. But if we are going to have light we must start at once."
+
+The two slipped silently over the edge of the dipping raft, and struck
+out for the nearest point of land, West loitering slightly behind, afraid
+lest she might be hampered, and perhaps dragged down by her water-soaked
+clothes. A few strokes reassured him as to this, as she struck out
+vigorously, her every motion exhibiting trained skill. She glanced back
+at him, and smiled at his precaution; then faced resolutely toward the
+distant shore, swimming easily. He followed closely, timing his strokes
+to her own, confident, yet watchful still, while behind them, now but a
+dim speck in the grey sea, wallowed the deserted raft.
+
+The distance was greater than it had seemed, the twilight deceiving their
+eyes, while their clothing had a tendency to retard progress. Weakened by
+lack of food, and buffetted by cross currents, both were decidedly
+exhausted by the time their lowering feet finally touched bottom. Natalie
+staggered, faint and dizzy from the exertion, but West grasped her in his
+arms before she could fall, and carried her across the sand beach to the
+foot of the cliff. She laughed as he laid her gently down in the soft
+sand, putting up her arms to him like a child, and drawing his face down
+until their lips met.
+
+"Oh," she exclaimed breathlessly, "That was glorious, but I hardly had
+enough strength left to make it. It--it was an awfully long way."
+
+"There are currents off shore," he explained. "That was what made the
+swimming so difficult. You are all right now."
+
+"Yes; at least I think so," she sat up. "Why, it is almost dark already.
+I cannot see the old raft at all. I--I wish it would come ashore; it gave
+you to me, Matt."
+
+"And you are not sorry, even now, safe here on shore?"
+
+"Sorry! Why I am the happiest girl in all the world this minute. I can
+hardly think about that money at all, or those scoundrels trying to rob
+me. I am here with you, and you love me--what more can I ask? Is that
+silly, dear?"
+
+He laughed, and kissed her, neither giving a thought to their dripping
+garments, or a regret for the hardships they had passed through. They
+were there alone, safe, together--all else for the moment mattered not.
+
+"Yes, I love you, Natalie, dear," he answered. "So it is not silly at
+all. But we must seek shelter and food. Are you strong enough now to
+climb the bluff? See, there is a ravine leading up yonder, where the
+footing is easier."
+
+She nodded her readiness to try, too happy for words, and hand in hand
+they toiled their way upward through the gloom.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX
+
+THE HOUSE IN THE BLUFFS
+
+
+The cleft in the bluff was both narrow and steep, but it gave them
+passage. At the upper end Natalie's reserve strength suddenly deserted
+her, and she sank down on the grass, labouring for breath, feeling unable
+to advance a step farther. The days and nights of excitement, coupled
+with lack of food and sleep, had left her physically weakened; now
+suddenly, even her will and courage both gave away.
+
+"No, it is nothing," she explained in a whisper. "I am just completely
+tired out, I guess. You go on, Matt, and find some place of shelter.
+Leave me to lie here; I'll not move, and you can find me easily. All I
+want now is to rest a few moments. Afraid! no I'll not be afraid. Why,
+what is there to fear? this is a civilized country, isn't it? I'll
+just sit where I am now until you come back--only--only don't go very
+far away."
+
+She held out her hand, and endeavoured to smile.
+
+"Desert me! Of course you are not, dear. I am bidding you go. I shall
+not mind being left here alone. I am so tired."
+
+They were at the summit of the bluff, looking out over the lake, now a
+mere darker blot. They could hear the dash of waves below them along the
+edge of sand. But in the opposite direction rose a somewhat higher ridge
+on which trees grew, completely excluding the view beyond. Between the
+branches the distant sky still retained a purple tinge from the sinking
+sun, leaving the impression that it was much lighter up there. West felt
+the importance of gaining a view inland before the closing down of night
+obscured everything, and therefore reluctantly left her alone there while
+he made his way to the top of the ridge. Once there he could look across
+the promontory of land, down into a little cove on the opposite side. It
+was well sheltered, and already wrapped in gloomy shadows, yet his eyes
+detected the outline of a boat of some size drawn up on the sandy beach.
+Beyond the dim certainty of what it was he could perceive nothing with
+which to identify the craft, and deeming it some fishing boat, gave its
+presence there no further heed.
+
+Glancing back to assure himself that Natalie was still safe where he had
+left her, he picked his way swiftly forward through the thick fringe of
+forest trees, until he came to the western edge of the wood, and could
+view the country beyond in the last spectral glow of the dying day. It
+was a wild, broken country thus revealed to his gaze, a land of ridges
+and ravines, rugged and picturesque, but exhibiting no evidence of roads,
+or inhabitants. Its very roughness of outline, and its sterile soil,
+explained the barrenness and desolation--a no-man's land, impossible of
+cultivation, it remained neglected and unused. At first he was sure of
+this, his heart sinking at the deserted landscape. They must plunge
+blindly forward in the dark over that rough, trackless country, seeking
+some possible shelter beyond. Weakened and exhausted as they both were
+the task seemed almost an impossible one. Then his eyes caught a thin
+spiral of smoke rising from out a narrow valley almost directly beneath
+where he stood, the depths of which were totally concealed from sight. As
+he stared at this, uncertain of its reality, a single spark of light
+winked out at him through the darkness. There was certainly a habitation
+of some kind hidden away down there--a fisherman's hut likely--but it
+would at least afford temporary shelter for the night; and there must be
+a road or path of some kind leading from it to the nearest village. If
+he could only leave Natalie there in safe hands, in the security of a
+home, however humble, food would give him strength to push on alone. The
+one thought in his mind now was to telegraph McAdams, so as to circumvent
+the plans of those rascals in Chicago. This must be done, and it must be
+done at the earliest moment possible. Perhaps the fisherman might possess
+a horse, or would carry the necessary message into town himself. West
+turned and hastened back through the woods, clambering down the slope of
+the ridge in darkness to the spot where he had left the girl. For the
+moment he could not distinguish her presence in the gloom, and, fearing
+he might have gone astray, called her name aloud.
+
+"Yes," she answered. "I am here; to your right. I am, standing up. Have
+you discovered anything?"
+
+"There is a house of some kind over yonder in a hollow just beyond the
+ridge--more than likely a fisherman's hut, as there is a boat of some
+kind beached in the cove the other side of this promontory. We will have
+to stumble along through the dark. Do you think you can make it?"
+
+"Of course, I can," and she placed her hand confidingly in his. "I am all
+right now; really I am; I guess all I needed was to get my breath. Do we
+go up here--the way you came back?"
+
+"I presume so; I know no other passage, and found no path."
+
+"But," she urged. "If there is a boat on the beach, isn't it likely there
+would be a trail from there to this fisherman's hut?"
+
+"Why, of course; it was stupid of me not to think of this before. The
+sooner we start, the quicker we shall arrive. I want most of all to
+telegraph McAdams."
+
+"Who?"
+
+"McAdams, the detective I told you about in Chicago, an old army buddy of
+mine. He'll have Hobart located by this time, no doubt, and will put the
+screws on him when he learns what has happened to us."
+
+"I see," she agreed softly, "and if he does know the whole story we need
+not be so crazy to get back. He will attend to everything."
+
+"Yes; we can wait up here until morning at least; you need a night's
+rest, and no wonder."
+
+He grasped her arm, helping her to clamber up the steep bank, suddenly
+becoming aware that the sleeve felt dry.
+
+"Why, Natalie, your clothes seem to have all dried off already; mine are
+soaked through," he exclaimed in surprise. "What necromancy is this?"
+
+She laughed, a faint tinge of mockery in the sound.
+
+"No mystery whatever; only a difference in texture, I imagine. This light
+stuff dries quickly, exposed to the air. Did you think you had hold of
+the wrong girl?"
+
+The tone of her voice stung slightly, causing him to make a sober answer.
+
+"That would, of course, be improbable, but I have been so completely
+deceived, even by daylight, that I dare not affirm that it would prove
+impossible. Your counterfeit is certainly a wizard."
+
+"She must be. But as she is miles away from here, you might let the
+suspicion rest. Is this where we go down?"
+
+She led the way, the action awakening no question in his mind. If he
+thought at all about her thus assuming the initiative, the suspicion was
+dismissed with the idea that probably her eyes were more keen to discover
+the best path. In this she was certainly successful, and he contented
+himself by following her closely. The night was already dark, the way
+irregular and confusing. She was but a dim shadow, advancing
+confidently, and now and then in their descent, he reached out and
+touched her to make sure of her presence. This action seemed to irritate
+for she turned once, and objected shortly.
+
+"Oh, don't do that, please; it startles me. My nerves are all on edge."
+
+"Of course they are, dear," he confessed apologetically. "I should have
+known better. It was so dark I almost thought you had slipped away. The
+boat I told you about must be close at hand."
+
+"The boat; oh, yes, but it can be of no use to us now. Feel here with
+your feet; I am sure this must be a path that I am in, and it can lead
+nowhere except to that house you saw."
+
+"Can you follow it?"
+
+"I think so; it seems to go straight up through the ravine; see, you can
+trace the bluff against the sky, and there is the opening just ahead of
+us. You may take my arm again now," she added graciously, "and then there
+will be no danger of either getting lost."
+
+He gladly did as she suggested, yet, strangely enough, continued to feel
+dissatisfied. Vaguely he felt that in some almost imperceptible manner
+she had changed her mood. He could not base his thoughts on a single
+word, or action, yet he felt the difference--this was not the Natalie of
+the raft. She was too irritable; too sharp of speech. But then, no doubt,
+she was tired, worn out, her nerves broken; indeed he found it hard to
+control himself, and he must not blame her for exhibiting weakness under
+the strain. So he drove the thought from him, clinging close to her arm,
+and vaguely wondering how she was able to trace the path so easily. They
+seemed to progress through an impenetrable wall of blackness, and yet the
+way had been cleared of obstacles, and was reasonably smooth. The slope
+upward was quite gradual, and the summit led directly into the mouth of a
+small valley. By this time even West could recognize that they were
+proceeding along a well used path, and he was not surprised when she
+announced the presence of the house before them, pointing out the dim
+shadow through the gloom. Otherwise his eyes might have failed to
+distinguish the outlines, but under her guidance he could make out enough
+of its general form to assure him that they were approaching no mere
+fisherman's shack.
+
+"That is no hut," he exclaimed in surprise. "It looks more like a
+mansion."
+
+"And why not?" pleasantly enough. "I have always heard these bluffs were
+filled with summer homes. Unfortunately this one appears to be deserted.
+But we must go on, and try to discover some inhabitant."
+
+There was no light to guide them, yet the path was easily followed,
+through what apparently was an orchard, then through the gate of a rustic
+fence to a broad carriage drive, circling past the front door. All was
+silence, desolation; no window exhibited a gleam of radiance, nor did a
+sound greet them from any direction. They paused an instant before the
+front door, uncertain how to proceed.
+
+"But there must be some one about here," West insisted. "For this was
+the house I saw from the ridge, and there was a light burning then in
+one of the windows, and there was a wisp of smoke rising from a chimney.
+Perhaps the shutters are all closed, or, early as it is, the people may
+have retired."
+
+She stepped boldly forward, and placed her hand on the knob of the door.
+
+"Why," she whispered, excitedly. "It is unlocked; see, I can open it.
+Perhaps something is wrong here. What shall we do?"
+
+"Knock first; then if there is no response, we can feel our way about
+inside. My matches are all wet."
+
+She rapped sharply on the wood; waited for some reply, and then called
+out. Not a sound reached them from within. The situation was strange,
+nerve-racking, and she shrank back as though frightened before the black
+silence confronting her. West, his teeth clinched, stepped in through the
+open door, determined to learn the secret of that mysterious interior.
+With hands outstretched he felt his way forward, by sense of touch alone
+assuring himself that he traversed a hall, carpeted, his extended arms
+barely reaching from wall to wall. He encountered no furniture, and must
+have advanced some two yards, before his groping disclosed the presence
+of a closed door on the left. He had located the knob, when the outer
+door suddenly closed, as though blown shut by a draught of wind, and, at
+the same instant, his eyes were blinded by a dazzling outburst of light.
+
+This came with such startling, unexpected brilliancy that West staggered
+back as though struck. For the instant he was positively blind; then he
+dimly perceived a man standing before him--a man who, little by little,
+became more clearly defined, recognizable, suddenly exhibiting the
+features of Jim Hobart, sarcastically grinning into his face.
+
+"You are evidently a cat of nine lives, West," he said sneeringly. "But
+this ought to be the last of them."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX
+
+HOBART FORGETS AND TALKS
+
+
+For a moment West lost all control over himself. He was too completely
+dazed for either words or action; could only stare into that mocking
+countenance confronting him, endeavouring to sense what had really
+occurred. He was undoubtedly trapped again, but how had the trick been
+accomplished? What devilish freak of ill luck had thus thrown them once
+more into the merciless hands of this ruffian? How could it have happened
+so perfectly? The boat on the sand in the cove yonder; perhaps that was
+the key to the situation. Those fellows who had left the _Seminole_ to
+sink behind them, knew where they were when they deserted the yacht; they
+landed at the nearest point along shore, where they had a rendezvous
+already arranged for. Then what? The helpless raft had naturally drifted
+in the same direction, blown by the steady east wind, until gripped by
+the land current, and thus finally driven into this opening on the
+coast. His mind had grasped this view, this explanation, before he even
+ventured to turn his head, and glance at the girl. She stood leaning back
+against the closed door as though on guard, her uncovered hair ruffled, a
+scornful, defiant look in her eyes, the smile on her lips revealing the
+gleam of white teeth. In spite of a wonderful resemblance, a mysterious
+counterfeit in both features and expression, West knew now this was not
+Natalie Coolidge. Her dress, the way in which her hair was done, the
+sneering curl of her red mouth, were alike instantly convincing. He had
+permitted himself to be tricked again by the jade; the smart of the wound
+angered him beyond control.
+
+"You are not Miss Coolidge," he insisted hotly. "Then who are you?"
+
+She laughed, evidently enjoying the scene, confident of her own
+cleverness.
+
+"Oh, so even Captain West has at last penetrated the disguise. No, I am
+not the lady you mention, if you must know."
+
+"Then who are you?"
+
+She glanced toward Hobart, as though questioning, and the man answered
+the look gruffly.
+
+"Tell him if you want to, Del," he said, with an oath. "It will never do
+the guy any good. He's played his last hand in this game; he'll never
+get away from me again. Spit it out."
+
+"All right," with a mocking curtsey. "I've got an idea I'd like to tell
+him; it is too good a joke to keep, and this fellow has certainly been an
+easy mark. You never did catch on to me until I got into the wrong
+clothes, did you, old dear? Lord, but I could have had you making love to
+me, if I'd only have said the word--out there on the hills in the dark,
+hey! I sure wanted to laugh; but that tender tone of yours told me what
+you were up to; what sent you trailing us around the country--you was
+plumb nutty after this Natalie Coolidge. That's the straight goods, isn't
+it, Mister Captain West?"
+
+"I care very much for Miss Coolidge, if that is what you mean."
+
+"Sure you do; and you've put up a game fight for her too, my boy.
+I'd like it in you if I wasn't on the other side. But you see we
+can't be easy on you just because of that. Sentiment and romance is
+one thing, while business is another. You and I don't belong in the
+same worlds--see? You can't rightly blame me because I was born
+different, can you?"
+
+"Perhaps not; what would you make me believe?"
+
+"I thought I'd put it that way so you'd understand, that's all. There's
+a difference in people, ain't there. I'm just as good looking as this
+Natalie Coolidge, ain't I? Sure I am; you can't even tell us apart when
+we are dressed up alike. I could come in here, and have you make love to
+me inside of twenty minutes. But we ain't a bit alike for all that. She's
+a lady, and I'm a crook--that's the difference. She's been brought up
+with all the money she wants, while I've had to hustle for every penny
+since I was a kid. Now life don't ever look the same to any two people
+like that."
+
+"No," West admitted, beginning to realize her defence. "It is hardly
+probable it would."
+
+"That's why I'm in this case," she went on, apparently unheeding his
+interruption. "I was brought up a thief, and I don't know anything else.
+I never did care much, but in this Coolidge matter, I've got just as much
+right to all that kale as she has--so naturally I'm going after it."
+
+"As much right, you say? Why, who are you?"
+
+She stood up straight, and looked at him, her eyes burning.
+
+"Me!" scornfully, "Why I am Delia Hobart--'Diamond Del,' they call me."
+
+"Yes, but that is not what you mean; that gives you no such right as you
+claim. You are Hobart's daughter then?"
+
+"I didn't say so, Mister Captain West. I told you my moniker, that's all.
+Jim here brought me up, but he ain't no father to me, and his wife ain't
+my mother. It took me a while to find that out, but I got the thing
+straight at last. I saw then just what those two were driving at; first I
+didn't take no particular interest in the scheme; then I got to thinking
+until finally I hated that soft, downy thing; damn her, she'd robbed me,
+and I had a right to my share even if I had to steal it."
+
+"What soft, downy thing?"
+
+"Natalie Coolidge! Bah, I went out to see her once. Jim took me and
+we hid in the garden; and when I came back I was raving mad. Lord,
+why should that little idiot have everything while half the time I
+was hungry?"
+
+"You mean you envied her?"
+
+"Envied, hell! Didn't I have a right? Wasn't she my twin sister? Didn't
+she have it all, and I nothing?"
+
+He gasped for breath at this sudden revelation. Then he laughed,
+convinced it could not be possible.
+
+"Who told you that?"
+
+"Why, don't you believe it? Has she never said a word about it to you?"
+
+"Certainly not. I am sure she possesses no knowledge of ever having had a
+sister. Moreover, I do not believe it is true. If you had proof of such
+relationship, why didn't you go to her, and openly claim your share?"
+
+"Go to her! me? Do you hear that Jim? Isn't he the cute little fixer?
+Why, of course, she knew it; there was nothing doing on the divide. It's
+all straight enough, only we couldn't quite prove it by law; anyhow that
+is what they told me--so we got at it from another direction."
+
+She seemed so convinced, so earnest in her statement that West in
+perplexity turned to glance at Hobart.
+
+"Do you make this claim also?" he asked.
+
+"What claim?"
+
+"That this girl is a twin sister to Natalie Coolidge? Why, it is
+preposterous."
+
+"Is it? Damned if I think so. Now look here, West; I don't know just what
+the Coolidge girl has been told; maybe she never even heard she had a
+twin sister. If they ever told her that she had, then they must have told
+her also that the sister died in infancy. Anyhow, that's how it stands on
+the records. There were just two people who knew different--do you get
+me? One of them is dead, but one of them is still alive."
+
+"Which one is dead?"
+
+"Percival Coolidge; he knew too much and got gay; he planned to cop the
+whole boodle. The fact is he started the whole scheme, soon as he learned
+who Del was, and planned it all out. He was up against it hard just then
+for money; he'd lost all his own, and couldn't get hold of Natalie's
+because the old family lawyer watched things so close."
+
+"But if this girl was really entitled to a part of it, why not claim
+it by law?"
+
+"We talked about that, but the chance didn't look good. Everything showed
+the second child died; hospital records, doctor's certificate; there
+wasn't a link in the chain we could break. Percival wouldn't go on the
+stand, and there wasn't much he could swear to if he did."
+
+"But who was the other witness--the living one?"
+
+"The nurse; she made the exchange of the dead baby for the living one. It
+was easily done as the child was really sick."
+
+"But for what object--revenge?"
+
+"She was poor, and yielded to temptation. Percival Coolidge paid her to
+make the exchange. I have never been able to learn what his original
+purpose was, but she thinks he believed the stolen child was a boy, and
+that later, through him, the Coolidge money might be controlled. However
+the woman lost her nerve, and disappeared with the infant. She brought it
+up as her own in the west, where she married again. I am her second
+husband, and that is how I learned the truth."
+
+"The woman on the yacht?"
+
+"Yes, you saw her. The child was brought up in our life; I figured on
+this coup for years, and finally when all was ready, we came back east
+again. I had a plan, but I wasn't quite sure it would work until I could
+see the two girls together. After that it was like taking candy from a
+kid. Hell, you are the only one who has even piped off the game."
+
+West looked closely at the man, who was thus coolly boasting of his
+exploits, and then at the silent girl, whose eyes sullenly gave back
+their challenge. What did it all mean? Why were they calmly telling him
+these things? Was it merely the egotism of crime, pride of achievement?
+or did Hobart hope in some way to thus win his assistance, or at least
+his silence?
+
+"Why do you tell all this to me, Hobart?" he asked shortly. "You do not
+expect me to play with you in the game, do you?"
+
+"You!" the fellow laughed coarsely. "We don't care what you do, you young
+fool. Del started this talking, and I let her go on. Then, when she
+stopped, I thought you might as well learn the rest of it. The fact is,
+West, we're fixed now so whatever you know won't hurt us any. We have as
+good as got the swag; and, to make it absolutely safe, we've got both you
+and the girl. I'll say this for you, old man, you've sure put up a game
+fight. I don't know how the hell you ever got out of that yacht alive, or
+ever happened to drift in here. It was nothing but bull luck that gave us
+a glimpse of you tossing round on that raft--but after that it was dead
+easy. Del here is some actorine."
+
+"Yes," she broke in, "but I came near falling down this time. I forgot
+they had been in the water, and my dress was dry as a bone--say, I
+thought he'd tripped me sure."
+
+"You say you've got the swag?"
+
+"All but in our hands; nobody can get it away from us. The court order
+was issued today; the entire estate placed, in accordance with the terms
+of the will, in the possession of Natalie Coolidge. Once the proper
+receipt is signed, all monies can be checked out by her. That about
+settles it, doesn't it? Tomorrow Del and I will go down to the city, and
+turn the trick, and after that there is nothing left but the get-away."
+
+It was a cold blooded proposition, but neither face exhibited any
+regret; both were intoxicated by success; untroubled by any scruples
+of conscience. West felt the utter uselessness of an attempt to appeal
+to either.
+
+"Where is Natalie Coolidge?" he asked, his own determination hardening.
+"What do you propose doing with her?"
+
+Hobart's teeth exhibited themselves in a sardonic grin.
+
+"That is our business, but you can bet she'll not interfere."
+
+"And a similar answer, I presume, will apply also to my case?"
+
+"It will. Don't make the mistake, West, of believing we are damn fools. I
+don't know just why I've blowed all this to you, but it ain't going to
+help you any, you can be sure of that. In fact your knowing how the thing
+was worked is liable to make things a blame sight harder in your case. We
+won't do no more talking; so go on in through that door."
+
+The fellow's demeanour had entirely changed; he was no longer pretending
+to geniality, and his words were almost brutal. Apparently, all at once,
+it had dawned sharply upon him that they had made a mistake--had boasted
+far too freely. Any slip now, after what had been said, would wreck the
+ship. West faced him watchfully, fully aware of the desperate situation,
+instinctively feeling that this might be his last chance.
+
+"In there, you say?" indicating the closed door.
+
+"Yes; move!"
+
+He did; with one swift leap forward, the whole impetus of his body behind
+the blow, West drove his fist straight into the face confronting him. The
+fellow reeled, clutched feebly at the smooth wall for support, dropped
+helplessly forward, and fell headlong, with face hidden in outstretched
+arms. The assailant sprang back, and turned, in a mad determination to
+crash his way out through the locked door behind, but as suddenly stopped
+startled by the vision of a levelled revolver pointed at his head.
+
+"Not a move," the girl said icily. "Take one step, and I'll kill you."
+
+Hobart lifted his head groggily, and pushed himself half-way up on
+his knees.
+
+"Don't shoot unless he makes you, Del," he ordered grimly. "We don't want
+that kind of row here." He dragged himself painfully to the side door,
+and pressed it open.
+
+"Hey you!" he cried. "Come on out here. Now then, rough-house this guy!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI
+
+McADAMS BLOWS IN
+
+
+It was a real fight; they all knew that when it was finished. But it was
+three to one, with Hobart blocking the only open door, and egging them
+on, and the excited girl, backed into a corner out of the way, the
+revolver still gripped in her hand, ready for any emergency. The
+narrowness of the hall alone afforded West a chance, as the walls
+protected him, and compelled direct attack from in front. Yet this
+advantage only served to delay the ending. He recognized two of the
+fellows--"Red" Hogan and Mark--while the third man was a wiry little
+bar-room scrapper, who smashed fiercely in through his guard, and finally
+got a grip on his throat which could not be wrenched loose. The others
+pounded him unmercifully, driving his head back against the wall. Hogan
+smashed him twice, crashing through his weak attempt at defence, and with
+the second vicious drive, West went down for the count, lying motionless
+on the floor, scarcely conscious that he was still living.
+
+Yet in a dazed, helpless way, he was aware of what was occurring about
+him; he could hear voices, feel the thud of a brutal kick. Some one
+dragged him out from the mess, and turned his face up to the light; but
+he lay there barely breathing; his eyes tightly closed.
+
+"It's a knock-out all right," Hogan declared. "That guy is good for an
+hour in dream-land. What's the dope?"
+
+"We got to keep him here, that's all; and there's goin' to be no get-away
+this time."
+
+"How'd he do it before, Jim? did he tell you?"
+
+"Not a damned word; I was fool enough to do all the talking. But this
+fellow is too slick to take any more chances with."
+
+"Do you want him croaked?"
+
+"No, I don't--not now. What the hell's the use? It would only make things
+harder. We're ready to make our get-away, ain't we? After tomorrow all
+hell can't get onto our trail. This guy's life wouldn't help us none, so
+far as I can see."
+
+"Getting squeamish, ain't you?"
+
+"No, I'm not. I've got as much reason to hate the fellow as you have,
+'Red.' He certainly swiped me one. Before we had the swag copped, I was
+willing enough to put him out of the running. That was business. You sure
+did a fine job then, damn you; now I don't think it is your time to howl.
+Listen here, will you? From all I learn, this bird amounts to something;
+he ain't just a dago to be bumped off, and nobody care what's become of
+him. This guy has got friends. It won't help us any to be hunted after
+for murder on top of this other job. If we cop the kale, that's all we're
+after. Is that right, Del?"
+
+The girl seemed to come forward, and face them defiantly.
+
+"Sure it's right. I never was for the strong arm stuff, Hogan. This is my
+graft, anyhow, and not one of you stiffs gets a penny of it unless I
+split with you. This fellow isn't going to be slugged--that's flat. It is
+only because he's fell in love with the Coolidge girl that he is here,
+and once we've skipped out, I don't wish the guy any bad luck."
+
+"You ought to have caught him yourself, Del," some one said. "The bird
+never would have known the difference."
+
+She laughed, quickly restored to good humour.
+
+"You're about right there, Dave," she answered. "That was another
+mistake; the only chance I ever had of marrying in high social circles.
+But hell, I'll be a lady tomorrow, so let's let the poor devil go. Wrap
+him up, and lay him away out in the garage. The walls are two foot solid
+stone; he'll stay buried there all right."
+
+Hogan growled in derision, yet it was evident that she and Hobart would
+have their way. Some one brought a rope, which was deftly wound about
+him, West continuing to feign unconsciousness. He secretly hoped this
+condition might result in some carelessness on their part, in either
+speech or action. Anyway it would undoubtedly save him from further
+brutal treatment. He had no reason to suspect that his ruse was
+questioned. The fellows spoke freely while making him secure, but he
+gained very little information from their conversation--not a hint as to
+where Natalie was confined, or how long it was proposed to hold them
+prisoners. Then "Red" and Dave lugged his limp body through several
+rooms, out upon a back porch, finally dragging him down the steps and
+along a cement drive way, letting him lie there a moment in the dark,
+while one of them unlocked a door. The next instant he was carelessly
+thrown inside, and the door forced back into place. He could hear Hogan
+swear outside, and then the sound of both men's feet on the drive as
+they departed.
+
+With a struggle West managed to sit up, but could scarcely attempt more,
+as his arms were bound closely to his sides. The darkness about him was
+intense, and, with the disappearance of the two men up the steps, all
+outside sounds had ceased. He knew he had been flung into the garage and
+was resting there on the hard cement floor. He could neither feel nor see
+any machine, nor was there probably the slightest prospect of his getting
+out unaided. Those fellows would never have left him there without guard,
+had they dreamed any escape was possible. The girl had affirmed the
+building was constructed of stone, two feet thick. He stared around at
+the impenetrable black wall completely defeated. Undoubtedly they had him
+this time. He was weak from hunger, tired nearly to death; bruised and
+battered until it seemed as though every muscle in his body throbbed with
+pain. Yet his mind was not on these things, only incidentally; his
+thought, his anxiety centred altogether on Natalie Coolidge. What had
+become of her; where was she now? He had no reason to believe her in any
+great personal danger. If this gang, satisfied of success, were disposed
+to spare his life, it was hardly probable they would demand her's. Now
+both the desire for murder, and the necessity, had passed. The fellows
+felt supremely confident the spoils were already theirs, and that all
+that was needed now to assure complete success was sufficient time in
+which to drop safely out of sight. Murder would hinder, rather than help
+this escape.
+
+But what a blind fool he had been; how strangely he had permitted this
+girl to lead him so easily astray. Why really, to his mind now, she
+possessed no real resemblance to Natalie; not enough, at least, to
+deceive the keen eyes of love. She had the features, the eyes, the hair,
+the voice, a certain trick of speech, which, no doubt, she had
+cultivated--but there were a thousand things in which she differed. Her
+laugh was not the same, nor the expression of her lips; she was like a
+counterfeit beside a good coin. It was easy to conceive how others might
+be deceived by her tricks of resemblance--servants, ordinary friends,
+even the old lawyer in charge of the estate--but it was inexcusable for
+him to have thus become a plaything. Yet he had, and now the mistake was
+too late to mend. He had left Natalie alone on the cliff, and then
+blindly permitted this chit to lead him straight into Hobart's set trap.
+Angered beyond control at the memory, West swore, straining fiercely in
+the vain endeavour to release his arms. Then, realizing his utter
+helplessness, he sank back on the floor, and lay still.
+
+What was that? He listened, for an instant doubtful if he had really
+heard anything. Then he actually heard a sound. He doubted no longer, yet
+made no effort to move, even holding his breath in suspense. There was
+movement of some kind back there--a cautious movement; seemingly the slow
+advance of something across the floor, a dog perhaps. West's heart
+throbbed with apprehension; suppose it was a dog, he had no means of
+protection from the brute. Cold sweat tingled on his flesh; there was
+nothing he could do, no place where he could go. The thing was moving
+nearer; yet surely it could not be a dog; no dog would ever creep like
+that. He could bear the strain no longer; it was beyond endurance.
+
+"What's moving back there?" he asked in a hoarse whisper.
+
+There was a moment of utter silence; then, a man's voice said in low,
+cautious tone.
+
+"The fellow ain't dead, Mac; anyhow he seems able to talk yet."
+
+"All right, we'll find out what he's got to say--go on along."
+
+West sat up, his heart bounding with sudden remembrance.
+
+"My God! McAdams is that you?"
+
+"You have the name--who's speaking?"
+
+"Matt West. Good God, but this is like a miracle. I'd played my last
+card. Come here, one of you, and cut these strings. I cannot even move,
+or stand up. Is it really you, Mac? Yes, yes, I am all right; they
+bruised me up a bit, of course, but that is nothing. Now I have a chance
+to pay them out. But who are with you? and how did you come to be here?"
+
+McAdams ran his knife blade through the lashings, feeling for them in the
+dark. Neither could see the other, but West realized that another man had
+crept up on the opposite side of him, and crouched there silently in the
+blackness.
+
+"Need any help, Mac?" the latter questioned in a whisper.
+
+"No, I've got him cut loose. This is the lad I told you about, Carlyn.
+You go on back, and, as soon as West gets limbered up a bit, and I hear
+his story, we join you out there. Then we'll know how the ground lies."
+
+The fellow crept away unseen, and McAdams gripped West's hand.
+
+"Say, but this is mighty good luck, old boy," he blurted out. "I was
+afraid you'd gone down in that yacht last night."
+
+"You were! How did you know about it?"
+
+"Stumbled on to the story, the way most detectives solve their mysteries.
+That is, I stumbled on some of it, and the rest I dug out for myself. It
+won't take long to explain and perhaps you better understand. They told
+me at the office when I got back about the _Seminole_ being tied up at
+the Municipal Pier, and that you had gone down there. Well, I made it as
+quick as I could, but the yacht was three hundred yards out in the lake
+by the time I arrived. There wasn't a damn thing to take after it in,
+and, besides, just then, I didn't really know any good police reason for
+chasing her. First thing I did was to try and find you, so we could get
+our heads together. But you wasn't there, and so I naturally jumped to
+the conclusion you must have got aboard someway. Say I combed that pier,
+believe me, West, and finally I ran across a kid who put me wise. He saw
+you go across the deck, and into the cabin with two other guys. They came
+out again, but you didn't. I pumped him until I got a pretty good
+description of both those fellows, and I decided one of them must be
+'Red' Hogan, about the toughest gun-man in Chicago."
+
+"It was Hogan."
+
+"I made sure of that afterwards. Then I got busy. If you was in the hands
+of that guy, and his gang, the chances was dead against you. But there
+wasn't a darn thing I could do, except to hunt up Hobart, wire every town
+along the north shore to keep an eye out for the yacht, and pick up a
+thread or two around town. I got a bit at that to wise me up. We found
+Hobart hid away in a cheap hotel out on Broadway, and put a trailer on
+him. The girl had disappeared; she'd been to a bank, and then to the
+Coolidge lawyer and signed some papers; after that we lost all trace of
+her for awhile. Your man Sexton, out at 'Fairlawn,' reported that she
+hadn't returned there. Then I got desperate and decided I'd blow the
+whole thing to the Coolidge lawyer, and get him to take a hand. I was
+afraid they were already for the get-a-way--see? I couldn't round 'em up
+alone; besides I'm a Chicago police officer, and have to keep more or
+less on my own beat."
+
+"And you told the lawyer?"
+
+"Everything I knew, and some I guessed at. I thought the old guy would
+throw a fit, but he didn't. He came through game after the first shock.
+But say, that dame had sold him out all right. He never had an inkling
+anything was wrong; no more did the banks. We went over, and talked to
+the president of one of them--a smooth guy with white mutton chops--and
+the girl had signed up the preliminary papers already, and tomorrow the
+whole boodle was going to drop softly into her lap. Say, I felt better
+when I learned they hadn't copped the swag yet. But just the same I
+needed help."
+
+"And you got it?"
+
+"Sure; those two duffers coughed up money in a stream. Called in a
+detective agency, and gave me three operatives to work under me. Got the
+chief on the wire, and made him give me a free hand. Then I had a cinch."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII
+
+A BRIDGE OF LOVE
+
+
+He paused, listening, but all remained quiet without, and he resumed his
+story. "There is not much else to it, West. A little after one o'clock
+the shadow phoned in from the Union depot that Hobart had just purchased
+two tickets for Patacne. We hustled over, but were too late to catch that
+train, but learned the girl had accompanied him on the trip. We caught
+another rattler two hours later, and got off at Patacne, which is about
+three miles west of here. It is not much of a job to gather up gossip in
+a small burg, and, inside of ten minutes, I had extracted all I needed
+from the station agent. It seems this outfit was the summer sensation out
+here. We hoofed it for reasons of our own, and came around by way of the
+lake shore, aiming to keep out of sight until after dark. That is how we
+discovered that _Seminole_ boat hauled up on the beach, but with no yacht
+in sight. One of the fellows with me said Hogan did a boat-sinking job
+before and got away with it, and that is how I figured that maybe you
+was at the bottom of Lake Michigan--see? Well, we crept up here through
+the woods, but nothing happened. Didn't look as if the place had a soul
+within a hundred miles of it--no smoke, no light; not a damn sound. We
+laid out and waited, not sure what we were up against. Finally we jimmied
+open the back door of this garage, just to find out whether those guys
+had a car out here, or not. They had, but we no more than located it when
+those two fellows came dragging you out of the back door of the house,
+and flung you in here like a bag of old linen. We lay still, and let them
+go back, but we hadn't any notion whether you was dead or alive--or
+whether it was really you; so we crawled up to find out. That's the
+story. Now what do you think we better do?"
+
+West moved his arms in an effort to restore circulation.
+
+"How many with you?"
+
+"Four altogether--hard boiled, too--five with you. Is there any fight
+left in you, old man?"
+
+"I'll say there is; I'd certainly like to get in one clip at 'Red' before
+the fracas is over."
+
+"That sounds vicious. Now who is inside?"
+
+"I saw five, and there may be others. If the crew of the _Seminole_ are
+here also, that would make quite a bunch."
+
+"I don't think they are, Captain. The station agent said several men
+bought tickets to Chicago early this afternoon. It is the real gang we've
+got cornered. Do you know just who they are?"
+
+"Those I saw were Hobart, 'Red' Hogan, the girl, a big fellow they called
+Mark who was on the yacht--"
+
+"Mark Sennett; he's Hogan's side-kick, and tough as they make 'em."
+
+"And a wiry little black-haired devil by the name of Dave."
+
+"Hell, is he in this too? that must be 'Dago Dave.' That guy would cut
+your throat for fifty dollars. Any others?"
+
+"Those were all I saw. No doubt Hobart's wife is in the house somewhere,
+guarding Natalie Coolidge probably."
+
+"Six altogether, counting the women."
+
+"Yes, and you better count them, for they will fight like tigers. The
+girl held me up at the point of a gun."
+
+"We've got to get the drop first, that's all. They're yellow, the whole
+outfit is yellow. Shootin' in the back is their style. Now, you know the
+lay inside the house; what is our best chance?"
+
+West studied over the situation, his eyes staring into the darkness, and
+McAdams waited.
+
+"Well, Mac," he said finally. "This is a new job for me, but I'd put a
+man out in front, and then take the others in through the back door. We'd
+have to rush it, of course. I know the front door is locked, and it
+couldn't be broken down quickly. I listened when those fellows went back,
+and I heard no click, as though they had locked the door behind them.
+They don't know anybody has been after them except me, and they believe I
+am done for. They feel so safe out here, they are a bit careless. I'll
+wager something we can walk straight in on the outfit; how does that
+strike you?"
+
+"As the only feasible plan. Let's crawl out of here."
+
+The arrangements were quickly perfected; a short, whispered conference
+in the dark; then one man crept silently away through the night toward
+the front of the house. McAdams added a few more words of instruction to
+the others, and, with West slightly in advance, revolvers drawn and
+ready, the five stole forward in the direction of the rear porch. The
+windows were either heavily curtained, or covered by outside shades, for
+no gleam of light was anywhere visible. West mounted the back steps
+silently, with McAdams close at his heels. A second later the entire
+bunch of officers were grouped before the door, poised breathless,
+listening for any sound from within. Nothing broke the impressive
+silence, and McAdam's hand closed over the knob, which he turned slowly.
+The door opened quietly into a darkened interior. For an instant he bent
+forward, peering through the narrow crack, endeavouring to learn what
+lay hidden beyond, the others quivering behind him. There was scarcely
+the sound of a breath audible. The detective hesitated; such luck, such
+carelessness on the part of criminals seemed almost uncanny; he half
+suspected some trap. Then he became convinced that this was only the
+result of recklessness--the fellows felt so safe in this hidden hole in
+the woods as to neglect all precaution. He stepped cautiously inside,
+leaving the door ajar for the others to follow. Then they
+paused--straight ahead a double swinging door divided the kitchen in
+which they were from another room beyond. Through the centre crack shone
+a single bar of light, barely visible, and forth through that same
+orifice came the sound of a voice speaking. McAdams flung up his hand in
+signal, and then crept silently forward.
+
+It was apparently a quarrel among thieves over the spoils, each fearful
+lest the other was double-crossing. Hobart and "Red" Hogan were doing
+most of the talking, although occasionally others chimed in, and once
+there was a woman's voice added to the debate. Seemingly the whole gang
+were present; a strong odour of tobacco smoke stole through the crack in
+the door, and both Hobart and Hogan swore angrily. Who was to remain out
+there on guard while Hobart and the girl returned to Chicago for the
+money was evidently the question, Hogan wishing to accompany them to make
+sure of his share. The woman sided with Hobart, the other men apparently
+ranged up with "Red," and some very plain talking was indulged in.
+
+McAdams listened grimly, the light through the crack showing his lips
+curled in a smile of appreciation. He lowered his head, and with one eye
+at the slight opening gained a glimpse of the lighted room beyond. A
+moment, motionless, he stared in on the scene; then straightened up, and,
+with revolver in hand, signalled to the others to close in closer. They
+stood there for a tense instant, poised and eager; then the doors were
+flung crashing back, and they leaped recklessly forward, out of the
+darkness into the light. It was a furious fight--sharp, merciless,
+uncompromising. The thieves, startled, desperate, were hurled back by the
+first rush against the further wall, tables and chairs overturned, the
+shrieking woman pushed headlong into one corner, and one of the fellows
+downed by the crashing butt of a revolver. But the others rallied,
+maddened, desperate, rats caught in a trap, fighting as animals fight.
+Hobart fired, catching an assailant in the arm; Hogan snatched up a chair
+and struck viciously at West, who leaped straight forward, breaking the
+full force of the blow, and driving his own fist into the man's face. It
+was all over within a minute's fierce fighting--the surprise turning the
+trick. Hobart went down cursing, the gun kicked out of his hand, his arm
+broken; Hogan, struggling still, but pinned to the floor by three men,
+was given a blow to the chin which left him unconscious, while the other
+two threw up their hands and yelled for mercy. McAdams wiped his
+streaming face, and looked around.
+
+It was a shambles, the floor spotted with blood, the table overturned and
+broken, a blanket over one of the windows torn down, a smashed chair in
+one corner. The detective who had been shot was still lying in front of
+the door, "Red" lay motionless, a ghastly cut over his eye, and Hobart,
+his arm dangling, sat propped up against the wall, cursing, malevolent,
+but helpless. On the other side stood Sennett and "Dago Dave," their
+hands high above their heads; each looking into the levelled barrel of a
+gun. The woman had got to her knees, still dazed from the blow which had
+felled her. The ex-service man smiled grimly, well satisfied.
+
+"Some surprise party, eh, Jim?" he asked pleasantly. "This rather puts a
+crimp in your little game, I would savy, old boy. Going to cop the whole
+boodle tomorrow, was you?"
+
+"Who the hell are you?"
+
+"Well, if I answer your questions, perhaps you will answer mine. I am
+McAdams of the City Hall Station, Chicago, and I know exactly what I am
+here after. So the best thing you guys can do, is cough up. Who's that
+girl who has been working with you?"
+
+Hobart glared sullenly, but made no response.
+
+"You'll not answer?"
+
+"Oh, go to hell!"
+
+"All right, old top. She is in this house somewhere, and can't get out.
+Somers, look around a bit; try behind those curtains over there."
+
+The officer stepped forward, but at the same instant the draperies
+parted, and two girls stood beside each other in the opening, framed
+against the brighter glare of light beyond--two girls, looking so alike,
+except for dress and the arrangement of their hair, as to be almost
+indistinguishable--Natalie white faced, frightened, gazing with wide-open
+eyes on the strange scene before her; the other smiling, and audacious,
+her glance full of defiance. It was the voice of the latter which broke
+the silence.
+
+"Am I the one you want, Mr. Bob McAdams?" she asked clearly. "Very well,
+I am here."
+
+McAdams stared at them both, gulping in startled surprise at the vision
+confronting him, unable to find words. Then his eyes fixed themselves on
+the face of the speaker.
+
+"What!" he burst forth. "You, Del? Great Scott! your name was Hobart,
+wasn't it? Why I never once connected you two together. Is--is this guy
+your father?"
+
+"I don't know about that," she returned indifferently. "It is a matter of
+argument I believe. However, Bob, what's the odds now? I am the one
+you're after, Mister fly-cop; and here I am."
+
+She walked forward, almost proudly, her eyes shining, and gazing
+fearlessly into his. He stepped back, one hand extended.
+
+"No, Del, this must be a mistake. I--I can't believe it of you, you--you
+are not a crook."
+
+"Oh, yes I am," she insisted, but with a tremor in the low voice.
+"I've never been anything else, Bobby boy--thanks, thanks to that
+thing down there."
+
+Natalie still remained poised uncertainly in the door-way, scarcely
+realizing what was occurring before her; she saw suddenly a familiar
+face, and held out her hands.
+
+"Oh, Matt, what is it?" she cried. "Is--is it all over?"
+
+"Yes, all over, dear; these are police officers."
+
+"And that--that girl? She looks so much like me. Who is she? do
+you know?"
+
+West clasped her hands tightly, his voice sunk to a whisper.
+
+"She is your sister, Natalie," he asserted soberly, "Your twin sister."
+
+Her unbelieving eyes swept to his face.
+
+"My sister; my twin sister? But I had none."
+
+"Yes, but you did," he insisted gently. "You never knew it, but Percival
+Coolidge did. This was his devilish scheme, plotted years ago when you
+were born. Now here is the end of it--the girl is your sister. There is
+no doubt of that."
+
+"No doubt, you say! My sister!" Her head lifted, and there was a flame of
+colour in her cheeks. "My sister!" she repeated, as though she would thus
+make it seem more true. "Then I will go to her, Matthew West."
+
+She loosened the clasp of her fingers and walked forward, unseeing her
+surroundings, her eyes misted with tears. Straight across the room she
+went, her hands outstretched to where the other shrank back from her in
+embarrassment--between them still the gulf which love must bridge.
+
+
+THE END
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's The Case and The Girl, by Randall Parrish
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 12357 ***
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+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #12357 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/12357)
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Case and The Girl, by Randall Parrish
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Case and The Girl
+
+Author: Randall Parrish
+
+Release Date: May 15, 2004 [EBook #12357]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE CASE AND THE GIRL ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Charles Aldarondo, Mary Meehan and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                          THE CASE AND THE GIRL
+
+                           BY RANDALL PARRISH
+
+                                  1922
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+CHAPTER
+
+
+     I THE LADY IN THE LIMOUSINE
+
+    II A SUDDEN ENGAGEMENT
+
+   III THE COOLIDGE HOME
+
+    IV MISS COOLIDGE EXPLAINS
+
+     V WEST WINS THE FIRST HAND
+
+    VI UNTANGLING THREADS
+
+   VII A VISIT TO THE INDIGENT
+
+  VIII A NEW MISS COOLIDGE
+
+    IX AN UNEXPECTED DISMISSAL
+
+     X THE BODY OF A SUICIDE
+
+    XI SUSPICION VERIFIED
+
+   XII AGAINST A STONE WALL
+
+  XIII 238 WRAY STREET
+
+   XIV TRAPPED
+
+    XV THE EDGE OF COMPROMISE
+
+   XVI WEST MAKES HIS CHOICE
+
+  XVII FACING DEATH
+
+ XVIII UNDER COVER
+
+   XIX THE COMING OF A MESSAGE
+
+    XX WHAT THE TELEPHONE TOLD
+
+   XXI THE YACHT "SEMINOLE"
+
+  XXII KIDNAPPED
+
+ XXIII THE FATE OF A PRISONER
+
+  XXIV THE SINKING YACHT
+
+   XXV FREE OF THE YACHT
+
+  XXVI THE COMING OF DAWN
+
+ XXVII LOVE BREAKS SILENCE
+
+XXVIII AN ESCAPE FROM THE RAFT
+
+  XXIX THE HOUSE IN THE BLUFFS
+
+   XXX HOBART FORGETS AND TALKS
+
+  XXXI McADAMS BLOWS IN
+
+ XXXII A BRIDGE OF LOVE
+
+
+
+
+THE CASE AND THE GIRL
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+THE LADY IN THE LIMOUSINE
+
+
+West, still attired in khaki uniform, but wearing the red chevron of
+honourable discharge on his left sleeve, sat in the Club writing room,
+his feet comfortably elevated, endeavouring to extract some entertainment
+from the evening paper. The news was not particularly interesting,
+however, and finally, obsessed with the feeling that it would soon be
+time for him to seriously contemplate the procuring of suitable
+employment, the young man turned the sheet about rather idly, and ran his
+eyes down the columns devoted to classified advertising.
+
+Half way down the first column, under the head of "miscellaneous," he
+paused and read a paragraph with some interest; then read it over again,
+emitting a soft whistle between his teeth.
+
+"Well, by Jove!" he said to himself slowly, "That doesn't sound so bad
+either; out of the ordinary, at least. Say, Thompson," and he turned to
+a tall young fellow busily writing at the adjoining desk, and shoved the
+paper under his eyes, pointing at the paragraph which had attracted
+attention, with one finger, "What do you make out of that, old man?"
+
+The other, rather sober-faced, and slow of speech, read the advertisement
+word by word, with no change of expression.
+
+"Rot," he said solemnly. "Either a joke, or some scheme on. Why?
+interested in it?"
+
+"In a measure, yes. Sounds rather business-like to me. I've got a good
+mind to answer, and take a chance."
+
+"You're a fool if you do, Matt," decisively, and turning back to his
+writing. "That is some game being pulled off, and the first thing you
+know, you'll be in bad. Likely as not it means blackmail. Besides there
+is no address."
+
+"That's one thing I like about it," retorted the other. "They are in
+earnest, and taking no chances of having their purpose guessed at. There
+is a way to reach them, if the one answering is sufficiently in earnest.
+By Jove, I don't see how any one can get in bad, merely by finding out
+what it all means."
+
+"Well, do as you please; you would anyhow. Only you have my advice."
+
+West read the item again. He had been eighteen months in France, and his
+discharge from the army had left him bored and dissatisfied with the dull
+routine of civil life. He dreaded to get back into the harness of a
+prosaic existence; even his profession as a civil engineer had someway
+lost its charm. He had tasted the joy of adventure, the thrill of danger,
+and it was still alluring. This advertisement promised a mystery which
+strangely attracted his imagination.
+
+_"Wanted: Young man of education and daring for service involving some
+personal peril. Good pay, and unusual reward if successful. May have to
+leave city. Purpose disclosed only in personal interview."_
+
+As Thompson had pointed out, this was not signed, nor any address given.
+
+West crossed over to an unoccupied desk, and wrote a reply, changing the
+wording several times, and finally making a clean copy. Thompson glanced
+across at him, but said nothing. The answer read:
+
+_"To Advertiser: Am 26; late captain of Engineers; University graduate
+adventurous disposition. Would be glad to consider your proposition.
+Address, Box 57, University Club."_
+
+He placed this in an envelope, called a Club messenger, and, handing the
+boy a sum of money, sent him over to the newspaper office.
+
+Two days elapsed before an answer appeared in his box; a small envelope,
+addressed in a lady's handwriting apparently, and mailed from one of the
+sub-postoffices. West tore it open rather eagerly, and read the contents
+with surprise. The words within had been written by the same hand which
+appeared upon the envelope, but the language used gave him no clue to the
+purpose of the writer. The brief note read:
+
+"Box 57 University Club.
+
+"Your answer to advertisement makes a good impression, and I am willing
+to put you to the further test of a personal meeting. If you are in
+earnest in this matter, and quite prepared to assume the necessary risk,
+you will be at the north-west corner of Spaulding Park at 5:30 to-morrow
+afternoon. Do not come in uniform, but it will be well to bring evening
+clothes in a bag. Be sure of yourself, and be prompt.
+
+"Very truly yours,
+
+"The Advertiser."
+
+West read this over, again and again, smoking furiously, and endeavouring
+to weigh each word. He saw Thompson in the other room, but decided not to
+submit the epistle to his criticism. The letter sounded honest and
+sincere; the writer evidently had a purpose in view, and was selecting
+an agent with great care and secrecy. No hint as to what that object was
+would be revealed blindly--he must be tried in every way first;
+thoroughly tested as to both character and courage. Undoubtedly steps had
+already been taken to do this. The delay in reply would have afforded
+opportunity for some investigation, as his address would give the
+necessary clue to his identity. The request for evening clothes, however,
+rather reassured him; evidently his first plunge into this mystery was
+not to occur in any stratum of low society; no vast amount of personal
+danger could be involved in such preliminaries. The truth was, the note
+only increased his former interest in the case, and his determination to
+probe more deeply into its mystery. So the advertiser was a woman! This
+fact also stimulated his imagination, and rendered him the more eager. By
+Jove! he would see the thing through!
+
+His decision was reached, yet West, although still young and adventurous,
+had received the rigorous training of the soldier, and learned lessons of
+discretion. He would go, but would make every effort to protect himself
+against any possible treachery. He had a room at the Club, and wrote a
+letter or two before proceeding to dress, arranging for their personal
+delivery in case he failed to return at a designated time; carefully
+examined his service revolver, and deposited it in the pocket of the
+business suit he decided to wear. Satisfied with these arrangements, he
+dressed rapidly, and then packed his bag, bearing it in his hand as he
+departed in ample time for the point of rendezvous. A cab took him to the
+place designated, and he found himself alone in a rather desolate spot,
+with which he was in no way familiar. No doubt he had passed there again
+and again, as a boulevard extended along one side of the small park, yet
+his memory retained no clear recollection of the place. There were a few
+small stores opposite, while the park itself was well kept, and populated
+almost entirely by nursemaids, judging from the number of baby carriages
+trailing along the walks. Back of the curb were a few benches, but West
+chose to remain outside, depositing his bag in plain view of any one
+passing, and then walked back and forth somewhat nervously. He was there
+several minutes ahead of time, and compared his watch by a clock in a
+church tower a block away. He had no knowledge of how he was to be
+approached, or identified, but his being requested to bring a bag
+containing evening clothes, somehow suggested riding, rather than
+walking, and consequently his eyes followed more or less intently the
+constant stream of automobiles.
+
+He grew restless, and more doubtful as the moments slipped past. Surely
+he could not have mistaken the place of appointment or the hour? He
+glanced at the scene to again reassure himself. No, that was impossible;
+the park name was plainly decipherable beside the entrance, and his watch
+coincided exactly with the clock in the tower. He stood beside his bag,
+staring up and down the boulevard, permitting his eyes to occasionally
+wander to the scene within the enclosure. Nothing rewarded his scrutiny.
+Then suddenly, without slightest warning, a black limousine whirled in
+alongside the curb, and came to a stop immediately in front of where he
+waited. The chauffeur, dressed in plain dark livery, stepped out, and
+threw open the rear door, without asking so much as a question. Except
+that the fellow stood there, looking directly toward him, his fingers on
+the latch, expectantly, West would not have known that he was wanted. Yet
+it was all so obvious he could not question. Silently he picked up his
+bag, and stepped forward. He saw no one within, but firm in the belief
+that the chauffeur must have his orders, he entered blindly, the door
+closing instantly behind him. The curtains were drawn, the interior
+gloomy and indistinct, and the driver had resumed his seat, and started
+the motor, before West realized that he was not alone. In one corner of
+the wide back seat, drawn back from any possible observation from
+without, sat a woman.
+
+At first glance he could only barely distinguish the outlines of her
+figure, dimly discernable against the dark background of the upholstery,
+but, as his eyes accustomed themselves to the faint light, her features
+also became dimly visible--enough so, at least, to convince him that she
+was young. Neither spoke for some moments, while the automobile gathered
+speed, and West had an uncomfortable feeling that the lady was watching
+him with great intentness. Slightly embarrassed, and uncertain as to his
+best course of action, the young man remained silent, his eyes on the
+burly back of the chauffeur, revealed through the front glass. He could
+only quietly await her explanation of this strange situation. The delay
+was not a long one. She laughed, nervously perhaps, yet with a sense of
+humour at the awkward position.
+
+"Quite melodramatic, is it not, Captain West?" she asked, in a decidedly
+pleasant voice. "I trust it appeals thoroughly to that disposition for
+adventure of which you wrote. I assure you I have arranged the details
+to the best of my ability."
+
+"Nothing more could be desired, I am sure," he confessed, surprised at
+her tone, and glancing toward her. "I certainly am left completely in the
+dark, unable even to clearly distinguish my mysterious companion in
+adventure."
+
+"And there really is no longer any occasion for such concealment." She
+lifted the heavy curtain beside her, permitting the grey light to rest
+upon her face. "I preferred not to be seen at the park for obvious
+reasons; but here, alone with you, such precaution is quite
+unnecessary. We are to be either friends, or enemies, so frankness is
+the best course."
+
+He saw the face of a young woman of twenty-four, or five, with dark eyes
+and hair, her cheeks flushed with health and excitement, her lips
+smiling. It was a face of unusual attractiveness, not regular, perhaps,
+in any of its features, yet filled with character, and glowing with life.
+It was to him a totally unfamiliar countenance, but one which as
+instantly awakened his interest. He liked the girl, and believed in her.
+
+"I can only thank you," he said, rather lamely. "Although I do not
+understand now how we could ever become enemies. Surely, that is not
+a threat?"
+
+"Oh, no, it is far too true. You have yet to learn what I require. Yet
+that was very nicely said. I take it to mean your first impression of me
+is not unfavourable?"
+
+"Very far from it. I am already deeply interested in my task. If I lacked
+an incentive before, you have furnished it. I am only too glad I was the
+fortunate volunteer."
+
+She laughed again softly, her eyes still on his face.
+
+"Really, I had not anticipated such a sincere compliment. No doubt you
+learned these delightful speeches in France," she answered, a very faint
+tinge of sarcasm in the words. "However, this is a very serious matter,
+Captain West, and really has nothing to do with my personal appearance. I
+am, of course, being a woman, glad that I please you, but we must
+consider this particular affair from an entirely different standpoint. I
+am seeking neither flirtation nor compliment; merely a trustworthy agent.
+First of all, it is necessary that you comprehend this."
+
+He bowed, impressed by her manner, and somewhat ashamed of his
+impetuousity.
+
+"I accept the reproof," he said quietly, "and will endeavour henceforth
+not to offend in any way. I am entirely at your service."
+
+"There is no offence; I merely thought it best there should be no
+misunderstanding. Now, I am sure, we can proceed intelligently. Indeed, I
+am going to frankly confess, I also like your appearance. This mutual
+liking ought to be half the battle. We have quite a ride before us yet;
+you may question me if you wish."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+A SUDDEN ENGAGEMENT
+
+
+West gazed out through the window, wondering where they were. In his
+interest in his companion, he had until this moment, taken no note of
+things without, nor did his eyes rest now upon any familiar scene. They
+were swiftly, and noiselessly, passing blocks of respectable residences,
+none of these particularly distinguished. Her sudden invitation rather
+startled him.
+
+"You mean I am to question you freely."
+
+"Assuredly; while I am to remain quite as free in my answers. That is
+perfectly fair, is it not?"
+
+"At least, it sounds so. Where am I being transported then? And why the
+dress-suit?"
+
+His questions evidently amused, for her eyes sparkled.
+
+"Naturally that query comes first; and especially the dress-suit. You
+have the prejudices of your sex, I see, and without regret. I shall
+endeavour to reply catagorically, yet with reservations. We are going to
+a country home, where we dine, in company with a few guests."
+
+"I see; I am first of all to be projected into society. Are any of these
+guests known to me?"
+
+"God forbid; and I may even venture to predict that you will never care
+to know any of them again. You are to be present as my guest, and will so
+be welcomed."
+
+"I feel the honour; but would it not be well under these circumstances
+for me to know more clearly whose guest I am? Suppose, for instance, I
+had to refer to our long friendship, it would be extremely awkward not to
+even be able to mention your name."
+
+"My name! Why, of course, you do not know what it is. Well, really I am
+not altogether certain that I do either. We will therefore compromise on
+the one I am known by; which will be safer. Allow me, Captain West, to
+present to you Miss Natalie Coolidge."
+
+She held out frankly a neatly gloved hand, which he as instantly took,
+and retained in his own, the girl making no immediate effort to
+withdraw it.
+
+"This is very kind of you, Miss Coolidge," he acknowledged, adapting
+himself to her present mood. "But it seems there is no necessity for me
+to present myself. Apparently my identity is already known."
+
+"Otherwise you would not be among those present," she admitted frankly.
+"You must surely realize that I needed, at least, to have some
+information relative to a man in whom I expected to confide. Telling
+secrets--especially family secrets--to strangers is not my specialty."
+
+"Then, I judge you have not accepted me blindly?"
+
+"No, I have not," earnestly, and now releasing her hand. "I do not think
+we ever really know any one except through personal intercourse; but I do
+know who you are, and something of what your life thus far has been. It
+was two days after I received your answer before I replied to it. This
+time was devoted exclusively to making me somewhat better acquainted with
+my correspondent."
+
+"But how could you? I signed no name."
+
+She smiled, again quite at her ease.
+
+"The box number at the Club was amply sufficient. I have friends there;
+once possessed of your name and army rank, the department records at
+Washington furnished all further information. A Senator kindly attended
+to that end, and was also able to supply a little additional gossip
+through one of his Southern colleagues. So you perceive, Captain, I am
+not altogether reckless. Are you interested in learning what I know?"
+
+"I am; both from records and gossip. Will you tell me?"
+
+"Willingly," and she checked the points off on her gloved fingers. "You
+are Matthew West, the only son of Judge Robert Peel West, of Atlanta,
+Georgia. Your mother, who was of the well-known Bullock family, died when
+you were about fifteen, and her widowed sister has since been the
+house-keeper. You are a graduate of the university of Virginia, being
+fourth in your class in Scholarship. Your engineering course was
+completed in Massachusetts, and you later became connected with the Wyant
+Contracting Company, of Chicago. You were here, however, only a very
+brief time, making but few acquaintances, when the War broke out. You
+immediately entered the first officers' training school at Fort Sheridan,
+graduating with the rank of First Lieutenant, and were assigned to a
+regiment of Engineers, among the earliest to sail for France. While there
+you were wounded twice, and cited once for special gallantry in the
+rescue of a seriously injured private. Your last wound caused your return
+to the United States on a special mission, and also won you the rank of
+Captain. Since then you have been honourably discharged, but have made
+no effort to resume professional work. You are twenty-six, and unmarried.
+Is there anything else you care to know?"
+
+"I think not; really your agency has been most efficient. Could you tell
+me also if I have ever been in love?"
+
+"In love! Really I made no inquiries, as that did not interest me in the
+least. I am prepared to be confessed to, however, if you feel it
+necessary."
+
+"I may have to confess later. Just now it might be better to let matters
+remain as they are. And so this review satisfied you that I was really
+the man you sought?"
+
+"No, it did not wholly satisfy, but it looked promising. You were
+evidently courageous, and a gentleman. These qualities were essential;
+whether in other respects you measured up to my purpose, could only be
+ascertained through a personal interview. There was no other way."
+
+"And now?" he persisted.
+
+"Still encouraging. I must admit, although the test is not yet complete.
+However, we are now approaching the end of our journey. Before we turn in
+I am going to ask a favour of you--call me Natalie."
+
+"Natalie; that will be easy."
+
+"And also forgive me if I fail in always addressing you formally as
+Captain West. I presume your friends say Matt, do they not?"
+
+"Some have that habit."
+
+"Then I claim also the privilege."
+
+She bewildered him, left him in wonderment as to what she would do next,
+but there was scarcely time in which to answer before the speeding
+limousine turned abruptly into a private drive-way, curving gracefully to
+the front of a rather imposing stone mansion, set well back from the
+road. West caught a glimpse of a green lawn, a maze of stables at the
+rear, and a tennis-court with several busily engaged players. Then they
+were at the side entrance, and a servant, in the same unobtrusive livery
+as the chauffeur, was quietly opening the door. He turned and helped his
+companion to emerge.
+
+"Take the gentleman's bag to the Blue Room, Sexton," she said calmly,
+"and then lay out his evening clothes."
+
+"Yes, miss."
+
+"I will be in the hall when you come down, Captain, but there is
+no hurry."
+
+West followed the servant up the softly carpeted stairs, finding the
+apartment assigned him not only extremely comfortable, but even elegant
+in its furnishing. He stood at the window looking down on the tennis
+court, while Sexton opened the bag, and spread out the required
+garments on the bed. Evidently he was in a home of wealth and
+refinement. The grounds outspread before his eyes were spacious and
+attractive; in the distance he even perceived an artificial lake with
+paths winding enticingly along its shore, and through strips of
+woodland. Who could this strange girl be? this Natalie Coolidge? And
+what could she possible desire of him? These questions remained
+unanswered, yet continually tantalized. He could not even grasp her
+personality. In spite of her apparent friendliness, her irresistible
+smile, her lack of conventionality, there remained a certain reserve
+about the young woman he felt quite unable to penetrate. Whatever game
+she was playing she kept the cards securely in her own hands. He was
+not yet admitted to her confidence. He stood there immersed in these
+thoughts still, when Sexton spoke.
+
+"Shall I assist you, sir?"
+
+"No; it will not be necessary. You have laid out everything?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Very well; that will do, at present. What is the hour for dinner?"
+
+"Seven o'clock, sir."
+
+"I have ample time then. That will be all." The man retired noiselessly,
+closing the door after him, and West began slowly to dress, rather amused
+at the care he took, that all details should be as correct as possible.
+Unquestionably the girl interested him oddly. She was original, a new
+type, and he made no effort to drive her from his imagination. He had not
+been long back from the war zone, his acquaintance in the city was
+extremely limited, and consequently this girl, thus suddenly brought into
+his life, had made a far greater impression than she might otherwise. Yet
+under any conditions, she would have proven noticeable, and attractive.
+He endeavoured to analyse what constituted this peculiar attractiveness,
+but without arriving at any definite conclusion. She was young, of
+course, and undeniably pretty, with eyes really remarkable, and a smile
+not to be easily forgotten. She possessed a sense of humour, and had left
+upon him a strong impression of frank sincerity. Yet in these qualities
+she did not differ so greatly from others he had known. Perhaps mystery
+had much to do with her power of enticement--a continual wonderment as to
+what she might do next. Then she was so self-poised, so confident of
+herself, so naturally informed. All these things had their charm, and,
+coupled with her undoubted beauty, left his brain in a whirl.
+
+He was satisfactorily dressed at last, although obliged to switch on the
+lights before this was accomplished. The reflection of himself in the
+pier glass quite met his deliberate approval, and he glanced inquiringly
+at his watch, rather eager to delve deeper into this adventure. It was a
+few moments of seven, and she would undoubtedly be waiting for him in the
+hall below. He descended the broad stairs, conscious of a thrill of
+expectancy; nor was he doomed to disappointment.
+
+Miss Coolidge met him in the dimly lighted vacancy of the hall, with
+smiling eyes of welcome. They were mocking, puzzling eyes, the depths of
+which he could not fathom--they perplexed, and invited at the same
+instant. She was in evening dress, a creamy satin, revealing white
+shoulders, and rounded, beautifully mounded arms, visible beneath folds
+of filmy lace. If he had dreamed the girl attractive before in the
+plainness of street costume, he now beheld her in a new vision of
+loveliness. His heart throbbed at the sight, every nerve tingling to the
+intimate tones of her voice. And she met him in a more delightful mood of
+informality than had found expression even during their afternoon ride.
+She was apparently in the highest spirits, eager to overstep all
+conventionality.
+
+"Again you please me," she said, surveying him critically. "Really this
+is too much, the wonderful way in which you meet every test."
+
+"You mean in clothes?"
+
+"In everything, so far. Clothes--yes; do they not reveal the very soul of
+a man? I hardly think I could ever have forgiven if you had come down not
+looking the part you are to play."
+
+"Nor could I have forgiven myself, if I am to enjoy the pleasure of
+taking you in to dinner."
+
+"That privilege is yours even without the asking. But," quizzically, and
+glancing up frankly into his eyes, "You may not care when the time comes.
+For the great test arrives first. So, buck up, Captain, for you are going
+to have the shock of your life. Whatever you do, even if you feel that
+you are about to faint, don't, for my sake, let your face show it."
+
+"But," he protested, "give me some warning, some opportunity to prepare
+for such an emergency."
+
+"No," she laughed gaily, "there is no time; it is ordained to fall upon
+you like a thunder-bolt. They are all in there waiting for us now. You
+will offer me your arm."
+
+He accompanied her, amused, yet bewildered, through the wide archway into
+the more brilliantly lighted drawing-room. It was a magnificent
+apartment, containing a half dozen people. The one nearest the entrance
+was a man of middle age, exceedingly pompous and dignified, who
+immediately arose to his feet, expectantly. Miss Coolidge cordially
+extended her hand in greeting.
+
+"So glad to learn you could be out, Judge," she said, the least
+perceptible hesitancy in her voice. "Permit me to present Judge Cable, of
+the Supreme Court; Captain West, my fiancé."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+THE COOLIDGE HOME
+
+
+For an instant West was absolutely helpless to assert himself. The calm
+assurance of the girl's voice in this unexpected introduction left his
+brain paralysed with bewilderment. Yet his features did not betray his
+condition, nor did he entirely lose control over himself. His fingers met
+the outstretched hand of the Judge, and he seemed to gaze calmly into the
+latter's searching eyes. Fortunately he was not compelled to speak, as
+Cable voiced his own surprise fluently.
+
+"Well, well," he exclaimed. "This is certainly startling, Natalie. I am,
+indeed, bereft of words, yet I congratulate you, sir. Captain--Captain
+West, I think was the name? You are then in the service, sir?"
+
+"Discharged from the Engineers."
+
+"Ah, exactly. I can hardly adjust myself. Friends, come forward. I have
+to make an announcement extraordinary. It seems this sly minx has
+arranged a surprise for all of us. Perchance this was the purpose of our
+little dinner party?"
+
+"Oh, no, Judge," protested Miss Coolidge, her cheeks flushed, yet
+otherwise perfectly cool and self-possessed. West ventured to glance
+aside into her face, surprised at the quietness of her voice. "Really,
+this was unexpected, even to myself. I was not so much as aware that
+Captain West was in the city until a very short time ago. I am sure he
+will bear me out in this statement."
+
+"I could not do otherwise, and be truthful," West felt compelled to
+admit. "The announcement was quite unexpected."
+
+"But what is this all about?" asked a female voice eagerly. "Remember we
+have not heard, Judge Cable."
+
+"It is my pleasure then," he said gallantly, bowing, and at once
+instituting himself as master of ceremonies, "to introduce to you, Miss
+Natalie's fiancé, Captain West--Mrs. Lonsdale, Professor Scott, Miss
+Margaret Willis, Colonel LeFranc, Mrs. Wilber Somers. Possibly there may
+be no necessity of my presenting the next gentleman--Mr. Percival
+Coolidge."
+
+"Oh, but there is," the last mentioned interposed, a tall rather portly
+man, with grey hair and moustache, "I must confess this is as much a
+surprise to me as to any one present. However," he grasped West's hand
+with apparent cordiality, "I hasten to add my congratulations, and to
+wish Natalie all the happiness possible."
+
+The group slowly broke up, the members still discussing the undoubted
+surprise of this announcement, Miss Coolidge talking animatedly with Mrs.
+Lonsdale, and seemingly having forgotten West's presence in the room. He
+was utterly unable to even catch her eye, and finally found himself
+confronting Colonel LeFranc and Percival Coolidge, the latter instantly
+engaging him in conversation, evidently seeking more definite
+information.
+
+"This engagement with my niece," he said uneasily, "must have been rather
+sudden? Even your name is quite unfamiliar to me."
+
+"It was, indeed," admitted West, who had now completely recovered
+his nerve, and even begun to enjoy the situation. "Since my return
+from abroad."
+
+"You were with the army in France?"
+
+"In an Engineer Regiment. I have been in America only two weeks."
+
+"Ah, indeed. And this is your home?"
+
+Realizing that the elder Coolidge was diligently searching for
+information, West decided the best method would be a full confession.
+
+"Oh, no," he said candidly, "I am from the South--Atlanta, Georgia. My
+father is a District Judge, Robert Peel West, quite widely known, and my
+mother belonged to the Bullock family. I am a graduate of the University
+of Virginia, and also of the Massachusetts Polytechnic. Before the war I
+was connected for a short time, with a well-known firm of Engineers in
+this city, but, since my return, I have not resumed professional work.
+Having been wounded in France, I have felt entitled to a little rest
+after my return."
+
+"Quite interesting, I am sure," Coolidge turned to the Colonel. "You are
+Southern also, I believe?"
+
+"Very much so," was the quick response. "And I chance to know the name
+of Judge West rather well. I congratulate your niece on her choice of a
+life companion. There is no better blood in Georgia. I would be very
+pleased to hear more of your father, Captain West. I have not met him
+for several years."
+
+West, by this time, thoroughly impressed with the spirit of the occasion,
+passed the ensuing evening rather pleasantly, although obliged to be
+always on his guard against any incautious remark, and keenly interested
+in all that was occurring about him. He found the company rather pleasant
+and entertaining, although not quite able to gauge the real feelings of
+Mr. Percival Coolidge, who he imagined was not altogether satisfied with
+the state of affairs just revealed. The gentleman was outwardly cordial
+enough, yet his manner continued distinctively reserved, and somewhat
+cold. West, however, attributed this largely to the nature of the man,
+and finally dismissed the thought from his mind altogether. The person
+who continued to puzzle him most was Natalie Coolidge, nor was he able to
+approach her in any way so as to obtain a whispered private word of
+guidance. The girl unquestionably avoided him, easily able to accomplish
+this by devoting her entire attention to the other guests.
+
+She appeared in excellent humour, and there was laughter, and brilliant
+conversation wherever she paused, but not once could he encounter her
+glance, or find her for a moment alone. Nor dare he ask questions of
+those he conversed with, so as to gain any fresh insight into this
+mystery. He ventured upon thin ice once or twice most carefully, but the
+information obtained was infinitesimal, although it bore to some extent
+on the problem confronting him. The Colonel innocently lifted the veil
+slightly, permitting him to learn that this was a week-end party, and
+that Miss Coolidge was the mistress of the place, her parents having been
+dead for two years. Percival Coolidge, her father's brother, and a
+manufacturer in the city, was her guardian, and the affairs of the estate
+were not yet entirely liquidated. West drew the impression that Colonel
+LeFranc possessed a rather low opinion of the uncle, although he was
+careful to choose his words. Beyond this he apparently knew nothing of
+the family history, which he felt at liberty to communicate. As West had
+a delicacy in asking questions, the subject was pursued no further.
+
+He was assigned to escort Miss Willis, a tall willowy blonde, and quite
+talkative, in to dinner, but her conversation ran largely to the
+theatrical offerings in town, and he found it impossible to change her
+trend of thought into other channels. The hostess sat nearly opposite,
+where she could easily overhear the young lady, whose voice was decidedly
+penetrating, so West made no serious attempt to be otherwise than
+complacent. Once the smiling Natalie appealed to him, familiarly
+calling him "Matt" across the table, and he responded with equal
+intimacy, yet her eyes avoided his, and it was plainly evident to his
+self-consciousness, that her remark was merely part of the play. More
+and more her actions mystified and perplexed; he could not discover the
+key to her hidden motive, or guess at her purpose in this masquerade.
+Nothing remained but for him to go quietly forward, playing the part
+assigned. He had pledged himself blindly to her, and could only wait for
+the future to reveal the object of it all. Sometime he would succeed in
+getting the girl alone once more, and then he would compel a full
+confession.
+
+But this was not destined to take place that evening. She coolly and
+deliberately defeated every effort he made to get her alone, and yet this
+was accomplished in a manner so as not to attract the attention of
+others. Even Percival Coolidge, who, West felt, was watching them both
+shrewdly, never suspected the quiet game of hide and seek being played
+under his very eyes. Nevertheless, it was this growing suspicion of the
+man which prevented West from indulging in more rigorous methods. As the
+evening progressed he became almost convinced that her principal object
+was to deceive this gentleman; that she really cared nothing for what the
+others might think, or say. And she did her part to perfection, being
+with West often, although never alone, speaking to him intimately, and
+requesting of him little acts of service most natural under the
+circumstances. He played opposite her in a fourhanded game of bridge; he
+turned the leaves of her music when she sang, and her arm rested within
+his as they all stood on the porch watching the moon rise. It was all a
+masterpiece of acting, so exceedingly well done, as to finally convince
+the young man that she was greatly in earnest as to its success. She
+desired Percival Coolidge to have no lingering doubt of her engagement.
+And, finding all opportunity of explanation denied him, he yielded to the
+inevitable, and, for the evening at least, silently accepted his fate.
+
+Nor did circumstances favour him when the company finally broke up, and
+retired for the night. He had thought this moment might be propitious,
+but she calmly outgeneraled him again, suddenly bidding the men remain
+and smoke as long as they pleased, and, disappearing herself up the
+stairway with Miss Willis, without so much as a glance backward,
+indicative of any lingering interest. West, convinced that her retirement
+was final, and early wearying of the rather drowsy conversation about
+him, soon sought his own room. It was eleven o'clock of a bright,
+moonlight night, and, feeling in no degree sleepy, West seated himself
+at the window to finish his cigar. He heard the others pass along the
+hall on their way to the rooms assigned them, and finally all became
+quiet, even the servants apparently having retired. Outside was likewise
+noiseless, the moon revealing the scene almost as clearly as though it
+was day, yet leaving weird shadows to confuse the eye. Occasionally a
+belated motor car passed along the road, invisible because of the trees.
+Again and again his mind reviewed the strange events of the evening,
+unable to arrive at any definite conclusion. The harder he sought to
+delve into the mystery, the more obscure it became. The young woman
+herself thoroughly baffled him. If this was merely a test, it was
+certainly a most unusual one, and he hoped he had met the requirements to
+her entire satisfaction. He already frankly acknowledged to himself, at
+least, that she had become of personal interest to him. He fell a
+peculiar desire to be of service; but this desire was now permeated with
+a firm determination to know the whole truth. He would no longer remain
+ignorant of her object, for what purpose he was being used. She must
+trust him, and tell him frankly, if he was to continue to play a part. He
+would know whether this was tragedy or comedy, first of all.
+
+He had, indeed, reached some conclusions already. These might not be
+correct, yet they were already implanted in his mind. The guests of the
+night were mere puppets, having no real connection with the game being
+played, utterly ignorant of what was going on behind the scenes. The only
+one present having any real part was Percival Coolidge, and West had
+taken an instinctive dislike to this man. Moreover, he had some reason to
+believe this feeling was warmly reciprocated; that the latter already
+suspected and watched him. Only one explanation flashed into his mind to
+account for Miss Coolidge's unexpected announcement of an engagement
+between them--this would excuse any future intimacy; would enable them to
+meet alone freely without arousing comment. She had deliberately chosen
+this course to disarm suspicion, and had failed to warn him in advance
+that she might test his nerve and discretion. This appealed to him as the
+most reasonable explanation of the situation. But beyond this vague
+guess, it was impossible to delve. He possessed no facts, no knowledge;
+he could only keep faith in her, and wait the time of explanation.
+
+Tired by the uselessness of such thinking West finally sought the bed,
+and must have slept, although scarcely aware that he had closed his eyes.
+
+Some slight noise aroused him. The door leading into the hall, which he
+had failed to lock, stood partially ajar, and his eyes caught the vague
+glimpse of a figure gliding swiftly through the opening. With one bound
+he was upon his feet, springing recklessly forward. The hall was dark,
+but for a patch of moonlight at the further end. Against this he caught
+an instant, flitting glimpse of the intruder. It was a woman, yet even
+as his eyes told him this, she seemed to vanish into thin air--the hall
+was empty.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+MISS COOLIDGE EXPLAINS
+
+
+Vague and indistinct as was that fleeting vision in the moonlight, West
+felt no doubt as to the identity of his visitor--the woman was Natalie
+Coolidge. His one glimpse of her vanishing figure assured him of this
+fact, and he drew back instantly, unwilling to follow. Where she had gone
+he neither knew, nor cared. She had come to his room secretly, supposing
+him asleep, and this surprising knowledge dominated his mind. What could
+such an act mean? This was certainly a home of respectability, of wealth.
+The guests being entertained were evidence of that; yet this secret
+entrance into his private apartment at such an hour suggested theft, or
+even some more desperate crime. There was mystery here, at least, a
+mystery beyond his power of discernment. However, this recognition rather
+hardened him to his task, than otherwise. He had been forced into the
+strange environment, and now meant to penetrate its every secret.
+
+This time he locked the outer door carefully, and lay down on the bed,
+wondering if there would be any further developments. As he attempted to
+think, he was listening eagerly for the slightest sound of movement in
+the hall. There were none; the transom stood partially open, but no noise
+reached his ears from the outside; clearly enough the night prowler,
+assured that he was still awake, had decided to make no further effort.
+Doubtless she believed her escape had been unseen, or, at least, that she
+had remained unrecognized in the gloom, and would now resort to some
+entirely different method for achieving her end, whatever it could be. He
+could only wait, and watch for the next move. Perhaps the morning would
+bring full explanation. With this conception in his mind, his head sought
+the pillow, and he lapsed into unconsciousness.
+
+The long training of army service caused West to awaken early, while the
+house was yet quiet, but with the dawn already red in the East. He
+crossed to the window, and looked out. It was a beautiful morning, the
+green lawn yet sparkling with dew; the estate was evidently a fine one,
+quite extensive and carefully attended to. To the right of the tennis
+court was a well arranged flower garden, criss-crossed by white paths, an
+ornate summer-house in its centre, completely concealed by vines. Beyond
+this, conspicuous against the green back-ground, West caught the flutter
+of a white skirt, realizing instantly that, early as the hour was,
+Natalie Coolidge was already up and about. He wondered if her presence
+might not be an invitation for him? Perhaps she had deliberately chosen
+this early hour, before the others awoke, to explain her strange conduct
+of the previous evening? At least, here was an opportunity to see and
+talk with her alone.
+
+He dressed swiftly, and slipped noiselessly down-stairs, unlocking the
+front door, and emerging into the fresh air, without encountering any
+stray members of the household. Not even a servant was visible. He passed
+beyond the vine draped arbour before she realized his approach, and
+straightened up, a freshly cut rose in one gloved hand, the pruning
+shears in the other, welcoming him with a little laugh, her eyes full of
+demure mischief.
+
+"I rather suspected army discipline had not entirely worn off," she said
+pleasantly, "and that you might still prove to be an early riser."
+
+"And does this expectation account for your presence?"
+
+"Not wholly; it has become a habit with me. I am always the first one
+out in the morning, and it will be an hour yet before breakfast is
+served. However, I promised to be very frank with you, did I not? Then I
+will begin now; this morning I really hoped I might see you for a moment
+before the others were stirring--we have so much to talk about."
+
+"It certainly seems so to me," he responded honestly, yet not greatly
+encouraged by the amusement in her eyes. "The night has been full of
+surprises."
+
+"During which you bore yourself exceedingly well. I have always read of
+the initiative of the American soldier, Captain, and in this case, you
+met my every expectation."
+
+"Then I have passed the test?"
+
+She hesitated, her eyes seeking his, and then falling before his gaze.
+
+"Yes," she acknowledged slowly, "I can scarcely say anything else now;
+the--the affair has progressed so far already there is nothing to do but
+go on with it."
+
+"Yet I remain wholly in the dark," he protested.. "Surely you cannot
+expect real service when given so blindly?"
+
+"No, I do not. I mean to trust you fully. It is the only way; but do you
+still truly wish to serve?"
+
+"I am enlisted in the cause without reserve," he insisted warmly. "While
+I learned but little last evening, that little was enough to convince me
+there is something strange under the surface. Your calling me to your
+assistance is no joke--you actually need me."
+
+"I need some one on whose judgment and courage I can rely," she
+answered earnestly, "and I believe now that you are the one. It is
+rather an odd situation, Captain West, but the circumstances surely
+justify my action. Perhaps I shall have time to partly explain now. Let
+us slip into the concealment of this summer-house; no one can approach
+without being seen."
+
+It was dark and cool under the shadow of the vines, but, for a moment
+after they were seated, neither spoke. West waited expectantly for his
+companion to break the silence, and she seemingly found it difficult to
+begin her story. The flush deepened on her cheeks, and her lips parted.
+
+"It really seems so ridiculous," she explained at last desperately.
+"Almost like a dream of fancy, and I hardly know how to put the situation
+into words. If I were ten years younger I would almost be convinced
+myself that it was all imaginary, yet everything I tell you is true. I
+wonder if you will believe me?"
+
+"Do not question that. I realize fully your earnestness."
+
+"Yet I am going to test your credulity, just the same. But it would be
+very foolish to venture as far as I have already, and then fail to go on.
+So I'll tell you just what I know, and--and then leave it there. That
+will be the best way. Those people you met last evening have nothing to
+do with the story--none of them, at least, unless it may possibly be
+Percival Coolidge. I am rather afraid of him; I always have been. I
+believe he knows what all this trouble means, but I do not dare go
+and talk with him about it. That is really what is the matter, I
+suppose--there is no one I can talk to; they would only laugh at me. If
+you do, I shall never forgive you."
+
+"I am not at all so inclined. Tell me the story from the very beginning."
+
+"Yes, I will. My father was Steven Coolidge, and was very wealthy. He did
+not marry until late in life, and, I have reason to believe it was a
+great disappointment to his brother Percival that a child was born.
+Perhaps I ought not to make such a statement, but much has occurred to
+impress me with his dislike--"
+
+"He is your guardian?"
+
+"Yes; you learned that last night?"
+
+"From the Colonel; he seemed to enjoy talking, and naturally, I was
+curious. Has Percival Coolidge wealth of his own?"
+
+"Only what my father left him, which was a considerable sum, and a
+limited interest in the business. He was very much dissatisfied with his
+share. Originally he was one of the two trustees in charge of the estate,
+but the other died, leaving him entirely in control. Before I was born he
+had confidently expected to inherit everything."
+
+"The estate then is not settled?"
+
+"Not until I am twenty-five; within a few days now."
+
+"And your mother?"
+
+"She died at my birth."
+
+West leaned forward eagerly. "It is the estate then that troubles you?"
+he asked swiftly. "You imagine it has wasted?"
+
+"No, not at all. They tell me it has increased in value. My father's
+lawyer assures me as to this. Percival Coolidge is a good business man,
+but something strange is going on behind the scenes. I cannot talk with
+the lawyer about it; I can scarcely be sure myself. I--I am simply up
+against a mystery I am unable to solve. Everywhere I turn I run into a
+blank wall."
+
+"But I do not understand."
+
+"How could you expect to, when it is so utterly obscure to me? I seem to
+be fighting against a ghost."
+
+"A ghost!"
+
+"Yes; now don't laugh at me! Do you suppose I would ever have done
+anything as reckless as advertising for help if I had not been actually
+desperate? Can you imagine a respectable girl performing so ridiculous an
+act, as putting her whole trust in a stranger, inviting him to her home,
+introducing him as her promised husband to her relatives and friends?
+Why, it almost proves me crazed, and, in a measure, I think I must be.
+But it is because I have exhausted all ordinary methods. I do not seem to
+be opposing anything of flesh and blood; I am fighting against shadows. I
+cannot even explain my predicament to another."
+
+"You must try," he insisted firmly, affected by her evident distress. "I
+must be told everything if I am to be of any value. A half way confidence
+can accomplish nothing."
+
+"But it sounds so foolish; I am being haunted! I know that, yet that is
+all I do know."
+
+"Haunted, in what way?"
+
+"I do not even know that; but by a woman, I think--a woman who must
+strangely resemble me. She pretends to be me--to my friends, to my
+servants, at my bank. I never see the creature, but I hear of her from
+others. She has actually drawn checks in my name, imitating my signature,
+and having them cashed by clerks who know me well. She has given orders
+to my servants, and they protest that I gave them. She meets and talks
+with my friends in places where I never go. I am sure she has actually
+been in this house, and ridden in my car undiscovered. I am constantly
+reported as being seen at restaurants and hotels where I have not been,
+and with parties I do not know. This has been going on for a month now. I
+am unable to prove her an imposter, even to identify her. I have
+endeavoured to discuss the situation with a few people, but they only
+laugh at the strange idea. No one will listen to me seriously. My lawyer
+actually believes I am demented."
+
+"And you conceived the thought that perhaps a total stranger might prove
+more sympathetic?"
+
+"Yes," she admitted. "If he was young and adventurous; provided I
+interested him at all. It would seem to offer me a chance; and then, if
+unknown to the party impersonating me, such a one might learn the truth
+unsuspected. Do you believe me, Captain?"
+
+"I have no reason to doubt what you say. What you describe is not
+impossible, and there surely must be an adequate explanation for it. I
+mean to do my very best to uncover the mystery. You have these
+fraudulent checks?"
+
+"Yes; one was returned to me only yesterday."
+
+"I shall want them, together with one you drew yourself. Also the names
+of the servants who have apparently been approached by this person, and
+the circumstances."
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"You do not mind if I ask you one or two rather direct personal
+questions?"
+
+"Assuredly not."
+
+"What caused you to announce our engagement?"
+
+She laughed, but from sudden embarrassment.
+
+"It was silly, wasn't it! Really I do not exactly know; a sudden impulse,
+and the words were spoken. It occurred to me that our intimacy could be
+accounted for in no other way."
+
+"So I supposed. Well, there is no harm done, but now, you understand, we
+must play out the game."
+
+"Play it out?"
+
+"Surely; act natural, permit no suspicion to be aroused. Even if I should
+feel impelled by duty, to kiss you, it is my privilege."
+
+"Why--why, you cannot mean that!"
+
+"Oh, but I do. This is no threat that I shall insist on carrying the
+matter to such an extreme, yet I must insist on the right if it becomes
+necessary. You would scarcely dare refuse, would you?"
+
+"No," she confessed, her eyes suddenly meeting his, "I--I suppose not;
+but--but is it necessary to discuss that now?"
+
+"Perhaps not, only I must know. You will play the game?"
+
+Her eyes fell, the breath pulsing between her lips.
+
+"I am not afraid," she said rather proudly. "Yes, I will play the game."
+
+"Good! I knew you would. And now for the second question; why did you
+come to my room last night?"
+
+She stared at him incredulously, the flush fading from her cheeks.
+
+"Your room! I come to your room! Assuredly no; what can you mean?"
+
+"Then it must be that I have already encountered the ghost," he declared
+smilingly. "For the very counterpart of you certainly visited me. I had a
+clear view of her in the moon-light, but she vanished down the hall. I
+would have sworn she was you."
+
+"A woman?"
+
+"Absolutely a woman; flesh and blood, no doubt as to that."
+
+"When was this?"
+
+"After midnight."
+
+"It was not I, Captain West; please believe that--but hush; there comes
+Percival Coolidge!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+WEST WINS THE FIRST HAND
+
+
+The newcomer stood at the edge of the front steps, and paused long enough
+to light a cigarette before descending. His features were as clear cut as
+though done in marble, and about as expressive. To all outward
+appearances, the man was cold, emotionless, selfish egotism written on
+every feature. For the first time, in the glare of the bright morning
+light, West took stock of the fellow, and realized his true nature.
+Instinctively he felt that here was the particular antagonist he was to
+be pitted against. Whatever might be the truth as to a strange woman,
+this man must be the controlling factor in any conspiracy. His companion
+must have sensed the same fact, for she swiftly drew back beneath the
+shadow of the vines.
+
+"You meet him," she whispered, "alone. I would rather he did not find us
+together."
+
+"But can you escape unseen?"
+
+"Yes, under cover of the hedge. But be very careful what you say."
+
+She had vanished before he could interpose, slipping away so noiselessly,
+he was scarcely aware of her swift action. His eyes followed the more
+deliberate movements of the man, who slowly descended the broad steps,
+pausing when once on the gravelled walk to glance curiously back at the
+house. West thought his interest centred on the open window of the room
+he had occupied, but this was merely a conjecture, for the delay was but
+for a moment; shortly after Coolidge strolled on directly toward the
+summer-house, the blue smoke of the cigarette marking his progress. West
+stepped carelessly forth from the concealment of the vines, watchful for
+any change of expression on the face of the other. There was none, not
+even a look of surprise, or a tightening of the lip.
+
+"Ah! Captain," he said easily, tossing his stub aside, and drawing forth
+his case for another. "Glorious air this morning; the advantage of early
+rising; you indulge, I presume?"
+
+"An army habit, I mean to do away with later. Thanks. I suppose breakfast
+is not ready?"
+
+"Hardly yet," glancing about inquiringly. "My niece is usually out here
+at this hour, which accounts for my venturing forth. She is not here?"
+
+"Not now, although there are evidences that she has been," indicating
+the gloves and pruning shears visible beside the walk. "We must have
+arrived too late."
+
+"So it seems. You came with the same purpose, no doubt?"
+
+"If you mean the hope of encountering Natalie, your guess is correct. She
+would not give me a word last night, and has even overturned my plans
+this morning. Does she play hide and seek with you also?"
+
+"Does she! One never knows what she will do. But this last escapade is
+the strangest of all."
+
+"You refer to our engagement?"
+
+"Assuredly; I had no warning, no conception of such a thing."
+
+"Do you mean, sir, that she had never consulted you? never even mentioned
+me to you before?"
+
+"Exactly. You are aware of who I am, I presume? the position I hold
+relative to her property?"
+
+"Certainly; you are her uncle and guardian. Under the terms of the will
+you remain in full control until she is twenty-five, now almost at hand,
+except for an annual income payable to her monthly. Is not that the
+situation?"
+
+"You have apparently made very careful inquiry," he commented with a
+perceptible sneer. "No doubt this was a matter of deep interest to you."
+
+"Of some interest, I confess," acknowledged West, controlling his temper.
+"Although my information has not come from inquiry. Miss Natalie was kind
+enough to talk to me about her affairs, presupposing my interest in them.
+However, I assure you, I have no personal ambition along this line."
+
+"Indeed; not fortune-hunting then?"
+
+"Far from it," good humouredly, but keenly aware that he was touching
+Coolidge. "My family is far from poverty stricken, and I have a very good
+profession. It is quite right you should know this."
+
+"What profession, may I ask?"
+
+"Civil Engineer."
+
+"But not established, I imagine?"
+
+"I had very good connections before the war. Since returning from France,
+I have made no effort to renew these, or seek others. I, of course,
+expect to do so later, and shall be in no way dependent upon Miss
+Coolidge's fortune."
+
+"Although quite willing to share it, I presume?"
+
+"I think you have insinuated that often enough," returned West, at last
+fully aroused by the insolent words and manner of the other. "Perhaps it
+may be well for us to have a plain understanding without further delay,
+Mr. Percival Coolidge. My engagement to Miss Natalie may be sudden and
+unexpected--perhaps not altogether pleasant from your standpoint--yet it
+hardly warrants you in thus attributing to me mercenary motives. As a
+matter of fact, I was not aware until last evening that she was an
+heiress to considerable property. I knew nothing of her relationships. I
+will say, however, that now I feel perfectly justified in showing an
+interest in her affairs. As I understand matters, you are her guardian
+under the special provisions of your brother's will?"
+
+"You are perfectly right, sir, and I should have been consulted previous
+to this engagement." Coolidge said with dignity. "Even now it is subject
+to my approval."
+
+"I think not. Your guardianship was merely a special provision of the
+will, with reference to the estate. So I understand, at least. At
+twenty-one, she became mistress of her own personal affairs, and no
+longer needed to consult you."
+
+"I controlled her income."
+
+"Only the surplus; a certain sum was to be paid her each month until she
+was twenty-five; then the entire estate came into her possession. Beyond
+this you exercised no legal authority."
+
+"You seem well posted."
+
+"The lady herself informed me as to these facts."
+
+"Since yesterday?"
+
+"Yes, since yesterday."
+
+"Where, may I ask?"
+
+"In the summer-house here, a few moments ago."
+
+Coolidge gave utterance to an oath, which burst from his lips before it
+could be wholly restrained.
+
+"Damn you! just what is your game?" he exclaimed roughly, forgetting his
+pose. "Are you trying to get your nose into my affairs?"
+
+"Most certainly not," returned West coolly, yet facing the other with a
+steady eye. "I can have no possible interest in your affairs. But I may
+be led to investigate those of Miss Coolidge, if she should so request.
+It seems she possesses no one to represent her at present--not even the
+family lawyer."
+
+"What do you imply by that remark?"
+
+"That she has gone to you, and to the attorney, who represents the
+estate, relative to some very strange occurrences of late, only to be
+laughed at. No effort has been made to relieve her anxiety."
+
+"You mean that fool story about some one else pretending to be her?"
+
+"It cannot altogether be a fool story when this mysterious party passes
+forged checks at the bank."
+
+"There was only one; that means nothing; the girl isn't using good sense.
+So this is the stuff she is filling you up with? And you propose
+investigating her wild imaginings, hey? By Gad, you are going to have an
+interesting time."
+
+"I hope so; at least I am hoping to discover some truth."
+
+"Good. I wish you well," and his tone was one of decided relief. "Your
+adventures ought to prove quite amusing."
+
+Coolidge laughed heartily, the whole affair apparently taking on a new
+aspect, now that he felt he comprehended the real purpose of the other.
+
+"Oh, by the way, West, you must pardon me if I send Sexton into your room
+for a valise I left there. You see I occupied that suite until you came."
+
+"Oh, indeed," surprised, "I noticed no other grip there."
+
+"It is in the closet. That has always been my room whenever I visit
+here. I do not know why Natalie decided to change me this time--naturally
+wished to reserve the best for you, I presume."
+
+"Very kind of her, I am sure. There is Sexton now."
+
+"Which means breakfast is served. Shall we go in?"
+
+The two men walked slowly up the gravelled path, leading to the side
+door. West's thoughts were busy with this new discovery. Had he
+inadvertently stumbled upon a clue? So he had occupied the room usually
+reserved for Percival Coolidge. Perhaps here was the explanation of the
+coming of his strange visitor. If so, then it was already clearly evident
+that whatever the plot might be, this fellow had a hand in it. West
+glanced aside at the face of his unconscious companion, deciding quickly
+to venture a chance shot.
+
+"Were you expecting a caller last night?" he asked calmly.
+
+Coolidge wheeled about, startled out of his self-control.
+
+"A caller! Of course not. What put that in your head?"
+
+"Because I had one, in that room you say you always occupied. The
+visitor vanished as soon as I was seen, and the thought occurred to me
+just now that you might have been the one sought."
+
+"Perfectly absurd, West. You must have had a night-mare. What did she
+look like?"
+
+"Oh, I only had a glimpse in the moon-light; resembled a ghost more than
+anything else."
+
+"And just about what it was," with a laugh of relief. "Some dream you
+better forget about. Come along; they are waiting on us."
+
+They passed up the steps together; and into the pleasant breakfast room,
+where the remainder of the company were already gathered. Coolidge was
+again perfectly at his ease, genially greeting the guests, and had
+apparently already dismissed the incident from his mind. Evidently even
+West did not consider it of any serious importance; he had clearly enough
+not recognized the intruder, and either decided the whole affair a freak
+of imagination, or else, at the worst, some midnight escapade of a
+servant. But West's mind had in reality settled on a point which Coolidge
+overlooked. He had gained the very information desired. He had carefully
+refrained from even suggesting the sex of his mysterious visitor.
+Percival Coolidge knew, without being told, that the caller was a woman.
+Then he also knew who that woman was.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+UNTANGLING THREADS
+
+
+The morning meal proved delightfully informal, Natalie gracefully
+presiding, and apparently in the highest spirits. West found his place
+reserved on her right with Miss Willis next, and, between the two, was
+kept extremely busy. The Colonel sat directly across the table, with
+Percival Coolidge just beyond the hostess. No intimation of anything
+wrong burdened those present, the single servant silently performing his
+duties to the constant laughing chatter of those about the table. Even
+Coolidge, somewhat distant at first, yielded finally to the prevailing
+humour, and joined freely in the conversation. This turned at last to the
+plans for the day, revealing a variety of desires, which Natalie arranged
+to gratify. The Colonel and two of the ladies expressed an inclination to
+attend church, the limousine being offered them for the purpose. Others
+decided on a match with the racquets, while Coolidge, rather to the
+surprise of the lady, suggested that Natalie accompany him into the city
+on a special errand of mercy. At first, amid the ceaseless clatter of
+tongues, West was unable to grasp the nature of his plea, or her reply,
+but finally overheard enough to arouse his personal interest, especially
+when his own name was mentioned in the discussion.
+
+"I was not aware you ever concerned yourself in such matters," she said
+soberly. "Is this a particular case?"
+
+"Decidedly so; the man before he died, was in my employ, but I did not
+learn until late yesterday of the condition in which his family was left.
+I understand something must be done for them at once. You are always
+interested in such cases, so I supposed you would accompany me gladly. It
+is extremely disagreeable duty for me."
+
+"It must be attended to today?"
+
+"The case is very urgent I am told."
+
+"But how can I leave my guests--especially Captain West?"
+
+West leaned forward.
+
+"Do not hesitate on my account. I can easily amuse myself; or, if there
+is room, and it is not disagreeable to Mr. Coolidge, I might enjoy being
+of the party."
+
+"Why, of course," she coincided eagerly. "Why couldn't he come along?
+There will be plenty of room if I operate the car. It is a case of
+destitution of which Uncle Percival has just learned--a widow and three
+children actually suffering. Surely it can do no harm for Captain West to
+accompany us?"
+
+Coolidge exhibited no enthusiasm over the proposition; indeed West felt
+his response almost discourteous, yet this very suspicion aroused his
+own desire to make one of the party. The fellow evidently disliked him
+instinctively, and would exert every influence possible to discredit
+him in the eyes of Natalie. The suggestion even came that this sudden
+call to charity might prove only an effort on Coolidge's part to get
+the girl alone where she could be plainly talked to. The man was not
+pleased with this new proposal, that was evident enough; but the niece
+unquestionably desired him to accept the invitation. Not only her lips,
+but equally her eyes, pressed the matter, and West experienced no
+hesitancy in saying yes.
+
+"Why, of course I will go," he returned heartily, "and I will be ready
+whenever you are."
+
+"About half an hour then."
+
+He retired to the room upstairs, partly for the purpose of exchanging
+his coat, but also half tempted to make a hasty examination of the
+valise which Coolidge had thoughtlessly left overnight in the closet.
+The conception had already taken strong hold on his mind that his
+visitor of the evening before had been the mysterious impersonator of
+Natalie Coolidge; and that she had come there with some deliberate
+purpose--no-doubt a secret conference with Percival. If her resemblance
+to the mistress of the house was as remarkable as he had been led to
+believe, her entrance to the place would be comparatively easy of
+accomplishment, and the danger of discovery correspondingly small. It
+never occurred to him to question Natalie's story. To be sure there were
+details he found it difficult to fully accept as true, but the girl
+certainly believed all she had told him. She denied earnestly having
+been the one invading his room, and he believed her implicitly; yet the
+person who had visited him was so closely her image as to make it still
+seem almost an impossibility that she could be a separate individual.
+Nothing less than Natalie's own word would have brought conviction. And
+this person had supposed she was visiting the apartment occupied by
+Percival Coolidge. This was the only satisfactory explanation of her
+presence there; whether she came that night for the first time, or as a
+supplement to other similar visits, it was unquestionably Coolidge
+whom she sought.
+
+For what purpose? To West's mind only one object appeared probable. The
+man was too far advanced in life--certainly much above sixty from his
+appearance--to be involved in a love affair with so young and attractive
+a woman. Moreover in such a case she would scarcely seek him out here in
+this private home, where he was merely a transient guest; he would never
+venture to use a place like this as a rendezvous. That was unthinkable.
+Some other purpose, demanding immediate attention, must furnish the
+reason for her venturing to enter this house at such an hour, and coming
+directly to the room where she supposed Coolidge to be sleeping. To
+West's mind there could be but one answer. The two were mutually involved
+in a conspiracy of some nature, undoubtedly connected with the
+approaching settlement of the Coolidge estate. This girl, so strangely
+resembling Natalie, had in some way been discovered by the scheming
+guardian, who was now using her for his own selfish ends. The plot had
+been carefully perfected, and the time must now be near for execution.
+This girl had been selected, and trained to act a part--the part of
+Natalie Coolidge. Her ability to deceive had been tested in various
+ways. Now the moment approached when they were ready to play out the real
+game. Yet the nature of that game was in no way apparent. He could only
+keep quiet, and wait for some further development, even appear
+indifferent, while he secretly watched every suspicious movement of
+Percival Coolidge.
+
+It was not at all probable the satchel contained any incriminating
+evidence, yet the temptation was strong to obtain, if possible, a hasty
+glance at the contents. But for this he was already too late, scarcely
+reaching the room indeed, before Sexton appeared, announcing his mission.
+West, perched on the arm of a chair, smoking, and watched the man bring
+forth the valise, and start toward the door.
+
+"Coolidge tells me he usually occupied this room," he ventured curiously,
+"How did it happen I was put in here?"
+
+Sexton paused, and faced about respectfully.
+
+"It was upon orders from Miss Natalie, sir. But she did not mention the
+change in time to remove the bag. The truth is, I forgot, sir, that it
+was here."
+
+"Oh, I see; this is not the grip he usually travels with then?"
+
+"No, sir; this was sent down in advance, sir. Mr. Percival Coolidge is
+here quite frequently."
+
+"Naturally. As I understand he has no home of his own?"
+
+"No, sir; he was never married, sir. In the city he stops at one of
+the big hotels. Of late he quite frequently spends the end of the week
+out here, sir. Of course he is deeply interested in the prosperity of
+the estate."
+
+"As the guardian of Miss Natalie, you mean?"
+
+"Just so, sir."
+
+"How long have you been here, Sexton?"
+
+"Sixteen years, sir."
+
+"You knew Miss Natalie's father then, and must enjoy the place to
+remain so long?"
+
+"It has been very pleasant, sir, until the last month or so,"
+regretfully, yet evidently glad of the opportunity to talk, lingering
+with one hand on the knob of the door. "Since then things haven't been
+just the same."
+
+"In what way?"
+
+"Well, I don't exactly know, sir. Miss Natalie seems to change her mind,
+an' we never can please her. That's the trouble mostly. Last night I
+waited up until you all went to bed, an' then locked the house, the way
+she told me to. But that didn't suit her at all, for she stopped me on
+the stairs, an' made me go back an' leave the side door unlocked--just
+said she'd attend to that herself."
+
+"Miss Natalie told you? You are sure, Sexton?"
+
+"Oh, it was her, sir; there was a light burning in the hall, an' she was
+all dressed up as though she was goin' out. 'Taint the first time,
+either. I ain't got no right to say anything, but it puzzles me what she
+wants to go out for at that time o' night. And I thought maybe I ought to
+speak to Mr. Percival Coolidge about it."
+
+"No. I wouldn't, Sexton," said West quietly. "It would likely enough only
+get you into trouble. Probably she cannot sleep well, and so walks in the
+garden. Anyway this is none of our business, my man. Where are Miss
+Natalie's apartments?"
+
+"In the other wing, sir; the first door beyond the head of the stairs."
+
+"And the door you were asked to leave open?"
+
+"At the farther end of the hall."
+
+As West made no further effort to continue the conversation, but began to
+carelessly roll a cigarette, Sexton slipped silently through the opening,
+the valise in his hand, and closed the door behind him. West touched a
+match to the cigarette, scarcely aware of the action.
+
+This attempt to dig information out of a servant was not a pleasant
+experience, yet he felt that in this case it was fully justified. To be
+sure he had gained little, yet that little helped to clear away the fog,
+and sustain the girl's theory that she was being impersonated by another
+even to her own servants. If West had retained any lingering doubt as to
+what had occurred the previous night, this doubt had entirely vanished in
+the face of Sexton's testimony. His visitor, and the one who had ordered
+the servant to leave the side door unlocked, had been the same--not
+Natalie Coolidge, but strangely resembling her. Whoever she was, she knew
+the house well, and possessed some means of entrance. Whatever else her
+purpose might be, one object was clearly connected with the presence
+there of Percival. She had sought his room, fleeing immediately on
+discovering it to be occupied by another. Very well! this meant that he
+already had two distinct lines of investigation opened to him--the woman,
+and the man. The first was like pursuing a shadow, but Coolidge was real
+enough. He determined to keep in touch with the fellow, confident that he
+would thus be eventually led to a discovery of his companion. Beyond all
+question, they were involved in the same scheme of conspiracy. West had
+deliberately arrived at this conclusion, rather pleased at his success,
+when a gentle knock sounded at the door.
+
+"What is it?"
+
+"Sexton, sir. Miss Natalie has the car at the door, and is waiting for
+you."
+
+"All right. I will be down immediately."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+A VISIT TO THE INDIGENT
+
+
+The guests had either retired to their rooms, or were wandering about
+the spacious grounds; at least none were in evidence when West emerged
+on to the side terrace, where Miss Natalie and Percival Coolidge
+waited. The car was an electric runabout, the single broad seat ample
+for the three, and West found himself next to the girl who took charge.
+Few words were exchanged until they turned into the main high-way,
+headed toward the city. Even then conversation scarcely touched on the
+special object of their trip. Indeed, Coolidge seemed inclined to avoid
+the subject entirely, turning the conversation into other channels
+whenever the matter was broached. This was so persistently done as to
+arouse West's notice, but Natalie appeared indifferent, interested only
+in her guidance of the car. It was not a long ride, the point sought
+being a short submerged street in the southwestern section of the
+city. To West this district was entirely unknown, even the street names
+being unfamiliar, but he learned through the conversation of the others
+that they were in the neighbourhood of some of the Coolidge factories,
+many of the surrounding houses being the homes of employees. Percival
+called his attention to a few of these, more substantial than the
+others, as evidence of the wages paid in their establishments, and also
+expatiated to some extent upon the benevolent oversight shown their
+workmen. The girl, however, remained quiet, her attention concentrated
+upon the street.
+
+Indeed it needed to be if they were to escape accident, for the streets
+traversed were, on this Sunday morning, evidently filled from curb to
+curb with children engaged in all manner of games, with their elders
+massed on the steps in front of the houses, watching them apathetically.
+The runabout felt its way cautiously forward through the jostling throng
+of screaming youngsters, and finally turned into Arch Street, only two
+blocks in length, with low, two storied, wooden cottages on either side.
+Percival, plainly nervous at the surroundings, indicated the place
+sought in the middle of the first block, and Natalie ran the car up
+against the curb.
+
+"Is this the place?" she asked doubtfully, eyeing the rather
+disreputable cottage, which seemed deserted. "I have never been
+here before. What a mass of kids! Do they always play like that in
+the street?"
+
+Coolidge unfastened the door, and stepped out.
+
+"Yes, it's all right," he answered sharply. "You might wait here, West;
+we'll only be gone a few minutes. Come along, Natalie,"
+
+The girl hesitated, evidently not altogether satisfied.
+
+"Is it necessary that I go in?" she asked.
+
+"That was why I asked you to come," impatiently. "Because you understand
+these matters, and, being a woman, can judge better what steps should be
+taken. Come; it will only require a few moments--West won't mind."
+
+"Certainly not," the younger man said heartily, "I shall be very
+comfortable; don't bother about me."
+
+He had a distinct impression that Coolidge did not desire his company any
+further, yet this suspicion aroused no resentment. This was a matter with
+which he was in no way concerned, and the only interest he felt was
+strictly impersonal. His eyes followed the two as they advanced up the
+board walk to the front door of the cottage, and he felt a measure of
+surprise at seeing Coolidge calmly open the door without knocking. Both
+disappeared amidst the darkness within, and he dismissed the whole affair
+from his mind almost instantly. Sinking comfortably back in the seat, his
+gaze centred on the maze of children playing in the street. Their antics
+amused him for some time, but, at last, he began wondering at the delay
+of those within, and his mind drifted to the peculiar conditions with
+which he was confronted. Over and over again he reviewed the facts told
+him, and compared these with his own observations. That something was
+wrong was beyond doubt; he could no longer question this, but no
+satisfactory clue to the mystery had yet presented itself. If some
+conspiracy was on foot against Natalie, what could be its object? and who
+were directly involved? There was apparently no way to settle this,
+except to wait patiently for some move on the part of the others. Any
+attempt at guessing would only lead him astray. Seemingly, Percival
+Coolidge was the only person who could be directly interested should
+misfortune occur to his niece; he was the guardian of her inheritance,
+and responsible for what remained of her father's estate. Undoubtedly he
+also was the next heir at law. His interest in the matter was therefore
+easily figured out. Yet there was nothing to prove that the fellow was a
+villain at heart, or had any reason to attempt desperate methods. The
+mere fact that some other woman amused herself in pretending to be
+Natalie proved nothing criminally wrong. It might be a mere lark, with no
+vicious object in view. Indeed, but for the deep interest West already
+felt in the girl herself, he would have dismissed this angle of the
+problem entirely from consideration. It seemed far too melodramatic and
+improbable to be taken seriously, although, from mere curiosity, he
+purposed to round up this masquerader, and satisfy himself as to why she
+was thus publicly impersonating the girl. Yet this appeared a matter of
+minor importance, his real task being to learn the condition of the
+Steven Coolidge estate, and whether or not, Percival had administered it
+justly. Once satisfied upon that point, he would know better what further
+steps to take. His whole mind had unconsciously centred upon a distrust
+of the man. He believed him to be a sneaking scoundrel, at present
+engaged in seeking some means for gaining possession of the trust funds
+left in his care. And yet, West had to confess to himself that this
+belief was largely founded upon prejudice--confidence in Natalie, and a
+personal dislike of the man himself. He possessed no proof of the
+fellow's perfidy, nor had he even determined in his own mind the means to
+be employed for learning the truth. He had nothing to build upon but the
+statement of the girl, which was extremely vague in detail, and largely
+mere suspicion. The more thoroughly he analyzed the situation the more
+complicated it became, and the less confident he felt regarding an early
+solution. If Coolidge was engaged in some criminal scheme the man was
+certainly shrewd enough to carefully cover his trail. It was no sudden
+temptation to which he had yielded, but a deeply laid plan, formed,
+perhaps, as long ago as his brother's death, and now just coming to a
+head. Even the books of the estate might have been so carefully
+manipulated as to leave no clue. Besides West possessed no authority by
+which to examine the books, or even question the bankers in whose hands
+the funds were supposed to be. The only immediate hope of striking a
+trail apparently lay in his discovery of the strange woman who was
+impersonating Natalie Coolidge, and learning her object in carrying on
+such a masquerade. Of course, even that might lead nowhere in particular,
+as she might be merely amusing herself, and have no connection with
+Percival whatever; yet such an investigation offered a chance not to be
+neglected.
+
+His glance took in the surroundings, but with no conception that they
+would have any direct bearing upon the mystery he was endeavouring to
+solve. It was a block of irregular houses, a tenement on the corner, a
+dirty looking brick, the other houses of wood, mostly two stories in
+height, rather disreputable in appearance, but the one before which the
+machine waited, was a frame cottage, well back from the street, and
+rather respectable in appearance, although it must have been some years
+since last painted. Its original white was dingy, and the tightly
+closed blinds gave an appearance of desertion. The door was shut. The
+chimney indicated no sign of smoke, the front yard gave every evidence
+of long neglect.
+
+An urchin, chasing a ball, plunged recklessly beneath the auto, emerging
+with the sphere in his grimy fist. West stopped him with a question.
+
+"Who lives in there?"
+
+"I do' know."
+
+"You don't know? Live 'round here, don't you?"
+
+"Sure; but these folks just come in. They ain't got no kids. G'wn; what
+yer asking me fer? Here ye are, Micky!"
+
+"Wait a minute. Here's a dime for you. You say these people just
+moved in?"
+
+"Yep."
+
+"When?"
+
+"Couple days maybe. Shucks, mister, I do' know. Hooligans moved out 'bout
+a week ago, an' then, a while after that, these guys moved in. I ain't
+seen nobody round, but a sorter middlin' ol' woman. Maybe Micky knows who
+they be--he lives in that next house. Hey, Micky; here's a guy wants to
+ask you som'thin'!"
+
+But Micky refused to be interested, beyond a derisive wiggling of his
+fingers at his nose, and West, having abstracted all the information
+possible, made no further effort. The knowledge thus obtained as to the
+present occupants of the cottage did not exactly coincide with the story
+Coolidge had told. He had spoken of a widow with three children in
+destitute circumstances following the father's death. The boy asserted
+there were no children in the family. And they had just moved in, within
+a very few days, during which time the neighbourhood had only glimpsed a
+"middling old" woman. It was strange at least, adding distinctly to the
+puzzle of the whole affair. West grew nervous, wondering why the two
+should remain so long within, out of sight and hearing. If this was
+merely a charitable visit, it surely did not need require such a length
+of time. He had been waiting now for three-quarters of an hour. He opened
+the door of the car, and stepped out upon the curb, almost tempted to
+investigate the cause of delay. As he stood there undecided, the two
+emerged from the cottage, and descended the steps together. Through the
+opened door he caught no glimpse of any one within, yet some unseen hand
+closed it quickly behind them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+A NEW MISS COOLIDGE
+
+
+They came down the narrow board walk together, Percival carefully holding
+the lady's arm to prevent her tripping over the loosened planks, but
+neither exchanging a word. The man was smiling, the fingers of one hand
+toying with the curl of his moustache, but Natalie appeared somewhat
+sobered by her visit, and West noticed that she had tied a light veil
+over her face, which slightly shadowed her features. It was only as they
+reached the curb that she spoke, her voice rather low and listless.
+
+"Would you mind driving the car back?" she asked Coolidge. "Really I feel
+quite unnerved."
+
+"No wonder," he returned sympathetically, "I have never witnessed a
+sadder case; the conditions were even worse than I imagined. I should
+never have brought you with me, my dear."
+
+"Oh, I am not sorry I came; but it has been a lesson to me. I do not
+think before I ever realized what such poverty meant."
+
+The words trembled from her lips, and were spoken slowly as though
+chosen with care. "The sad plight of the children particularly
+appealed to me."
+
+"There are children then?" West questioned, as Coolidge assisted her
+into the car. The latter cast a swift glance of inquiry into the younger
+man's face.
+
+"Children!" he exclaimed, "Of course; we spoke of them on the way down."
+
+"I know; that was what made me wonder when one of the lads playing out
+here in the street said there were no kids in the cottage."
+
+"Oh, I see," a bit sarcastically. "So you have been amusing yourself
+questioning the neighbours, have you?"
+
+"To a very small extent," West confessed, keeping his temper. "One of the
+players chased a stray ball under the automobile, and I asked him a
+question or two. The cottage appeared so deserted, and you were absent
+for such a length of time, I became somewhat curious."
+
+"And what did he tell you?"
+
+"Only that the occupants had moved in within a few days, and that he had
+seen no kids about; no one in fact but a middling old woman."
+
+"Did he mention any names?"
+
+"No; I didn't ask. It was nothing to me."
+
+"I should say it was not. So the kid told you there were no children,
+did he? Well, you heard what Natalie said just now--which are you going
+to believe?"
+
+"The lady, of course," smilingly. "Surely this is no matter to
+quarrel over."
+
+"No, Captain West," she broke in, leaning forward in the seat, and
+speaking again in the peculiar strained voice. "The boy was merely
+mistaken. He had not seen the children because they were kept closely in
+the house. They were turned out of their former home, and have absolutely
+nothing; no furniture even; only straw to sleep on. It was most pitiful."
+
+"Do not think of it any longer, Natalie," Coolidge insisted rather
+gruffly. "They are all right now. I shall telephone for a doctor as soon
+as we get back, and attend to the rent the first thing tomorrow."
+
+"I know, Uncle, but I cannot forget so easily. Do you know anything about
+poverty, Captain West?"
+
+"Nothing very direct. Of course, in a way I have occasionally come in
+contact with suffering of that nature. I have been hungry enough in
+the army, but usually I have experienced little need. I regret," he
+added apologetically, "that what I said was taken as criticism. I had
+no such meaning."
+
+"Criticism!" Coolidge turned the car around as he spoke. "Be as free with
+that as you please; what I object to is your intruding at every
+opportunity. It looks as though you were trying to find out something--is
+that your game?"
+
+"Not at all. I naturally spoke to the kid, and the only topic which
+occurred to me at the moment concerned the people you were visiting. I
+see no occasion for any misunderstanding."
+
+"And there is none," she asserted cordially, her eyes meeting his own
+frankly. "So let's drop the subject, and enjoy our ride. I am not going
+to have the whole day spoiled because of these people. They are all right
+now. What is that big building over there?"
+
+Coolidge emitted some answer, but devoted his attention to running the
+car, his jaw set. It was clear enough that West's explanation was not
+altogether satisfactory, and his dislike for the younger man had in no
+way lessened. The young woman, however, easily regained her vivacity, and
+devoted herself to making the ride homeward as pleasant as possible. West
+found her unusually entertaining, with a deep sense of humor he had not
+before suspected, and an occasional lapse into slang which rather
+surprised him. He had previously entertained the thought that she was
+rather conventional and not particularly easy to approach, but this
+conception vanished quickly in a free flow of conversation, to which
+Coolidge apparently paid small attention. Indeed, there were moments when
+her extreme frankness of speech rather surprised West, even her voice
+striking strangely upon his ears, but the happy laugh, and swift glance
+of the eyes reassured him. No doubt she was playing a part for the
+benefit of Percival Coolidge in which he must co-operate. Later all would
+be explained, and made clear. This belief encouraged him to keep up his
+end of the conversation, ignoring Coolidge entirely, and devoting his
+attention exclusively to her.
+
+The returning ride seemed very brief, and, almost before West realized
+it, the car whirled in through the Coolidge gate, and came to a stop at
+the door. Coolidge by this time had recovered from his spell of
+ill-nature, or else chose to so appear, and the party separated
+pleasantly. Natalie disappeared somewhere within, while the two men
+strolled out to the tennis court where the guests were enjoying a
+spirited game. All met again at lunch, and then separated, some to motor
+over to the lake, the others amusing themselves as they saw fit. Both
+Coolidge and Natalie vanished, while West, finding himself alone, chose a
+book from the library, and, solaced by a cigar, sought a shady nook on
+the porch.
+
+The book, however, was but a mark for his thoughts, which continually
+revolved about the strange surroundings in which he found himself. He was
+apparently making no progress, was no nearer a solution of the mystery
+confronting him. Thus far, at least, no direct clue had presented itself.
+Numerous things had occurred to strengthen suspicion, and to increase
+interest in the quest. But beyond this--nothing. He liked the girl and
+was completely enlisted in her service. He disliked Percival, and was
+convinced the fellow was planning evil. Several incidents had already
+strengthened this belief; yet there was nothing positive upon which to
+build; no path of adventure for him to follow. To speculate was easy
+enough, but real facts eluded him.
+
+Yet, in spite of this feeling of failure, West's reflections centred more
+upon the young woman than upon the particular problem which he had to
+solve. The ride back from the city had revealed a phase of her character
+he had never observed before--she had shown herself vivacious, light of
+speech, a bit slangy and audacious. He was not altogether sure that this
+new revealment quite pleased him, and yet it possessed a certain charm.
+He had before learned to think of her as rather quiet and reserved, and
+now must change his whole conception. It was difficult to adjust his mind
+at once to the different standard. He found himself wondering why she had
+afforded him glimpses of her nature so strangely unlike. What could have
+occurred within the cottage to thus make so suddenly manifest this new
+side to her character? The change in her only served to increase the
+mystery, and, he confessed, his admiration also. Her very freedom
+evidenced to his mind that he was really accepted, had been taken into a
+new intimacy; no longer to be held and treated as an interloper, a
+stranger employed for a purpose. She had deliberately cast aside the
+conventional, and become natural in his presence--free to speak and act
+as the spirit moved. This was a victory, and he chose to interpret it as
+proof that she already really liked and trusted him. Actuated by this
+feeling, she no longer deemed it necessary to dissemble in his presence.
+It was a long step in advance.
+
+He had arrived at this very pleasant conclusion, when Sexton appeared in
+the door, evidently looking for some one. The man espied him there in
+the shadow of the vines, and came forward.
+
+"Miss Coolidge requests your presence, sir, for a few moments," he
+said gravely.
+
+"Why, certainly; did she say where, Sexton?"
+
+"In the library, sir; she is waiting there now."
+
+West hesitated an instant. There was a question he was eager to ask, but
+immediately thought better of it. Interviewing servants was not in his
+line, and there were other ways of learning the truth.
+
+"Very well," he said quietly. "I will join her at once. Thank you,
+Sexton," and disappeared into the cool, darkened hall.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+AN UNEXPECTED DISMISSAL
+
+
+The shades had been drawn closely to exclude the sun, and, for a moment
+after he first crossed the threshold of the library, West was unable to
+distinguish any occupant. He heard Sexton silently close the door behind
+him, but it was not until she moved slightly that he was able to
+perceive her presence directly across from where he stood. Her voice
+broke the silence.
+
+"You will find a seat next to the window, Captain," she said quietly. "It
+was very good of you to come."
+
+"The pleasure was mine," he replied. "Only I am blinded coming in here
+from the bright sunshine without."
+
+"I have had a touch of headache--nervous, no doubt, from the visit this
+morning--and so ordered Sexton to draw the shades. Your eyes will soon
+accustom themselves to the lack of light. I see you quite well."
+
+"Oh, I am all right now," and he sank into the vacant chair, facing her,
+expectantly. "You wished to speak with me, the servant said."
+
+"Yes," she leaned back against the couch on which she rested, with face
+now clearly revealed, one hand nervously twirling a fan. "Although it is
+not easy for me to transform into words exactly what I mean. This is a
+very strange situation in which we find ourselves, Captain West."
+
+"I have felt so," he admitted, surprised at this beginning. "Yet I must
+confess, I am now becoming quite reconciled."
+
+She sat up suddenly, with eyes searching his face.
+
+"What do you mean by that?"
+
+"Perhaps I ought not to say," he answered boldly. "Yet circumstances
+seemingly justify frankness between us. I mean that I feel far more
+deeply interested in the final outcome of this affair today than I did
+yesterday--it means more to me."
+
+"Indeed! Why?"
+
+"Largely, I imagine, because I am privileged to know you much better.
+That naturally makes a difference."
+
+"Does it indeed? You imply then an increased interest in myself as an
+individual brings with it a greater desire to serve me?"
+
+"Assuredly, yes."
+
+"Then you render my task doubly hard," she said soberly, yet with a
+certain hardness in the tone. "I had not suspected any personal side
+whatever. You were a total stranger to me, Captain West, and I employed
+you in this matter merely in a business way, as--as--a detective. Surely
+you understood this clearly?"
+
+"In a measure that is quite true," feeling the sharp sting of her words.
+"Yet the comparison is hardly fair, is it? I am not a detective in the
+sense with which you employ the term. No question of pay even has been
+discussed between us. The appeal to my services was from an entirely
+different stand-point. More, you even investigated rather carefully my
+social and financial standing before taking me into your confidence, or
+admitting me to your home. Is this not true?"
+
+"Undoubtedly. I had reason to wish assurance in these matters. I had to
+present you to my friends."
+
+"Yet this very knowledge of my social position placed me on a totally
+different plane from that of a detective picked up at some agency. You
+knew I was not serving you for pay."
+
+"Did I?"
+
+"I should hope you did," his voice hardening slightly.
+
+"But for what other end did you volunteer your services?"
+
+"Perhaps that is not so easily explained. It was a spirit of adventure
+which first led me to answer your advertisement, I presume. At least, I
+can give it no other name. Then, when we met, you appealed to me
+personally; I felt a desire to further our acquaintance and--well, your
+story aroused my interest."
+
+"Is that all?"
+
+"It might have been had not you chosen methods of procedure which led me
+to other thoughts."
+
+She laughed.
+
+"Oh, I see! All this has happened because I introduced you to the others
+as my fiancé. Why, that is positively funny. Didn't you know that was
+only a part of the game being played?"
+
+"Yes," he said, ignoring the humour of it, and feeling oddly sober, "I
+understood, and was playing, the same as you. Only both of us, I think,
+forget an important fact."
+
+"What, please?"
+
+"That we were young, socially on a level, and that you were an
+exceedingly charming young woman."
+
+She laughed again, yet this time with more restraint.
+
+"That is quite ridiculous, Captain West. Surely, you are not actually
+making love to me?"
+
+"No, I am not. I am merely facing the situation very frankly. It would be
+useless for me to claim lack of interest in you. From our very first
+meeting, you have appealed to me strongly--more so than any other woman
+of my acquaintance. Then, perhaps, the peculiarity of our relationship,
+with the trust you seemed to impose in me, tended to deepen that
+interest. I confess I began to care for you--as a woman."
+
+"Really you are quite flattering. I never dreamed I possessed such
+marvellous powers." She remained silent a moment, her eyes shaded by
+their long lashes; then uplifted them again to his face. "This makes it
+all the more necessary that I now speak plainly," she went on at length.
+"That I should explain to you it has all been a mistake. That was why I
+asked you to come here now."
+
+"All a mistake! Not the trouble you were in surely?"
+
+"Yes. I must have dreamed most of it, I think. I have just had a long
+confidential talk with Percival Coolidge, and we understand each other
+perfectly. Everything has been explained. So there is no necessity for
+our pretending any longer."
+
+West rose to his feet, comprehending her full meaning, yet unwilling to
+yield his position without further explanation.
+
+"Your words are certainly plain enough," he said slowly, "yet I trust I
+may be pardoned if I ask a question or so."
+
+"Is it necessary?"
+
+"Perhaps not, but I feel my curiosity is justified. You told me a rather
+remarkable story and requested my aid in the solving of a strange
+mystery. Now you abruptly dismiss me from that service. Do you mean the
+mystery is already solved without my further assistance?"
+
+"I am convinced there was no mystery; that it was only imagination,
+Captain West. My calling you was a mistake."
+
+"Percival Coolidge assures you of this?"
+
+"Positively; we have discussed it from every angle, and all that appeared
+mysterious has been made clear."
+
+"There is no one else impersonating you?"
+
+"No."
+
+"The checks at the bank; the strange person using your name; all these
+were myths?"
+
+She laughed.
+
+"Of course. I really believed all I said to you at the time, but
+everything has been explained since, and I realize how very foolish I
+have been. Uncle Percival has been very nice about it. He simply didn't
+understand before how worried I was."
+
+"No doubt. You sent for me then merely to say I was dismissed?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And you told Coolidge, of course, how I came to be here?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And the others? What will they think?"
+
+"Why, that can make no difference. They can be told that you were
+suddenly called away. Let them suppose we had a quarrel, and that our
+engagement is broken," and she laughed again, evidently vastly amused
+at the idea.
+
+"But you, personally?" he insisted.
+
+She sobered instantly, also rising, and facing him.
+
+"Captain West, let us be sensible. I invited you here for a certain
+purpose. You were employed as much as any of my other servants. Is that
+a sufficient answer?"
+
+"It certainly is. I will depart at once."
+
+"Thank you. The limousine will be at the door. You will return to the
+Club, I presume?"
+
+"Temporarily, until other arrangements are made."
+
+He bowed and left her standing there in the shadows, the expression of
+her face veiled, but there seemed no response, no softening in the
+rigid attitude of her figure. She did not care; was only interested in
+his immediate departure. The change had occurred with such abruptness,
+West was unable as yet to realize its full significance, but, with no
+attempt to combat her decision, left the room, closing the door behind
+him. In that moment his mood changed. The dismissal had been so curt,
+his pride rose in rebellion. Finding Sexton in the front hall, he
+addressed him crisply.
+
+"My bag will be ready in ten minutes."
+
+"Yes, sir; you are going away, sir?"
+
+"Immediately. A call to return to the city at once."
+
+"I am very sorry, sir," he said respectfully, yet in a tone of such
+earnestness, as to cause West to glance toward him sharply. For an
+instant it was upon the lips of the younger man to ask a question, but
+Sexton turned away, and it remained unasked. Promptly at the time
+mentioned came the servant's soft rap on the door.
+
+"I came for the bag, sir."
+
+West handed it over with a glance at the rather expressionless face.
+
+"You said you regretted to see me leave, Sexton," he remarked jovially.
+"I presume you meant nothing in particular by that remark?"
+
+"Oh, no, sir," standing motionless, bag in hand. "Only you have been very
+kind, sir, and--and--of course, it is none of my business, but I hope
+there is no quarrel, sir?"
+
+"Quarrel! With Miss Natalie, you mean? Why should you suspect that?"
+
+"I--I spoke, sir, very thoughtlessly, sir," he stammered. "You will
+pardon me, sir."
+
+"Yes, but you must have had a reason, Sexton?"
+
+"Only that she has seemed very much out of humour, sir, since her trip to
+town," he explained rather lamely. "I have never known her to be so hard
+to please, sir. I'm sure something is wrong, but that is no reason why I
+should say what I did, sir."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+THE BODY OF A SUICIDE
+
+
+As the car whirled West down the circling driveway, the only sign of
+life visible about the house was the motionless figure of Sexton on the
+steps. If either Miss Natalie, or Percival Coolidge, took interest enough
+in the proceedings to witness his departure, they chose to remain
+carefully concealed within. His glance searched the front of the mansion
+vainly; no window revealed an occupant. From behind where the guests were
+at play, sounded a distant murmur of voices, and laughter, but the house
+itself expressed only calm indifference. There was no pretence even at
+speeding the parting guest. He had simply been dismissed, turned out,
+decently enough, perhaps, considering his status, yet with a certain
+measure of contempt which rankled nevertheless.
+
+The young man could not altogether reconcile this style of treatment with
+his preconceived conception of Miss Natalie Coolidge. He had been too
+deeply impressed by her to easily relinquish his previously formed
+opinion of her character. This latest action did not at all coincide with
+her former open friendliness. He had not gone to her as a servant, nor
+had she in any way treated him as such. What could account for so
+remarkable a change? Even if she had felt his present usefulness was
+ended; that she had made a mistake in ever admitting him to her
+confidence, the dismissal could have been much more pleasantly achieved.
+She could still have exhibited friendliness, and an interest in his
+departure. Her words and manner had been extremely abrupt, and her
+explanation far from satisfactory.
+
+Perhaps it was the influence of Percival Coolidge which accounted for the
+sudden change in the girl. This explanation seemed probable. The man had
+in some way regained her confidence, and then, through trickery, had
+succeeded in poisoning her mind. There was no doubt he would do this, if
+possible, and the probability was that he had finally discovered a way.
+From the very first, West had felt the antagonism of the other; there had
+never been any love lost between them. Coolidge disliked him
+instinctively, and made no effort to conceal his feelings; he resented
+the intimacy between him and Natalie, naturally enough, and would use
+every means possible to get the younger man completely out of the house.
+No doubt he looked upon him as dangerous. But why? There could only be
+one answer to this query. His own dishonesty; his secret knowledge of
+some trickery relative to the funds of the estate. He had convinced the
+girl of his honesty, but, more than ever, West believed the fellow a
+rascal. His very helplessness to intervene rendered him the more
+convinced.
+
+These thoughts flitted through his mind, yet not consecutively, as the
+car left the grounds, and turned on to the main road, leading citywards.
+They were still skirting the Coolidge estate, although the house behind
+was concealed by shrubbery. The road descending into a ravine spanned by
+a concrete bridge, and a rather dense growth of trees shut out the
+surrounding landscape. Nothing moving was in sight. Suddenly, just as
+they cleared the bridge, and began to mount the opposite grade, there
+came a sharp report, sounding so close at hand the chauffeur clamped on
+his brake, and glanced anxiously over the side of the car.
+
+"Blow-out, wasn't it, sir?"
+
+"No," said West shortly, staring himself out into the thicket of trees at
+their left. "It was a shot fired over there; a revolver I should say.
+Wait a second, Sanders, until I see what has happened."
+
+It was largely curiosity which led him to leave the car. The very
+conviction that it was a revolver which had been discharged brought a
+desire to learn the cause of the shot. The sound of either a rifle or a
+shot-gun in that lonely spot would have been instantly dismissed as
+natural enough, but a pistol was different. That was no place for such a
+weapon. It somehow had a grimly sinister sound. Led forward by a dim
+path, he plunged down the sharp incline of the hill, and pressed his way
+through the thick fringe of trees beyond. Behind these ran a wire fence,
+guarding a stretch of meadow, the high, uncut grass waving in the wind.
+Nothing was in sight except this ripening field of clover sweeping upward
+to the summit of an encircling ridge. The silence was profound; the
+loneliness absolute.
+
+It was this fact which startled West from curiosity into suspicion.
+Surely there had been a shot fired--a revolver shot--almost on the very
+spot where he stood. He could not doubt the evidence of his own ears. Yet
+who had fired? For what purpose? and how had the party disappeared so
+completely during that narrow margin of time? There was no place where a
+man could hide unless he lay flat in the clover; and what occasion would
+any one have to thus seek concealment? Even if the shooter knew of the
+passing automobile, or heard his approach through the trees, there could
+be no reasonable cause for concealment. Determined now to learn exactly
+what had happened, West pressed his passage forward through the vines of
+the fence, and emerged into the field beyond. A half dozen yards and he
+found the clover trampled, as though a man had passed that way. The trail
+led into a shallow depression, past a rather large boulder, near which
+the trampling of the grass was even more plainly revealed, as though the
+stranger had remained here for some time, had even seated himself, and
+then, abruptly ended a few yards away. Evidently the fellow had turned
+back at this point, and retraced his steps.
+
+West, now thoroughly puzzled, and already convinced that some mystery
+hovered over the place, began to circle through the untrampled clover,
+but without any defined purpose. All at once, at the lower end of the
+gully he came, unexpectedly, upon another trail, this one well marked,
+apparently frequently used, which led straight across the field, and
+terminated at a small gate leading through the wire fence. Evidently
+here was a short cut to the road, well known to the servants on the
+estate, and possibly others. The discovery, however, told nothing
+further than this, and contenting himself with another glance about the
+unchanged field of rustling clover, West proceeded along the course of
+the path, intending to thus rejoin the automobile, waiting his return
+behind the trees.
+
+Within a few steps of the gate, which was closed, he came to a sudden,
+horrified pause, staring ahead at a strange something huddled in the
+path. It was a shapeless thing, bearing no resemblance to a human being,
+until he advanced closer; then he recognized the form of a man, curled up
+as a dog sleeps, face down hidden by his arm, and limbs drawn up, as if
+in a sudden spasm of agony. A hat was in the path beyond, where it had
+fallen, and a revolver lay glittering in the sunlight a few feet away.
+There was nothing familiar about either figure or clothing, yet
+unquestionably there lay the body of a suicide. The single shot they had
+heard, the tell-tale revolver close to the dead man's hand, were clear
+evidence of what had occurred.
+
+The unexpectedness of this discovery, the peculiar position of the dead
+man, the loneliness of that deserted field in which he lay, shocked West
+and, for a moment left him strangely hesitant. Who was the man? What
+could have led up to the pitiful tragedy? Yet he advanced step by step
+nearer to the hideous object in the path. The man had been shot directly
+behind the right ear, killed instantly, no doubt, as the deadly bullet
+crashed through the brain. West lifted the arm which concealed the face,
+already shrinking from the suspicion, which had begun to assail him. Then
+he knew who the dead man was--Percival Coolidge.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+SUSPICION VERIFIED
+
+
+Affairs progressed far too rapidly for some hours for West to reflect
+seriously over this experience. He could only act swiftly, answer
+questions, and do all in his power to assist others. The real meaning of
+the tragedy he made no effort to solve; for the time being, at least, he
+must leave that to others.
+
+He stood guard beside the body until servants came and bore it to the
+house, but made no effort to follow. Instead he gave his address to
+Sexton, and continued his journey into the city. After what had passed
+between them he had no desire to again encounter Miss Natalie; and under
+these circumstances, actually shrank from meeting her. Just what this
+man's death might mean to the girl he could not safely conjecture, yet
+deep down in his own heart, he felt convinced that this act of
+self-destruction would later prove to be a confession of guilt. Yet, be
+that as it may, he was already definitely ruled out of the matter. Not,
+unless she personally sent for him, could he ever venture to go to her
+again in any capacity. To his mind this decision was final.
+
+He was called for the inquest and gave his testimony. The hearing was
+brief, and the facts ascertained so clear, there remained no doubt in the
+minds of any one, but what this was a case of suicide. No particular
+attempt was made to probe into the cause, the personal affairs of the
+dead man being left for later investigation. West saw Natalie at the
+inquest for the very few moments she was upon the stand, but their eyes
+did not meet, nor did the girl give any evidence of recognition. She was
+pale, yet calm, answering the questions asked her quietly. These
+pertained entirely to her last meeting with Coolidge, and had no direct
+bearing on the verdict. The moment she was released she retired from the
+room; and West merely lingered long enough to learn the decision of the
+jury. Somehow the impression the young woman had left upon him in those
+few moments was not a pleasant one. He could not clearly analyse this
+result, yet she was either acting a part to conceal her true emotions, or
+else she was really indifferent.
+
+It was not until the following day that reason began to reassert itself,
+and he succeeded in marshalling the facts of the case more clearly in
+his own mind. He even began to doubt and question his own testimony, yet,
+before he reached any real conclusion, one of the Club servants
+approached his chair.
+
+"Captain West, there is a man out here asking to see you."
+
+"A man! Where?"
+
+"I had him wait in the anteroom, sir. He would give no name, and seems to
+be of the working class; so I thought I better tell you first, sir."
+
+"Very well, Mapes. I'll soon find out what he wants."
+
+It was Sexton, twirling his hat nervously in his hands, and still
+standing irresolutely in the middle of the floor. As sight of West he
+took a hasty step forward, eager to explain the cause of his presence.
+
+"You'll pardon me, sir," he burst forth in apology. "But I must see
+you, sir."
+
+"That's quite all right, Sexton. You have some message?"
+
+"Not--not from any one else, sir. It's just my own business, but--but I
+thought you would help me, sir."
+
+"Certainly; only too glad. Let's step in here where we can talk quietly."
+
+He pointed the way into a private card room, closing the door behind
+his visitor.
+
+"Take the seat over there, Sexton. You came in to see me from Fairlawn?"
+
+"No, sir, I didn't. The fact is, I'm not out there any longer."
+
+"Not there! What do you mean?"
+
+"I've been discharged, sir, with two other servants, since the funeral
+yesterday."
+
+"Discharged! Why I understood you had been employed there for years."
+
+"Several years, sir."
+
+"And now discharged! By whom? Not Miss Natalie surely?"
+
+"Yes, sir. She didn't give no reason; just said we were not wanted any
+longer. That's one reason why I came here to see you, sir."
+
+"But I hardly know how I can be of help. I have no house of my own,
+and--well, the truth of the matter is, Sexton, just at present I am not
+on very good terms with the young lady myself."
+
+"I know that, sir," more confidently. "And it isn't a position I am
+seeking, at all. I have quite a tidy bit of money laid away, and could
+get plenty of work. That's not the point, sir. Why should Miss Natalie
+tell me to go like that? It isn't a bit like her, sir; she ain't seemed
+natural at all lately, and I tell you there's something wrong goin' on
+out there. I'm sure o' that, sir."
+
+"Sure of what?"
+
+"Well, for one thing, it's my opinion that Percival Coolidge never killed
+himself, sir."
+
+West sat up stiffly, as though struck a blow. These words startled him;
+drove his own mind into sudden activity.
+
+"What makes you think that, Sexton?" he questioned slowly.
+
+"Well, there's more than one thing," as though glad to have made the
+plunge, and anxious to justify himself. "But first of all that wasn't his
+revolver they found lying beside him. He always had one in his valise,
+an' it's there now, or was when I looked to see."
+
+"You didn't tell that to the coroner."
+
+"No, sir; he never put me on the stand. Besides I didn't know about it
+then. After I thought about it, I told Miss Natalie, sir."
+
+"Oh, you did! and what did she say?"
+
+"She didn't think that proved anything; that he probably had the other in
+his pocket."
+
+"This was before you were dismissed?"
+
+"Yes, sir; the evening before, sir."
+
+West whistled gravely, his gaze on the other's face.
+
+"And is that all, Sexton?" he asked finally. "Is there any other reason
+why you doubt Coolidge killed himself?"
+
+"Did you notice where he was shot, sir?"
+
+"Behind the right ear; the wound was plainly visible."
+
+"Not very easy for a man to do himself, sir."
+
+"No, but possible, nevertheless. The coroner was satisfied on that
+point."
+
+"Yes, sir, but the coroner overlooked one thing, sir. He was sure it was
+a suicide case, and wanted to get done with it in a hurry. I and
+Simmons, sir, washed the body to get it ready for burial, an' I combed
+the hair down over the bullet wound. There wasn't no powder marks on the
+skin, an' not a hair was singed, sir. That's what makes me say he never
+killed himself."
+
+West sat silent and motionless, looking straight at the man opposite,
+endeavouring to decide on a course of action. Someway in the depth of his
+earnestness, Sexton no longer appeared a servant. He was a man, voicing a
+man's heart. West realized the change instinctively; here was an
+intelligent loyal fellow, to be met frankly, and for the time being, at
+least, on the ground of equality. It would be useless to try to either
+mislead, or deceive.
+
+"Sexton," he began finally, "this is a pretty serious charge you make,
+my man, but since I have been thinking things over, I confess some
+suspicious circumstances have arisen in my own mind. Of course I was
+not aware of these facts you have just related, but they fit in nicely
+with some observations of my own. The truth is," he confessed frankly,
+"I did not tell all I knew to the coroner's jury. I meant to do so, but
+the right questions were not asked me, and certain details slipped my
+memory until too late. Do you recall a boulder of rock out in that
+clover field?"
+
+"Yes, sir, to the right of the path; it is mostly hidden now by
+the growth."
+
+"Entirely concealed a few yards away. Well, when I crawled through the
+fence after hearing that shot fired, I saw nothing, and heard nothing. I
+had advanced into the field several rods when I came upon the trail of
+some one leading directly north. It was not a path; merely evidence that
+a single person had passed that way. I followed, and came to this
+boulder. Here there was every proof visible that the previous party had
+remained for some time, seated and lying on the ground under protection
+of the stone. The occupancy was a recent one. Then evidently, whoever it
+was, had advanced to the right in the general direction of the gate
+through the fence, near where Coolidge's body was found. The marks of
+advance did not lead that far, or even to the marked path through the
+field. They ended on a little rise, some ten yards from the boulder,
+where the fellow apparently turned about, and retraced his steps."
+
+"How far was that from the gate into the road, sir?" he asked
+breathlessly.
+
+"Within easy shooting distance for a revolver of that calibre, I should
+say. Any good marksman could have rung the bell."
+
+"And you saw no one?"
+
+"No; not a sign; the fact is I failed at the time to put two and two
+together. The thought of a possible murder never occurred to me. It was
+only afterwards that I began to appreciate what all this might mean, and
+now what you have said has driven it home."
+
+"You think it was murder then, sir?"
+
+"Yes, I do," replied West gravely. "It has all the marks, but who
+committed the crime? What was the motive? It will never do for us to make
+such a charge, after the coroner's verdict, without positive proof."
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"And you know of nothing which might clear this up?"
+
+"No, sir; I've been with the Coolidges, sir, ever since Miss Natalie was
+a little girl, and I ain't heard of any trouble that ought to end in
+murder, sir."
+
+"How old was Miss Coolidge when her father died?"
+
+"She must have been seventeen, sir."
+
+"And since then Percival Coolidge had full charge of the estate?"
+
+"Practically, yes, sir; there was another trustee, but he died; and then,
+as I understand, Miss Natalie had some funds of her own."
+
+West took a cigar from his pocket, and lit it. Although not altogether
+clear in his own mind, he had begun to see light. For a moment he smoked
+in silence in an endeavour to figure out his own duty, while Sexton,
+nervously clinching and unclinching his hands, watched and waited.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+AGAINST A STONE WALL
+
+
+Was this discovery anything to him? What difference could it make whether
+Percival Coolidge had died by his own hand, or been treacherously shot
+from ambush? How would it benefit Natalie Coolidge to have the truth
+revealed? And, if it would benefit her, why should he devote his time and
+labour to such an effort? She had cast him off, thrown him aside; her
+affairs had no further interest for him. Let her lawyer take care of
+them. These were West's first thoughts.
+
+All true, yet this state of mind brought no satisfaction. He was
+interested; he could not escape his first impressions of the girl, or
+drive from him a desire to serve her, whether she wished it, or not.
+She might, indeed, be in equal danger from an assassin. He could not
+determine this until he learned the cause of the slaying of Percival.
+Then, on the other hand, suppose some one else's suspicions were also
+aroused. Who would they naturally look to as guilty of this horrible
+crime? There was but one answer--Natalie Coolidge. She was seemingly
+the only person to directly benefit by this sudden death. All these
+considerations urged him on, overcame his doubt and indecision. Then
+he desired to learn the truth himself. His eyes rested on Sexton's
+anxious face.
+
+"I've been thinking it over," he admitted quietly, "and I guess it is up
+to you and me to find out what this means."
+
+"Yes, sir," hesitatingly. "You--you don't think it was Miss
+Natalie, sir?"
+
+"No, I do not, Sexton. I have my own reasons for saying that. Yet
+naturally she is the one to be first suspected. Do you know anything?"
+
+"Only that I am sure she was in the garden, sir, when the shot was fired.
+I saw her there just after you drove away."
+
+"That is conclusive then, so far as her personal actions are concerned.
+But there is an odd angle to this matter, and I might as well explain it
+to you first as last. Perhaps you can help figure the oddness out. I was
+not engaged to Miss Natalie, Sexton; I was not even a friend. I came to
+the house, employed to perform a certain task. She introduced me as her
+fiancé merely to explain my presence there, and make the way clear. It
+was the impulse of a moment."
+
+"You don't say, sir! What, may I ask, was it you was expected to do?"
+
+"To discover who was masquerading in this city under her name."
+
+"Was there some one, sir?"
+
+"So she told me; we went into that rather thoroughly. She claimed it had
+been going on for some months; checks had been cashed at the bank; even
+her servants had been approached by some one so closely resembling her as
+to deceive them; and she had been reported at various places she never
+visited. She was very much exercised over it."
+
+"And she engaged you just to find this other woman?"
+
+"Yes; her lawyer and Percival Coolidge only laughed at her story."
+
+"But you believed it, sir?"
+
+"Well, perhaps not at first altogether. It seemed too strange and
+impossible. I thought something must have got on her nerves and caused
+her to imagine things. But the first night I remained out there gave me a
+shock. I do not know whether I left my door unlocked, or whether a
+pass-key was used, but I woke up suddenly to discover a woman in the
+room. I only had a glimpse of her, for she slipped out instantly, and
+disappeared down the hall; but it was moonlight and I would have sworn
+the intruder was Miss Natalie. I asked her the next day."
+
+"And she denied being there?"
+
+"Absolutely, and convinced me it was true. There is no doubt in my mind,
+Sexton, but what she really is being impersonated by some one who
+resembles her most remarkably. Who this person is I have not the remotest
+idea; nor what her real object can be. Just at this moment, I am inclined
+to believe it has something to do with the Coolidge estate--a criminal
+scheme of some kind, and that Percival Coolidge had connection with it."
+
+"I can hardly believe that, sir."
+
+"No doubt you find it difficult. You told me yourself that had always
+been his room, the one I occupied."
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"That woman knew it; she came there to consult with him." He stopped
+suddenly. "By Gad! Sexton, maybe she came there to kill him. I hadn't
+thought of that."
+
+"It is too much for me, sir," the other said soberly. "I don't know why
+any one should want to kill him. But there's got to be a reason
+somewhere. Where was it the three of you went on Sunday in the runabout,
+Captain West?"
+
+"To a house over in the factory district; some charity case that Coolidge
+was interested in--the widow of one of his employees, I believe."
+
+"Did you see the people?"
+
+"No, I didn't go in; waited outside in the car; it was no affair of mine.
+Why?" he asked in surprise.
+
+"Because, sir, Miss Natalie seemed like a different person when she got
+back. Not in looks, or nothing like that I don't mean, but in the way she
+talked and acted. Nothing suited her all the rest of the day. You know
+how she was to you, sir. Well she was just that snappy with all of us,
+even after we brought the body back to the house. And she wouldn't look
+at him, sir, not even after he was dressed proper and laid out. She just
+went off up stairs, and stayed there; had a bit of toast an' tea, an'
+that's all."
+
+"I hardly believe," said West thoughtfully, "you can attribute her state
+of mind to anything that occurred on that trip. Indeed she was in high
+spirits all the way home."
+
+"I can't help that, sir," Sexton insisted blindly. "It was something that
+happened yesterday what set her wrong, an' if I was you, sir, I'd find
+out what happened in that house first of all. Could you find the place?"
+
+"Yes, I think so. I'll look it up, although I don't have much faith in
+your theory." He glanced at his watch. "I'll go out there now. You come
+back here about five, and we will talk over any discoveries I may make."
+
+"And what shall I do, sir?"
+
+Both were standing, West with hand on the knob of the door. The light in
+his eyes hardened.
+
+"Nothing occurs to me now, Sexton, unless you can find an excuse to
+return to Fairlawn, after something you have forgotten, let us say. If we
+can learn what Miss Natalie proposes doing it might furnish a clue."
+
+"Very well, sir, and I am to be here at five o'clock?"
+
+"Yes, at five; I will leave word with the doorman to show you in at
+once."
+
+West picked up a taxi-cab for the trip, bidding the chauffeur to drive to
+a certain section of the city, and then up and down the various streets
+until told to stop. He had no idea that his quest would reveal anything
+of importance relative to the death of Coolidge, yet no better
+suggestion occurred to him and he felt that he must do something. His
+conversation with Sexton had greatly strengthened his conviction that
+this was a murder, and he had determined to ferret out the truth if
+possible. Yet, thus far there was nothing to build upon, no clue, no
+motive, no suspicion as to who had perpetrated the deed. He simply faced
+a blank wall, in which no entrance was apparent, yet there must be one,
+if he was only fortunate enough to stumble upon it. Deep down in his
+heart West was conscious that he possessed a motive in this search far
+more worthy than mere curiosity. That motive was Natalie Coolidge. He
+smiled at the thought, yet confessed it true. In spite of her curt
+dismissal, his memory of the girl centred about those earlier hours of
+their acquaintance. Something mysterious had occurred to make her change
+so quickly, and he was unwilling to condemn her before learning the real
+reason. This murder must have some relation to the Coolidge estate; he
+could conceive of no other motive for such a cold-blooded affair; and
+hence its solving must prove of vital importance to her and her future.
+Now, when the verdict of the coroner's jury had been suicide, and when
+only he, and the servant Sexton suspected otherwise, it was of the
+utmost importance that they endeavour to unravel the crime. For her
+sake he could do no less, thus serving and protecting her to the best of
+his ability.
+
+The chauffeur drove slowly up and down obscure streets for half an hour
+before West recognized familiar surroundings, and motioned for him to
+draw up against the curb. He had discovered the place sought, but from
+the street it exhibited no signs of occupancy, nor did any knocking at
+the front door bring response from within. He circled the building,
+finding an uncurtained window at the rear, which merely revealed an
+unfurnished room. Every door was locked, but, as he passed along the
+other side to regain the taxi, a man emerged from the next house, and
+hailed him.
+
+"Say, what're yer snoopin' round there for? Lookin' for somebody?"
+
+"Yes, the parties who were here Sunday. What's become of them."
+
+"Hobart, you mean?"
+
+"Is that his name? I met him down town, and he told me to come here,"
+West explained rapidly. "We had a deal on."
+
+"Oh, yer did, hey," leaning his arms on the fence. "Well, Jim Hobart was
+the name he giv' me. That's my house, which is why I happen to know
+what his name was. Something queer about that fellar, I reckon, but
+'tain't none o' my business. You ain't a detective, or nothin' like
+that, are yer?"
+
+"Nothing at all like that," West laughed, although interested. "Why? Did
+you think the police might be after him?"
+
+"Not for anything I know about, only he skipped out mighty sudden. Paid
+me a month rent, and only stayed there three days. That looks sorter
+queer. Then Sunday that fellar what committed suicide out south--I read
+about in the papers--came to see him in a car. I got a boy workin' in his
+factory; that's how I come to know who the guy was. The next night
+Hobart, an' them with him, just naturally skipped out. So I didn't know
+but what the police might want him for something."
+
+"I don't know anything about that. I just called on a private matter.
+Where did he go to?"
+
+"Hell, man, I didn't even know he was goin'."
+
+"Who did he have with him here--a family?"
+
+"A woman 'bout his age I should say, an' a younger one. I didn't see 'em
+only from the window; didn't get no sight o' the girl's face at all, but
+could tell the way she walked she was young. They didn't have nothin'
+with 'em; that's all my stuff in the house there."
+
+Feeling the uselessness of trying to learn anything more, West thanked
+him, and returned to the taxi.
+
+"Back to the Club," he ordered briefly, and settled into his seat to
+think.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+238 WRAY STREET
+
+
+The information thus gained had been small enough, yet sufficient to
+stimulate his belief that he was at least upon the right trail. The
+sudden departure of this man Hobart, and the fact that no young children
+were in the family, were important items to consider. Coolidge then had
+not visited this cottage to aid a widow and orphans. There had been some
+other object in his call. The girl must have known and understood the
+real purpose; that was why they both acquiesced so readily to his
+remaining outside in the car. It was part of their mutual plan to thus
+leave him in ignorance. Yet they had made a mistake in taking him along
+at all. This error alone gave him now an opportunity to unravel the
+riddle. But did it? What did he know? Merely that Coolidge had not gone
+to this house on an errand of charity; that the occupant called himself,
+temporarily, perhaps, Jim Hobart; that his family consisted of two
+women, undescribed except as to age; and that all three had mysteriously
+disappeared together. He might take it for granted that this
+disappearance was caused by the death of Coolidge, but, they had left no
+trail, no inkling as to where they had gone. He might suspect this sudden
+vanishing had direct connection with the crime he was endeavouring to
+solve, but he possessed absolutely no proof, and, apparently, any further
+movement on his part was completely blocked.
+
+More puzzled than ever, although now fully convinced that murder had been
+committed, West could do nothing but wait the reappearance of Sexton. The
+latter arrived promptly on time, but, much to West's disappointment,
+merely nodded his head negatively to the general inquiry as to whether or
+not he had made any discoveries. The early hour enabled the host to
+secure a secluded table in the dining room, but there was no effort at
+conversation until after the meal had been ordered. Then West told his
+story. The retelling of these incidents of the afternoon, coupled with
+Sexton's evident interest in the narrative, and the questions the man
+asked, caused the discoveries made to assume a greater importance than
+before. His listener seemed to sense the situation clearly.
+
+"It wasn't no mistake, your goin' out there, sir," he said, confidently.
+"What we know now gives us something to work on anyhow, an' it's just
+what I thought--that trip Sunday led up to this killin', an' something
+happened while they was in there to stir Miss Natalie all up. Now we got
+to find this fellow--what did you say his name was, sir?"
+
+"Hobart--Jim Hobart; that is he was known by that name there."
+
+"And you say he has simply dropped out o' sight?"
+
+"That's true; never left a clue behind him."
+
+"Well, sir, I'm not quite so sure about that. You listen to me, sir. I
+walked out to Fairlawn from the car-line, an' come in across the fields
+to the house. I didn't have no good excuse for goin' back there, sir, an'
+was sorter afraid to meet up with Miss Natalie. She might have thought I
+was just spyin' 'round. But I didn't have no need for being afraid, for
+it seems she'd driven into town about noon, an' hadn't got back. There
+wasn't nobody but the servant around the place, sir. Do you remember
+Lizzie, the second maid--sorter full face, an' light hair?"
+
+West nodded, wondering what all this might be leading to.
+
+"Well, she an' I always hit it off together, an' I talked with her quite
+a bit. She's goin' to quit too, because of something what happened, so it
+was safe enough to question her. She told me, sir, that Miss Natalie had
+a telephone call this morning that took her into the city. Lizzie she
+went to the 'phone when it rang, an' it was a man's voice. He wouldn't
+leave no message, but insisted on speaking to Miss Natalie. Lizzie had to
+call her down from upstairs."
+
+"Did the girl overhear the conversation?"
+
+"Not so as to make very much out of it, sir. She was sorter
+interested, the man's voice being strange, and hung around in the hall
+listening, but about all she could make out was what Miss Natalie
+said. It seemed like he was givin' her some kind of address, which she
+didn't exactly understand, an' so she repeated it after him two or
+three times to be sure."
+
+"What was the address?"
+
+"238 Ray Street, sir."
+
+"You are certain of that?"
+
+"That was what Lizzie said; she was pretty positive, sir; an' then about
+an hour later, Miss Natalie ordered her car, an' drove into town."
+
+"Alone?"
+
+"Yes, sir; it was the electric she took."
+
+West remained silent, tapping with his knife on the table. This might
+prove important, and he could not afford to ignore the information. While
+to his mind it was hardly likely Hobart had called the girl, yet the
+possibility remained.
+
+"I never heard of a Ray Street," he said at length, "but of course, there
+may be one. Oh, Charlie," he stopped a waiter passing. "Bring me up a
+City directory, will you. You will find one in the office down stairs.
+Tell the Secretary Captain West wishes it and will return it at once."
+
+The first course had been served when the man returned with the book,
+placing it on a chair next West, who immediately deserted his soup to
+inspect the volume.
+
+"Ray Street," he said doubtfully, fingering the pages. "There is no such
+street here, Sexton. Are you sure you got that right?"
+
+"That's what she said, sir; I made her say it over twice."
+
+"Ray Street; wonder if it could be spelled with a W? By Jove, it
+is--Wray! Here we have it, only five blocks long, extending from Conway
+to Grogan. Rather tough section I should judge."
+
+"I don't know, sir. I never heard of any of those streets before. How do
+you get there?"
+
+"By car you mean? Well, let's see on the map. Oh yes, that's plain
+enough; Milwaukee Avenue to Gans, and then walk east three blocks. It
+wouldn't do any harm to take a look around there either. Perhaps that is
+where Hobart went; he might have been the one calling Natalie. Rather a
+wild guess, but it will give us something to do. What number was it?"
+
+"238, sir."
+
+"Good; we'll try our luck after we finish dinner; there will be a couple
+of hours of daylight yet. Are you game, Sexton?"
+
+"Quite so, sir."
+
+The sinking sun was still above the sky-line of the buildings fronting on
+Milwaukee Avenue, when the two men alighted at the intersection of Gans
+Street. West hardly took the adventure seriously, being more influenced
+by curiosity than any other motive, but Sexton was deeply in earnest, in
+full faith they were upon the right trail. Doubtful as he was, West had
+neglected no precautions. The map assured him that they were invading a
+disorderly section of the city, where to be well-dressed would only
+invite suspicion, and might lead to trouble. To avoid this possibility,
+he had donned his most shabby suit, and wore a cap largely concealing his
+face. In one pocket of his jacket within easy reach lay hidden his
+service revolver loaded, and he had induced Sexton to accept a smaller
+weapon in case of emergency.
+
+Gans Street was not inviting, the saloon on the corner being flanked by
+several small factories. The brick side-walk was in bad condition, and
+littered with junk of all kinds, while the road-way was entirely uncared
+for, and deeply rutted from heavy traffic. Half way down the block, was a
+tannery, closed now for the night, but with its odour yet permeating the
+entire atmosphere. Altogether, the scene was desolate and disagreeable
+enough, but the street was deserted of pedestrians, the factory doors
+tightly closed for the night.
+
+The two men pressed their way through along the narrow passage, finding
+less obstruction as they advanced, the second block being composed
+entirely of houses, largely of the tenement type, and apparently
+principally populated by children. Wray Street, once attained, was of an
+entirely different character, being lined with homes, usually humble
+enough outwardly, yet the throughfare was clean, and the small yards had
+generally an appearance of neatness in marked contrast to its
+surroundings. 238 was a three story brick, on the corner, the second
+story evidently utilized for living purposes, and the ground floor
+occupied as a saloon. The upper story exhibited no signs of occupancy,
+the windows unwashed, and two of them boarded up. The saloon possessed a
+fairly respectable appearance, the lettering across the front window
+proclaiming it as "Mike's Place," and seemed to be doing some business,
+several entering and departing by way of its hospitable door, while the
+two lingered in uncertainty opposite. Standing there idly however did not
+appeal to West.
+
+"Well, let's go over," he said impatiently. "There is nothing to be
+learned here."
+
+It was an ordinary bar-room, and their entrance apparently aroused no
+special interest. Besides the man behind the bar, a rather rough looking
+foreigner, a Pole in West's judgment, three customers were in the place,
+two with feet upon the rail talking with the drink dispenser, and, one at
+a small table moodily contemplating a half emptied stein of beer. There
+were three other tables in the room, and the Captain with a swift glance
+about, drew out a chair and sat down, his action being imitated by
+Sexton. The bar-tender came forward around the end of the bar, while the
+man nearest shifted his position slightly so as to look them over,
+conversation instantly ceasing. Something indefinable in the fellow's
+attitude, and steady stare, gave West a feeling of hostility, which was
+not dispelled by the gruff greeting of the bar-tender.
+
+"Well, what is it you fellers want?"
+
+"A stein apiece, and a sandwich--you serve them, don't you?"
+
+"Sure; ham or beef?"
+
+"Ham."
+
+There was no cordiality, no welcome in either manner or speech. It was
+plainly evident the proprietor of the saloon felt no enthusiasm over his
+unknown customers. The eyes of the two men met understandingly, but the
+few words exchanged between them were entirely foreign to the situation.
+Mike came back with the beer and sandwiches, pausing this time to wipe
+off the table, as an excuse for speech.
+
+"You guys live 'round here?" he asked gruffly, "Don't remember ever
+seein' yer in here before."
+
+"No," returned West indifferently, looking directly into the hard face.
+"I'm a smoke inspector, an' we just dropped in on our way back to the
+office. Why?"
+
+"Oh, nuthin'; only we don't get much trade outside the neighbourhood. I
+wish ter hell ye'd get after that tannery; can't hardly breathe here
+sometimes."
+
+"That's what we were looking after; had some complaints lately."
+
+"Sure, I been kickin' 'bout it for a month. You fellers have another
+beer on me."
+
+He walked back toward the bar, pausing an instant to whisper a word to
+the taller man who still stood there staring moodily at the table. What
+he said apparently determined action, for the fellow addressed, crossed
+the room to where West and Sexton sat, deliberately pulled up a vacant
+chair, and joined them.
+
+"Bring me another, Mike," he ordered. "That is, if these gents don't
+object to my joining 'em awhile."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+TRAPPED
+
+
+West smiled pleasantly, glad the man had taken the initiative, thus
+naturally opening up a way for asking certain questions. Whatever his own
+immediate object might be in thus scraping an acquaintance made no
+difference. It would doubtless develop in time, but meanwhile here was
+the opportunity sought to discuss the affairs of the neighbourhood. Yet
+the subject must be approached with due caution. The very indifference of
+the bar-tender coupled with the evident desire of this hanger-on to form
+an acquaintance, served to reveal the real nature of "Mike's Place."
+Plainly enough strangers were viewed with suspicion, and this was no
+ordinary saloon, catering to whatever trade drifted within its doors.
+More than likely it was rather a thieves' hang-out, ever suspicious of
+the activity of the police.
+
+Yet this fellow bore no outward semblance to the common conception of the
+under-world. Nor did his actions or words exhibit any motive other than
+ordinary good-fellowship. He was well dressed, easy of manner, with an
+exceptionally intelligent face, blue eyes meeting West's gaze frankly, a
+carefully trimmed moustache, with white teeth good humouredly showing
+when he smiled, and threads of grey in his hair. His very appearance
+invited confidence and comradeship, while his outspoken words increased
+this impression.
+
+"Excuse my butting in," he explained genially. "But it's damn dull around
+here tonight. Nobody to talk with but a couple o' bums. You see I don't
+belong around here; just dropped in for a bit of business with Mike."
+
+"I see," admitted West, puzzled, and wondering how far he dared venture.
+"You can get lonelier in a big city than anywhere else."
+
+"You bet you can. I like some one I can talk to; some guy with ideas. You
+see I run a broker's office down town, an' its pretty blame slow around a
+dump like this--you get me?"
+
+"Sure; this seems to be a pretty quiet place."
+
+"Quiet! Hell! it isn't always so quiet. I've dropped in here when it was
+lively enough, believe me. But tonight it's the limit. Fact is I come up
+for a little excitement, as much as anything else, but must have struck
+an off night. You're a smoke inspector, Mike says?"
+
+West nodded.
+
+"Know Fred Karvan, I suppose?"
+
+"Oh, yes; friend of yours?"
+
+"Used to be; we were kids together down on the southside. He's got a
+pretty soft job now; stands in strong with the City Hall, they tell me.
+Mean to drop in and see him some of these days."
+
+"You'll find him a mighty good fellow," asserted West to whom the name
+was entirely unfamiliar.
+
+"Well, I'm not so sure about that. He's got pretty stiff the last few
+years they tell me. But then you work under him, and ought to know. Head
+of your department, isn't he?"
+
+"Yes, but I only meet him in a business way, of course."
+
+"Sure; but that is the way you get to know them best. Been a soldier,
+haven't you?"
+
+"Yes, but what made you think that?" in some surprise at the unexpected
+query. The man laughed, lighting a cigar carelessly.
+
+"Oh, it has not been so long since, that the evidence is obliterated.
+I've got a habit of noticing things. The way you sit, and square your
+shoulders told me you'd been in uniform; besides you're the right age.
+Get across to France?"
+
+"Had over a year there," wondering what the fellow could be angling
+after. "You didn't get in?"
+
+"No; I was over the limit. I was thinking you might be interested in
+looking over a collection of war relics Mike has got stowed away here
+somewhere. He had two boys over there, and I reckon they must have put in
+most of their time gathering up souvenirs. Anyhow they brought back the
+greatest collection of war junk I've ever seen. Say, Mike, what did you
+do with those war relics the boys sent home?"
+
+The fellow addressed leaned over the bar, his face glowing with
+sudden interest.
+
+"They vas in the back-room, all spread out. Why you ask? The gentlemen
+would see them, what?"
+
+"Yes; this one was a soldier himself. Maybe he can tell more about them
+than the boys could. How is it? You fellows like to see the things?"
+
+West hesitated for just an instant, his eyes turning unconsciously toward
+Sexton, who had not spoken. He felt no suspicion, merely a vague doubt as
+to what this invitation might conceal. Yet it had all been natural
+enough, and promised an opportunity for him to learn something more of
+the place. An accident might reveal the very discovery he was eagerly
+seeking. Besides there could be no danger; both he and Sexton were armed,
+and apparently the invitation was innocently extended. To refuse to
+accept would be churlish.
+
+"Certainly," he said at last, quaffing the last of his beer and
+rising to his feet. "It will be nothing new to me, I imagine, but
+we'll have a look."
+
+The other man, who had been leaning against the bar, had disappeared,
+while the fellow at the table had seemingly fallen asleep. Mike came
+forward with a bunch of keys in his hand.
+
+"I keep dot room locked," he exclaimed gruffly, "for some beoples run off
+with all dings they get their fingers on. Hey, you, Carl," and he roughly
+shook the sleeper into semi-consciousness, "wake up, and see to the bar
+awhile. I've got some business. Whoever comes, you keep them
+here--understand. All right, gents."
+
+The three stood close behind him as Mike inserted the key, and opened the
+door. It was already growing dusk without, and the tightly closed room,
+with shade drawn at the single window, was so dark that West could
+scarcely discern its shape and contents. Mike, without hesitation,
+stepped within, his great bulk blotting out whatever view there was.
+
+"Come right in, gents," he insisted. "Von minute, an' I turn on
+the light."
+
+West never understood why he responded so recklessly to this invitation,
+and advanced without hesitation. He had no suspicion of any trick, no
+conception of being in any danger. He stepped in directly behind the
+leader, and Sexton followed. An instant later, the door closed, with the
+sharp click of a night latch, and Mike flashed on the light. As he did
+so, he wheeled about, and shot one mighty clinched fist straight into
+West's face. This was done so suddenly, so unexpectedly, the man
+attacked found no opportunity to even throw up a hand in self-defence.
+The giant Pole flung his whole weight into the crashing blow, and the
+ex-soldier went down as though struck by a pole-ax. For an instant, he
+realized that Sexton was in a fierce struggle; that his assailant stood
+poised above him ready to land again if he moved; then consciousness
+left him entirely.
+
+He woke up, sitting in a chair, his hands bound to the arms with strips
+of cloth. For a moment everything about seemed tinged with yellow, the
+various objects in sight vague and shapeless. It hurt him to move his
+head, and his mind functioned dully. He could not think, or bring back to
+memory a recollection of what had occurred. Yet slowly the mist cleared
+and the objects about him assumed natural form. He was in a room of some
+size--not the one in which he had been attacked he felt sure--fitted up
+with a long table, and a number of chairs. There was no other furniture;
+the walls were bare, and only a small rag rug partially covered the
+floor. At first he perceived no other occupants; only as, painfully, he
+finally twisted his head to the right, his eyes distinguished two men
+seated against the wall. The sight of their faces restored instantly his
+memory of what had occurred. The Pole rested back, with feet on the table
+and eyes closed, but the other--the younger man--was watching him
+closely, an unlighted cigar gripped in his teeth.
+
+"So, you've come out of it," the latter said unpleasantly. "I'd begun to
+think Mike had handed you a real knock-out that time. Ready to answer a
+few questions?"
+
+West, his brain clearing rapidly, sat up straighter in the chair,
+determined to play out his part the best he could.
+
+"Perfectly ready," he replied struggling to control his voice. "Only I
+should like to know what all this means? Why attack me?"
+
+"You'll find that out soon enough, Captain; but first I'll do the
+questioning."
+
+"Not until I know one thing, at least--what has become of the man who
+was with me?"
+
+"Well, I might as well tell you," carelessly. "He got hurt; the fool
+compelled me to hit him with a gat; so he's out of it, and you might as
+well come through clean--that guy isn't going to help you any."
+
+"You mean you killed him?"
+
+"Well, he's out of the game; that's enough. And as for you, your best
+play right now is to talk up straight." He laughed sneeringly, "Unless
+you want to call up your friend Karvan, at the City Hall, you know. Hell,
+but you was easy!"
+
+"Easy?"
+
+"That's what I said. I knew you all right when you first blew in, only I
+wasn't quite sure. Just had a glimpse of you once before. I naturally
+guessed your smoke-inspector stunt was a sham. So, I ran that Fred Karvan
+stuff in on you. You ate it up, which gave you clean away, for I never
+knew any guy of that name. Do you see the point, Captain West?"
+
+"Yes, I see all that plainly enough, but it does not explain the attack
+on me. You evidently know my name, and this assault has been
+deliberately made. Why? What have you against me? I have never seen
+either of you before."
+
+"Perhaps I'll tell you when you explain. What brought you into this
+neighbourhood. Hunting some one, wasn't you?"
+
+"Not exactly."
+
+"Oh, don't lie; that will bring you nothing, West. You were sticking your
+nose into a private matter which does not concern you in any way. That's
+right, isn't it? Very well, you've had your lesson, and now it is simply
+up to you to either drop this thing, or else take another. It's up to you
+how far we go. Now listen. I believe it was merely curiosity that brought
+you here. That's true, isn't it?"
+
+"Largely, yes."
+
+"You suspected something, and wanted to find out if it was so. Well, you
+came into a bad neighbourhood. We are not nice to your kind around here.
+What really caused your seeking me?"
+
+"I do not know that I did," West answered honestly. "In fact I haven't
+the slightest idea who you are."
+
+The other laughed.
+
+"So you are as green as that. Then I'll give you the information. My
+name is Hobart, Jim Hobart. I am the guy you were looking for?"
+
+"Yes," West admitted, seeing no reason to refuse an answer.
+
+"I thought so, although darned if I know how you ever located me here.
+However, the sooner we come to some understanding, the better. What do
+you know about me?"
+
+"Nothing."
+
+"Is that so! You knew my name when I spoke it. It was the Coolidge matter
+that sent you hunting me. Oh, hell, you might as well cough up, West, for
+I've got your number. You thought the girl was here, didn't you?"
+
+"I had reason to believe she came here."
+
+"I see; how did you gain that news?"
+
+"A conversation by telephone was overheard."
+
+"Now we are getting down to facts. And this comprises your entire
+information, doesn't it? Let's check up. You connected me with the case
+because you were with the uncle and her on their call Sunday. You
+discovered in some way that I had since disappeared from that
+neighbourhood. Then you accidentally got on to this telephone call, and
+decided to run me down. Some cute little detective, I'll say. But what's
+the object? What is it you are trying to connect me up with? What
+possible cause can you have for butting in on this affair?"
+
+"I told you before; merely curiosity."
+
+"And who was the guy with you?"
+
+"An old servant of the Coolidge family."
+
+"It was mere curiosity in his case also, I presume?"
+
+"So far as I know, yes."
+
+Hobart smiled, showing his teeth cruelly.
+
+"West," he said slowly, "you are a damned good liar, but I am about to
+spike your gun. Go on out Mike, and send in the first witness."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+THE EDGE OF COMPROMISE
+
+
+The two men sat silently watching each other, Hobart pretending a
+carelessness he was far from feeling, uncertain as to West's real
+purpose. The latter realized now the true seriousness of his position,
+yet this only increased his belief in the reality of the crime.
+Previously his mind had harboured doubts, but the very fact that Hobart
+would resort to such desperate methods was ample proof of his
+apprehension of danger. If Percival Coolidge had committed suicide, this
+fellow would surely have nothing to fear; he could safely ignore any
+efforts to trap him; indeed would possess no suspicions along that line.
+It was his own guilty conscience which drove him to desperation. Coolidge
+had been murdered, and this man was either guilty of the crime, or else
+knew the one who was, and had personal reasons for protecting the party.
+
+These thoughts took possession of his mind and were convincing. He no
+longer questioned but what he was on the track of crime, yet his thought
+at that moment concentrated more vividly on his own personal peril. How
+could he escape? What was he about to be confronted with? Nothing around
+him afforded inspiration. He was bound helplessly; Sexton had
+disappeared, whether dead or a prisoner, he did not know; the walls of
+the room exhibited no signs of weakness, while Hobart eyed his every
+movement coldly, evidently enjoying his predicament. Apparently the man
+comprehended the nature of his thought.
+
+"Perfectly useless, West," he said carelessly. "This place was
+constructed for the purpose, and you are not the only one who has tested
+its strength. You will get out when I say so, and not before."
+
+"Do you intend to say so?"
+
+"Well, that depends," shrewdly. "Not if your release means my taking
+any chances. But frankly, I do not believe it will. So far as I can see
+you possess no particular interest in this matter--only the attraction
+a young fellow always feels in a pretty woman. Have I got that doped
+out right?"
+
+"To an extent at least."
+
+"Yes, to a very large extent. Of course, curiosity also played a part,
+while everybody possesses a sneaking desire to do a detective act. Miss
+Coolidge filled you up with a lot of bunk; she was good looking, and you
+fell for it. Certain things happened that you failed to understand, so
+you rather naturally jumped to the conclusion that some crime was being
+concocted. That was what brought you here. Now I take it that,
+ordinarily, you are a man of some sense. Consequently I mean to try to
+get you to drop the whole affair, as being none of your business. If you
+agree to this, I accept your pledge, the door opens, and you go free;
+otherwise--" he waved his hand expressively.
+
+"Otherwise what?" asked West quietly.
+
+"I will see that you are removed from all temptation; my plans are too
+important to be interfered with by a meddlesome fool."
+
+"But you can scarcely expect me to give such a promise?"
+
+"Well, I don't know about that. It doesn't pay to be too obstinate. You
+have been in the army, I understand; then you are aware there is a harsh
+side to life, a way to make or break men. All right, now I've got the
+power; I can keep you locked up here; I could even kill you if necessary.
+You are utterly helpless. There is an argument worth your consideration.
+But I will give you yet another which may have even more weight."
+
+"What?"
+
+The door opened quietly, and then closed, leaving Natalie Coolidge
+standing there in the light, her eyes slightly frowning as she looked
+silently at the two men.
+
+"The lady, of course," explained Hobart, rising to his feet, "you will,
+at least, be gentleman enough to accept her word!"
+
+She waited, seemingly unable to quite grasp the situation, or realize the
+part she was called upon to perform, but as West failed to respond,
+finally asked a question.
+
+"What is it, Jim? You sent for me?"
+
+"Yes, as a last resort. You recognize this man?"
+
+"Of course," indifferently; "what is he doing here?"
+
+Hobart laughed.
+
+"It seems the fellow hasn't taken his dismissal very seriously, Natalie,"
+he explained, "and remains very much interested in your affairs. That
+covers the principal known facts in the case."
+
+"You mean he followed me here?"
+
+"He was on the trail, but just for what particular purpose I have failed
+to learn; the lad is a bit close mouthed, but it looks to me as though he
+was in love with you."
+
+The girl smiled, tossing her head as she stepped forward.
+
+"In love with me," she echoed. "That is a joke, yet I had some such
+suspicion when I told him to quit the job. He acted like a fool then, and
+began to question me as though he had a right. It was that being engaged
+business most likely."
+
+"Sure; he thought he had you copped, fortune and all, and it looks to me
+like he needs another jolt to put the idea entirely out of his head. That
+is what I brought you in for. I'll explain first just how it happened.
+This army guy blew in here before dark, along with another fellow,
+Sexton, who used to be a servant out at Fairlawn--you know him?"
+
+"Yes; he was discharged yesterday."
+
+"I was standing by the bar talking with Issy, and I was sure I knew this
+lad's face. I was stumped a bit at first where I had seen him; then all
+at once it came to me--he was the guy sitting out there alone in the
+automobile over on Arch Street. I knew then what he was over here for,
+and got to talking with him. He give himself away the first thing, and
+that is why we got him up in this dump."
+
+"How did he know I was here?"
+
+"Some of your precious help out there heard you talk to me over the
+'phone, and passed it on."
+
+"And what does he want? What do these men want?"
+
+"Well Sexton don't want much of anything--he's knocked out; the fool made
+a fight, and had to be hit; and, as to this bird, I rather think he was
+just naturally nosing around out of curiosity, and because he was stuck
+on you. I don't figure he is anything to be afraid of, but I am not going
+to have the fellow gum-shoeing around. I'll take his word to get out, and
+stay out; otherwise he and I are going to have a little seance of our
+own. That's all there is about it."
+
+West had said nothing, watching the others, and waiting to choose some
+course of action. His mind was confused, uncertain, yet he found
+encouragement in Hobart's statement of the case. The fellow felt no
+serious fear of him; had no suspicion as yet that anyone believed
+Percival Coolidge murdered. The probability was that not even the girl
+dreamed of such a thing. Whatever her connection might be with this man,
+she must be innocent of so foul a crime. If he could only speak to her
+alone; bring to her the truth; reveal to her the real character of this
+man Hobart, there would be no doubt of the result. In spite of the
+strange situation he yet retained faith in the girl; she had been
+deceived, led astray in some manner, but his first impression of her true
+nature still controlled his thought. He could only believe her a victim
+of scheming villains, driven by circumstances to play a part utterly
+foreign to her character. His only hope of learning the facts from her
+own lips, or of re-establishing her faith in him, lay in a moment's
+conversation alone. His mind instantly leaped to this conclusion, and his
+eyes met her own. They were wide-open, full of curiosity yet not unkind.
+He spoke swiftly.
+
+"That sounds fair enough, Hobart," he said quietly, taking the chance as
+though it was the most natural thing in the world. "I am not hunting
+trouble in any way, or seeking to butt in where I am not wanted. Your
+guess as to my purpose in coming here is about right. I had no other
+object but to be of some service to this young lady. If I can talk with
+her a moment alone, and thus assure myself as to her wishes, I'll give
+you any pledge you want, and forget all about the affair. Is that
+satisfactory?"
+
+"Alone, you said? You want to see her alone?"
+
+"Absolutely; no other arrangement will answer. I want her to talk
+freely; to answer my questions with no interference."
+
+Hobart glanced toward his companion inquiringly, evidently inclined to
+deny the request.
+
+"Hell, you don't want much," he said rather gruffly. "What do you think
+about this proposition, Natalie?"
+
+The girl smiled, her eyes still on West's face.
+
+"Fair enough," she admitted as though the whole matter was a joke. "The
+man can do me no harm, and I am willing enough to be interviewed. It
+looks like the easiest way out."
+
+His mood changed, influenced, no doubt, by her confidence in the result.
+
+"All right, if you say so. It is my guess you are equal to the job. How
+much time do you want, West?"
+
+"Ten or fifteen minutes. I want to get down to the bottom of this thing."
+
+"Oh, you do, hey? Modest as ever, I see. Well, here's luck to you. You
+needn't be afraid of the guy, Natalie; we got his gat before we brought
+him up here, and if he makes any break, I'll be out in the hall ready to
+take a hand. You're still for it?"
+
+"Yes," indifferently, seating herself on a convenient chair. "We might
+as well talk it out now as any time. You go on, Jim, and leave it to me."
+
+Hobart was not entirely satisfied, hesitating as he lit a fresh cigar,
+his keen eyes watchful of them both. However, it was plain to be seen the
+girl had made her decision, and he evidently knew her well enough to
+realize the uselessness of revolt.
+
+"All right, then," he replied finally, turning to the door. "Suit
+yourself, only watch your step. Anyhow, I'll be within calling distance,
+if this guy gets gay."
+
+"Don't worry about that," a flash of anger in her eyes. "I am no baby,
+Jim Hobart. Go on now, and leave Captain West to me."
+
+He closed the door behind him, and the two were alone in the room. No
+sound reached them from without, not even an echo of Hobart's footsteps
+in the hall. West looked across at the girl, who sat motionless, her eyes
+shaded by long lashes, and ringless fingers clasped in her lap. She
+appeared indifferent, uninterested, scarcely aware of his presence. He
+wondered if Hobart was listening at the door; what had become of Mike,
+and whether Sexton was alive or dead. For the moment he could scarcely
+make himself realize the true situation. His silence served to arouse her
+interest, for she suddenly lifted her head and looked at him.
+
+"Well," she said soberly. "You have something to ask?"
+
+"Much--yes; but first, are we alone?"
+
+"Certainly--why?"
+
+"This man Hobart, you are sure he is not listening at the door?"
+
+She glanced about; then laughed.
+
+"Little good that would do him; there is no key-hole, no chance for sound
+to penetrate. We are quite alone, Captain, and you are perfectly free to
+say whatever you please."
+
+"But even then, is this wholly fair?"
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+"I came here," he explained earnestly, "with no bad intention; no desire
+to injure any one, Miss Coolidge; my only thought the possibility of
+being of some service to you."
+
+"That is very interesting, I am sure. I am quite grateful."
+
+"Then I am going to ask you a favour. Release my hands and feet. You need
+not be afraid; I give my pledge to make no attempt at escape while we are
+together. Will you do this?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+WEST MAKES HIS CHOICE
+
+
+The girl neither answered, nor hesitated, but crossed the room swiftly,
+her hands seeking the lashings about his wrists. Her movement thrilled
+him, and his blood leaped at the soft touch of her fingers.
+
+"Really, I did not realize you were tied into the chair," she exclaimed
+indignantly. "Hobart is a fool to do such a thing. Why, what has caused
+him to become so frightened? Tell me, Captain West, how all this
+occurred?"
+
+"You know nothing?"
+
+"Only what has been said since I entered the room. Mike simply told me
+they had a man here who Hobart thought was a detective, and he wanted me
+to come in a moment. I came, and found you. Now, please, what does it
+all mean?"
+
+She slipped back to her seat again, her eyes on his face, as he arose and
+stretched his limbs to restore circulation. To his quick glance her face
+expressed only sympathy, and innocent interest. Any doubt he may have
+felt as to the sincerity of the girl vanished instantly; whatever of
+crime was concealed here, she had no suspicion. He could tell her the
+whole story without fear.
+
+"I'll try and explain, Miss Natalie," he began rather lamely, "although
+perhaps, you may not wholly understand the motives which have prompted
+me. This, of course, is really no business of mine, and the only thing
+that has involved me is the deep interest I have felt in you."
+
+"In me! why that is rather interesting. It was to serve me you
+came here?"
+
+"At least I thought so. Shall I make it more definite? No doubt you are
+aware that you are an unusually pretty woman. Well, at least, I think so
+for one, and our first meeting, with its subsequent adventures, was
+romantic enough to shake me out of a commonplace existence. In fact, I
+became quite deeply interested in you."
+
+"Why really, Captain," she interrupted, slightly puzzled. "I perhaps do
+not fully comprehend to what you refer. Do you mean there was something
+between us? Some special intimacy?"
+
+"Oh, no; not that; probably no dream of what was occurring in your mind.
+Yet the circumstances of our meeting were peculiar; they rendered a very
+brief acquaintance into what promised to become a real friendship."
+
+"How do you mean?"
+
+"Surely you cannot have forgotten so soon," he exclaimed in surprise at
+her attitude, seating himself once more and facing her determinedly. "I
+came to you in response to a strange advertisement; you trusted me so
+completely as to introduce me to your friends as your fiancé, and later
+confided to me the special trouble you were in. I pledged you my
+assistance, and it was surely very natural that, under these
+circumstances, I as a young man, should have become rather deeply
+interested--"
+
+"In both the case, and the girl."
+
+"Yes; so much so, indeed, that even when I was rather harshly dismissed,
+I could not accept it without a protest. I had grown to feel that this
+was not a mere business arrangement between us. Do you understand now?"
+
+"I can see it from your stand-point. But nevertheless, I am surprised,
+Captain West. You--you mean you actually fell in love with me?"
+
+"I felt a very, very deep interest in you," he admitted gravely, "a
+greater interest than I have ever felt in any other woman. That is my
+sole excuse for becoming involved in your affairs. I could not bear to
+see you make a mistake it might be in my power to prevent."
+
+"What mistake?"
+
+"Well, first of all, trusting in this man Hobart."
+
+She laughed, her eyes glancing up quickly into his face.
+
+"And why now, please? Remember your confession; I may think this only
+jealousy."
+
+"You are not so silly as that," earnestly. "Moreover, I may as well be
+perfectly frank. I did confess an interest in you, and in a measure, I
+still feel eager to serve you in every possible way; but you have
+changed so greatly, Miss Natalie, that my confidence in you has been
+severely tried."
+
+"You no longer believe?"
+
+"I hardly know; I fail utterly to understand you of late; you seem an
+entirely different girl. For one thing, you have deliberately
+deceived me."
+
+"Indeed! in what?"
+
+"In your visit to Arch Street with Percival Coolidge. That was no mission
+of charity to a poor widow and children."
+
+"What then?"
+
+"An arranged conference with this fellow Hobart. He rented that cottage
+for no other purpose, and left it the next day. You made a mistake when
+you took me along."
+
+She straightened up slightly in the chair, yet spoke rather
+indifferently, her voice cold.
+
+"No doubt I did," she said tersely. "Indeed I have already discovered,
+Captain West, that I made an even greater mistake when I first took you
+into my service. You have proven altogether too inquisitive. Now I will
+be plain with you. Whatever need I once supposed I had for your services
+ended with the explanation I received in that Arch Street cottage. I told
+you so very distinctly after our return home. You recall that interview,
+no doubt?"
+
+He bowed, waiting for her to go on.
+
+"You were then and there dismissed from my service. That should have been
+sufficient. I knew nothing of your silly feeling of personal interest in
+me; nor did I realize any occasion for discussing with you the reasons
+causing me to change my plans. You were my employee, and I discharged
+you; that was all. It is true Percival Coolidge took me to that cottage
+to have certain mysterious things explained, and they were explained to
+my complete satisfaction."
+
+"By Hobart?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"You knew the fellow before?"
+
+She hesitated slightly, although there was no perceptible change in the
+answering voice.
+
+"For several years; he was in my father's employ; the--the whole trouble
+originated in a joke, and--and was quite amusing, once I understood. Of
+course, after that, I had no further need for you. Why did you persist in
+annoying me?"
+
+West hesitated an instant, his mind struggling with the situation. Was
+she honest, truthful, in this statement? Could he say anything which
+would change her viewpoint? She must have been deceived by these men, yet
+how could he expose them so she would comprehend? He was so little
+certain of the facts himself, that he had nothing but suspicion to offer.
+
+"Why do you not answer, Captain West?"
+
+The girl's eyes were clear, insistent, a little amused; they somehow
+aroused his determination.
+
+"I will endeavour to make you understood, Miss Natalie," he explained
+slowly. "I would not have you feel that I deliberately pushed myself into
+this affair. When I left Fairlawn after your dismissal, I had no thought
+of ever seeing you again. I have already told you the interest I had felt
+in you up to that time, but your abruptness during our last interview,
+left me angry, and with no inclination to seek your presence again. You
+can scarcely blame me for such a feeling?"
+
+"No," she confessed. "I--I was so excited and nervous I was not
+very nice."
+
+"You certainly hurt me. I departed with a sense of wrong rankling, and no
+desire to come back. But fate intervened. You know, perhaps, that I
+overheard the shot which ended the life of Percival Coolidge, and I was
+the first to discover his dead body. This made no particular impression
+on me at the time. I supposed it a case of suicide, and so bore witness
+at the inquest. The whole matter would have ended there; but the next day
+you discharged Sexton also, and the man sought me out at the Club."
+
+She leaned forward, her lips parted, a new light in her eyes.
+
+"He told you something? He made you suspicious?" she asked breathlessly.
+
+"He caused me to see the affair from a somewhat different point of
+view--a point of view which, I confess, revived my interest in you. I
+began to believe you had been deceived, and your treatment of me arose
+through a misunderstanding; I thought you a victim, and that I would be a
+cad if I failed to stand by you. We put this and that together, carried
+out some investigations quietly, and arrived at a definite conclusion."
+
+"What investigations?"
+
+"In the field where the body was found first," West went on steadily, but
+no longer looking at her, "tracing the different tracks through the
+clover. Then I looked up that cottage in Arch Street, and thus learned
+about Hobart. Somehow he seemed to fit into the picture, and your
+mysterious visit there made me anxious to interview the man. He had left
+no address however, just faded out of sight suddenly, which increased
+suspicion. Then, when we were completely baffled, Sexton learned about
+your conversation over the telephone."
+
+"How? Was he at the house?"
+
+"Yes; he went out at my suggestion."
+
+"And heard me repeat this number?"
+
+"It makes no difference how he got the information; we knew you were
+coming here this afternoon, and jumped at the conclusion that you were
+going to meet Hobart for some reason."
+
+"Very bright, I am sure," and there was a tone of relief in her voice.
+"And that is your whole story, I suppose? What does it amount to?"
+
+"Not very much, perhaps."
+
+"And the two of you came out here seeking to learn my business, to pry
+into my personal affairs. That was not a very gentlemanly act, Captain
+West, and I hardly see how you can justify yourself."
+
+"I had two purposes," he insisted, "either of which justify. I felt it
+a duty to locate this man Hobart; and also to warn you of the danger
+you were in."
+
+"Warn me!" she laughed scornfully. "That is ridiculous enough surely. I
+have a perfectly good reason for being here, but I am not accountable to
+you in any way for my movements. A duty you say--a duty to locate this
+man? A duty to whom?"
+
+"To the State, if no one else," he answered gravely. "Percival Coolidge
+did not commit suicide; he was murdered."
+
+"Murdered!" she came to her feet with utterance of the word. "You cannot
+think that!"
+
+"I know it, Miss Natalie; the evidence is beyond question; he was
+murdered in cold blood."
+
+"But by whom? for what purpose?"
+
+"These points are not yet determined; I am only sure of the crime."
+
+"Yes, but--but you suspect Jim Hobart. Isn't that true? You came here
+seeking him--yes, and me. You even think I know how this death occurred.
+You--you connect it with my fortune."
+
+"No, Miss Natalie," he protested stoutly, moved by her agitation. "The
+cause is a mystery, and who did it equally mysterious. The evidence thus
+far unearthed is all circumstantial."
+
+"Then why did you come out here searching for Hobart?"
+
+"Because of his strange meeting with Percival Coolidge the very day of
+his death; because his sudden disappearance furnished the only clue."
+
+"And that is all the knowledge you possess, absolutely all?"
+
+"Yes; I am no more than groping in the dark. My main object in coming was
+to put you on your guard."
+
+"You have repeated these suspicions to no one else? The Police?"
+
+"To no one. Only Sexton and I have even talked the matter over. We are
+both too loyal to you to ever say a word which might be to your injury."
+
+She suddenly held out her hand, and he took it, conscious of the firm
+clasp of her fingers.
+
+"I thank you, Captain West," she said sincerely, "and believe your
+purpose was honourable. You have told me frankly all you suspect, and
+doubtless you have reasons. You have simply made a mistake, that is all.
+Percival Coolidge was not murdered; he killed himself because he had
+muddled my affairs, and knew he was about to be discovered. You have got
+upon a wrong trail. Will you accept my word for this, and drop the whole
+matter here?"
+
+West was almost convinced, but not quite; the explanation had not been
+sufficiently explicit.
+
+"This man Hobart--who is he? What connection does he have with
+your affairs?"
+
+She hesitated slightly, yet her eyes did not fall, or her apparent
+cordiality change.
+
+"Mr. Hobart," she explained, "I have known for years. I told you before
+he was once in my father's employ. Now he is a private detective, and
+was employed on my case, before I advertised for you. I thought then he
+was not accomplishing anything, but at our interview Sunday, all was
+cleared up."
+
+"In the presence of Percival Coolidge?"
+
+"Yes; he was given a week in which to straighten matters. That was why he
+killed himself."
+
+"But why is it necessary for you to meet Hobart in a place like this--a
+veritable thieves' den?"
+
+She shrugged her shoulders, releasing his hand.
+
+"He has not completed his work, and does not think it best for us to be
+seen together. I know him so well I am not at all afraid, even here. Is
+that all, Captain West?"
+
+"It seems to explain everything," he admitted, yet far from satisfied.
+
+"And you will drop the whole affair?" she asked anxiously.
+
+"If I say yes--what?"
+
+"You will be released from here of course, and the whole misunderstanding
+forgotten."
+
+"And otherwise?"
+
+"I have no means of knowing what the men intend to do. They will accept
+your pledge, I am sure."
+
+"Possibly, but I am not so sure I will consent to give such a pledge."
+
+"Then you do not accept my word; do not believe what I have told you?"
+
+"Not that exactly, Miss Natalie; I could have faith in your word, except
+that I believe you to be mistaken, deceived. Hobart is not square; he is
+using you for his own ends. Under these conditions, I would be a coward
+to give such a promise, and leave you helpless in this man's power."
+
+"You intend then to refuse?"
+
+"I do; I'll fight it out."
+
+She stared at him, scarcely believing her own ears, her lips parted, a
+look of angry fright in her eyes.
+
+"You are a fool, Captain West," she burst forth at last, unable to hold
+back the words. "I have done my best for you, and you spurn that. Now
+look out."
+
+She stepped backward, still fronting him, and, with hand behind her,
+rapped sharply on the panel of the door.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+FACING DEATH
+
+
+The change in the girl was so pronounced, her action so impetuous, as to
+leave West startled and silent. The thought came to him instantly that
+she was not the innocent victim he had supposed. Her words, and movements
+expressed disappointment, rather than regret. She was angry at his
+choice, ready to withdraw from him all sympathy, all assistance. Her plea
+had failed, and the woman had become a tigress. Then she must have been
+endeavouring to deceive him; as deeply interested as these others--in
+getting him safely off the trail of this crime. It was a hard lesson, one
+that instantly turned all his theories upside down, but the truth came to
+him with blinding, sickening force--she was as guilty as Hobart; they
+were both working to the same end, endeavouring to get him safely out of
+the way. They would accomplish this with lies if possible, if not then
+with force. It was for no other purpose he had been granted this
+interview alone--in the hope that he might thus be deceived by her. Now
+he saw through the trick.
+
+These thoughts swept West's brain in a sudden flash of revelation, but
+he had no chance to act; to denounce her, to make a single movement,
+before the door opened swiftly, and Hobart slipped eagerly into the
+room. The first glance the fellow had of the prisoner, standing erect
+and unbound, must have deceived him into believing the girl had
+succeeded in her quest.
+
+"So you've set him free," he exclaimed. "The fellow has come to his
+senses, has he?"
+
+"No, he has not," she snapped with temper darkening her eyes. "I was not
+afraid of him, so I let him loose, but he's made me no promise. Now it is
+up to you; I'm done."
+
+She slipped out through the opening, and Hobart leaned against the door,
+pushing it shut behind her, his scowling eyes watching West intently.
+
+"So, that is how it stands, is it, my man?" he growled threateningly.
+"You even refuse to accept the word of the lady, do you?"
+
+"Those are very nearly the facts," West replied steadily. "Then I told
+her I thought she must be mistaken; now I believe she was sent here for
+no other purpose but to deceive me. If I ever had any doubt of a crime,
+it has vanished since this interview."
+
+"What crime?"
+
+"Murder; the killing of Percival Coolidge. Is that plain enough, Hobart?
+I want you to understand. I am fighting this case from now on in the
+open; it is going to be man to man."
+
+"What the hell do you mean, you cur?"
+
+"I'll tell you," went on West coldly, determined now to so anger the
+fellow as to bring the whole matter to a climax, reckless of the
+consequences. "I charge you with murder. I haven't the proof, but I'll
+get it; I do not know the object, but I'll find out."
+
+"You fool! you'll never get away from here. My God, you must be crazy!"
+
+"Never was saner in all my life, Hobart. I am a soldier, and am taking a
+soldier's chance. Now listen. I feel no particular interest in the death
+of Percival Coolidge. In my judgment the world is just as well off with
+him dead as alive. But what this means to Natalie Coolidge is another
+matter entirely."
+
+"She told you--"
+
+"Yes, she told me--a lie. That is what hurts; what makes me ready to take
+any chance to put you where you belong. You have lied to her, deceived
+her, made her your accomplice in crime. I'm fighting for a woman, because
+she has got no one else to fight for her."
+
+"Oh, I see; in love, hey--with her, or her money?"
+
+"With neither so far as I know," frankly. "She is a woman helpless in
+your hands; that is sufficient."
+
+"But, hell, she hasn't any use for you--didn't she tell you so?"
+
+"Quite plainly--yes. But that is no excuse for any man to play the
+coward. I am not afraid of you, Hobart, or your gang. You got me before
+by treachery; I was not looking for trouble. But now I am. I am going
+through that door, and if you try to stop me you are going to get hurt."
+
+The fellow grinned, one hand thrust into the outer pocket of his coat,
+his eyes narrowed into ugly slits.
+
+"You think so! You haven't a weapon on you, West, and if you take a
+step, I'll put you out of commission. I know how to handle your kind,
+you big bluffer. What I want to know is what you have got in your head,
+for, believe me, I don't take any stock in this woman stuff. Are you
+after the coin?"
+
+"What coin?"
+
+"Well, maybe a slice of old Coolidge's boodle. There's enough of it for
+all hands to have a dip. How does that hit you?"
+
+"Sounds interesting at least," admitted West, so earnestly as to attract
+the other's attention. "But let's talk it over among ourselves--who is
+listening there?"
+
+Hobart glanced behind at the nearly closed door. It was for only a second
+he was off guard, yet that was enough. With one leap forward, West
+struck, his clinched fist smashing against the side of the fellow's jaw.
+It was a wicked, vicious blow, with all the propelling force of the body
+behind it, and Hobart went down stunned, crashing the door tightly shut
+as he fell. Once he strove blindly to reach his feet, tugging madly at
+the weapon in his pocket, but West, feeling no mercy, and wide awake to
+the fact that any shooting would mean a call for help, struck again,
+sending his groggy opponent flat, and unconscious. It was all the swift
+work of a minute, and there had been no noise to arouse alarm. Hobart had
+not even cried out; the only audible sounds being the sharp click of the
+door, and the dull thud of a falling body.
+
+West emptied the man's pockets, slipping two revolvers into his own; then
+stood for an instant motionless, staring down into the white upturned
+face. He had followed the impulse of the moment; had struck savagely;
+knowing it was his only chance. Thus far he had done well; but what next?
+He was conscious of but one thought, one purpose--to escape from this
+house, unpledged and still free to act. Yet how could this be
+accomplished? He had no plan, no knowledge even of his surroundings, of
+what lay beyond the walls of this room. His eyes swept the bare interior,
+seeing nothing to inspire hope. Hobart had said this room was practically
+a prison, and it looked it--the walls bare, and unbroken, and a rough
+single cot. All possibility of egress lay in the closed door, and a
+narrow window high up in the opposite wall, also tightly shut, and shaded
+by a heavy curtain.
+
+His hand tried the door cautiously; the knob turned easily enough, but
+there was no yielding to his pressure. The lock was evidently on the
+outside, and he could discover no key-hole, no possibility of operating
+it from within. Then, besides in all probability, a guard would be posted
+outside in the hall, waiting for some signal from Hobart. West glanced
+again at the recumbent figure, bending over to make sure of his
+condition, then, gripping a chair, silently crossed the room.
+
+There was not a minute to lose. He knew that he must choose quickly
+whatever course he pursued. Any instant Hobart might recover
+consciousness, and gain assistance by a rap on the door; indeed his
+confederates without might not wait for the signal. The silence within,
+the length of time, might arouse suspicion. The only chance lay in
+immediate action. Standing on the chair West found the window had been
+securely nailed into place, but this had been done so long ago, it was
+quite possible for him to work the nails loose, yet it required all his
+strength to press up the warped sash sufficiently far to enable him to
+gain a view outside. It was not encouraging. Evidently he was upon the
+third floor, at the rear of the building, looking down into a cluttered
+up back yard. His eyes could scarcely distinguish what was below, as the
+only glimmer of light came from a far distant street lamp at the end of
+an alley, the faint rays creeping in through holes in the fence. Yet one
+black shadow seemed to promise the sloping roof of a shed directly below;
+but even with that to break his fall, it was a desperate leap.
+
+He stared into those uncertain depths, endeavouring to measure the
+distance, deceived by the shifting shadows, afraid of what lay hidden
+below. For the moment he forgot all that was behind him, his whole mind
+concentrated on the perils of so mad a leap into the dark. The awakening
+came suddenly, the chair jerked from beneath his feet, his body hurled
+backward. He fell, gripping at the window seat, so that he was flung
+against the support of a side wall, able to retain his feet, but not to
+wholly ward off a vicious blow, which left him staggering. Half blinded,
+West leaped forward to grapple with the assailant, but was too late.
+Hobart rushed back out of reach of his arms, and rapped sharply on the
+door panel. It opened instantly, and big Mike, closely followed by
+another man, pushed forward into the room. West was trapped, helpless;
+one man pitted against three. He backed slowly away, brushing tack the
+dishevelled hair from his eyes, watching them warily, every animal
+instinct on the alert.
+
+Mike took one comprehensive glance at the scene, at the overturned chair,
+the half-open window, the trapped man crouching motionless against the
+further wall. The meaning of it all was plain, and his bar-room training
+gave quick insight as to the part he was to play. He spoke gruffly out
+into the dark of the hall behind him, an order to some one concealed
+there; then shut the door tightly, and faced West, his head lowered like
+a bull about to charge. West understood; he was locked in to fight it
+out--three against one. Hobart was nearest to him, his face swollen and
+red, his eyes ugly slits, with teeth snarling between thin lips. The
+fellow laughed sneeringly, as their glances met.
+
+"Now we'll take care of you, Captain," he taunted. "Never mind his guns,
+Mike; there's not a load in either of them. Give the guy what he is
+looking for. Come on you terriers!"
+
+But West did not wait. There was only one chance, and he took it--to
+carry the fighting to them. He had no doubt of the emptiness of his guns,
+and hurled one straight at Hobart's head, leaping forward with the other
+clutched in his hand straight at Mike, who had scarcely time to fling up
+one hand in defence. The thrown weapon missed its mark by a narrow inch,
+striking the wall behind, and falling clattering to the floor, but the
+other broke through the big saloon-keeper's guard, and sent him reeling
+to his knees, a gush of blood reddening his hair. Again and again West
+struck him, driving him prone to the floor before the other two dragged
+him away, wrestled the weapon from his hand, and closed with him in a
+desperate death grapple.
+
+What followed he never could relate. He was mad with fury of the fight.
+A mere animal defending life with every means at hand, caring nothing for
+either wound or hurt so that he won out in the end. Mike was out of it,
+but the two grappling him fought like wild cats, rough barroom fighters,
+resorting to any tactics to disable their opponent. Yet it was this that
+saved him. Crazed as he was, madly as his brain whirled in the fierce
+struggle, his long training held supreme--he knew how to fight,
+remembered instinctively every trick and guard. Again and again his
+clinched fist reached its mark, and slowly he broke away from clutching
+hands, and regained his feet. It was a terrific struggle, but luck, as
+well as skill, was with him. The next he knew, out of the red ruck, was
+that he had Hobart by the throat, jammed against the wall, with fingers
+clinched in the throat. Then he saw the other coming, a dim, shapeless
+thing, that he kicked at viciously. The boot must have landed, for he was
+suddenly free to strike the purple face fronting him, and fling the
+helpless rocking body in a huddled mass on the floor.
+
+By God, it was over with; he had won breathing space, a chance to see
+what was about him. Yet that was all. The fellow he had kicked was
+already up, doubled from the pain of the blow, but with mad eyes
+glaring at him. Hobart had struggled to his knees, cursing fiercely as
+he swept the blood out of his eyes. They would both be on him again in a
+minute, more desperate than ever, and the door was locked--there was no
+chance there. The window! Ay! there was the window. Death either way,
+yet a chance; and he was man enough to take it. He leaped on the chair,
+and clambered up; he heard Hobart swear, and felt the grip of a hand on
+his dangling leg; kicked himself free, and was on the ledge. He never
+looked below, or took time to poise for the leap. Heedless, desperate,
+scarcely realizing what he was doing, he flung his body out over the
+edge, and fell.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+UNDER COVER
+
+
+The shed roof was below, and he struck it, fortunately feet first, but
+the sharp slant of the boards sent him hurtling forward over the edge
+into a miscellaneous pile of boxes beneath, his body finally resting on
+the hard ground. He lay there dazed, the breath knocked entirely out of
+him, bruised, and scarcely certain whether he was dead or alive. For the
+moment, he seemed to have lost all consciousness, unable to realize even
+what had occurred in that upper room, or to comprehend the necessity of
+immediate flight. All about him was intense darkness, and, after the
+crash of his fall, no sound broke the silence. He could see nothing, hear
+nothing to arouse his faculties; his flesh quivered with pain, although
+he felt sure no bones were fractured, for he could move both arms and
+limbs freely, while after the first shock, his mind returned to activity,
+dominated by the single conviction that he must get away from there
+before those men could get down stairs.
+
+But how? He retained no strength, no ability to use his limbs sufficient
+to carry him away from the neighbourhood swiftly. He felt paralysed,
+numb, even his brain functioning strangely, the danger of his helpless
+condition its only incentive to action. He endeavoured to rise, rolling
+partially over in the effort which failed, but the movement, slight as it
+was, left one hand dangling over an excavation at his right. His fingers
+explored the edge of this opening cautiously, revealing a cellar-way,
+leading down into the basement. The opening was black, silent,
+mysterious, yet it was a hiding place. If he could manage to roll down
+those steps into those depths below, he might hide there unseen, until he
+regained strength, until the first effort at pursuit had been abandoned.
+Then there might be a chance for escape.
+
+West grasped the idea clearly enough. Those fellows would be there
+swiftly. If they found him gone they would have no doubt but what he
+landed safely, and had made a get-away. They would search, of course,
+perhaps out into the alley, hoping he might have been injured, but it was
+hardly probable they would think to explore the cellar. Even if they did,
+he could surely creep into some dark corner where he might escape
+observation. Anyway, crippled as he was, this offered the one and only
+chance. He could not argue and debate; he must act.
+
+He rolled over, and lowered himself down into the opening, locating the
+half-dozen broken and rotted steps with his feet. He made no attempt to
+stand, but simply slid down, finding a partially closed door at the
+bottom, the passage-way blocked by a litter, the exact nature of which
+could not be determined in the darkness. With some difficulty, and more
+than ever conscious of his weakness, and the pain of bruises, he managed
+to crawl over this pile of debris, and crouch down finally in the intense
+blackness within. He felt like a trapped rat, still gasping for breath,
+his body quivering from exertion.
+
+Yet his retreat had been none too rapid. The silence above was broken by
+the creak of an opening door, the sound of excited voices, and a sudden
+gleam of light, finding entrance through the open cellar-way. West
+startled, crept back into a corner, every nerve alert at approaching
+peril. He recognized Hobart's voice, as the fellow plunged down the steps
+from the first floor out into the yard.
+
+"To hell, of course he's here!" he stormed. "My God, man, he dived out
+head first; I saw him. He'll be dead as a door nail now. Come on with
+that lantern, Turner. Where in thunder is the ladder--does any one know?"
+
+"You think he lies on the roof?"
+
+"Why not? That's where he must have struck, ain't it, Shorty? I don't
+know though; it is so steep he'd most likely roll off. Here, you, let me
+take the glim. There's nothing here in these boxes. Ah, there's the
+ladder; climb up, Shorty, and see if the guy is stuck anywhere on the
+roof. Go on! What are you afraid of; if he's there, he's a stiff all
+right, believe me."
+
+Turner's voice, hoarse and rumbling, came back from above.
+
+"There ain't nuthin' up here, Jim. Damn me, if I don't believe the cuss
+got clean away. Gee, but he was sure a nervy guy all right."
+
+"Nervy? Crazy, you mean. But he never took that fall without busting
+something. The bird is lying about here somewhere. You make sure he ain't
+up there, Shorty."
+
+"Well, he ain't; I kin see every inch o' this roof. Perhaps he fell in
+between them barrels down there."
+
+The two evidently searched thoroughly, the rays of the lantern dancing
+wildly about, while Hobart savagely cursed his companion, and reiterated
+his belief that no man could ever take that plunge, and escape unhurt.
+
+"It couldn't be done, I tell you; maybe he could crawl, but that would be
+all. Why he went down head first; I saw him go out the window, and that
+drop would daze a cat. Say, Shorty, maybe the stiff dropped down into
+this cellar-way. Let's take a look."
+
+The light streamed in through the narrow opening, and some one
+scrambled cautiously down the rotted steps. West, drawing himself
+securely back behind the protection of his barrel, saw the lantern
+thrust forward, and a face behind it peering in the shadows. The fellow
+did not advance into the room, but Hobart did, pressing his way roughly
+past, and standing there full in the glow of light, staring about into
+the dim shadows. He evidently saw nothing to arouse suspicion, for his
+voice was angry with disgust.
+
+"Not a damn sign here, Shorty. It looks like the fellow maybe did get
+away. But it beats me how. There ain't no place now for us to look but
+the alley."
+
+"An' if he ain't there?"
+
+"Then we'll hop this dump mighty sudden, I'm telling you. We'll slip out
+and leave Mike to explain how he got his coco cracked. With that guy
+loose, it won't be healthy for me hanging around here."
+
+"He ain't got the goods on you, has he?"
+
+"No, he ain't got the goods, but he is dead wise to some things, and he
+didn't get out of that shindy up stairs without getting hurt. He'll be
+sore all right, and will raise all the hell he can. It's safer to keep
+out of the way."
+
+"An' what about that other buck, Hobart? It won't do to have him picked
+up, if this guy gets the harness bulls to take a look around here."
+
+"That ain't his style, Shorty; he won't spiel anything to the cops about
+this row. He's an ex-soldier, a Captain, and he's nuts on the girl.
+That's why he dipped into this mess--trying to save her--see? Maybe he
+won't be so keen now, after the song and dance she gave him up stairs.
+I'm half inclined to think the guy will drop out entirely, damn glad to
+get off alive, now he believes she is as rotten as the rest of us. But I
+ain't sure--maybe he is the kind that sticks. That's why I don't take any
+chances just now. Things ain't quite ripe for a get away--see?"
+
+"Sure; she gave him some straight stuff, hey?"
+
+"She certainly did; she's as smart as she is good looking. It somehow
+don't strike me this guy is going to bother her any more. I'm figuring
+that he's out of it."
+
+"But his partner?"
+
+"Oh, we'll leave him somewhere propped up against a door. Likely he'll
+never know what happened to him, or where. He ain't nothing to be afraid
+of--just a butler with a cracked head. It's the other guy who has got the
+brains. Come on; let's take a look out in the alley."
+
+Their shadows vanished up the stairs, the glow of light disappearing, and
+leaving the cellar in impenetrable darkness. West did not venture to
+move, however, content to wait until thoroughly assured the way for
+escape was clear. He had not learned much from this conversation, except
+to increase his conviction that a serious crime was being consummated.
+The full nature of this conspiracy was as obscure as ever; rendered even
+more doubtful indeed by the active participation of Natalie Coolidge.
+This was what puzzled and confused him the most. He could no longer
+question her direct interest in the affair, or her willingness to assist
+in overcoming his efforts. Even without the free testimony of the men
+this fact was sufficiently clear. She had deliberately lied to him,
+attempted deceit, and then, when he refused to yield to her efforts, had
+so reported to Hobart, and left him to his fate. It was manifestly
+impossible for him to believe in her any longer. Yet what could it all
+mean? How could she hope to benefit by such an association? Why could she
+thus shield the murderers of Percival Coolidge? What possible object
+could there be in the commission of this crime, except to gain possession
+of her own fortune? It was all mystery to his mind; a new unanswerable
+question arising wherever he looked.
+
+What strange influence could this man Hobart exercise over the girl? To
+West's judgment he was in no way the sort of man to appeal to Natalie
+Coolidge. He was of a low, cunning order, with some degree of outward
+polish, to be sure, yet inherently tough, and exhibiting marks of a
+birth-right which indelibly stamped him of a social class far below her
+own. Surely, she could not love the fellow, yet unquestionably he
+possessed a mysterious power over her, difficult to explain through any
+other hypothesis. If West had not known the young woman under different
+conditions, he might have accepted this theory, and dismissed the whole
+matter from mind. But it was the haunting memory of that earlier Natalie
+Coolidge, the mistress of Fairlawn, which would not permit his complete
+surrender. She had seemed all that his dream of womanhood called for.
+Unconsciously, he had given her his heart, and he could not tear the
+remembrance from mind. There was something wrong, terribly wrong; what it
+was he had no means of knowing, yet, there in the dark, he determined he
+would know, would never be content until he learned the whole truth. All
+his hope, all his future, depended on the answer.
+
+Hobart and Turner were absent for some little while; the sound of their
+voices ceased, but the distant flicker of the lantern enabled West to
+trace their progress up the alley, and then back again. They returned in
+no pleasant humour, convinced that their expected victim had escaped
+safely, but made no further effort to search the yard. Hobart said enough
+to make it plain that his immediate project was to disappear, leaving
+Mike to his own devices. With this point settled the two tramped heavily
+up the stairs, and disappeared within. West, confident at last, that the
+way was left clear, wriggled out from his place of concealment behind the
+barrel, and stood erect. He felt stronger now, and in less pain,
+convinced that his injuries were in no degree serious. He could move his
+limbs freely and his mind was active. The darkness was so intense he had
+to grope his way forward, anxious to make no noise which might betray
+his presence. No doubt the basement could be reached in some way from the
+floor above, and any unusual sound below might easily attract attention.
+
+In the intensity of the gloom, his sense of direction failed, taking him
+somewhat further back before he finally located the exact position of
+those outer steps. Then as he turned abruptly, his foot came in contact
+with an obstacle on the floor. For an instant he could not determine what
+it was; then, with a thrill of horror, he realized the presence of a
+human body. There was no sound, no movement, and West drew back from
+contact with the object, shrinking in horror. Then he gripped himself
+sternly--whoever, whatever this was, he must know. Alive or dead he must
+determine the truth. He bent over, feeling with his hands in the
+darkness. Good God, the flesh was warm; it was no cold corpse he touched,
+but a living human being; ay! tied like a mummy, unable to move hand or
+foot. Then, as suddenly, his groping fingers, eager enough now,
+discovered the cause of silence--the man was gagged, cruelly gagged,
+helpless to utter a sound.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+THE COMING OF A MESSAGE
+
+
+The situation once realized, West worked rapidly. If this bound man was
+Sexton, the quicker he could be released the better. Hobart had already
+revealed his plans, and might appear at any moment for the purpose of
+executing them. If escape was to be achieved, it must be accomplished at
+once. In the darkness his fingers could do nothing with the knot, but the
+sharp blade of a knife quickly severed the twisted cloth, and the gag was
+instantly removed from between the clinched teeth. The man moaned,
+breathing heavily, but made no other sound while West slashed at the
+cords lashing his limbs, finally freeing them entirely. Not until this
+had been accomplished did he pause long enough to ask questions.
+
+"There; that's the last. Now who are you--Sexton?"
+
+"Yes, sir," weakly, and in a mere whisper, "an' I know yer voice, sir.
+Thank God, yer found me, sir."
+
+"It was a bit of luck; but we'll talk that over later. Now we've got to
+get out of here. Can you walk?"
+
+"I don't know, sir; after a fashion, maybe. I'm mighty stiff and
+numb, sir. Oh, Lord, but that hurts; give me a hand, an' perhaps I
+can make it."
+
+"Take it easy; work your legs up and down like that; good, that will
+restore the circulation. How long have you been lying here?"
+
+"I don't know, sir," his voice strengthening. "I must have been hit, the
+way my head aches. The first thing I knew after I went into that room
+with you, I was lyin' here in the dark. I couldn't move or speak, sir,
+an' it was so black, I kind of got it into my head maybe I was dead and
+buried. If it hadn't been for my hearing things--voices talking, and all
+that--I guess I would have gone clear batty. Maybe I didn't get
+everything straight, sir, but one o' them fellows was Hobart, wasn't he?"
+
+"Yes; we walked right into his trap. The fellow who came over to the
+table and talked to us was Jim Hobart. He knew me at first sight it
+seems, and easily guessed what we were there for."
+
+"And was Miss Coolidge here too, sir?"
+
+"Yes, she was; I had a talk with her that has mixed me all up, Sexton.
+She seems to be hand in glove with these fellows. But how did you suspect
+she was here?"
+
+"I heard her voice, sir; up there somewhere, sir, soon after I come to
+my senses. She and some man went along outside. Sounded like he was
+makin' her go with him. I couldn't get much of what was said, but he
+sure talked awful rough, an' she seemed to be pleadin' with him. They
+wasn't there but just a minute, an' then, a little later, I heard an
+automobile start up."
+
+"You have no idea how long ago this was?"
+
+"No, I ain't, sir. I been lyin' here about half dead, I guess, an' I
+don't seem to have known anything after that, until those fellows come
+down here with the lantern. Were they hunting after you?"
+
+"Yes; I outwitted them up stairs, and jumped from a window. But that is
+enough talk now; we'll go over the whole affair when we are safely away
+from this place. How is it? do you think you can navigate?"
+
+Sexton responded by getting slowly to his feet. He trembled, and was so
+uncertain, as he attempted to grope forward, that West grasped him
+firmly, helping him slowly toward the foot of the steps. Even this
+effort, however, helped the man to recover somewhat the use of his
+numbed limbs, while his breathing became much easier. The two crept up
+the stairs cautiously, and surveyed the cluttered up yard as best they
+might in the dim light of the distant street lamp. It appeared entirely
+deserted, nor was there any evidence that the building above was
+occupied. No doubt lights were burning within, but if so the shades must
+have been drawn closely, allowing no reflection to escape. No better
+opportunity for evading notice could be hoped for, and West, alert now to
+every chance, made instant decision.
+
+"They are all inside. Creep along behind that pile of lumber to where you
+see the hole in the fence. I'll be just behind you. That's the way."
+
+The narrow alley was much lighter, yet still dark enough to conceal their
+movements, as they clung close to the deeper shadows. Except for an old
+cart it was unoccupied, the surface covered with ashes, so packed as to
+leave no trace of wheels. Ahead of them at the end of the block, glowed
+the only street lamp visible. Sexton, by now largely recovered from his
+late experiences, broke into a run, with West following closely behind.
+Both were eager to escape from the immediate neighbourhood unseen.
+Suddenly Sexton stumbled, but arose almost instantly to his feet again,
+grasping something which gleamed like silver in his hand.
+
+"Not hurt, are you?" asked West anxiously.
+
+"No; what's this I found?"
+
+The other took it impatiently.
+
+"What is it? Why a small pocket knife, of course. Come on, man, don't
+stand mooning there." He slipped the article carelessly into his pocket.
+"Let's get out into the open while the road is clear."
+
+"Where are you going?" Sexton panted, endeavouring to keep beside him.
+"Have you anything planned out?"
+
+"Not very much; Milwaukee Avenue first. There is sure to be an all-night
+restaurant somewhere in sight. Telephone for a taxi, don't dare to risk a
+street car, we both look too tough."
+
+"Suppose they will follow us?"
+
+"Hardly; they will have no idea which way we went, or how long we'll have
+been gone. All Hobart will think about now will be getting out of sight
+himself. Once we turn off this street, we'll be safe enough."
+
+It was considerably past midnight when the two men finally reached the
+University Club; they had lunched at an all-night restaurant, washed and
+made themselves as presentable as possible, yet were hardly recognizable
+as they entered the Club lobby. Neither possessed a hat; Sexton was in
+his shirt sleeves, while West's coat clung to him in rags. Without
+waiting to explain anything to the servant in charge, except to state
+briefly that Sexton would be his guest for the night, the Captain hurried
+into the waiting elevator, and accompanied by his companion, ascended to
+his apartment above.
+
+The reaction from the excitement of the evening left Sexton dull and
+drowsy once he felt secure from any possible danger. His only desire was
+to lie quiet, and forget. Stretched out on a comfortable lounge, he fell
+asleep almost instantly, making no effort even to remove his clothes.
+West was of a different temperament, his mind far too active to find
+sleep possible. His only desire was to think, plan, decide upon some
+future course of action. With mind busy, forgetful of the very presence
+of his companion, he indulged in a bath, again dressed himself, and,
+lighting a cigar, settled back into an easy chair to fight the whole out
+alone with himself.
+
+The adventures of the night had greatly changed his conception of this
+affair in which he had become so strangely involved. The mystery
+confronting him appeared more difficult of solution than ever. His first
+vague theory of the case had already gone completely to smash. Question
+after question rose before him which remained unanswered. He was more
+thoroughly convinced than ever that Percival Coolidge had been murdered;
+that the act had been committed either by Hobart himself, or under his
+direction. He possessed no proof, however, nor could he figure out a
+motive for the crime. Who was this Jim Hobart? That was one of the first
+things to be learned. Was he in any way personally interested in the
+fortune left by Stephen Coolidge? Or did he hold any special relationship
+with the murdered man? How could he expect to profit by the sudden death
+of Percival? More important still, what peculiar influence did the fellow
+exert over the girl? Here was by far the deeper mystery, the one that
+troubled him most. The others seemed possible of explanation, but the
+sudden change in Natalie Coolidge was beyond all understanding.
+
+Except in face, form, dress, outward appearance, she no longer seemed to
+West as being the same woman he had formerly known. His original interest
+in her had vanished; he had learned to distrust and doubt her sincerity
+and truth. Beyond all question she was openly playing an important part
+in this tragedy under Hobart's direction, but for the life of him he
+could not figure out to what end. Still the very mystery of it had its
+fascination. While he felt no longer any special desire to serve her, to
+further risk his life in her cause, yet he experienced a fierce
+determination to learn what all this really meant; to uncover the object
+these conspirators had in view. Although he imagined love no longer
+spurred him on, his real interest in the affair became even more intense,
+with an aroused desire to read the riddle. He convinced himself that from
+henceforth this was to be his only object--not the girl, nor any
+attraction she once had for him, but a stern determination to solve this
+crime, and bring its perpetrators to justice. If she was involved it
+could not be helped, she would have to suffer with the rest; his own duty
+was clear.
+
+Yet how could he begin action? What clue did he possess which could be
+followed? Practically none. Before morning, that saloon on Wray Street
+would unquestionably be deserted, except perhaps by its proprietor, and
+Mike would simply deny everything. A search of the place would be
+useless, for Hobart would be too sly a fox to leave any trail. Two
+possibilities remained; the police might have some record of the fellow,
+might know his favourite haunts, even be able to locate his next probable
+hiding place. If not, the only hope remaining would seem to be Natalie
+Coolidge. She would undoubtedly return to Fairlawn; was probably there
+already, and, by shadowing her, the whereabouts of Hobart would surely be
+revealed either sooner or later.
+
+But possibly there was a quicker way to learn their purpose than by
+thus seeking to find either. If it was the Coolidge fortune which was
+at stake, why not endeavour to learn in whose trust it was being held,
+and what steps were being taken to safe-guard it? This investigation
+ought not to be particularly difficult, even though he possessed no
+authority; he could explain the nature of his interest to an attorney,
+and be advised how to proceed. Determined to take all three steps the
+first thing next day, West rested back comfortably in the chair,
+already half asleep. One hand rested in his pocket, and as his fingers
+fumbled some object there, he suddenly recalled the knife Sexton had
+found in the alley.
+
+He drew the article forth curiously, and looked at it under the glow of
+the electric light--it was a small silver handled pen-knife, such as a
+lady might carry, a rather strange thing to be discovered in a dirt alley
+back of Wray Street. The incongruity struck him forcibly, and he sat up,
+wide awake once more, seeking for some mark of identification on the
+polished handle. There was none, not an inscription of any kind, but he
+noted that the single slender blade did not fit closely down into its
+place. He opened it idly to learn the cause--beneath appeared the white
+gleam of tightly folded paper.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+WHAT THE TELEPHONE TOLD
+
+
+All West's indifference vanished instantly. He had to pry the paper out,
+so closely had it been wedged in beneath the closed knife blade, and it
+required a moment in which to straighten it out so that the writing was
+discernable. Even then the marks were so faint, and minute, he could not
+really decipher them until he made use of a magnifying glass lying on the
+desk. A woman's hand, using a pencil, had hastily inscribed the words on
+a scrap of common paper, apparently torn from some book--the inspiration
+of an instant, perhaps, a sudden hope born of desperation. He fairly had
+to dig the words out, letter by letter, copying them on an old envelope
+until he had the message complete: "_Please notify police to search
+Seminole quick_."
+
+West read this over, word by word, again and again. What did it mean? Did
+it mean anything? Had it any possible connection with the case in which
+he was interested? There was no signature, nothing to guide him; yet in
+some way the plea sounded real, was a cry of distress, an appeal for
+help. It could be given no other meaning, yet how long had it been lying
+there in the alley? Not any great length of time surely, for the polished
+silver was far too conspicuous to escape notice. It must have been
+dropped during the night, within a very short time of its discovery. But
+what did the words signify? "_Notify police_" was clear enough, but
+"_search Seminole_" meant absolutely nothing. What was "Seminole"--an
+apartment house? A hotel? A saloon? Perhaps the police would know;
+evidently the writer so believed, or she would never have used the name
+with such confidence. A familiar name to her, she assumed that the police
+would have no difficulty in instantly locating the place meant. The haste
+with which the message had apparently been written, its short, sharp
+words, bespoke urgent need, the consciousness of imminent peril. Plainly
+the writer had used the only means at hand in a hurried desperate effort
+to gain assistance.
+
+"The police." The request had been for the police; then why not appeal to
+the police? Why not take the note now directly to headquarters, and let
+them help solve its mystery? At first West hesitated, yet a moment's
+thought convinced him this would be the logical course to pursue. He
+could accomplish nothing alone, unguided. His appealing to the police
+need not necessarily involve any disclosure relative to the Coolidge
+matter. He had found this note accidentally in an alley in the northwest
+section of the city; his being there need require no special explanation;
+he did not understand its meaning, but it was quite evidently a police
+matter, and consequently he placed it in their hands. That all sounded
+natural enough. Besides at this hour of the night there was no other
+place to which he could go for information.
+
+He looked at Sexton, who was sleeping soundly, and decided not to awaken
+the man. He had no use for his services just now; the City Hall was only
+a few blocks away, and he might not be out more than an hour himself. He
+would leave a note so that if by any chance he should be delayed, Sexton
+would understand what had occurred. He scratched this off hastily, placed
+it in a conspicuous place, and swiftly departed, after extinguishing the
+light. He was no longer conscious of fatigue, or the pain of bruises, his
+mind eager to learn the meaning of this new discovery.
+
+It had been a quiet night at the City Hall Station, and West encountered
+no difficulty in reaching the presence of the lieutenant in charge. The
+latter gazed at his caller curiously over an early edition of the morning
+paper, as the officer who had opened the door to the inner office, said
+rather doubtfully.
+
+"This guy wants to see you personally, sir; he wouldn't talk to no
+one else."
+
+"All right, Slavin; shut the door, and I'll hear what he has to say. What
+is it, my man?"
+
+West explained swiftly and clearly, his manner of speech, as well as his
+statement as to who he was, evidently making a favourable impression on
+his listener, who interrupted the brief narrative with several
+respectfully asked questions. He look the note, spread it out on the
+desk, and studied it carefully.
+
+"Looks genuine enough," he commented at last, "but not very clear. I
+don't know any place in this town called Seminole. Wait a minute though;
+perhaps one of the boys may have an idea."
+
+He pressed a button on top of the desk, and in response to the summons, a
+side door opened, and a main in plain clothes entered.
+
+"You rang, sir?"
+
+"Yes, McAdams; this gentleman here--"
+
+"Captain West, as I am a sinner!" he exclaimed. "Gee! but I am glad to
+see you again, old man! Say. By Gad! you don't remember me."
+
+"Oh, but I certainly do, Mac," and West grasped the extended hand
+heartily. "It's a devil of a surprise, that's all. Saw you last at Brest,
+the day you sailed for home. So this was your job, Sergeant?"
+
+"Been with the department ever since I was a kid. Put me in plain clothes
+since I came back. Lieutenant, this is Captain West, over across the pond
+with the Engineers; we were buddies for about two months. What was
+wanted, sir?"
+
+"Well, Captain West has just been telling me a rather peculiar story, and
+wanted some information I thought perhaps you could give; you know the
+old town right now better than I do. First of all, do you recall any
+crook by the name of Hobart--Jim Hobart?"
+
+"Hobart? Hobart? no, not off hand, I don't. How old a man is he,
+Captain?"
+
+"Middle-aged, anyway; an active fellow enough, but his hair is
+quite grey."
+
+"Do you know where he hangs out?"
+
+"The last I saw of him was in a saloon known as Mike's Place over on
+Wray Street."
+
+"Off Milwaukee; yes, I know. Mike is a big Pole, but has never had any
+serious trouble so far as I know. However, being there is no special
+recommendation to a guy, but I don't believe this man Hobart has been
+pulled since I've been on the force. And you don't recall the name,
+Lieutenant?"
+
+"No; but he might be an old timer come back. Look him up in the index,
+Mac. That will soon tell you whether we have got any such mug, or not."
+
+McAdams drew out a thick volume from a near-by cabinet, and ran his
+fingers swiftly down a long column of names, indexed under the letter
+"H." Suddenly he stopped, with an exclamation.
+
+"The lad is here all right--Government offence, fifteen years ago, third
+arrest; mugged number 28113. Let's look him up, and see if he is the same
+man. Come over here, Captain."
+
+"Is that the fellow?" he asked.
+
+West studied the face seriously.
+
+"Yes, I believe it is, Mac," he said at length. "He looks much older now,
+but those are his features all right. What was his game?"
+
+"'Con' mostly, according to the record; only one conviction though, two
+years in Detroit for using the mails to defraud. Oh, yes, here is
+something different, 'assault with intent to kill'--indeterminate
+sentence to Joliet for that. Nothing heard of him since. So he is back,
+and at the old game again. Do you want him brought in, Captain?"
+
+"No, not yet. I haven't anything against the man now but a suspicion. I
+wanted to learn his record, that's all. This inquiry was only incidental.
+What I'm really interested in just at present is something I picked up in
+the alley back of Mike's Place three or four hours ago. It's a note in a
+woman's hand-writing, and when I found it, it was hidden in a small
+silver pen-knife, such as a lady might carry. I thought it might have
+some connection with the case I'm trying to catch this fellow Hobart in."
+
+"There is a woman in it, then?"
+
+"Yes; but I haven't got things hitched up sufficiently to talk about it.
+The note itself is blind."
+
+"In what respect?"
+
+"Well, here it is. Can you make it out? I'll read it for you--'_Please
+notify police to search Seminole quick_.'"
+
+"No signature?"
+
+"None."
+
+"But that is plain enough, isn't it?"
+
+"Yes, if you know what she means by Seminole; what is it? a street? an
+apartment house? a saloon? Do you know of anything under that name?"
+
+McAdams stood motionless thinking.
+
+"No, by thunder, I don't," he admitted reluctantly. "There is no street
+of that name in the city. There used to be a shady hotel over on Ontario
+Street called 'The Seminole,' but that was torn down ten years ago. I
+never heard of any other--did you, Dave?"
+
+"No," answered the lieutenant slowly, sucking away at a cigar. "I just
+been looking over the directory, and I don't find nothing. Maybe it's the
+name of a boat--seems to me I've heard some such name before, but I don't
+just recollect where."
+
+"A boat! Well, that's a straw anyway, and worth looking up." Mac picked
+up the telephone. "Who is on at the Harbour Master's office this time
+of night?"
+
+"Winchell, usually, and he'll have a record there."
+
+The detective jiggled the receiver impatiently.
+
+"Yes, this is police headquarters calling. Give me the Harbour Master's
+office, please--I said the Harbour office. Oh, is this you, Dan? Bob
+McAdams speaking. Do you know of any boat on the lakes called the
+_Seminole_? What's that? A lumber schooner at Escanaba? Never makes this
+port, you say? And you don't know of any other by that name? Sure, I'll
+hold the wire; look it up."
+
+"Not a very promising lead," he said over his shoulder, "but Dan will
+have the dope for us in a minute."
+
+He suddenly straightened up, the receiver at his ear.
+
+"I didn't quite get that, Dan. A medium sized yacht, you say? Where is
+it? Oh, at the Jackson Park lagoon. I see; and who did you say owned it?
+What's that? I didn't quite catch the name--Coolidge? What Coolidge?
+Exactly; the fellow who killed himself out south. Hold the wire."
+
+He swung about to face West, the receiver still at his ear.
+
+"This mean anything to you?"
+
+"It surely does," eagerly. "The girl I spoke of was Natalie Coolidge. By
+all the gods, we are on the right track."
+
+"All right, Dan," resuming his conversation. "What's that? Coolidge had
+the boat up the river a few weeks ago trying to sell it. That's how you
+happened to remember the name--I see. Say, is there any one out at
+Jackson Park I could talk to at this hour? Who? Oh, yes, the Life
+Saving Station. Sure: somebody will be on duty there. Thanks, old
+man--good night."
+
+He hung the receiver up on the hook, and reached for the telephone
+directory.
+
+"Some luck, I say. Jackson Park--oh, yes, here it is. All right, Central;
+sure, that is the proper number. This is the City Hall Police
+Headquarters again; hustle it up, please. Hullo, Jackson Park Life Saving
+Station? Good; this is McAdams speaking from the City Detective Bureau.
+Is there a yacht out there in the lagoon called the Seminole? belongs to
+a man named Coolidge; medium sized boat, with gas engine. Yes; what's
+that? Not there now; went out into the lake about two hours ago. The hell
+it did! Who was aboard? do you know? Say that again; oh, you wasn't on
+watch when she sailed; your partner said what? Three men and a woman. All
+right, yes, I got it. Say now, listen; this is a police matter, so keep
+your eyes open. It will be daylight pretty soon, and if you get sight of
+that boat, call up the City Hall Station at once. Do you get me?"
+
+He wheeled about, smiling whimsically.
+
+"It's on again, off again, Flannigan. We had it, and we have it not.
+Dave I am getting interested; I feel the lure of the chase. What say
+you? Can you spare me for a day or two? You can? good enough; we'll comb
+the lakes until we find out who is sailing aboard the _Seminole_. You're
+with me, old man?"
+
+West extended his hand silently, and the fingers of the two clasped in a
+mutual pledge.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+THE YACHT "SEMINOLE"
+
+
+There was little to do but wait impatiently for some further message of
+guidance. McAdams dispatched a few telegrams to nearby lake ports, and
+briefly outlined certain plans of action for the morrow, provided nothing
+further was heard from the missing boat; these included a possible visit
+to Fairlawn, and a city-wide search for Hobart, who both men decided
+could not be included among the party on the yacht. West told his new
+assistant the entire story in detail, and Mac's interest in ferreting out
+the matter became intense. It was the kind of case which fascinated him
+with its mystery, but no theory he could spin born from long police
+experience, seemed to exactly fit all the revealed facts. The great
+puzzle revolved about the strange actions of the girl; her part in the
+affair presenting an unsolvable riddle. They must have talked for an
+hour, discussing the situation frankly from every angle, yet arriving at
+no definite conclusion. The sky in the east was red with dawn when both
+men fell fast asleep in their chairs, still waiting.
+
+It was nine o'clock, and still no word. The two had eaten a hasty
+breakfast in a restaurant across the street, discussing the situation
+again thoroughly, but to no more satisfactory result. It seemed
+impossible to reconcile certain facts. If the silver knife, with its call
+for help, had indeed been dropped by Natalie Coolidge, and she was being
+held a prisoner in the hands of villains on board the _Seminole_, why had
+she acted toward West as she did in that house on Wray Street? To all
+appearances there she had been hand in glove with the conspirators,
+willing even to connive at the Captain's murder if necessary to the
+success of their crime. Only one theory was possible; that the girl was
+under constraint, driven to her strange act by personal fear. She dare do
+nothing else, terrorized by the threats of Hobart, and her own sense of
+utter helplessness in his power. This, and this only, must be the answer
+to the riddle.
+
+McAdams, unable to remain quiet, departed to get his police search
+started in an attempt to discover Hobart in his new hiding place. The
+fellow could not be on the yacht, as that had sailed from Jackson Port at
+far too early an hour for him to have possibly made one of the party. He
+would still be in the city then, securely concealed in some dive of the
+underworld, perfecting his plans, whatever they might be, and, perhaps,
+arranging to join those on the boat later. The detective even thought
+this unlikely, his theory being that Hobart merely desired to get the
+girl safely out of the way for a length of time sufficient to enable him
+to complete his nefarious scheme. He argued that Natalie was in no real
+danger; she would be held no doubt, kept out of sight as long as was
+necessary, but otherwise left uninjured. This was no strong-arm crime,
+but a high class confidence game, and the important thing was to quickly
+lay hands on Hobart. With him once in the toils, the whole conspiracy
+would instantly collapse. With this end in view, McAdams took up the
+man's trail, leaving West to stand guard over the telephone.
+
+The latter called up Sexton, and hurried him out to Fairlawn, with
+instructions to find out all he could from the servants there relative
+to any late developments. He expected no important revelation from this
+point, as Natalie could not have returned home, yet there might have
+been a telephone communication, or some other occurrence of interest to
+furnish a clue. Sexton was instructed to report the result of his
+investigation at the earliest moment possible. This accomplished,
+nothing remained for West to do, but sit down and wait for something
+else to happen.
+
+The delay was shorter than he anticipated. There was a sharp ringing of
+the bell, the police operator responding quickly.
+
+"Police Headquarters. What's wanted? McAdams; no he is not in just
+now. Who is calling him? Harbour Master's office; all right; hold the
+wire a minute."
+
+He turned his head around.
+
+"Must be your case, Captain; better hear what they have to say."
+
+West grasped the receiver eagerly.
+
+"Is this the Seminole matter?" he asked swiftly. "Certainly, I
+understand about it. What's that. Oh, Winchell told you to call up if
+you learned anything. Of course; what is it? Yes, I hear; just found her
+tied up at north side of Municipal Pier. What's the trouble? Engine
+working bad, and had to come in, hey? All right--thanks; I'll go
+straight over and see them."
+
+This was great luck, yet there was very little he could hope to
+accomplish alone, without the help and authority of McAdams. Even if the
+vessel had been stolen--which was probably not true--he possessed no
+power of arrest. All he could hope to do would be to keep the fellows in
+sight until Mac showed up, and, if possible, prevent them from putting
+out into the lake again. Even in that he needs must be cautious not to be
+seen by any of the gang who might recognize him. An alarm, proving they
+were being followed, would doubtless send them scattering instantly. If
+they were to be trapped, no suspicion could be aroused.
+
+West thought of all these things as a taxi bore him across the city to
+the pier, and acted accordingly. The open air restaurant accorded him
+every reasonable opportunity for concealment, while affording ample view
+of whatever was going on. It was a bright, sunshiny day, the waters of
+the lake a deep blue. No crowd was present, yet enough people were at the
+tables, or lounging about the pier, to make his presence unnoticeable.
+The pleasure boat for Lincoln Park, a band aboard, and with a barker
+industriously busy, was close by, surrounded by a bevy of women and
+children. Beyond these, on the same side, snuggled close against the
+cement wall, lay the yacht. West ordered a drink, and sat down at a table
+within easy view, although partially concealed himself by a pillar
+supporting the roof.
+
+The _Seminole_ was a much larger boat than he had anticipated seeing,
+yet he could not doubt her being the vessel sought. The name was plainly
+stencilled on the bow, as well as upon the dingy towing astern. Her deck
+lay almost even with the promenade, and he was able to trace her lines
+clearly from where he sat. The craft had evidently been constructed for
+comfort as well as speed. He noted two short masts unrigged, a bridge
+forward of the wheel-house, together with a decidedly commodious cabin
+aft. The deck space between was clear, except for the hatchway leading
+down to the engine. The planking was clean, as though newly scrubbed,
+while every handrail glistened in the sun. The cabin appeared tightly
+closed, even the windows being heavily draped. Some mechanics were
+evidently working below; there was a sound of hammering, and occasionally
+a fellow in overalls appeared at the hatch opening. No one wearing any
+semblance of a yacht uniform was visible, although four or five men
+lounged about the deck, or close at hand on the pier, apparently
+connected with the vessel. Two were well-dressed, rather gentlemanly
+appearing fellows, the others of a decidedly rougher class, although
+bearing no outward marks of being sea-men. While an air of carelessness
+was assumed by all these, yet West, watching them closely, felt that
+they were very much on their guard, anxiously waiting an opportunity to
+depart. No face among the party had any familiarity; he had encountered
+none of them at Mike's Place the evening before. Satisfied as to this, he
+left the table, and strolled out on to the promenade, joining the crowd
+watching the Lincoln Park boat get underway. So far as he could observe
+this movement attracted no attention, although a moment later his eyes
+plainly caught a bit of drapery drawn slightly aside at one of the cabin
+windows of the _Seminole_, and, he felt convinced, the quick gesture of a
+woman's hand.
+
+There was a woman on board then! This certainty of knowledge by evidence
+of his own eyes, set his blood leaping. Whatever the purposes of these
+people he was again upon the right trail. The uplifted curtain was
+immediately lowered, and, if any signal had thus been conveyed, there was
+no other evidence visible. A little later one of the two better dressed
+fellows loafing on the pier, a rather heavily built man, with closely
+clipped red moustache, and a scar over one eye, slowly crossed the deck,
+and entered the cabin. He came forth again a moment later, asked some
+question of the workmen below and then clambered back carelessly over
+the rail, joining his companion on the pier.
+
+"A half hour yet; it was quite a job the boy's had, but they are making
+time. Come over here a minute."
+
+They walked forward, out of earshot from where West sat on a bench in the
+sun. He watched the fellows closely, yet without neglecting the boat, but
+they neither glanced toward him, or seemed aware of his existence.
+Convinced that they felt no suspicion, but were merely exercising
+ordinary precaution not to be overheard, the watcher soon banished all
+fear of them from his mind. His whole thought centred on the early
+arrival of McAdams. Until the detective came, there was nothing he could
+do but sit there quietly and wait. But what if the necessary repairs were
+completed, and the _Seminole_ sailed before Mac got there? The fellow
+called Joe had mentioned half an hour, and he probably meant that was the
+time set by the mechanics for completing their job on the engine. Beyond
+doubt, the intention was to depart immediately. Was there any means in
+his power by which this could be prevented? The only suggestion which
+came to him was the picking of a quarrel in some way, with the two men
+ashore. The boat would never depart unless they were aboard, as they
+were evidently the leaders of the gang, yet this would be a most
+desperate expedient, to be resorted to only when all other effort had
+failed. The two were husky chaps, and he would probably be the one to
+suffer most in such an encounter. Besides it would put them on their
+guard, and possibly avail nothing. Why not speak to the fellows
+pleasantly, and naturally? They had no reason to be suspicious of him; he
+was but one of many others lounging idly about the pier. His curiosity
+would seem reasonable enough, and he might thus gain some clue as to
+their destination. Then, even if they did sail before Mac appeared, they
+could be safely intercepted in time for a rescue. Indeed, such
+information, if it could be gained, would give opportunity to plan
+effective action.
+
+Circumstances seemed to work to this end, the two men strolling
+carelessly back toward where he sat, pausing within a few feet of him,
+all their attention apparently riveted upon the yacht.
+
+"Had some hard luck?" he ventured. "Engine give out?"
+
+The red-moustached one glanced about, his eyes surveying the speaker
+indifferently.
+
+"Broke a piston, and had to be towed in," he replied carelessly, "We'll
+be off again presently."
+
+"Nice day for a sail."
+
+"Sure is."
+
+The very indifference of the fellow led West to take a chance.
+
+"Some nice boat you've got there. The Coolidge yacht, isn't it? Haven't
+seen it out lately."
+
+"Are you a yachtsman?"
+
+"A bit of an amateur, yes; have a cat-boat I play with some. Belong to
+the Columbia Club."
+
+"Off Grant Park; this boat quarters in the Jackson lagoon. We left there
+last night. You knew Coolidge?"
+
+"No, never met him; recognized the boat though. Has it been sold?"
+
+"Not yet. It wasn't his anyway; belonged to the estate. I'm one of the
+trustees; that's how I've got the use of it--see? Ever looked it over?"
+
+West shook his head.
+
+"No, but I wouldn't mind; she's a dandy."
+
+"She sure is; better inside than out to my notion. Come aboard; we've got
+time enough. Not thinking of buying a yacht, are you?"
+
+"Well, I might, if the price is not too steep. I've got the fever all
+right; what I lack maybe, is money. It costs a lot to run a yacht."
+
+"Oh, I don't know. We operate this with three men as a crew. That's not
+so bad. Come along with us, Mark; we'll take a look at the cabin first,
+and then go forward."
+
+The three men stepped over the low rail, and moved aft across the deck,
+the leader talking fluently, and pointing out various things of interest.
+His only object apparently was to arouse in West a desire to purchase.
+The other man never spoke, and the latter gave no thought to his
+presence. He had been rarely fortunate so far, and was looking for an
+opportunity to question his guide on the purpose of their voyage. He
+would wait until later; until the examination had been completed,
+perhaps, when they believed him a possible purchaser. Joe opened the
+cabin door, and West stepped inside, the interior darkened by drawn
+curtains. The dusk was confusing, and he stood still after the first
+step, hearing the latch click behind him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+KIDNAPPED
+
+
+A hand gripped his shoulder as though in a vise, and swung him around;
+the muzzle of an automatic confronted him, and behind it the threatening
+eyes of Joe glared directly into his own.
+
+"Not a move, you damned spy," a voice said coldly. "Now, Mark, frisk the
+cuss, and be lively about it. Had a gun, hey; I thought so. Give it to
+me. Now get the cord over there and give him a turn or two. A very good
+job, old boy; the fellow is safe enough, I should say."
+
+He turned his eyes away, searching the cabin, confident that West was
+sufficiently secured.
+
+"Come on out, Mary," he said sharply. "Who is this guy, anyhow?"
+
+A woman came forward through the shadows. West had a glimpse of her face,
+but the features were unfamiliar. A woman of forty, perhaps, still
+attractive in appearance, with dark hair and bold black eyes that met
+his own defiantly. He was puzzled, doubtful as to what it all meant. So
+this was the woman he had seen on board; not Natalie Coolidge at all.
+There had been a mistake of some kind; but if so, why had these people
+given him this sort of reception aboard? These thoughts swept his mind in
+a flash, as the woman peered forward to see his features more clearly.
+For a moment she said nothing, and Joe broke out impatiently.
+
+"He's the lad, ain't he?" he asked. "We ain't gone an' picked up the
+wrong guy?"
+
+"No; he's the bird all right. I never lamped him but once before myself.
+I heard his name then, but forgot it. He's her friend, there ain't no
+doubt o' that, Joe, and it ain't likely he's hanging around here just for
+fun, is it? My idea was it would be safer to take him in."
+
+"Sure; what's yer name, young fellow?"
+
+Concealment was useless; they evidently had him correctly spotted; to lie
+would do no good.
+
+"Matthew West."
+
+"That's the name," the woman exclaimed eagerly. "He is a soldier--a
+Captain, or something like that. Jim told me about him; he's the same
+fellow who was snooping about Mike's Place last night, before we
+pulled out."
+
+"Is that so? How the hell did you get out of there?"
+
+"We had a little trouble," West admitted, "but they let me go."
+
+"Yes, they did! I know better than that; Hobart don't do business
+that way. I reckon we've played his game all right taking you in.
+Well, you don't get out of here so easy, let me tell you. How'd you
+come to get onto us?"
+
+"That's my business."
+
+"Oh, is it? Well, we'll make it ours from now on. There is one thing
+pretty sure--you were here playing a lone hand. So it don't make much
+difference what yer idea was. We'll take the bird along with us, Mary;
+then he'll be out of temptation."
+
+The woman nodded.
+
+"Jim will know what to do with him," she said. "All we got to do is keep
+him safe."
+
+"I'll attend to that; come on, Mark, let's throw the damn sneak into that
+left-hand stateroom. He'll stay there all right. Aw, take hold; don't be
+afraid of hurting the fellow."
+
+They roughed him forward, but West made no attempt to resist; his hands
+were bound, and he was helpless. The woman threw open the narrow door,
+and he was bundled unceremoniously across the threshold, and thrown
+heavily to the floor. He struggled partially upright, protesting against
+being left in that helpless condition, but the red-moustached man only
+laughed, shutting the door tightly, and locking it. The single port hole
+was covered by heavy drapery, the stateroom in total darkness. Through
+the door panels he could hear a voice speaking.
+
+"He's better off that way until we get out of here. You stay here, Mary,
+till I can attend to him myself. Those fellows ought to have that engine
+fixed by this time. Mark and I better go up on deck awhile."
+
+"But, Joe, do you think they have caught on to us?" she asked anxiously.
+
+"No, I don't; this guy wouldn't be snooping about alone if they had. He
+ain't no fly cop, and just happened to be loafin' here--that's my guess.
+He knew this was the Coolidge Yacht, and that set him to asking
+questions. That guy don't look to me like he was the kind to be afraid
+of. All we got to do is hold him here until Jim decides what he's up to.
+I don't want to hurt him none, unless I have to. Everything else all
+right, I suppose?"
+
+"Sure; quiet as a mouse; asleep, I guess."
+
+"That's good; well you stay here until I come back. Want a gun?"
+
+She did not answer so as to be heard, but West could distinguish the
+movement of feet in the outer cabin, and then the closing of a door.
+Undoubtedly the two men had gone on deck, leaving the woman there alone.
+His feet were not tied, and he could sit up, although the hands were
+tightly bound behind him. With eyes accustoming themselves to the gloom,
+he could discern something of his surroundings. He was in the ordinary
+stateroom of a small yacht, with barely space in which to move about
+comfortably. Two bunks were at one side, with a metal stand at their foot
+for washing purposes. A rug covered the floor, the beds were made, and a
+stool, screwed to the deck, occupied a position just below the porthole.
+A few hooks were in evidence on the opposite wall; but no garments
+dangled from them to tell of previous occupancy. Indeed the place was
+scrupulously clean, as though unused for some time.
+
+West made his way to the port, pushed aside the curtain with his
+shoulders and looked out. The smallness of the opening made any hope of
+escape in that way impossible; nor could he expect to attract the
+attention of any one ashore. His view was limited to the east and north,
+a wide expanse of blue water, the only thing in sight being the pleasure
+boat bound for Lincoln Park, already little more than a black dot in the
+distance. Convinced of his complete helplessness, he sat down on the
+stool to consider the situation.
+
+He had been a fool; there was no doubt as to that; the only thing now was
+how he could best retrieve his folly. He had walked blindly into a trap,
+suspecting nothing, confidently relying on his own smartness, believing
+himself unknown. Now he must find his way out. It angered him to realize
+how easily it had been accomplished; not so much as a blow struck; no
+opportunity even for him to cry out an alarm--only that dark cabin, and
+the threatening revolver shoved against his cheek. He wondered where
+McAdams was; perhaps hunting him even then on the pier; and Sexton, what
+had he succeeded in discovering out at Fairlawn? That Natalie Coolidge
+had returned home, no doubt. At least he no longer believed she was with
+this yachting party--evidently there was but one woman on board. Yet,
+whether she was there or not, it was clear enough from what he had heard
+that this sudden voyage of the _Seminole_ had some direct connection with
+the mystery he was endeavouring to solve. That was why he had been
+decoyed aboard, and made prisoner--to keep him silent; to get him
+securely out of the way. Yet this knowledge revealed nothing as to what
+their real purpose was.
+
+What did they intend doing with him now that he was in their hands? Joe
+had declared his fate would be left with Hobart. Then it must be that
+they had a rendezvous arranged somewhere with that arch-conspirator, some
+hidden spot along the lake shore where they were to meet shortly, and
+divide the spoils, or make further plans. Hobart unquestionably was the
+leader of the gang; but who was the woman? She had evidently been in
+Mike's Place the night before, and had a glimpse of his face. She must
+have left with that party in the automobile, yet she surely was not the
+one who had dropped that note begging the police to search this vessel.
+
+What then had become of the other? If she was being held prisoner, it was
+not at all probable she had been left somewhere ashore; apparently she
+had reason to know where she was being taken--to the _Seminole_;
+otherwise she would never have written as she did. She must have
+overheard their plans, before she hastily scratched off the note
+desperately; and yet those plans might have been changed. However, if so,
+why were these people--accomplices of Hobart no doubt--fleeing in the
+yacht, seeking to conceal their identity in an effort to disappear? What
+were they fleeing from? Why were they so fearful of discovery by the
+police? What would cause them to kidnap him, merely on suspicion that he
+was a friend of Natalie Coolidge? The very act was proof positive of the
+desperation of their crime. It could be accounted for on no other theory.
+
+West paced the narrow space, his brain whirling, as he attempted to
+reason the affair out, his own helplessness becoming more and more
+apparent. What could he do? There was but one answer--absolutely nothing
+as he was then situated. He could only wait for some movement on the
+part of the others; his fate was out of his own hands; he had been a
+fool, and must pay the price. The cords about his wrists chafed and hurt
+with each movement. The metal wash-stand gave him an inspiration; its
+upper strip was thin, and somewhat jagged along the edge; possibly it
+might be utilized to sever the strands. It was better to try the
+experiment than remain thus helplessly bound. With hands free he could
+at least defend himself.
+
+He made the effort, doubtfully at first, but hope came as the sharp edge
+began to tear at the rope. It was slow work, awkward, requiring all the
+strength of his arms, yet he felt sure of progress. He could feel the
+strands yield little by little, and redoubled his efforts. It hurt, the
+rope lacerating his wrists, and occasionally the jagged steel cut into
+the flesh cruelly, but the thought of freedom outweighed the pain, and he
+persevered manfully. At last, exercising all his muscle, the last frayed
+strand snapped. His wrists were bleeding, and the hands numb, but the
+severed cord lay on the floor and he again had the free use of his arms.
+The sudden freedom brought new hope and courage. He listened at the door,
+testing the knob cautiously. There was no yielding, and for the moment no
+sound reached him from without. The woman was doubtless there on guard,
+and any effort he might make to break down the door would only bring the
+whole gang upon him. Unarmed, he could not hope to fight them all. As he
+stood there, hesitating, unable to determine what to attempt, he became
+aware of a throbbing under foot, increasing in intensity. West knew
+instantly what it meant--they were testing out the engine; if all worked
+well, the boat would cast off.
+
+He sprang back to the port and stared out, eagerly hoping that, as they
+swept out into the lake, he might find some opportunity to communicate
+with some one on the pier. Perhaps by this time Mac would have arrived,
+and be watching their departure, unable to intervene, as he had no
+warrant for arrest, or any definite knowledge that the yacht was being
+used for a criminal purpose. He had not long to wait. Hurrying steps
+echoed along the deck; a voice shouted out some order, and the end of a
+loosened rope dropped splashing into the water astern; the boat trembled
+to the pulsations of the engine, and West realized that it was at first
+slowly, then more swiftly, slipping away into the broad water. Already he
+could perceive the white wake astern, and, an instant later, as the turn
+to the right widened, he had a glimpse of the pier, already separated
+from him by a broad expanse of trembling water. Above the noise his voice
+would scarcely reach that distance. A crowd of people stood there
+watching, clinging along the edge of the promenade--McAdams was not among
+them. It would be useless to strive to attract their attention; not one
+among them would comprehend; even if they did, not one of them could
+help. He still stood there, gazing back at the fast receding pier,
+gradually becoming blurred in the distance, but hopelessly. He knew now
+he must face his fate alone.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+THE FATE OF A PRISONER
+
+
+The _Seminole_ headed straight out into the lake, its course evidently a
+little to the north of east. The steady throb of the engine exhibited no
+lack of power, the snowy wake behind telling of rapid progress. There was
+a distinct swell to the water, increasing as they advanced, but not
+enough to seriously retard speed, the sharp bow of the yacht cutting
+through the waves like the blade of a knife, the broken water churning
+along the sides. West clung to his perch, peering out through the open
+port, watching the fast disappearing shore line in the giant curve from
+the Municipal Pier northward to Lincoln Park. In spite of the brightness
+overhead, there must have been fog in the air, for that distant view
+quickly became obscure and then as suddenly vanished altogether. There
+remained no sign of land in sight; only the seemingly limitless expanse
+of blue water, not so much as a trail of smoke breaking the encircling
+rim of the sky.
+
+Except for the occasional tread of feet on the deck above, and the faint
+call of a voice giving orders, the yacht seemed deserted, moving unguided
+across the waste of waters. No sound of movement or speech reached West's
+ears from the cabin, and he settled down into moody forgetfulness, still
+staring dully out through the open port. What was to be, would be, but
+there was nothing for him to do but wait for those who held him prisoner,
+to act. He was still seated there, listless, incapable even of further
+thought, when the door was suddenly unlocked. He had barely time to arise
+to his feet, when the man with the red moustache stepped within, facing
+him, as he pushed tightly shut the door behind. The fellow's eyes saw the
+severed rope on the floor, and he smiled, kicking the strands aside
+contemptuously.
+
+"Smart enough for that, were you?" he asked. "Well, I would have taken
+them off myself, if I had thought about it. How did you manage? Oh, I
+see; rather a bright trick, old man. Feeling pretty fit, are you?"
+
+West did not answer at once; this fellow had come with an object in mind,
+and his only desire was to baffle him. It was to be a contest of wits,
+and helpless as the prisoner was physically, he had no intention of
+playing into the other's hands.
+
+"I might be, if I knew what all this meant," he said at last. "Haven't
+you got hold of the wrong party?"
+
+The man laughed, standing where he blocked all passage.
+
+"I might have been convinced that I had an hour ago," he answered coldly.
+"But since then I find I've made rather a good bet. I have the honour of
+addressing Captain West, I believe?"
+
+"You have the name correct; there is no reason why I should deny that.
+Unfortunately, I do not know with whom I am conversing."
+
+"Quite easily remedied. I am Joe Hogan, commonly called 'Red' Hogan. The
+moniker means nothing to you."
+
+"I never heard it before."
+
+"I thought not, which merely proves you are not a 'fly-cop,' only a
+measly busy-body sticking your nose into some one else's business. Well,
+we know how to take care of your kind, and this is likely to prove the
+last case you'll dabble in for a while, my man."
+
+"What does that mean--a threat?"
+
+"Never mind what it means; it is a straight tip. Now listen,
+West--Captain West I believe is the proper term of address--and you will
+understand better. When I got you in here I had no real knowledge as to
+who you were. I merely took a chance on what Mary had to say, and she
+twigged you at once. She's smart, that woman; never forgets a face. She
+sure did a good job this time. But after you were locked in safe, and
+nobody knew what had happened, and you certainly handled easily enough, I
+slipped ashore into the restaurant and called up Jim Hobart on the wire.
+Did he give me your pedigree? He did. Jim was about the happiest guy in
+the town when he learned we had you bottled. Raised hell last night,
+didn't you? All right, my friend, you are going to pay the piper today.
+What got you into this muss, anyhow? You are no relation to the Coolidge
+girl, are you?"
+
+"None whatever; merely a friend."
+
+"Friend, hey! Well, she's a good looker; so this friendship stuff is
+easily accounted for. Friend, hell!" he laughed. "You must have it bad to
+put on all these stunts for sweet friendship's sake. You wouldn't even
+quit when she told you to."
+
+"I believed she was compelled to say what she did to me," replied West
+quietly. "That she was in Hobart's power, afraid of her life. There was
+no other explanation of her strange action possible."
+
+"Is that so?"
+
+"I am willing to listen to such an explanation, Hogan, and if satisfied
+she really wishes me to keep out of the affair, I will."
+
+"And if not?"
+
+"Then I am going to fight in her cause to the very end of things. You
+cannot frighten me; your only chance to influence my action is to make
+things clear. I confess I have been fighting in the dark, not even
+comprehending your purpose. I do know that the main stake your gang is
+after is the Coolidge fortune; that, in order to get hold of it, you are
+obliged to keep control over Miss Natalie. But I can conceive no reason
+why she should assist in the conspiracy. She certainly cannot be
+benefited by having her own fortune stolen. This is what puzzles me, but
+it hasn't changed my loyalty to her. I still believe in her, and feel
+that she is simply a victim of circumstances beyond her control. Am I
+frank enough?"
+
+"Sure; it all means you intend to remain a blunder-headed fool defending
+a girl who does not desire any defence--a Don Quixote tilting at
+wind-mills. That is your choice, is it?"
+
+"Unless you care to explain clearly just how Miss Natalie's interests are
+being protected."
+
+"Which I am not at liberty to do at present. She is satisfied, and has
+practically told you so, according to Jim Hobart. If you will not accept
+her word, there is no use of my saying anything about the matter.
+Besides, West, frankly I don't give a damn what you think. We've got you
+safe enough, where you can't do anything, even if you want to--so, why
+worry? Twenty-four hours more will finish our little job, and, until that
+time is up, you'll remain right here; after that we don't care where in
+hell you go, or what you do--the game will have been played."
+
+The man's tone, and air of confidence was impressive; beyond doubt
+he felt that the cards were all in his hands. West drew in his
+breath sharply.
+
+"Apparently you are right," he said quietly. "May I ask a question or
+two?"
+
+"Fire away; I'll answer as I please."
+
+"Who is the woman on board?"
+
+"Mary, you mean? Hobart's wife."
+
+"She came from the place on Wray Street last night in an auto?"
+
+"Yes; I brought her along myself."
+
+"Alone?"
+
+"There were two of us, Mark and I--why? what are you driving at?"
+
+"Just putting some broken threads together. Then Natalie Coolidge is not
+on this yacht?"
+
+"I should say not. What would we be doing with her out here?"
+
+"Where is she then?"
+
+"Oh, I begin to see what brought you aboard so easily, West. You thought
+we had the lady kidnapped, and was sailing off with her. Some stunt that.
+What put the idea in your head?"
+
+West hesitated a moment, but decided a truthful answer would do no harm.
+
+"I knew an automobile had driven out of the alley back of Mike's Place;
+and that a woman was in it. When I got away a little later, I picked up a
+message--a note which had been dropped. It was written in a woman's hand
+but unsigned--"
+
+"The little cat! She dropped it?"
+
+"It seems so. You forgot yourself that time. So she was with you, was
+she?"
+
+"I don't know what you mean. I told you who were with me. Go on; what did
+the note say?"
+
+"It was only a request for the police to search the _Seminole_ at once."
+
+"Oh, that's the way the wind blows. But you preferred to tackle the job
+yourself. I am certainly obliged to you, West."
+
+"You have no reason to be. I took that note to the police, and they are
+on the case. They are combing the city right now for Hobart, and if they
+get him, this bubble of yours is likely to be pricked."
+
+"Hell, they won't get him. There isn't a fly-cop in Chicago who could
+locate Jim in a week, and as for Natalie, believe me she is quite able to
+take care of herself."
+
+"But where is she?"
+
+"At home, of course, if you must know--'Fairlawn,' isn't that the name of
+the place? We left her there on our way to Jackson Park."
+
+"Then the girl was with you?"
+
+"Spilled the beans, didn't I? That comes from talking too much.
+However, there is no harm done. Sure she left with us, but we dropped
+her out at Fairlawn. It was her machine we were riding in. Say, you've
+questioned me about enough, so let up. Listen now--you will stay in
+this stateroom until we get ready to let you out. Don't try any funny
+business either, for if you do, you are going to get hurt. There is a
+guard outside in the cabin, and we are not afraid to shoot out here on
+the lake. Nobody knows where you are, West; so if you want to live,
+keep quiet--that's my advice."
+
+He started back, one hand on the knob of the door, but West stopped him.
+
+"Do you mind telling me where we are bound?" he questioned.
+
+Hogan smiled, but the smile was not altogether a pleasant one.
+
+"You will have to wait, and find that out for yourself, Captain. My
+orders are not to talk."
+
+"From Hobart?"
+
+"Sure; Jim is engineering this deal, and whatever he says goes, for he's
+the guy who has his hands on the dough--see?"
+
+He slipped out, closing and locking the door behind him. West, more
+thoroughly confused than ever over the situation in which he found
+himself, paced the brief length of the narrow stateroom, and then paused
+to stare moodily out of the port. His eyes rested on the same wide
+expanse of water, no longer brightened by the glow of the sun. A mass of
+clouds veiled the sky, while a floating bank of fog obscured the horizon,
+limiting the scope of his vision. Everything appeared grey and desolate,
+and the restless surge of waves were crested with foam. It was hard to
+judge just where the sun was, yet he had an impression the vessel had
+veered to the north, and was proceeding straight up the lake, already
+well out of sight from either shore.
+
+He had learned little of the slightest value; merely that Natalie had
+been of the party leaving in the automobile the night before. She,
+undoubtedly, had been the one who had dropped the note. Then, in spite of
+all they said about her, in spite of what she had told him, she was
+actually a prisoner, desperately begging for assistance to escape. As to
+the other things Hogan had told him, the probability was they were mostly
+lies. West did not believe the girl had returned to 'Fairlawn,' the story
+did not sound natural. If she had written that note, these fellows would
+never trust her alone, where she could communicate with friends. They
+might venture to send her in to talk with him, knowing her every word was
+overheard, but surely they would never be reckless enough to leave her
+free to act as she pleased. That was unthinkable. Besides why should they
+have taken this yacht, and sailed it out secretly in the night unless she
+was hidden away aboard? The only conceivable object would be to thus keep
+her safely beyond sight and hearing. And that would be a reason why
+Hobart's wife should also be on board--to look after the girl. The longer
+he thought it all over, the more thoroughly was he convinced they were
+both prisoners on the same vessel. Yet what could he do? There was no
+answer forthcoming; no possibility of breaking forth from that room was
+apparent; he was unarmed, helpless. If he did succeed in breaking through
+the door, he would only encounter an armed guard, and pit himself against
+five or six men, criminals probably, who would count his death a small
+matter compared to their own safety. He sank down, with head in his
+hands, totally unnerved--it was his fate to attempt nothing; only to wait
+on fortune.
+
+Mark brought in food, merely opening the door slightly, and sliding the
+tray in on the floor. No words were exchanged, nor was the tray removed
+until just at twilight, when the fellow appeared again on a similar
+mission. It became dark, but no light was furnished. Outside the clouds
+had thickened, and a heavy swell was tossing the vessel about rather
+roughly. Seemingly the engine was merely endeavouring to maintain
+head-way, with no port in immediate prospect; they were steering
+aimlessly into the promise of a stormy night. No sound reached him from
+the cabin, and finally, worn out mentally and physically, West flung
+himself on the lower bunk, and lay there motionless, staring up into the
+intense darkness.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV
+
+THE SINKING YACHT
+
+
+Lying there motionless, yet wide awake, his senses alert, every slightest
+sound and movement made clearer the situation. He could feel the laboured
+efforts of the vessel, the slap of waves against the side, the rush of
+water astern. Occasionally the echo of a voice reached him from the deck
+above, and once footsteps were audible almost over his head. The engine
+strokes were regular, but slow, the vibrations shaking the boat in its
+sturdy battling against the forces of the sea. The _Seminole_ rolled
+heavily, yet there was nothing at all alarming in her actions, and West
+felt no premonition of illness, or fear as to the sea-worthiness of the
+little craft. Whoever was handling her was evidently a seaman, quite
+capable of conquering a storm of this magnitude. No noise came to him
+from the cabin, yet he had no thought it could be deserted. Hogan would
+certainly retain a guard there, and probably others--with no duties of
+seamanship weighing on them--would seek refuge there from the wind-swept
+deck above. No doubt the fellows had a skipper, as neither Hogan, nor the
+man Mark, bore any resemblance to a lake sailor. Quite possibly the
+entire crew were innocent of what was actually transpiring aboard, and
+equally indifferent, so long as their wages were satisfactory. Yet it was
+even more probable that they had been selected for this special service
+because of lack of ordinary scruples; men who would never question so
+long as the pay was adequate for the danger involved. It seemed to West
+the wind and sea were slowly decreasing in violence; there was less noise
+and turmoil. The movement of the vessel began to lull him into
+forgetfulness, his vigilance relapsed, his mind drifting in thought. He
+endeavoured to arouse himself, to keep awake, but finally fatigue
+conquered, and he sank into a deep sleep. He had no knowledge of how long
+this slumber lasted, or what suddenly awakened him, so startled at the
+moment that he sat up in the berth, staring into the blackness. Was it a
+dream, or a reality? Had some one spoken? He could neither see nor hear
+anything; the boat seemed to be motionless, not even throbbing now to the
+beat of the engine--the silence was uncanny. It seemed to him his own
+heart had stopped, so still it was, and he felt a cold perspiration
+break out on his flesh. Something was wrong, must be wrong. Where were
+they--at anchor in some harbour? or helplessly adrift on the lake? The
+sea must have gone down; waves no longer dashed against the side, and
+there was no shriek of wind overhead; the yacht rocked gently, as though
+the swell of the sea no longer buffeted her; there was no sound of action
+on the deck above. Then he heard a voice again, outside, reaching him
+this time plainly through the open port.
+
+"All set, Mapes," it said sharply. "Come on down. You finished the job?"
+
+"Ay, ay, sir," the answer gruff, but with a tinge of excitement in the
+tone. "She's fixed all right. Hold hard, now, mate."
+
+West, thoroughly aroused, realizing instantly the importance of this
+new move, and as quickly suspecting its purpose, leaped to the
+port-hole, and, endeavoured to gain a glimpse without. The night was
+still intensely black, the sky overcast and starless, the only glimmer
+of light the reflecting of foam tipped surges. If land was near it
+remained invisible, nor could he even be sure of the close proximity of
+a boat. There seemed to be a smudge there at the left, a black, lumping
+shadow, shapeless against the background of sea; yet he could not be
+sure. Even as he gazed at it doubtfully, the dim object disappeared,
+fading away like a mirage. No sound reached him to cause the vision to
+seem real--no voice, no creak of oars, no flap of a sail; yet something
+told him that mysterious shadow was a boat, a boat filled with men,
+creeping away silently into the night, fleeing from the yacht, and
+vanishing into the darkness.
+
+My God, what could such action mean? Why were these fellows deserting the
+_Seminole_, leaving him helpless aboard, locked into that stateroom? Was
+the yacht disabled? sinking? and had they merely forgotten him in their
+own eagerness to escape? Were they in mid-lake? or close to some point of
+land? Had every one gone, leaving the vessel totally abandoned, a wreck
+buffeted by the surges, doomed to go down, unseen, its final fate
+unknown? Unknown! The word rising to his brain was the answer. There was
+the crest of the plot. What could be easier, or safer, than this ending?
+Who would ever know the truth? Who could ever prove anything, even if
+they suspected? And who was there to suspect?
+
+No one had reason to believe he was aboard the _Seminole_; not even
+McAdams. If it was to their interest to get him permanently out of the
+way--if Hobart had so decided--what simpler method could be found than
+the sinking of the yacht? The very crew might be innocent of the
+purpose, dupes of the conspiracy; they might even be unaware of his
+presence aboard, and deceived by Hogan into the belief that the vessel
+had opened a seam, and must sink shortly, would take to the boat without
+suspecting any one was left behind. They could so testify in all honesty
+if any question ever arose. The very simplicity of the scheme meant
+safety; yet the possibility of such cold blooded murder had never before
+occurred to him. Unknown! without a trace left; only a boat crew landing
+somewhere on the coast at dawn, and scattering to the four winds. It was
+a plot infernal.
+
+West stopped, his hands clinched, his heart seeming to stop its pulsing.
+But if Natalie Coolidge was also prisoner on board, what of her? Wasn't
+that the very thing most probable? Of course it was; how foolish he had
+been. These men, recklessly criminal, as they were, would never sacrifice
+the yacht, and risk their own lives, merely to put him out of the way. He
+was not important enough for that; he was but an incident. It was an
+accident which had made him a prisoner. While this was--must be--a
+carefully arranged plan. The girl then must be the real victim; his own
+plight arose merely because he chanced to be there, and the villains dare
+not leave him alive to tell the story.
+
+The certainty of this acted like an electric shock. He had not felt
+seriously alarmed before as to his own fate. He had only been conscious
+of a deep anger, a mad determination to make Hogan pay. If the _Seminole_
+was sinking, and beyond doubt this was the intention of those deserters,
+it was going down slowly, so slowly there would be ample time for escape.
+He was not asleep, but wide awake, and far from paralyzed by the danger.
+He was not the sort to give up while there was any hope left. Surely the
+guard in the cabin would have departed with the others, leaving him free
+to act. He could smash his way out through that door, and find something
+on deck to construct a raft from. This was Lake Michigan, not the ocean,
+and not many hours would pass before he was picked up. Vessels were
+constantly passing, and daylight would bring rescue.
+
+But now the task became difficult. He must find the girl, and serve her.
+To his surprise, his heart beat rapidly in contemplation of the task.
+Surely she must welcome his coming to her assistance now. She would be
+alone, free to reveal the truth of all this strange mix-up of affairs;
+perhaps the old trust, the old confidence between them would be renewed.
+At least in the midst of such peril, alone on the sinking yacht, facing
+possible death together, he would again discover the real Natalie
+Coolidge. The hope instantly inspired action. Every minute might mean
+life or death; the work must be accomplished now, if ever. The _Seminole_
+was evidently deserted, the boat containing the fleeing crew already far
+enough away to be beyond sound of any noise he might make. He already
+felt the wallowing of the deck beneath his feet, a dead, dull feeling,
+evidence enough that the deserted vessel was slowly, but surely going
+down. The condition could not last long; faster and faster the water
+would seep into her hold, until suddenly, without warning, perhaps, she
+must go down like a stone.
+
+All these thoughts flashed across his mind almost in an instant; there
+was no hesitancy, no waste of time. His eager eyes searched the narrow
+confines of the stateroom for some possible weapon with which to assail
+the door. The stout stool alone seemed available. Swinging this over his
+shoulder, hampered by the narrowness of space, he struck again and again,
+with all his strength, the upper panel splintering beneath the third
+crashing blow. He could see nothing, but felt with his fingers along the
+jagged ends of the shattered wood, and redoubled his efforts, striking
+wildly, but with effect, until suddenly the lock gave, and the door burst
+open. He was in the main cabin, which was unlit and deserted. Standing
+there confused in the grim silence, unable for the instant to determine
+how to advance in the dark, he could hear the rapid beating of his own
+heart, and the continuous lap of waves outside. God! how sodden the deck
+felt under foot; what a sickening swell hurled the craft, and such
+stillness! If the girl was aboard why did she not cry out? Surely she
+must have heard that noise, the rain of blows, the crunch of wood.
+
+He stood, crouched, listening intently for something to guide him in the
+right direction. And yet, even if Natalie had heard, what reason would
+the girl have to suspect the truth? Likely enough she was sound asleep,
+completely worn out, and with no knowledge of what had occurred on board.
+It was only the sound of that voice speaking loudly in the boat alongside
+which had aroused him. She had no reason to suspect desertion, no
+occasion to believe any other prisoner than herself was aboard. The noise
+of crashing wood, even if it awoke her, would have no special meaning to
+her mind, only perhaps to add to her terror. He must act alone; there was
+no other way. If he could only have a light of some kind, and not be
+compelled to grope blindly about in that intense darkness.
+
+He stepped cautiously forward, with hands outstretched, swaying to the
+sudden roll of the sinking hulk underneath his feet. He struck a piece of
+furniture, a bench bolted to the deck, and then his groping fingers came
+in sudden contact with the cabin wall, which he followed, circling to the
+left. In this manner he succeeded in finally locating the door opening
+out on to the deck, and had grasped the knob, when a deep moan from the
+black void behind caused him to become suddenly erect, his heart beating
+like a trip-hammer. No other sound followed, no repetition, and yet there
+could be no mistaking what he had heard. It was a groan, a human groan,
+emanating from a spot but a few feet away. He took a single step in that
+direction; then hesitated, fearful of some trap; in the silence as he
+stood there poised, he could faintly distinguish the sound of some one
+breathing unnaturally.
+
+"Who is there? Who moaned just now?" he asked, struggling to control
+his voice.
+
+"I did," the answer was a mere husky whisper out of the darkness.
+"Masters, the watchman; but who are you? I don't know your voice."
+
+"It makes no difference; are you hurt? Where are you? How can I
+get a light?"
+
+"Yes, sir; I'm about done for I guess; you're over by the door, ain't
+you? There's a hangin' lantern just up above, if you've got a match with
+you. Say, that looks good; I didn't hardly know but I was dead, it was so
+black. But I never saw you before; how did you get aboard here?"
+
+The flame of the match caught the wick, and flared up, throwing a dim
+illumination over the cabin interior. West drew down the glass, before he
+ventured to glance in the direction of the voice. A man lay facing him,
+curled up on the deck, his hair, matted with blood, hanging over eyes
+that were burning with fever. He made no attempt to rise, apparently was
+unable to move, and a dark, bloody stain covered the deck. West sprang
+forward, and lifted the head on his arm.
+
+"You are hurt--badly?" he exclaimed. "What can I do for you?"
+
+"Nuthin', I reckon," still in that same strained whisper. "I'm done
+for; no doubt of it. That guy got me. You ain't one o' that murderin'
+gang, are you?"
+
+"No; I was a prisoner on board; I came here to help a girl."
+
+"A girl! Miss Coolidge you mean, sir?"
+
+"Yes, Natalie Coolidge; do you know anything about her? Where she is?"
+
+"Sure, I know; the damn whelps left her here; that was their dirty game,
+sir. 'Twas because I tried to unlock her door that Hogan slugged me. The
+boat's goin' down, ain't it? I know'd it was; I heard the skunks talk
+about what they was goin' to do, an' then I tried to get her out, sir."
+
+"You were the watchman?"
+
+"Yes, sir; down in the lagoon at Jackson Park. These fellows come off to
+the yacht about midnight, an' they had Miss Coolidge with 'em. That's
+what fooled me, sir, an' I let 'em get aboard, thinkin' it must be all
+right. After that I couldn't do nuthin'--there was six to one, an' that
+'Red' Hogan had a gun in his mitt. They hustled me down into the cabin. I
+didn't even know she was a prisoner until they locked her into a
+stateroom; then I got wise, but it was too late."
+
+"And she is there yet, Masters? What room is it?"
+
+"The last one to the right, sir. Don't you mind about me; I'm done for,
+but maybe there's a chance for you two."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV
+
+FREE OF THE YACHT
+
+
+The man was evidently dying. West, from his experience on European
+battle-fields, felt assured the end was indeed close at hand. His face
+under the flitting rays of the swinging light was ghastly and drawn, his
+words were barely audible, and painfully uttered, while, as the arm
+supporting his head was withdrawn, he sank back heavily into his former
+position, and his eyes instantly closed. Only as West bent lower could he
+determine the surety of his breathing still.
+
+There was nothing to be done for Masters; no occasion for lingering there
+helplessly. The yacht was sinking under their feet, going down slowly,
+but surely, and the end could not be far off. The very movement of the
+vessel sickened him, brought to him a sensation of fear. Moreover he knew
+the truth now, and saw clearly his duty. The watchman had not told much,
+but it was sufficient to verify all his former suspicions. These fellows
+he fought were desperate criminals, playing for high stakes, conspiring
+to even commit murder to achieve their object--which could be nothing
+less than gaining possession of the Coolidge fortune. To that end they
+had coolly planned the sinking of the _Seminole_ in mid-lake, with the
+helpless girl locked securely in her cabin. It was a cowardly, diabolical
+crime, and yet, no doubt, they had figured it as the safest method of
+completely disposing of her. And, but for the accident of his presence on
+board, and his having been awakened by that incautious voice, the foul
+plot would probably have proven successful. They had already got safely
+away, leaving her behind a prisoner, her only possible rescuer this
+watchman wounded unto death. The yacht was sinking in the dark, going
+steadily down in those night shrouded waters. Who would ever know? The
+main body of the crew, perhaps, never even dreamed of her presence
+aboard. There was no evidence, nothing to convict the men really guilty.
+Here was the scheme of a master-mind in crime. West weaved his way across
+the rolling deck of the cabin to the stateroom door Masters had pointed
+out as the one sheltering the girl. There was no sound from within, nor
+would the knob yield to his grasp. It was locked, the key gone. There
+was no time to wait and hunt for that missing piece of metal doubtless
+safely hidden in Hogan's pocket, or else thrown overboard; he must break
+a way in; but first he must explain to her, so as to spare her the sudden
+fright of such an assault. He rapped sharply on the panel, pausing an
+instant for a response. None came, and he knocked again more roughly.
+
+"Miss Coolidge: you are there, are you not?"
+
+"Yes; who is that?" almost a cry of delight in the voice. "You--you have
+a voice I know."
+
+"I am Matthew West; but do not ask questions now. The yacht is going
+down, and I must break this door in to release you. Stand back while I
+smash the boards. You hear and understand?"
+
+"Yes--yes: I am safely away; have no fear."
+
+The light revealed the weapon he required just beyond where Masters
+lay--a heavy hatchet, still stained with blood, probably the very
+instrument with which the watchman had been brutally struck down. That
+made no difference now, and West snatched it up, and began to splinter
+the wood with well directed blows. He worked madly, feverishly, unable to
+judge there in the cabin whether he had a minute, or an hour, in which to
+effect their rescue. All he knew was that every second was worth saving,
+and with this impulse driving him, swung the sharp blade with all his
+strength and skill, gouging out great splinters of wood, and finally
+forcing the lock to yield. He sprang eagerly through the opening, the
+hatchet still in his grasp, and faced her.
+
+She stood there looking straight at him, seemingly unable even yet to
+wholly realize the marvellous truth of his presence. The light from the
+swinging lamp in the big cabin beyond, streamed in through the shattered
+doorway, and revealed her face, pale, but unafraid, the eyes wide-open,
+the lips parted. An instant both paused, and then she cried out in
+sudden relief.
+
+"Oh, it is really you, Captain West. I know now. What has happened? How
+did you come to be here?"
+
+"Not now," he insisted. "Don't ask me now. Just come as quick as you can.
+Do you not realize the boat is sinking, going down under our very feet?
+For all I know it may take the plunge before we can reach the deck. There
+is no time for anything but action. Quick; let me take your hand."
+
+She obeyed without a word, and he pressed her before him out through the
+door into the more brightly lighted cabin. Her eyes opened in horror at
+the sight of Masters, and she drew back trembling against West's arm.
+
+"Who--who is that? A dead man?"
+
+"I fear so; wait just a second until I learn; if he still lives we cannot
+leave him here."
+
+West bent over the motionless figure; the flesh was no longer warm; and
+he could detect no breath. Satisfied, he regained his feet.
+
+"It is all over with," he said gravely. "He is beyond human aid."
+
+"But--but, please, who is he?" she insisted, clinging to his arm. "Surely
+I have seen the man before; what has happened?"
+
+"He was the watchman on the yacht--Masters he said his name was," West
+explained impatiently. "He was still alive when I first came, and told me
+where you were confined. He tried to serve you when the others left, and
+was struck down by Hogan."
+
+"The others left! Is the boat deserted? Are we here all alone?"
+
+"Yes; the villains left us both locked into state-rooms to die. They
+deserted the yacht, expecting it to sink, and take us both down with it.
+The craft is near foundering now, and our only hope is to obtain the
+open deck at once. Do not question any more, but do just as I say. You
+trust me, do you not?"
+
+"Trust you! of course I do."
+
+"Then let's talk afterwards. All I can think about now is how best to
+save your life."
+
+She permitted him to draw her through the door on to the black, deserted
+deck. For the first moment, as they hesitated there, little could be
+perceived other than vague shadows. The sky was overcast, but the wind
+light, yet with sufficient swell to the water to cause the yacht to
+wallow uncomfortably. West, bracing himself to the sudden plunging,
+managed to reach the rail. He drew back, sick at heart at the sight of
+the waves lapping the side almost on a level with the sloping deck on
+which he stood. The sight brought home to him as never before the drear
+deadly peril in which they were. It was already a matter of minutes; any
+second indeed that labouring hulk might take the fatal plunge. The
+knowledge brought back all his soldier instincts of command, his rough
+insistence. He would find some means of rescue; he must! He was back
+instantly, grasping her arm.
+
+"Quick," he cried. "You knew this yacht; what small boats did she carry?"
+
+"Only the one; the other was so warped it had been taken ashore."
+
+"Only one! Those fellows put off in that. There was nothing else to save
+life aboard?"
+
+"There are life-belts here; see, hung to the front of the cabin. Was that
+what you meant?"
+
+"Yes, and no." He snatched one from the hook, and hastily strapped it
+about her. "These may help, but we shall need more. Was there no
+life-raft? My God! there must surely be something of that kind."
+
+"Yes, there is; I remember now. It is forward there, near the engine-room
+hatch. Percival Coolidge explained to me how it worked once. But--but I
+don't believe just the two of us could ever launch it over the rail."
+
+"We will, because we must--it is our only hope. I'll take the other belt;
+now come. We haven't an instant to waste--the water is even now almost
+level with the deck; any second we may be awash, and go down like a
+stone. Hold on tight to me."
+
+The deck was already sloping to port in a dangerous degree, and West was
+compelled to cling to the rail, as they slowly made passage forward
+through the darkness. Their eyes had by then adapted themselves to the
+night, so as to distinguish larger objects, and, as there was no litter
+to encounter, as in the case of a ship wrecked by storm, the two
+progressed safely as far as the engine-hatch. Neither spoke, but West
+still clasped the hatchet, peering anxiously about for some signs of the
+life-raft. He located it at last, securely fastened to the side of the
+deck house, and, leaving the girl to hold herself upright as best she
+could, began to hack it loose. It was quite an affair, cork-lined, and
+evidently capable of sustaining considerable weight when once launched in
+the water, but cumbersome and hard to handle on deck, more particularly
+because of its awkward form.
+
+Fortunately it hung to the port side with a rather steep slant to the
+rail, which was not high. The waters of the lake, threatening to engulf
+them with every sodden roll of the vessel, were almost within reach of an
+outstretched hand, while occasionally a wave danced along the bulwark,
+and scattered its spray over the deck. West, working with feverish
+impatience, realized suddenly that his companion had deserted the place
+where he had left her and was also tugging and slashing at the lashings
+of the raft. These finally yielded to their blind attack. Without the
+exchange of a word the two grasped the sides and shoved the thing hard
+down against the port rail.
+
+"Wait now," he cried exultantly. "Stay behind, and brace yourself against
+the hatch-cover. I'll get underneath and lift. Once on the rail the two
+of us must shove it free overboard. Here, keep a grip on this line, so
+the raft can't float away."
+
+She understood instantly, and, with a single swift glance at her dimly
+revealed figure, West straightened up, bearing the full weight on his
+shoulders, every muscle strained to the utmost, as he thus pressed it
+over inch by inch across the wooden barrier. Twice he stopped,
+breathless, trembling in every limb, seemingly unable to exert another
+pound of strength. Perspiration dripped from his face, his teeth clinched
+in desperate determination. At the second pause, she was beside him,
+pressing her way in also beneath the sagging burden. He felt the pressure
+of her body.
+
+"No, no; I can make it alone," he panted indignantly.
+
+"Not so well as we both can, working together. I am strong, Captain West.
+Try it again now, and see."
+
+Suddenly the great unwieldy mass moved, slid forward, poised itself an
+instant on the rounded rail. The yacht rolled sharply to port, flinging
+both on to the deck together, but sending the raft crunching overboard,
+clear of the side. West grasped her, and dragged her to her feet. His one
+thought was that they were actually going down, but, even as he held her
+in his arms, ready to leap out into the black water, the shuddering
+vessel, with a last despairing effort, partially righted herself, and
+staggered on.
+
+"The rope," he questioned. "Did you lose grip on the rope?"
+
+"No, it is here. I can feel the jerk of the raft."
+
+"Thank God for that; let's pull it closer to the side. We can't wait to
+take anything with us; even if I knew where provision and blankets were,
+I could never find them in this darkness. I would not dare leave you to
+search; another dip like that must be the very last. Here, let me hold
+you up; can you see the raft?"
+
+"Yes; I'm sure it is just below; why I could almost touch it."
+
+"Can you jump to it from the rail? It is either that, or the water. Are
+you afraid to try?"
+
+"Afraid--no. Hold me; yes; that way, but--but what are you going to do?"
+
+"Follow, of course; but I shall take to the water. There are no oars
+here. Nothing to use as a substitute for them. I'll have to swim, and
+push that old ark as far away as possible. When the yacht goes down, the
+suction is liable to swamp us, if we are close in."
+
+"But I can swim, Captain West."
+
+"I am glad to know that; but now you do just as I say. There is no
+necessity for both of us getting wet through. Are you ready?"
+
+She poised herself, held steady by the grip of his hands, her eyes on the
+dark outline of the floating raft. There was no hesitancy, no
+questioning.
+
+"Say when," he said sharply.
+
+"Now."
+
+She sprang outward, and came down, sinking to her knees, and clinging
+fast, as the raft bobbed up and down under her sudden weight, dipping
+until the water rolled completely over it.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI
+
+THE COMING OF DAWN
+
+
+West leaned far out, and stared off at the faint blotch made by the raft
+against the water surface. He could perceive little except a bare,
+shapeless outline.
+
+"Did you make it? Are you all right?"
+
+"Yes, I'm safe enough; but wet just the same; the thing bobbed under."
+
+"It will hold us up though, don't you think?"
+
+"Why, of course, it will float; it is supposed to support four people. It
+rides dry enough now. But--but, Captain West, I want you to come."
+
+"I'm coming; I'll throw my shoes and coat over there to you first. To be
+rid of them will make swimming easier. Watch out now--good! Now draw in
+the line; we may need it. Got it all right? Very well; here goes."
+
+He made the plunge, coming up to the surface close beside the raft, the
+edge of which he quickly grasped with his hands. The girl remained
+motionless, barely perceptible through the gloom, but with anxious eyes
+marking his every movement. The frail support beneath her rose and fell
+on the swell of the waters, occasionally dipping beneath the surface.
+Beyond, a grim, black, threatening shadow, wallowed the wreck. West swam
+steadily, urging the unwieldy raft away from the menacing side of the
+vessel, driven by the necessity of escaping the inevitable suction when
+she went down. It was a hard, slow push, the square sides of the raft
+offering every obstacle to progress. Yet the waves and wind helped
+somewhat, the raft being lighter than the water-sogged _Seminole_, so
+that gradually the distance widened, until there extended a considerable
+waste of water between the two. Exhausted by his exertion, and breathing
+hard, West glanced back over his shoulder at the dimmer shadow of the
+yacht, now barely revealed against the clouded sky. The bulk of it seemed
+scarcely visible in any defined form above the level of the sea--the end
+must be almost at hand.
+
+Satisfied that they were far enough away for safety, he clambered
+cautiously upon the platform, the girl as carefully making room for him
+on the few dry planks. The raft tossed dizzily under the strain, but he
+made it at last, the water draining from his soaked clothing, his flesh
+shivering at the touch of the cool night air. He sat up, his limbs
+braced to hold him erect, glancing aside at her, wondering at her
+continued silence. Even in the darkness she must have known his eyes were
+searching her face.
+
+"You are cold," she said, doubtfully. "Here is your coat, and I have kept
+it dry--no, really, I do not need it; I am quite warmly dressed."
+
+He threw the garment over his wet shoulders, gratefully, and the two sat
+there very close together, staring back at the labouring _Seminole_.
+There was nothing to say, nothing to do; for the moment at least they
+were safe, and perhaps morning would bring rescue. Suddenly West
+straightened up, aroused by a new interest--surely that last wave went
+entirely over the yacht's rail; he could see the white gleam of spray as
+it broke; and, yes, there was another! Unconsciously his hand reached
+out and clasped that of his companion. She made no effort to draw away,
+and they sat there in awed silence, watching this weird tragedy of the
+sea, with bodies braced to meet the bobbing of the unwieldy support
+beneath them.
+
+At first the labouring vessel seemed to hold its own, fighting
+desperately to remain afloat, a mere shadow above the surface. Then,
+almost without warning, the end came. She went down bow first, the stern
+lifting until West could discern the dark outlines of the screw, and then
+dropped like a stone, vanishing almost instantly. One moment she was
+there; the next had disappeared, the black waters closing over. There was
+but little evidence of what occurred; only a deeper swell, tossing the
+raft giddily about for a moment, and causing West to tighten his grip on
+the girl's hand. She gave utterance to a half-smothered cry, and her body
+dropped forward as though she would hide the scene from her eyes.
+
+"That is the last of the _Seminole_" West said, feeling the necessity of
+strengthening her. "But it is nothing to frighten you. We are safe
+enough here."
+
+"Oh, it is not that," she explained hastily, lifting her head, and facing
+him. "I--I do not think I am frightened. I have not broken down before,
+but--but I thought then of that dead man lying there all alone in the
+dark cabin. It seemed so terrible when the yacht sank. Please do not find
+fault with me."
+
+"That was not why I spoke. But you must keep your nerve; we may be afloat
+for hours yet before we are picked up."
+
+"You are sure we will be?"
+
+"The probability is altogether in our favour," he insisted, as much to
+encourage himself as her. "This is Lake Michigan in summer time, and
+boats are plying everywhere. We shall surely be sighted by something when
+daylight returns. There is no sign of a storm brewing, and all we need do
+now is hold on."
+
+She was silent a moment, with head again bent forward.
+
+"What do you suppose became of the men who deserted the yacht?" she
+asked, her voice natural and quiet.
+
+"Ashore, perhaps, by this time."
+
+"Then we cannot be far away from land?"
+
+"I have no means of knowing. Probably not, if they relied upon oars."
+
+"Why should they? There was a mast and sails stowed in the boat; they
+were always kept there for an emergency." She lifted her eyes, and stared
+about into the gloom. "Do you suppose, Captain West, they could have
+remained nearby to make sure the yacht sank?"
+
+"No, I do not," he said firmly. "I thought of that once myself; but it is
+not at all probable. They were too certain they had done a good job, and
+too eager to get away safely. Hogan never deemed it possible for us to
+get away alive. As it was, the escape was almost a miracle."
+
+"A miracle!" softly. "Perhaps so, yet I know who accomplished it. I owe
+my life to you, Captain West," she paused doubtfully, and then went on
+impulsively. "Won't you explain to me now what it all means? How you came
+to be here? and--and why those men sought in this way to kill me?"
+
+"You do not know?"
+
+"Only in the vaguest way; is it my fortune? I have been held prisoner;
+lied to, and yet nothing has been made clear. This man who went down in
+the cabin--you said he died trying to save me?"
+
+"Yes; he endeavoured to release you from the stateroom, and was caught by
+Hogan. In the struggle he received a death wound."
+
+"I heard them fight. This Hogan then was the leader?"
+
+"Of those on board--yes. But he is only the tool of others. This devilish
+conspiracy has been plotted for a long while. There must be a dozen
+involved in it, one way or another, but, as near as I can learn, the
+chief devil, the brains of the gang, is the fellow named Hobart. Have you
+known him--long?"
+
+She hesitated, and West glanced aside wonderingly. Would she venture to
+deny her knowledge of the man?
+
+"No," she said at last doubtfully, "not unless his other name was Jim.
+There was a fellow they called Jim. He was my jailer after that woman
+locked me into a room."
+
+"A woman? The same one who was with you on the yacht?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Where was this?"
+
+"Why surely you must know. In that cottage where we stopped with Percival
+Coolidge."
+
+He drew a deep breath, more thoroughly puzzled than ever. What could be
+her purpose to make so bold an effort to deceive? Did she imagine for a
+moment that he could be made to believe she had been continuously held
+prisoner since that Sunday morning? It was preposterous. Why, he had seen
+her again and again with his own eyes; had talked with her, and so had
+Sexton. His heart sank, but he determined to go on, and learn how far she
+would carry this strange tale. Perhaps out of the welter he could discern
+some truth.
+
+"The fellow's name is Jim, all right, Jim Hobart. I've looked him up in
+the police records. He is a confidence man, with one charge of assault
+with attempt to kill against him. Nothing lately, however; it seems he
+disappeared about ten years ago, and has just drifted back. The woman
+passes as his wife. You knew nothing of all this?"
+
+"No; I only saw the man twice; he was very rough then, and swore when I
+questioned him."
+
+"And the woman?"
+
+"She would not talk either; only once she told me that Percival
+Coolidge had committed suicide. That made me wonder, for I believed
+he had something to do with my being held there. What did he say when
+he returned to the auto without me? What explanation did he make for
+my absence?"
+
+"Explanation! He needed none; you came out of the cottage with him."
+
+"I? What do you mean?"
+
+"But I saw you with my own eyes, talked with you, and all three of us
+drove back to 'Fairlawn' together. My God, Miss Natalie, have you lost
+your mind? Do you even deny dismissing me from your service?"
+
+She gazed at him through the gloom, utterly unable to comprehend.
+
+"I must have, if what you say is true," she admitted, "For I certainly
+have no such recollection."
+
+"You remember nothing of going back with us to 'Fairlawn'?"
+
+"Absolutely nothing."
+
+"Or of a conversation had with me later in the library?"
+
+"No, Captain West."
+
+He stared off into the black night, his lips pressed closely together.
+Could this be false? Could she sit there calmly, in the midst of such
+peril as surrounded them, and still deliberately endeavour to deceive?
+
+"And you knew nothing of the death of Percival Coolidge, except what was
+told you by that woman?"
+
+"She brought me a newspaper which I read; that was all I knew."
+
+"And in that house on Wray Street where I met you again last night. I
+suppose you were not there either?"
+
+"Wray Street? I do not know; I was at some place with a saloon on the
+ground floor. I could not tell you where it was."
+
+"That is where it was--Wray Street, on the northwest side, a thieves'
+rendezvous. And you talked with me there; tried to get me to quit
+following you. You surely haven't forgotten that already?"
+
+She dropped her face wearily into her hands, and her voice
+sounded listless.
+
+"I--I almost believe you are the crazy one, Captain West. I swear I have
+never knowingly met, or spoken to you since we drove to that cottage on
+Sunday. I cannot believe what you say."
+
+"Yet it is true, every word true"; he asserted stoutly. "Why else should
+I be here? You returned with us to 'Fairlawn,' and we chatted together
+pleasantly all the way. Later you seemed to change, and discharged me
+rather rudely. Then Percival Coolidge was killed--shot down by an
+assassin, not a suicide. I know because I found the body. You were at the
+inquest, and testified. I saw you with my own eyes. The next day you
+discharged Sexton, and later he learned, and reported to me, that some
+one called you on the phone from Wray Street, and wanted you to come over
+there at once."
+
+"Was that why you went there?"
+
+"Yes; I felt something was wrong; the killing of Percival Coolidge had
+aroused my suspicions; and I sought to learn who those people were you
+had visited in the cottage. They were gone, and only for this telephone
+call, I should have lost the trail entirely. I found you there, and this
+fellow Hobart with you."
+
+"But, Captain West, I never saw you; I never left the room in the third
+story where I was locked in, except when they took me away in a machine
+to the yacht."
+
+"You dropped a note in the alley, enclosed in a silver knife?"
+
+"Yes, I did. I dared not hope it would be found, but I took the chance.
+Did you find it?"
+
+"Sexton did, and that was what brought me here."
+
+"But it is all so strange," she exclaimed despairingly. "How could I have
+done all these things, been in all these places, and yet know nothing
+about it? Could I have been drugged? or influenced in some way by those
+people? I have read there is such a power--where one person can make
+another obey absolutely, with no knowledge of what he is doing; what do
+they call that?"
+
+"Hypnotism. I have seen it cut some odd capers; but I do not believe you
+were either hypnotized or drugged. Good God; why did I not think of this
+solution before? I must have been blind; that was not you; I can recall a
+hundred little things now to convince me."
+
+"What is it you mean?"
+
+"Another woman played your part; a woman most wonderfully like you, even
+to the voice. There is no other solution of the problem. And that reveals
+the plan of robbery--to get you out of the way, and then have her take
+the fortune. Who would ever suspect such a fraud?"
+
+She sat silent, motionless, apparently unable at once to grasp all the
+meaning in his words. It seemed unbelievable, and her gaze was straight
+out across the black waters, one hand clinging firmly to offset the
+rocking of the frail raft. Then she pointed away into the distance.
+
+"See, there is light over there," she exclaimed eagerly. "That must be
+the east, and it is morning."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII
+
+LOVE BREAKS SILENCE
+
+
+West was so immersed in his own thoughts, awakened by these new
+developments, he apparently did not hear what the girl said. She reached
+out and pressed his arm.
+
+"Do you not see, Captain West? Daylight is coming; it is much lighter
+over there."
+
+He lifted his head, and looked where she pointed. A dull, grey light
+topped the waters, and the sky above held a faint tinge of crimson. The
+wan glow accented the loneliness, and for the moment left him depressed.
+Was there ever a more sombre scene than was presented by that waste of
+tumbling waves, stretching to the horizon, arched over by a clouded sky?
+It grew clearer, more distinct, yet remained the same dead expanse of
+restless water, on which they tossed helplessly and alone. Nothing broke
+the grimness of it, not even a bird in the air, or a leaping fish;
+complete desolation met the eye in every direction, a threatening,
+menacing dreariness amid which each approaching swell seemed about to
+sweep them to destruction. The wind increased slightly with the dawn,
+buffeting the frail raft to which they clung desperately, and showering
+them with spray, while, as the light became stronger, they searched
+vainly for any sign of ship, or shadow of land. Nothing appeared within
+range of vision to break the drear monotony of grey sea and sky. Neither
+felt any desire to speak; they could only stare out silently across the
+desolation of waters, feeling their helplessness and peril. This then was
+the morning they had struggled forward to--this green, grey monster,
+whose dripping jaws showered wet foam over them; this terrible
+nothingness which promised death.
+
+Her head sank forward into her hands, as though she would thus shut out
+the whole weird picture, and West, aroused by the slight movement,
+glanced quickly aside. The sight of her distress gave him instant mastery
+over his own depression. His hand sought her own, where it gripped for
+support, and closed over it warmly.
+
+"It cannot be as bad as it seems," he insisted, trying to say the words
+cheerfully. "I know these waters, and they are never long deserted. Luck
+will change surely; perhaps within the hour we shall be picked up, and
+can laugh at all this experience."
+
+She lifted her head, and their eyes met frankly.
+
+"I am not afraid," she protested. "Not physically, at least. Truly I have
+not felt fear since you joined me, Captain West. Before that I was alone,
+and was frightened because I could not in the least understand why I was
+being held a prisoner, or what my fate was to be. Now all I must meet is
+the danger of the sea, with you to share the peril with me."
+
+"But you are very tired?"
+
+"Perhaps so, yet I have not thought about that. There are other things;
+you do not believe in me."
+
+"Why say that?" he asked, in astonishment. "There is no question of the
+kind between us now."
+
+"Truly, is there not? There has been, however; I know from the way you
+spoke. What was it you believed of me--that--that I was part of this
+conspiracy?"
+
+"I do not know what I believed, if I actually believed anything, Miss
+Natalie," he explained rather lamely. "I cannot make the situation
+altogether clear even to myself. You see I kept meeting and talking with
+you--or I thought I did--and yet never found you to be the same. I was
+all at sea, unable to get anything straight. One moment I was convinced
+of your innocence; the next something occurred to make you appear guilty,
+a co-conspirator with Jim Hobart. Under the circumstances, you cannot
+condemn me justly."
+
+"Condemn! I do not. How could I? You must have kept faith in me
+nevertheless, or you would never be here now. That is what seems
+marvellous to me--that you actually cared enough to believe."
+
+"I realize now that I have," he said gravely. "Through it all I have kept
+a very large measure of faith in you."
+
+"Why should that faith have survived?" she questioned persistently, as
+though doubt would not wholly leave her mind, "we had no time to really
+know each other; only a few hours at the most, and even then you must
+have deemed me a strange girl to ask of you what I did. Surely there was
+never a madder story told than the one I told you, and I couldn't have
+proven an item of it."
+
+"Yet it has shown itself true," he interrupted.
+
+"You actually believe then that there is another woman--a counterfeit
+of myself?"
+
+"It is the only theory feasible; you have convinced me of that."
+
+"Yet this does not answer my question altogether. You are convinced now,
+perhaps, because you accept my word, but how have you kept faith in me
+when you believed just as strongly that it was actually I who met and
+talked with you? I who was playing in the game with the man Hobart?"
+
+"Will you believe what I say?"
+
+"Implicitly."
+
+"Perhaps it sounds like a fairy tale," he spoke frankly, his eyes seeking
+her own, all their surroundings forgotten in the eagerness of the moment,
+"but I will tell you the exact truth. Before this misunderstanding
+occurred you had confided in me, trusted me, although I was a stranger
+and I believed absolutely in your story. I had that basis to rest on. In
+addition to this, those few hours I passed at 'Fairlawn' served to
+confirm my faith. I got hold of various odds and ends of evidence which
+convinced me that something was wrong--that you were actually being
+conspired against. I even gained a suspicion that Percival Coolidge was
+the actual leader of the conspiracy."
+
+"Percival Coolidge! but why? What could he gain by such a crime?"
+
+"I have not found the answer yet, but my conviction remains
+strong--stronger, indeed, than ever since our talk last night. You could
+never have been made prisoner in that cottage without his connivance; he
+must have lured you there for that particular purpose, so that this other
+girl could take your place without danger of discovery. It was a neat
+trick, so well done as to even deceive me. The reason for Percival's
+participation is only a guess, but my theory is the fellow had so juggled
+your fortune, and the time for final accounting was so near, he had to
+take a desperate chance in order to save himself."
+
+"You mean the opportunity came, and he could not resist?"
+
+"Perhaps so, and perhaps it was his own deliberate plan. That remains to
+be discovered. My own theory is that when Hobart learned what Percival
+Coolidge proposed doing, his own criminal tendencies told him that here
+was some easy money. The girl was undoubtedly wholly under his control;
+some denizen of the underworld probably. She had already played her part
+sufficiently well to convince Hobart of success. Why then, shouldn't he
+have this money instead of Percival? There was no reason except that
+Percival was in the way. That was why he was killed."
+
+"By Hobart?"
+
+"He may not have fired the shot, but I have no doubt he inspired it; and
+the job was so expertly done the coroner called it suicide. The way was
+open; you were a prisoner, and the false Natalie Coolidge safely
+installed as mistress of 'Fairlawn.' No one apparently suspected
+anything wrong."
+
+"And," she questioned breathlessly, "the man meant to murder me also?"
+
+"Not at that time in my judgment," West answered thoughtfully. "Such an
+additional crime was not a part of the original plan. There was no
+apparent necessity. Your estate was about to be settled finally, and
+given over to your control in accordance with the terms of your father's
+will. Hobart must have known all this from Percival Coolidge, and exactly
+what steps must be taken to secure it. Once the money, and other
+property, were delivered to the fake Natalie, the cashing in and get away
+would be easy; even the identity of the thieves would be concealed.
+Killing you was not at all necessary to the success of their scheme."
+
+"But they did try to kill me."
+
+"Yes, later, by the sinking of the yacht. Probably I am largely
+responsible for that."
+
+"You?"
+
+"Yes; the persistency with which I stuck to the trail. They became
+frightened. My appearance in Wray Street must have been quite a shock,
+and when I succeeded in escaping from their trap there, Hobart very
+evidently lost his head completely. He did not dare risk my ever finding
+you. The knowledge that I was free, perhaps in communication with the
+police, led to your night trip to the _Seminole_, and the secret sinking
+of the yacht. He had gone too far by then to hesitate at another murder."
+
+She waited breathlessly for him to go on, her eyes on the tumbling waste
+of water. He remained quiet, motionless, and she turned toward him
+expectantly.
+
+"I--I think I understand now," she admitted, "how all this occurred; but
+why--why were you so persistent? There--there must have been a reason
+more impelling than a vague suspicion?"
+
+"There was--the most compelling impulse in the world."
+
+"You mean faith in me?"
+
+"Even more than that; love for you. Natalie, listen; what I have to say
+may sound strange, cruel even under such conditions as now surround us,
+but you force me to say them. I love you, have loved you all the time,
+without fully realizing exactly what it meant. There have been times when
+I have doubted you, when I could not wholly escape the evidence that you
+were also concerned personally in this fraud. I have endeavoured to
+withdraw from the case, to forget, and blot everything from memory. But
+something stronger than will prevented; I could not desert you; could not
+believe you were wilfully wrong. You understand what I mean."
+
+"Yes," the words barely reaching him. "It was the other girl; she
+undermined your faith."
+
+"That is the truth; yet how could it be, do you suppose? My very love
+should have enabled me to detect the difference. I can see now, thinking
+back, where the fraud was even apparent--in mood, temper, action--and yet
+at the time these made no such impression. Even Sexton never questioned
+her identity; in face, figure, dress the resemblance was absolutely
+perfect. Good heavens, but she is an actress!"
+
+She touched his arm with her hand, and under the slight pressure he
+looked aside at her.
+
+"You know now," she said softly, "and I know. All this is passed and gone
+between us. We are here alone, the sport of the waves, and I have no
+reason to be other than frank. I believe in you, Matthew West; in your
+honesty and manhood. You say you love me?"
+
+"With all my heart and soul; it seems to me now I have always loved
+you--you came to me, the lady of my dreams."
+
+Her eyes were wet with unshed tears, yet she smiled back into his face,
+her voice trembling as she answered.
+
+"And I," she said slowly, "have had no thought but of you since our
+morning in the garden together. How far away that seems."
+
+"You mean you love me?"
+
+"Yes; I love you; there is no word stronger, but I would speak it--is
+that not enough?"
+
+He held her in his arms, in spite of the trembling raft, tossed by the
+swell of the sea, and crushed her against him in the ardent strain of
+passion. An instant she held her head back, her eyes gazing straight into
+his; then, with sigh of content, yielded, and their lips met, and clung.
+
+The very silence aroused them, startled both into a swift realization of
+that dreary waste in which they floated helplessly alone, a drifting chip
+on the face of the waters. Her eyes swept the crest of the waves, and she
+withdrew herself partially from his arms.
+
+"Why, we must be crazed to dream of happiness here," she exclaimed. "Was
+there ever before so strange a confession of love? I am trying to be
+brave--but--but that is too much; that waste of green water, with the
+grey sky overhead. There is no ending to it--just death mocking us in
+every wave. Oh, Matthew, can this be all? Only this little moment, and
+then--the end?"
+
+He held her hands tightly, his heart throbbing, but his courage and
+hope high.
+
+"No, dear," he whispered eagerly. "Don't think that for a moment. We have
+passed through too much to dream of such an ending now. There will be
+ships--there must be. Look! what is that, yonder against the sky-line? It
+is, sweet-heart; it is the smoke of a steamer."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+AN ESCAPE FROM THE RAFT
+
+
+They watched with sinking hearts, West rising to his knees, and shading
+his eyes with his hand, as that thin spiral of smoke crept along the
+horizon, and finally disappeared into the north. The raft rode so low in
+the water that no glimpse of the distant steamer could be perceived, and,
+when the last faint vestige of smoke vanished, neither said a word, but
+sat there silent, with clasped hands. The bitterness of disappointment
+wore away slowly, and as the uneventful hours left them in the same
+helpless condition, they fell again into fitful conversation, merely to
+thus bolster up courage, and lead their minds to other thoughts. It was
+maddening to sit there motionless and stare off across the desolate
+water, seeing nothing but those white-crested surges sweeping constantly
+toward them, and to feel the continuous leap and drop of the frail raft,
+which alone kept them afloat.
+
+The hours went by monotonously, with scarcely an occurrence to break the
+dreariness or bring a ray of hope. The clouds obscured the sky, yet
+occasionally through some narrow rift, came a glimpse of the sun, as it
+rose to the zenith, and then began sinking into the west. The air was
+soft, the breeze dying down, and the height of the waves decreasing; the
+raft floated more easily, and it no longer became necessary for them to
+cling tightly to the supports to prevent being flung overboard. But there
+came out of the void no promise of rescue; the sea remained desolate and
+untraversed, and finally a mist hung over the water, narrowing the
+horizon. During the day they saw smoke but always far to the east, and
+quickly disappearing. Once West felt assured his eyes caught the glimmer
+of a white sail to the southward, but it was too far away for him to be
+sure. At best, it was but a momentary vision, fading almost instantly
+against the grey curtain of sky. He had scarcely attempted to point it
+out to Natalie when it completely vanished.
+
+Their effort to talk to each other ceased gradually; there was so little
+they could say in the presence of the growing peril surrounding them.
+They had become the helpless sport of the waves, unable to act, think or
+plan, surrounded by horror, and aimlessly drifting toward the gloom of
+another night. Wearied beyond all power of resistance, the girl sank
+lower and lower until she finally lay outstretched in utter abandonment.
+West thrust his coat beneath her head, securely binding her to the raft
+by the rope's end, and sat beside her dejectedly, staring forth into the
+surrounding smother. She did not speak, and finally her eyes closed.
+Undoubtedly she slept, but he made every effort to remain awake and on
+watch, rubbing his heavy eyes, and struggling madly to overcome the
+drowsiness which assailed him. How long he won, he will never know; the
+sun was in the west, a red ball of fire showing dimly through the cloud,
+and all about the same dancing expanse of sea, drear, and dead. The raft
+rose and fell, rose and fell, so monotonously as to lull his
+consciousness imperceptibly; his head drooped forward, and with fingers
+still automatically gripped for support, he fell sound asleep also.
+
+The raft drifted aimlessly on, the waves lapping its sides, and tossing
+it about as though in wanton play. The currents and the wind held it in
+their relentless grip, and bore it steadily forward, surging along the
+grey surface of the sea. The girl lay quiet, her face upturned,
+unconscious now of her dread surroundings; and the man swayed above her,
+his head bent upon his breast, both sleeping the sleep of sheer
+exhaustion. Out of the dim mist shrouding the eastern sky the vague
+outline of a distant steamer revealed itself for a moment, the smoke from
+its stacks adding to the gathering gloom. It was but a vision fading
+swiftly away into silence. No throb of the engines awoke the unconscious
+sleepers; no eye on the speeding deck saw the low-lying raft, or its
+occupants. The vessel vanished as suddenly as it had appeared, leaving
+nothing but a trackless waste of sea. The two slept on.
+
+It was the startled cry of Natalie that roused West, and brought his
+drooping head, upright. She was sitting up, still held safely by the coil
+of rope, and pointing excitedly behind him.
+
+"Oh, see there! Look where I point--isn't that land?"
+
+The raft rocked as he swung his body hastily about, and gazed intently in
+the direction indicated. Land! of course it was land; land already so
+close at hand, his eyes could trace its conformation--the narrow strip of
+sand beach, the sharp bluff beyond, the fringe of trees crowning the
+summit. He rubbed his eyes, scarcely able to credit his sight, half
+believing it a mirage. Yet the view remained unchanged; it was land, a
+bit of the west shore, a short promontory running out into the lake
+toward which the raft, impelled by some hidden current, was steadily
+drifting. His arm clapped the girl in sudden ecstasy.
+
+"Yes, it's land, thank God!" he exclaimed thoughtfully. "We are floating
+ashore, Natalie--saved in spite of ourselves. Why, we could not have been
+so far out in the lake after all. That must be why all those vessels
+passed to the east of us. I ought to have thought of that before; those
+villains would never have deserted the yacht in mid-lake, and taken to
+the boat. They must have known they could make shore easily."
+
+Her glance searched the face of the bluff, which with each moment was
+becoming more distinctly visible.
+
+"You don't suppose they landed here, do you?"
+
+"Not very likely; even if they did they are not here now. They would have
+made it before daylight this morning. All the time we have been drifting
+out there they had to get away in. There is no danger that Hogan is
+anywhere along this shore now."
+
+"You think he and--and those others have all gone?"
+
+"Yes; why should they hang around here? The last idea in their heads
+would be the possibility of our ever drifting in alive. Hogan has gone
+back to Chicago to make a report to Hobart, and the rest have scattered
+like a covey of partridges. Not one of them has a thought but that we
+went down in the _Seminole_. Now they'll pull off their graft, and pull
+it quick."
+
+"And what will you do?"
+
+"Get safely ashore first. It will be dark in less than an hour; but we
+are too far out yet to venture swimming. We shall have to hang tight to
+the raft a while yet, and drift; the current is carrying us all right. Do
+you see any sign of life over there--houses, or smoke?"
+
+"No; I have been looking; the whole shore-line appears utterly deserted.
+Have you any idea where we can be?"
+
+"Not the slightest; only this is certainly the west shore; there is no
+such abandoned spot anywhere between Chicago and Milwaukee, and we must
+be much farther north. They had plenty of time to put the yacht quite a
+ways up shore before they sank her."
+
+"Hogan must have known where he was."
+
+"Unquestionably; it was all planned out; he knew exactly where he
+intended to land, and how long it would take them to reach there after
+they left the yacht."
+
+"Perhaps," she suggested hesitatingly, "the gang had some rendezvous up
+here in these north-woods, a place where they could hide."
+
+West shook his head negatively.
+
+"No, I don't think that; they may know the country, and how best to get
+away quickly. But those fellows are city thieves--Hobart and Hogan
+anyway--and would feel far safer back in their haunts in Chicago. There
+is no place like a big city to hide in, and besides, even if they have
+got the money already,--which I doubt--there has been no chance to divide
+it, and 'Red' would never let Hobart get away without paying him his
+share. They are not loitering around here, Natalie, waiting for ghosts to
+appear; they are back in town hours ago."
+
+"But what can we do?"
+
+"Get ashore first, of course, and discover the quickest way to return to
+the city. None of this shore is deserted, and we'll find houses back
+behind that fringe of woods. I figure we have a big advantage. We know
+their real game now, and they are so sure we are both dead, they'll
+operate in the open--walk right into a trap. By this time McAdams must
+have discovered some clue as to the whereabouts of Hobart. With him under
+arrest, and our story told, some of these fellows will confess, and it
+will all be over with."
+
+"But suppose they have already succeeded in their purpose?"
+
+"That can hardly be possible, Natalie. There hasn't been time yet.
+Certain legal forms must be complied with. You could only draw a
+limited amount."
+
+"Until I reached a certain age; after which there was no restriction. I
+attained that age yesterday."
+
+"And they are aware of it, no doubt. Yet there must be some legal
+authorization necessary which may cause delay. The sooner we reach
+Chicago, the better. It is twilight already--the sun has gone down behind
+the bluff, but it will require an hour yet for this raft to drift into
+shallow water. You swim, you told me?"
+
+"Yes, very well indeed."
+
+"Shall we risk it then together? It is not far to the end of the
+point yonder."
+
+She looked where he pointed and smiled, glancing back into his
+questioning eyes.
+
+"Why, that involves no danger at all. I will do anything to get off this
+raft. But if we are going to have light we must start at once."
+
+The two slipped silently over the edge of the dipping raft, and struck
+out for the nearest point of land, West loitering slightly behind, afraid
+lest she might be hampered, and perhaps dragged down by her water-soaked
+clothes. A few strokes reassured him as to this, as she struck out
+vigorously, her every motion exhibiting trained skill. She glanced back
+at him, and smiled at his precaution; then faced resolutely toward the
+distant shore, swimming easily. He followed closely, timing his strokes
+to her own, confident, yet watchful still, while behind them, now but a
+dim speck in the grey sea, wallowed the deserted raft.
+
+The distance was greater than it had seemed, the twilight deceiving their
+eyes, while their clothing had a tendency to retard progress. Weakened by
+lack of food, and buffetted by cross currents, both were decidedly
+exhausted by the time their lowering feet finally touched bottom. Natalie
+staggered, faint and dizzy from the exertion, but West grasped her in his
+arms before she could fall, and carried her across the sand beach to the
+foot of the cliff. She laughed as he laid her gently down in the soft
+sand, putting up her arms to him like a child, and drawing his face down
+until their lips met.
+
+"Oh," she exclaimed breathlessly, "That was glorious, but I hardly had
+enough strength left to make it. It--it was an awfully long way."
+
+"There are currents off shore," he explained. "That was what made the
+swimming so difficult. You are all right now."
+
+"Yes; at least I think so," she sat up. "Why, it is almost dark already.
+I cannot see the old raft at all. I--I wish it would come ashore; it gave
+you to me, Matt."
+
+"And you are not sorry, even now, safe here on shore?"
+
+"Sorry! Why I am the happiest girl in all the world this minute. I can
+hardly think about that money at all, or those scoundrels trying to rob
+me. I am here with you, and you love me--what more can I ask? Is that
+silly, dear?"
+
+He laughed, and kissed her, neither giving a thought to their dripping
+garments, or a regret for the hardships they had passed through. They
+were there alone, safe, together--all else for the moment mattered not.
+
+"Yes, I love you, Natalie, dear," he answered. "So it is not silly at
+all. But we must seek shelter and food. Are you strong enough now to
+climb the bluff? See, there is a ravine leading up yonder, where the
+footing is easier."
+
+She nodded her readiness to try, too happy for words, and hand in hand
+they toiled their way upward through the gloom.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX
+
+THE HOUSE IN THE BLUFFS
+
+
+The cleft in the bluff was both narrow and steep, but it gave them
+passage. At the upper end Natalie's reserve strength suddenly deserted
+her, and she sank down on the grass, labouring for breath, feeling unable
+to advance a step farther. The days and nights of excitement, coupled
+with lack of food and sleep, had left her physically weakened; now
+suddenly, even her will and courage both gave away.
+
+"No, it is nothing," she explained in a whisper. "I am just completely
+tired out, I guess. You go on, Matt, and find some place of shelter.
+Leave me to lie here; I'll not move, and you can find me easily. All I
+want now is to rest a few moments. Afraid! no I'll not be afraid. Why,
+what is there to fear? this is a civilized country, isn't it? I'll
+just sit where I am now until you come back--only--only don't go very
+far away."
+
+She held out her hand, and endeavoured to smile.
+
+"Desert me! Of course you are not, dear. I am bidding you go. I shall
+not mind being left here alone. I am so tired."
+
+They were at the summit of the bluff, looking out over the lake, now a
+mere darker blot. They could hear the dash of waves below them along the
+edge of sand. But in the opposite direction rose a somewhat higher ridge
+on which trees grew, completely excluding the view beyond. Between the
+branches the distant sky still retained a purple tinge from the sinking
+sun, leaving the impression that it was much lighter up there. West felt
+the importance of gaining a view inland before the closing down of night
+obscured everything, and therefore reluctantly left her alone there while
+he made his way to the top of the ridge. Once there he could look across
+the promontory of land, down into a little cove on the opposite side. It
+was well sheltered, and already wrapped in gloomy shadows, yet his eyes
+detected the outline of a boat of some size drawn up on the sandy beach.
+Beyond the dim certainty of what it was he could perceive nothing with
+which to identify the craft, and deeming it some fishing boat, gave its
+presence there no further heed.
+
+Glancing back to assure himself that Natalie was still safe where he had
+left her, he picked his way swiftly forward through the thick fringe of
+forest trees, until he came to the western edge of the wood, and could
+view the country beyond in the last spectral glow of the dying day. It
+was a wild, broken country thus revealed to his gaze, a land of ridges
+and ravines, rugged and picturesque, but exhibiting no evidence of roads,
+or inhabitants. Its very roughness of outline, and its sterile soil,
+explained the barrenness and desolation--a no-man's land, impossible of
+cultivation, it remained neglected and unused. At first he was sure of
+this, his heart sinking at the deserted landscape. They must plunge
+blindly forward in the dark over that rough, trackless country, seeking
+some possible shelter beyond. Weakened and exhausted as they both were
+the task seemed almost an impossible one. Then his eyes caught a thin
+spiral of smoke rising from out a narrow valley almost directly beneath
+where he stood, the depths of which were totally concealed from sight. As
+he stared at this, uncertain of its reality, a single spark of light
+winked out at him through the darkness. There was certainly a habitation
+of some kind hidden away down there--a fisherman's hut likely--but it
+would at least afford temporary shelter for the night; and there must be
+a road or path of some kind leading from it to the nearest village. If
+he could only leave Natalie there in safe hands, in the security of a
+home, however humble, food would give him strength to push on alone. The
+one thought in his mind now was to telegraph McAdams, so as to circumvent
+the plans of those rascals in Chicago. This must be done, and it must be
+done at the earliest moment possible. Perhaps the fisherman might possess
+a horse, or would carry the necessary message into town himself. West
+turned and hastened back through the woods, clambering down the slope of
+the ridge in darkness to the spot where he had left the girl. For the
+moment he could not distinguish her presence in the gloom, and, fearing
+he might have gone astray, called her name aloud.
+
+"Yes," she answered. "I am here; to your right. I am, standing up. Have
+you discovered anything?"
+
+"There is a house of some kind over yonder in a hollow just beyond the
+ridge--more than likely a fisherman's hut, as there is a boat of some
+kind beached in the cove the other side of this promontory. We will have
+to stumble along through the dark. Do you think you can make it?"
+
+"Of course, I can," and she placed her hand confidingly in his. "I am all
+right now; really I am; I guess all I needed was to get my breath. Do we
+go up here--the way you came back?"
+
+"I presume so; I know no other passage, and found no path."
+
+"But," she urged. "If there is a boat on the beach, isn't it likely there
+would be a trail from there to this fisherman's hut?"
+
+"Why, of course; it was stupid of me not to think of this before. The
+sooner we start, the quicker we shall arrive. I want most of all to
+telegraph McAdams."
+
+"Who?"
+
+"McAdams, the detective I told you about in Chicago, an old army buddy of
+mine. He'll have Hobart located by this time, no doubt, and will put the
+screws on him when he learns what has happened to us."
+
+"I see," she agreed softly, "and if he does know the whole story we need
+not be so crazy to get back. He will attend to everything."
+
+"Yes; we can wait up here until morning at least; you need a night's
+rest, and no wonder."
+
+He grasped her arm, helping her to clamber up the steep bank, suddenly
+becoming aware that the sleeve felt dry.
+
+"Why, Natalie, your clothes seem to have all dried off already; mine are
+soaked through," he exclaimed in surprise. "What necromancy is this?"
+
+She laughed, a faint tinge of mockery in the sound.
+
+"No mystery whatever; only a difference in texture, I imagine. This light
+stuff dries quickly, exposed to the air. Did you think you had hold of
+the wrong girl?"
+
+The tone of her voice stung slightly, causing him to make a sober answer.
+
+"That would, of course, be improbable, but I have been so completely
+deceived, even by daylight, that I dare not affirm that it would prove
+impossible. Your counterfeit is certainly a wizard."
+
+"She must be. But as she is miles away from here, you might let the
+suspicion rest. Is this where we go down?"
+
+She led the way, the action awakening no question in his mind. If he
+thought at all about her thus assuming the initiative, the suspicion was
+dismissed with the idea that probably her eyes were more keen to discover
+the best path. In this she was certainly successful, and he contented
+himself by following her closely. The night was already dark, the way
+irregular and confusing. She was but a dim shadow, advancing
+confidently, and now and then in their descent, he reached out and
+touched her to make sure of her presence. This action seemed to irritate
+for she turned once, and objected shortly.
+
+"Oh, don't do that, please; it startles me. My nerves are all on edge."
+
+"Of course they are, dear," he confessed apologetically. "I should have
+known better. It was so dark I almost thought you had slipped away. The
+boat I told you about must be close at hand."
+
+"The boat; oh, yes, but it can be of no use to us now. Feel here with
+your feet; I am sure this must be a path that I am in, and it can lead
+nowhere except to that house you saw."
+
+"Can you follow it?"
+
+"I think so; it seems to go straight up through the ravine; see, you can
+trace the bluff against the sky, and there is the opening just ahead of
+us. You may take my arm again now," she added graciously, "and then there
+will be no danger of either getting lost."
+
+He gladly did as she suggested, yet, strangely enough, continued to feel
+dissatisfied. Vaguely he felt that in some almost imperceptible manner
+she had changed her mood. He could not base his thoughts on a single
+word, or action, yet he felt the difference--this was not the Natalie of
+the raft. She was too irritable; too sharp of speech. But then, no doubt,
+she was tired, worn out, her nerves broken; indeed he found it hard to
+control himself, and he must not blame her for exhibiting weakness under
+the strain. So he drove the thought from him, clinging close to her arm,
+and vaguely wondering how she was able to trace the path so easily. They
+seemed to progress through an impenetrable wall of blackness, and yet the
+way had been cleared of obstacles, and was reasonably smooth. The slope
+upward was quite gradual, and the summit led directly into the mouth of a
+small valley. By this time even West could recognize that they were
+proceeding along a well used path, and he was not surprised when she
+announced the presence of the house before them, pointing out the dim
+shadow through the gloom. Otherwise his eyes might have failed to
+distinguish the outlines, but under her guidance he could make out enough
+of its general form to assure him that they were approaching no mere
+fisherman's shack.
+
+"That is no hut," he exclaimed in surprise. "It looks more like a
+mansion."
+
+"And why not?" pleasantly enough. "I have always heard these bluffs were
+filled with summer homes. Unfortunately this one appears to be deserted.
+But we must go on, and try to discover some inhabitant."
+
+There was no light to guide them, yet the path was easily followed,
+through what apparently was an orchard, then through the gate of a rustic
+fence to a broad carriage drive, circling past the front door. All was
+silence, desolation; no window exhibited a gleam of radiance, nor did a
+sound greet them from any direction. They paused an instant before the
+front door, uncertain how to proceed.
+
+"But there must be some one about here," West insisted. "For this was
+the house I saw from the ridge, and there was a light burning then in
+one of the windows, and there was a wisp of smoke rising from a chimney.
+Perhaps the shutters are all closed, or, early as it is, the people may
+have retired."
+
+She stepped boldly forward, and placed her hand on the knob of the door.
+
+"Why," she whispered, excitedly. "It is unlocked; see, I can open it.
+Perhaps something is wrong here. What shall we do?"
+
+"Knock first; then if there is no response, we can feel our way about
+inside. My matches are all wet."
+
+She rapped sharply on the wood; waited for some reply, and then called
+out. Not a sound reached them from within. The situation was strange,
+nerve-racking, and she shrank back as though frightened before the black
+silence confronting her. West, his teeth clinched, stepped in through the
+open door, determined to learn the secret of that mysterious interior.
+With hands outstretched he felt his way forward, by sense of touch alone
+assuring himself that he traversed a hall, carpeted, his extended arms
+barely reaching from wall to wall. He encountered no furniture, and must
+have advanced some two yards, before his groping disclosed the presence
+of a closed door on the left. He had located the knob, when the outer
+door suddenly closed, as though blown shut by a draught of wind, and, at
+the same instant, his eyes were blinded by a dazzling outburst of light.
+
+This came with such startling, unexpected brilliancy that West staggered
+back as though struck. For the instant he was positively blind; then he
+dimly perceived a man standing before him--a man who, little by little,
+became more clearly defined, recognizable, suddenly exhibiting the
+features of Jim Hobart, sarcastically grinning into his face.
+
+"You are evidently a cat of nine lives, West," he said sneeringly. "But
+this ought to be the last of them."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX
+
+HOBART FORGETS AND TALKS
+
+
+For a moment West lost all control over himself. He was too completely
+dazed for either words or action; could only stare into that mocking
+countenance confronting him, endeavouring to sense what had really
+occurred. He was undoubtedly trapped again, but how had the trick been
+accomplished? What devilish freak of ill luck had thus thrown them once
+more into the merciless hands of this ruffian? How could it have happened
+so perfectly? The boat on the sand in the cove yonder; perhaps that was
+the key to the situation. Those fellows who had left the _Seminole_ to
+sink behind them, knew where they were when they deserted the yacht; they
+landed at the nearest point along shore, where they had a rendezvous
+already arranged for. Then what? The helpless raft had naturally drifted
+in the same direction, blown by the steady east wind, until gripped by
+the land current, and thus finally driven into this opening on the
+coast. His mind had grasped this view, this explanation, before he even
+ventured to turn his head, and glance at the girl. She stood leaning back
+against the closed door as though on guard, her uncovered hair ruffled, a
+scornful, defiant look in her eyes, the smile on her lips revealing the
+gleam of white teeth. In spite of a wonderful resemblance, a mysterious
+counterfeit in both features and expression, West knew now this was not
+Natalie Coolidge. Her dress, the way in which her hair was done, the
+sneering curl of her red mouth, were alike instantly convincing. He had
+permitted himself to be tricked again by the jade; the smart of the wound
+angered him beyond control.
+
+"You are not Miss Coolidge," he insisted hotly. "Then who are you?"
+
+She laughed, evidently enjoying the scene, confident of her own
+cleverness.
+
+"Oh, so even Captain West has at last penetrated the disguise. No, I am
+not the lady you mention, if you must know."
+
+"Then who are you?"
+
+She glanced toward Hobart, as though questioning, and the man answered
+the look gruffly.
+
+"Tell him if you want to, Del," he said, with an oath. "It will never do
+the guy any good. He's played his last hand in this game; he'll never
+get away from me again. Spit it out."
+
+"All right," with a mocking curtsey. "I've got an idea I'd like to tell
+him; it is too good a joke to keep, and this fellow has certainly been an
+easy mark. You never did catch on to me until I got into the wrong
+clothes, did you, old dear? Lord, but I could have had you making love to
+me, if I'd only have said the word--out there on the hills in the dark,
+hey! I sure wanted to laugh; but that tender tone of yours told me what
+you were up to; what sent you trailing us around the country--you was
+plumb nutty after this Natalie Coolidge. That's the straight goods, isn't
+it, Mister Captain West?"
+
+"I care very much for Miss Coolidge, if that is what you mean."
+
+"Sure you do; and you've put up a game fight for her too, my boy.
+I'd like it in you if I wasn't on the other side. But you see we
+can't be easy on you just because of that. Sentiment and romance is
+one thing, while business is another. You and I don't belong in the
+same worlds--see? You can't rightly blame me because I was born
+different, can you?"
+
+"Perhaps not; what would you make me believe?"
+
+"I thought I'd put it that way so you'd understand, that's all. There's
+a difference in people, ain't there. I'm just as good looking as this
+Natalie Coolidge, ain't I? Sure I am; you can't even tell us apart when
+we are dressed up alike. I could come in here, and have you make love to
+me inside of twenty minutes. But we ain't a bit alike for all that. She's
+a lady, and I'm a crook--that's the difference. She's been brought up
+with all the money she wants, while I've had to hustle for every penny
+since I was a kid. Now life don't ever look the same to any two people
+like that."
+
+"No," West admitted, beginning to realize her defence. "It is hardly
+probable it would."
+
+"That's why I'm in this case," she went on, apparently unheeding his
+interruption. "I was brought up a thief, and I don't know anything else.
+I never did care much, but in this Coolidge matter, I've got just as much
+right to all that kale as she has--so naturally I'm going after it."
+
+"As much right, you say? Why, who are you?"
+
+She stood up straight, and looked at him, her eyes burning.
+
+"Me!" scornfully, "Why I am Delia Hobart--'Diamond Del,' they call me."
+
+"Yes, but that is not what you mean; that gives you no such right as you
+claim. You are Hobart's daughter then?"
+
+"I didn't say so, Mister Captain West. I told you my moniker, that's all.
+Jim here brought me up, but he ain't no father to me, and his wife ain't
+my mother. It took me a while to find that out, but I got the thing
+straight at last. I saw then just what those two were driving at; first I
+didn't take no particular interest in the scheme; then I got to thinking
+until finally I hated that soft, downy thing; damn her, she'd robbed me,
+and I had a right to my share even if I had to steal it."
+
+"What soft, downy thing?"
+
+"Natalie Coolidge! Bah, I went out to see her once. Jim took me and
+we hid in the garden; and when I came back I was raving mad. Lord,
+why should that little idiot have everything while half the time I
+was hungry?"
+
+"You mean you envied her?"
+
+"Envied, hell! Didn't I have a right? Wasn't she my twin sister? Didn't
+she have it all, and I nothing?"
+
+He gasped for breath at this sudden revelation. Then he laughed,
+convinced it could not be possible.
+
+"Who told you that?"
+
+"Why, don't you believe it? Has she never said a word about it to you?"
+
+"Certainly not. I am sure she possesses no knowledge of ever having had a
+sister. Moreover, I do not believe it is true. If you had proof of such
+relationship, why didn't you go to her, and openly claim your share?"
+
+"Go to her! me? Do you hear that Jim? Isn't he the cute little fixer?
+Why, of course, she knew it; there was nothing doing on the divide. It's
+all straight enough, only we couldn't quite prove it by law; anyhow that
+is what they told me--so we got at it from another direction."
+
+She seemed so convinced, so earnest in her statement that West in
+perplexity turned to glance at Hobart.
+
+"Do you make this claim also?" he asked.
+
+"What claim?"
+
+"That this girl is a twin sister to Natalie Coolidge? Why, it is
+preposterous."
+
+"Is it? Damned if I think so. Now look here, West; I don't know just what
+the Coolidge girl has been told; maybe she never even heard she had a
+twin sister. If they ever told her that she had, then they must have told
+her also that the sister died in infancy. Anyhow, that's how it stands on
+the records. There were just two people who knew different--do you get
+me? One of them is dead, but one of them is still alive."
+
+"Which one is dead?"
+
+"Percival Coolidge; he knew too much and got gay; he planned to cop the
+whole boodle. The fact is he started the whole scheme, soon as he learned
+who Del was, and planned it all out. He was up against it hard just then
+for money; he'd lost all his own, and couldn't get hold of Natalie's
+because the old family lawyer watched things so close."
+
+"But if this girl was really entitled to a part of it, why not claim
+it by law?"
+
+"We talked about that, but the chance didn't look good. Everything showed
+the second child died; hospital records, doctor's certificate; there
+wasn't a link in the chain we could break. Percival wouldn't go on the
+stand, and there wasn't much he could swear to if he did."
+
+"But who was the other witness--the living one?"
+
+"The nurse; she made the exchange of the dead baby for the living one. It
+was easily done as the child was really sick."
+
+"But for what object--revenge?"
+
+"She was poor, and yielded to temptation. Percival Coolidge paid her to
+make the exchange. I have never been able to learn what his original
+purpose was, but she thinks he believed the stolen child was a boy, and
+that later, through him, the Coolidge money might be controlled. However
+the woman lost her nerve, and disappeared with the infant. She brought it
+up as her own in the west, where she married again. I am her second
+husband, and that is how I learned the truth."
+
+"The woman on the yacht?"
+
+"Yes, you saw her. The child was brought up in our life; I figured on
+this coup for years, and finally when all was ready, we came back east
+again. I had a plan, but I wasn't quite sure it would work until I could
+see the two girls together. After that it was like taking candy from a
+kid. Hell, you are the only one who has even piped off the game."
+
+West looked closely at the man, who was thus coolly boasting of his
+exploits, and then at the silent girl, whose eyes sullenly gave back
+their challenge. What did it all mean? Why were they calmly telling him
+these things? Was it merely the egotism of crime, pride of achievement?
+or did Hobart hope in some way to thus win his assistance, or at least
+his silence?
+
+"Why do you tell all this to me, Hobart?" he asked shortly. "You do not
+expect me to play with you in the game, do you?"
+
+"You!" the fellow laughed coarsely. "We don't care what you do, you young
+fool. Del started this talking, and I let her go on. Then, when she
+stopped, I thought you might as well learn the rest of it. The fact is,
+West, we're fixed now so whatever you know won't hurt us any. We have as
+good as got the swag; and, to make it absolutely safe, we've got both you
+and the girl. I'll say this for you, old man, you've sure put up a game
+fight. I don't know how the hell you ever got out of that yacht alive, or
+ever happened to drift in here. It was nothing but bull luck that gave us
+a glimpse of you tossing round on that raft--but after that it was dead
+easy. Del here is some actorine."
+
+"Yes," she broke in, "but I came near falling down this time. I forgot
+they had been in the water, and my dress was dry as a bone--say, I
+thought he'd tripped me sure."
+
+"You say you've got the swag?"
+
+"All but in our hands; nobody can get it away from us. The court order
+was issued today; the entire estate placed, in accordance with the terms
+of the will, in the possession of Natalie Coolidge. Once the proper
+receipt is signed, all monies can be checked out by her. That about
+settles it, doesn't it? Tomorrow Del and I will go down to the city, and
+turn the trick, and after that there is nothing left but the get-away."
+
+It was a cold blooded proposition, but neither face exhibited any
+regret; both were intoxicated by success; untroubled by any scruples
+of conscience. West felt the utter uselessness of an attempt to appeal
+to either.
+
+"Where is Natalie Coolidge?" he asked, his own determination hardening.
+"What do you propose doing with her?"
+
+Hobart's teeth exhibited themselves in a sardonic grin.
+
+"That is our business, but you can bet she'll not interfere."
+
+"And a similar answer, I presume, will apply also to my case?"
+
+"It will. Don't make the mistake, West, of believing we are damn fools. I
+don't know just why I've blowed all this to you, but it ain't going to
+help you any, you can be sure of that. In fact your knowing how the thing
+was worked is liable to make things a blame sight harder in your case. We
+won't do no more talking; so go on in through that door."
+
+The fellow's demeanour had entirely changed; he was no longer pretending
+to geniality, and his words were almost brutal. Apparently, all at once,
+it had dawned sharply upon him that they had made a mistake--had boasted
+far too freely. Any slip now, after what had been said, would wreck the
+ship. West faced him watchfully, fully aware of the desperate situation,
+instinctively feeling that this might be his last chance.
+
+"In there, you say?" indicating the closed door.
+
+"Yes; move!"
+
+He did; with one swift leap forward, the whole impetus of his body behind
+the blow, West drove his fist straight into the face confronting him. The
+fellow reeled, clutched feebly at the smooth wall for support, dropped
+helplessly forward, and fell headlong, with face hidden in outstretched
+arms. The assailant sprang back, and turned, in a mad determination to
+crash his way out through the locked door behind, but as suddenly stopped
+startled by the vision of a levelled revolver pointed at his head.
+
+"Not a move," the girl said icily. "Take one step, and I'll kill you."
+
+Hobart lifted his head groggily, and pushed himself half-way up on
+his knees.
+
+"Don't shoot unless he makes you, Del," he ordered grimly. "We don't want
+that kind of row here." He dragged himself painfully to the side door,
+and pressed it open.
+
+"Hey you!" he cried. "Come on out here. Now then, rough-house this guy!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI
+
+McADAMS BLOWS IN
+
+
+It was a real fight; they all knew that when it was finished. But it was
+three to one, with Hobart blocking the only open door, and egging them
+on, and the excited girl, backed into a corner out of the way, the
+revolver still gripped in her hand, ready for any emergency. The
+narrowness of the hall alone afforded West a chance, as the walls
+protected him, and compelled direct attack from in front. Yet this
+advantage only served to delay the ending. He recognized two of the
+fellows--"Red" Hogan and Mark--while the third man was a wiry little
+bar-room scrapper, who smashed fiercely in through his guard, and finally
+got a grip on his throat which could not be wrenched loose. The others
+pounded him unmercifully, driving his head back against the wall. Hogan
+smashed him twice, crashing through his weak attempt at defence, and with
+the second vicious drive, West went down for the count, lying motionless
+on the floor, scarcely conscious that he was still living.
+
+Yet in a dazed, helpless way, he was aware of what was occurring about
+him; he could hear voices, feel the thud of a brutal kick. Some one
+dragged him out from the mess, and turned his face up to the light; but
+he lay there barely breathing; his eyes tightly closed.
+
+"It's a knock-out all right," Hogan declared. "That guy is good for an
+hour in dream-land. What's the dope?"
+
+"We got to keep him here, that's all; and there's goin' to be no get-away
+this time."
+
+"How'd he do it before, Jim? did he tell you?"
+
+"Not a damned word; I was fool enough to do all the talking. But this
+fellow is too slick to take any more chances with."
+
+"Do you want him croaked?"
+
+"No, I don't--not now. What the hell's the use? It would only make things
+harder. We're ready to make our get-away, ain't we? After tomorrow all
+hell can't get onto our trail. This guy's life wouldn't help us none, so
+far as I can see."
+
+"Getting squeamish, ain't you?"
+
+"No, I'm not. I've got as much reason to hate the fellow as you have,
+'Red.' He certainly swiped me one. Before we had the swag copped, I was
+willing enough to put him out of the running. That was business. You sure
+did a fine job then, damn you; now I don't think it is your time to howl.
+Listen here, will you? From all I learn, this bird amounts to something;
+he ain't just a dago to be bumped off, and nobody care what's become of
+him. This guy has got friends. It won't help us any to be hunted after
+for murder on top of this other job. If we cop the kale, that's all we're
+after. Is that right, Del?"
+
+The girl seemed to come forward, and face them defiantly.
+
+"Sure it's right. I never was for the strong arm stuff, Hogan. This is my
+graft, anyhow, and not one of you stiffs gets a penny of it unless I
+split with you. This fellow isn't going to be slugged--that's flat. It is
+only because he's fell in love with the Coolidge girl that he is here,
+and once we've skipped out, I don't wish the guy any bad luck."
+
+"You ought to have caught him yourself, Del," some one said. "The bird
+never would have known the difference."
+
+She laughed, quickly restored to good humour.
+
+"You're about right there, Dave," she answered. "That was another
+mistake; the only chance I ever had of marrying in high social circles.
+But hell, I'll be a lady tomorrow, so let's let the poor devil go. Wrap
+him up, and lay him away out in the garage. The walls are two foot solid
+stone; he'll stay buried there all right."
+
+Hogan growled in derision, yet it was evident that she and Hobart would
+have their way. Some one brought a rope, which was deftly wound about
+him, West continuing to feign unconsciousness. He secretly hoped this
+condition might result in some carelessness on their part, in either
+speech or action. Anyway it would undoubtedly save him from further
+brutal treatment. He had no reason to suspect that his ruse was
+questioned. The fellows spoke freely while making him secure, but he
+gained very little information from their conversation--not a hint as to
+where Natalie was confined, or how long it was proposed to hold them
+prisoners. Then "Red" and Dave lugged his limp body through several
+rooms, out upon a back porch, finally dragging him down the steps and
+along a cement drive way, letting him lie there a moment in the dark,
+while one of them unlocked a door. The next instant he was carelessly
+thrown inside, and the door forced back into place. He could hear Hogan
+swear outside, and then the sound of both men's feet on the drive as
+they departed.
+
+With a struggle West managed to sit up, but could scarcely attempt more,
+as his arms were bound closely to his sides. The darkness about him was
+intense, and, with the disappearance of the two men up the steps, all
+outside sounds had ceased. He knew he had been flung into the garage and
+was resting there on the hard cement floor. He could neither feel nor see
+any machine, nor was there probably the slightest prospect of his getting
+out unaided. Those fellows would never have left him there without guard,
+had they dreamed any escape was possible. The girl had affirmed the
+building was constructed of stone, two feet thick. He stared around at
+the impenetrable black wall completely defeated. Undoubtedly they had him
+this time. He was weak from hunger, tired nearly to death; bruised and
+battered until it seemed as though every muscle in his body throbbed with
+pain. Yet his mind was not on these things, only incidentally; his
+thought, his anxiety centred altogether on Natalie Coolidge. What had
+become of her; where was she now? He had no reason to believe her in any
+great personal danger. If this gang, satisfied of success, were disposed
+to spare his life, it was hardly probable they would demand her's. Now
+both the desire for murder, and the necessity, had passed. The fellows
+felt supremely confident the spoils were already theirs, and that all
+that was needed now to assure complete success was sufficient time in
+which to drop safely out of sight. Murder would hinder, rather than help
+this escape.
+
+But what a blind fool he had been; how strangely he had permitted this
+girl to lead him so easily astray. Why really, to his mind now, she
+possessed no real resemblance to Natalie; not enough, at least, to
+deceive the keen eyes of love. She had the features, the eyes, the hair,
+the voice, a certain trick of speech, which, no doubt, she had
+cultivated--but there were a thousand things in which she differed. Her
+laugh was not the same, nor the expression of her lips; she was like a
+counterfeit beside a good coin. It was easy to conceive how others might
+be deceived by her tricks of resemblance--servants, ordinary friends,
+even the old lawyer in charge of the estate--but it was inexcusable for
+him to have thus become a plaything. Yet he had, and now the mistake was
+too late to mend. He had left Natalie alone on the cliff, and then
+blindly permitted this chit to lead him straight into Hobart's set trap.
+Angered beyond control at the memory, West swore, straining fiercely in
+the vain endeavour to release his arms. Then, realizing his utter
+helplessness, he sank back on the floor, and lay still.
+
+What was that? He listened, for an instant doubtful if he had really
+heard anything. Then he actually heard a sound. He doubted no longer, yet
+made no effort to move, even holding his breath in suspense. There was
+movement of some kind back there--a cautious movement; seemingly the slow
+advance of something across the floor, a dog perhaps. West's heart
+throbbed with apprehension; suppose it was a dog, he had no means of
+protection from the brute. Cold sweat tingled on his flesh; there was
+nothing he could do, no place where he could go. The thing was moving
+nearer; yet surely it could not be a dog; no dog would ever creep like
+that. He could bear the strain no longer; it was beyond endurance.
+
+"What's moving back there?" he asked in a hoarse whisper.
+
+There was a moment of utter silence; then, a man's voice said in low,
+cautious tone.
+
+"The fellow ain't dead, Mac; anyhow he seems able to talk yet."
+
+"All right, we'll find out what he's got to say--go on along."
+
+West sat up, his heart bounding with sudden remembrance.
+
+"My God! McAdams is that you?"
+
+"You have the name--who's speaking?"
+
+"Matt West. Good God, but this is like a miracle. I'd played my last
+card. Come here, one of you, and cut these strings. I cannot even move,
+or stand up. Is it really you, Mac? Yes, yes, I am all right; they
+bruised me up a bit, of course, but that is nothing. Now I have a chance
+to pay them out. But who are with you? and how did you come to be here?"
+
+McAdams ran his knife blade through the lashings, feeling for them in the
+dark. Neither could see the other, but West realized that another man had
+crept up on the opposite side of him, and crouched there silently in the
+blackness.
+
+"Need any help, Mac?" the latter questioned in a whisper.
+
+"No, I've got him cut loose. This is the lad I told you about, Carlyn.
+You go on back, and, as soon as West gets limbered up a bit, and I hear
+his story, we join you out there. Then we'll know how the ground lies."
+
+The fellow crept away unseen, and McAdams gripped West's hand.
+
+"Say, but this is mighty good luck, old boy," he blurted out. "I was
+afraid you'd gone down in that yacht last night."
+
+"You were! How did you know about it?"
+
+"Stumbled on to the story, the way most detectives solve their mysteries.
+That is, I stumbled on some of it, and the rest I dug out for myself. It
+won't take long to explain and perhaps you better understand. They told
+me at the office when I got back about the _Seminole_ being tied up at
+the Municipal Pier, and that you had gone down there. Well, I made it as
+quick as I could, but the yacht was three hundred yards out in the lake
+by the time I arrived. There wasn't a damn thing to take after it in,
+and, besides, just then, I didn't really know any good police reason for
+chasing her. First thing I did was to try and find you, so we could get
+our heads together. But you wasn't there, and so I naturally jumped to
+the conclusion you must have got aboard someway. Say I combed that pier,
+believe me, West, and finally I ran across a kid who put me wise. He saw
+you go across the deck, and into the cabin with two other guys. They came
+out again, but you didn't. I pumped him until I got a pretty good
+description of both those fellows, and I decided one of them must be
+'Red' Hogan, about the toughest gun-man in Chicago."
+
+"It was Hogan."
+
+"I made sure of that afterwards. Then I got busy. If you was in the hands
+of that guy, and his gang, the chances was dead against you. But there
+wasn't a darn thing I could do, except to hunt up Hobart, wire every town
+along the north shore to keep an eye out for the yacht, and pick up a
+thread or two around town. I got a bit at that to wise me up. We found
+Hobart hid away in a cheap hotel out on Broadway, and put a trailer on
+him. The girl had disappeared; she'd been to a bank, and then to the
+Coolidge lawyer and signed some papers; after that we lost all trace of
+her for awhile. Your man Sexton, out at 'Fairlawn,' reported that she
+hadn't returned there. Then I got desperate and decided I'd blow the
+whole thing to the Coolidge lawyer, and get him to take a hand. I was
+afraid they were already for the get-a-way--see? I couldn't round 'em up
+alone; besides I'm a Chicago police officer, and have to keep more or
+less on my own beat."
+
+"And you told the lawyer?"
+
+"Everything I knew, and some I guessed at. I thought the old guy would
+throw a fit, but he didn't. He came through game after the first shock.
+But say, that dame had sold him out all right. He never had an inkling
+anything was wrong; no more did the banks. We went over, and talked to
+the president of one of them--a smooth guy with white mutton chops--and
+the girl had signed up the preliminary papers already, and tomorrow the
+whole boodle was going to drop softly into her lap. Say, I felt better
+when I learned they hadn't copped the swag yet. But just the same I
+needed help."
+
+"And you got it?"
+
+"Sure; those two duffers coughed up money in a stream. Called in a
+detective agency, and gave me three operatives to work under me. Got the
+chief on the wire, and made him give me a free hand. Then I had a cinch."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII
+
+A BRIDGE OF LOVE
+
+
+He paused, listening, but all remained quiet without, and he resumed his
+story. "There is not much else to it, West. A little after one o'clock
+the shadow phoned in from the Union depot that Hobart had just purchased
+two tickets for Patacne. We hustled over, but were too late to catch that
+train, but learned the girl had accompanied him on the trip. We caught
+another rattler two hours later, and got off at Patacne, which is about
+three miles west of here. It is not much of a job to gather up gossip in
+a small burg, and, inside of ten minutes, I had extracted all I needed
+from the station agent. It seems this outfit was the summer sensation out
+here. We hoofed it for reasons of our own, and came around by way of the
+lake shore, aiming to keep out of sight until after dark. That is how we
+discovered that _Seminole_ boat hauled up on the beach, but with no yacht
+in sight. One of the fellows with me said Hogan did a boat-sinking job
+before and got away with it, and that is how I figured that maybe you
+was at the bottom of Lake Michigan--see? Well, we crept up here through
+the woods, but nothing happened. Didn't look as if the place had a soul
+within a hundred miles of it--no smoke, no light; not a damn sound. We
+laid out and waited, not sure what we were up against. Finally we jimmied
+open the back door of this garage, just to find out whether those guys
+had a car out here, or not. They had, but we no more than located it when
+those two fellows came dragging you out of the back door of the house,
+and flung you in here like a bag of old linen. We lay still, and let them
+go back, but we hadn't any notion whether you was dead or alive--or
+whether it was really you; so we crawled up to find out. That's the
+story. Now what do you think we better do?"
+
+West moved his arms in an effort to restore circulation.
+
+"How many with you?"
+
+"Four altogether--hard boiled, too--five with you. Is there any fight
+left in you, old man?"
+
+"I'll say there is; I'd certainly like to get in one clip at 'Red' before
+the fracas is over."
+
+"That sounds vicious. Now who is inside?"
+
+"I saw five, and there may be others. If the crew of the _Seminole_ are
+here also, that would make quite a bunch."
+
+"I don't think they are, Captain. The station agent said several men
+bought tickets to Chicago early this afternoon. It is the real gang we've
+got cornered. Do you know just who they are?"
+
+"Those I saw were Hobart, 'Red' Hogan, the girl, a big fellow they called
+Mark who was on the yacht--"
+
+"Mark Sennett; he's Hogan's side-kick, and tough as they make 'em."
+
+"And a wiry little black-haired devil by the name of Dave."
+
+"Hell, is he in this too? that must be 'Dago Dave.' That guy would cut
+your throat for fifty dollars. Any others?"
+
+"Those were all I saw. No doubt Hobart's wife is in the house somewhere,
+guarding Natalie Coolidge probably."
+
+"Six altogether, counting the women."
+
+"Yes, and you better count them, for they will fight like tigers. The
+girl held me up at the point of a gun."
+
+"We've got to get the drop first, that's all. They're yellow, the whole
+outfit is yellow. Shootin' in the back is their style. Now, you know the
+lay inside the house; what is our best chance?"
+
+West studied over the situation, his eyes staring into the darkness, and
+McAdams waited.
+
+"Well, Mac," he said finally. "This is a new job for me, but I'd put a
+man out in front, and then take the others in through the back door. We'd
+have to rush it, of course. I know the front door is locked, and it
+couldn't be broken down quickly. I listened when those fellows went back,
+and I heard no click, as though they had locked the door behind them.
+They don't know anybody has been after them except me, and they believe I
+am done for. They feel so safe out here, they are a bit careless. I'll
+wager something we can walk straight in on the outfit; how does that
+strike you?"
+
+"As the only feasible plan. Let's crawl out of here."
+
+The arrangements were quickly perfected; a short, whispered conference
+in the dark; then one man crept silently away through the night toward
+the front of the house. McAdams added a few more words of instruction to
+the others, and, with West slightly in advance, revolvers drawn and
+ready, the five stole forward in the direction of the rear porch. The
+windows were either heavily curtained, or covered by outside shades, for
+no gleam of light was anywhere visible. West mounted the back steps
+silently, with McAdams close at his heels. A second later the entire
+bunch of officers were grouped before the door, poised breathless,
+listening for any sound from within. Nothing broke the impressive
+silence, and McAdam's hand closed over the knob, which he turned slowly.
+The door opened quietly into a darkened interior. For an instant he bent
+forward, peering through the narrow crack, endeavouring to learn what
+lay hidden beyond, the others quivering behind him. There was scarcely
+the sound of a breath audible. The detective hesitated; such luck, such
+carelessness on the part of criminals seemed almost uncanny; he half
+suspected some trap. Then he became convinced that this was only the
+result of recklessness--the fellows felt so safe in this hidden hole in
+the woods as to neglect all precaution. He stepped cautiously inside,
+leaving the door ajar for the others to follow. Then they
+paused--straight ahead a double swinging door divided the kitchen in
+which they were from another room beyond. Through the centre crack shone
+a single bar of light, barely visible, and forth through that same
+orifice came the sound of a voice speaking. McAdams flung up his hand in
+signal, and then crept silently forward.
+
+It was apparently a quarrel among thieves over the spoils, each fearful
+lest the other was double-crossing. Hobart and "Red" Hogan were doing
+most of the talking, although occasionally others chimed in, and once
+there was a woman's voice added to the debate. Seemingly the whole gang
+were present; a strong odour of tobacco smoke stole through the crack in
+the door, and both Hobart and Hogan swore angrily. Who was to remain out
+there on guard while Hobart and the girl returned to Chicago for the
+money was evidently the question, Hogan wishing to accompany them to make
+sure of his share. The woman sided with Hobart, the other men apparently
+ranged up with "Red," and some very plain talking was indulged in.
+
+McAdams listened grimly, the light through the crack showing his lips
+curled in a smile of appreciation. He lowered his head, and with one eye
+at the slight opening gained a glimpse of the lighted room beyond. A
+moment, motionless, he stared in on the scene; then straightened up, and,
+with revolver in hand, signalled to the others to close in closer. They
+stood there for a tense instant, poised and eager; then the doors were
+flung crashing back, and they leaped recklessly forward, out of the
+darkness into the light. It was a furious fight--sharp, merciless,
+uncompromising. The thieves, startled, desperate, were hurled back by the
+first rush against the further wall, tables and chairs overturned, the
+shrieking woman pushed headlong into one corner, and one of the fellows
+downed by the crashing butt of a revolver. But the others rallied,
+maddened, desperate, rats caught in a trap, fighting as animals fight.
+Hobart fired, catching an assailant in the arm; Hogan snatched up a chair
+and struck viciously at West, who leaped straight forward, breaking the
+full force of the blow, and driving his own fist into the man's face. It
+was all over within a minute's fierce fighting--the surprise turning the
+trick. Hobart went down cursing, the gun kicked out of his hand, his arm
+broken; Hogan, struggling still, but pinned to the floor by three men,
+was given a blow to the chin which left him unconscious, while the other
+two threw up their hands and yelled for mercy. McAdams wiped his
+streaming face, and looked around.
+
+It was a shambles, the floor spotted with blood, the table overturned and
+broken, a blanket over one of the windows torn down, a smashed chair in
+one corner. The detective who had been shot was still lying in front of
+the door, "Red" lay motionless, a ghastly cut over his eye, and Hobart,
+his arm dangling, sat propped up against the wall, cursing, malevolent,
+but helpless. On the other side stood Sennett and "Dago Dave," their
+hands high above their heads; each looking into the levelled barrel of a
+gun. The woman had got to her knees, still dazed from the blow which had
+felled her. The ex-service man smiled grimly, well satisfied.
+
+"Some surprise party, eh, Jim?" he asked pleasantly. "This rather puts a
+crimp in your little game, I would savy, old boy. Going to cop the whole
+boodle tomorrow, was you?"
+
+"Who the hell are you?"
+
+"Well, if I answer your questions, perhaps you will answer mine. I am
+McAdams of the City Hall Station, Chicago, and I know exactly what I am
+here after. So the best thing you guys can do, is cough up. Who's that
+girl who has been working with you?"
+
+Hobart glared sullenly, but made no response.
+
+"You'll not answer?"
+
+"Oh, go to hell!"
+
+"All right, old top. She is in this house somewhere, and can't get out.
+Somers, look around a bit; try behind those curtains over there."
+
+The officer stepped forward, but at the same instant the draperies
+parted, and two girls stood beside each other in the opening, framed
+against the brighter glare of light beyond--two girls, looking so alike,
+except for dress and the arrangement of their hair, as to be almost
+indistinguishable--Natalie white faced, frightened, gazing with wide-open
+eyes on the strange scene before her; the other smiling, and audacious,
+her glance full of defiance. It was the voice of the latter which broke
+the silence.
+
+"Am I the one you want, Mr. Bob McAdams?" she asked clearly. "Very well,
+I am here."
+
+McAdams stared at them both, gulping in startled surprise at the vision
+confronting him, unable to find words. Then his eyes fixed themselves on
+the face of the speaker.
+
+"What!" he burst forth. "You, Del? Great Scott! your name was Hobart,
+wasn't it? Why I never once connected you two together. Is--is this guy
+your father?"
+
+"I don't know about that," she returned indifferently. "It is a matter of
+argument I believe. However, Bob, what's the odds now? I am the one
+you're after, Mister fly-cop; and here I am."
+
+She walked forward, almost proudly, her eyes shining, and gazing
+fearlessly into his. He stepped back, one hand extended.
+
+"No, Del, this must be a mistake. I--I can't believe it of you, you--you
+are not a crook."
+
+"Oh, yes I am," she insisted, but with a tremor in the low voice.
+"I've never been anything else, Bobby boy--thanks, thanks to that
+thing down there."
+
+Natalie still remained poised uncertainly in the door-way, scarcely
+realizing what was occurring before her; she saw suddenly a familiar
+face, and held out her hands.
+
+"Oh, Matt, what is it?" she cried. "Is--is it all over?"
+
+"Yes, all over, dear; these are police officers."
+
+"And that--that girl? She looks so much like me. Who is she? do
+you know?"
+
+West clasped her hands tightly, his voice sunk to a whisper.
+
+"She is your sister, Natalie," he asserted soberly, "Your twin sister."
+
+Her unbelieving eyes swept to his face.
+
+"My sister; my twin sister? But I had none."
+
+"Yes, but you did," he insisted gently. "You never knew it, but Percival
+Coolidge did. This was his devilish scheme, plotted years ago when you
+were born. Now here is the end of it--the girl is your sister. There is
+no doubt of that."
+
+"No doubt, you say! My sister!" Her head lifted, and there was a flame of
+colour in her cheeks. "My sister!" she repeated, as though she would thus
+make it seem more true. "Then I will go to her, Matthew West."
+
+She loosened the clasp of her fingers and walked forward, unseeing her
+surroundings, her eyes misted with tears. Straight across the room she
+went, her hands outstretched to where the other shrank back from her in
+embarrassment--between them still the gulf which love must bridge.
+
+
+THE END
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's The Case and The Girl, by Randall Parrish
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Case and The Girl, by Randall Parrish
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Case and The Girl
+
+Author: Randall Parrish
+
+Release Date: May 15, 2004 [EBook #12357]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE CASE AND THE GIRL ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Charles Aldarondo, Mary Meehan and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                          THE CASE AND THE GIRL
+
+                           BY RANDALL PARRISH
+
+                                  1922
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+CHAPTER
+
+
+     I THE LADY IN THE LIMOUSINE
+
+    II A SUDDEN ENGAGEMENT
+
+   III THE COOLIDGE HOME
+
+    IV MISS COOLIDGE EXPLAINS
+
+     V WEST WINS THE FIRST HAND
+
+    VI UNTANGLING THREADS
+
+   VII A VISIT TO THE INDIGENT
+
+  VIII A NEW MISS COOLIDGE
+
+    IX AN UNEXPECTED DISMISSAL
+
+     X THE BODY OF A SUICIDE
+
+    XI SUSPICION VERIFIED
+
+   XII AGAINST A STONE WALL
+
+  XIII 238 WRAY STREET
+
+   XIV TRAPPED
+
+    XV THE EDGE OF COMPROMISE
+
+   XVI WEST MAKES HIS CHOICE
+
+  XVII FACING DEATH
+
+ XVIII UNDER COVER
+
+   XIX THE COMING OF A MESSAGE
+
+    XX WHAT THE TELEPHONE TOLD
+
+   XXI THE YACHT "SEMINOLE"
+
+  XXII KIDNAPPED
+
+ XXIII THE FATE OF A PRISONER
+
+  XXIV THE SINKING YACHT
+
+   XXV FREE OF THE YACHT
+
+  XXVI THE COMING OF DAWN
+
+ XXVII LOVE BREAKS SILENCE
+
+XXVIII AN ESCAPE FROM THE RAFT
+
+  XXIX THE HOUSE IN THE BLUFFS
+
+   XXX HOBART FORGETS AND TALKS
+
+  XXXI McADAMS BLOWS IN
+
+ XXXII A BRIDGE OF LOVE
+
+
+
+
+THE CASE AND THE GIRL
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+THE LADY IN THE LIMOUSINE
+
+
+West, still attired in khaki uniform, but wearing the red chevron of
+honourable discharge on his left sleeve, sat in the Club writing room,
+his feet comfortably elevated, endeavouring to extract some entertainment
+from the evening paper. The news was not particularly interesting,
+however, and finally, obsessed with the feeling that it would soon be
+time for him to seriously contemplate the procuring of suitable
+employment, the young man turned the sheet about rather idly, and ran his
+eyes down the columns devoted to classified advertising.
+
+Half way down the first column, under the head of "miscellaneous," he
+paused and read a paragraph with some interest; then read it over again,
+emitting a soft whistle between his teeth.
+
+"Well, by Jove!" he said to himself slowly, "That doesn't sound so bad
+either; out of the ordinary, at least. Say, Thompson," and he turned to
+a tall young fellow busily writing at the adjoining desk, and shoved the
+paper under his eyes, pointing at the paragraph which had attracted
+attention, with one finger, "What do you make out of that, old man?"
+
+The other, rather sober-faced, and slow of speech, read the advertisement
+word by word, with no change of expression.
+
+"Rot," he said solemnly. "Either a joke, or some scheme on. Why?
+interested in it?"
+
+"In a measure, yes. Sounds rather business-like to me. I've got a good
+mind to answer, and take a chance."
+
+"You're a fool if you do, Matt," decisively, and turning back to his
+writing. "That is some game being pulled off, and the first thing you
+know, you'll be in bad. Likely as not it means blackmail. Besides there
+is no address."
+
+"That's one thing I like about it," retorted the other. "They are in
+earnest, and taking no chances of having their purpose guessed at. There
+is a way to reach them, if the one answering is sufficiently in earnest.
+By Jove, I don't see how any one can get in bad, merely by finding out
+what it all means."
+
+"Well, do as you please; you would anyhow. Only you have my advice."
+
+West read the item again. He had been eighteen months in France, and his
+discharge from the army had left him bored and dissatisfied with the dull
+routine of civil life. He dreaded to get back into the harness of a
+prosaic existence; even his profession as a civil engineer had someway
+lost its charm. He had tasted the joy of adventure, the thrill of danger,
+and it was still alluring. This advertisement promised a mystery which
+strangely attracted his imagination.
+
+_"Wanted: Young man of education and daring for service involving some
+personal peril. Good pay, and unusual reward if successful. May have to
+leave city. Purpose disclosed only in personal interview."_
+
+As Thompson had pointed out, this was not signed, nor any address given.
+
+West crossed over to an unoccupied desk, and wrote a reply, changing the
+wording several times, and finally making a clean copy. Thompson glanced
+across at him, but said nothing. The answer read:
+
+_"To Advertiser: Am 26; late captain of Engineers; University graduate
+adventurous disposition. Would be glad to consider your proposition.
+Address, Box 57, University Club."_
+
+He placed this in an envelope, called a Club messenger, and, handing the
+boy a sum of money, sent him over to the newspaper office.
+
+Two days elapsed before an answer appeared in his box; a small envelope,
+addressed in a lady's handwriting apparently, and mailed from one of the
+sub-postoffices. West tore it open rather eagerly, and read the contents
+with surprise. The words within had been written by the same hand which
+appeared upon the envelope, but the language used gave him no clue to the
+purpose of the writer. The brief note read:
+
+"Box 57 University Club.
+
+"Your answer to advertisement makes a good impression, and I am willing
+to put you to the further test of a personal meeting. If you are in
+earnest in this matter, and quite prepared to assume the necessary risk,
+you will be at the north-west corner of Spaulding Park at 5:30 to-morrow
+afternoon. Do not come in uniform, but it will be well to bring evening
+clothes in a bag. Be sure of yourself, and be prompt.
+
+"Very truly yours,
+
+"The Advertiser."
+
+West read this over, again and again, smoking furiously, and endeavouring
+to weigh each word. He saw Thompson in the other room, but decided not to
+submit the epistle to his criticism. The letter sounded honest and
+sincere; the writer evidently had a purpose in view, and was selecting
+an agent with great care and secrecy. No hint as to what that object was
+would be revealed blindly--he must be tried in every way first;
+thoroughly tested as to both character and courage. Undoubtedly steps had
+already been taken to do this. The delay in reply would have afforded
+opportunity for some investigation, as his address would give the
+necessary clue to his identity. The request for evening clothes, however,
+rather reassured him; evidently his first plunge into this mystery was
+not to occur in any stratum of low society; no vast amount of personal
+danger could be involved in such preliminaries. The truth was, the note
+only increased his former interest in the case, and his determination to
+probe more deeply into its mystery. So the advertiser was a woman! This
+fact also stimulated his imagination, and rendered him the more eager. By
+Jove! he would see the thing through!
+
+His decision was reached, yet West, although still young and adventurous,
+had received the rigorous training of the soldier, and learned lessons of
+discretion. He would go, but would make every effort to protect himself
+against any possible treachery. He had a room at the Club, and wrote a
+letter or two before proceeding to dress, arranging for their personal
+delivery in case he failed to return at a designated time; carefully
+examined his service revolver, and deposited it in the pocket of the
+business suit he decided to wear. Satisfied with these arrangements, he
+dressed rapidly, and then packed his bag, bearing it in his hand as he
+departed in ample time for the point of rendezvous. A cab took him to the
+place designated, and he found himself alone in a rather desolate spot,
+with which he was in no way familiar. No doubt he had passed there again
+and again, as a boulevard extended along one side of the small park, yet
+his memory retained no clear recollection of the place. There were a few
+small stores opposite, while the park itself was well kept, and populated
+almost entirely by nursemaids, judging from the number of baby carriages
+trailing along the walks. Back of the curb were a few benches, but West
+chose to remain outside, depositing his bag in plain view of any one
+passing, and then walked back and forth somewhat nervously. He was there
+several minutes ahead of time, and compared his watch by a clock in a
+church tower a block away. He had no knowledge of how he was to be
+approached, or identified, but his being requested to bring a bag
+containing evening clothes, somehow suggested riding, rather than
+walking, and consequently his eyes followed more or less intently the
+constant stream of automobiles.
+
+He grew restless, and more doubtful as the moments slipped past. Surely
+he could not have mistaken the place of appointment or the hour? He
+glanced at the scene to again reassure himself. No, that was impossible;
+the park name was plainly decipherable beside the entrance, and his watch
+coincided exactly with the clock in the tower. He stood beside his bag,
+staring up and down the boulevard, permitting his eyes to occasionally
+wander to the scene within the enclosure. Nothing rewarded his scrutiny.
+Then suddenly, without slightest warning, a black limousine whirled in
+alongside the curb, and came to a stop immediately in front of where he
+waited. The chauffeur, dressed in plain dark livery, stepped out, and
+threw open the rear door, without asking so much as a question. Except
+that the fellow stood there, looking directly toward him, his fingers on
+the latch, expectantly, West would not have known that he was wanted. Yet
+it was all so obvious he could not question. Silently he picked up his
+bag, and stepped forward. He saw no one within, but firm in the belief
+that the chauffeur must have his orders, he entered blindly, the door
+closing instantly behind him. The curtains were drawn, the interior
+gloomy and indistinct, and the driver had resumed his seat, and started
+the motor, before West realized that he was not alone. In one corner of
+the wide back seat, drawn back from any possible observation from
+without, sat a woman.
+
+At first glance he could only barely distinguish the outlines of her
+figure, dimly discernable against the dark background of the upholstery,
+but, as his eyes accustomed themselves to the faint light, her features
+also became dimly visible--enough so, at least, to convince him that she
+was young. Neither spoke for some moments, while the automobile gathered
+speed, and West had an uncomfortable feeling that the lady was watching
+him with great intentness. Slightly embarrassed, and uncertain as to his
+best course of action, the young man remained silent, his eyes on the
+burly back of the chauffeur, revealed through the front glass. He could
+only quietly await her explanation of this strange situation. The delay
+was not a long one. She laughed, nervously perhaps, yet with a sense of
+humour at the awkward position.
+
+"Quite melodramatic, is it not, Captain West?" she asked, in a decidedly
+pleasant voice. "I trust it appeals thoroughly to that disposition for
+adventure of which you wrote. I assure you I have arranged the details
+to the best of my ability."
+
+"Nothing more could be desired, I am sure," he confessed, surprised at
+her tone, and glancing toward her. "I certainly am left completely in the
+dark, unable even to clearly distinguish my mysterious companion in
+adventure."
+
+"And there really is no longer any occasion for such concealment." She
+lifted the heavy curtain beside her, permitting the grey light to rest
+upon her face. "I preferred not to be seen at the park for obvious
+reasons; but here, alone with you, such precaution is quite
+unnecessary. We are to be either friends, or enemies, so frankness is
+the best course."
+
+He saw the face of a young woman of twenty-four, or five, with dark eyes
+and hair, her cheeks flushed with health and excitement, her lips
+smiling. It was a face of unusual attractiveness, not regular, perhaps,
+in any of its features, yet filled with character, and glowing with life.
+It was to him a totally unfamiliar countenance, but one which as
+instantly awakened his interest. He liked the girl, and believed in her.
+
+"I can only thank you," he said, rather lamely. "Although I do not
+understand now how we could ever become enemies. Surely, that is not
+a threat?"
+
+"Oh, no, it is far too true. You have yet to learn what I require. Yet
+that was very nicely said. I take it to mean your first impression of me
+is not unfavourable?"
+
+"Very far from it. I am already deeply interested in my task. If I lacked
+an incentive before, you have furnished it. I am only too glad I was the
+fortunate volunteer."
+
+She laughed again softly, her eyes still on his face.
+
+"Really, I had not anticipated such a sincere compliment. No doubt you
+learned these delightful speeches in France," she answered, a very faint
+tinge of sarcasm in the words. "However, this is a very serious matter,
+Captain West, and really has nothing to do with my personal appearance. I
+am, of course, being a woman, glad that I please you, but we must
+consider this particular affair from an entirely different standpoint. I
+am seeking neither flirtation nor compliment; merely a trustworthy agent.
+First of all, it is necessary that you comprehend this."
+
+He bowed, impressed by her manner, and somewhat ashamed of his
+impetuousity.
+
+"I accept the reproof," he said quietly, "and will endeavour henceforth
+not to offend in any way. I am entirely at your service."
+
+"There is no offence; I merely thought it best there should be no
+misunderstanding. Now, I am sure, we can proceed intelligently. Indeed, I
+am going to frankly confess, I also like your appearance. This mutual
+liking ought to be half the battle. We have quite a ride before us yet;
+you may question me if you wish."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+A SUDDEN ENGAGEMENT
+
+
+West gazed out through the window, wondering where they were. In his
+interest in his companion, he had until this moment, taken no note of
+things without, nor did his eyes rest now upon any familiar scene. They
+were swiftly, and noiselessly, passing blocks of respectable residences,
+none of these particularly distinguished. Her sudden invitation rather
+startled him.
+
+"You mean I am to question you freely."
+
+"Assuredly; while I am to remain quite as free in my answers. That is
+perfectly fair, is it not?"
+
+"At least, it sounds so. Where am I being transported then? And why the
+dress-suit?"
+
+His questions evidently amused, for her eyes sparkled.
+
+"Naturally that query comes first; and especially the dress-suit. You
+have the prejudices of your sex, I see, and without regret. I shall
+endeavour to reply catagorically, yet with reservations. We are going to
+a country home, where we dine, in company with a few guests."
+
+"I see; I am first of all to be projected into society. Are any of these
+guests known to me?"
+
+"God forbid; and I may even venture to predict that you will never care
+to know any of them again. You are to be present as my guest, and will so
+be welcomed."
+
+"I feel the honour; but would it not be well under these circumstances
+for me to know more clearly whose guest I am? Suppose, for instance, I
+had to refer to our long friendship, it would be extremely awkward not to
+even be able to mention your name."
+
+"My name! Why, of course, you do not know what it is. Well, really I am
+not altogether certain that I do either. We will therefore compromise on
+the one I am known by; which will be safer. Allow me, Captain West, to
+present to you Miss Natalie Coolidge."
+
+She held out frankly a neatly gloved hand, which he as instantly took,
+and retained in his own, the girl making no immediate effort to
+withdraw it.
+
+"This is very kind of you, Miss Coolidge," he acknowledged, adapting
+himself to her present mood. "But it seems there is no necessity for me
+to present myself. Apparently my identity is already known."
+
+"Otherwise you would not be among those present," she admitted frankly.
+"You must surely realize that I needed, at least, to have some
+information relative to a man in whom I expected to confide. Telling
+secrets--especially family secrets--to strangers is not my specialty."
+
+"Then, I judge you have not accepted me blindly?"
+
+"No, I have not," earnestly, and now releasing her hand. "I do not think
+we ever really know any one except through personal intercourse; but I do
+know who you are, and something of what your life thus far has been. It
+was two days after I received your answer before I replied to it. This
+time was devoted exclusively to making me somewhat better acquainted with
+my correspondent."
+
+"But how could you? I signed no name."
+
+She smiled, again quite at her ease.
+
+"The box number at the Club was amply sufficient. I have friends there;
+once possessed of your name and army rank, the department records at
+Washington furnished all further information. A Senator kindly attended
+to that end, and was also able to supply a little additional gossip
+through one of his Southern colleagues. So you perceive, Captain, I am
+not altogether reckless. Are you interested in learning what I know?"
+
+"I am; both from records and gossip. Will you tell me?"
+
+"Willingly," and she checked the points off on her gloved fingers. "You
+are Matthew West, the only son of Judge Robert Peel West, of Atlanta,
+Georgia. Your mother, who was of the well-known Bullock family, died when
+you were about fifteen, and her widowed sister has since been the
+house-keeper. You are a graduate of the university of Virginia, being
+fourth in your class in Scholarship. Your engineering course was
+completed in Massachusetts, and you later became connected with the Wyant
+Contracting Company, of Chicago. You were here, however, only a very
+brief time, making but few acquaintances, when the War broke out. You
+immediately entered the first officers' training school at Fort Sheridan,
+graduating with the rank of First Lieutenant, and were assigned to a
+regiment of Engineers, among the earliest to sail for France. While there
+you were wounded twice, and cited once for special gallantry in the
+rescue of a seriously injured private. Your last wound caused your return
+to the United States on a special mission, and also won you the rank of
+Captain. Since then you have been honourably discharged, but have made
+no effort to resume professional work. You are twenty-six, and unmarried.
+Is there anything else you care to know?"
+
+"I think not; really your agency has been most efficient. Could you tell
+me also if I have ever been in love?"
+
+"In love! Really I made no inquiries, as that did not interest me in the
+least. I am prepared to be confessed to, however, if you feel it
+necessary."
+
+"I may have to confess later. Just now it might be better to let matters
+remain as they are. And so this review satisfied you that I was really
+the man you sought?"
+
+"No, it did not wholly satisfy, but it looked promising. You were
+evidently courageous, and a gentleman. These qualities were essential;
+whether in other respects you measured up to my purpose, could only be
+ascertained through a personal interview. There was no other way."
+
+"And now?" he persisted.
+
+"Still encouraging. I must admit, although the test is not yet complete.
+However, we are now approaching the end of our journey. Before we turn in
+I am going to ask a favour of you--call me Natalie."
+
+"Natalie; that will be easy."
+
+"And also forgive me if I fail in always addressing you formally as
+Captain West. I presume your friends say Matt, do they not?"
+
+"Some have that habit."
+
+"Then I claim also the privilege."
+
+She bewildered him, left him in wonderment as to what she would do next,
+but there was scarcely time in which to answer before the speeding
+limousine turned abruptly into a private drive-way, curving gracefully to
+the front of a rather imposing stone mansion, set well back from the
+road. West caught a glimpse of a green lawn, a maze of stables at the
+rear, and a tennis-court with several busily engaged players. Then they
+were at the side entrance, and a servant, in the same unobtrusive livery
+as the chauffeur, was quietly opening the door. He turned and helped his
+companion to emerge.
+
+"Take the gentleman's bag to the Blue Room, Sexton," she said calmly,
+"and then lay out his evening clothes."
+
+"Yes, miss."
+
+"I will be in the hall when you come down, Captain, but there is
+no hurry."
+
+West followed the servant up the softly carpeted stairs, finding the
+apartment assigned him not only extremely comfortable, but even elegant
+in its furnishing. He stood at the window looking down on the tennis
+court, while Sexton opened the bag, and spread out the required
+garments on the bed. Evidently he was in a home of wealth and
+refinement. The grounds outspread before his eyes were spacious and
+attractive; in the distance he even perceived an artificial lake with
+paths winding enticingly along its shore, and through strips of
+woodland. Who could this strange girl be? this Natalie Coolidge? And
+what could she possible desire of him? These questions remained
+unanswered, yet continually tantalized. He could not even grasp her
+personality. In spite of her apparent friendliness, her irresistible
+smile, her lack of conventionality, there remained a certain reserve
+about the young woman he felt quite unable to penetrate. Whatever game
+she was playing she kept the cards securely in her own hands. He was
+not yet admitted to her confidence. He stood there immersed in these
+thoughts still, when Sexton spoke.
+
+"Shall I assist you, sir?"
+
+"No; it will not be necessary. You have laid out everything?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Very well; that will do, at present. What is the hour for dinner?"
+
+"Seven o'clock, sir."
+
+"I have ample time then. That will be all." The man retired noiselessly,
+closing the door after him, and West began slowly to dress, rather amused
+at the care he took, that all details should be as correct as possible.
+Unquestionably the girl interested him oddly. She was original, a new
+type, and he made no effort to drive her from his imagination. He had not
+been long back from the war zone, his acquaintance in the city was
+extremely limited, and consequently this girl, thus suddenly brought into
+his life, had made a far greater impression than she might otherwise. Yet
+under any conditions, she would have proven noticeable, and attractive.
+He endeavoured to analyse what constituted this peculiar attractiveness,
+but without arriving at any definite conclusion. She was young, of
+course, and undeniably pretty, with eyes really remarkable, and a smile
+not to be easily forgotten. She possessed a sense of humour, and had left
+upon him a strong impression of frank sincerity. Yet in these qualities
+she did not differ so greatly from others he had known. Perhaps mystery
+had much to do with her power of enticement--a continual wonderment as to
+what she might do next. Then she was so self-poised, so confident of
+herself, so naturally informed. All these things had their charm, and,
+coupled with her undoubted beauty, left his brain in a whirl.
+
+He was satisfactorily dressed at last, although obliged to switch on the
+lights before this was accomplished. The reflection of himself in the
+pier glass quite met his deliberate approval, and he glanced inquiringly
+at his watch, rather eager to delve deeper into this adventure. It was a
+few moments of seven, and she would undoubtedly be waiting for him in the
+hall below. He descended the broad stairs, conscious of a thrill of
+expectancy; nor was he doomed to disappointment.
+
+Miss Coolidge met him in the dimly lighted vacancy of the hall, with
+smiling eyes of welcome. They were mocking, puzzling eyes, the depths of
+which he could not fathom--they perplexed, and invited at the same
+instant. She was in evening dress, a creamy satin, revealing white
+shoulders, and rounded, beautifully mounded arms, visible beneath folds
+of filmy lace. If he had dreamed the girl attractive before in the
+plainness of street costume, he now beheld her in a new vision of
+loveliness. His heart throbbed at the sight, every nerve tingling to the
+intimate tones of her voice. And she met him in a more delightful mood of
+informality than had found expression even during their afternoon ride.
+She was apparently in the highest spirits, eager to overstep all
+conventionality.
+
+"Again you please me," she said, surveying him critically. "Really this
+is too much, the wonderful way in which you meet every test."
+
+"You mean in clothes?"
+
+"In everything, so far. Clothes--yes; do they not reveal the very soul of
+a man? I hardly think I could ever have forgiven if you had come down not
+looking the part you are to play."
+
+"Nor could I have forgiven myself, if I am to enjoy the pleasure of
+taking you in to dinner."
+
+"That privilege is yours even without the asking. But," quizzically, and
+glancing up frankly into his eyes, "You may not care when the time comes.
+For the great test arrives first. So, buck up, Captain, for you are going
+to have the shock of your life. Whatever you do, even if you feel that
+you are about to faint, don't, for my sake, let your face show it."
+
+"But," he protested, "give me some warning, some opportunity to prepare
+for such an emergency."
+
+"No," she laughed gaily, "there is no time; it is ordained to fall upon
+you like a thunder-bolt. They are all in there waiting for us now. You
+will offer me your arm."
+
+He accompanied her, amused, yet bewildered, through the wide archway into
+the more brilliantly lighted drawing-room. It was a magnificent
+apartment, containing a half dozen people. The one nearest the entrance
+was a man of middle age, exceedingly pompous and dignified, who
+immediately arose to his feet, expectantly. Miss Coolidge cordially
+extended her hand in greeting.
+
+"So glad to learn you could be out, Judge," she said, the least
+perceptible hesitancy in her voice. "Permit me to present Judge Cable, of
+the Supreme Court; Captain West, my fiance."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+THE COOLIDGE HOME
+
+
+For an instant West was absolutely helpless to assert himself. The calm
+assurance of the girl's voice in this unexpected introduction left his
+brain paralysed with bewilderment. Yet his features did not betray his
+condition, nor did he entirely lose control over himself. His fingers met
+the outstretched hand of the Judge, and he seemed to gaze calmly into the
+latter's searching eyes. Fortunately he was not compelled to speak, as
+Cable voiced his own surprise fluently.
+
+"Well, well," he exclaimed. "This is certainly startling, Natalie. I am,
+indeed, bereft of words, yet I congratulate you, sir. Captain--Captain
+West, I think was the name? You are then in the service, sir?"
+
+"Discharged from the Engineers."
+
+"Ah, exactly. I can hardly adjust myself. Friends, come forward. I have
+to make an announcement extraordinary. It seems this sly minx has
+arranged a surprise for all of us. Perchance this was the purpose of our
+little dinner party?"
+
+"Oh, no, Judge," protested Miss Coolidge, her cheeks flushed, yet
+otherwise perfectly cool and self-possessed. West ventured to glance
+aside into her face, surprised at the quietness of her voice. "Really,
+this was unexpected, even to myself. I was not so much as aware that
+Captain West was in the city until a very short time ago. I am sure he
+will bear me out in this statement."
+
+"I could not do otherwise, and be truthful," West felt compelled to
+admit. "The announcement was quite unexpected."
+
+"But what is this all about?" asked a female voice eagerly. "Remember we
+have not heard, Judge Cable."
+
+"It is my pleasure then," he said gallantly, bowing, and at once
+instituting himself as master of ceremonies, "to introduce to you, Miss
+Natalie's fiance, Captain West--Mrs. Lonsdale, Professor Scott, Miss
+Margaret Willis, Colonel LeFranc, Mrs. Wilber Somers. Possibly there may
+be no necessity of my presenting the next gentleman--Mr. Percival
+Coolidge."
+
+"Oh, but there is," the last mentioned interposed, a tall rather portly
+man, with grey hair and moustache, "I must confess this is as much a
+surprise to me as to any one present. However," he grasped West's hand
+with apparent cordiality, "I hasten to add my congratulations, and to
+wish Natalie all the happiness possible."
+
+The group slowly broke up, the members still discussing the undoubted
+surprise of this announcement, Miss Coolidge talking animatedly with Mrs.
+Lonsdale, and seemingly having forgotten West's presence in the room. He
+was utterly unable to even catch her eye, and finally found himself
+confronting Colonel LeFranc and Percival Coolidge, the latter instantly
+engaging him in conversation, evidently seeking more definite
+information.
+
+"This engagement with my niece," he said uneasily, "must have been rather
+sudden? Even your name is quite unfamiliar to me."
+
+"It was, indeed," admitted West, who had now completely recovered
+his nerve, and even begun to enjoy the situation. "Since my return
+from abroad."
+
+"You were with the army in France?"
+
+"In an Engineer Regiment. I have been in America only two weeks."
+
+"Ah, indeed. And this is your home?"
+
+Realizing that the elder Coolidge was diligently searching for
+information, West decided the best method would be a full confession.
+
+"Oh, no," he said candidly, "I am from the South--Atlanta, Georgia. My
+father is a District Judge, Robert Peel West, quite widely known, and my
+mother belonged to the Bullock family. I am a graduate of the University
+of Virginia, and also of the Massachusetts Polytechnic. Before the war I
+was connected for a short time, with a well-known firm of Engineers in
+this city, but, since my return, I have not resumed professional work.
+Having been wounded in France, I have felt entitled to a little rest
+after my return."
+
+"Quite interesting, I am sure," Coolidge turned to the Colonel. "You are
+Southern also, I believe?"
+
+"Very much so," was the quick response. "And I chance to know the name
+of Judge West rather well. I congratulate your niece on her choice of a
+life companion. There is no better blood in Georgia. I would be very
+pleased to hear more of your father, Captain West. I have not met him
+for several years."
+
+West, by this time, thoroughly impressed with the spirit of the occasion,
+passed the ensuing evening rather pleasantly, although obliged to be
+always on his guard against any incautious remark, and keenly interested
+in all that was occurring about him. He found the company rather pleasant
+and entertaining, although not quite able to gauge the real feelings of
+Mr. Percival Coolidge, who he imagined was not altogether satisfied with
+the state of affairs just revealed. The gentleman was outwardly cordial
+enough, yet his manner continued distinctively reserved, and somewhat
+cold. West, however, attributed this largely to the nature of the man,
+and finally dismissed the thought from his mind altogether. The person
+who continued to puzzle him most was Natalie Coolidge, nor was he able to
+approach her in any way so as to obtain a whispered private word of
+guidance. The girl unquestionably avoided him, easily able to accomplish
+this by devoting her entire attention to the other guests.
+
+She appeared in excellent humour, and there was laughter, and brilliant
+conversation wherever she paused, but not once could he encounter her
+glance, or find her for a moment alone. Nor dare he ask questions of
+those he conversed with, so as to gain any fresh insight into this
+mystery. He ventured upon thin ice once or twice most carefully, but the
+information obtained was infinitesimal, although it bore to some extent
+on the problem confronting him. The Colonel innocently lifted the veil
+slightly, permitting him to learn that this was a week-end party, and
+that Miss Coolidge was the mistress of the place, her parents having been
+dead for two years. Percival Coolidge, her father's brother, and a
+manufacturer in the city, was her guardian, and the affairs of the estate
+were not yet entirely liquidated. West drew the impression that Colonel
+LeFranc possessed a rather low opinion of the uncle, although he was
+careful to choose his words. Beyond this he apparently knew nothing of
+the family history, which he felt at liberty to communicate. As West had
+a delicacy in asking questions, the subject was pursued no further.
+
+He was assigned to escort Miss Willis, a tall willowy blonde, and quite
+talkative, in to dinner, but her conversation ran largely to the
+theatrical offerings in town, and he found it impossible to change her
+trend of thought into other channels. The hostess sat nearly opposite,
+where she could easily overhear the young lady, whose voice was decidedly
+penetrating, so West made no serious attempt to be otherwise than
+complacent. Once the smiling Natalie appealed to him, familiarly
+calling him "Matt" across the table, and he responded with equal
+intimacy, yet her eyes avoided his, and it was plainly evident to his
+self-consciousness, that her remark was merely part of the play. More
+and more her actions mystified and perplexed; he could not discover the
+key to her hidden motive, or guess at her purpose in this masquerade.
+Nothing remained but for him to go quietly forward, playing the part
+assigned. He had pledged himself blindly to her, and could only wait for
+the future to reveal the object of it all. Sometime he would succeed in
+getting the girl alone once more, and then he would compel a full
+confession.
+
+But this was not destined to take place that evening. She coolly and
+deliberately defeated every effort he made to get her alone, and yet this
+was accomplished in a manner so as not to attract the attention of
+others. Even Percival Coolidge, who, West felt, was watching them both
+shrewdly, never suspected the quiet game of hide and seek being played
+under his very eyes. Nevertheless, it was this growing suspicion of the
+man which prevented West from indulging in more rigorous methods. As the
+evening progressed he became almost convinced that her principal object
+was to deceive this gentleman; that she really cared nothing for what the
+others might think, or say. And she did her part to perfection, being
+with West often, although never alone, speaking to him intimately, and
+requesting of him little acts of service most natural under the
+circumstances. He played opposite her in a fourhanded game of bridge; he
+turned the leaves of her music when she sang, and her arm rested within
+his as they all stood on the porch watching the moon rise. It was all a
+masterpiece of acting, so exceedingly well done, as to finally convince
+the young man that she was greatly in earnest as to its success. She
+desired Percival Coolidge to have no lingering doubt of her engagement.
+And, finding all opportunity of explanation denied him, he yielded to the
+inevitable, and, for the evening at least, silently accepted his fate.
+
+Nor did circumstances favour him when the company finally broke up, and
+retired for the night. He had thought this moment might be propitious,
+but she calmly outgeneraled him again, suddenly bidding the men remain
+and smoke as long as they pleased, and, disappearing herself up the
+stairway with Miss Willis, without so much as a glance backward,
+indicative of any lingering interest. West, convinced that her retirement
+was final, and early wearying of the rather drowsy conversation about
+him, soon sought his own room. It was eleven o'clock of a bright,
+moonlight night, and, feeling in no degree sleepy, West seated himself
+at the window to finish his cigar. He heard the others pass along the
+hall on their way to the rooms assigned them, and finally all became
+quiet, even the servants apparently having retired. Outside was likewise
+noiseless, the moon revealing the scene almost as clearly as though it
+was day, yet leaving weird shadows to confuse the eye. Occasionally a
+belated motor car passed along the road, invisible because of the trees.
+Again and again his mind reviewed the strange events of the evening,
+unable to arrive at any definite conclusion. The harder he sought to
+delve into the mystery, the more obscure it became. The young woman
+herself thoroughly baffled him. If this was merely a test, it was
+certainly a most unusual one, and he hoped he had met the requirements to
+her entire satisfaction. He already frankly acknowledged to himself, at
+least, that she had become of personal interest to him. He fell a
+peculiar desire to be of service; but this desire was now permeated with
+a firm determination to know the whole truth. He would no longer remain
+ignorant of her object, for what purpose he was being used. She must
+trust him, and tell him frankly, if he was to continue to play a part. He
+would know whether this was tragedy or comedy, first of all.
+
+He had, indeed, reached some conclusions already. These might not be
+correct, yet they were already implanted in his mind. The guests of the
+night were mere puppets, having no real connection with the game being
+played, utterly ignorant of what was going on behind the scenes. The only
+one present having any real part was Percival Coolidge, and West had
+taken an instinctive dislike to this man. Moreover, he had some reason to
+believe this feeling was warmly reciprocated; that the latter already
+suspected and watched him. Only one explanation flashed into his mind to
+account for Miss Coolidge's unexpected announcement of an engagement
+between them--this would excuse any future intimacy; would enable them to
+meet alone freely without arousing comment. She had deliberately chosen
+this course to disarm suspicion, and had failed to warn him in advance
+that she might test his nerve and discretion. This appealed to him as the
+most reasonable explanation of the situation. But beyond this vague
+guess, it was impossible to delve. He possessed no facts, no knowledge;
+he could only keep faith in her, and wait the time of explanation.
+
+Tired by the uselessness of such thinking West finally sought the bed,
+and must have slept, although scarcely aware that he had closed his eyes.
+
+Some slight noise aroused him. The door leading into the hall, which he
+had failed to lock, stood partially ajar, and his eyes caught the vague
+glimpse of a figure gliding swiftly through the opening. With one bound
+he was upon his feet, springing recklessly forward. The hall was dark,
+but for a patch of moonlight at the further end. Against this he caught
+an instant, flitting glimpse of the intruder. It was a woman, yet even
+as his eyes told him this, she seemed to vanish into thin air--the hall
+was empty.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+MISS COOLIDGE EXPLAINS
+
+
+Vague and indistinct as was that fleeting vision in the moonlight, West
+felt no doubt as to the identity of his visitor--the woman was Natalie
+Coolidge. His one glimpse of her vanishing figure assured him of this
+fact, and he drew back instantly, unwilling to follow. Where she had gone
+he neither knew, nor cared. She had come to his room secretly, supposing
+him asleep, and this surprising knowledge dominated his mind. What could
+such an act mean? This was certainly a home of respectability, of wealth.
+The guests being entertained were evidence of that; yet this secret
+entrance into his private apartment at such an hour suggested theft, or
+even some more desperate crime. There was mystery here, at least, a
+mystery beyond his power of discernment. However, this recognition rather
+hardened him to his task, than otherwise. He had been forced into the
+strange environment, and now meant to penetrate its every secret.
+
+This time he locked the outer door carefully, and lay down on the bed,
+wondering if there would be any further developments. As he attempted to
+think, he was listening eagerly for the slightest sound of movement in
+the hall. There were none; the transom stood partially open, but no noise
+reached his ears from the outside; clearly enough the night prowler,
+assured that he was still awake, had decided to make no further effort.
+Doubtless she believed her escape had been unseen, or, at least, that she
+had remained unrecognized in the gloom, and would now resort to some
+entirely different method for achieving her end, whatever it could be. He
+could only wait, and watch for the next move. Perhaps the morning would
+bring full explanation. With this conception in his mind, his head sought
+the pillow, and he lapsed into unconsciousness.
+
+The long training of army service caused West to awaken early, while the
+house was yet quiet, but with the dawn already red in the East. He
+crossed to the window, and looked out. It was a beautiful morning, the
+green lawn yet sparkling with dew; the estate was evidently a fine one,
+quite extensive and carefully attended to. To the right of the tennis
+court was a well arranged flower garden, criss-crossed by white paths, an
+ornate summer-house in its centre, completely concealed by vines. Beyond
+this, conspicuous against the green back-ground, West caught the flutter
+of a white skirt, realizing instantly that, early as the hour was,
+Natalie Coolidge was already up and about. He wondered if her presence
+might not be an invitation for him? Perhaps she had deliberately chosen
+this early hour, before the others awoke, to explain her strange conduct
+of the previous evening? At least, here was an opportunity to see and
+talk with her alone.
+
+He dressed swiftly, and slipped noiselessly down-stairs, unlocking the
+front door, and emerging into the fresh air, without encountering any
+stray members of the household. Not even a servant was visible. He passed
+beyond the vine draped arbour before she realized his approach, and
+straightened up, a freshly cut rose in one gloved hand, the pruning
+shears in the other, welcoming him with a little laugh, her eyes full of
+demure mischief.
+
+"I rather suspected army discipline had not entirely worn off," she said
+pleasantly, "and that you might still prove to be an early riser."
+
+"And does this expectation account for your presence?"
+
+"Not wholly; it has become a habit with me. I am always the first one
+out in the morning, and it will be an hour yet before breakfast is
+served. However, I promised to be very frank with you, did I not? Then I
+will begin now; this morning I really hoped I might see you for a moment
+before the others were stirring--we have so much to talk about."
+
+"It certainly seems so to me," he responded honestly, yet not greatly
+encouraged by the amusement in her eyes. "The night has been full of
+surprises."
+
+"During which you bore yourself exceedingly well. I have always read of
+the initiative of the American soldier, Captain, and in this case, you
+met my every expectation."
+
+"Then I have passed the test?"
+
+She hesitated, her eyes seeking his, and then falling before his gaze.
+
+"Yes," she acknowledged slowly, "I can scarcely say anything else now;
+the--the affair has progressed so far already there is nothing to do but
+go on with it."
+
+"Yet I remain wholly in the dark," he protested.. "Surely you cannot
+expect real service when given so blindly?"
+
+"No, I do not. I mean to trust you fully. It is the only way; but do you
+still truly wish to serve?"
+
+"I am enlisted in the cause without reserve," he insisted warmly. "While
+I learned but little last evening, that little was enough to convince me
+there is something strange under the surface. Your calling me to your
+assistance is no joke--you actually need me."
+
+"I need some one on whose judgment and courage I can rely," she
+answered earnestly, "and I believe now that you are the one. It is
+rather an odd situation, Captain West, but the circumstances surely
+justify my action. Perhaps I shall have time to partly explain now. Let
+us slip into the concealment of this summer-house; no one can approach
+without being seen."
+
+It was dark and cool under the shadow of the vines, but, for a moment
+after they were seated, neither spoke. West waited expectantly for his
+companion to break the silence, and she seemingly found it difficult to
+begin her story. The flush deepened on her cheeks, and her lips parted.
+
+"It really seems so ridiculous," she explained at last desperately.
+"Almost like a dream of fancy, and I hardly know how to put the situation
+into words. If I were ten years younger I would almost be convinced
+myself that it was all imaginary, yet everything I tell you is true. I
+wonder if you will believe me?"
+
+"Do not question that. I realize fully your earnestness."
+
+"Yet I am going to test your credulity, just the same. But it would be
+very foolish to venture as far as I have already, and then fail to go on.
+So I'll tell you just what I know, and--and then leave it there. That
+will be the best way. Those people you met last evening have nothing to
+do with the story--none of them, at least, unless it may possibly be
+Percival Coolidge. I am rather afraid of him; I always have been. I
+believe he knows what all this trouble means, but I do not dare go
+and talk with him about it. That is really what is the matter, I
+suppose--there is no one I can talk to; they would only laugh at me. If
+you do, I shall never forgive you."
+
+"I am not at all so inclined. Tell me the story from the very beginning."
+
+"Yes, I will. My father was Steven Coolidge, and was very wealthy. He did
+not marry until late in life, and, I have reason to believe it was a
+great disappointment to his brother Percival that a child was born.
+Perhaps I ought not to make such a statement, but much has occurred to
+impress me with his dislike--"
+
+"He is your guardian?"
+
+"Yes; you learned that last night?"
+
+"From the Colonel; he seemed to enjoy talking, and naturally, I was
+curious. Has Percival Coolidge wealth of his own?"
+
+"Only what my father left him, which was a considerable sum, and a
+limited interest in the business. He was very much dissatisfied with his
+share. Originally he was one of the two trustees in charge of the estate,
+but the other died, leaving him entirely in control. Before I was born he
+had confidently expected to inherit everything."
+
+"The estate then is not settled?"
+
+"Not until I am twenty-five; within a few days now."
+
+"And your mother?"
+
+"She died at my birth."
+
+West leaned forward eagerly. "It is the estate then that troubles you?"
+he asked swiftly. "You imagine it has wasted?"
+
+"No, not at all. They tell me it has increased in value. My father's
+lawyer assures me as to this. Percival Coolidge is a good business man,
+but something strange is going on behind the scenes. I cannot talk with
+the lawyer about it; I can scarcely be sure myself. I--I am simply up
+against a mystery I am unable to solve. Everywhere I turn I run into a
+blank wall."
+
+"But I do not understand."
+
+"How could you expect to, when it is so utterly obscure to me? I seem to
+be fighting against a ghost."
+
+"A ghost!"
+
+"Yes; now don't laugh at me! Do you suppose I would ever have done
+anything as reckless as advertising for help if I had not been actually
+desperate? Can you imagine a respectable girl performing so ridiculous an
+act, as putting her whole trust in a stranger, inviting him to her home,
+introducing him as her promised husband to her relatives and friends?
+Why, it almost proves me crazed, and, in a measure, I think I must be.
+But it is because I have exhausted all ordinary methods. I do not seem to
+be opposing anything of flesh and blood; I am fighting against shadows. I
+cannot even explain my predicament to another."
+
+"You must try," he insisted firmly, affected by her evident distress. "I
+must be told everything if I am to be of any value. A half way confidence
+can accomplish nothing."
+
+"But it sounds so foolish; I am being haunted! I know that, yet that is
+all I do know."
+
+"Haunted, in what way?"
+
+"I do not even know that; but by a woman, I think--a woman who must
+strangely resemble me. She pretends to be me--to my friends, to my
+servants, at my bank. I never see the creature, but I hear of her from
+others. She has actually drawn checks in my name, imitating my signature,
+and having them cashed by clerks who know me well. She has given orders
+to my servants, and they protest that I gave them. She meets and talks
+with my friends in places where I never go. I am sure she has actually
+been in this house, and ridden in my car undiscovered. I am constantly
+reported as being seen at restaurants and hotels where I have not been,
+and with parties I do not know. This has been going on for a month now. I
+am unable to prove her an imposter, even to identify her. I have
+endeavoured to discuss the situation with a few people, but they only
+laugh at the strange idea. No one will listen to me seriously. My lawyer
+actually believes I am demented."
+
+"And you conceived the thought that perhaps a total stranger might prove
+more sympathetic?"
+
+"Yes," she admitted. "If he was young and adventurous; provided I
+interested him at all. It would seem to offer me a chance; and then, if
+unknown to the party impersonating me, such a one might learn the truth
+unsuspected. Do you believe me, Captain?"
+
+"I have no reason to doubt what you say. What you describe is not
+impossible, and there surely must be an adequate explanation for it. I
+mean to do my very best to uncover the mystery. You have these
+fraudulent checks?"
+
+"Yes; one was returned to me only yesterday."
+
+"I shall want them, together with one you drew yourself. Also the names
+of the servants who have apparently been approached by this person, and
+the circumstances."
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"You do not mind if I ask you one or two rather direct personal
+questions?"
+
+"Assuredly not."
+
+"What caused you to announce our engagement?"
+
+She laughed, but from sudden embarrassment.
+
+"It was silly, wasn't it! Really I do not exactly know; a sudden impulse,
+and the words were spoken. It occurred to me that our intimacy could be
+accounted for in no other way."
+
+"So I supposed. Well, there is no harm done, but now, you understand, we
+must play out the game."
+
+"Play it out?"
+
+"Surely; act natural, permit no suspicion to be aroused. Even if I should
+feel impelled by duty, to kiss you, it is my privilege."
+
+"Why--why, you cannot mean that!"
+
+"Oh, but I do. This is no threat that I shall insist on carrying the
+matter to such an extreme, yet I must insist on the right if it becomes
+necessary. You would scarcely dare refuse, would you?"
+
+"No," she confessed, her eyes suddenly meeting his, "I--I suppose not;
+but--but is it necessary to discuss that now?"
+
+"Perhaps not, only I must know. You will play the game?"
+
+Her eyes fell, the breath pulsing between her lips.
+
+"I am not afraid," she said rather proudly. "Yes, I will play the game."
+
+"Good! I knew you would. And now for the second question; why did you
+come to my room last night?"
+
+She stared at him incredulously, the flush fading from her cheeks.
+
+"Your room! I come to your room! Assuredly no; what can you mean?"
+
+"Then it must be that I have already encountered the ghost," he declared
+smilingly. "For the very counterpart of you certainly visited me. I had a
+clear view of her in the moon-light, but she vanished down the hall. I
+would have sworn she was you."
+
+"A woman?"
+
+"Absolutely a woman; flesh and blood, no doubt as to that."
+
+"When was this?"
+
+"After midnight."
+
+"It was not I, Captain West; please believe that--but hush; there comes
+Percival Coolidge!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+WEST WINS THE FIRST HAND
+
+
+The newcomer stood at the edge of the front steps, and paused long enough
+to light a cigarette before descending. His features were as clear cut as
+though done in marble, and about as expressive. To all outward
+appearances, the man was cold, emotionless, selfish egotism written on
+every feature. For the first time, in the glare of the bright morning
+light, West took stock of the fellow, and realized his true nature.
+Instinctively he felt that here was the particular antagonist he was to
+be pitted against. Whatever might be the truth as to a strange woman,
+this man must be the controlling factor in any conspiracy. His companion
+must have sensed the same fact, for she swiftly drew back beneath the
+shadow of the vines.
+
+"You meet him," she whispered, "alone. I would rather he did not find us
+together."
+
+"But can you escape unseen?"
+
+"Yes, under cover of the hedge. But be very careful what you say."
+
+She had vanished before he could interpose, slipping away so noiselessly,
+he was scarcely aware of her swift action. His eyes followed the more
+deliberate movements of the man, who slowly descended the broad steps,
+pausing when once on the gravelled walk to glance curiously back at the
+house. West thought his interest centred on the open window of the room
+he had occupied, but this was merely a conjecture, for the delay was but
+for a moment; shortly after Coolidge strolled on directly toward the
+summer-house, the blue smoke of the cigarette marking his progress. West
+stepped carelessly forth from the concealment of the vines, watchful for
+any change of expression on the face of the other. There was none, not
+even a look of surprise, or a tightening of the lip.
+
+"Ah! Captain," he said easily, tossing his stub aside, and drawing forth
+his case for another. "Glorious air this morning; the advantage of early
+rising; you indulge, I presume?"
+
+"An army habit, I mean to do away with later. Thanks. I suppose breakfast
+is not ready?"
+
+"Hardly yet," glancing about inquiringly. "My niece is usually out here
+at this hour, which accounts for my venturing forth. She is not here?"
+
+"Not now, although there are evidences that she has been," indicating
+the gloves and pruning shears visible beside the walk. "We must have
+arrived too late."
+
+"So it seems. You came with the same purpose, no doubt?"
+
+"If you mean the hope of encountering Natalie, your guess is correct. She
+would not give me a word last night, and has even overturned my plans
+this morning. Does she play hide and seek with you also?"
+
+"Does she! One never knows what she will do. But this last escapade is
+the strangest of all."
+
+"You refer to our engagement?"
+
+"Assuredly; I had no warning, no conception of such a thing."
+
+"Do you mean, sir, that she had never consulted you? never even mentioned
+me to you before?"
+
+"Exactly. You are aware of who I am, I presume? the position I hold
+relative to her property?"
+
+"Certainly; you are her uncle and guardian. Under the terms of the will
+you remain in full control until she is twenty-five, now almost at hand,
+except for an annual income payable to her monthly. Is not that the
+situation?"
+
+"You have apparently made very careful inquiry," he commented with a
+perceptible sneer. "No doubt this was a matter of deep interest to you."
+
+"Of some interest, I confess," acknowledged West, controlling his temper.
+"Although my information has not come from inquiry. Miss Natalie was kind
+enough to talk to me about her affairs, presupposing my interest in them.
+However, I assure you, I have no personal ambition along this line."
+
+"Indeed; not fortune-hunting then?"
+
+"Far from it," good humouredly, but keenly aware that he was touching
+Coolidge. "My family is far from poverty stricken, and I have a very good
+profession. It is quite right you should know this."
+
+"What profession, may I ask?"
+
+"Civil Engineer."
+
+"But not established, I imagine?"
+
+"I had very good connections before the war. Since returning from France,
+I have made no effort to renew these, or seek others. I, of course,
+expect to do so later, and shall be in no way dependent upon Miss
+Coolidge's fortune."
+
+"Although quite willing to share it, I presume?"
+
+"I think you have insinuated that often enough," returned West, at last
+fully aroused by the insolent words and manner of the other. "Perhaps it
+may be well for us to have a plain understanding without further delay,
+Mr. Percival Coolidge. My engagement to Miss Natalie may be sudden and
+unexpected--perhaps not altogether pleasant from your standpoint--yet it
+hardly warrants you in thus attributing to me mercenary motives. As a
+matter of fact, I was not aware until last evening that she was an
+heiress to considerable property. I knew nothing of her relationships. I
+will say, however, that now I feel perfectly justified in showing an
+interest in her affairs. As I understand matters, you are her guardian
+under the special provisions of your brother's will?"
+
+"You are perfectly right, sir, and I should have been consulted previous
+to this engagement." Coolidge said with dignity. "Even now it is subject
+to my approval."
+
+"I think not. Your guardianship was merely a special provision of the
+will, with reference to the estate. So I understand, at least. At
+twenty-one, she became mistress of her own personal affairs, and no
+longer needed to consult you."
+
+"I controlled her income."
+
+"Only the surplus; a certain sum was to be paid her each month until she
+was twenty-five; then the entire estate came into her possession. Beyond
+this you exercised no legal authority."
+
+"You seem well posted."
+
+"The lady herself informed me as to these facts."
+
+"Since yesterday?"
+
+"Yes, since yesterday."
+
+"Where, may I ask?"
+
+"In the summer-house here, a few moments ago."
+
+Coolidge gave utterance to an oath, which burst from his lips before it
+could be wholly restrained.
+
+"Damn you! just what is your game?" he exclaimed roughly, forgetting his
+pose. "Are you trying to get your nose into my affairs?"
+
+"Most certainly not," returned West coolly, yet facing the other with a
+steady eye. "I can have no possible interest in your affairs. But I may
+be led to investigate those of Miss Coolidge, if she should so request.
+It seems she possesses no one to represent her at present--not even the
+family lawyer."
+
+"What do you imply by that remark?"
+
+"That she has gone to you, and to the attorney, who represents the
+estate, relative to some very strange occurrences of late, only to be
+laughed at. No effort has been made to relieve her anxiety."
+
+"You mean that fool story about some one else pretending to be her?"
+
+"It cannot altogether be a fool story when this mysterious party passes
+forged checks at the bank."
+
+"There was only one; that means nothing; the girl isn't using good sense.
+So this is the stuff she is filling you up with? And you propose
+investigating her wild imaginings, hey? By Gad, you are going to have an
+interesting time."
+
+"I hope so; at least I am hoping to discover some truth."
+
+"Good. I wish you well," and his tone was one of decided relief. "Your
+adventures ought to prove quite amusing."
+
+Coolidge laughed heartily, the whole affair apparently taking on a new
+aspect, now that he felt he comprehended the real purpose of the other.
+
+"Oh, by the way, West, you must pardon me if I send Sexton into your room
+for a valise I left there. You see I occupied that suite until you came."
+
+"Oh, indeed," surprised, "I noticed no other grip there."
+
+"It is in the closet. That has always been my room whenever I visit
+here. I do not know why Natalie decided to change me this time--naturally
+wished to reserve the best for you, I presume."
+
+"Very kind of her, I am sure. There is Sexton now."
+
+"Which means breakfast is served. Shall we go in?"
+
+The two men walked slowly up the gravelled path, leading to the side
+door. West's thoughts were busy with this new discovery. Had he
+inadvertently stumbled upon a clue? So he had occupied the room usually
+reserved for Percival Coolidge. Perhaps here was the explanation of the
+coming of his strange visitor. If so, then it was already clearly evident
+that whatever the plot might be, this fellow had a hand in it. West
+glanced aside at the face of his unconscious companion, deciding quickly
+to venture a chance shot.
+
+"Were you expecting a caller last night?" he asked calmly.
+
+Coolidge wheeled about, startled out of his self-control.
+
+"A caller! Of course not. What put that in your head?"
+
+"Because I had one, in that room you say you always occupied. The
+visitor vanished as soon as I was seen, and the thought occurred to me
+just now that you might have been the one sought."
+
+"Perfectly absurd, West. You must have had a night-mare. What did she
+look like?"
+
+"Oh, I only had a glimpse in the moon-light; resembled a ghost more than
+anything else."
+
+"And just about what it was," with a laugh of relief. "Some dream you
+better forget about. Come along; they are waiting on us."
+
+They passed up the steps together; and into the pleasant breakfast room,
+where the remainder of the company were already gathered. Coolidge was
+again perfectly at his ease, genially greeting the guests, and had
+apparently already dismissed the incident from his mind. Evidently even
+West did not consider it of any serious importance; he had clearly enough
+not recognized the intruder, and either decided the whole affair a freak
+of imagination, or else, at the worst, some midnight escapade of a
+servant. But West's mind had in reality settled on a point which Coolidge
+overlooked. He had gained the very information desired. He had carefully
+refrained from even suggesting the sex of his mysterious visitor.
+Percival Coolidge knew, without being told, that the caller was a woman.
+Then he also knew who that woman was.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+UNTANGLING THREADS
+
+
+The morning meal proved delightfully informal, Natalie gracefully
+presiding, and apparently in the highest spirits. West found his place
+reserved on her right with Miss Willis next, and, between the two, was
+kept extremely busy. The Colonel sat directly across the table, with
+Percival Coolidge just beyond the hostess. No intimation of anything
+wrong burdened those present, the single servant silently performing his
+duties to the constant laughing chatter of those about the table. Even
+Coolidge, somewhat distant at first, yielded finally to the prevailing
+humour, and joined freely in the conversation. This turned at last to the
+plans for the day, revealing a variety of desires, which Natalie arranged
+to gratify. The Colonel and two of the ladies expressed an inclination to
+attend church, the limousine being offered them for the purpose. Others
+decided on a match with the racquets, while Coolidge, rather to the
+surprise of the lady, suggested that Natalie accompany him into the city
+on a special errand of mercy. At first, amid the ceaseless clatter of
+tongues, West was unable to grasp the nature of his plea, or her reply,
+but finally overheard enough to arouse his personal interest, especially
+when his own name was mentioned in the discussion.
+
+"I was not aware you ever concerned yourself in such matters," she said
+soberly. "Is this a particular case?"
+
+"Decidedly so; the man before he died, was in my employ, but I did not
+learn until late yesterday of the condition in which his family was left.
+I understand something must be done for them at once. You are always
+interested in such cases, so I supposed you would accompany me gladly. It
+is extremely disagreeable duty for me."
+
+"It must be attended to today?"
+
+"The case is very urgent I am told."
+
+"But how can I leave my guests--especially Captain West?"
+
+West leaned forward.
+
+"Do not hesitate on my account. I can easily amuse myself; or, if there
+is room, and it is not disagreeable to Mr. Coolidge, I might enjoy being
+of the party."
+
+"Why, of course," she coincided eagerly. "Why couldn't he come along?
+There will be plenty of room if I operate the car. It is a case of
+destitution of which Uncle Percival has just learned--a widow and three
+children actually suffering. Surely it can do no harm for Captain West to
+accompany us?"
+
+Coolidge exhibited no enthusiasm over the proposition; indeed West felt
+his response almost discourteous, yet this very suspicion aroused his
+own desire to make one of the party. The fellow evidently disliked him
+instinctively, and would exert every influence possible to discredit
+him in the eyes of Natalie. The suggestion even came that this sudden
+call to charity might prove only an effort on Coolidge's part to get
+the girl alone where she could be plainly talked to. The man was not
+pleased with this new proposal, that was evident enough; but the niece
+unquestionably desired him to accept the invitation. Not only her lips,
+but equally her eyes, pressed the matter, and West experienced no
+hesitancy in saying yes.
+
+"Why, of course I will go," he returned heartily, "and I will be ready
+whenever you are."
+
+"About half an hour then."
+
+He retired to the room upstairs, partly for the purpose of exchanging
+his coat, but also half tempted to make a hasty examination of the
+valise which Coolidge had thoughtlessly left overnight in the closet.
+The conception had already taken strong hold on his mind that his
+visitor of the evening before had been the mysterious impersonator of
+Natalie Coolidge; and that she had come there with some deliberate
+purpose--no-doubt a secret conference with Percival. If her resemblance
+to the mistress of the house was as remarkable as he had been led to
+believe, her entrance to the place would be comparatively easy of
+accomplishment, and the danger of discovery correspondingly small. It
+never occurred to him to question Natalie's story. To be sure there were
+details he found it difficult to fully accept as true, but the girl
+certainly believed all she had told him. She denied earnestly having
+been the one invading his room, and he believed her implicitly; yet the
+person who had visited him was so closely her image as to make it still
+seem almost an impossibility that she could be a separate individual.
+Nothing less than Natalie's own word would have brought conviction. And
+this person had supposed she was visiting the apartment occupied by
+Percival Coolidge. This was the only satisfactory explanation of her
+presence there; whether she came that night for the first time, or as a
+supplement to other similar visits, it was unquestionably Coolidge
+whom she sought.
+
+For what purpose? To West's mind only one object appeared probable. The
+man was too far advanced in life--certainly much above sixty from his
+appearance--to be involved in a love affair with so young and attractive
+a woman. Moreover in such a case she would scarcely seek him out here in
+this private home, where he was merely a transient guest; he would never
+venture to use a place like this as a rendezvous. That was unthinkable.
+Some other purpose, demanding immediate attention, must furnish the
+reason for her venturing to enter this house at such an hour, and coming
+directly to the room where she supposed Coolidge to be sleeping. To
+West's mind there could be but one answer. The two were mutually involved
+in a conspiracy of some nature, undoubtedly connected with the
+approaching settlement of the Coolidge estate. This girl, so strangely
+resembling Natalie, had in some way been discovered by the scheming
+guardian, who was now using her for his own selfish ends. The plot had
+been carefully perfected, and the time must now be near for execution.
+This girl had been selected, and trained to act a part--the part of
+Natalie Coolidge. Her ability to deceive had been tested in various
+ways. Now the moment approached when they were ready to play out the real
+game. Yet the nature of that game was in no way apparent. He could only
+keep quiet, and wait for some further development, even appear
+indifferent, while he secretly watched every suspicious movement of
+Percival Coolidge.
+
+It was not at all probable the satchel contained any incriminating
+evidence, yet the temptation was strong to obtain, if possible, a hasty
+glance at the contents. But for this he was already too late, scarcely
+reaching the room indeed, before Sexton appeared, announcing his mission.
+West, perched on the arm of a chair, smoking, and watched the man bring
+forth the valise, and start toward the door.
+
+"Coolidge tells me he usually occupied this room," he ventured curiously,
+"How did it happen I was put in here?"
+
+Sexton paused, and faced about respectfully.
+
+"It was upon orders from Miss Natalie, sir. But she did not mention the
+change in time to remove the bag. The truth is, I forgot, sir, that it
+was here."
+
+"Oh, I see; this is not the grip he usually travels with then?"
+
+"No, sir; this was sent down in advance, sir. Mr. Percival Coolidge is
+here quite frequently."
+
+"Naturally. As I understand he has no home of his own?"
+
+"No, sir; he was never married, sir. In the city he stops at one of
+the big hotels. Of late he quite frequently spends the end of the week
+out here, sir. Of course he is deeply interested in the prosperity of
+the estate."
+
+"As the guardian of Miss Natalie, you mean?"
+
+"Just so, sir."
+
+"How long have you been here, Sexton?"
+
+"Sixteen years, sir."
+
+"You knew Miss Natalie's father then, and must enjoy the place to
+remain so long?"
+
+"It has been very pleasant, sir, until the last month or so,"
+regretfully, yet evidently glad of the opportunity to talk, lingering
+with one hand on the knob of the door. "Since then things haven't been
+just the same."
+
+"In what way?"
+
+"Well, I don't exactly know, sir. Miss Natalie seems to change her mind,
+an' we never can please her. That's the trouble mostly. Last night I
+waited up until you all went to bed, an' then locked the house, the way
+she told me to. But that didn't suit her at all, for she stopped me on
+the stairs, an' made me go back an' leave the side door unlocked--just
+said she'd attend to that herself."
+
+"Miss Natalie told you? You are sure, Sexton?"
+
+"Oh, it was her, sir; there was a light burning in the hall, an' she was
+all dressed up as though she was goin' out. 'Taint the first time,
+either. I ain't got no right to say anything, but it puzzles me what she
+wants to go out for at that time o' night. And I thought maybe I ought to
+speak to Mr. Percival Coolidge about it."
+
+"No. I wouldn't, Sexton," said West quietly. "It would likely enough only
+get you into trouble. Probably she cannot sleep well, and so walks in the
+garden. Anyway this is none of our business, my man. Where are Miss
+Natalie's apartments?"
+
+"In the other wing, sir; the first door beyond the head of the stairs."
+
+"And the door you were asked to leave open?"
+
+"At the farther end of the hall."
+
+As West made no further effort to continue the conversation, but began to
+carelessly roll a cigarette, Sexton slipped silently through the opening,
+the valise in his hand, and closed the door behind him. West touched a
+match to the cigarette, scarcely aware of the action.
+
+This attempt to dig information out of a servant was not a pleasant
+experience, yet he felt that in this case it was fully justified. To be
+sure he had gained little, yet that little helped to clear away the fog,
+and sustain the girl's theory that she was being impersonated by another
+even to her own servants. If West had retained any lingering doubt as to
+what had occurred the previous night, this doubt had entirely vanished in
+the face of Sexton's testimony. His visitor, and the one who had ordered
+the servant to leave the side door unlocked, had been the same--not
+Natalie Coolidge, but strangely resembling her. Whoever she was, she knew
+the house well, and possessed some means of entrance. Whatever else her
+purpose might be, one object was clearly connected with the presence
+there of Percival. She had sought his room, fleeing immediately on
+discovering it to be occupied by another. Very well! this meant that he
+already had two distinct lines of investigation opened to him--the woman,
+and the man. The first was like pursuing a shadow, but Coolidge was real
+enough. He determined to keep in touch with the fellow, confident that he
+would thus be eventually led to a discovery of his companion. Beyond all
+question, they were involved in the same scheme of conspiracy. West had
+deliberately arrived at this conclusion, rather pleased at his success,
+when a gentle knock sounded at the door.
+
+"What is it?"
+
+"Sexton, sir. Miss Natalie has the car at the door, and is waiting for
+you."
+
+"All right. I will be down immediately."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+A VISIT TO THE INDIGENT
+
+
+The guests had either retired to their rooms, or were wandering about
+the spacious grounds; at least none were in evidence when West emerged
+on to the side terrace, where Miss Natalie and Percival Coolidge
+waited. The car was an electric runabout, the single broad seat ample
+for the three, and West found himself next to the girl who took charge.
+Few words were exchanged until they turned into the main high-way,
+headed toward the city. Even then conversation scarcely touched on the
+special object of their trip. Indeed, Coolidge seemed inclined to avoid
+the subject entirely, turning the conversation into other channels
+whenever the matter was broached. This was so persistently done as to
+arouse West's notice, but Natalie appeared indifferent, interested only
+in her guidance of the car. It was not a long ride, the point sought
+being a short submerged street in the southwestern section of the
+city. To West this district was entirely unknown, even the street names
+being unfamiliar, but he learned through the conversation of the others
+that they were in the neighbourhood of some of the Coolidge factories,
+many of the surrounding houses being the homes of employees. Percival
+called his attention to a few of these, more substantial than the
+others, as evidence of the wages paid in their establishments, and also
+expatiated to some extent upon the benevolent oversight shown their
+workmen. The girl, however, remained quiet, her attention concentrated
+upon the street.
+
+Indeed it needed to be if they were to escape accident, for the streets
+traversed were, on this Sunday morning, evidently filled from curb to
+curb with children engaged in all manner of games, with their elders
+massed on the steps in front of the houses, watching them apathetically.
+The runabout felt its way cautiously forward through the jostling throng
+of screaming youngsters, and finally turned into Arch Street, only two
+blocks in length, with low, two storied, wooden cottages on either side.
+Percival, plainly nervous at the surroundings, indicated the place
+sought in the middle of the first block, and Natalie ran the car up
+against the curb.
+
+"Is this the place?" she asked doubtfully, eyeing the rather
+disreputable cottage, which seemed deserted. "I have never been
+here before. What a mass of kids! Do they always play like that in
+the street?"
+
+Coolidge unfastened the door, and stepped out.
+
+"Yes, it's all right," he answered sharply. "You might wait here, West;
+we'll only be gone a few minutes. Come along, Natalie,"
+
+The girl hesitated, evidently not altogether satisfied.
+
+"Is it necessary that I go in?" she asked.
+
+"That was why I asked you to come," impatiently. "Because you understand
+these matters, and, being a woman, can judge better what steps should be
+taken. Come; it will only require a few moments--West won't mind."
+
+"Certainly not," the younger man said heartily, "I shall be very
+comfortable; don't bother about me."
+
+He had a distinct impression that Coolidge did not desire his company any
+further, yet this suspicion aroused no resentment. This was a matter with
+which he was in no way concerned, and the only interest he felt was
+strictly impersonal. His eyes followed the two as they advanced up the
+board walk to the front door of the cottage, and he felt a measure of
+surprise at seeing Coolidge calmly open the door without knocking. Both
+disappeared amidst the darkness within, and he dismissed the whole affair
+from his mind almost instantly. Sinking comfortably back in the seat, his
+gaze centred on the maze of children playing in the street. Their antics
+amused him for some time, but, at last, he began wondering at the delay
+of those within, and his mind drifted to the peculiar conditions with
+which he was confronted. Over and over again he reviewed the facts told
+him, and compared these with his own observations. That something was
+wrong was beyond doubt; he could no longer question this, but no
+satisfactory clue to the mystery had yet presented itself. If some
+conspiracy was on foot against Natalie, what could be its object? and who
+were directly involved? There was apparently no way to settle this,
+except to wait patiently for some move on the part of the others. Any
+attempt at guessing would only lead him astray. Seemingly, Percival
+Coolidge was the only person who could be directly interested should
+misfortune occur to his niece; he was the guardian of her inheritance,
+and responsible for what remained of her father's estate. Undoubtedly he
+also was the next heir at law. His interest in the matter was therefore
+easily figured out. Yet there was nothing to prove that the fellow was a
+villain at heart, or had any reason to attempt desperate methods. The
+mere fact that some other woman amused herself in pretending to be
+Natalie proved nothing criminally wrong. It might be a mere lark, with no
+vicious object in view. Indeed, but for the deep interest West already
+felt in the girl herself, he would have dismissed this angle of the
+problem entirely from consideration. It seemed far too melodramatic and
+improbable to be taken seriously, although, from mere curiosity, he
+purposed to round up this masquerader, and satisfy himself as to why she
+was thus publicly impersonating the girl. Yet this appeared a matter of
+minor importance, his real task being to learn the condition of the
+Steven Coolidge estate, and whether or not, Percival had administered it
+justly. Once satisfied upon that point, he would know better what further
+steps to take. His whole mind had unconsciously centred upon a distrust
+of the man. He believed him to be a sneaking scoundrel, at present
+engaged in seeking some means for gaining possession of the trust funds
+left in his care. And yet, West had to confess to himself that this
+belief was largely founded upon prejudice--confidence in Natalie, and a
+personal dislike of the man himself. He possessed no proof of the
+fellow's perfidy, nor had he even determined in his own mind the means to
+be employed for learning the truth. He had nothing to build upon but the
+statement of the girl, which was extremely vague in detail, and largely
+mere suspicion. The more thoroughly he analyzed the situation the more
+complicated it became, and the less confident he felt regarding an early
+solution. If Coolidge was engaged in some criminal scheme the man was
+certainly shrewd enough to carefully cover his trail. It was no sudden
+temptation to which he had yielded, but a deeply laid plan, formed,
+perhaps, as long ago as his brother's death, and now just coming to a
+head. Even the books of the estate might have been so carefully
+manipulated as to leave no clue. Besides West possessed no authority by
+which to examine the books, or even question the bankers in whose hands
+the funds were supposed to be. The only immediate hope of striking a
+trail apparently lay in his discovery of the strange woman who was
+impersonating Natalie Coolidge, and learning her object in carrying on
+such a masquerade. Of course, even that might lead nowhere in particular,
+as she might be merely amusing herself, and have no connection with
+Percival whatever; yet such an investigation offered a chance not to be
+neglected.
+
+His glance took in the surroundings, but with no conception that they
+would have any direct bearing upon the mystery he was endeavouring to
+solve. It was a block of irregular houses, a tenement on the corner, a
+dirty looking brick, the other houses of wood, mostly two stories in
+height, rather disreputable in appearance, but the one before which the
+machine waited, was a frame cottage, well back from the street, and
+rather respectable in appearance, although it must have been some years
+since last painted. Its original white was dingy, and the tightly
+closed blinds gave an appearance of desertion. The door was shut. The
+chimney indicated no sign of smoke, the front yard gave every evidence
+of long neglect.
+
+An urchin, chasing a ball, plunged recklessly beneath the auto, emerging
+with the sphere in his grimy fist. West stopped him with a question.
+
+"Who lives in there?"
+
+"I do' know."
+
+"You don't know? Live 'round here, don't you?"
+
+"Sure; but these folks just come in. They ain't got no kids. G'wn; what
+yer asking me fer? Here ye are, Micky!"
+
+"Wait a minute. Here's a dime for you. You say these people just
+moved in?"
+
+"Yep."
+
+"When?"
+
+"Couple days maybe. Shucks, mister, I do' know. Hooligans moved out 'bout
+a week ago, an' then, a while after that, these guys moved in. I ain't
+seen nobody round, but a sorter middlin' ol' woman. Maybe Micky knows who
+they be--he lives in that next house. Hey, Micky; here's a guy wants to
+ask you som'thin'!"
+
+But Micky refused to be interested, beyond a derisive wiggling of his
+fingers at his nose, and West, having abstracted all the information
+possible, made no further effort. The knowledge thus obtained as to the
+present occupants of the cottage did not exactly coincide with the story
+Coolidge had told. He had spoken of a widow with three children in
+destitute circumstances following the father's death. The boy asserted
+there were no children in the family. And they had just moved in, within
+a very few days, during which time the neighbourhood had only glimpsed a
+"middling old" woman. It was strange at least, adding distinctly to the
+puzzle of the whole affair. West grew nervous, wondering why the two
+should remain so long within, out of sight and hearing. If this was
+merely a charitable visit, it surely did not need require such a length
+of time. He had been waiting now for three-quarters of an hour. He opened
+the door of the car, and stepped out upon the curb, almost tempted to
+investigate the cause of delay. As he stood there undecided, the two
+emerged from the cottage, and descended the steps together. Through the
+opened door he caught no glimpse of any one within, yet some unseen hand
+closed it quickly behind them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+A NEW MISS COOLIDGE
+
+
+They came down the narrow board walk together, Percival carefully holding
+the lady's arm to prevent her tripping over the loosened planks, but
+neither exchanging a word. The man was smiling, the fingers of one hand
+toying with the curl of his moustache, but Natalie appeared somewhat
+sobered by her visit, and West noticed that she had tied a light veil
+over her face, which slightly shadowed her features. It was only as they
+reached the curb that she spoke, her voice rather low and listless.
+
+"Would you mind driving the car back?" she asked Coolidge. "Really I feel
+quite unnerved."
+
+"No wonder," he returned sympathetically, "I have never witnessed a
+sadder case; the conditions were even worse than I imagined. I should
+never have brought you with me, my dear."
+
+"Oh, I am not sorry I came; but it has been a lesson to me. I do not
+think before I ever realized what such poverty meant."
+
+The words trembled from her lips, and were spoken slowly as though
+chosen with care. "The sad plight of the children particularly
+appealed to me."
+
+"There are children then?" West questioned, as Coolidge assisted her
+into the car. The latter cast a swift glance of inquiry into the younger
+man's face.
+
+"Children!" he exclaimed, "Of course; we spoke of them on the way down."
+
+"I know; that was what made me wonder when one of the lads playing out
+here in the street said there were no kids in the cottage."
+
+"Oh, I see," a bit sarcastically. "So you have been amusing yourself
+questioning the neighbours, have you?"
+
+"To a very small extent," West confessed, keeping his temper. "One of the
+players chased a stray ball under the automobile, and I asked him a
+question or two. The cottage appeared so deserted, and you were absent
+for such a length of time, I became somewhat curious."
+
+"And what did he tell you?"
+
+"Only that the occupants had moved in within a few days, and that he had
+seen no kids about; no one in fact but a middling old woman."
+
+"Did he mention any names?"
+
+"No; I didn't ask. It was nothing to me."
+
+"I should say it was not. So the kid told you there were no children,
+did he? Well, you heard what Natalie said just now--which are you going
+to believe?"
+
+"The lady, of course," smilingly. "Surely this is no matter to
+quarrel over."
+
+"No, Captain West," she broke in, leaning forward in the seat, and
+speaking again in the peculiar strained voice. "The boy was merely
+mistaken. He had not seen the children because they were kept closely in
+the house. They were turned out of their former home, and have absolutely
+nothing; no furniture even; only straw to sleep on. It was most pitiful."
+
+"Do not think of it any longer, Natalie," Coolidge insisted rather
+gruffly. "They are all right now. I shall telephone for a doctor as soon
+as we get back, and attend to the rent the first thing tomorrow."
+
+"I know, Uncle, but I cannot forget so easily. Do you know anything about
+poverty, Captain West?"
+
+"Nothing very direct. Of course, in a way I have occasionally come in
+contact with suffering of that nature. I have been hungry enough in
+the army, but usually I have experienced little need. I regret," he
+added apologetically, "that what I said was taken as criticism. I had
+no such meaning."
+
+"Criticism!" Coolidge turned the car around as he spoke. "Be as free with
+that as you please; what I object to is your intruding at every
+opportunity. It looks as though you were trying to find out something--is
+that your game?"
+
+"Not at all. I naturally spoke to the kid, and the only topic which
+occurred to me at the moment concerned the people you were visiting. I
+see no occasion for any misunderstanding."
+
+"And there is none," she asserted cordially, her eyes meeting his own
+frankly. "So let's drop the subject, and enjoy our ride. I am not going
+to have the whole day spoiled because of these people. They are all right
+now. What is that big building over there?"
+
+Coolidge emitted some answer, but devoted his attention to running the
+car, his jaw set. It was clear enough that West's explanation was not
+altogether satisfactory, and his dislike for the younger man had in no
+way lessened. The young woman, however, easily regained her vivacity, and
+devoted herself to making the ride homeward as pleasant as possible. West
+found her unusually entertaining, with a deep sense of humor he had not
+before suspected, and an occasional lapse into slang which rather
+surprised him. He had previously entertained the thought that she was
+rather conventional and not particularly easy to approach, but this
+conception vanished quickly in a free flow of conversation, to which
+Coolidge apparently paid small attention. Indeed, there were moments when
+her extreme frankness of speech rather surprised West, even her voice
+striking strangely upon his ears, but the happy laugh, and swift glance
+of the eyes reassured him. No doubt she was playing a part for the
+benefit of Percival Coolidge in which he must co-operate. Later all would
+be explained, and made clear. This belief encouraged him to keep up his
+end of the conversation, ignoring Coolidge entirely, and devoting his
+attention exclusively to her.
+
+The returning ride seemed very brief, and, almost before West realized
+it, the car whirled in through the Coolidge gate, and came to a stop at
+the door. Coolidge by this time had recovered from his spell of
+ill-nature, or else chose to so appear, and the party separated
+pleasantly. Natalie disappeared somewhere within, while the two men
+strolled out to the tennis court where the guests were enjoying a
+spirited game. All met again at lunch, and then separated, some to motor
+over to the lake, the others amusing themselves as they saw fit. Both
+Coolidge and Natalie vanished, while West, finding himself alone, chose a
+book from the library, and, solaced by a cigar, sought a shady nook on
+the porch.
+
+The book, however, was but a mark for his thoughts, which continually
+revolved about the strange surroundings in which he found himself. He was
+apparently making no progress, was no nearer a solution of the mystery
+confronting him. Thus far, at least, no direct clue had presented itself.
+Numerous things had occurred to strengthen suspicion, and to increase
+interest in the quest. But beyond this--nothing. He liked the girl and
+was completely enlisted in her service. He disliked Percival, and was
+convinced the fellow was planning evil. Several incidents had already
+strengthened this belief; yet there was nothing positive upon which to
+build; no path of adventure for him to follow. To speculate was easy
+enough, but real facts eluded him.
+
+Yet, in spite of this feeling of failure, West's reflections centred more
+upon the young woman than upon the particular problem which he had to
+solve. The ride back from the city had revealed a phase of her character
+he had never observed before--she had shown herself vivacious, light of
+speech, a bit slangy and audacious. He was not altogether sure that this
+new revealment quite pleased him, and yet it possessed a certain charm.
+He had before learned to think of her as rather quiet and reserved, and
+now must change his whole conception. It was difficult to adjust his mind
+at once to the different standard. He found himself wondering why she had
+afforded him glimpses of her nature so strangely unlike. What could have
+occurred within the cottage to thus make so suddenly manifest this new
+side to her character? The change in her only served to increase the
+mystery, and, he confessed, his admiration also. Her very freedom
+evidenced to his mind that he was really accepted, had been taken into a
+new intimacy; no longer to be held and treated as an interloper, a
+stranger employed for a purpose. She had deliberately cast aside the
+conventional, and become natural in his presence--free to speak and act
+as the spirit moved. This was a victory, and he chose to interpret it as
+proof that she already really liked and trusted him. Actuated by this
+feeling, she no longer deemed it necessary to dissemble in his presence.
+It was a long step in advance.
+
+He had arrived at this very pleasant conclusion, when Sexton appeared in
+the door, evidently looking for some one. The man espied him there in
+the shadow of the vines, and came forward.
+
+"Miss Coolidge requests your presence, sir, for a few moments," he
+said gravely.
+
+"Why, certainly; did she say where, Sexton?"
+
+"In the library, sir; she is waiting there now."
+
+West hesitated an instant. There was a question he was eager to ask, but
+immediately thought better of it. Interviewing servants was not in his
+line, and there were other ways of learning the truth.
+
+"Very well," he said quietly. "I will join her at once. Thank you,
+Sexton," and disappeared into the cool, darkened hall.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+AN UNEXPECTED DISMISSAL
+
+
+The shades had been drawn closely to exclude the sun, and, for a moment
+after he first crossed the threshold of the library, West was unable to
+distinguish any occupant. He heard Sexton silently close the door behind
+him, but it was not until she moved slightly that he was able to
+perceive her presence directly across from where he stood. Her voice
+broke the silence.
+
+"You will find a seat next to the window, Captain," she said quietly. "It
+was very good of you to come."
+
+"The pleasure was mine," he replied. "Only I am blinded coming in here
+from the bright sunshine without."
+
+"I have had a touch of headache--nervous, no doubt, from the visit this
+morning--and so ordered Sexton to draw the shades. Your eyes will soon
+accustom themselves to the lack of light. I see you quite well."
+
+"Oh, I am all right now," and he sank into the vacant chair, facing her,
+expectantly. "You wished to speak with me, the servant said."
+
+"Yes," she leaned back against the couch on which she rested, with face
+now clearly revealed, one hand nervously twirling a fan. "Although it is
+not easy for me to transform into words exactly what I mean. This is a
+very strange situation in which we find ourselves, Captain West."
+
+"I have felt so," he admitted, surprised at this beginning. "Yet I must
+confess, I am now becoming quite reconciled."
+
+She sat up suddenly, with eyes searching his face.
+
+"What do you mean by that?"
+
+"Perhaps I ought not to say," he answered boldly. "Yet circumstances
+seemingly justify frankness between us. I mean that I feel far more
+deeply interested in the final outcome of this affair today than I did
+yesterday--it means more to me."
+
+"Indeed! Why?"
+
+"Largely, I imagine, because I am privileged to know you much better.
+That naturally makes a difference."
+
+"Does it indeed? You imply then an increased interest in myself as an
+individual brings with it a greater desire to serve me?"
+
+"Assuredly, yes."
+
+"Then you render my task doubly hard," she said soberly, yet with a
+certain hardness in the tone. "I had not suspected any personal side
+whatever. You were a total stranger to me, Captain West, and I employed
+you in this matter merely in a business way, as--as--a detective. Surely
+you understood this clearly?"
+
+"In a measure that is quite true," feeling the sharp sting of her words.
+"Yet the comparison is hardly fair, is it? I am not a detective in the
+sense with which you employ the term. No question of pay even has been
+discussed between us. The appeal to my services was from an entirely
+different stand-point. More, you even investigated rather carefully my
+social and financial standing before taking me into your confidence, or
+admitting me to your home. Is this not true?"
+
+"Undoubtedly. I had reason to wish assurance in these matters. I had to
+present you to my friends."
+
+"Yet this very knowledge of my social position placed me on a totally
+different plane from that of a detective picked up at some agency. You
+knew I was not serving you for pay."
+
+"Did I?"
+
+"I should hope you did," his voice hardening slightly.
+
+"But for what other end did you volunteer your services?"
+
+"Perhaps that is not so easily explained. It was a spirit of adventure
+which first led me to answer your advertisement, I presume. At least, I
+can give it no other name. Then, when we met, you appealed to me
+personally; I felt a desire to further our acquaintance and--well, your
+story aroused my interest."
+
+"Is that all?"
+
+"It might have been had not you chosen methods of procedure which led me
+to other thoughts."
+
+She laughed.
+
+"Oh, I see! All this has happened because I introduced you to the others
+as my fiance. Why, that is positively funny. Didn't you know that was
+only a part of the game being played?"
+
+"Yes," he said, ignoring the humour of it, and feeling oddly sober, "I
+understood, and was playing, the same as you. Only both of us, I think,
+forget an important fact."
+
+"What, please?"
+
+"That we were young, socially on a level, and that you were an
+exceedingly charming young woman."
+
+She laughed again, yet this time with more restraint.
+
+"That is quite ridiculous, Captain West. Surely, you are not actually
+making love to me?"
+
+"No, I am not. I am merely facing the situation very frankly. It would be
+useless for me to claim lack of interest in you. From our very first
+meeting, you have appealed to me strongly--more so than any other woman
+of my acquaintance. Then, perhaps, the peculiarity of our relationship,
+with the trust you seemed to impose in me, tended to deepen that
+interest. I confess I began to care for you--as a woman."
+
+"Really you are quite flattering. I never dreamed I possessed such
+marvellous powers." She remained silent a moment, her eyes shaded by
+their long lashes; then uplifted them again to his face. "This makes it
+all the more necessary that I now speak plainly," she went on at length.
+"That I should explain to you it has all been a mistake. That was why I
+asked you to come here now."
+
+"All a mistake! Not the trouble you were in surely?"
+
+"Yes. I must have dreamed most of it, I think. I have just had a long
+confidential talk with Percival Coolidge, and we understand each other
+perfectly. Everything has been explained. So there is no necessity for
+our pretending any longer."
+
+West rose to his feet, comprehending her full meaning, yet unwilling to
+yield his position without further explanation.
+
+"Your words are certainly plain enough," he said slowly, "yet I trust I
+may be pardoned if I ask a question or so."
+
+"Is it necessary?"
+
+"Perhaps not, but I feel my curiosity is justified. You told me a rather
+remarkable story and requested my aid in the solving of a strange
+mystery. Now you abruptly dismiss me from that service. Do you mean the
+mystery is already solved without my further assistance?"
+
+"I am convinced there was no mystery; that it was only imagination,
+Captain West. My calling you was a mistake."
+
+"Percival Coolidge assures you of this?"
+
+"Positively; we have discussed it from every angle, and all that appeared
+mysterious has been made clear."
+
+"There is no one else impersonating you?"
+
+"No."
+
+"The checks at the bank; the strange person using your name; all these
+were myths?"
+
+She laughed.
+
+"Of course. I really believed all I said to you at the time, but
+everything has been explained since, and I realize how very foolish I
+have been. Uncle Percival has been very nice about it. He simply didn't
+understand before how worried I was."
+
+"No doubt. You sent for me then merely to say I was dismissed?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And you told Coolidge, of course, how I came to be here?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And the others? What will they think?"
+
+"Why, that can make no difference. They can be told that you were
+suddenly called away. Let them suppose we had a quarrel, and that our
+engagement is broken," and she laughed again, evidently vastly amused
+at the idea.
+
+"But you, personally?" he insisted.
+
+She sobered instantly, also rising, and facing him.
+
+"Captain West, let us be sensible. I invited you here for a certain
+purpose. You were employed as much as any of my other servants. Is that
+a sufficient answer?"
+
+"It certainly is. I will depart at once."
+
+"Thank you. The limousine will be at the door. You will return to the
+Club, I presume?"
+
+"Temporarily, until other arrangements are made."
+
+He bowed and left her standing there in the shadows, the expression of
+her face veiled, but there seemed no response, no softening in the
+rigid attitude of her figure. She did not care; was only interested in
+his immediate departure. The change had occurred with such abruptness,
+West was unable as yet to realize its full significance, but, with no
+attempt to combat her decision, left the room, closing the door behind
+him. In that moment his mood changed. The dismissal had been so curt,
+his pride rose in rebellion. Finding Sexton in the front hall, he
+addressed him crisply.
+
+"My bag will be ready in ten minutes."
+
+"Yes, sir; you are going away, sir?"
+
+"Immediately. A call to return to the city at once."
+
+"I am very sorry, sir," he said respectfully, yet in a tone of such
+earnestness, as to cause West to glance toward him sharply. For an
+instant it was upon the lips of the younger man to ask a question, but
+Sexton turned away, and it remained unasked. Promptly at the time
+mentioned came the servant's soft rap on the door.
+
+"I came for the bag, sir."
+
+West handed it over with a glance at the rather expressionless face.
+
+"You said you regretted to see me leave, Sexton," he remarked jovially.
+"I presume you meant nothing in particular by that remark?"
+
+"Oh, no, sir," standing motionless, bag in hand. "Only you have been very
+kind, sir, and--and--of course, it is none of my business, but I hope
+there is no quarrel, sir?"
+
+"Quarrel! With Miss Natalie, you mean? Why should you suspect that?"
+
+"I--I spoke, sir, very thoughtlessly, sir," he stammered. "You will
+pardon me, sir."
+
+"Yes, but you must have had a reason, Sexton?"
+
+"Only that she has seemed very much out of humour, sir, since her trip to
+town," he explained rather lamely. "I have never known her to be so hard
+to please, sir. I'm sure something is wrong, but that is no reason why I
+should say what I did, sir."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+THE BODY OF A SUICIDE
+
+
+As the car whirled West down the circling driveway, the only sign of
+life visible about the house was the motionless figure of Sexton on the
+steps. If either Miss Natalie, or Percival Coolidge, took interest enough
+in the proceedings to witness his departure, they chose to remain
+carefully concealed within. His glance searched the front of the mansion
+vainly; no window revealed an occupant. From behind where the guests were
+at play, sounded a distant murmur of voices, and laughter, but the house
+itself expressed only calm indifference. There was no pretence even at
+speeding the parting guest. He had simply been dismissed, turned out,
+decently enough, perhaps, considering his status, yet with a certain
+measure of contempt which rankled nevertheless.
+
+The young man could not altogether reconcile this style of treatment with
+his preconceived conception of Miss Natalie Coolidge. He had been too
+deeply impressed by her to easily relinquish his previously formed
+opinion of her character. This latest action did not at all coincide with
+her former open friendliness. He had not gone to her as a servant, nor
+had she in any way treated him as such. What could account for so
+remarkable a change? Even if she had felt his present usefulness was
+ended; that she had made a mistake in ever admitting him to her
+confidence, the dismissal could have been much more pleasantly achieved.
+She could still have exhibited friendliness, and an interest in his
+departure. Her words and manner had been extremely abrupt, and her
+explanation far from satisfactory.
+
+Perhaps it was the influence of Percival Coolidge which accounted for the
+sudden change in the girl. This explanation seemed probable. The man had
+in some way regained her confidence, and then, through trickery, had
+succeeded in poisoning her mind. There was no doubt he would do this, if
+possible, and the probability was that he had finally discovered a way.
+From the very first, West had felt the antagonism of the other; there had
+never been any love lost between them. Coolidge disliked him
+instinctively, and made no effort to conceal his feelings; he resented
+the intimacy between him and Natalie, naturally enough, and would use
+every means possible to get the younger man completely out of the house.
+No doubt he looked upon him as dangerous. But why? There could only be
+one answer to this query. His own dishonesty; his secret knowledge of
+some trickery relative to the funds of the estate. He had convinced the
+girl of his honesty, but, more than ever, West believed the fellow a
+rascal. His very helplessness to intervene rendered him the more
+convinced.
+
+These thoughts flitted through his mind, yet not consecutively, as the
+car left the grounds, and turned on to the main road, leading citywards.
+They were still skirting the Coolidge estate, although the house behind
+was concealed by shrubbery. The road descending into a ravine spanned by
+a concrete bridge, and a rather dense growth of trees shut out the
+surrounding landscape. Nothing moving was in sight. Suddenly, just as
+they cleared the bridge, and began to mount the opposite grade, there
+came a sharp report, sounding so close at hand the chauffeur clamped on
+his brake, and glanced anxiously over the side of the car.
+
+"Blow-out, wasn't it, sir?"
+
+"No," said West shortly, staring himself out into the thicket of trees at
+their left. "It was a shot fired over there; a revolver I should say.
+Wait a second, Sanders, until I see what has happened."
+
+It was largely curiosity which led him to leave the car. The very
+conviction that it was a revolver which had been discharged brought a
+desire to learn the cause of the shot. The sound of either a rifle or a
+shot-gun in that lonely spot would have been instantly dismissed as
+natural enough, but a pistol was different. That was no place for such a
+weapon. It somehow had a grimly sinister sound. Led forward by a dim
+path, he plunged down the sharp incline of the hill, and pressed his way
+through the thick fringe of trees beyond. Behind these ran a wire fence,
+guarding a stretch of meadow, the high, uncut grass waving in the wind.
+Nothing was in sight except this ripening field of clover sweeping upward
+to the summit of an encircling ridge. The silence was profound; the
+loneliness absolute.
+
+It was this fact which startled West from curiosity into suspicion.
+Surely there had been a shot fired--a revolver shot--almost on the very
+spot where he stood. He could not doubt the evidence of his own ears. Yet
+who had fired? For what purpose? and how had the party disappeared so
+completely during that narrow margin of time? There was no place where a
+man could hide unless he lay flat in the clover; and what occasion would
+any one have to thus seek concealment? Even if the shooter knew of the
+passing automobile, or heard his approach through the trees, there could
+be no reasonable cause for concealment. Determined now to learn exactly
+what had happened, West pressed his passage forward through the vines of
+the fence, and emerged into the field beyond. A half dozen yards and he
+found the clover trampled, as though a man had passed that way. The trail
+led into a shallow depression, past a rather large boulder, near which
+the trampling of the grass was even more plainly revealed, as though the
+stranger had remained here for some time, had even seated himself, and
+then, abruptly ended a few yards away. Evidently the fellow had turned
+back at this point, and retraced his steps.
+
+West, now thoroughly puzzled, and already convinced that some mystery
+hovered over the place, began to circle through the untrampled clover,
+but without any defined purpose. All at once, at the lower end of the
+gully he came, unexpectedly, upon another trail, this one well marked,
+apparently frequently used, which led straight across the field, and
+terminated at a small gate leading through the wire fence. Evidently
+here was a short cut to the road, well known to the servants on the
+estate, and possibly others. The discovery, however, told nothing
+further than this, and contenting himself with another glance about the
+unchanged field of rustling clover, West proceeded along the course of
+the path, intending to thus rejoin the automobile, waiting his return
+behind the trees.
+
+Within a few steps of the gate, which was closed, he came to a sudden,
+horrified pause, staring ahead at a strange something huddled in the
+path. It was a shapeless thing, bearing no resemblance to a human being,
+until he advanced closer; then he recognized the form of a man, curled up
+as a dog sleeps, face down hidden by his arm, and limbs drawn up, as if
+in a sudden spasm of agony. A hat was in the path beyond, where it had
+fallen, and a revolver lay glittering in the sunlight a few feet away.
+There was nothing familiar about either figure or clothing, yet
+unquestionably there lay the body of a suicide. The single shot they had
+heard, the tell-tale revolver close to the dead man's hand, were clear
+evidence of what had occurred.
+
+The unexpectedness of this discovery, the peculiar position of the dead
+man, the loneliness of that deserted field in which he lay, shocked West
+and, for a moment left him strangely hesitant. Who was the man? What
+could have led up to the pitiful tragedy? Yet he advanced step by step
+nearer to the hideous object in the path. The man had been shot directly
+behind the right ear, killed instantly, no doubt, as the deadly bullet
+crashed through the brain. West lifted the arm which concealed the face,
+already shrinking from the suspicion, which had begun to assail him. Then
+he knew who the dead man was--Percival Coolidge.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+SUSPICION VERIFIED
+
+
+Affairs progressed far too rapidly for some hours for West to reflect
+seriously over this experience. He could only act swiftly, answer
+questions, and do all in his power to assist others. The real meaning of
+the tragedy he made no effort to solve; for the time being, at least, he
+must leave that to others.
+
+He stood guard beside the body until servants came and bore it to the
+house, but made no effort to follow. Instead he gave his address to
+Sexton, and continued his journey into the city. After what had passed
+between them he had no desire to again encounter Miss Natalie; and under
+these circumstances, actually shrank from meeting her. Just what this
+man's death might mean to the girl he could not safely conjecture, yet
+deep down in his own heart, he felt convinced that this act of
+self-destruction would later prove to be a confession of guilt. Yet, be
+that as it may, he was already definitely ruled out of the matter. Not,
+unless she personally sent for him, could he ever venture to go to her
+again in any capacity. To his mind this decision was final.
+
+He was called for the inquest and gave his testimony. The hearing was
+brief, and the facts ascertained so clear, there remained no doubt in the
+minds of any one, but what this was a case of suicide. No particular
+attempt was made to probe into the cause, the personal affairs of the
+dead man being left for later investigation. West saw Natalie at the
+inquest for the very few moments she was upon the stand, but their eyes
+did not meet, nor did the girl give any evidence of recognition. She was
+pale, yet calm, answering the questions asked her quietly. These
+pertained entirely to her last meeting with Coolidge, and had no direct
+bearing on the verdict. The moment she was released she retired from the
+room; and West merely lingered long enough to learn the decision of the
+jury. Somehow the impression the young woman had left upon him in those
+few moments was not a pleasant one. He could not clearly analyse this
+result, yet she was either acting a part to conceal her true emotions, or
+else she was really indifferent.
+
+It was not until the following day that reason began to reassert itself,
+and he succeeded in marshalling the facts of the case more clearly in
+his own mind. He even began to doubt and question his own testimony, yet,
+before he reached any real conclusion, one of the Club servants
+approached his chair.
+
+"Captain West, there is a man out here asking to see you."
+
+"A man! Where?"
+
+"I had him wait in the anteroom, sir. He would give no name, and seems to
+be of the working class; so I thought I better tell you first, sir."
+
+"Very well, Mapes. I'll soon find out what he wants."
+
+It was Sexton, twirling his hat nervously in his hands, and still
+standing irresolutely in the middle of the floor. As sight of West he
+took a hasty step forward, eager to explain the cause of his presence.
+
+"You'll pardon me, sir," he burst forth in apology. "But I must see
+you, sir."
+
+"That's quite all right, Sexton. You have some message?"
+
+"Not--not from any one else, sir. It's just my own business, but--but I
+thought you would help me, sir."
+
+"Certainly; only too glad. Let's step in here where we can talk quietly."
+
+He pointed the way into a private card room, closing the door behind
+his visitor.
+
+"Take the seat over there, Sexton. You came in to see me from Fairlawn?"
+
+"No, sir, I didn't. The fact is, I'm not out there any longer."
+
+"Not there! What do you mean?"
+
+"I've been discharged, sir, with two other servants, since the funeral
+yesterday."
+
+"Discharged! Why I understood you had been employed there for years."
+
+"Several years, sir."
+
+"And now discharged! By whom? Not Miss Natalie surely?"
+
+"Yes, sir. She didn't give no reason; just said we were not wanted any
+longer. That's one reason why I came here to see you, sir."
+
+"But I hardly know how I can be of help. I have no house of my own,
+and--well, the truth of the matter is, Sexton, just at present I am not
+on very good terms with the young lady myself."
+
+"I know that, sir," more confidently. "And it isn't a position I am
+seeking, at all. I have quite a tidy bit of money laid away, and could
+get plenty of work. That's not the point, sir. Why should Miss Natalie
+tell me to go like that? It isn't a bit like her, sir; she ain't seemed
+natural at all lately, and I tell you there's something wrong goin' on
+out there. I'm sure o' that, sir."
+
+"Sure of what?"
+
+"Well, for one thing, it's my opinion that Percival Coolidge never killed
+himself, sir."
+
+West sat up stiffly, as though struck a blow. These words startled him;
+drove his own mind into sudden activity.
+
+"What makes you think that, Sexton?" he questioned slowly.
+
+"Well, there's more than one thing," as though glad to have made the
+plunge, and anxious to justify himself. "But first of all that wasn't his
+revolver they found lying beside him. He always had one in his valise,
+an' it's there now, or was when I looked to see."
+
+"You didn't tell that to the coroner."
+
+"No, sir; he never put me on the stand. Besides I didn't know about it
+then. After I thought about it, I told Miss Natalie, sir."
+
+"Oh, you did! and what did she say?"
+
+"She didn't think that proved anything; that he probably had the other in
+his pocket."
+
+"This was before you were dismissed?"
+
+"Yes, sir; the evening before, sir."
+
+West whistled gravely, his gaze on the other's face.
+
+"And is that all, Sexton?" he asked finally. "Is there any other reason
+why you doubt Coolidge killed himself?"
+
+"Did you notice where he was shot, sir?"
+
+"Behind the right ear; the wound was plainly visible."
+
+"Not very easy for a man to do himself, sir."
+
+"No, but possible, nevertheless. The coroner was satisfied on that
+point."
+
+"Yes, sir, but the coroner overlooked one thing, sir. He was sure it was
+a suicide case, and wanted to get done with it in a hurry. I and
+Simmons, sir, washed the body to get it ready for burial, an' I combed
+the hair down over the bullet wound. There wasn't no powder marks on the
+skin, an' not a hair was singed, sir. That's what makes me say he never
+killed himself."
+
+West sat silent and motionless, looking straight at the man opposite,
+endeavouring to decide on a course of action. Someway in the depth of his
+earnestness, Sexton no longer appeared a servant. He was a man, voicing a
+man's heart. West realized the change instinctively; here was an
+intelligent loyal fellow, to be met frankly, and for the time being, at
+least, on the ground of equality. It would be useless to try to either
+mislead, or deceive.
+
+"Sexton," he began finally, "this is a pretty serious charge you make,
+my man, but since I have been thinking things over, I confess some
+suspicious circumstances have arisen in my own mind. Of course I was
+not aware of these facts you have just related, but they fit in nicely
+with some observations of my own. The truth is," he confessed frankly,
+"I did not tell all I knew to the coroner's jury. I meant to do so, but
+the right questions were not asked me, and certain details slipped my
+memory until too late. Do you recall a boulder of rock out in that
+clover field?"
+
+"Yes, sir, to the right of the path; it is mostly hidden now by
+the growth."
+
+"Entirely concealed a few yards away. Well, when I crawled through the
+fence after hearing that shot fired, I saw nothing, and heard nothing. I
+had advanced into the field several rods when I came upon the trail of
+some one leading directly north. It was not a path; merely evidence that
+a single person had passed that way. I followed, and came to this
+boulder. Here there was every proof visible that the previous party had
+remained for some time, seated and lying on the ground under protection
+of the stone. The occupancy was a recent one. Then evidently, whoever it
+was, had advanced to the right in the general direction of the gate
+through the fence, near where Coolidge's body was found. The marks of
+advance did not lead that far, or even to the marked path through the
+field. They ended on a little rise, some ten yards from the boulder,
+where the fellow apparently turned about, and retraced his steps."
+
+"How far was that from the gate into the road, sir?" he asked
+breathlessly.
+
+"Within easy shooting distance for a revolver of that calibre, I should
+say. Any good marksman could have rung the bell."
+
+"And you saw no one?"
+
+"No; not a sign; the fact is I failed at the time to put two and two
+together. The thought of a possible murder never occurred to me. It was
+only afterwards that I began to appreciate what all this might mean, and
+now what you have said has driven it home."
+
+"You think it was murder then, sir?"
+
+"Yes, I do," replied West gravely. "It has all the marks, but who
+committed the crime? What was the motive? It will never do for us to make
+such a charge, after the coroner's verdict, without positive proof."
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"And you know of nothing which might clear this up?"
+
+"No, sir; I've been with the Coolidges, sir, ever since Miss Natalie was
+a little girl, and I ain't heard of any trouble that ought to end in
+murder, sir."
+
+"How old was Miss Coolidge when her father died?"
+
+"She must have been seventeen, sir."
+
+"And since then Percival Coolidge had full charge of the estate?"
+
+"Practically, yes, sir; there was another trustee, but he died; and then,
+as I understand, Miss Natalie had some funds of her own."
+
+West took a cigar from his pocket, and lit it. Although not altogether
+clear in his own mind, he had begun to see light. For a moment he smoked
+in silence in an endeavour to figure out his own duty, while Sexton,
+nervously clinching and unclinching his hands, watched and waited.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+AGAINST A STONE WALL
+
+
+Was this discovery anything to him? What difference could it make whether
+Percival Coolidge had died by his own hand, or been treacherously shot
+from ambush? How would it benefit Natalie Coolidge to have the truth
+revealed? And, if it would benefit her, why should he devote his time and
+labour to such an effort? She had cast him off, thrown him aside; her
+affairs had no further interest for him. Let her lawyer take care of
+them. These were West's first thoughts.
+
+All true, yet this state of mind brought no satisfaction. He was
+interested; he could not escape his first impressions of the girl, or
+drive from him a desire to serve her, whether she wished it, or not.
+She might, indeed, be in equal danger from an assassin. He could not
+determine this until he learned the cause of the slaying of Percival.
+Then, on the other hand, suppose some one else's suspicions were also
+aroused. Who would they naturally look to as guilty of this horrible
+crime? There was but one answer--Natalie Coolidge. She was seemingly
+the only person to directly benefit by this sudden death. All these
+considerations urged him on, overcame his doubt and indecision. Then
+he desired to learn the truth himself. His eyes rested on Sexton's
+anxious face.
+
+"I've been thinking it over," he admitted quietly, "and I guess it is up
+to you and me to find out what this means."
+
+"Yes, sir," hesitatingly. "You--you don't think it was Miss
+Natalie, sir?"
+
+"No, I do not, Sexton. I have my own reasons for saying that. Yet
+naturally she is the one to be first suspected. Do you know anything?"
+
+"Only that I am sure she was in the garden, sir, when the shot was fired.
+I saw her there just after you drove away."
+
+"That is conclusive then, so far as her personal actions are concerned.
+But there is an odd angle to this matter, and I might as well explain it
+to you first as last. Perhaps you can help figure the oddness out. I was
+not engaged to Miss Natalie, Sexton; I was not even a friend. I came to
+the house, employed to perform a certain task. She introduced me as her
+fiance merely to explain my presence there, and make the way clear. It
+was the impulse of a moment."
+
+"You don't say, sir! What, may I ask, was it you was expected to do?"
+
+"To discover who was masquerading in this city under her name."
+
+"Was there some one, sir?"
+
+"So she told me; we went into that rather thoroughly. She claimed it had
+been going on for some months; checks had been cashed at the bank; even
+her servants had been approached by some one so closely resembling her as
+to deceive them; and she had been reported at various places she never
+visited. She was very much exercised over it."
+
+"And she engaged you just to find this other woman?"
+
+"Yes; her lawyer and Percival Coolidge only laughed at her story."
+
+"But you believed it, sir?"
+
+"Well, perhaps not at first altogether. It seemed too strange and
+impossible. I thought something must have got on her nerves and caused
+her to imagine things. But the first night I remained out there gave me a
+shock. I do not know whether I left my door unlocked, or whether a
+pass-key was used, but I woke up suddenly to discover a woman in the
+room. I only had a glimpse of her, for she slipped out instantly, and
+disappeared down the hall; but it was moonlight and I would have sworn
+the intruder was Miss Natalie. I asked her the next day."
+
+"And she denied being there?"
+
+"Absolutely, and convinced me it was true. There is no doubt in my mind,
+Sexton, but what she really is being impersonated by some one who
+resembles her most remarkably. Who this person is I have not the remotest
+idea; nor what her real object can be. Just at this moment, I am inclined
+to believe it has something to do with the Coolidge estate--a criminal
+scheme of some kind, and that Percival Coolidge had connection with it."
+
+"I can hardly believe that, sir."
+
+"No doubt you find it difficult. You told me yourself that had always
+been his room, the one I occupied."
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"That woman knew it; she came there to consult with him." He stopped
+suddenly. "By Gad! Sexton, maybe she came there to kill him. I hadn't
+thought of that."
+
+"It is too much for me, sir," the other said soberly. "I don't know why
+any one should want to kill him. But there's got to be a reason
+somewhere. Where was it the three of you went on Sunday in the runabout,
+Captain West?"
+
+"To a house over in the factory district; some charity case that Coolidge
+was interested in--the widow of one of his employees, I believe."
+
+"Did you see the people?"
+
+"No, I didn't go in; waited outside in the car; it was no affair of mine.
+Why?" he asked in surprise.
+
+"Because, sir, Miss Natalie seemed like a different person when she got
+back. Not in looks, or nothing like that I don't mean, but in the way she
+talked and acted. Nothing suited her all the rest of the day. You know
+how she was to you, sir. Well she was just that snappy with all of us,
+even after we brought the body back to the house. And she wouldn't look
+at him, sir, not even after he was dressed proper and laid out. She just
+went off up stairs, and stayed there; had a bit of toast an' tea, an'
+that's all."
+
+"I hardly believe," said West thoughtfully, "you can attribute her state
+of mind to anything that occurred on that trip. Indeed she was in high
+spirits all the way home."
+
+"I can't help that, sir," Sexton insisted blindly. "It was something that
+happened yesterday what set her wrong, an' if I was you, sir, I'd find
+out what happened in that house first of all. Could you find the place?"
+
+"Yes, I think so. I'll look it up, although I don't have much faith in
+your theory." He glanced at his watch. "I'll go out there now. You come
+back here about five, and we will talk over any discoveries I may make."
+
+"And what shall I do, sir?"
+
+Both were standing, West with hand on the knob of the door. The light in
+his eyes hardened.
+
+"Nothing occurs to me now, Sexton, unless you can find an excuse to
+return to Fairlawn, after something you have forgotten, let us say. If we
+can learn what Miss Natalie proposes doing it might furnish a clue."
+
+"Very well, sir, and I am to be here at five o'clock?"
+
+"Yes, at five; I will leave word with the doorman to show you in at
+once."
+
+West picked up a taxi-cab for the trip, bidding the chauffeur to drive to
+a certain section of the city, and then up and down the various streets
+until told to stop. He had no idea that his quest would reveal anything
+of importance relative to the death of Coolidge, yet no better
+suggestion occurred to him and he felt that he must do something. His
+conversation with Sexton had greatly strengthened his conviction that
+this was a murder, and he had determined to ferret out the truth if
+possible. Yet, thus far there was nothing to build upon, no clue, no
+motive, no suspicion as to who had perpetrated the deed. He simply faced
+a blank wall, in which no entrance was apparent, yet there must be one,
+if he was only fortunate enough to stumble upon it. Deep down in his
+heart West was conscious that he possessed a motive in this search far
+more worthy than mere curiosity. That motive was Natalie Coolidge. He
+smiled at the thought, yet confessed it true. In spite of her curt
+dismissal, his memory of the girl centred about those earlier hours of
+their acquaintance. Something mysterious had occurred to make her change
+so quickly, and he was unwilling to condemn her before learning the real
+reason. This murder must have some relation to the Coolidge estate; he
+could conceive of no other motive for such a cold-blooded affair; and
+hence its solving must prove of vital importance to her and her future.
+Now, when the verdict of the coroner's jury had been suicide, and when
+only he, and the servant Sexton suspected otherwise, it was of the
+utmost importance that they endeavour to unravel the crime. For her
+sake he could do no less, thus serving and protecting her to the best of
+his ability.
+
+The chauffeur drove slowly up and down obscure streets for half an hour
+before West recognized familiar surroundings, and motioned for him to
+draw up against the curb. He had discovered the place sought, but from
+the street it exhibited no signs of occupancy, nor did any knocking at
+the front door bring response from within. He circled the building,
+finding an uncurtained window at the rear, which merely revealed an
+unfurnished room. Every door was locked, but, as he passed along the
+other side to regain the taxi, a man emerged from the next house, and
+hailed him.
+
+"Say, what're yer snoopin' round there for? Lookin' for somebody?"
+
+"Yes, the parties who were here Sunday. What's become of them."
+
+"Hobart, you mean?"
+
+"Is that his name? I met him down town, and he told me to come here,"
+West explained rapidly. "We had a deal on."
+
+"Oh, yer did, hey," leaning his arms on the fence. "Well, Jim Hobart was
+the name he giv' me. That's my house, which is why I happen to know
+what his name was. Something queer about that fellar, I reckon, but
+'tain't none o' my business. You ain't a detective, or nothin' like
+that, are yer?"
+
+"Nothing at all like that," West laughed, although interested. "Why? Did
+you think the police might be after him?"
+
+"Not for anything I know about, only he skipped out mighty sudden. Paid
+me a month rent, and only stayed there three days. That looks sorter
+queer. Then Sunday that fellar what committed suicide out south--I read
+about in the papers--came to see him in a car. I got a boy workin' in his
+factory; that's how I come to know who the guy was. The next night
+Hobart, an' them with him, just naturally skipped out. So I didn't know
+but what the police might want him for something."
+
+"I don't know anything about that. I just called on a private matter.
+Where did he go to?"
+
+"Hell, man, I didn't even know he was goin'."
+
+"Who did he have with him here--a family?"
+
+"A woman 'bout his age I should say, an' a younger one. I didn't see 'em
+only from the window; didn't get no sight o' the girl's face at all, but
+could tell the way she walked she was young. They didn't have nothin'
+with 'em; that's all my stuff in the house there."
+
+Feeling the uselessness of trying to learn anything more, West thanked
+him, and returned to the taxi.
+
+"Back to the Club," he ordered briefly, and settled into his seat to
+think.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+238 WRAY STREET
+
+
+The information thus gained had been small enough, yet sufficient to
+stimulate his belief that he was at least upon the right trail. The
+sudden departure of this man Hobart, and the fact that no young children
+were in the family, were important items to consider. Coolidge then had
+not visited this cottage to aid a widow and orphans. There had been some
+other object in his call. The girl must have known and understood the
+real purpose; that was why they both acquiesced so readily to his
+remaining outside in the car. It was part of their mutual plan to thus
+leave him in ignorance. Yet they had made a mistake in taking him along
+at all. This error alone gave him now an opportunity to unravel the
+riddle. But did it? What did he know? Merely that Coolidge had not gone
+to this house on an errand of charity; that the occupant called himself,
+temporarily, perhaps, Jim Hobart; that his family consisted of two
+women, undescribed except as to age; and that all three had mysteriously
+disappeared together. He might take it for granted that this
+disappearance was caused by the death of Coolidge, but, they had left no
+trail, no inkling as to where they had gone. He might suspect this sudden
+vanishing had direct connection with the crime he was endeavouring to
+solve, but he possessed absolutely no proof, and, apparently, any further
+movement on his part was completely blocked.
+
+More puzzled than ever, although now fully convinced that murder had been
+committed, West could do nothing but wait the reappearance of Sexton. The
+latter arrived promptly on time, but, much to West's disappointment,
+merely nodded his head negatively to the general inquiry as to whether or
+not he had made any discoveries. The early hour enabled the host to
+secure a secluded table in the dining room, but there was no effort at
+conversation until after the meal had been ordered. Then West told his
+story. The retelling of these incidents of the afternoon, coupled with
+Sexton's evident interest in the narrative, and the questions the man
+asked, caused the discoveries made to assume a greater importance than
+before. His listener seemed to sense the situation clearly.
+
+"It wasn't no mistake, your goin' out there, sir," he said, confidently.
+"What we know now gives us something to work on anyhow, an' it's just
+what I thought--that trip Sunday led up to this killin', an' something
+happened while they was in there to stir Miss Natalie all up. Now we got
+to find this fellow--what did you say his name was, sir?"
+
+"Hobart--Jim Hobart; that is he was known by that name there."
+
+"And you say he has simply dropped out o' sight?"
+
+"That's true; never left a clue behind him."
+
+"Well, sir, I'm not quite so sure about that. You listen to me, sir. I
+walked out to Fairlawn from the car-line, an' come in across the fields
+to the house. I didn't have no good excuse for goin' back there, sir, an'
+was sorter afraid to meet up with Miss Natalie. She might have thought I
+was just spyin' 'round. But I didn't have no need for being afraid, for
+it seems she'd driven into town about noon, an' hadn't got back. There
+wasn't nobody but the servant around the place, sir. Do you remember
+Lizzie, the second maid--sorter full face, an' light hair?"
+
+West nodded, wondering what all this might be leading to.
+
+"Well, she an' I always hit it off together, an' I talked with her quite
+a bit. She's goin' to quit too, because of something what happened, so it
+was safe enough to question her. She told me, sir, that Miss Natalie had
+a telephone call this morning that took her into the city. Lizzie she
+went to the 'phone when it rang, an' it was a man's voice. He wouldn't
+leave no message, but insisted on speaking to Miss Natalie. Lizzie had to
+call her down from upstairs."
+
+"Did the girl overhear the conversation?"
+
+"Not so as to make very much out of it, sir. She was sorter
+interested, the man's voice being strange, and hung around in the hall
+listening, but about all she could make out was what Miss Natalie
+said. It seemed like he was givin' her some kind of address, which she
+didn't exactly understand, an' so she repeated it after him two or
+three times to be sure."
+
+"What was the address?"
+
+"238 Ray Street, sir."
+
+"You are certain of that?"
+
+"That was what Lizzie said; she was pretty positive, sir; an' then about
+an hour later, Miss Natalie ordered her car, an' drove into town."
+
+"Alone?"
+
+"Yes, sir; it was the electric she took."
+
+West remained silent, tapping with his knife on the table. This might
+prove important, and he could not afford to ignore the information. While
+to his mind it was hardly likely Hobart had called the girl, yet the
+possibility remained.
+
+"I never heard of a Ray Street," he said at length, "but of course, there
+may be one. Oh, Charlie," he stopped a waiter passing. "Bring me up a
+City directory, will you. You will find one in the office down stairs.
+Tell the Secretary Captain West wishes it and will return it at once."
+
+The first course had been served when the man returned with the book,
+placing it on a chair next West, who immediately deserted his soup to
+inspect the volume.
+
+"Ray Street," he said doubtfully, fingering the pages. "There is no such
+street here, Sexton. Are you sure you got that right?"
+
+"That's what she said, sir; I made her say it over twice."
+
+"Ray Street; wonder if it could be spelled with a W? By Jove, it
+is--Wray! Here we have it, only five blocks long, extending from Conway
+to Grogan. Rather tough section I should judge."
+
+"I don't know, sir. I never heard of any of those streets before. How do
+you get there?"
+
+"By car you mean? Well, let's see on the map. Oh yes, that's plain
+enough; Milwaukee Avenue to Gans, and then walk east three blocks. It
+wouldn't do any harm to take a look around there either. Perhaps that is
+where Hobart went; he might have been the one calling Natalie. Rather a
+wild guess, but it will give us something to do. What number was it?"
+
+"238, sir."
+
+"Good; we'll try our luck after we finish dinner; there will be a couple
+of hours of daylight yet. Are you game, Sexton?"
+
+"Quite so, sir."
+
+The sinking sun was still above the sky-line of the buildings fronting on
+Milwaukee Avenue, when the two men alighted at the intersection of Gans
+Street. West hardly took the adventure seriously, being more influenced
+by curiosity than any other motive, but Sexton was deeply in earnest, in
+full faith they were upon the right trail. Doubtful as he was, West had
+neglected no precautions. The map assured him that they were invading a
+disorderly section of the city, where to be well-dressed would only
+invite suspicion, and might lead to trouble. To avoid this possibility,
+he had donned his most shabby suit, and wore a cap largely concealing his
+face. In one pocket of his jacket within easy reach lay hidden his
+service revolver loaded, and he had induced Sexton to accept a smaller
+weapon in case of emergency.
+
+Gans Street was not inviting, the saloon on the corner being flanked by
+several small factories. The brick side-walk was in bad condition, and
+littered with junk of all kinds, while the road-way was entirely uncared
+for, and deeply rutted from heavy traffic. Half way down the block, was a
+tannery, closed now for the night, but with its odour yet permeating the
+entire atmosphere. Altogether, the scene was desolate and disagreeable
+enough, but the street was deserted of pedestrians, the factory doors
+tightly closed for the night.
+
+The two men pressed their way through along the narrow passage, finding
+less obstruction as they advanced, the second block being composed
+entirely of houses, largely of the tenement type, and apparently
+principally populated by children. Wray Street, once attained, was of an
+entirely different character, being lined with homes, usually humble
+enough outwardly, yet the throughfare was clean, and the small yards had
+generally an appearance of neatness in marked contrast to its
+surroundings. 238 was a three story brick, on the corner, the second
+story evidently utilized for living purposes, and the ground floor
+occupied as a saloon. The upper story exhibited no signs of occupancy,
+the windows unwashed, and two of them boarded up. The saloon possessed a
+fairly respectable appearance, the lettering across the front window
+proclaiming it as "Mike's Place," and seemed to be doing some business,
+several entering and departing by way of its hospitable door, while the
+two lingered in uncertainty opposite. Standing there idly however did not
+appeal to West.
+
+"Well, let's go over," he said impatiently. "There is nothing to be
+learned here."
+
+It was an ordinary bar-room, and their entrance apparently aroused no
+special interest. Besides the man behind the bar, a rather rough looking
+foreigner, a Pole in West's judgment, three customers were in the place,
+two with feet upon the rail talking with the drink dispenser, and, one at
+a small table moodily contemplating a half emptied stein of beer. There
+were three other tables in the room, and the Captain with a swift glance
+about, drew out a chair and sat down, his action being imitated by
+Sexton. The bar-tender came forward around the end of the bar, while the
+man nearest shifted his position slightly so as to look them over,
+conversation instantly ceasing. Something indefinable in the fellow's
+attitude, and steady stare, gave West a feeling of hostility, which was
+not dispelled by the gruff greeting of the bar-tender.
+
+"Well, what is it you fellers want?"
+
+"A stein apiece, and a sandwich--you serve them, don't you?"
+
+"Sure; ham or beef?"
+
+"Ham."
+
+There was no cordiality, no welcome in either manner or speech. It was
+plainly evident the proprietor of the saloon felt no enthusiasm over his
+unknown customers. The eyes of the two men met understandingly, but the
+few words exchanged between them were entirely foreign to the situation.
+Mike came back with the beer and sandwiches, pausing this time to wipe
+off the table, as an excuse for speech.
+
+"You guys live 'round here?" he asked gruffly, "Don't remember ever
+seein' yer in here before."
+
+"No," returned West indifferently, looking directly into the hard face.
+"I'm a smoke inspector, an' we just dropped in on our way back to the
+office. Why?"
+
+"Oh, nuthin'; only we don't get much trade outside the neighbourhood. I
+wish ter hell ye'd get after that tannery; can't hardly breathe here
+sometimes."
+
+"That's what we were looking after; had some complaints lately."
+
+"Sure, I been kickin' 'bout it for a month. You fellers have another
+beer on me."
+
+He walked back toward the bar, pausing an instant to whisper a word to
+the taller man who still stood there staring moodily at the table. What
+he said apparently determined action, for the fellow addressed, crossed
+the room to where West and Sexton sat, deliberately pulled up a vacant
+chair, and joined them.
+
+"Bring me another, Mike," he ordered. "That is, if these gents don't
+object to my joining 'em awhile."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+TRAPPED
+
+
+West smiled pleasantly, glad the man had taken the initiative, thus
+naturally opening up a way for asking certain questions. Whatever his own
+immediate object might be in thus scraping an acquaintance made no
+difference. It would doubtless develop in time, but meanwhile here was
+the opportunity sought to discuss the affairs of the neighbourhood. Yet
+the subject must be approached with due caution. The very indifference of
+the bar-tender coupled with the evident desire of this hanger-on to form
+an acquaintance, served to reveal the real nature of "Mike's Place."
+Plainly enough strangers were viewed with suspicion, and this was no
+ordinary saloon, catering to whatever trade drifted within its doors.
+More than likely it was rather a thieves' hang-out, ever suspicious of
+the activity of the police.
+
+Yet this fellow bore no outward semblance to the common conception of the
+under-world. Nor did his actions or words exhibit any motive other than
+ordinary good-fellowship. He was well dressed, easy of manner, with an
+exceptionally intelligent face, blue eyes meeting West's gaze frankly, a
+carefully trimmed moustache, with white teeth good humouredly showing
+when he smiled, and threads of grey in his hair. His very appearance
+invited confidence and comradeship, while his outspoken words increased
+this impression.
+
+"Excuse my butting in," he explained genially. "But it's damn dull around
+here tonight. Nobody to talk with but a couple o' bums. You see I don't
+belong around here; just dropped in for a bit of business with Mike."
+
+"I see," admitted West, puzzled, and wondering how far he dared venture.
+"You can get lonelier in a big city than anywhere else."
+
+"You bet you can. I like some one I can talk to; some guy with ideas. You
+see I run a broker's office down town, an' its pretty blame slow around a
+dump like this--you get me?"
+
+"Sure; this seems to be a pretty quiet place."
+
+"Quiet! Hell! it isn't always so quiet. I've dropped in here when it was
+lively enough, believe me. But tonight it's the limit. Fact is I come up
+for a little excitement, as much as anything else, but must have struck
+an off night. You're a smoke inspector, Mike says?"
+
+West nodded.
+
+"Know Fred Karvan, I suppose?"
+
+"Oh, yes; friend of yours?"
+
+"Used to be; we were kids together down on the southside. He's got a
+pretty soft job now; stands in strong with the City Hall, they tell me.
+Mean to drop in and see him some of these days."
+
+"You'll find him a mighty good fellow," asserted West to whom the name
+was entirely unfamiliar.
+
+"Well, I'm not so sure about that. He's got pretty stiff the last few
+years they tell me. But then you work under him, and ought to know. Head
+of your department, isn't he?"
+
+"Yes, but I only meet him in a business way, of course."
+
+"Sure; but that is the way you get to know them best. Been a soldier,
+haven't you?"
+
+"Yes, but what made you think that?" in some surprise at the unexpected
+query. The man laughed, lighting a cigar carelessly.
+
+"Oh, it has not been so long since, that the evidence is obliterated.
+I've got a habit of noticing things. The way you sit, and square your
+shoulders told me you'd been in uniform; besides you're the right age.
+Get across to France?"
+
+"Had over a year there," wondering what the fellow could be angling
+after. "You didn't get in?"
+
+"No; I was over the limit. I was thinking you might be interested in
+looking over a collection of war relics Mike has got stowed away here
+somewhere. He had two boys over there, and I reckon they must have put in
+most of their time gathering up souvenirs. Anyhow they brought back the
+greatest collection of war junk I've ever seen. Say, Mike, what did you
+do with those war relics the boys sent home?"
+
+The fellow addressed leaned over the bar, his face glowing with
+sudden interest.
+
+"They vas in the back-room, all spread out. Why you ask? The gentlemen
+would see them, what?"
+
+"Yes; this one was a soldier himself. Maybe he can tell more about them
+than the boys could. How is it? You fellows like to see the things?"
+
+West hesitated for just an instant, his eyes turning unconsciously toward
+Sexton, who had not spoken. He felt no suspicion, merely a vague doubt as
+to what this invitation might conceal. Yet it had all been natural
+enough, and promised an opportunity for him to learn something more of
+the place. An accident might reveal the very discovery he was eagerly
+seeking. Besides there could be no danger; both he and Sexton were armed,
+and apparently the invitation was innocently extended. To refuse to
+accept would be churlish.
+
+"Certainly," he said at last, quaffing the last of his beer and
+rising to his feet. "It will be nothing new to me, I imagine, but
+we'll have a look."
+
+The other man, who had been leaning against the bar, had disappeared,
+while the fellow at the table had seemingly fallen asleep. Mike came
+forward with a bunch of keys in his hand.
+
+"I keep dot room locked," he exclaimed gruffly, "for some beoples run off
+with all dings they get their fingers on. Hey, you, Carl," and he roughly
+shook the sleeper into semi-consciousness, "wake up, and see to the bar
+awhile. I've got some business. Whoever comes, you keep them
+here--understand. All right, gents."
+
+The three stood close behind him as Mike inserted the key, and opened the
+door. It was already growing dusk without, and the tightly closed room,
+with shade drawn at the single window, was so dark that West could
+scarcely discern its shape and contents. Mike, without hesitation,
+stepped within, his great bulk blotting out whatever view there was.
+
+"Come right in, gents," he insisted. "Von minute, an' I turn on
+the light."
+
+West never understood why he responded so recklessly to this invitation,
+and advanced without hesitation. He had no suspicion of any trick, no
+conception of being in any danger. He stepped in directly behind the
+leader, and Sexton followed. An instant later, the door closed, with the
+sharp click of a night latch, and Mike flashed on the light. As he did
+so, he wheeled about, and shot one mighty clinched fist straight into
+West's face. This was done so suddenly, so unexpectedly, the man
+attacked found no opportunity to even throw up a hand in self-defence.
+The giant Pole flung his whole weight into the crashing blow, and the
+ex-soldier went down as though struck by a pole-ax. For an instant, he
+realized that Sexton was in a fierce struggle; that his assailant stood
+poised above him ready to land again if he moved; then consciousness
+left him entirely.
+
+He woke up, sitting in a chair, his hands bound to the arms with strips
+of cloth. For a moment everything about seemed tinged with yellow, the
+various objects in sight vague and shapeless. It hurt him to move his
+head, and his mind functioned dully. He could not think, or bring back to
+memory a recollection of what had occurred. Yet slowly the mist cleared
+and the objects about him assumed natural form. He was in a room of some
+size--not the one in which he had been attacked he felt sure--fitted up
+with a long table, and a number of chairs. There was no other furniture;
+the walls were bare, and only a small rag rug partially covered the
+floor. At first he perceived no other occupants; only as, painfully, he
+finally twisted his head to the right, his eyes distinguished two men
+seated against the wall. The sight of their faces restored instantly his
+memory of what had occurred. The Pole rested back, with feet on the table
+and eyes closed, but the other--the younger man--was watching him
+closely, an unlighted cigar gripped in his teeth.
+
+"So, you've come out of it," the latter said unpleasantly. "I'd begun to
+think Mike had handed you a real knock-out that time. Ready to answer a
+few questions?"
+
+West, his brain clearing rapidly, sat up straighter in the chair,
+determined to play out his part the best he could.
+
+"Perfectly ready," he replied struggling to control his voice. "Only I
+should like to know what all this means? Why attack me?"
+
+"You'll find that out soon enough, Captain; but first I'll do the
+questioning."
+
+"Not until I know one thing, at least--what has become of the man who
+was with me?"
+
+"Well, I might as well tell you," carelessly. "He got hurt; the fool
+compelled me to hit him with a gat; so he's out of it, and you might as
+well come through clean--that guy isn't going to help you any."
+
+"You mean you killed him?"
+
+"Well, he's out of the game; that's enough. And as for you, your best
+play right now is to talk up straight." He laughed sneeringly, "Unless
+you want to call up your friend Karvan, at the City Hall, you know. Hell,
+but you was easy!"
+
+"Easy?"
+
+"That's what I said. I knew you all right when you first blew in, only I
+wasn't quite sure. Just had a glimpse of you once before. I naturally
+guessed your smoke-inspector stunt was a sham. So, I ran that Fred Karvan
+stuff in on you. You ate it up, which gave you clean away, for I never
+knew any guy of that name. Do you see the point, Captain West?"
+
+"Yes, I see all that plainly enough, but it does not explain the attack
+on me. You evidently know my name, and this assault has been
+deliberately made. Why? What have you against me? I have never seen
+either of you before."
+
+"Perhaps I'll tell you when you explain. What brought you into this
+neighbourhood. Hunting some one, wasn't you?"
+
+"Not exactly."
+
+"Oh, don't lie; that will bring you nothing, West. You were sticking your
+nose into a private matter which does not concern you in any way. That's
+right, isn't it? Very well, you've had your lesson, and now it is simply
+up to you to either drop this thing, or else take another. It's up to you
+how far we go. Now listen. I believe it was merely curiosity that brought
+you here. That's true, isn't it?"
+
+"Largely, yes."
+
+"You suspected something, and wanted to find out if it was so. Well, you
+came into a bad neighbourhood. We are not nice to your kind around here.
+What really caused your seeking me?"
+
+"I do not know that I did," West answered honestly. "In fact I haven't
+the slightest idea who you are."
+
+The other laughed.
+
+"So you are as green as that. Then I'll give you the information. My
+name is Hobart, Jim Hobart. I am the guy you were looking for?"
+
+"Yes," West admitted, seeing no reason to refuse an answer.
+
+"I thought so, although darned if I know how you ever located me here.
+However, the sooner we come to some understanding, the better. What do
+you know about me?"
+
+"Nothing."
+
+"Is that so! You knew my name when I spoke it. It was the Coolidge matter
+that sent you hunting me. Oh, hell, you might as well cough up, West, for
+I've got your number. You thought the girl was here, didn't you?"
+
+"I had reason to believe she came here."
+
+"I see; how did you gain that news?"
+
+"A conversation by telephone was overheard."
+
+"Now we are getting down to facts. And this comprises your entire
+information, doesn't it? Let's check up. You connected me with the case
+because you were with the uncle and her on their call Sunday. You
+discovered in some way that I had since disappeared from that
+neighbourhood. Then you accidentally got on to this telephone call, and
+decided to run me down. Some cute little detective, I'll say. But what's
+the object? What is it you are trying to connect me up with? What
+possible cause can you have for butting in on this affair?"
+
+"I told you before; merely curiosity."
+
+"And who was the guy with you?"
+
+"An old servant of the Coolidge family."
+
+"It was mere curiosity in his case also, I presume?"
+
+"So far as I know, yes."
+
+Hobart smiled, showing his teeth cruelly.
+
+"West," he said slowly, "you are a damned good liar, but I am about to
+spike your gun. Go on out Mike, and send in the first witness."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+THE EDGE OF COMPROMISE
+
+
+The two men sat silently watching each other, Hobart pretending a
+carelessness he was far from feeling, uncertain as to West's real
+purpose. The latter realized now the true seriousness of his position,
+yet this only increased his belief in the reality of the crime.
+Previously his mind had harboured doubts, but the very fact that Hobart
+would resort to such desperate methods was ample proof of his
+apprehension of danger. If Percival Coolidge had committed suicide, this
+fellow would surely have nothing to fear; he could safely ignore any
+efforts to trap him; indeed would possess no suspicions along that line.
+It was his own guilty conscience which drove him to desperation. Coolidge
+had been murdered, and this man was either guilty of the crime, or else
+knew the one who was, and had personal reasons for protecting the party.
+
+These thoughts took possession of his mind and were convincing. He no
+longer questioned but what he was on the track of crime, yet his thought
+at that moment concentrated more vividly on his own personal peril. How
+could he escape? What was he about to be confronted with? Nothing around
+him afforded inspiration. He was bound helplessly; Sexton had
+disappeared, whether dead or a prisoner, he did not know; the walls of
+the room exhibited no signs of weakness, while Hobart eyed his every
+movement coldly, evidently enjoying his predicament. Apparently the man
+comprehended the nature of his thought.
+
+"Perfectly useless, West," he said carelessly. "This place was
+constructed for the purpose, and you are not the only one who has tested
+its strength. You will get out when I say so, and not before."
+
+"Do you intend to say so?"
+
+"Well, that depends," shrewdly. "Not if your release means my taking
+any chances. But frankly, I do not believe it will. So far as I can see
+you possess no particular interest in this matter--only the attraction
+a young fellow always feels in a pretty woman. Have I got that doped
+out right?"
+
+"To an extent at least."
+
+"Yes, to a very large extent. Of course, curiosity also played a part,
+while everybody possesses a sneaking desire to do a detective act. Miss
+Coolidge filled you up with a lot of bunk; she was good looking, and you
+fell for it. Certain things happened that you failed to understand, so
+you rather naturally jumped to the conclusion that some crime was being
+concocted. That was what brought you here. Now I take it that,
+ordinarily, you are a man of some sense. Consequently I mean to try to
+get you to drop the whole affair, as being none of your business. If you
+agree to this, I accept your pledge, the door opens, and you go free;
+otherwise--" he waved his hand expressively.
+
+"Otherwise what?" asked West quietly.
+
+"I will see that you are removed from all temptation; my plans are too
+important to be interfered with by a meddlesome fool."
+
+"But you can scarcely expect me to give such a promise?"
+
+"Well, I don't know about that. It doesn't pay to be too obstinate. You
+have been in the army, I understand; then you are aware there is a harsh
+side to life, a way to make or break men. All right, now I've got the
+power; I can keep you locked up here; I could even kill you if necessary.
+You are utterly helpless. There is an argument worth your consideration.
+But I will give you yet another which may have even more weight."
+
+"What?"
+
+The door opened quietly, and then closed, leaving Natalie Coolidge
+standing there in the light, her eyes slightly frowning as she looked
+silently at the two men.
+
+"The lady, of course," explained Hobart, rising to his feet, "you will,
+at least, be gentleman enough to accept her word!"
+
+She waited, seemingly unable to quite grasp the situation, or realize the
+part she was called upon to perform, but as West failed to respond,
+finally asked a question.
+
+"What is it, Jim? You sent for me?"
+
+"Yes, as a last resort. You recognize this man?"
+
+"Of course," indifferently; "what is he doing here?"
+
+Hobart laughed.
+
+"It seems the fellow hasn't taken his dismissal very seriously, Natalie,"
+he explained, "and remains very much interested in your affairs. That
+covers the principal known facts in the case."
+
+"You mean he followed me here?"
+
+"He was on the trail, but just for what particular purpose I have failed
+to learn; the lad is a bit close mouthed, but it looks to me as though he
+was in love with you."
+
+The girl smiled, tossing her head as she stepped forward.
+
+"In love with me," she echoed. "That is a joke, yet I had some such
+suspicion when I told him to quit the job. He acted like a fool then, and
+began to question me as though he had a right. It was that being engaged
+business most likely."
+
+"Sure; he thought he had you copped, fortune and all, and it looks to me
+like he needs another jolt to put the idea entirely out of his head. That
+is what I brought you in for. I'll explain first just how it happened.
+This army guy blew in here before dark, along with another fellow,
+Sexton, who used to be a servant out at Fairlawn--you know him?"
+
+"Yes; he was discharged yesterday."
+
+"I was standing by the bar talking with Issy, and I was sure I knew this
+lad's face. I was stumped a bit at first where I had seen him; then all
+at once it came to me--he was the guy sitting out there alone in the
+automobile over on Arch Street. I knew then what he was over here for,
+and got to talking with him. He give himself away the first thing, and
+that is why we got him up in this dump."
+
+"How did he know I was here?"
+
+"Some of your precious help out there heard you talk to me over the
+'phone, and passed it on."
+
+"And what does he want? What do these men want?"
+
+"Well Sexton don't want much of anything--he's knocked out; the fool made
+a fight, and had to be hit; and, as to this bird, I rather think he was
+just naturally nosing around out of curiosity, and because he was stuck
+on you. I don't figure he is anything to be afraid of, but I am not going
+to have the fellow gum-shoeing around. I'll take his word to get out, and
+stay out; otherwise he and I are going to have a little seance of our
+own. That's all there is about it."
+
+West had said nothing, watching the others, and waiting to choose some
+course of action. His mind was confused, uncertain, yet he found
+encouragement in Hobart's statement of the case. The fellow felt no
+serious fear of him; had no suspicion as yet that anyone believed
+Percival Coolidge murdered. The probability was that not even the girl
+dreamed of such a thing. Whatever her connection might be with this man,
+she must be innocent of so foul a crime. If he could only speak to her
+alone; bring to her the truth; reveal to her the real character of this
+man Hobart, there would be no doubt of the result. In spite of the
+strange situation he yet retained faith in the girl; she had been
+deceived, led astray in some manner, but his first impression of her true
+nature still controlled his thought. He could only believe her a victim
+of scheming villains, driven by circumstances to play a part utterly
+foreign to her character. His only hope of learning the facts from her
+own lips, or of re-establishing her faith in him, lay in a moment's
+conversation alone. His mind instantly leaped to this conclusion, and his
+eyes met her own. They were wide-open, full of curiosity yet not unkind.
+He spoke swiftly.
+
+"That sounds fair enough, Hobart," he said quietly, taking the chance as
+though it was the most natural thing in the world. "I am not hunting
+trouble in any way, or seeking to butt in where I am not wanted. Your
+guess as to my purpose in coming here is about right. I had no other
+object but to be of some service to this young lady. If I can talk with
+her a moment alone, and thus assure myself as to her wishes, I'll give
+you any pledge you want, and forget all about the affair. Is that
+satisfactory?"
+
+"Alone, you said? You want to see her alone?"
+
+"Absolutely; no other arrangement will answer. I want her to talk
+freely; to answer my questions with no interference."
+
+Hobart glanced toward his companion inquiringly, evidently inclined to
+deny the request.
+
+"Hell, you don't want much," he said rather gruffly. "What do you think
+about this proposition, Natalie?"
+
+The girl smiled, her eyes still on West's face.
+
+"Fair enough," she admitted as though the whole matter was a joke. "The
+man can do me no harm, and I am willing enough to be interviewed. It
+looks like the easiest way out."
+
+His mood changed, influenced, no doubt, by her confidence in the result.
+
+"All right, if you say so. It is my guess you are equal to the job. How
+much time do you want, West?"
+
+"Ten or fifteen minutes. I want to get down to the bottom of this thing."
+
+"Oh, you do, hey? Modest as ever, I see. Well, here's luck to you. You
+needn't be afraid of the guy, Natalie; we got his gat before we brought
+him up here, and if he makes any break, I'll be out in the hall ready to
+take a hand. You're still for it?"
+
+"Yes," indifferently, seating herself on a convenient chair. "We might
+as well talk it out now as any time. You go on, Jim, and leave it to me."
+
+Hobart was not entirely satisfied, hesitating as he lit a fresh cigar,
+his keen eyes watchful of them both. However, it was plain to be seen the
+girl had made her decision, and he evidently knew her well enough to
+realize the uselessness of revolt.
+
+"All right, then," he replied finally, turning to the door. "Suit
+yourself, only watch your step. Anyhow, I'll be within calling distance,
+if this guy gets gay."
+
+"Don't worry about that," a flash of anger in her eyes. "I am no baby,
+Jim Hobart. Go on now, and leave Captain West to me."
+
+He closed the door behind him, and the two were alone in the room. No
+sound reached them from without, not even an echo of Hobart's footsteps
+in the hall. West looked across at the girl, who sat motionless, her eyes
+shaded by long lashes, and ringless fingers clasped in her lap. She
+appeared indifferent, uninterested, scarcely aware of his presence. He
+wondered if Hobart was listening at the door; what had become of Mike,
+and whether Sexton was alive or dead. For the moment he could scarcely
+make himself realize the true situation. His silence served to arouse her
+interest, for she suddenly lifted her head and looked at him.
+
+"Well," she said soberly. "You have something to ask?"
+
+"Much--yes; but first, are we alone?"
+
+"Certainly--why?"
+
+"This man Hobart, you are sure he is not listening at the door?"
+
+She glanced about; then laughed.
+
+"Little good that would do him; there is no key-hole, no chance for sound
+to penetrate. We are quite alone, Captain, and you are perfectly free to
+say whatever you please."
+
+"But even then, is this wholly fair?"
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+"I came here," he explained earnestly, "with no bad intention; no desire
+to injure any one, Miss Coolidge; my only thought the possibility of
+being of some service to you."
+
+"That is very interesting, I am sure. I am quite grateful."
+
+"Then I am going to ask you a favour. Release my hands and feet. You need
+not be afraid; I give my pledge to make no attempt at escape while we are
+together. Will you do this?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+WEST MAKES HIS CHOICE
+
+
+The girl neither answered, nor hesitated, but crossed the room swiftly,
+her hands seeking the lashings about his wrists. Her movement thrilled
+him, and his blood leaped at the soft touch of her fingers.
+
+"Really, I did not realize you were tied into the chair," she exclaimed
+indignantly. "Hobart is a fool to do such a thing. Why, what has caused
+him to become so frightened? Tell me, Captain West, how all this
+occurred?"
+
+"You know nothing?"
+
+"Only what has been said since I entered the room. Mike simply told me
+they had a man here who Hobart thought was a detective, and he wanted me
+to come in a moment. I came, and found you. Now, please, what does it
+all mean?"
+
+She slipped back to her seat again, her eyes on his face, as he arose and
+stretched his limbs to restore circulation. To his quick glance her face
+expressed only sympathy, and innocent interest. Any doubt he may have
+felt as to the sincerity of the girl vanished instantly; whatever of
+crime was concealed here, she had no suspicion. He could tell her the
+whole story without fear.
+
+"I'll try and explain, Miss Natalie," he began rather lamely, "although
+perhaps, you may not wholly understand the motives which have prompted
+me. This, of course, is really no business of mine, and the only thing
+that has involved me is the deep interest I have felt in you."
+
+"In me! why that is rather interesting. It was to serve me you
+came here?"
+
+"At least I thought so. Shall I make it more definite? No doubt you are
+aware that you are an unusually pretty woman. Well, at least, I think so
+for one, and our first meeting, with its subsequent adventures, was
+romantic enough to shake me out of a commonplace existence. In fact, I
+became quite deeply interested in you."
+
+"Why really, Captain," she interrupted, slightly puzzled. "I perhaps do
+not fully comprehend to what you refer. Do you mean there was something
+between us? Some special intimacy?"
+
+"Oh, no; not that; probably no dream of what was occurring in your mind.
+Yet the circumstances of our meeting were peculiar; they rendered a very
+brief acquaintance into what promised to become a real friendship."
+
+"How do you mean?"
+
+"Surely you cannot have forgotten so soon," he exclaimed in surprise at
+her attitude, seating himself once more and facing her determinedly. "I
+came to you in response to a strange advertisement; you trusted me so
+completely as to introduce me to your friends as your fiance, and later
+confided to me the special trouble you were in. I pledged you my
+assistance, and it was surely very natural that, under these
+circumstances, I as a young man, should have become rather deeply
+interested--"
+
+"In both the case, and the girl."
+
+"Yes; so much so, indeed, that even when I was rather harshly dismissed,
+I could not accept it without a protest. I had grown to feel that this
+was not a mere business arrangement between us. Do you understand now?"
+
+"I can see it from your stand-point. But nevertheless, I am surprised,
+Captain West. You--you mean you actually fell in love with me?"
+
+"I felt a very, very deep interest in you," he admitted gravely, "a
+greater interest than I have ever felt in any other woman. That is my
+sole excuse for becoming involved in your affairs. I could not bear to
+see you make a mistake it might be in my power to prevent."
+
+"What mistake?"
+
+"Well, first of all, trusting in this man Hobart."
+
+She laughed, her eyes glancing up quickly into his face.
+
+"And why now, please? Remember your confession; I may think this only
+jealousy."
+
+"You are not so silly as that," earnestly. "Moreover, I may as well be
+perfectly frank. I did confess an interest in you, and in a measure, I
+still feel eager to serve you in every possible way; but you have
+changed so greatly, Miss Natalie, that my confidence in you has been
+severely tried."
+
+"You no longer believe?"
+
+"I hardly know; I fail utterly to understand you of late; you seem an
+entirely different girl. For one thing, you have deliberately
+deceived me."
+
+"Indeed! in what?"
+
+"In your visit to Arch Street with Percival Coolidge. That was no mission
+of charity to a poor widow and children."
+
+"What then?"
+
+"An arranged conference with this fellow Hobart. He rented that cottage
+for no other purpose, and left it the next day. You made a mistake when
+you took me along."
+
+She straightened up slightly in the chair, yet spoke rather
+indifferently, her voice cold.
+
+"No doubt I did," she said tersely. "Indeed I have already discovered,
+Captain West, that I made an even greater mistake when I first took you
+into my service. You have proven altogether too inquisitive. Now I will
+be plain with you. Whatever need I once supposed I had for your services
+ended with the explanation I received in that Arch Street cottage. I told
+you so very distinctly after our return home. You recall that interview,
+no doubt?"
+
+He bowed, waiting for her to go on.
+
+"You were then and there dismissed from my service. That should have been
+sufficient. I knew nothing of your silly feeling of personal interest in
+me; nor did I realize any occasion for discussing with you the reasons
+causing me to change my plans. You were my employee, and I discharged
+you; that was all. It is true Percival Coolidge took me to that cottage
+to have certain mysterious things explained, and they were explained to
+my complete satisfaction."
+
+"By Hobart?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"You knew the fellow before?"
+
+She hesitated slightly, although there was no perceptible change in the
+answering voice.
+
+"For several years; he was in my father's employ; the--the whole trouble
+originated in a joke, and--and was quite amusing, once I understood. Of
+course, after that, I had no further need for you. Why did you persist in
+annoying me?"
+
+West hesitated an instant, his mind struggling with the situation. Was
+she honest, truthful, in this statement? Could he say anything which
+would change her viewpoint? She must have been deceived by these men, yet
+how could he expose them so she would comprehend? He was so little
+certain of the facts himself, that he had nothing but suspicion to offer.
+
+"Why do you not answer, Captain West?"
+
+The girl's eyes were clear, insistent, a little amused; they somehow
+aroused his determination.
+
+"I will endeavour to make you understood, Miss Natalie," he explained
+slowly. "I would not have you feel that I deliberately pushed myself into
+this affair. When I left Fairlawn after your dismissal, I had no thought
+of ever seeing you again. I have already told you the interest I had felt
+in you up to that time, but your abruptness during our last interview,
+left me angry, and with no inclination to seek your presence again. You
+can scarcely blame me for such a feeling?"
+
+"No," she confessed. "I--I was so excited and nervous I was not
+very nice."
+
+"You certainly hurt me. I departed with a sense of wrong rankling, and no
+desire to come back. But fate intervened. You know, perhaps, that I
+overheard the shot which ended the life of Percival Coolidge, and I was
+the first to discover his dead body. This made no particular impression
+on me at the time. I supposed it a case of suicide, and so bore witness
+at the inquest. The whole matter would have ended there; but the next day
+you discharged Sexton also, and the man sought me out at the Club."
+
+She leaned forward, her lips parted, a new light in her eyes.
+
+"He told you something? He made you suspicious?" she asked breathlessly.
+
+"He caused me to see the affair from a somewhat different point of
+view--a point of view which, I confess, revived my interest in you. I
+began to believe you had been deceived, and your treatment of me arose
+through a misunderstanding; I thought you a victim, and that I would be a
+cad if I failed to stand by you. We put this and that together, carried
+out some investigations quietly, and arrived at a definite conclusion."
+
+"What investigations?"
+
+"In the field where the body was found first," West went on steadily, but
+no longer looking at her, "tracing the different tracks through the
+clover. Then I looked up that cottage in Arch Street, and thus learned
+about Hobart. Somehow he seemed to fit into the picture, and your
+mysterious visit there made me anxious to interview the man. He had left
+no address however, just faded out of sight suddenly, which increased
+suspicion. Then, when we were completely baffled, Sexton learned about
+your conversation over the telephone."
+
+"How? Was he at the house?"
+
+"Yes; he went out at my suggestion."
+
+"And heard me repeat this number?"
+
+"It makes no difference how he got the information; we knew you were
+coming here this afternoon, and jumped at the conclusion that you were
+going to meet Hobart for some reason."
+
+"Very bright, I am sure," and there was a tone of relief in her voice.
+"And that is your whole story, I suppose? What does it amount to?"
+
+"Not very much, perhaps."
+
+"And the two of you came out here seeking to learn my business, to pry
+into my personal affairs. That was not a very gentlemanly act, Captain
+West, and I hardly see how you can justify yourself."
+
+"I had two purposes," he insisted, "either of which justify. I felt it
+a duty to locate this man Hobart; and also to warn you of the danger
+you were in."
+
+"Warn me!" she laughed scornfully. "That is ridiculous enough surely. I
+have a perfectly good reason for being here, but I am not accountable to
+you in any way for my movements. A duty you say--a duty to locate this
+man? A duty to whom?"
+
+"To the State, if no one else," he answered gravely. "Percival Coolidge
+did not commit suicide; he was murdered."
+
+"Murdered!" she came to her feet with utterance of the word. "You cannot
+think that!"
+
+"I know it, Miss Natalie; the evidence is beyond question; he was
+murdered in cold blood."
+
+"But by whom? for what purpose?"
+
+"These points are not yet determined; I am only sure of the crime."
+
+"Yes, but--but you suspect Jim Hobart. Isn't that true? You came here
+seeking him--yes, and me. You even think I know how this death occurred.
+You--you connect it with my fortune."
+
+"No, Miss Natalie," he protested stoutly, moved by her agitation. "The
+cause is a mystery, and who did it equally mysterious. The evidence thus
+far unearthed is all circumstantial."
+
+"Then why did you come out here searching for Hobart?"
+
+"Because of his strange meeting with Percival Coolidge the very day of
+his death; because his sudden disappearance furnished the only clue."
+
+"And that is all the knowledge you possess, absolutely all?"
+
+"Yes; I am no more than groping in the dark. My main object in coming was
+to put you on your guard."
+
+"You have repeated these suspicions to no one else? The Police?"
+
+"To no one. Only Sexton and I have even talked the matter over. We are
+both too loyal to you to ever say a word which might be to your injury."
+
+She suddenly held out her hand, and he took it, conscious of the firm
+clasp of her fingers.
+
+"I thank you, Captain West," she said sincerely, "and believe your
+purpose was honourable. You have told me frankly all you suspect, and
+doubtless you have reasons. You have simply made a mistake, that is all.
+Percival Coolidge was not murdered; he killed himself because he had
+muddled my affairs, and knew he was about to be discovered. You have got
+upon a wrong trail. Will you accept my word for this, and drop the whole
+matter here?"
+
+West was almost convinced, but not quite; the explanation had not been
+sufficiently explicit.
+
+"This man Hobart--who is he? What connection does he have with
+your affairs?"
+
+She hesitated slightly, yet her eyes did not fall, or her apparent
+cordiality change.
+
+"Mr. Hobart," she explained, "I have known for years. I told you before
+he was once in my father's employ. Now he is a private detective, and
+was employed on my case, before I advertised for you. I thought then he
+was not accomplishing anything, but at our interview Sunday, all was
+cleared up."
+
+"In the presence of Percival Coolidge?"
+
+"Yes; he was given a week in which to straighten matters. That was why he
+killed himself."
+
+"But why is it necessary for you to meet Hobart in a place like this--a
+veritable thieves' den?"
+
+She shrugged her shoulders, releasing his hand.
+
+"He has not completed his work, and does not think it best for us to be
+seen together. I know him so well I am not at all afraid, even here. Is
+that all, Captain West?"
+
+"It seems to explain everything," he admitted, yet far from satisfied.
+
+"And you will drop the whole affair?" she asked anxiously.
+
+"If I say yes--what?"
+
+"You will be released from here of course, and the whole misunderstanding
+forgotten."
+
+"And otherwise?"
+
+"I have no means of knowing what the men intend to do. They will accept
+your pledge, I am sure."
+
+"Possibly, but I am not so sure I will consent to give such a pledge."
+
+"Then you do not accept my word; do not believe what I have told you?"
+
+"Not that exactly, Miss Natalie; I could have faith in your word, except
+that I believe you to be mistaken, deceived. Hobart is not square; he is
+using you for his own ends. Under these conditions, I would be a coward
+to give such a promise, and leave you helpless in this man's power."
+
+"You intend then to refuse?"
+
+"I do; I'll fight it out."
+
+She stared at him, scarcely believing her own ears, her lips parted, a
+look of angry fright in her eyes.
+
+"You are a fool, Captain West," she burst forth at last, unable to hold
+back the words. "I have done my best for you, and you spurn that. Now
+look out."
+
+She stepped backward, still fronting him, and, with hand behind her,
+rapped sharply on the panel of the door.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+FACING DEATH
+
+
+The change in the girl was so pronounced, her action so impetuous, as to
+leave West startled and silent. The thought came to him instantly that
+she was not the innocent victim he had supposed. Her words, and movements
+expressed disappointment, rather than regret. She was angry at his
+choice, ready to withdraw from him all sympathy, all assistance. Her plea
+had failed, and the woman had become a tigress. Then she must have been
+endeavouring to deceive him; as deeply interested as these others--in
+getting him safely off the trail of this crime. It was a hard lesson, one
+that instantly turned all his theories upside down, but the truth came to
+him with blinding, sickening force--she was as guilty as Hobart; they
+were both working to the same end, endeavouring to get him safely out of
+the way. They would accomplish this with lies if possible, if not then
+with force. It was for no other purpose he had been granted this
+interview alone--in the hope that he might thus be deceived by her. Now
+he saw through the trick.
+
+These thoughts swept West's brain in a sudden flash of revelation, but
+he had no chance to act; to denounce her, to make a single movement,
+before the door opened swiftly, and Hobart slipped eagerly into the
+room. The first glance the fellow had of the prisoner, standing erect
+and unbound, must have deceived him into believing the girl had
+succeeded in her quest.
+
+"So you've set him free," he exclaimed. "The fellow has come to his
+senses, has he?"
+
+"No, he has not," she snapped with temper darkening her eyes. "I was not
+afraid of him, so I let him loose, but he's made me no promise. Now it is
+up to you; I'm done."
+
+She slipped out through the opening, and Hobart leaned against the door,
+pushing it shut behind her, his scowling eyes watching West intently.
+
+"So, that is how it stands, is it, my man?" he growled threateningly.
+"You even refuse to accept the word of the lady, do you?"
+
+"Those are very nearly the facts," West replied steadily. "Then I told
+her I thought she must be mistaken; now I believe she was sent here for
+no other purpose but to deceive me. If I ever had any doubt of a crime,
+it has vanished since this interview."
+
+"What crime?"
+
+"Murder; the killing of Percival Coolidge. Is that plain enough, Hobart?
+I want you to understand. I am fighting this case from now on in the
+open; it is going to be man to man."
+
+"What the hell do you mean, you cur?"
+
+"I'll tell you," went on West coldly, determined now to so anger the
+fellow as to bring the whole matter to a climax, reckless of the
+consequences. "I charge you with murder. I haven't the proof, but I'll
+get it; I do not know the object, but I'll find out."
+
+"You fool! you'll never get away from here. My God, you must be crazy!"
+
+"Never was saner in all my life, Hobart. I am a soldier, and am taking a
+soldier's chance. Now listen. I feel no particular interest in the death
+of Percival Coolidge. In my judgment the world is just as well off with
+him dead as alive. But what this means to Natalie Coolidge is another
+matter entirely."
+
+"She told you--"
+
+"Yes, she told me--a lie. That is what hurts; what makes me ready to take
+any chance to put you where you belong. You have lied to her, deceived
+her, made her your accomplice in crime. I'm fighting for a woman, because
+she has got no one else to fight for her."
+
+"Oh, I see; in love, hey--with her, or her money?"
+
+"With neither so far as I know," frankly. "She is a woman helpless in
+your hands; that is sufficient."
+
+"But, hell, she hasn't any use for you--didn't she tell you so?"
+
+"Quite plainly--yes. But that is no excuse for any man to play the
+coward. I am not afraid of you, Hobart, or your gang. You got me before
+by treachery; I was not looking for trouble. But now I am. I am going
+through that door, and if you try to stop me you are going to get hurt."
+
+The fellow grinned, one hand thrust into the outer pocket of his coat,
+his eyes narrowed into ugly slits.
+
+"You think so! You haven't a weapon on you, West, and if you take a
+step, I'll put you out of commission. I know how to handle your kind,
+you big bluffer. What I want to know is what you have got in your head,
+for, believe me, I don't take any stock in this woman stuff. Are you
+after the coin?"
+
+"What coin?"
+
+"Well, maybe a slice of old Coolidge's boodle. There's enough of it for
+all hands to have a dip. How does that hit you?"
+
+"Sounds interesting at least," admitted West, so earnestly as to attract
+the other's attention. "But let's talk it over among ourselves--who is
+listening there?"
+
+Hobart glanced behind at the nearly closed door. It was for only a second
+he was off guard, yet that was enough. With one leap forward, West
+struck, his clinched fist smashing against the side of the fellow's jaw.
+It was a wicked, vicious blow, with all the propelling force of the body
+behind it, and Hobart went down stunned, crashing the door tightly shut
+as he fell. Once he strove blindly to reach his feet, tugging madly at
+the weapon in his pocket, but West, feeling no mercy, and wide awake to
+the fact that any shooting would mean a call for help, struck again,
+sending his groggy opponent flat, and unconscious. It was all the swift
+work of a minute, and there had been no noise to arouse alarm. Hobart had
+not even cried out; the only audible sounds being the sharp click of the
+door, and the dull thud of a falling body.
+
+West emptied the man's pockets, slipping two revolvers into his own; then
+stood for an instant motionless, staring down into the white upturned
+face. He had followed the impulse of the moment; had struck savagely;
+knowing it was his only chance. Thus far he had done well; but what next?
+He was conscious of but one thought, one purpose--to escape from this
+house, unpledged and still free to act. Yet how could this be
+accomplished? He had no plan, no knowledge even of his surroundings, of
+what lay beyond the walls of this room. His eyes swept the bare interior,
+seeing nothing to inspire hope. Hobart had said this room was practically
+a prison, and it looked it--the walls bare, and unbroken, and a rough
+single cot. All possibility of egress lay in the closed door, and a
+narrow window high up in the opposite wall, also tightly shut, and shaded
+by a heavy curtain.
+
+His hand tried the door cautiously; the knob turned easily enough, but
+there was no yielding to his pressure. The lock was evidently on the
+outside, and he could discover no key-hole, no possibility of operating
+it from within. Then, besides in all probability, a guard would be posted
+outside in the hall, waiting for some signal from Hobart. West glanced
+again at the recumbent figure, bending over to make sure of his
+condition, then, gripping a chair, silently crossed the room.
+
+There was not a minute to lose. He knew that he must choose quickly
+whatever course he pursued. Any instant Hobart might recover
+consciousness, and gain assistance by a rap on the door; indeed his
+confederates without might not wait for the signal. The silence within,
+the length of time, might arouse suspicion. The only chance lay in
+immediate action. Standing on the chair West found the window had been
+securely nailed into place, but this had been done so long ago, it was
+quite possible for him to work the nails loose, yet it required all his
+strength to press up the warped sash sufficiently far to enable him to
+gain a view outside. It was not encouraging. Evidently he was upon the
+third floor, at the rear of the building, looking down into a cluttered
+up back yard. His eyes could scarcely distinguish what was below, as the
+only glimmer of light came from a far distant street lamp at the end of
+an alley, the faint rays creeping in through holes in the fence. Yet one
+black shadow seemed to promise the sloping roof of a shed directly below;
+but even with that to break his fall, it was a desperate leap.
+
+He stared into those uncertain depths, endeavouring to measure the
+distance, deceived by the shifting shadows, afraid of what lay hidden
+below. For the moment he forgot all that was behind him, his whole mind
+concentrated on the perils of so mad a leap into the dark. The awakening
+came suddenly, the chair jerked from beneath his feet, his body hurled
+backward. He fell, gripping at the window seat, so that he was flung
+against the support of a side wall, able to retain his feet, but not to
+wholly ward off a vicious blow, which left him staggering. Half blinded,
+West leaped forward to grapple with the assailant, but was too late.
+Hobart rushed back out of reach of his arms, and rapped sharply on the
+door panel. It opened instantly, and big Mike, closely followed by
+another man, pushed forward into the room. West was trapped, helpless;
+one man pitted against three. He backed slowly away, brushing tack the
+dishevelled hair from his eyes, watching them warily, every animal
+instinct on the alert.
+
+Mike took one comprehensive glance at the scene, at the overturned chair,
+the half-open window, the trapped man crouching motionless against the
+further wall. The meaning of it all was plain, and his bar-room training
+gave quick insight as to the part he was to play. He spoke gruffly out
+into the dark of the hall behind him, an order to some one concealed
+there; then shut the door tightly, and faced West, his head lowered like
+a bull about to charge. West understood; he was locked in to fight it
+out--three against one. Hobart was nearest to him, his face swollen and
+red, his eyes ugly slits, with teeth snarling between thin lips. The
+fellow laughed sneeringly, as their glances met.
+
+"Now we'll take care of you, Captain," he taunted. "Never mind his guns,
+Mike; there's not a load in either of them. Give the guy what he is
+looking for. Come on you terriers!"
+
+But West did not wait. There was only one chance, and he took it--to
+carry the fighting to them. He had no doubt of the emptiness of his guns,
+and hurled one straight at Hobart's head, leaping forward with the other
+clutched in his hand straight at Mike, who had scarcely time to fling up
+one hand in defence. The thrown weapon missed its mark by a narrow inch,
+striking the wall behind, and falling clattering to the floor, but the
+other broke through the big saloon-keeper's guard, and sent him reeling
+to his knees, a gush of blood reddening his hair. Again and again West
+struck him, driving him prone to the floor before the other two dragged
+him away, wrestled the weapon from his hand, and closed with him in a
+desperate death grapple.
+
+What followed he never could relate. He was mad with fury of the fight.
+A mere animal defending life with every means at hand, caring nothing for
+either wound or hurt so that he won out in the end. Mike was out of it,
+but the two grappling him fought like wild cats, rough barroom fighters,
+resorting to any tactics to disable their opponent. Yet it was this that
+saved him. Crazed as he was, madly as his brain whirled in the fierce
+struggle, his long training held supreme--he knew how to fight,
+remembered instinctively every trick and guard. Again and again his
+clinched fist reached its mark, and slowly he broke away from clutching
+hands, and regained his feet. It was a terrific struggle, but luck, as
+well as skill, was with him. The next he knew, out of the red ruck, was
+that he had Hobart by the throat, jammed against the wall, with fingers
+clinched in the throat. Then he saw the other coming, a dim, shapeless
+thing, that he kicked at viciously. The boot must have landed, for he was
+suddenly free to strike the purple face fronting him, and fling the
+helpless rocking body in a huddled mass on the floor.
+
+By God, it was over with; he had won breathing space, a chance to see
+what was about him. Yet that was all. The fellow he had kicked was
+already up, doubled from the pain of the blow, but with mad eyes
+glaring at him. Hobart had struggled to his knees, cursing fiercely as
+he swept the blood out of his eyes. They would both be on him again in a
+minute, more desperate than ever, and the door was locked--there was no
+chance there. The window! Ay! there was the window. Death either way,
+yet a chance; and he was man enough to take it. He leaped on the chair,
+and clambered up; he heard Hobart swear, and felt the grip of a hand on
+his dangling leg; kicked himself free, and was on the ledge. He never
+looked below, or took time to poise for the leap. Heedless, desperate,
+scarcely realizing what he was doing, he flung his body out over the
+edge, and fell.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+UNDER COVER
+
+
+The shed roof was below, and he struck it, fortunately feet first, but
+the sharp slant of the boards sent him hurtling forward over the edge
+into a miscellaneous pile of boxes beneath, his body finally resting on
+the hard ground. He lay there dazed, the breath knocked entirely out of
+him, bruised, and scarcely certain whether he was dead or alive. For the
+moment, he seemed to have lost all consciousness, unable to realize even
+what had occurred in that upper room, or to comprehend the necessity of
+immediate flight. All about him was intense darkness, and, after the
+crash of his fall, no sound broke the silence. He could see nothing, hear
+nothing to arouse his faculties; his flesh quivered with pain, although
+he felt sure no bones were fractured, for he could move both arms and
+limbs freely, while after the first shock, his mind returned to activity,
+dominated by the single conviction that he must get away from there
+before those men could get down stairs.
+
+But how? He retained no strength, no ability to use his limbs sufficient
+to carry him away from the neighbourhood swiftly. He felt paralysed,
+numb, even his brain functioning strangely, the danger of his helpless
+condition its only incentive to action. He endeavoured to rise, rolling
+partially over in the effort which failed, but the movement, slight as it
+was, left one hand dangling over an excavation at his right. His fingers
+explored the edge of this opening cautiously, revealing a cellar-way,
+leading down into the basement. The opening was black, silent,
+mysterious, yet it was a hiding place. If he could manage to roll down
+those steps into those depths below, he might hide there unseen, until he
+regained strength, until the first effort at pursuit had been abandoned.
+Then there might be a chance for escape.
+
+West grasped the idea clearly enough. Those fellows would be there
+swiftly. If they found him gone they would have no doubt but what he
+landed safely, and had made a get-away. They would search, of course,
+perhaps out into the alley, hoping he might have been injured, but it was
+hardly probable they would think to explore the cellar. Even if they did,
+he could surely creep into some dark corner where he might escape
+observation. Anyway, crippled as he was, this offered the one and only
+chance. He could not argue and debate; he must act.
+
+He rolled over, and lowered himself down into the opening, locating the
+half-dozen broken and rotted steps with his feet. He made no attempt to
+stand, but simply slid down, finding a partially closed door at the
+bottom, the passage-way blocked by a litter, the exact nature of which
+could not be determined in the darkness. With some difficulty, and more
+than ever conscious of his weakness, and the pain of bruises, he managed
+to crawl over this pile of debris, and crouch down finally in the intense
+blackness within. He felt like a trapped rat, still gasping for breath,
+his body quivering from exertion.
+
+Yet his retreat had been none too rapid. The silence above was broken by
+the creak of an opening door, the sound of excited voices, and a sudden
+gleam of light, finding entrance through the open cellar-way. West
+startled, crept back into a corner, every nerve alert at approaching
+peril. He recognized Hobart's voice, as the fellow plunged down the steps
+from the first floor out into the yard.
+
+"To hell, of course he's here!" he stormed. "My God, man, he dived out
+head first; I saw him. He'll be dead as a door nail now. Come on with
+that lantern, Turner. Where in thunder is the ladder--does any one know?"
+
+"You think he lies on the roof?"
+
+"Why not? That's where he must have struck, ain't it, Shorty? I don't
+know though; it is so steep he'd most likely roll off. Here, you, let me
+take the glim. There's nothing here in these boxes. Ah, there's the
+ladder; climb up, Shorty, and see if the guy is stuck anywhere on the
+roof. Go on! What are you afraid of; if he's there, he's a stiff all
+right, believe me."
+
+Turner's voice, hoarse and rumbling, came back from above.
+
+"There ain't nuthin' up here, Jim. Damn me, if I don't believe the cuss
+got clean away. Gee, but he was sure a nervy guy all right."
+
+"Nervy? Crazy, you mean. But he never took that fall without busting
+something. The bird is lying about here somewhere. You make sure he ain't
+up there, Shorty."
+
+"Well, he ain't; I kin see every inch o' this roof. Perhaps he fell in
+between them barrels down there."
+
+The two evidently searched thoroughly, the rays of the lantern dancing
+wildly about, while Hobart savagely cursed his companion, and reiterated
+his belief that no man could ever take that plunge, and escape unhurt.
+
+"It couldn't be done, I tell you; maybe he could crawl, but that would be
+all. Why he went down head first; I saw him go out the window, and that
+drop would daze a cat. Say, Shorty, maybe the stiff dropped down into
+this cellar-way. Let's take a look."
+
+The light streamed in through the narrow opening, and some one
+scrambled cautiously down the rotted steps. West, drawing himself
+securely back behind the protection of his barrel, saw the lantern
+thrust forward, and a face behind it peering in the shadows. The fellow
+did not advance into the room, but Hobart did, pressing his way roughly
+past, and standing there full in the glow of light, staring about into
+the dim shadows. He evidently saw nothing to arouse suspicion, for his
+voice was angry with disgust.
+
+"Not a damn sign here, Shorty. It looks like the fellow maybe did get
+away. But it beats me how. There ain't no place now for us to look but
+the alley."
+
+"An' if he ain't there?"
+
+"Then we'll hop this dump mighty sudden, I'm telling you. We'll slip out
+and leave Mike to explain how he got his coco cracked. With that guy
+loose, it won't be healthy for me hanging around here."
+
+"He ain't got the goods on you, has he?"
+
+"No, he ain't got the goods, but he is dead wise to some things, and he
+didn't get out of that shindy up stairs without getting hurt. He'll be
+sore all right, and will raise all the hell he can. It's safer to keep
+out of the way."
+
+"An' what about that other buck, Hobart? It won't do to have him picked
+up, if this guy gets the harness bulls to take a look around here."
+
+"That ain't his style, Shorty; he won't spiel anything to the cops about
+this row. He's an ex-soldier, a Captain, and he's nuts on the girl.
+That's why he dipped into this mess--trying to save her--see? Maybe he
+won't be so keen now, after the song and dance she gave him up stairs.
+I'm half inclined to think the guy will drop out entirely, damn glad to
+get off alive, now he believes she is as rotten as the rest of us. But I
+ain't sure--maybe he is the kind that sticks. That's why I don't take any
+chances just now. Things ain't quite ripe for a get away--see?"
+
+"Sure; she gave him some straight stuff, hey?"
+
+"She certainly did; she's as smart as she is good looking. It somehow
+don't strike me this guy is going to bother her any more. I'm figuring
+that he's out of it."
+
+"But his partner?"
+
+"Oh, we'll leave him somewhere propped up against a door. Likely he'll
+never know what happened to him, or where. He ain't nothing to be afraid
+of--just a butler with a cracked head. It's the other guy who has got the
+brains. Come on; let's take a look out in the alley."
+
+Their shadows vanished up the stairs, the glow of light disappearing, and
+leaving the cellar in impenetrable darkness. West did not venture to
+move, however, content to wait until thoroughly assured the way for
+escape was clear. He had not learned much from this conversation, except
+to increase his conviction that a serious crime was being consummated.
+The full nature of this conspiracy was as obscure as ever; rendered even
+more doubtful indeed by the active participation of Natalie Coolidge.
+This was what puzzled and confused him the most. He could no longer
+question her direct interest in the affair, or her willingness to assist
+in overcoming his efforts. Even without the free testimony of the men
+this fact was sufficiently clear. She had deliberately lied to him,
+attempted deceit, and then, when he refused to yield to her efforts, had
+so reported to Hobart, and left him to his fate. It was manifestly
+impossible for him to believe in her any longer. Yet what could it all
+mean? How could she hope to benefit by such an association? Why could she
+thus shield the murderers of Percival Coolidge? What possible object
+could there be in the commission of this crime, except to gain possession
+of her own fortune? It was all mystery to his mind; a new unanswerable
+question arising wherever he looked.
+
+What strange influence could this man Hobart exercise over the girl? To
+West's judgment he was in no way the sort of man to appeal to Natalie
+Coolidge. He was of a low, cunning order, with some degree of outward
+polish, to be sure, yet inherently tough, and exhibiting marks of a
+birth-right which indelibly stamped him of a social class far below her
+own. Surely, she could not love the fellow, yet unquestionably he
+possessed a mysterious power over her, difficult to explain through any
+other hypothesis. If West had not known the young woman under different
+conditions, he might have accepted this theory, and dismissed the whole
+matter from mind. But it was the haunting memory of that earlier Natalie
+Coolidge, the mistress of Fairlawn, which would not permit his complete
+surrender. She had seemed all that his dream of womanhood called for.
+Unconsciously, he had given her his heart, and he could not tear the
+remembrance from mind. There was something wrong, terribly wrong; what it
+was he had no means of knowing, yet, there in the dark, he determined he
+would know, would never be content until he learned the whole truth. All
+his hope, all his future, depended on the answer.
+
+Hobart and Turner were absent for some little while; the sound of their
+voices ceased, but the distant flicker of the lantern enabled West to
+trace their progress up the alley, and then back again. They returned in
+no pleasant humour, convinced that their expected victim had escaped
+safely, but made no further effort to search the yard. Hobart said enough
+to make it plain that his immediate project was to disappear, leaving
+Mike to his own devices. With this point settled the two tramped heavily
+up the stairs, and disappeared within. West, confident at last, that the
+way was left clear, wriggled out from his place of concealment behind the
+barrel, and stood erect. He felt stronger now, and in less pain,
+convinced that his injuries were in no degree serious. He could move his
+limbs freely and his mind was active. The darkness was so intense he had
+to grope his way forward, anxious to make no noise which might betray
+his presence. No doubt the basement could be reached in some way from the
+floor above, and any unusual sound below might easily attract attention.
+
+In the intensity of the gloom, his sense of direction failed, taking him
+somewhat further back before he finally located the exact position of
+those outer steps. Then as he turned abruptly, his foot came in contact
+with an obstacle on the floor. For an instant he could not determine what
+it was; then, with a thrill of horror, he realized the presence of a
+human body. There was no sound, no movement, and West drew back from
+contact with the object, shrinking in horror. Then he gripped himself
+sternly--whoever, whatever this was, he must know. Alive or dead he must
+determine the truth. He bent over, feeling with his hands in the
+darkness. Good God, the flesh was warm; it was no cold corpse he touched,
+but a living human being; ay! tied like a mummy, unable to move hand or
+foot. Then, as suddenly, his groping fingers, eager enough now,
+discovered the cause of silence--the man was gagged, cruelly gagged,
+helpless to utter a sound.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+THE COMING OF A MESSAGE
+
+
+The situation once realized, West worked rapidly. If this bound man was
+Sexton, the quicker he could be released the better. Hobart had already
+revealed his plans, and might appear at any moment for the purpose of
+executing them. If escape was to be achieved, it must be accomplished at
+once. In the darkness his fingers could do nothing with the knot, but the
+sharp blade of a knife quickly severed the twisted cloth, and the gag was
+instantly removed from between the clinched teeth. The man moaned,
+breathing heavily, but made no other sound while West slashed at the
+cords lashing his limbs, finally freeing them entirely. Not until this
+had been accomplished did he pause long enough to ask questions.
+
+"There; that's the last. Now who are you--Sexton?"
+
+"Yes, sir," weakly, and in a mere whisper, "an' I know yer voice, sir.
+Thank God, yer found me, sir."
+
+"It was a bit of luck; but we'll talk that over later. Now we've got to
+get out of here. Can you walk?"
+
+"I don't know, sir; after a fashion, maybe. I'm mighty stiff and
+numb, sir. Oh, Lord, but that hurts; give me a hand, an' perhaps I
+can make it."
+
+"Take it easy; work your legs up and down like that; good, that will
+restore the circulation. How long have you been lying here?"
+
+"I don't know, sir," his voice strengthening. "I must have been hit, the
+way my head aches. The first thing I knew after I went into that room
+with you, I was lyin' here in the dark. I couldn't move or speak, sir,
+an' it was so black, I kind of got it into my head maybe I was dead and
+buried. If it hadn't been for my hearing things--voices talking, and all
+that--I guess I would have gone clear batty. Maybe I didn't get
+everything straight, sir, but one o' them fellows was Hobart, wasn't he?"
+
+"Yes; we walked right into his trap. The fellow who came over to the
+table and talked to us was Jim Hobart. He knew me at first sight it
+seems, and easily guessed what we were there for."
+
+"And was Miss Coolidge here too, sir?"
+
+"Yes, she was; I had a talk with her that has mixed me all up, Sexton.
+She seems to be hand in glove with these fellows. But how did you suspect
+she was here?"
+
+"I heard her voice, sir; up there somewhere, sir, soon after I come to
+my senses. She and some man went along outside. Sounded like he was
+makin' her go with him. I couldn't get much of what was said, but he
+sure talked awful rough, an' she seemed to be pleadin' with him. They
+wasn't there but just a minute, an' then, a little later, I heard an
+automobile start up."
+
+"You have no idea how long ago this was?"
+
+"No, I ain't, sir. I been lyin' here about half dead, I guess, an' I
+don't seem to have known anything after that, until those fellows come
+down here with the lantern. Were they hunting after you?"
+
+"Yes; I outwitted them up stairs, and jumped from a window. But that is
+enough talk now; we'll go over the whole affair when we are safely away
+from this place. How is it? do you think you can navigate?"
+
+Sexton responded by getting slowly to his feet. He trembled, and was so
+uncertain, as he attempted to grope forward, that West grasped him
+firmly, helping him slowly toward the foot of the steps. Even this
+effort, however, helped the man to recover somewhat the use of his
+numbed limbs, while his breathing became much easier. The two crept up
+the stairs cautiously, and surveyed the cluttered up yard as best they
+might in the dim light of the distant street lamp. It appeared entirely
+deserted, nor was there any evidence that the building above was
+occupied. No doubt lights were burning within, but if so the shades must
+have been drawn closely, allowing no reflection to escape. No better
+opportunity for evading notice could be hoped for, and West, alert now to
+every chance, made instant decision.
+
+"They are all inside. Creep along behind that pile of lumber to where you
+see the hole in the fence. I'll be just behind you. That's the way."
+
+The narrow alley was much lighter, yet still dark enough to conceal their
+movements, as they clung close to the deeper shadows. Except for an old
+cart it was unoccupied, the surface covered with ashes, so packed as to
+leave no trace of wheels. Ahead of them at the end of the block, glowed
+the only street lamp visible. Sexton, by now largely recovered from his
+late experiences, broke into a run, with West following closely behind.
+Both were eager to escape from the immediate neighbourhood unseen.
+Suddenly Sexton stumbled, but arose almost instantly to his feet again,
+grasping something which gleamed like silver in his hand.
+
+"Not hurt, are you?" asked West anxiously.
+
+"No; what's this I found?"
+
+The other took it impatiently.
+
+"What is it? Why a small pocket knife, of course. Come on, man, don't
+stand mooning there." He slipped the article carelessly into his pocket.
+"Let's get out into the open while the road is clear."
+
+"Where are you going?" Sexton panted, endeavouring to keep beside him.
+"Have you anything planned out?"
+
+"Not very much; Milwaukee Avenue first. There is sure to be an all-night
+restaurant somewhere in sight. Telephone for a taxi, don't dare to risk a
+street car, we both look too tough."
+
+"Suppose they will follow us?"
+
+"Hardly; they will have no idea which way we went, or how long we'll have
+been gone. All Hobart will think about now will be getting out of sight
+himself. Once we turn off this street, we'll be safe enough."
+
+It was considerably past midnight when the two men finally reached the
+University Club; they had lunched at an all-night restaurant, washed and
+made themselves as presentable as possible, yet were hardly recognizable
+as they entered the Club lobby. Neither possessed a hat; Sexton was in
+his shirt sleeves, while West's coat clung to him in rags. Without
+waiting to explain anything to the servant in charge, except to state
+briefly that Sexton would be his guest for the night, the Captain hurried
+into the waiting elevator, and accompanied by his companion, ascended to
+his apartment above.
+
+The reaction from the excitement of the evening left Sexton dull and
+drowsy once he felt secure from any possible danger. His only desire was
+to lie quiet, and forget. Stretched out on a comfortable lounge, he fell
+asleep almost instantly, making no effort even to remove his clothes.
+West was of a different temperament, his mind far too active to find
+sleep possible. His only desire was to think, plan, decide upon some
+future course of action. With mind busy, forgetful of the very presence
+of his companion, he indulged in a bath, again dressed himself, and,
+lighting a cigar, settled back into an easy chair to fight the whole out
+alone with himself.
+
+The adventures of the night had greatly changed his conception of this
+affair in which he had become so strangely involved. The mystery
+confronting him appeared more difficult of solution than ever. His first
+vague theory of the case had already gone completely to smash. Question
+after question rose before him which remained unanswered. He was more
+thoroughly convinced than ever that Percival Coolidge had been murdered;
+that the act had been committed either by Hobart himself, or under his
+direction. He possessed no proof, however, nor could he figure out a
+motive for the crime. Who was this Jim Hobart? That was one of the first
+things to be learned. Was he in any way personally interested in the
+fortune left by Stephen Coolidge? Or did he hold any special relationship
+with the murdered man? How could he expect to profit by the sudden death
+of Percival? More important still, what peculiar influence did the fellow
+exert over the girl? Here was by far the deeper mystery, the one that
+troubled him most. The others seemed possible of explanation, but the
+sudden change in Natalie Coolidge was beyond all understanding.
+
+Except in face, form, dress, outward appearance, she no longer seemed to
+West as being the same woman he had formerly known. His original interest
+in her had vanished; he had learned to distrust and doubt her sincerity
+and truth. Beyond all question she was openly playing an important part
+in this tragedy under Hobart's direction, but for the life of him he
+could not figure out to what end. Still the very mystery of it had its
+fascination. While he felt no longer any special desire to serve her, to
+further risk his life in her cause, yet he experienced a fierce
+determination to learn what all this really meant; to uncover the object
+these conspirators had in view. Although he imagined love no longer
+spurred him on, his real interest in the affair became even more intense,
+with an aroused desire to read the riddle. He convinced himself that from
+henceforth this was to be his only object--not the girl, nor any
+attraction she once had for him, but a stern determination to solve this
+crime, and bring its perpetrators to justice. If she was involved it
+could not be helped, she would have to suffer with the rest; his own duty
+was clear.
+
+Yet how could he begin action? What clue did he possess which could be
+followed? Practically none. Before morning, that saloon on Wray Street
+would unquestionably be deserted, except perhaps by its proprietor, and
+Mike would simply deny everything. A search of the place would be
+useless, for Hobart would be too sly a fox to leave any trail. Two
+possibilities remained; the police might have some record of the fellow,
+might know his favourite haunts, even be able to locate his next probable
+hiding place. If not, the only hope remaining would seem to be Natalie
+Coolidge. She would undoubtedly return to Fairlawn; was probably there
+already, and, by shadowing her, the whereabouts of Hobart would surely be
+revealed either sooner or later.
+
+But possibly there was a quicker way to learn their purpose than by
+thus seeking to find either. If it was the Coolidge fortune which was
+at stake, why not endeavour to learn in whose trust it was being held,
+and what steps were being taken to safe-guard it? This investigation
+ought not to be particularly difficult, even though he possessed no
+authority; he could explain the nature of his interest to an attorney,
+and be advised how to proceed. Determined to take all three steps the
+first thing next day, West rested back comfortably in the chair,
+already half asleep. One hand rested in his pocket, and as his fingers
+fumbled some object there, he suddenly recalled the knife Sexton had
+found in the alley.
+
+He drew the article forth curiously, and looked at it under the glow of
+the electric light--it was a small silver handled pen-knife, such as a
+lady might carry, a rather strange thing to be discovered in a dirt alley
+back of Wray Street. The incongruity struck him forcibly, and he sat up,
+wide awake once more, seeking for some mark of identification on the
+polished handle. There was none, not an inscription of any kind, but he
+noted that the single slender blade did not fit closely down into its
+place. He opened it idly to learn the cause--beneath appeared the white
+gleam of tightly folded paper.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+WHAT THE TELEPHONE TOLD
+
+
+All West's indifference vanished instantly. He had to pry the paper out,
+so closely had it been wedged in beneath the closed knife blade, and it
+required a moment in which to straighten it out so that the writing was
+discernable. Even then the marks were so faint, and minute, he could not
+really decipher them until he made use of a magnifying glass lying on the
+desk. A woman's hand, using a pencil, had hastily inscribed the words on
+a scrap of common paper, apparently torn from some book--the inspiration
+of an instant, perhaps, a sudden hope born of desperation. He fairly had
+to dig the words out, letter by letter, copying them on an old envelope
+until he had the message complete: "_Please notify police to search
+Seminole quick_."
+
+West read this over, word by word, again and again. What did it mean? Did
+it mean anything? Had it any possible connection with the case in which
+he was interested? There was no signature, nothing to guide him; yet in
+some way the plea sounded real, was a cry of distress, an appeal for
+help. It could be given no other meaning, yet how long had it been lying
+there in the alley? Not any great length of time surely, for the polished
+silver was far too conspicuous to escape notice. It must have been
+dropped during the night, within a very short time of its discovery. But
+what did the words signify? "_Notify police_" was clear enough, but
+"_search Seminole_" meant absolutely nothing. What was "Seminole"--an
+apartment house? A hotel? A saloon? Perhaps the police would know;
+evidently the writer so believed, or she would never have used the name
+with such confidence. A familiar name to her, she assumed that the police
+would have no difficulty in instantly locating the place meant. The haste
+with which the message had apparently been written, its short, sharp
+words, bespoke urgent need, the consciousness of imminent peril. Plainly
+the writer had used the only means at hand in a hurried desperate effort
+to gain assistance.
+
+"The police." The request had been for the police; then why not appeal to
+the police? Why not take the note now directly to headquarters, and let
+them help solve its mystery? At first West hesitated, yet a moment's
+thought convinced him this would be the logical course to pursue. He
+could accomplish nothing alone, unguided. His appealing to the police
+need not necessarily involve any disclosure relative to the Coolidge
+matter. He had found this note accidentally in an alley in the northwest
+section of the city; his being there need require no special explanation;
+he did not understand its meaning, but it was quite evidently a police
+matter, and consequently he placed it in their hands. That all sounded
+natural enough. Besides at this hour of the night there was no other
+place to which he could go for information.
+
+He looked at Sexton, who was sleeping soundly, and decided not to awaken
+the man. He had no use for his services just now; the City Hall was only
+a few blocks away, and he might not be out more than an hour himself. He
+would leave a note so that if by any chance he should be delayed, Sexton
+would understand what had occurred. He scratched this off hastily, placed
+it in a conspicuous place, and swiftly departed, after extinguishing the
+light. He was no longer conscious of fatigue, or the pain of bruises, his
+mind eager to learn the meaning of this new discovery.
+
+It had been a quiet night at the City Hall Station, and West encountered
+no difficulty in reaching the presence of the lieutenant in charge. The
+latter gazed at his caller curiously over an early edition of the morning
+paper, as the officer who had opened the door to the inner office, said
+rather doubtfully.
+
+"This guy wants to see you personally, sir; he wouldn't talk to no
+one else."
+
+"All right, Slavin; shut the door, and I'll hear what he has to say. What
+is it, my man?"
+
+West explained swiftly and clearly, his manner of speech, as well as his
+statement as to who he was, evidently making a favourable impression on
+his listener, who interrupted the brief narrative with several
+respectfully asked questions. He look the note, spread it out on the
+desk, and studied it carefully.
+
+"Looks genuine enough," he commented at last, "but not very clear. I
+don't know any place in this town called Seminole. Wait a minute though;
+perhaps one of the boys may have an idea."
+
+He pressed a button on top of the desk, and in response to the summons, a
+side door opened, and a main in plain clothes entered.
+
+"You rang, sir?"
+
+"Yes, McAdams; this gentleman here--"
+
+"Captain West, as I am a sinner!" he exclaimed. "Gee! but I am glad to
+see you again, old man! Say. By Gad! you don't remember me."
+
+"Oh, but I certainly do, Mac," and West grasped the extended hand
+heartily. "It's a devil of a surprise, that's all. Saw you last at Brest,
+the day you sailed for home. So this was your job, Sergeant?"
+
+"Been with the department ever since I was a kid. Put me in plain clothes
+since I came back. Lieutenant, this is Captain West, over across the pond
+with the Engineers; we were buddies for about two months. What was
+wanted, sir?"
+
+"Well, Captain West has just been telling me a rather peculiar story, and
+wanted some information I thought perhaps you could give; you know the
+old town right now better than I do. First of all, do you recall any
+crook by the name of Hobart--Jim Hobart?"
+
+"Hobart? Hobart? no, not off hand, I don't. How old a man is he,
+Captain?"
+
+"Middle-aged, anyway; an active fellow enough, but his hair is
+quite grey."
+
+"Do you know where he hangs out?"
+
+"The last I saw of him was in a saloon known as Mike's Place over on
+Wray Street."
+
+"Off Milwaukee; yes, I know. Mike is a big Pole, but has never had any
+serious trouble so far as I know. However, being there is no special
+recommendation to a guy, but I don't believe this man Hobart has been
+pulled since I've been on the force. And you don't recall the name,
+Lieutenant?"
+
+"No; but he might be an old timer come back. Look him up in the index,
+Mac. That will soon tell you whether we have got any such mug, or not."
+
+McAdams drew out a thick volume from a near-by cabinet, and ran his
+fingers swiftly down a long column of names, indexed under the letter
+"H." Suddenly he stopped, with an exclamation.
+
+"The lad is here all right--Government offence, fifteen years ago, third
+arrest; mugged number 28113. Let's look him up, and see if he is the same
+man. Come over here, Captain."
+
+"Is that the fellow?" he asked.
+
+West studied the face seriously.
+
+"Yes, I believe it is, Mac," he said at length. "He looks much older now,
+but those are his features all right. What was his game?"
+
+"'Con' mostly, according to the record; only one conviction though, two
+years in Detroit for using the mails to defraud. Oh, yes, here is
+something different, 'assault with intent to kill'--indeterminate
+sentence to Joliet for that. Nothing heard of him since. So he is back,
+and at the old game again. Do you want him brought in, Captain?"
+
+"No, not yet. I haven't anything against the man now but a suspicion. I
+wanted to learn his record, that's all. This inquiry was only incidental.
+What I'm really interested in just at present is something I picked up in
+the alley back of Mike's Place three or four hours ago. It's a note in a
+woman's hand-writing, and when I found it, it was hidden in a small
+silver pen-knife, such as a lady might carry. I thought it might have
+some connection with the case I'm trying to catch this fellow Hobart in."
+
+"There is a woman in it, then?"
+
+"Yes; but I haven't got things hitched up sufficiently to talk about it.
+The note itself is blind."
+
+"In what respect?"
+
+"Well, here it is. Can you make it out? I'll read it for you--'_Please
+notify police to search Seminole quick_.'"
+
+"No signature?"
+
+"None."
+
+"But that is plain enough, isn't it?"
+
+"Yes, if you know what she means by Seminole; what is it? a street? an
+apartment house? a saloon? Do you know of anything under that name?"
+
+McAdams stood motionless thinking.
+
+"No, by thunder, I don't," he admitted reluctantly. "There is no street
+of that name in the city. There used to be a shady hotel over on Ontario
+Street called 'The Seminole,' but that was torn down ten years ago. I
+never heard of any other--did you, Dave?"
+
+"No," answered the lieutenant slowly, sucking away at a cigar. "I just
+been looking over the directory, and I don't find nothing. Maybe it's the
+name of a boat--seems to me I've heard some such name before, but I don't
+just recollect where."
+
+"A boat! Well, that's a straw anyway, and worth looking up." Mac picked
+up the telephone. "Who is on at the Harbour Master's office this time
+of night?"
+
+"Winchell, usually, and he'll have a record there."
+
+The detective jiggled the receiver impatiently.
+
+"Yes, this is police headquarters calling. Give me the Harbour Master's
+office, please--I said the Harbour office. Oh, is this you, Dan? Bob
+McAdams speaking. Do you know of any boat on the lakes called the
+_Seminole_? What's that? A lumber schooner at Escanaba? Never makes this
+port, you say? And you don't know of any other by that name? Sure, I'll
+hold the wire; look it up."
+
+"Not a very promising lead," he said over his shoulder, "but Dan will
+have the dope for us in a minute."
+
+He suddenly straightened up, the receiver at his ear.
+
+"I didn't quite get that, Dan. A medium sized yacht, you say? Where is
+it? Oh, at the Jackson Park lagoon. I see; and who did you say owned it?
+What's that? I didn't quite catch the name--Coolidge? What Coolidge?
+Exactly; the fellow who killed himself out south. Hold the wire."
+
+He swung about to face West, the receiver still at his ear.
+
+"This mean anything to you?"
+
+"It surely does," eagerly. "The girl I spoke of was Natalie Coolidge. By
+all the gods, we are on the right track."
+
+"All right, Dan," resuming his conversation. "What's that? Coolidge had
+the boat up the river a few weeks ago trying to sell it. That's how you
+happened to remember the name--I see. Say, is there any one out at
+Jackson Park I could talk to at this hour? Who? Oh, yes, the Life
+Saving Station. Sure: somebody will be on duty there. Thanks, old
+man--good night."
+
+He hung the receiver up on the hook, and reached for the telephone
+directory.
+
+"Some luck, I say. Jackson Park--oh, yes, here it is. All right, Central;
+sure, that is the proper number. This is the City Hall Police
+Headquarters again; hustle it up, please. Hullo, Jackson Park Life Saving
+Station? Good; this is McAdams speaking from the City Detective Bureau.
+Is there a yacht out there in the lagoon called the Seminole? belongs to
+a man named Coolidge; medium sized boat, with gas engine. Yes; what's
+that? Not there now; went out into the lake about two hours ago. The hell
+it did! Who was aboard? do you know? Say that again; oh, you wasn't on
+watch when she sailed; your partner said what? Three men and a woman. All
+right, yes, I got it. Say now, listen; this is a police matter, so keep
+your eyes open. It will be daylight pretty soon, and if you get sight of
+that boat, call up the City Hall Station at once. Do you get me?"
+
+He wheeled about, smiling whimsically.
+
+"It's on again, off again, Flannigan. We had it, and we have it not.
+Dave I am getting interested; I feel the lure of the chase. What say
+you? Can you spare me for a day or two? You can? good enough; we'll comb
+the lakes until we find out who is sailing aboard the _Seminole_. You're
+with me, old man?"
+
+West extended his hand silently, and the fingers of the two clasped in a
+mutual pledge.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+THE YACHT "SEMINOLE"
+
+
+There was little to do but wait impatiently for some further message of
+guidance. McAdams dispatched a few telegrams to nearby lake ports, and
+briefly outlined certain plans of action for the morrow, provided nothing
+further was heard from the missing boat; these included a possible visit
+to Fairlawn, and a city-wide search for Hobart, who both men decided
+could not be included among the party on the yacht. West told his new
+assistant the entire story in detail, and Mac's interest in ferreting out
+the matter became intense. It was the kind of case which fascinated him
+with its mystery, but no theory he could spin born from long police
+experience, seemed to exactly fit all the revealed facts. The great
+puzzle revolved about the strange actions of the girl; her part in the
+affair presenting an unsolvable riddle. They must have talked for an
+hour, discussing the situation frankly from every angle, yet arriving at
+no definite conclusion. The sky in the east was red with dawn when both
+men fell fast asleep in their chairs, still waiting.
+
+It was nine o'clock, and still no word. The two had eaten a hasty
+breakfast in a restaurant across the street, discussing the situation
+again thoroughly, but to no more satisfactory result. It seemed
+impossible to reconcile certain facts. If the silver knife, with its call
+for help, had indeed been dropped by Natalie Coolidge, and she was being
+held a prisoner in the hands of villains on board the _Seminole_, why had
+she acted toward West as she did in that house on Wray Street? To all
+appearances there she had been hand in glove with the conspirators,
+willing even to connive at the Captain's murder if necessary to the
+success of their crime. Only one theory was possible; that the girl was
+under constraint, driven to her strange act by personal fear. She dare do
+nothing else, terrorized by the threats of Hobart, and her own sense of
+utter helplessness in his power. This, and this only, must be the answer
+to the riddle.
+
+McAdams, unable to remain quiet, departed to get his police search
+started in an attempt to discover Hobart in his new hiding place. The
+fellow could not be on the yacht, as that had sailed from Jackson Port at
+far too early an hour for him to have possibly made one of the party. He
+would still be in the city then, securely concealed in some dive of the
+underworld, perfecting his plans, whatever they might be, and, perhaps,
+arranging to join those on the boat later. The detective even thought
+this unlikely, his theory being that Hobart merely desired to get the
+girl safely out of the way for a length of time sufficient to enable him
+to complete his nefarious scheme. He argued that Natalie was in no real
+danger; she would be held no doubt, kept out of sight as long as was
+necessary, but otherwise left uninjured. This was no strong-arm crime,
+but a high class confidence game, and the important thing was to quickly
+lay hands on Hobart. With him once in the toils, the whole conspiracy
+would instantly collapse. With this end in view, McAdams took up the
+man's trail, leaving West to stand guard over the telephone.
+
+The latter called up Sexton, and hurried him out to Fairlawn, with
+instructions to find out all he could from the servants there relative
+to any late developments. He expected no important revelation from this
+point, as Natalie could not have returned home, yet there might have
+been a telephone communication, or some other occurrence of interest to
+furnish a clue. Sexton was instructed to report the result of his
+investigation at the earliest moment possible. This accomplished,
+nothing remained for West to do, but sit down and wait for something
+else to happen.
+
+The delay was shorter than he anticipated. There was a sharp ringing of
+the bell, the police operator responding quickly.
+
+"Police Headquarters. What's wanted? McAdams; no he is not in just
+now. Who is calling him? Harbour Master's office; all right; hold the
+wire a minute."
+
+He turned his head around.
+
+"Must be your case, Captain; better hear what they have to say."
+
+West grasped the receiver eagerly.
+
+"Is this the Seminole matter?" he asked swiftly. "Certainly, I
+understand about it. What's that. Oh, Winchell told you to call up if
+you learned anything. Of course; what is it? Yes, I hear; just found her
+tied up at north side of Municipal Pier. What's the trouble? Engine
+working bad, and had to come in, hey? All right--thanks; I'll go
+straight over and see them."
+
+This was great luck, yet there was very little he could hope to
+accomplish alone, without the help and authority of McAdams. Even if the
+vessel had been stolen--which was probably not true--he possessed no
+power of arrest. All he could hope to do would be to keep the fellows in
+sight until Mac showed up, and, if possible, prevent them from putting
+out into the lake again. Even in that he needs must be cautious not to be
+seen by any of the gang who might recognize him. An alarm, proving they
+were being followed, would doubtless send them scattering instantly. If
+they were to be trapped, no suspicion could be aroused.
+
+West thought of all these things as a taxi bore him across the city to
+the pier, and acted accordingly. The open air restaurant accorded him
+every reasonable opportunity for concealment, while affording ample view
+of whatever was going on. It was a bright, sunshiny day, the waters of
+the lake a deep blue. No crowd was present, yet enough people were at the
+tables, or lounging about the pier, to make his presence unnoticeable.
+The pleasure boat for Lincoln Park, a band aboard, and with a barker
+industriously busy, was close by, surrounded by a bevy of women and
+children. Beyond these, on the same side, snuggled close against the
+cement wall, lay the yacht. West ordered a drink, and sat down at a table
+within easy view, although partially concealed himself by a pillar
+supporting the roof.
+
+The _Seminole_ was a much larger boat than he had anticipated seeing,
+yet he could not doubt her being the vessel sought. The name was plainly
+stencilled on the bow, as well as upon the dingy towing astern. Her deck
+lay almost even with the promenade, and he was able to trace her lines
+clearly from where he sat. The craft had evidently been constructed for
+comfort as well as speed. He noted two short masts unrigged, a bridge
+forward of the wheel-house, together with a decidedly commodious cabin
+aft. The deck space between was clear, except for the hatchway leading
+down to the engine. The planking was clean, as though newly scrubbed,
+while every handrail glistened in the sun. The cabin appeared tightly
+closed, even the windows being heavily draped. Some mechanics were
+evidently working below; there was a sound of hammering, and occasionally
+a fellow in overalls appeared at the hatch opening. No one wearing any
+semblance of a yacht uniform was visible, although four or five men
+lounged about the deck, or close at hand on the pier, apparently
+connected with the vessel. Two were well-dressed, rather gentlemanly
+appearing fellows, the others of a decidedly rougher class, although
+bearing no outward marks of being sea-men. While an air of carelessness
+was assumed by all these, yet West, watching them closely, felt that
+they were very much on their guard, anxiously waiting an opportunity to
+depart. No face among the party had any familiarity; he had encountered
+none of them at Mike's Place the evening before. Satisfied as to this, he
+left the table, and strolled out on to the promenade, joining the crowd
+watching the Lincoln Park boat get underway. So far as he could observe
+this movement attracted no attention, although a moment later his eyes
+plainly caught a bit of drapery drawn slightly aside at one of the cabin
+windows of the _Seminole_, and, he felt convinced, the quick gesture of a
+woman's hand.
+
+There was a woman on board then! This certainty of knowledge by evidence
+of his own eyes, set his blood leaping. Whatever the purposes of these
+people he was again upon the right trail. The uplifted curtain was
+immediately lowered, and, if any signal had thus been conveyed, there was
+no other evidence visible. A little later one of the two better dressed
+fellows loafing on the pier, a rather heavily built man, with closely
+clipped red moustache, and a scar over one eye, slowly crossed the deck,
+and entered the cabin. He came forth again a moment later, asked some
+question of the workmen below and then clambered back carelessly over
+the rail, joining his companion on the pier.
+
+"A half hour yet; it was quite a job the boy's had, but they are making
+time. Come over here a minute."
+
+They walked forward, out of earshot from where West sat on a bench in the
+sun. He watched the fellows closely, yet without neglecting the boat, but
+they neither glanced toward him, or seemed aware of his existence.
+Convinced that they felt no suspicion, but were merely exercising
+ordinary precaution not to be overheard, the watcher soon banished all
+fear of them from his mind. His whole thought centred on the early
+arrival of McAdams. Until the detective came, there was nothing he could
+do but sit there quietly and wait. But what if the necessary repairs were
+completed, and the _Seminole_ sailed before Mac got there? The fellow
+called Joe had mentioned half an hour, and he probably meant that was the
+time set by the mechanics for completing their job on the engine. Beyond
+doubt, the intention was to depart immediately. Was there any means in
+his power by which this could be prevented? The only suggestion which
+came to him was the picking of a quarrel in some way, with the two men
+ashore. The boat would never depart unless they were aboard, as they
+were evidently the leaders of the gang, yet this would be a most
+desperate expedient, to be resorted to only when all other effort had
+failed. The two were husky chaps, and he would probably be the one to
+suffer most in such an encounter. Besides it would put them on their
+guard, and possibly avail nothing. Why not speak to the fellows
+pleasantly, and naturally? They had no reason to be suspicious of him; he
+was but one of many others lounging idly about the pier. His curiosity
+would seem reasonable enough, and he might thus gain some clue as to
+their destination. Then, even if they did sail before Mac appeared, they
+could be safely intercepted in time for a rescue. Indeed, such
+information, if it could be gained, would give opportunity to plan
+effective action.
+
+Circumstances seemed to work to this end, the two men strolling
+carelessly back toward where he sat, pausing within a few feet of him,
+all their attention apparently riveted upon the yacht.
+
+"Had some hard luck?" he ventured. "Engine give out?"
+
+The red-moustached one glanced about, his eyes surveying the speaker
+indifferently.
+
+"Broke a piston, and had to be towed in," he replied carelessly, "We'll
+be off again presently."
+
+"Nice day for a sail."
+
+"Sure is."
+
+The very indifference of the fellow led West to take a chance.
+
+"Some nice boat you've got there. The Coolidge yacht, isn't it? Haven't
+seen it out lately."
+
+"Are you a yachtsman?"
+
+"A bit of an amateur, yes; have a cat-boat I play with some. Belong to
+the Columbia Club."
+
+"Off Grant Park; this boat quarters in the Jackson lagoon. We left there
+last night. You knew Coolidge?"
+
+"No, never met him; recognized the boat though. Has it been sold?"
+
+"Not yet. It wasn't his anyway; belonged to the estate. I'm one of the
+trustees; that's how I've got the use of it--see? Ever looked it over?"
+
+West shook his head.
+
+"No, but I wouldn't mind; she's a dandy."
+
+"She sure is; better inside than out to my notion. Come aboard; we've got
+time enough. Not thinking of buying a yacht, are you?"
+
+"Well, I might, if the price is not too steep. I've got the fever all
+right; what I lack maybe, is money. It costs a lot to run a yacht."
+
+"Oh, I don't know. We operate this with three men as a crew. That's not
+so bad. Come along with us, Mark; we'll take a look at the cabin first,
+and then go forward."
+
+The three men stepped over the low rail, and moved aft across the deck,
+the leader talking fluently, and pointing out various things of interest.
+His only object apparently was to arouse in West a desire to purchase.
+The other man never spoke, and the latter gave no thought to his
+presence. He had been rarely fortunate so far, and was looking for an
+opportunity to question his guide on the purpose of their voyage. He
+would wait until later; until the examination had been completed,
+perhaps, when they believed him a possible purchaser. Joe opened the
+cabin door, and West stepped inside, the interior darkened by drawn
+curtains. The dusk was confusing, and he stood still after the first
+step, hearing the latch click behind him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+KIDNAPPED
+
+
+A hand gripped his shoulder as though in a vise, and swung him around;
+the muzzle of an automatic confronted him, and behind it the threatening
+eyes of Joe glared directly into his own.
+
+"Not a move, you damned spy," a voice said coldly. "Now, Mark, frisk the
+cuss, and be lively about it. Had a gun, hey; I thought so. Give it to
+me. Now get the cord over there and give him a turn or two. A very good
+job, old boy; the fellow is safe enough, I should say."
+
+He turned his eyes away, searching the cabin, confident that West was
+sufficiently secured.
+
+"Come on out, Mary," he said sharply. "Who is this guy, anyhow?"
+
+A woman came forward through the shadows. West had a glimpse of her face,
+but the features were unfamiliar. A woman of forty, perhaps, still
+attractive in appearance, with dark hair and bold black eyes that met
+his own defiantly. He was puzzled, doubtful as to what it all meant. So
+this was the woman he had seen on board; not Natalie Coolidge at all.
+There had been a mistake of some kind; but if so, why had these people
+given him this sort of reception aboard? These thoughts swept his mind in
+a flash, as the woman peered forward to see his features more clearly.
+For a moment she said nothing, and Joe broke out impatiently.
+
+"He's the lad, ain't he?" he asked. "We ain't gone an' picked up the
+wrong guy?"
+
+"No; he's the bird all right. I never lamped him but once before myself.
+I heard his name then, but forgot it. He's her friend, there ain't no
+doubt o' that, Joe, and it ain't likely he's hanging around here just for
+fun, is it? My idea was it would be safer to take him in."
+
+"Sure; what's yer name, young fellow?"
+
+Concealment was useless; they evidently had him correctly spotted; to lie
+would do no good.
+
+"Matthew West."
+
+"That's the name," the woman exclaimed eagerly. "He is a soldier--a
+Captain, or something like that. Jim told me about him; he's the same
+fellow who was snooping about Mike's Place last night, before we
+pulled out."
+
+"Is that so? How the hell did you get out of there?"
+
+"We had a little trouble," West admitted, "but they let me go."
+
+"Yes, they did! I know better than that; Hobart don't do business
+that way. I reckon we've played his game all right taking you in.
+Well, you don't get out of here so easy, let me tell you. How'd you
+come to get onto us?"
+
+"That's my business."
+
+"Oh, is it? Well, we'll make it ours from now on. There is one thing
+pretty sure--you were here playing a lone hand. So it don't make much
+difference what yer idea was. We'll take the bird along with us, Mary;
+then he'll be out of temptation."
+
+The woman nodded.
+
+"Jim will know what to do with him," she said. "All we got to do is keep
+him safe."
+
+"I'll attend to that; come on, Mark, let's throw the damn sneak into that
+left-hand stateroom. He'll stay there all right. Aw, take hold; don't be
+afraid of hurting the fellow."
+
+They roughed him forward, but West made no attempt to resist; his hands
+were bound, and he was helpless. The woman threw open the narrow door,
+and he was bundled unceremoniously across the threshold, and thrown
+heavily to the floor. He struggled partially upright, protesting against
+being left in that helpless condition, but the red-moustached man only
+laughed, shutting the door tightly, and locking it. The single port hole
+was covered by heavy drapery, the stateroom in total darkness. Through
+the door panels he could hear a voice speaking.
+
+"He's better off that way until we get out of here. You stay here, Mary,
+till I can attend to him myself. Those fellows ought to have that engine
+fixed by this time. Mark and I better go up on deck awhile."
+
+"But, Joe, do you think they have caught on to us?" she asked anxiously.
+
+"No, I don't; this guy wouldn't be snooping about alone if they had. He
+ain't no fly cop, and just happened to be loafin' here--that's my guess.
+He knew this was the Coolidge Yacht, and that set him to asking
+questions. That guy don't look to me like he was the kind to be afraid
+of. All we got to do is hold him here until Jim decides what he's up to.
+I don't want to hurt him none, unless I have to. Everything else all
+right, I suppose?"
+
+"Sure; quiet as a mouse; asleep, I guess."
+
+"That's good; well you stay here until I come back. Want a gun?"
+
+She did not answer so as to be heard, but West could distinguish the
+movement of feet in the outer cabin, and then the closing of a door.
+Undoubtedly the two men had gone on deck, leaving the woman there alone.
+His feet were not tied, and he could sit up, although the hands were
+tightly bound behind him. With eyes accustoming themselves to the gloom,
+he could discern something of his surroundings. He was in the ordinary
+stateroom of a small yacht, with barely space in which to move about
+comfortably. Two bunks were at one side, with a metal stand at their foot
+for washing purposes. A rug covered the floor, the beds were made, and a
+stool, screwed to the deck, occupied a position just below the porthole.
+A few hooks were in evidence on the opposite wall; but no garments
+dangled from them to tell of previous occupancy. Indeed the place was
+scrupulously clean, as though unused for some time.
+
+West made his way to the port, pushed aside the curtain with his
+shoulders and looked out. The smallness of the opening made any hope of
+escape in that way impossible; nor could he expect to attract the
+attention of any one ashore. His view was limited to the east and north,
+a wide expanse of blue water, the only thing in sight being the pleasure
+boat bound for Lincoln Park, already little more than a black dot in the
+distance. Convinced of his complete helplessness, he sat down on the
+stool to consider the situation.
+
+He had been a fool; there was no doubt as to that; the only thing now was
+how he could best retrieve his folly. He had walked blindly into a trap,
+suspecting nothing, confidently relying on his own smartness, believing
+himself unknown. Now he must find his way out. It angered him to realize
+how easily it had been accomplished; not so much as a blow struck; no
+opportunity even for him to cry out an alarm--only that dark cabin, and
+the threatening revolver shoved against his cheek. He wondered where
+McAdams was; perhaps hunting him even then on the pier; and Sexton, what
+had he succeeded in discovering out at Fairlawn? That Natalie Coolidge
+had returned home, no doubt. At least he no longer believed she was with
+this yachting party--evidently there was but one woman on board. Yet,
+whether she was there or not, it was clear enough from what he had heard
+that this sudden voyage of the _Seminole_ had some direct connection with
+the mystery he was endeavouring to solve. That was why he had been
+decoyed aboard, and made prisoner--to keep him silent; to get him
+securely out of the way. Yet this knowledge revealed nothing as to what
+their real purpose was.
+
+What did they intend doing with him now that he was in their hands? Joe
+had declared his fate would be left with Hobart. Then it must be that
+they had a rendezvous arranged somewhere with that arch-conspirator, some
+hidden spot along the lake shore where they were to meet shortly, and
+divide the spoils, or make further plans. Hobart unquestionably was the
+leader of the gang; but who was the woman? She had evidently been in
+Mike's Place the night before, and had a glimpse of his face. She must
+have left with that party in the automobile, yet she surely was not the
+one who had dropped that note begging the police to search this vessel.
+
+What then had become of the other? If she was being held prisoner, it was
+not at all probable she had been left somewhere ashore; apparently she
+had reason to know where she was being taken--to the _Seminole_;
+otherwise she would never have written as she did. She must have
+overheard their plans, before she hastily scratched off the note
+desperately; and yet those plans might have been changed. However, if so,
+why were these people--accomplices of Hobart no doubt--fleeing in the
+yacht, seeking to conceal their identity in an effort to disappear? What
+were they fleeing from? Why were they so fearful of discovery by the
+police? What would cause them to kidnap him, merely on suspicion that he
+was a friend of Natalie Coolidge? The very act was proof positive of the
+desperation of their crime. It could be accounted for on no other theory.
+
+West paced the narrow space, his brain whirling, as he attempted to
+reason the affair out, his own helplessness becoming more and more
+apparent. What could he do? There was but one answer--absolutely nothing
+as he was then situated. He could only wait for some movement on the
+part of the others; his fate was out of his own hands; he had been a
+fool, and must pay the price. The cords about his wrists chafed and hurt
+with each movement. The metal wash-stand gave him an inspiration; its
+upper strip was thin, and somewhat jagged along the edge; possibly it
+might be utilized to sever the strands. It was better to try the
+experiment than remain thus helplessly bound. With hands free he could
+at least defend himself.
+
+He made the effort, doubtfully at first, but hope came as the sharp edge
+began to tear at the rope. It was slow work, awkward, requiring all the
+strength of his arms, yet he felt sure of progress. He could feel the
+strands yield little by little, and redoubled his efforts. It hurt, the
+rope lacerating his wrists, and occasionally the jagged steel cut into
+the flesh cruelly, but the thought of freedom outweighed the pain, and he
+persevered manfully. At last, exercising all his muscle, the last frayed
+strand snapped. His wrists were bleeding, and the hands numb, but the
+severed cord lay on the floor and he again had the free use of his arms.
+The sudden freedom brought new hope and courage. He listened at the door,
+testing the knob cautiously. There was no yielding, and for the moment no
+sound reached him from without. The woman was doubtless there on guard,
+and any effort he might make to break down the door would only bring the
+whole gang upon him. Unarmed, he could not hope to fight them all. As he
+stood there, hesitating, unable to determine what to attempt, he became
+aware of a throbbing under foot, increasing in intensity. West knew
+instantly what it meant--they were testing out the engine; if all worked
+well, the boat would cast off.
+
+He sprang back to the port and stared out, eagerly hoping that, as they
+swept out into the lake, he might find some opportunity to communicate
+with some one on the pier. Perhaps by this time Mac would have arrived,
+and be watching their departure, unable to intervene, as he had no
+warrant for arrest, or any definite knowledge that the yacht was being
+used for a criminal purpose. He had not long to wait. Hurrying steps
+echoed along the deck; a voice shouted out some order, and the end of a
+loosened rope dropped splashing into the water astern; the boat trembled
+to the pulsations of the engine, and West realized that it was at first
+slowly, then more swiftly, slipping away into the broad water. Already he
+could perceive the white wake astern, and, an instant later, as the turn
+to the right widened, he had a glimpse of the pier, already separated
+from him by a broad expanse of trembling water. Above the noise his voice
+would scarcely reach that distance. A crowd of people stood there
+watching, clinging along the edge of the promenade--McAdams was not among
+them. It would be useless to strive to attract their attention; not one
+among them would comprehend; even if they did, not one of them could
+help. He still stood there, gazing back at the fast receding pier,
+gradually becoming blurred in the distance, but hopelessly. He knew now
+he must face his fate alone.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+THE FATE OF A PRISONER
+
+
+The _Seminole_ headed straight out into the lake, its course evidently a
+little to the north of east. The steady throb of the engine exhibited no
+lack of power, the snowy wake behind telling of rapid progress. There was
+a distinct swell to the water, increasing as they advanced, but not
+enough to seriously retard speed, the sharp bow of the yacht cutting
+through the waves like the blade of a knife, the broken water churning
+along the sides. West clung to his perch, peering out through the open
+port, watching the fast disappearing shore line in the giant curve from
+the Municipal Pier northward to Lincoln Park. In spite of the brightness
+overhead, there must have been fog in the air, for that distant view
+quickly became obscure and then as suddenly vanished altogether. There
+remained no sign of land in sight; only the seemingly limitless expanse
+of blue water, not so much as a trail of smoke breaking the encircling
+rim of the sky.
+
+Except for the occasional tread of feet on the deck above, and the faint
+call of a voice giving orders, the yacht seemed deserted, moving unguided
+across the waste of waters. No sound of movement or speech reached West's
+ears from the cabin, and he settled down into moody forgetfulness, still
+staring dully out through the open port. What was to be, would be, but
+there was nothing for him to do but wait for those who held him prisoner,
+to act. He was still seated there, listless, incapable even of further
+thought, when the door was suddenly unlocked. He had barely time to arise
+to his feet, when the man with the red moustache stepped within, facing
+him, as he pushed tightly shut the door behind. The fellow's eyes saw the
+severed rope on the floor, and he smiled, kicking the strands aside
+contemptuously.
+
+"Smart enough for that, were you?" he asked. "Well, I would have taken
+them off myself, if I had thought about it. How did you manage? Oh, I
+see; rather a bright trick, old man. Feeling pretty fit, are you?"
+
+West did not answer at once; this fellow had come with an object in mind,
+and his only desire was to baffle him. It was to be a contest of wits,
+and helpless as the prisoner was physically, he had no intention of
+playing into the other's hands.
+
+"I might be, if I knew what all this meant," he said at last. "Haven't
+you got hold of the wrong party?"
+
+The man laughed, standing where he blocked all passage.
+
+"I might have been convinced that I had an hour ago," he answered coldly.
+"But since then I find I've made rather a good bet. I have the honour of
+addressing Captain West, I believe?"
+
+"You have the name correct; there is no reason why I should deny that.
+Unfortunately, I do not know with whom I am conversing."
+
+"Quite easily remedied. I am Joe Hogan, commonly called 'Red' Hogan. The
+moniker means nothing to you."
+
+"I never heard it before."
+
+"I thought not, which merely proves you are not a 'fly-cop,' only a
+measly busy-body sticking your nose into some one else's business. Well,
+we know how to take care of your kind, and this is likely to prove the
+last case you'll dabble in for a while, my man."
+
+"What does that mean--a threat?"
+
+"Never mind what it means; it is a straight tip. Now listen,
+West--Captain West I believe is the proper term of address--and you will
+understand better. When I got you in here I had no real knowledge as to
+who you were. I merely took a chance on what Mary had to say, and she
+twigged you at once. She's smart, that woman; never forgets a face. She
+sure did a good job this time. But after you were locked in safe, and
+nobody knew what had happened, and you certainly handled easily enough, I
+slipped ashore into the restaurant and called up Jim Hobart on the wire.
+Did he give me your pedigree? He did. Jim was about the happiest guy in
+the town when he learned we had you bottled. Raised hell last night,
+didn't you? All right, my friend, you are going to pay the piper today.
+What got you into this muss, anyhow? You are no relation to the Coolidge
+girl, are you?"
+
+"None whatever; merely a friend."
+
+"Friend, hey! Well, she's a good looker; so this friendship stuff is
+easily accounted for. Friend, hell!" he laughed. "You must have it bad to
+put on all these stunts for sweet friendship's sake. You wouldn't even
+quit when she told you to."
+
+"I believed she was compelled to say what she did to me," replied West
+quietly. "That she was in Hobart's power, afraid of her life. There was
+no other explanation of her strange action possible."
+
+"Is that so?"
+
+"I am willing to listen to such an explanation, Hogan, and if satisfied
+she really wishes me to keep out of the affair, I will."
+
+"And if not?"
+
+"Then I am going to fight in her cause to the very end of things. You
+cannot frighten me; your only chance to influence my action is to make
+things clear. I confess I have been fighting in the dark, not even
+comprehending your purpose. I do know that the main stake your gang is
+after is the Coolidge fortune; that, in order to get hold of it, you are
+obliged to keep control over Miss Natalie. But I can conceive no reason
+why she should assist in the conspiracy. She certainly cannot be
+benefited by having her own fortune stolen. This is what puzzles me, but
+it hasn't changed my loyalty to her. I still believe in her, and feel
+that she is simply a victim of circumstances beyond her control. Am I
+frank enough?"
+
+"Sure; it all means you intend to remain a blunder-headed fool defending
+a girl who does not desire any defence--a Don Quixote tilting at
+wind-mills. That is your choice, is it?"
+
+"Unless you care to explain clearly just how Miss Natalie's interests are
+being protected."
+
+"Which I am not at liberty to do at present. She is satisfied, and has
+practically told you so, according to Jim Hobart. If you will not accept
+her word, there is no use of my saying anything about the matter.
+Besides, West, frankly I don't give a damn what you think. We've got you
+safe enough, where you can't do anything, even if you want to--so, why
+worry? Twenty-four hours more will finish our little job, and, until that
+time is up, you'll remain right here; after that we don't care where in
+hell you go, or what you do--the game will have been played."
+
+The man's tone, and air of confidence was impressive; beyond doubt
+he felt that the cards were all in his hands. West drew in his
+breath sharply.
+
+"Apparently you are right," he said quietly. "May I ask a question or
+two?"
+
+"Fire away; I'll answer as I please."
+
+"Who is the woman on board?"
+
+"Mary, you mean? Hobart's wife."
+
+"She came from the place on Wray Street last night in an auto?"
+
+"Yes; I brought her along myself."
+
+"Alone?"
+
+"There were two of us, Mark and I--why? what are you driving at?"
+
+"Just putting some broken threads together. Then Natalie Coolidge is not
+on this yacht?"
+
+"I should say not. What would we be doing with her out here?"
+
+"Where is she then?"
+
+"Oh, I begin to see what brought you aboard so easily, West. You thought
+we had the lady kidnapped, and was sailing off with her. Some stunt that.
+What put the idea in your head?"
+
+West hesitated a moment, but decided a truthful answer would do no harm.
+
+"I knew an automobile had driven out of the alley back of Mike's Place;
+and that a woman was in it. When I got away a little later, I picked up a
+message--a note which had been dropped. It was written in a woman's hand
+but unsigned--"
+
+"The little cat! She dropped it?"
+
+"It seems so. You forgot yourself that time. So she was with you, was
+she?"
+
+"I don't know what you mean. I told you who were with me. Go on; what did
+the note say?"
+
+"It was only a request for the police to search the _Seminole_ at once."
+
+"Oh, that's the way the wind blows. But you preferred to tackle the job
+yourself. I am certainly obliged to you, West."
+
+"You have no reason to be. I took that note to the police, and they are
+on the case. They are combing the city right now for Hobart, and if they
+get him, this bubble of yours is likely to be pricked."
+
+"Hell, they won't get him. There isn't a fly-cop in Chicago who could
+locate Jim in a week, and as for Natalie, believe me she is quite able to
+take care of herself."
+
+"But where is she?"
+
+"At home, of course, if you must know--'Fairlawn,' isn't that the name of
+the place? We left her there on our way to Jackson Park."
+
+"Then the girl was with you?"
+
+"Spilled the beans, didn't I? That comes from talking too much.
+However, there is no harm done. Sure she left with us, but we dropped
+her out at Fairlawn. It was her machine we were riding in. Say, you've
+questioned me about enough, so let up. Listen now--you will stay in
+this stateroom until we get ready to let you out. Don't try any funny
+business either, for if you do, you are going to get hurt. There is a
+guard outside in the cabin, and we are not afraid to shoot out here on
+the lake. Nobody knows where you are, West; so if you want to live,
+keep quiet--that's my advice."
+
+He started back, one hand on the knob of the door, but West stopped him.
+
+"Do you mind telling me where we are bound?" he questioned.
+
+Hogan smiled, but the smile was not altogether a pleasant one.
+
+"You will have to wait, and find that out for yourself, Captain. My
+orders are not to talk."
+
+"From Hobart?"
+
+"Sure; Jim is engineering this deal, and whatever he says goes, for he's
+the guy who has his hands on the dough--see?"
+
+He slipped out, closing and locking the door behind him. West, more
+thoroughly confused than ever over the situation in which he found
+himself, paced the brief length of the narrow stateroom, and then paused
+to stare moodily out of the port. His eyes rested on the same wide
+expanse of water, no longer brightened by the glow of the sun. A mass of
+clouds veiled the sky, while a floating bank of fog obscured the horizon,
+limiting the scope of his vision. Everything appeared grey and desolate,
+and the restless surge of waves were crested with foam. It was hard to
+judge just where the sun was, yet he had an impression the vessel had
+veered to the north, and was proceeding straight up the lake, already
+well out of sight from either shore.
+
+He had learned little of the slightest value; merely that Natalie had
+been of the party leaving in the automobile the night before. She,
+undoubtedly, had been the one who had dropped the note. Then, in spite of
+all they said about her, in spite of what she had told him, she was
+actually a prisoner, desperately begging for assistance to escape. As to
+the other things Hogan had told him, the probability was they were mostly
+lies. West did not believe the girl had returned to 'Fairlawn,' the story
+did not sound natural. If she had written that note, these fellows would
+never trust her alone, where she could communicate with friends. They
+might venture to send her in to talk with him, knowing her every word was
+overheard, but surely they would never be reckless enough to leave her
+free to act as she pleased. That was unthinkable. Besides why should they
+have taken this yacht, and sailed it out secretly in the night unless she
+was hidden away aboard? The only conceivable object would be to thus keep
+her safely beyond sight and hearing. And that would be a reason why
+Hobart's wife should also be on board--to look after the girl. The longer
+he thought it all over, the more thoroughly was he convinced they were
+both prisoners on the same vessel. Yet what could he do? There was no
+answer forthcoming; no possibility of breaking forth from that room was
+apparent; he was unarmed, helpless. If he did succeed in breaking through
+the door, he would only encounter an armed guard, and pit himself against
+five or six men, criminals probably, who would count his death a small
+matter compared to their own safety. He sank down, with head in his
+hands, totally unnerved--it was his fate to attempt nothing; only to wait
+on fortune.
+
+Mark brought in food, merely opening the door slightly, and sliding the
+tray in on the floor. No words were exchanged, nor was the tray removed
+until just at twilight, when the fellow appeared again on a similar
+mission. It became dark, but no light was furnished. Outside the clouds
+had thickened, and a heavy swell was tossing the vessel about rather
+roughly. Seemingly the engine was merely endeavouring to maintain
+head-way, with no port in immediate prospect; they were steering
+aimlessly into the promise of a stormy night. No sound reached him from
+the cabin, and finally, worn out mentally and physically, West flung
+himself on the lower bunk, and lay there motionless, staring up into the
+intense darkness.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV
+
+THE SINKING YACHT
+
+
+Lying there motionless, yet wide awake, his senses alert, every slightest
+sound and movement made clearer the situation. He could feel the laboured
+efforts of the vessel, the slap of waves against the side, the rush of
+water astern. Occasionally the echo of a voice reached him from the deck
+above, and once footsteps were audible almost over his head. The engine
+strokes were regular, but slow, the vibrations shaking the boat in its
+sturdy battling against the forces of the sea. The _Seminole_ rolled
+heavily, yet there was nothing at all alarming in her actions, and West
+felt no premonition of illness, or fear as to the sea-worthiness of the
+little craft. Whoever was handling her was evidently a seaman, quite
+capable of conquering a storm of this magnitude. No noise came to him
+from the cabin, yet he had no thought it could be deserted. Hogan would
+certainly retain a guard there, and probably others--with no duties of
+seamanship weighing on them--would seek refuge there from the wind-swept
+deck above. No doubt the fellows had a skipper, as neither Hogan, nor the
+man Mark, bore any resemblance to a lake sailor. Quite possibly the
+entire crew were innocent of what was actually transpiring aboard, and
+equally indifferent, so long as their wages were satisfactory. Yet it was
+even more probable that they had been selected for this special service
+because of lack of ordinary scruples; men who would never question so
+long as the pay was adequate for the danger involved. It seemed to West
+the wind and sea were slowly decreasing in violence; there was less noise
+and turmoil. The movement of the vessel began to lull him into
+forgetfulness, his vigilance relapsed, his mind drifting in thought. He
+endeavoured to arouse himself, to keep awake, but finally fatigue
+conquered, and he sank into a deep sleep. He had no knowledge of how long
+this slumber lasted, or what suddenly awakened him, so startled at the
+moment that he sat up in the berth, staring into the blackness. Was it a
+dream, or a reality? Had some one spoken? He could neither see nor hear
+anything; the boat seemed to be motionless, not even throbbing now to the
+beat of the engine--the silence was uncanny. It seemed to him his own
+heart had stopped, so still it was, and he felt a cold perspiration
+break out on his flesh. Something was wrong, must be wrong. Where were
+they--at anchor in some harbour? or helplessly adrift on the lake? The
+sea must have gone down; waves no longer dashed against the side, and
+there was no shriek of wind overhead; the yacht rocked gently, as though
+the swell of the sea no longer buffeted her; there was no sound of action
+on the deck above. Then he heard a voice again, outside, reaching him
+this time plainly through the open port.
+
+"All set, Mapes," it said sharply. "Come on down. You finished the job?"
+
+"Ay, ay, sir," the answer gruff, but with a tinge of excitement in the
+tone. "She's fixed all right. Hold hard, now, mate."
+
+West, thoroughly aroused, realizing instantly the importance of this
+new move, and as quickly suspecting its purpose, leaped to the
+port-hole, and, endeavoured to gain a glimpse without. The night was
+still intensely black, the sky overcast and starless, the only glimmer
+of light the reflecting of foam tipped surges. If land was near it
+remained invisible, nor could he even be sure of the close proximity of
+a boat. There seemed to be a smudge there at the left, a black, lumping
+shadow, shapeless against the background of sea; yet he could not be
+sure. Even as he gazed at it doubtfully, the dim object disappeared,
+fading away like a mirage. No sound reached him to cause the vision to
+seem real--no voice, no creak of oars, no flap of a sail; yet something
+told him that mysterious shadow was a boat, a boat filled with men,
+creeping away silently into the night, fleeing from the yacht, and
+vanishing into the darkness.
+
+My God, what could such action mean? Why were these fellows deserting the
+_Seminole_, leaving him helpless aboard, locked into that stateroom? Was
+the yacht disabled? sinking? and had they merely forgotten him in their
+own eagerness to escape? Were they in mid-lake? or close to some point of
+land? Had every one gone, leaving the vessel totally abandoned, a wreck
+buffeted by the surges, doomed to go down, unseen, its final fate
+unknown? Unknown! The word rising to his brain was the answer. There was
+the crest of the plot. What could be easier, or safer, than this ending?
+Who would ever know the truth? Who could ever prove anything, even if
+they suspected? And who was there to suspect?
+
+No one had reason to believe he was aboard the _Seminole_; not even
+McAdams. If it was to their interest to get him permanently out of the
+way--if Hobart had so decided--what simpler method could be found than
+the sinking of the yacht? The very crew might be innocent of the
+purpose, dupes of the conspiracy; they might even be unaware of his
+presence aboard, and deceived by Hogan into the belief that the vessel
+had opened a seam, and must sink shortly, would take to the boat without
+suspecting any one was left behind. They could so testify in all honesty
+if any question ever arose. The very simplicity of the scheme meant
+safety; yet the possibility of such cold blooded murder had never before
+occurred to him. Unknown! without a trace left; only a boat crew landing
+somewhere on the coast at dawn, and scattering to the four winds. It was
+a plot infernal.
+
+West stopped, his hands clinched, his heart seeming to stop its pulsing.
+But if Natalie Coolidge was also prisoner on board, what of her? Wasn't
+that the very thing most probable? Of course it was; how foolish he had
+been. These men, recklessly criminal, as they were, would never sacrifice
+the yacht, and risk their own lives, merely to put him out of the way. He
+was not important enough for that; he was but an incident. It was an
+accident which had made him a prisoner. While this was--must be--a
+carefully arranged plan. The girl then must be the real victim; his own
+plight arose merely because he chanced to be there, and the villains dare
+not leave him alive to tell the story.
+
+The certainty of this acted like an electric shock. He had not felt
+seriously alarmed before as to his own fate. He had only been conscious
+of a deep anger, a mad determination to make Hogan pay. If the _Seminole_
+was sinking, and beyond doubt this was the intention of those deserters,
+it was going down slowly, so slowly there would be ample time for escape.
+He was not asleep, but wide awake, and far from paralyzed by the danger.
+He was not the sort to give up while there was any hope left. Surely the
+guard in the cabin would have departed with the others, leaving him free
+to act. He could smash his way out through that door, and find something
+on deck to construct a raft from. This was Lake Michigan, not the ocean,
+and not many hours would pass before he was picked up. Vessels were
+constantly passing, and daylight would bring rescue.
+
+But now the task became difficult. He must find the girl, and serve her.
+To his surprise, his heart beat rapidly in contemplation of the task.
+Surely she must welcome his coming to her assistance now. She would be
+alone, free to reveal the truth of all this strange mix-up of affairs;
+perhaps the old trust, the old confidence between them would be renewed.
+At least in the midst of such peril, alone on the sinking yacht, facing
+possible death together, he would again discover the real Natalie
+Coolidge. The hope instantly inspired action. Every minute might mean
+life or death; the work must be accomplished now, if ever. The _Seminole_
+was evidently deserted, the boat containing the fleeing crew already far
+enough away to be beyond sound of any noise he might make. He already
+felt the wallowing of the deck beneath his feet, a dead, dull feeling,
+evidence enough that the deserted vessel was slowly, but surely going
+down. The condition could not last long; faster and faster the water
+would seep into her hold, until suddenly, without warning, perhaps, she
+must go down like a stone.
+
+All these thoughts flashed across his mind almost in an instant; there
+was no hesitancy, no waste of time. His eager eyes searched the narrow
+confines of the stateroom for some possible weapon with which to assail
+the door. The stout stool alone seemed available. Swinging this over his
+shoulder, hampered by the narrowness of space, he struck again and again,
+with all his strength, the upper panel splintering beneath the third
+crashing blow. He could see nothing, but felt with his fingers along the
+jagged ends of the shattered wood, and redoubled his efforts, striking
+wildly, but with effect, until suddenly the lock gave, and the door burst
+open. He was in the main cabin, which was unlit and deserted. Standing
+there confused in the grim silence, unable for the instant to determine
+how to advance in the dark, he could hear the rapid beating of his own
+heart, and the continuous lap of waves outside. God! how sodden the deck
+felt under foot; what a sickening swell hurled the craft, and such
+stillness! If the girl was aboard why did she not cry out? Surely she
+must have heard that noise, the rain of blows, the crunch of wood.
+
+He stood, crouched, listening intently for something to guide him in the
+right direction. And yet, even if Natalie had heard, what reason would
+the girl have to suspect the truth? Likely enough she was sound asleep,
+completely worn out, and with no knowledge of what had occurred on board.
+It was only the sound of that voice speaking loudly in the boat alongside
+which had aroused him. She had no reason to suspect desertion, no
+occasion to believe any other prisoner than herself was aboard. The noise
+of crashing wood, even if it awoke her, would have no special meaning to
+her mind, only perhaps to add to her terror. He must act alone; there was
+no other way. If he could only have a light of some kind, and not be
+compelled to grope blindly about in that intense darkness.
+
+He stepped cautiously forward, with hands outstretched, swaying to the
+sudden roll of the sinking hulk underneath his feet. He struck a piece of
+furniture, a bench bolted to the deck, and then his groping fingers came
+in sudden contact with the cabin wall, which he followed, circling to the
+left. In this manner he succeeded in finally locating the door opening
+out on to the deck, and had grasped the knob, when a deep moan from the
+black void behind caused him to become suddenly erect, his heart beating
+like a trip-hammer. No other sound followed, no repetition, and yet there
+could be no mistaking what he had heard. It was a groan, a human groan,
+emanating from a spot but a few feet away. He took a single step in that
+direction; then hesitated, fearful of some trap; in the silence as he
+stood there poised, he could faintly distinguish the sound of some one
+breathing unnaturally.
+
+"Who is there? Who moaned just now?" he asked, struggling to control
+his voice.
+
+"I did," the answer was a mere husky whisper out of the darkness.
+"Masters, the watchman; but who are you? I don't know your voice."
+
+"It makes no difference; are you hurt? Where are you? How can I
+get a light?"
+
+"Yes, sir; I'm about done for I guess; you're over by the door, ain't
+you? There's a hangin' lantern just up above, if you've got a match with
+you. Say, that looks good; I didn't hardly know but I was dead, it was so
+black. But I never saw you before; how did you get aboard here?"
+
+The flame of the match caught the wick, and flared up, throwing a dim
+illumination over the cabin interior. West drew down the glass, before he
+ventured to glance in the direction of the voice. A man lay facing him,
+curled up on the deck, his hair, matted with blood, hanging over eyes
+that were burning with fever. He made no attempt to rise, apparently was
+unable to move, and a dark, bloody stain covered the deck. West sprang
+forward, and lifted the head on his arm.
+
+"You are hurt--badly?" he exclaimed. "What can I do for you?"
+
+"Nuthin', I reckon," still in that same strained whisper. "I'm done
+for; no doubt of it. That guy got me. You ain't one o' that murderin'
+gang, are you?"
+
+"No; I was a prisoner on board; I came here to help a girl."
+
+"A girl! Miss Coolidge you mean, sir?"
+
+"Yes, Natalie Coolidge; do you know anything about her? Where she is?"
+
+"Sure, I know; the damn whelps left her here; that was their dirty game,
+sir. 'Twas because I tried to unlock her door that Hogan slugged me. The
+boat's goin' down, ain't it? I know'd it was; I heard the skunks talk
+about what they was goin' to do, an' then I tried to get her out, sir."
+
+"You were the watchman?"
+
+"Yes, sir; down in the lagoon at Jackson Park. These fellows come off to
+the yacht about midnight, an' they had Miss Coolidge with 'em. That's
+what fooled me, sir, an' I let 'em get aboard, thinkin' it must be all
+right. After that I couldn't do nuthin'--there was six to one, an' that
+'Red' Hogan had a gun in his mitt. They hustled me down into the cabin. I
+didn't even know she was a prisoner until they locked her into a
+stateroom; then I got wise, but it was too late."
+
+"And she is there yet, Masters? What room is it?"
+
+"The last one to the right, sir. Don't you mind about me; I'm done for,
+but maybe there's a chance for you two."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV
+
+FREE OF THE YACHT
+
+
+The man was evidently dying. West, from his experience on European
+battle-fields, felt assured the end was indeed close at hand. His face
+under the flitting rays of the swinging light was ghastly and drawn, his
+words were barely audible, and painfully uttered, while, as the arm
+supporting his head was withdrawn, he sank back heavily into his former
+position, and his eyes instantly closed. Only as West bent lower could he
+determine the surety of his breathing still.
+
+There was nothing to be done for Masters; no occasion for lingering there
+helplessly. The yacht was sinking under their feet, going down slowly,
+but surely, and the end could not be far off. The very movement of the
+vessel sickened him, brought to him a sensation of fear. Moreover he knew
+the truth now, and saw clearly his duty. The watchman had not told much,
+but it was sufficient to verify all his former suspicions. These fellows
+he fought were desperate criminals, playing for high stakes, conspiring
+to even commit murder to achieve their object--which could be nothing
+less than gaining possession of the Coolidge fortune. To that end they
+had coolly planned the sinking of the _Seminole_ in mid-lake, with the
+helpless girl locked securely in her cabin. It was a cowardly, diabolical
+crime, and yet, no doubt, they had figured it as the safest method of
+completely disposing of her. And, but for the accident of his presence on
+board, and his having been awakened by that incautious voice, the foul
+plot would probably have proven successful. They had already got safely
+away, leaving her behind a prisoner, her only possible rescuer this
+watchman wounded unto death. The yacht was sinking in the dark, going
+steadily down in those night shrouded waters. Who would ever know? The
+main body of the crew, perhaps, never even dreamed of her presence
+aboard. There was no evidence, nothing to convict the men really guilty.
+Here was the scheme of a master-mind in crime. West weaved his way across
+the rolling deck of the cabin to the stateroom door Masters had pointed
+out as the one sheltering the girl. There was no sound from within, nor
+would the knob yield to his grasp. It was locked, the key gone. There
+was no time to wait and hunt for that missing piece of metal doubtless
+safely hidden in Hogan's pocket, or else thrown overboard; he must break
+a way in; but first he must explain to her, so as to spare her the sudden
+fright of such an assault. He rapped sharply on the panel, pausing an
+instant for a response. None came, and he knocked again more roughly.
+
+"Miss Coolidge: you are there, are you not?"
+
+"Yes; who is that?" almost a cry of delight in the voice. "You--you have
+a voice I know."
+
+"I am Matthew West; but do not ask questions now. The yacht is going
+down, and I must break this door in to release you. Stand back while I
+smash the boards. You hear and understand?"
+
+"Yes--yes: I am safely away; have no fear."
+
+The light revealed the weapon he required just beyond where Masters
+lay--a heavy hatchet, still stained with blood, probably the very
+instrument with which the watchman had been brutally struck down. That
+made no difference now, and West snatched it up, and began to splinter
+the wood with well directed blows. He worked madly, feverishly, unable to
+judge there in the cabin whether he had a minute, or an hour, in which to
+effect their rescue. All he knew was that every second was worth saving,
+and with this impulse driving him, swung the sharp blade with all his
+strength and skill, gouging out great splinters of wood, and finally
+forcing the lock to yield. He sprang eagerly through the opening, the
+hatchet still in his grasp, and faced her.
+
+She stood there looking straight at him, seemingly unable even yet to
+wholly realize the marvellous truth of his presence. The light from the
+swinging lamp in the big cabin beyond, streamed in through the shattered
+doorway, and revealed her face, pale, but unafraid, the eyes wide-open,
+the lips parted. An instant both paused, and then she cried out in
+sudden relief.
+
+"Oh, it is really you, Captain West. I know now. What has happened? How
+did you come to be here?"
+
+"Not now," he insisted. "Don't ask me now. Just come as quick as you can.
+Do you not realize the boat is sinking, going down under our very feet?
+For all I know it may take the plunge before we can reach the deck. There
+is no time for anything but action. Quick; let me take your hand."
+
+She obeyed without a word, and he pressed her before him out through the
+door into the more brightly lighted cabin. Her eyes opened in horror at
+the sight of Masters, and she drew back trembling against West's arm.
+
+"Who--who is that? A dead man?"
+
+"I fear so; wait just a second until I learn; if he still lives we cannot
+leave him here."
+
+West bent over the motionless figure; the flesh was no longer warm; and
+he could detect no breath. Satisfied, he regained his feet.
+
+"It is all over with," he said gravely. "He is beyond human aid."
+
+"But--but, please, who is he?" she insisted, clinging to his arm. "Surely
+I have seen the man before; what has happened?"
+
+"He was the watchman on the yacht--Masters he said his name was," West
+explained impatiently. "He was still alive when I first came, and told me
+where you were confined. He tried to serve you when the others left, and
+was struck down by Hogan."
+
+"The others left! Is the boat deserted? Are we here all alone?"
+
+"Yes; the villains left us both locked into state-rooms to die. They
+deserted the yacht, expecting it to sink, and take us both down with it.
+The craft is near foundering now, and our only hope is to obtain the
+open deck at once. Do not question any more, but do just as I say. You
+trust me, do you not?"
+
+"Trust you! of course I do."
+
+"Then let's talk afterwards. All I can think about now is how best to
+save your life."
+
+She permitted him to draw her through the door on to the black, deserted
+deck. For the first moment, as they hesitated there, little could be
+perceived other than vague shadows. The sky was overcast, but the wind
+light, yet with sufficient swell to the water to cause the yacht to
+wallow uncomfortably. West, bracing himself to the sudden plunging,
+managed to reach the rail. He drew back, sick at heart at the sight of
+the waves lapping the side almost on a level with the sloping deck on
+which he stood. The sight brought home to him as never before the drear
+deadly peril in which they were. It was already a matter of minutes; any
+second indeed that labouring hulk might take the fatal plunge. The
+knowledge brought back all his soldier instincts of command, his rough
+insistence. He would find some means of rescue; he must! He was back
+instantly, grasping her arm.
+
+"Quick," he cried. "You knew this yacht; what small boats did she carry?"
+
+"Only the one; the other was so warped it had been taken ashore."
+
+"Only one! Those fellows put off in that. There was nothing else to save
+life aboard?"
+
+"There are life-belts here; see, hung to the front of the cabin. Was that
+what you meant?"
+
+"Yes, and no." He snatched one from the hook, and hastily strapped it
+about her. "These may help, but we shall need more. Was there no
+life-raft? My God! there must surely be something of that kind."
+
+"Yes, there is; I remember now. It is forward there, near the engine-room
+hatch. Percival Coolidge explained to me how it worked once. But--but I
+don't believe just the two of us could ever launch it over the rail."
+
+"We will, because we must--it is our only hope. I'll take the other belt;
+now come. We haven't an instant to waste--the water is even now almost
+level with the deck; any second we may be awash, and go down like a
+stone. Hold on tight to me."
+
+The deck was already sloping to port in a dangerous degree, and West was
+compelled to cling to the rail, as they slowly made passage forward
+through the darkness. Their eyes had by then adapted themselves to the
+night, so as to distinguish larger objects, and, as there was no litter
+to encounter, as in the case of a ship wrecked by storm, the two
+progressed safely as far as the engine-hatch. Neither spoke, but West
+still clasped the hatchet, peering anxiously about for some signs of the
+life-raft. He located it at last, securely fastened to the side of the
+deck house, and, leaving the girl to hold herself upright as best she
+could, began to hack it loose. It was quite an affair, cork-lined, and
+evidently capable of sustaining considerable weight when once launched in
+the water, but cumbersome and hard to handle on deck, more particularly
+because of its awkward form.
+
+Fortunately it hung to the port side with a rather steep slant to the
+rail, which was not high. The waters of the lake, threatening to engulf
+them with every sodden roll of the vessel, were almost within reach of an
+outstretched hand, while occasionally a wave danced along the bulwark,
+and scattered its spray over the deck. West, working with feverish
+impatience, realized suddenly that his companion had deserted the place
+where he had left her and was also tugging and slashing at the lashings
+of the raft. These finally yielded to their blind attack. Without the
+exchange of a word the two grasped the sides and shoved the thing hard
+down against the port rail.
+
+"Wait now," he cried exultantly. "Stay behind, and brace yourself against
+the hatch-cover. I'll get underneath and lift. Once on the rail the two
+of us must shove it free overboard. Here, keep a grip on this line, so
+the raft can't float away."
+
+She understood instantly, and, with a single swift glance at her dimly
+revealed figure, West straightened up, bearing the full weight on his
+shoulders, every muscle strained to the utmost, as he thus pressed it
+over inch by inch across the wooden barrier. Twice he stopped,
+breathless, trembling in every limb, seemingly unable to exert another
+pound of strength. Perspiration dripped from his face, his teeth clinched
+in desperate determination. At the second pause, she was beside him,
+pressing her way in also beneath the sagging burden. He felt the pressure
+of her body.
+
+"No, no; I can make it alone," he panted indignantly.
+
+"Not so well as we both can, working together. I am strong, Captain West.
+Try it again now, and see."
+
+Suddenly the great unwieldy mass moved, slid forward, poised itself an
+instant on the rounded rail. The yacht rolled sharply to port, flinging
+both on to the deck together, but sending the raft crunching overboard,
+clear of the side. West grasped her, and dragged her to her feet. His one
+thought was that they were actually going down, but, even as he held her
+in his arms, ready to leap out into the black water, the shuddering
+vessel, with a last despairing effort, partially righted herself, and
+staggered on.
+
+"The rope," he questioned. "Did you lose grip on the rope?"
+
+"No, it is here. I can feel the jerk of the raft."
+
+"Thank God for that; let's pull it closer to the side. We can't wait to
+take anything with us; even if I knew where provision and blankets were,
+I could never find them in this darkness. I would not dare leave you to
+search; another dip like that must be the very last. Here, let me hold
+you up; can you see the raft?"
+
+"Yes; I'm sure it is just below; why I could almost touch it."
+
+"Can you jump to it from the rail? It is either that, or the water. Are
+you afraid to try?"
+
+"Afraid--no. Hold me; yes; that way, but--but what are you going to do?"
+
+"Follow, of course; but I shall take to the water. There are no oars
+here. Nothing to use as a substitute for them. I'll have to swim, and
+push that old ark as far away as possible. When the yacht goes down, the
+suction is liable to swamp us, if we are close in."
+
+"But I can swim, Captain West."
+
+"I am glad to know that; but now you do just as I say. There is no
+necessity for both of us getting wet through. Are you ready?"
+
+She poised herself, held steady by the grip of his hands, her eyes on the
+dark outline of the floating raft. There was no hesitancy, no
+questioning.
+
+"Say when," he said sharply.
+
+"Now."
+
+She sprang outward, and came down, sinking to her knees, and clinging
+fast, as the raft bobbed up and down under her sudden weight, dipping
+until the water rolled completely over it.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI
+
+THE COMING OF DAWN
+
+
+West leaned far out, and stared off at the faint blotch made by the raft
+against the water surface. He could perceive little except a bare,
+shapeless outline.
+
+"Did you make it? Are you all right?"
+
+"Yes, I'm safe enough; but wet just the same; the thing bobbed under."
+
+"It will hold us up though, don't you think?"
+
+"Why, of course, it will float; it is supposed to support four people. It
+rides dry enough now. But--but, Captain West, I want you to come."
+
+"I'm coming; I'll throw my shoes and coat over there to you first. To be
+rid of them will make swimming easier. Watch out now--good! Now draw in
+the line; we may need it. Got it all right? Very well; here goes."
+
+He made the plunge, coming up to the surface close beside the raft, the
+edge of which he quickly grasped with his hands. The girl remained
+motionless, barely perceptible through the gloom, but with anxious eyes
+marking his every movement. The frail support beneath her rose and fell
+on the swell of the waters, occasionally dipping beneath the surface.
+Beyond, a grim, black, threatening shadow, wallowed the wreck. West swam
+steadily, urging the unwieldy raft away from the menacing side of the
+vessel, driven by the necessity of escaping the inevitable suction when
+she went down. It was a hard, slow push, the square sides of the raft
+offering every obstacle to progress. Yet the waves and wind helped
+somewhat, the raft being lighter than the water-sogged _Seminole_, so
+that gradually the distance widened, until there extended a considerable
+waste of water between the two. Exhausted by his exertion, and breathing
+hard, West glanced back over his shoulder at the dimmer shadow of the
+yacht, now barely revealed against the clouded sky. The bulk of it seemed
+scarcely visible in any defined form above the level of the sea--the end
+must be almost at hand.
+
+Satisfied that they were far enough away for safety, he clambered
+cautiously upon the platform, the girl as carefully making room for him
+on the few dry planks. The raft tossed dizzily under the strain, but he
+made it at last, the water draining from his soaked clothing, his flesh
+shivering at the touch of the cool night air. He sat up, his limbs
+braced to hold him erect, glancing aside at her, wondering at her
+continued silence. Even in the darkness she must have known his eyes were
+searching her face.
+
+"You are cold," she said, doubtfully. "Here is your coat, and I have kept
+it dry--no, really, I do not need it; I am quite warmly dressed."
+
+He threw the garment over his wet shoulders, gratefully, and the two sat
+there very close together, staring back at the labouring _Seminole_.
+There was nothing to say, nothing to do; for the moment at least they
+were safe, and perhaps morning would bring rescue. Suddenly West
+straightened up, aroused by a new interest--surely that last wave went
+entirely over the yacht's rail; he could see the white gleam of spray as
+it broke; and, yes, there was another! Unconsciously his hand reached
+out and clasped that of his companion. She made no effort to draw away,
+and they sat there in awed silence, watching this weird tragedy of the
+sea, with bodies braced to meet the bobbing of the unwieldy support
+beneath them.
+
+At first the labouring vessel seemed to hold its own, fighting
+desperately to remain afloat, a mere shadow above the surface. Then,
+almost without warning, the end came. She went down bow first, the stern
+lifting until West could discern the dark outlines of the screw, and then
+dropped like a stone, vanishing almost instantly. One moment she was
+there; the next had disappeared, the black waters closing over. There was
+but little evidence of what occurred; only a deeper swell, tossing the
+raft giddily about for a moment, and causing West to tighten his grip on
+the girl's hand. She gave utterance to a half-smothered cry, and her body
+dropped forward as though she would hide the scene from her eyes.
+
+"That is the last of the _Seminole_" West said, feeling the necessity of
+strengthening her. "But it is nothing to frighten you. We are safe
+enough here."
+
+"Oh, it is not that," she explained hastily, lifting her head, and facing
+him. "I--I do not think I am frightened. I have not broken down before,
+but--but I thought then of that dead man lying there all alone in the
+dark cabin. It seemed so terrible when the yacht sank. Please do not find
+fault with me."
+
+"That was not why I spoke. But you must keep your nerve; we may be afloat
+for hours yet before we are picked up."
+
+"You are sure we will be?"
+
+"The probability is altogether in our favour," he insisted, as much to
+encourage himself as her. "This is Lake Michigan in summer time, and
+boats are plying everywhere. We shall surely be sighted by something when
+daylight returns. There is no sign of a storm brewing, and all we need do
+now is hold on."
+
+She was silent a moment, with head again bent forward.
+
+"What do you suppose became of the men who deserted the yacht?" she
+asked, her voice natural and quiet.
+
+"Ashore, perhaps, by this time."
+
+"Then we cannot be far away from land?"
+
+"I have no means of knowing. Probably not, if they relied upon oars."
+
+"Why should they? There was a mast and sails stowed in the boat; they
+were always kept there for an emergency." She lifted her eyes, and stared
+about into the gloom. "Do you suppose, Captain West, they could have
+remained nearby to make sure the yacht sank?"
+
+"No, I do not," he said firmly. "I thought of that once myself; but it is
+not at all probable. They were too certain they had done a good job, and
+too eager to get away safely. Hogan never deemed it possible for us to
+get away alive. As it was, the escape was almost a miracle."
+
+"A miracle!" softly. "Perhaps so, yet I know who accomplished it. I owe
+my life to you, Captain West," she paused doubtfully, and then went on
+impulsively. "Won't you explain to me now what it all means? How you came
+to be here? and--and why those men sought in this way to kill me?"
+
+"You do not know?"
+
+"Only in the vaguest way; is it my fortune? I have been held prisoner;
+lied to, and yet nothing has been made clear. This man who went down in
+the cabin--you said he died trying to save me?"
+
+"Yes; he endeavoured to release you from the stateroom, and was caught by
+Hogan. In the struggle he received a death wound."
+
+"I heard them fight. This Hogan then was the leader?"
+
+"Of those on board--yes. But he is only the tool of others. This devilish
+conspiracy has been plotted for a long while. There must be a dozen
+involved in it, one way or another, but, as near as I can learn, the
+chief devil, the brains of the gang, is the fellow named Hobart. Have you
+known him--long?"
+
+She hesitated, and West glanced aside wonderingly. Would she venture to
+deny her knowledge of the man?
+
+"No," she said at last doubtfully, "not unless his other name was Jim.
+There was a fellow they called Jim. He was my jailer after that woman
+locked me into a room."
+
+"A woman? The same one who was with you on the yacht?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Where was this?"
+
+"Why surely you must know. In that cottage where we stopped with Percival
+Coolidge."
+
+He drew a deep breath, more thoroughly puzzled than ever. What could be
+her purpose to make so bold an effort to deceive? Did she imagine for a
+moment that he could be made to believe she had been continuously held
+prisoner since that Sunday morning? It was preposterous. Why, he had seen
+her again and again with his own eyes; had talked with her, and so had
+Sexton. His heart sank, but he determined to go on, and learn how far she
+would carry this strange tale. Perhaps out of the welter he could discern
+some truth.
+
+"The fellow's name is Jim, all right, Jim Hobart. I've looked him up in
+the police records. He is a confidence man, with one charge of assault
+with attempt to kill against him. Nothing lately, however; it seems he
+disappeared about ten years ago, and has just drifted back. The woman
+passes as his wife. You knew nothing of all this?"
+
+"No; I only saw the man twice; he was very rough then, and swore when I
+questioned him."
+
+"And the woman?"
+
+"She would not talk either; only once she told me that Percival
+Coolidge had committed suicide. That made me wonder, for I believed
+he had something to do with my being held there. What did he say when
+he returned to the auto without me? What explanation did he make for
+my absence?"
+
+"Explanation! He needed none; you came out of the cottage with him."
+
+"I? What do you mean?"
+
+"But I saw you with my own eyes, talked with you, and all three of us
+drove back to 'Fairlawn' together. My God, Miss Natalie, have you lost
+your mind? Do you even deny dismissing me from your service?"
+
+She gazed at him through the gloom, utterly unable to comprehend.
+
+"I must have, if what you say is true," she admitted, "For I certainly
+have no such recollection."
+
+"You remember nothing of going back with us to 'Fairlawn'?"
+
+"Absolutely nothing."
+
+"Or of a conversation had with me later in the library?"
+
+"No, Captain West."
+
+He stared off into the black night, his lips pressed closely together.
+Could this be false? Could she sit there calmly, in the midst of such
+peril as surrounded them, and still deliberately endeavour to deceive?
+
+"And you knew nothing of the death of Percival Coolidge, except what was
+told you by that woman?"
+
+"She brought me a newspaper which I read; that was all I knew."
+
+"And in that house on Wray Street where I met you again last night. I
+suppose you were not there either?"
+
+"Wray Street? I do not know; I was at some place with a saloon on the
+ground floor. I could not tell you where it was."
+
+"That is where it was--Wray Street, on the northwest side, a thieves'
+rendezvous. And you talked with me there; tried to get me to quit
+following you. You surely haven't forgotten that already?"
+
+She dropped her face wearily into her hands, and her voice
+sounded listless.
+
+"I--I almost believe you are the crazy one, Captain West. I swear I have
+never knowingly met, or spoken to you since we drove to that cottage on
+Sunday. I cannot believe what you say."
+
+"Yet it is true, every word true"; he asserted stoutly. "Why else should
+I be here? You returned with us to 'Fairlawn,' and we chatted together
+pleasantly all the way. Later you seemed to change, and discharged me
+rather rudely. Then Percival Coolidge was killed--shot down by an
+assassin, not a suicide. I know because I found the body. You were at the
+inquest, and testified. I saw you with my own eyes. The next day you
+discharged Sexton, and later he learned, and reported to me, that some
+one called you on the phone from Wray Street, and wanted you to come over
+there at once."
+
+"Was that why you went there?"
+
+"Yes; I felt something was wrong; the killing of Percival Coolidge had
+aroused my suspicions; and I sought to learn who those people were you
+had visited in the cottage. They were gone, and only for this telephone
+call, I should have lost the trail entirely. I found you there, and this
+fellow Hobart with you."
+
+"But, Captain West, I never saw you; I never left the room in the third
+story where I was locked in, except when they took me away in a machine
+to the yacht."
+
+"You dropped a note in the alley, enclosed in a silver knife?"
+
+"Yes, I did. I dared not hope it would be found, but I took the chance.
+Did you find it?"
+
+"Sexton did, and that was what brought me here."
+
+"But it is all so strange," she exclaimed despairingly. "How could I have
+done all these things, been in all these places, and yet know nothing
+about it? Could I have been drugged? or influenced in some way by those
+people? I have read there is such a power--where one person can make
+another obey absolutely, with no knowledge of what he is doing; what do
+they call that?"
+
+"Hypnotism. I have seen it cut some odd capers; but I do not believe you
+were either hypnotized or drugged. Good God; why did I not think of this
+solution before? I must have been blind; that was not you; I can recall a
+hundred little things now to convince me."
+
+"What is it you mean?"
+
+"Another woman played your part; a woman most wonderfully like you, even
+to the voice. There is no other solution of the problem. And that reveals
+the plan of robbery--to get you out of the way, and then have her take
+the fortune. Who would ever suspect such a fraud?"
+
+She sat silent, motionless, apparently unable at once to grasp all the
+meaning in his words. It seemed unbelievable, and her gaze was straight
+out across the black waters, one hand clinging firmly to offset the
+rocking of the frail raft. Then she pointed away into the distance.
+
+"See, there is light over there," she exclaimed eagerly. "That must be
+the east, and it is morning."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII
+
+LOVE BREAKS SILENCE
+
+
+West was so immersed in his own thoughts, awakened by these new
+developments, he apparently did not hear what the girl said. She reached
+out and pressed his arm.
+
+"Do you not see, Captain West? Daylight is coming; it is much lighter
+over there."
+
+He lifted his head, and looked where she pointed. A dull, grey light
+topped the waters, and the sky above held a faint tinge of crimson. The
+wan glow accented the loneliness, and for the moment left him depressed.
+Was there ever a more sombre scene than was presented by that waste of
+tumbling waves, stretching to the horizon, arched over by a clouded sky?
+It grew clearer, more distinct, yet remained the same dead expanse of
+restless water, on which they tossed helplessly and alone. Nothing broke
+the grimness of it, not even a bird in the air, or a leaping fish;
+complete desolation met the eye in every direction, a threatening,
+menacing dreariness amid which each approaching swell seemed about to
+sweep them to destruction. The wind increased slightly with the dawn,
+buffeting the frail raft to which they clung desperately, and showering
+them with spray, while, as the light became stronger, they searched
+vainly for any sign of ship, or shadow of land. Nothing appeared within
+range of vision to break the drear monotony of grey sea and sky. Neither
+felt any desire to speak; they could only stare out silently across the
+desolation of waters, feeling their helplessness and peril. This then was
+the morning they had struggled forward to--this green, grey monster,
+whose dripping jaws showered wet foam over them; this terrible
+nothingness which promised death.
+
+Her head sank forward into her hands, as though she would thus shut out
+the whole weird picture, and West, aroused by the slight movement,
+glanced quickly aside. The sight of her distress gave him instant mastery
+over his own depression. His hand sought her own, where it gripped for
+support, and closed over it warmly.
+
+"It cannot be as bad as it seems," he insisted, trying to say the words
+cheerfully. "I know these waters, and they are never long deserted. Luck
+will change surely; perhaps within the hour we shall be picked up, and
+can laugh at all this experience."
+
+She lifted her head, and their eyes met frankly.
+
+"I am not afraid," she protested. "Not physically, at least. Truly I have
+not felt fear since you joined me, Captain West. Before that I was alone,
+and was frightened because I could not in the least understand why I was
+being held a prisoner, or what my fate was to be. Now all I must meet is
+the danger of the sea, with you to share the peril with me."
+
+"But you are very tired?"
+
+"Perhaps so, yet I have not thought about that. There are other things;
+you do not believe in me."
+
+"Why say that?" he asked, in astonishment. "There is no question of the
+kind between us now."
+
+"Truly, is there not? There has been, however; I know from the way you
+spoke. What was it you believed of me--that--that I was part of this
+conspiracy?"
+
+"I do not know what I believed, if I actually believed anything, Miss
+Natalie," he explained rather lamely. "I cannot make the situation
+altogether clear even to myself. You see I kept meeting and talking with
+you--or I thought I did--and yet never found you to be the same. I was
+all at sea, unable to get anything straight. One moment I was convinced
+of your innocence; the next something occurred to make you appear guilty,
+a co-conspirator with Jim Hobart. Under the circumstances, you cannot
+condemn me justly."
+
+"Condemn! I do not. How could I? You must have kept faith in me
+nevertheless, or you would never be here now. That is what seems
+marvellous to me--that you actually cared enough to believe."
+
+"I realize now that I have," he said gravely. "Through it all I have kept
+a very large measure of faith in you."
+
+"Why should that faith have survived?" she questioned persistently, as
+though doubt would not wholly leave her mind, "we had no time to really
+know each other; only a few hours at the most, and even then you must
+have deemed me a strange girl to ask of you what I did. Surely there was
+never a madder story told than the one I told you, and I couldn't have
+proven an item of it."
+
+"Yet it has shown itself true," he interrupted.
+
+"You actually believe then that there is another woman--a counterfeit
+of myself?"
+
+"It is the only theory feasible; you have convinced me of that."
+
+"Yet this does not answer my question altogether. You are convinced now,
+perhaps, because you accept my word, but how have you kept faith in me
+when you believed just as strongly that it was actually I who met and
+talked with you? I who was playing in the game with the man Hobart?"
+
+"Will you believe what I say?"
+
+"Implicitly."
+
+"Perhaps it sounds like a fairy tale," he spoke frankly, his eyes seeking
+her own, all their surroundings forgotten in the eagerness of the moment,
+"but I will tell you the exact truth. Before this misunderstanding
+occurred you had confided in me, trusted me, although I was a stranger
+and I believed absolutely in your story. I had that basis to rest on. In
+addition to this, those few hours I passed at 'Fairlawn' served to
+confirm my faith. I got hold of various odds and ends of evidence which
+convinced me that something was wrong--that you were actually being
+conspired against. I even gained a suspicion that Percival Coolidge was
+the actual leader of the conspiracy."
+
+"Percival Coolidge! but why? What could he gain by such a crime?"
+
+"I have not found the answer yet, but my conviction remains
+strong--stronger, indeed, than ever since our talk last night. You could
+never have been made prisoner in that cottage without his connivance; he
+must have lured you there for that particular purpose, so that this other
+girl could take your place without danger of discovery. It was a neat
+trick, so well done as to even deceive me. The reason for Percival's
+participation is only a guess, but my theory is the fellow had so juggled
+your fortune, and the time for final accounting was so near, he had to
+take a desperate chance in order to save himself."
+
+"You mean the opportunity came, and he could not resist?"
+
+"Perhaps so, and perhaps it was his own deliberate plan. That remains to
+be discovered. My own theory is that when Hobart learned what Percival
+Coolidge proposed doing, his own criminal tendencies told him that here
+was some easy money. The girl was undoubtedly wholly under his control;
+some denizen of the underworld probably. She had already played her part
+sufficiently well to convince Hobart of success. Why then, shouldn't he
+have this money instead of Percival? There was no reason except that
+Percival was in the way. That was why he was killed."
+
+"By Hobart?"
+
+"He may not have fired the shot, but I have no doubt he inspired it; and
+the job was so expertly done the coroner called it suicide. The way was
+open; you were a prisoner, and the false Natalie Coolidge safely
+installed as mistress of 'Fairlawn.' No one apparently suspected
+anything wrong."
+
+"And," she questioned breathlessly, "the man meant to murder me also?"
+
+"Not at that time in my judgment," West answered thoughtfully. "Such an
+additional crime was not a part of the original plan. There was no
+apparent necessity. Your estate was about to be settled finally, and
+given over to your control in accordance with the terms of your father's
+will. Hobart must have known all this from Percival Coolidge, and exactly
+what steps must be taken to secure it. Once the money, and other
+property, were delivered to the fake Natalie, the cashing in and get away
+would be easy; even the identity of the thieves would be concealed.
+Killing you was not at all necessary to the success of their scheme."
+
+"But they did try to kill me."
+
+"Yes, later, by the sinking of the yacht. Probably I am largely
+responsible for that."
+
+"You?"
+
+"Yes; the persistency with which I stuck to the trail. They became
+frightened. My appearance in Wray Street must have been quite a shock,
+and when I succeeded in escaping from their trap there, Hobart very
+evidently lost his head completely. He did not dare risk my ever finding
+you. The knowledge that I was free, perhaps in communication with the
+police, led to your night trip to the _Seminole_, and the secret sinking
+of the yacht. He had gone too far by then to hesitate at another murder."
+
+She waited breathlessly for him to go on, her eyes on the tumbling waste
+of water. He remained quiet, motionless, and she turned toward him
+expectantly.
+
+"I--I think I understand now," she admitted, "how all this occurred; but
+why--why were you so persistent? There--there must have been a reason
+more impelling than a vague suspicion?"
+
+"There was--the most compelling impulse in the world."
+
+"You mean faith in me?"
+
+"Even more than that; love for you. Natalie, listen; what I have to say
+may sound strange, cruel even under such conditions as now surround us,
+but you force me to say them. I love you, have loved you all the time,
+without fully realizing exactly what it meant. There have been times when
+I have doubted you, when I could not wholly escape the evidence that you
+were also concerned personally in this fraud. I have endeavoured to
+withdraw from the case, to forget, and blot everything from memory. But
+something stronger than will prevented; I could not desert you; could not
+believe you were wilfully wrong. You understand what I mean."
+
+"Yes," the words barely reaching him. "It was the other girl; she
+undermined your faith."
+
+"That is the truth; yet how could it be, do you suppose? My very love
+should have enabled me to detect the difference. I can see now, thinking
+back, where the fraud was even apparent--in mood, temper, action--and yet
+at the time these made no such impression. Even Sexton never questioned
+her identity; in face, figure, dress the resemblance was absolutely
+perfect. Good heavens, but she is an actress!"
+
+She touched his arm with her hand, and under the slight pressure he
+looked aside at her.
+
+"You know now," she said softly, "and I know. All this is passed and gone
+between us. We are here alone, the sport of the waves, and I have no
+reason to be other than frank. I believe in you, Matthew West; in your
+honesty and manhood. You say you love me?"
+
+"With all my heart and soul; it seems to me now I have always loved
+you--you came to me, the lady of my dreams."
+
+Her eyes were wet with unshed tears, yet she smiled back into his face,
+her voice trembling as she answered.
+
+"And I," she said slowly, "have had no thought but of you since our
+morning in the garden together. How far away that seems."
+
+"You mean you love me?"
+
+"Yes; I love you; there is no word stronger, but I would speak it--is
+that not enough?"
+
+He held her in his arms, in spite of the trembling raft, tossed by the
+swell of the sea, and crushed her against him in the ardent strain of
+passion. An instant she held her head back, her eyes gazing straight into
+his; then, with sigh of content, yielded, and their lips met, and clung.
+
+The very silence aroused them, startled both into a swift realization of
+that dreary waste in which they floated helplessly alone, a drifting chip
+on the face of the waters. Her eyes swept the crest of the waves, and she
+withdrew herself partially from his arms.
+
+"Why, we must be crazed to dream of happiness here," she exclaimed. "Was
+there ever before so strange a confession of love? I am trying to be
+brave--but--but that is too much; that waste of green water, with the
+grey sky overhead. There is no ending to it--just death mocking us in
+every wave. Oh, Matthew, can this be all? Only this little moment, and
+then--the end?"
+
+He held her hands tightly, his heart throbbing, but his courage and
+hope high.
+
+"No, dear," he whispered eagerly. "Don't think that for a moment. We have
+passed through too much to dream of such an ending now. There will be
+ships--there must be. Look! what is that, yonder against the sky-line? It
+is, sweet-heart; it is the smoke of a steamer."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+AN ESCAPE FROM THE RAFT
+
+
+They watched with sinking hearts, West rising to his knees, and shading
+his eyes with his hand, as that thin spiral of smoke crept along the
+horizon, and finally disappeared into the north. The raft rode so low in
+the water that no glimpse of the distant steamer could be perceived, and,
+when the last faint vestige of smoke vanished, neither said a word, but
+sat there silent, with clasped hands. The bitterness of disappointment
+wore away slowly, and as the uneventful hours left them in the same
+helpless condition, they fell again into fitful conversation, merely to
+thus bolster up courage, and lead their minds to other thoughts. It was
+maddening to sit there motionless and stare off across the desolate
+water, seeing nothing but those white-crested surges sweeping constantly
+toward them, and to feel the continuous leap and drop of the frail raft,
+which alone kept them afloat.
+
+The hours went by monotonously, with scarcely an occurrence to break the
+dreariness or bring a ray of hope. The clouds obscured the sky, yet
+occasionally through some narrow rift, came a glimpse of the sun, as it
+rose to the zenith, and then began sinking into the west. The air was
+soft, the breeze dying down, and the height of the waves decreasing; the
+raft floated more easily, and it no longer became necessary for them to
+cling tightly to the supports to prevent being flung overboard. But there
+came out of the void no promise of rescue; the sea remained desolate and
+untraversed, and finally a mist hung over the water, narrowing the
+horizon. During the day they saw smoke but always far to the east, and
+quickly disappearing. Once West felt assured his eyes caught the glimmer
+of a white sail to the southward, but it was too far away for him to be
+sure. At best, it was but a momentary vision, fading almost instantly
+against the grey curtain of sky. He had scarcely attempted to point it
+out to Natalie when it completely vanished.
+
+Their effort to talk to each other ceased gradually; there was so little
+they could say in the presence of the growing peril surrounding them.
+They had become the helpless sport of the waves, unable to act, think or
+plan, surrounded by horror, and aimlessly drifting toward the gloom of
+another night. Wearied beyond all power of resistance, the girl sank
+lower and lower until she finally lay outstretched in utter abandonment.
+West thrust his coat beneath her head, securely binding her to the raft
+by the rope's end, and sat beside her dejectedly, staring forth into the
+surrounding smother. She did not speak, and finally her eyes closed.
+Undoubtedly she slept, but he made every effort to remain awake and on
+watch, rubbing his heavy eyes, and struggling madly to overcome the
+drowsiness which assailed him. How long he won, he will never know; the
+sun was in the west, a red ball of fire showing dimly through the cloud,
+and all about the same dancing expanse of sea, drear, and dead. The raft
+rose and fell, rose and fell, so monotonously as to lull his
+consciousness imperceptibly; his head drooped forward, and with fingers
+still automatically gripped for support, he fell sound asleep also.
+
+The raft drifted aimlessly on, the waves lapping its sides, and tossing
+it about as though in wanton play. The currents and the wind held it in
+their relentless grip, and bore it steadily forward, surging along the
+grey surface of the sea. The girl lay quiet, her face upturned,
+unconscious now of her dread surroundings; and the man swayed above her,
+his head bent upon his breast, both sleeping the sleep of sheer
+exhaustion. Out of the dim mist shrouding the eastern sky the vague
+outline of a distant steamer revealed itself for a moment, the smoke from
+its stacks adding to the gathering gloom. It was but a vision fading
+swiftly away into silence. No throb of the engines awoke the unconscious
+sleepers; no eye on the speeding deck saw the low-lying raft, or its
+occupants. The vessel vanished as suddenly as it had appeared, leaving
+nothing but a trackless waste of sea. The two slept on.
+
+It was the startled cry of Natalie that roused West, and brought his
+drooping head, upright. She was sitting up, still held safely by the coil
+of rope, and pointing excitedly behind him.
+
+"Oh, see there! Look where I point--isn't that land?"
+
+The raft rocked as he swung his body hastily about, and gazed intently in
+the direction indicated. Land! of course it was land; land already so
+close at hand, his eyes could trace its conformation--the narrow strip of
+sand beach, the sharp bluff beyond, the fringe of trees crowning the
+summit. He rubbed his eyes, scarcely able to credit his sight, half
+believing it a mirage. Yet the view remained unchanged; it was land, a
+bit of the west shore, a short promontory running out into the lake
+toward which the raft, impelled by some hidden current, was steadily
+drifting. His arm clapped the girl in sudden ecstasy.
+
+"Yes, it's land, thank God!" he exclaimed thoughtfully. "We are floating
+ashore, Natalie--saved in spite of ourselves. Why, we could not have been
+so far out in the lake after all. That must be why all those vessels
+passed to the east of us. I ought to have thought of that before; those
+villains would never have deserted the yacht in mid-lake, and taken to
+the boat. They must have known they could make shore easily."
+
+Her glance searched the face of the bluff, which with each moment was
+becoming more distinctly visible.
+
+"You don't suppose they landed here, do you?"
+
+"Not very likely; even if they did they are not here now. They would have
+made it before daylight this morning. All the time we have been drifting
+out there they had to get away in. There is no danger that Hogan is
+anywhere along this shore now."
+
+"You think he and--and those others have all gone?"
+
+"Yes; why should they hang around here? The last idea in their heads
+would be the possibility of our ever drifting in alive. Hogan has gone
+back to Chicago to make a report to Hobart, and the rest have scattered
+like a covey of partridges. Not one of them has a thought but that we
+went down in the _Seminole_. Now they'll pull off their graft, and pull
+it quick."
+
+"And what will you do?"
+
+"Get safely ashore first. It will be dark in less than an hour; but we
+are too far out yet to venture swimming. We shall have to hang tight to
+the raft a while yet, and drift; the current is carrying us all right. Do
+you see any sign of life over there--houses, or smoke?"
+
+"No; I have been looking; the whole shore-line appears utterly deserted.
+Have you any idea where we can be?"
+
+"Not the slightest; only this is certainly the west shore; there is no
+such abandoned spot anywhere between Chicago and Milwaukee, and we must
+be much farther north. They had plenty of time to put the yacht quite a
+ways up shore before they sank her."
+
+"Hogan must have known where he was."
+
+"Unquestionably; it was all planned out; he knew exactly where he
+intended to land, and how long it would take them to reach there after
+they left the yacht."
+
+"Perhaps," she suggested hesitatingly, "the gang had some rendezvous up
+here in these north-woods, a place where they could hide."
+
+West shook his head negatively.
+
+"No, I don't think that; they may know the country, and how best to get
+away quickly. But those fellows are city thieves--Hobart and Hogan
+anyway--and would feel far safer back in their haunts in Chicago. There
+is no place like a big city to hide in, and besides, even if they have
+got the money already,--which I doubt--there has been no chance to divide
+it, and 'Red' would never let Hobart get away without paying him his
+share. They are not loitering around here, Natalie, waiting for ghosts to
+appear; they are back in town hours ago."
+
+"But what can we do?"
+
+"Get ashore first, of course, and discover the quickest way to return to
+the city. None of this shore is deserted, and we'll find houses back
+behind that fringe of woods. I figure we have a big advantage. We know
+their real game now, and they are so sure we are both dead, they'll
+operate in the open--walk right into a trap. By this time McAdams must
+have discovered some clue as to the whereabouts of Hobart. With him under
+arrest, and our story told, some of these fellows will confess, and it
+will all be over with."
+
+"But suppose they have already succeeded in their purpose?"
+
+"That can hardly be possible, Natalie. There hasn't been time yet.
+Certain legal forms must be complied with. You could only draw a
+limited amount."
+
+"Until I reached a certain age; after which there was no restriction. I
+attained that age yesterday."
+
+"And they are aware of it, no doubt. Yet there must be some legal
+authorization necessary which may cause delay. The sooner we reach
+Chicago, the better. It is twilight already--the sun has gone down behind
+the bluff, but it will require an hour yet for this raft to drift into
+shallow water. You swim, you told me?"
+
+"Yes, very well indeed."
+
+"Shall we risk it then together? It is not far to the end of the
+point yonder."
+
+She looked where he pointed and smiled, glancing back into his
+questioning eyes.
+
+"Why, that involves no danger at all. I will do anything to get off this
+raft. But if we are going to have light we must start at once."
+
+The two slipped silently over the edge of the dipping raft, and struck
+out for the nearest point of land, West loitering slightly behind, afraid
+lest she might be hampered, and perhaps dragged down by her water-soaked
+clothes. A few strokes reassured him as to this, as she struck out
+vigorously, her every motion exhibiting trained skill. She glanced back
+at him, and smiled at his precaution; then faced resolutely toward the
+distant shore, swimming easily. He followed closely, timing his strokes
+to her own, confident, yet watchful still, while behind them, now but a
+dim speck in the grey sea, wallowed the deserted raft.
+
+The distance was greater than it had seemed, the twilight deceiving their
+eyes, while their clothing had a tendency to retard progress. Weakened by
+lack of food, and buffetted by cross currents, both were decidedly
+exhausted by the time their lowering feet finally touched bottom. Natalie
+staggered, faint and dizzy from the exertion, but West grasped her in his
+arms before she could fall, and carried her across the sand beach to the
+foot of the cliff. She laughed as he laid her gently down in the soft
+sand, putting up her arms to him like a child, and drawing his face down
+until their lips met.
+
+"Oh," she exclaimed breathlessly, "That was glorious, but I hardly had
+enough strength left to make it. It--it was an awfully long way."
+
+"There are currents off shore," he explained. "That was what made the
+swimming so difficult. You are all right now."
+
+"Yes; at least I think so," she sat up. "Why, it is almost dark already.
+I cannot see the old raft at all. I--I wish it would come ashore; it gave
+you to me, Matt."
+
+"And you are not sorry, even now, safe here on shore?"
+
+"Sorry! Why I am the happiest girl in all the world this minute. I can
+hardly think about that money at all, or those scoundrels trying to rob
+me. I am here with you, and you love me--what more can I ask? Is that
+silly, dear?"
+
+He laughed, and kissed her, neither giving a thought to their dripping
+garments, or a regret for the hardships they had passed through. They
+were there alone, safe, together--all else for the moment mattered not.
+
+"Yes, I love you, Natalie, dear," he answered. "So it is not silly at
+all. But we must seek shelter and food. Are you strong enough now to
+climb the bluff? See, there is a ravine leading up yonder, where the
+footing is easier."
+
+She nodded her readiness to try, too happy for words, and hand in hand
+they toiled their way upward through the gloom.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX
+
+THE HOUSE IN THE BLUFFS
+
+
+The cleft in the bluff was both narrow and steep, but it gave them
+passage. At the upper end Natalie's reserve strength suddenly deserted
+her, and she sank down on the grass, labouring for breath, feeling unable
+to advance a step farther. The days and nights of excitement, coupled
+with lack of food and sleep, had left her physically weakened; now
+suddenly, even her will and courage both gave away.
+
+"No, it is nothing," she explained in a whisper. "I am just completely
+tired out, I guess. You go on, Matt, and find some place of shelter.
+Leave me to lie here; I'll not move, and you can find me easily. All I
+want now is to rest a few moments. Afraid! no I'll not be afraid. Why,
+what is there to fear? this is a civilized country, isn't it? I'll
+just sit where I am now until you come back--only--only don't go very
+far away."
+
+She held out her hand, and endeavoured to smile.
+
+"Desert me! Of course you are not, dear. I am bidding you go. I shall
+not mind being left here alone. I am so tired."
+
+They were at the summit of the bluff, looking out over the lake, now a
+mere darker blot. They could hear the dash of waves below them along the
+edge of sand. But in the opposite direction rose a somewhat higher ridge
+on which trees grew, completely excluding the view beyond. Between the
+branches the distant sky still retained a purple tinge from the sinking
+sun, leaving the impression that it was much lighter up there. West felt
+the importance of gaining a view inland before the closing down of night
+obscured everything, and therefore reluctantly left her alone there while
+he made his way to the top of the ridge. Once there he could look across
+the promontory of land, down into a little cove on the opposite side. It
+was well sheltered, and already wrapped in gloomy shadows, yet his eyes
+detected the outline of a boat of some size drawn up on the sandy beach.
+Beyond the dim certainty of what it was he could perceive nothing with
+which to identify the craft, and deeming it some fishing boat, gave its
+presence there no further heed.
+
+Glancing back to assure himself that Natalie was still safe where he had
+left her, he picked his way swiftly forward through the thick fringe of
+forest trees, until he came to the western edge of the wood, and could
+view the country beyond in the last spectral glow of the dying day. It
+was a wild, broken country thus revealed to his gaze, a land of ridges
+and ravines, rugged and picturesque, but exhibiting no evidence of roads,
+or inhabitants. Its very roughness of outline, and its sterile soil,
+explained the barrenness and desolation--a no-man's land, impossible of
+cultivation, it remained neglected and unused. At first he was sure of
+this, his heart sinking at the deserted landscape. They must plunge
+blindly forward in the dark over that rough, trackless country, seeking
+some possible shelter beyond. Weakened and exhausted as they both were
+the task seemed almost an impossible one. Then his eyes caught a thin
+spiral of smoke rising from out a narrow valley almost directly beneath
+where he stood, the depths of which were totally concealed from sight. As
+he stared at this, uncertain of its reality, a single spark of light
+winked out at him through the darkness. There was certainly a habitation
+of some kind hidden away down there--a fisherman's hut likely--but it
+would at least afford temporary shelter for the night; and there must be
+a road or path of some kind leading from it to the nearest village. If
+he could only leave Natalie there in safe hands, in the security of a
+home, however humble, food would give him strength to push on alone. The
+one thought in his mind now was to telegraph McAdams, so as to circumvent
+the plans of those rascals in Chicago. This must be done, and it must be
+done at the earliest moment possible. Perhaps the fisherman might possess
+a horse, or would carry the necessary message into town himself. West
+turned and hastened back through the woods, clambering down the slope of
+the ridge in darkness to the spot where he had left the girl. For the
+moment he could not distinguish her presence in the gloom, and, fearing
+he might have gone astray, called her name aloud.
+
+"Yes," she answered. "I am here; to your right. I am, standing up. Have
+you discovered anything?"
+
+"There is a house of some kind over yonder in a hollow just beyond the
+ridge--more than likely a fisherman's hut, as there is a boat of some
+kind beached in the cove the other side of this promontory. We will have
+to stumble along through the dark. Do you think you can make it?"
+
+"Of course, I can," and she placed her hand confidingly in his. "I am all
+right now; really I am; I guess all I needed was to get my breath. Do we
+go up here--the way you came back?"
+
+"I presume so; I know no other passage, and found no path."
+
+"But," she urged. "If there is a boat on the beach, isn't it likely there
+would be a trail from there to this fisherman's hut?"
+
+"Why, of course; it was stupid of me not to think of this before. The
+sooner we start, the quicker we shall arrive. I want most of all to
+telegraph McAdams."
+
+"Who?"
+
+"McAdams, the detective I told you about in Chicago, an old army buddy of
+mine. He'll have Hobart located by this time, no doubt, and will put the
+screws on him when he learns what has happened to us."
+
+"I see," she agreed softly, "and if he does know the whole story we need
+not be so crazy to get back. He will attend to everything."
+
+"Yes; we can wait up here until morning at least; you need a night's
+rest, and no wonder."
+
+He grasped her arm, helping her to clamber up the steep bank, suddenly
+becoming aware that the sleeve felt dry.
+
+"Why, Natalie, your clothes seem to have all dried off already; mine are
+soaked through," he exclaimed in surprise. "What necromancy is this?"
+
+She laughed, a faint tinge of mockery in the sound.
+
+"No mystery whatever; only a difference in texture, I imagine. This light
+stuff dries quickly, exposed to the air. Did you think you had hold of
+the wrong girl?"
+
+The tone of her voice stung slightly, causing him to make a sober answer.
+
+"That would, of course, be improbable, but I have been so completely
+deceived, even by daylight, that I dare not affirm that it would prove
+impossible. Your counterfeit is certainly a wizard."
+
+"She must be. But as she is miles away from here, you might let the
+suspicion rest. Is this where we go down?"
+
+She led the way, the action awakening no question in his mind. If he
+thought at all about her thus assuming the initiative, the suspicion was
+dismissed with the idea that probably her eyes were more keen to discover
+the best path. In this she was certainly successful, and he contented
+himself by following her closely. The night was already dark, the way
+irregular and confusing. She was but a dim shadow, advancing
+confidently, and now and then in their descent, he reached out and
+touched her to make sure of her presence. This action seemed to irritate
+for she turned once, and objected shortly.
+
+"Oh, don't do that, please; it startles me. My nerves are all on edge."
+
+"Of course they are, dear," he confessed apologetically. "I should have
+known better. It was so dark I almost thought you had slipped away. The
+boat I told you about must be close at hand."
+
+"The boat; oh, yes, but it can be of no use to us now. Feel here with
+your feet; I am sure this must be a path that I am in, and it can lead
+nowhere except to that house you saw."
+
+"Can you follow it?"
+
+"I think so; it seems to go straight up through the ravine; see, you can
+trace the bluff against the sky, and there is the opening just ahead of
+us. You may take my arm again now," she added graciously, "and then there
+will be no danger of either getting lost."
+
+He gladly did as she suggested, yet, strangely enough, continued to feel
+dissatisfied. Vaguely he felt that in some almost imperceptible manner
+she had changed her mood. He could not base his thoughts on a single
+word, or action, yet he felt the difference--this was not the Natalie of
+the raft. She was too irritable; too sharp of speech. But then, no doubt,
+she was tired, worn out, her nerves broken; indeed he found it hard to
+control himself, and he must not blame her for exhibiting weakness under
+the strain. So he drove the thought from him, clinging close to her arm,
+and vaguely wondering how she was able to trace the path so easily. They
+seemed to progress through an impenetrable wall of blackness, and yet the
+way had been cleared of obstacles, and was reasonably smooth. The slope
+upward was quite gradual, and the summit led directly into the mouth of a
+small valley. By this time even West could recognize that they were
+proceeding along a well used path, and he was not surprised when she
+announced the presence of the house before them, pointing out the dim
+shadow through the gloom. Otherwise his eyes might have failed to
+distinguish the outlines, but under her guidance he could make out enough
+of its general form to assure him that they were approaching no mere
+fisherman's shack.
+
+"That is no hut," he exclaimed in surprise. "It looks more like a
+mansion."
+
+"And why not?" pleasantly enough. "I have always heard these bluffs were
+filled with summer homes. Unfortunately this one appears to be deserted.
+But we must go on, and try to discover some inhabitant."
+
+There was no light to guide them, yet the path was easily followed,
+through what apparently was an orchard, then through the gate of a rustic
+fence to a broad carriage drive, circling past the front door. All was
+silence, desolation; no window exhibited a gleam of radiance, nor did a
+sound greet them from any direction. They paused an instant before the
+front door, uncertain how to proceed.
+
+"But there must be some one about here," West insisted. "For this was
+the house I saw from the ridge, and there was a light burning then in
+one of the windows, and there was a wisp of smoke rising from a chimney.
+Perhaps the shutters are all closed, or, early as it is, the people may
+have retired."
+
+She stepped boldly forward, and placed her hand on the knob of the door.
+
+"Why," she whispered, excitedly. "It is unlocked; see, I can open it.
+Perhaps something is wrong here. What shall we do?"
+
+"Knock first; then if there is no response, we can feel our way about
+inside. My matches are all wet."
+
+She rapped sharply on the wood; waited for some reply, and then called
+out. Not a sound reached them from within. The situation was strange,
+nerve-racking, and she shrank back as though frightened before the black
+silence confronting her. West, his teeth clinched, stepped in through the
+open door, determined to learn the secret of that mysterious interior.
+With hands outstretched he felt his way forward, by sense of touch alone
+assuring himself that he traversed a hall, carpeted, his extended arms
+barely reaching from wall to wall. He encountered no furniture, and must
+have advanced some two yards, before his groping disclosed the presence
+of a closed door on the left. He had located the knob, when the outer
+door suddenly closed, as though blown shut by a draught of wind, and, at
+the same instant, his eyes were blinded by a dazzling outburst of light.
+
+This came with such startling, unexpected brilliancy that West staggered
+back as though struck. For the instant he was positively blind; then he
+dimly perceived a man standing before him--a man who, little by little,
+became more clearly defined, recognizable, suddenly exhibiting the
+features of Jim Hobart, sarcastically grinning into his face.
+
+"You are evidently a cat of nine lives, West," he said sneeringly. "But
+this ought to be the last of them."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX
+
+HOBART FORGETS AND TALKS
+
+
+For a moment West lost all control over himself. He was too completely
+dazed for either words or action; could only stare into that mocking
+countenance confronting him, endeavouring to sense what had really
+occurred. He was undoubtedly trapped again, but how had the trick been
+accomplished? What devilish freak of ill luck had thus thrown them once
+more into the merciless hands of this ruffian? How could it have happened
+so perfectly? The boat on the sand in the cove yonder; perhaps that was
+the key to the situation. Those fellows who had left the _Seminole_ to
+sink behind them, knew where they were when they deserted the yacht; they
+landed at the nearest point along shore, where they had a rendezvous
+already arranged for. Then what? The helpless raft had naturally drifted
+in the same direction, blown by the steady east wind, until gripped by
+the land current, and thus finally driven into this opening on the
+coast. His mind had grasped this view, this explanation, before he even
+ventured to turn his head, and glance at the girl. She stood leaning back
+against the closed door as though on guard, her uncovered hair ruffled, a
+scornful, defiant look in her eyes, the smile on her lips revealing the
+gleam of white teeth. In spite of a wonderful resemblance, a mysterious
+counterfeit in both features and expression, West knew now this was not
+Natalie Coolidge. Her dress, the way in which her hair was done, the
+sneering curl of her red mouth, were alike instantly convincing. He had
+permitted himself to be tricked again by the jade; the smart of the wound
+angered him beyond control.
+
+"You are not Miss Coolidge," he insisted hotly. "Then who are you?"
+
+She laughed, evidently enjoying the scene, confident of her own
+cleverness.
+
+"Oh, so even Captain West has at last penetrated the disguise. No, I am
+not the lady you mention, if you must know."
+
+"Then who are you?"
+
+She glanced toward Hobart, as though questioning, and the man answered
+the look gruffly.
+
+"Tell him if you want to, Del," he said, with an oath. "It will never do
+the guy any good. He's played his last hand in this game; he'll never
+get away from me again. Spit it out."
+
+"All right," with a mocking curtsey. "I've got an idea I'd like to tell
+him; it is too good a joke to keep, and this fellow has certainly been an
+easy mark. You never did catch on to me until I got into the wrong
+clothes, did you, old dear? Lord, but I could have had you making love to
+me, if I'd only have said the word--out there on the hills in the dark,
+hey! I sure wanted to laugh; but that tender tone of yours told me what
+you were up to; what sent you trailing us around the country--you was
+plumb nutty after this Natalie Coolidge. That's the straight goods, isn't
+it, Mister Captain West?"
+
+"I care very much for Miss Coolidge, if that is what you mean."
+
+"Sure you do; and you've put up a game fight for her too, my boy.
+I'd like it in you if I wasn't on the other side. But you see we
+can't be easy on you just because of that. Sentiment and romance is
+one thing, while business is another. You and I don't belong in the
+same worlds--see? You can't rightly blame me because I was born
+different, can you?"
+
+"Perhaps not; what would you make me believe?"
+
+"I thought I'd put it that way so you'd understand, that's all. There's
+a difference in people, ain't there. I'm just as good looking as this
+Natalie Coolidge, ain't I? Sure I am; you can't even tell us apart when
+we are dressed up alike. I could come in here, and have you make love to
+me inside of twenty minutes. But we ain't a bit alike for all that. She's
+a lady, and I'm a crook--that's the difference. She's been brought up
+with all the money she wants, while I've had to hustle for every penny
+since I was a kid. Now life don't ever look the same to any two people
+like that."
+
+"No," West admitted, beginning to realize her defence. "It is hardly
+probable it would."
+
+"That's why I'm in this case," she went on, apparently unheeding his
+interruption. "I was brought up a thief, and I don't know anything else.
+I never did care much, but in this Coolidge matter, I've got just as much
+right to all that kale as she has--so naturally I'm going after it."
+
+"As much right, you say? Why, who are you?"
+
+She stood up straight, and looked at him, her eyes burning.
+
+"Me!" scornfully, "Why I am Delia Hobart--'Diamond Del,' they call me."
+
+"Yes, but that is not what you mean; that gives you no such right as you
+claim. You are Hobart's daughter then?"
+
+"I didn't say so, Mister Captain West. I told you my moniker, that's all.
+Jim here brought me up, but he ain't no father to me, and his wife ain't
+my mother. It took me a while to find that out, but I got the thing
+straight at last. I saw then just what those two were driving at; first I
+didn't take no particular interest in the scheme; then I got to thinking
+until finally I hated that soft, downy thing; damn her, she'd robbed me,
+and I had a right to my share even if I had to steal it."
+
+"What soft, downy thing?"
+
+"Natalie Coolidge! Bah, I went out to see her once. Jim took me and
+we hid in the garden; and when I came back I was raving mad. Lord,
+why should that little idiot have everything while half the time I
+was hungry?"
+
+"You mean you envied her?"
+
+"Envied, hell! Didn't I have a right? Wasn't she my twin sister? Didn't
+she have it all, and I nothing?"
+
+He gasped for breath at this sudden revelation. Then he laughed,
+convinced it could not be possible.
+
+"Who told you that?"
+
+"Why, don't you believe it? Has she never said a word about it to you?"
+
+"Certainly not. I am sure she possesses no knowledge of ever having had a
+sister. Moreover, I do not believe it is true. If you had proof of such
+relationship, why didn't you go to her, and openly claim your share?"
+
+"Go to her! me? Do you hear that Jim? Isn't he the cute little fixer?
+Why, of course, she knew it; there was nothing doing on the divide. It's
+all straight enough, only we couldn't quite prove it by law; anyhow that
+is what they told me--so we got at it from another direction."
+
+She seemed so convinced, so earnest in her statement that West in
+perplexity turned to glance at Hobart.
+
+"Do you make this claim also?" he asked.
+
+"What claim?"
+
+"That this girl is a twin sister to Natalie Coolidge? Why, it is
+preposterous."
+
+"Is it? Damned if I think so. Now look here, West; I don't know just what
+the Coolidge girl has been told; maybe she never even heard she had a
+twin sister. If they ever told her that she had, then they must have told
+her also that the sister died in infancy. Anyhow, that's how it stands on
+the records. There were just two people who knew different--do you get
+me? One of them is dead, but one of them is still alive."
+
+"Which one is dead?"
+
+"Percival Coolidge; he knew too much and got gay; he planned to cop the
+whole boodle. The fact is he started the whole scheme, soon as he learned
+who Del was, and planned it all out. He was up against it hard just then
+for money; he'd lost all his own, and couldn't get hold of Natalie's
+because the old family lawyer watched things so close."
+
+"But if this girl was really entitled to a part of it, why not claim
+it by law?"
+
+"We talked about that, but the chance didn't look good. Everything showed
+the second child died; hospital records, doctor's certificate; there
+wasn't a link in the chain we could break. Percival wouldn't go on the
+stand, and there wasn't much he could swear to if he did."
+
+"But who was the other witness--the living one?"
+
+"The nurse; she made the exchange of the dead baby for the living one. It
+was easily done as the child was really sick."
+
+"But for what object--revenge?"
+
+"She was poor, and yielded to temptation. Percival Coolidge paid her to
+make the exchange. I have never been able to learn what his original
+purpose was, but she thinks he believed the stolen child was a boy, and
+that later, through him, the Coolidge money might be controlled. However
+the woman lost her nerve, and disappeared with the infant. She brought it
+up as her own in the west, where she married again. I am her second
+husband, and that is how I learned the truth."
+
+"The woman on the yacht?"
+
+"Yes, you saw her. The child was brought up in our life; I figured on
+this coup for years, and finally when all was ready, we came back east
+again. I had a plan, but I wasn't quite sure it would work until I could
+see the two girls together. After that it was like taking candy from a
+kid. Hell, you are the only one who has even piped off the game."
+
+West looked closely at the man, who was thus coolly boasting of his
+exploits, and then at the silent girl, whose eyes sullenly gave back
+their challenge. What did it all mean? Why were they calmly telling him
+these things? Was it merely the egotism of crime, pride of achievement?
+or did Hobart hope in some way to thus win his assistance, or at least
+his silence?
+
+"Why do you tell all this to me, Hobart?" he asked shortly. "You do not
+expect me to play with you in the game, do you?"
+
+"You!" the fellow laughed coarsely. "We don't care what you do, you young
+fool. Del started this talking, and I let her go on. Then, when she
+stopped, I thought you might as well learn the rest of it. The fact is,
+West, we're fixed now so whatever you know won't hurt us any. We have as
+good as got the swag; and, to make it absolutely safe, we've got both you
+and the girl. I'll say this for you, old man, you've sure put up a game
+fight. I don't know how the hell you ever got out of that yacht alive, or
+ever happened to drift in here. It was nothing but bull luck that gave us
+a glimpse of you tossing round on that raft--but after that it was dead
+easy. Del here is some actorine."
+
+"Yes," she broke in, "but I came near falling down this time. I forgot
+they had been in the water, and my dress was dry as a bone--say, I
+thought he'd tripped me sure."
+
+"You say you've got the swag?"
+
+"All but in our hands; nobody can get it away from us. The court order
+was issued today; the entire estate placed, in accordance with the terms
+of the will, in the possession of Natalie Coolidge. Once the proper
+receipt is signed, all monies can be checked out by her. That about
+settles it, doesn't it? Tomorrow Del and I will go down to the city, and
+turn the trick, and after that there is nothing left but the get-away."
+
+It was a cold blooded proposition, but neither face exhibited any
+regret; both were intoxicated by success; untroubled by any scruples
+of conscience. West felt the utter uselessness of an attempt to appeal
+to either.
+
+"Where is Natalie Coolidge?" he asked, his own determination hardening.
+"What do you propose doing with her?"
+
+Hobart's teeth exhibited themselves in a sardonic grin.
+
+"That is our business, but you can bet she'll not interfere."
+
+"And a similar answer, I presume, will apply also to my case?"
+
+"It will. Don't make the mistake, West, of believing we are damn fools. I
+don't know just why I've blowed all this to you, but it ain't going to
+help you any, you can be sure of that. In fact your knowing how the thing
+was worked is liable to make things a blame sight harder in your case. We
+won't do no more talking; so go on in through that door."
+
+The fellow's demeanour had entirely changed; he was no longer pretending
+to geniality, and his words were almost brutal. Apparently, all at once,
+it had dawned sharply upon him that they had made a mistake--had boasted
+far too freely. Any slip now, after what had been said, would wreck the
+ship. West faced him watchfully, fully aware of the desperate situation,
+instinctively feeling that this might be his last chance.
+
+"In there, you say?" indicating the closed door.
+
+"Yes; move!"
+
+He did; with one swift leap forward, the whole impetus of his body behind
+the blow, West drove his fist straight into the face confronting him. The
+fellow reeled, clutched feebly at the smooth wall for support, dropped
+helplessly forward, and fell headlong, with face hidden in outstretched
+arms. The assailant sprang back, and turned, in a mad determination to
+crash his way out through the locked door behind, but as suddenly stopped
+startled by the vision of a levelled revolver pointed at his head.
+
+"Not a move," the girl said icily. "Take one step, and I'll kill you."
+
+Hobart lifted his head groggily, and pushed himself half-way up on
+his knees.
+
+"Don't shoot unless he makes you, Del," he ordered grimly. "We don't want
+that kind of row here." He dragged himself painfully to the side door,
+and pressed it open.
+
+"Hey you!" he cried. "Come on out here. Now then, rough-house this guy!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI
+
+McADAMS BLOWS IN
+
+
+It was a real fight; they all knew that when it was finished. But it was
+three to one, with Hobart blocking the only open door, and egging them
+on, and the excited girl, backed into a corner out of the way, the
+revolver still gripped in her hand, ready for any emergency. The
+narrowness of the hall alone afforded West a chance, as the walls
+protected him, and compelled direct attack from in front. Yet this
+advantage only served to delay the ending. He recognized two of the
+fellows--"Red" Hogan and Mark--while the third man was a wiry little
+bar-room scrapper, who smashed fiercely in through his guard, and finally
+got a grip on his throat which could not be wrenched loose. The others
+pounded him unmercifully, driving his head back against the wall. Hogan
+smashed him twice, crashing through his weak attempt at defence, and with
+the second vicious drive, West went down for the count, lying motionless
+on the floor, scarcely conscious that he was still living.
+
+Yet in a dazed, helpless way, he was aware of what was occurring about
+him; he could hear voices, feel the thud of a brutal kick. Some one
+dragged him out from the mess, and turned his face up to the light; but
+he lay there barely breathing; his eyes tightly closed.
+
+"It's a knock-out all right," Hogan declared. "That guy is good for an
+hour in dream-land. What's the dope?"
+
+"We got to keep him here, that's all; and there's goin' to be no get-away
+this time."
+
+"How'd he do it before, Jim? did he tell you?"
+
+"Not a damned word; I was fool enough to do all the talking. But this
+fellow is too slick to take any more chances with."
+
+"Do you want him croaked?"
+
+"No, I don't--not now. What the hell's the use? It would only make things
+harder. We're ready to make our get-away, ain't we? After tomorrow all
+hell can't get onto our trail. This guy's life wouldn't help us none, so
+far as I can see."
+
+"Getting squeamish, ain't you?"
+
+"No, I'm not. I've got as much reason to hate the fellow as you have,
+'Red.' He certainly swiped me one. Before we had the swag copped, I was
+willing enough to put him out of the running. That was business. You sure
+did a fine job then, damn you; now I don't think it is your time to howl.
+Listen here, will you? From all I learn, this bird amounts to something;
+he ain't just a dago to be bumped off, and nobody care what's become of
+him. This guy has got friends. It won't help us any to be hunted after
+for murder on top of this other job. If we cop the kale, that's all we're
+after. Is that right, Del?"
+
+The girl seemed to come forward, and face them defiantly.
+
+"Sure it's right. I never was for the strong arm stuff, Hogan. This is my
+graft, anyhow, and not one of you stiffs gets a penny of it unless I
+split with you. This fellow isn't going to be slugged--that's flat. It is
+only because he's fell in love with the Coolidge girl that he is here,
+and once we've skipped out, I don't wish the guy any bad luck."
+
+"You ought to have caught him yourself, Del," some one said. "The bird
+never would have known the difference."
+
+She laughed, quickly restored to good humour.
+
+"You're about right there, Dave," she answered. "That was another
+mistake; the only chance I ever had of marrying in high social circles.
+But hell, I'll be a lady tomorrow, so let's let the poor devil go. Wrap
+him up, and lay him away out in the garage. The walls are two foot solid
+stone; he'll stay buried there all right."
+
+Hogan growled in derision, yet it was evident that she and Hobart would
+have their way. Some one brought a rope, which was deftly wound about
+him, West continuing to feign unconsciousness. He secretly hoped this
+condition might result in some carelessness on their part, in either
+speech or action. Anyway it would undoubtedly save him from further
+brutal treatment. He had no reason to suspect that his ruse was
+questioned. The fellows spoke freely while making him secure, but he
+gained very little information from their conversation--not a hint as to
+where Natalie was confined, or how long it was proposed to hold them
+prisoners. Then "Red" and Dave lugged his limp body through several
+rooms, out upon a back porch, finally dragging him down the steps and
+along a cement drive way, letting him lie there a moment in the dark,
+while one of them unlocked a door. The next instant he was carelessly
+thrown inside, and the door forced back into place. He could hear Hogan
+swear outside, and then the sound of both men's feet on the drive as
+they departed.
+
+With a struggle West managed to sit up, but could scarcely attempt more,
+as his arms were bound closely to his sides. The darkness about him was
+intense, and, with the disappearance of the two men up the steps, all
+outside sounds had ceased. He knew he had been flung into the garage and
+was resting there on the hard cement floor. He could neither feel nor see
+any machine, nor was there probably the slightest prospect of his getting
+out unaided. Those fellows would never have left him there without guard,
+had they dreamed any escape was possible. The girl had affirmed the
+building was constructed of stone, two feet thick. He stared around at
+the impenetrable black wall completely defeated. Undoubtedly they had him
+this time. He was weak from hunger, tired nearly to death; bruised and
+battered until it seemed as though every muscle in his body throbbed with
+pain. Yet his mind was not on these things, only incidentally; his
+thought, his anxiety centred altogether on Natalie Coolidge. What had
+become of her; where was she now? He had no reason to believe her in any
+great personal danger. If this gang, satisfied of success, were disposed
+to spare his life, it was hardly probable they would demand her's. Now
+both the desire for murder, and the necessity, had passed. The fellows
+felt supremely confident the spoils were already theirs, and that all
+that was needed now to assure complete success was sufficient time in
+which to drop safely out of sight. Murder would hinder, rather than help
+this escape.
+
+But what a blind fool he had been; how strangely he had permitted this
+girl to lead him so easily astray. Why really, to his mind now, she
+possessed no real resemblance to Natalie; not enough, at least, to
+deceive the keen eyes of love. She had the features, the eyes, the hair,
+the voice, a certain trick of speech, which, no doubt, she had
+cultivated--but there were a thousand things in which she differed. Her
+laugh was not the same, nor the expression of her lips; she was like a
+counterfeit beside a good coin. It was easy to conceive how others might
+be deceived by her tricks of resemblance--servants, ordinary friends,
+even the old lawyer in charge of the estate--but it was inexcusable for
+him to have thus become a plaything. Yet he had, and now the mistake was
+too late to mend. He had left Natalie alone on the cliff, and then
+blindly permitted this chit to lead him straight into Hobart's set trap.
+Angered beyond control at the memory, West swore, straining fiercely in
+the vain endeavour to release his arms. Then, realizing his utter
+helplessness, he sank back on the floor, and lay still.
+
+What was that? He listened, for an instant doubtful if he had really
+heard anything. Then he actually heard a sound. He doubted no longer, yet
+made no effort to move, even holding his breath in suspense. There was
+movement of some kind back there--a cautious movement; seemingly the slow
+advance of something across the floor, a dog perhaps. West's heart
+throbbed with apprehension; suppose it was a dog, he had no means of
+protection from the brute. Cold sweat tingled on his flesh; there was
+nothing he could do, no place where he could go. The thing was moving
+nearer; yet surely it could not be a dog; no dog would ever creep like
+that. He could bear the strain no longer; it was beyond endurance.
+
+"What's moving back there?" he asked in a hoarse whisper.
+
+There was a moment of utter silence; then, a man's voice said in low,
+cautious tone.
+
+"The fellow ain't dead, Mac; anyhow he seems able to talk yet."
+
+"All right, we'll find out what he's got to say--go on along."
+
+West sat up, his heart bounding with sudden remembrance.
+
+"My God! McAdams is that you?"
+
+"You have the name--who's speaking?"
+
+"Matt West. Good God, but this is like a miracle. I'd played my last
+card. Come here, one of you, and cut these strings. I cannot even move,
+or stand up. Is it really you, Mac? Yes, yes, I am all right; they
+bruised me up a bit, of course, but that is nothing. Now I have a chance
+to pay them out. But who are with you? and how did you come to be here?"
+
+McAdams ran his knife blade through the lashings, feeling for them in the
+dark. Neither could see the other, but West realized that another man had
+crept up on the opposite side of him, and crouched there silently in the
+blackness.
+
+"Need any help, Mac?" the latter questioned in a whisper.
+
+"No, I've got him cut loose. This is the lad I told you about, Carlyn.
+You go on back, and, as soon as West gets limbered up a bit, and I hear
+his story, we join you out there. Then we'll know how the ground lies."
+
+The fellow crept away unseen, and McAdams gripped West's hand.
+
+"Say, but this is mighty good luck, old boy," he blurted out. "I was
+afraid you'd gone down in that yacht last night."
+
+"You were! How did you know about it?"
+
+"Stumbled on to the story, the way most detectives solve their mysteries.
+That is, I stumbled on some of it, and the rest I dug out for myself. It
+won't take long to explain and perhaps you better understand. They told
+me at the office when I got back about the _Seminole_ being tied up at
+the Municipal Pier, and that you had gone down there. Well, I made it as
+quick as I could, but the yacht was three hundred yards out in the lake
+by the time I arrived. There wasn't a damn thing to take after it in,
+and, besides, just then, I didn't really know any good police reason for
+chasing her. First thing I did was to try and find you, so we could get
+our heads together. But you wasn't there, and so I naturally jumped to
+the conclusion you must have got aboard someway. Say I combed that pier,
+believe me, West, and finally I ran across a kid who put me wise. He saw
+you go across the deck, and into the cabin with two other guys. They came
+out again, but you didn't. I pumped him until I got a pretty good
+description of both those fellows, and I decided one of them must be
+'Red' Hogan, about the toughest gun-man in Chicago."
+
+"It was Hogan."
+
+"I made sure of that afterwards. Then I got busy. If you was in the hands
+of that guy, and his gang, the chances was dead against you. But there
+wasn't a darn thing I could do, except to hunt up Hobart, wire every town
+along the north shore to keep an eye out for the yacht, and pick up a
+thread or two around town. I got a bit at that to wise me up. We found
+Hobart hid away in a cheap hotel out on Broadway, and put a trailer on
+him. The girl had disappeared; she'd been to a bank, and then to the
+Coolidge lawyer and signed some papers; after that we lost all trace of
+her for awhile. Your man Sexton, out at 'Fairlawn,' reported that she
+hadn't returned there. Then I got desperate and decided I'd blow the
+whole thing to the Coolidge lawyer, and get him to take a hand. I was
+afraid they were already for the get-a-way--see? I couldn't round 'em up
+alone; besides I'm a Chicago police officer, and have to keep more or
+less on my own beat."
+
+"And you told the lawyer?"
+
+"Everything I knew, and some I guessed at. I thought the old guy would
+throw a fit, but he didn't. He came through game after the first shock.
+But say, that dame had sold him out all right. He never had an inkling
+anything was wrong; no more did the banks. We went over, and talked to
+the president of one of them--a smooth guy with white mutton chops--and
+the girl had signed up the preliminary papers already, and tomorrow the
+whole boodle was going to drop softly into her lap. Say, I felt better
+when I learned they hadn't copped the swag yet. But just the same I
+needed help."
+
+"And you got it?"
+
+"Sure; those two duffers coughed up money in a stream. Called in a
+detective agency, and gave me three operatives to work under me. Got the
+chief on the wire, and made him give me a free hand. Then I had a cinch."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII
+
+A BRIDGE OF LOVE
+
+
+He paused, listening, but all remained quiet without, and he resumed his
+story. "There is not much else to it, West. A little after one o'clock
+the shadow phoned in from the Union depot that Hobart had just purchased
+two tickets for Patacne. We hustled over, but were too late to catch that
+train, but learned the girl had accompanied him on the trip. We caught
+another rattler two hours later, and got off at Patacne, which is about
+three miles west of here. It is not much of a job to gather up gossip in
+a small burg, and, inside of ten minutes, I had extracted all I needed
+from the station agent. It seems this outfit was the summer sensation out
+here. We hoofed it for reasons of our own, and came around by way of the
+lake shore, aiming to keep out of sight until after dark. That is how we
+discovered that _Seminole_ boat hauled up on the beach, but with no yacht
+in sight. One of the fellows with me said Hogan did a boat-sinking job
+before and got away with it, and that is how I figured that maybe you
+was at the bottom of Lake Michigan--see? Well, we crept up here through
+the woods, but nothing happened. Didn't look as if the place had a soul
+within a hundred miles of it--no smoke, no light; not a damn sound. We
+laid out and waited, not sure what we were up against. Finally we jimmied
+open the back door of this garage, just to find out whether those guys
+had a car out here, or not. They had, but we no more than located it when
+those two fellows came dragging you out of the back door of the house,
+and flung you in here like a bag of old linen. We lay still, and let them
+go back, but we hadn't any notion whether you was dead or alive--or
+whether it was really you; so we crawled up to find out. That's the
+story. Now what do you think we better do?"
+
+West moved his arms in an effort to restore circulation.
+
+"How many with you?"
+
+"Four altogether--hard boiled, too--five with you. Is there any fight
+left in you, old man?"
+
+"I'll say there is; I'd certainly like to get in one clip at 'Red' before
+the fracas is over."
+
+"That sounds vicious. Now who is inside?"
+
+"I saw five, and there may be others. If the crew of the _Seminole_ are
+here also, that would make quite a bunch."
+
+"I don't think they are, Captain. The station agent said several men
+bought tickets to Chicago early this afternoon. It is the real gang we've
+got cornered. Do you know just who they are?"
+
+"Those I saw were Hobart, 'Red' Hogan, the girl, a big fellow they called
+Mark who was on the yacht--"
+
+"Mark Sennett; he's Hogan's side-kick, and tough as they make 'em."
+
+"And a wiry little black-haired devil by the name of Dave."
+
+"Hell, is he in this too? that must be 'Dago Dave.' That guy would cut
+your throat for fifty dollars. Any others?"
+
+"Those were all I saw. No doubt Hobart's wife is in the house somewhere,
+guarding Natalie Coolidge probably."
+
+"Six altogether, counting the women."
+
+"Yes, and you better count them, for they will fight like tigers. The
+girl held me up at the point of a gun."
+
+"We've got to get the drop first, that's all. They're yellow, the whole
+outfit is yellow. Shootin' in the back is their style. Now, you know the
+lay inside the house; what is our best chance?"
+
+West studied over the situation, his eyes staring into the darkness, and
+McAdams waited.
+
+"Well, Mac," he said finally. "This is a new job for me, but I'd put a
+man out in front, and then take the others in through the back door. We'd
+have to rush it, of course. I know the front door is locked, and it
+couldn't be broken down quickly. I listened when those fellows went back,
+and I heard no click, as though they had locked the door behind them.
+They don't know anybody has been after them except me, and they believe I
+am done for. They feel so safe out here, they are a bit careless. I'll
+wager something we can walk straight in on the outfit; how does that
+strike you?"
+
+"As the only feasible plan. Let's crawl out of here."
+
+The arrangements were quickly perfected; a short, whispered conference
+in the dark; then one man crept silently away through the night toward
+the front of the house. McAdams added a few more words of instruction to
+the others, and, with West slightly in advance, revolvers drawn and
+ready, the five stole forward in the direction of the rear porch. The
+windows were either heavily curtained, or covered by outside shades, for
+no gleam of light was anywhere visible. West mounted the back steps
+silently, with McAdams close at his heels. A second later the entire
+bunch of officers were grouped before the door, poised breathless,
+listening for any sound from within. Nothing broke the impressive
+silence, and McAdam's hand closed over the knob, which he turned slowly.
+The door opened quietly into a darkened interior. For an instant he bent
+forward, peering through the narrow crack, endeavouring to learn what
+lay hidden beyond, the others quivering behind him. There was scarcely
+the sound of a breath audible. The detective hesitated; such luck, such
+carelessness on the part of criminals seemed almost uncanny; he half
+suspected some trap. Then he became convinced that this was only the
+result of recklessness--the fellows felt so safe in this hidden hole in
+the woods as to neglect all precaution. He stepped cautiously inside,
+leaving the door ajar for the others to follow. Then they
+paused--straight ahead a double swinging door divided the kitchen in
+which they were from another room beyond. Through the centre crack shone
+a single bar of light, barely visible, and forth through that same
+orifice came the sound of a voice speaking. McAdams flung up his hand in
+signal, and then crept silently forward.
+
+It was apparently a quarrel among thieves over the spoils, each fearful
+lest the other was double-crossing. Hobart and "Red" Hogan were doing
+most of the talking, although occasionally others chimed in, and once
+there was a woman's voice added to the debate. Seemingly the whole gang
+were present; a strong odour of tobacco smoke stole through the crack in
+the door, and both Hobart and Hogan swore angrily. Who was to remain out
+there on guard while Hobart and the girl returned to Chicago for the
+money was evidently the question, Hogan wishing to accompany them to make
+sure of his share. The woman sided with Hobart, the other men apparently
+ranged up with "Red," and some very plain talking was indulged in.
+
+McAdams listened grimly, the light through the crack showing his lips
+curled in a smile of appreciation. He lowered his head, and with one eye
+at the slight opening gained a glimpse of the lighted room beyond. A
+moment, motionless, he stared in on the scene; then straightened up, and,
+with revolver in hand, signalled to the others to close in closer. They
+stood there for a tense instant, poised and eager; then the doors were
+flung crashing back, and they leaped recklessly forward, out of the
+darkness into the light. It was a furious fight--sharp, merciless,
+uncompromising. The thieves, startled, desperate, were hurled back by the
+first rush against the further wall, tables and chairs overturned, the
+shrieking woman pushed headlong into one corner, and one of the fellows
+downed by the crashing butt of a revolver. But the others rallied,
+maddened, desperate, rats caught in a trap, fighting as animals fight.
+Hobart fired, catching an assailant in the arm; Hogan snatched up a chair
+and struck viciously at West, who leaped straight forward, breaking the
+full force of the blow, and driving his own fist into the man's face. It
+was all over within a minute's fierce fighting--the surprise turning the
+trick. Hobart went down cursing, the gun kicked out of his hand, his arm
+broken; Hogan, struggling still, but pinned to the floor by three men,
+was given a blow to the chin which left him unconscious, while the other
+two threw up their hands and yelled for mercy. McAdams wiped his
+streaming face, and looked around.
+
+It was a shambles, the floor spotted with blood, the table overturned and
+broken, a blanket over one of the windows torn down, a smashed chair in
+one corner. The detective who had been shot was still lying in front of
+the door, "Red" lay motionless, a ghastly cut over his eye, and Hobart,
+his arm dangling, sat propped up against the wall, cursing, malevolent,
+but helpless. On the other side stood Sennett and "Dago Dave," their
+hands high above their heads; each looking into the levelled barrel of a
+gun. The woman had got to her knees, still dazed from the blow which had
+felled her. The ex-service man smiled grimly, well satisfied.
+
+"Some surprise party, eh, Jim?" he asked pleasantly. "This rather puts a
+crimp in your little game, I would savy, old boy. Going to cop the whole
+boodle tomorrow, was you?"
+
+"Who the hell are you?"
+
+"Well, if I answer your questions, perhaps you will answer mine. I am
+McAdams of the City Hall Station, Chicago, and I know exactly what I am
+here after. So the best thing you guys can do, is cough up. Who's that
+girl who has been working with you?"
+
+Hobart glared sullenly, but made no response.
+
+"You'll not answer?"
+
+"Oh, go to hell!"
+
+"All right, old top. She is in this house somewhere, and can't get out.
+Somers, look around a bit; try behind those curtains over there."
+
+The officer stepped forward, but at the same instant the draperies
+parted, and two girls stood beside each other in the opening, framed
+against the brighter glare of light beyond--two girls, looking so alike,
+except for dress and the arrangement of their hair, as to be almost
+indistinguishable--Natalie white faced, frightened, gazing with wide-open
+eyes on the strange scene before her; the other smiling, and audacious,
+her glance full of defiance. It was the voice of the latter which broke
+the silence.
+
+"Am I the one you want, Mr. Bob McAdams?" she asked clearly. "Very well,
+I am here."
+
+McAdams stared at them both, gulping in startled surprise at the vision
+confronting him, unable to find words. Then his eyes fixed themselves on
+the face of the speaker.
+
+"What!" he burst forth. "You, Del? Great Scott! your name was Hobart,
+wasn't it? Why I never once connected you two together. Is--is this guy
+your father?"
+
+"I don't know about that," she returned indifferently. "It is a matter of
+argument I believe. However, Bob, what's the odds now? I am the one
+you're after, Mister fly-cop; and here I am."
+
+She walked forward, almost proudly, her eyes shining, and gazing
+fearlessly into his. He stepped back, one hand extended.
+
+"No, Del, this must be a mistake. I--I can't believe it of you, you--you
+are not a crook."
+
+"Oh, yes I am," she insisted, but with a tremor in the low voice.
+"I've never been anything else, Bobby boy--thanks, thanks to that
+thing down there."
+
+Natalie still remained poised uncertainly in the door-way, scarcely
+realizing what was occurring before her; she saw suddenly a familiar
+face, and held out her hands.
+
+"Oh, Matt, what is it?" she cried. "Is--is it all over?"
+
+"Yes, all over, dear; these are police officers."
+
+"And that--that girl? She looks so much like me. Who is she? do
+you know?"
+
+West clasped her hands tightly, his voice sunk to a whisper.
+
+"She is your sister, Natalie," he asserted soberly, "Your twin sister."
+
+Her unbelieving eyes swept to his face.
+
+"My sister; my twin sister? But I had none."
+
+"Yes, but you did," he insisted gently. "You never knew it, but Percival
+Coolidge did. This was his devilish scheme, plotted years ago when you
+were born. Now here is the end of it--the girl is your sister. There is
+no doubt of that."
+
+"No doubt, you say! My sister!" Her head lifted, and there was a flame of
+colour in her cheeks. "My sister!" she repeated, as though she would thus
+make it seem more true. "Then I will go to her, Matthew West."
+
+She loosened the clasp of her fingers and walked forward, unseeing her
+surroundings, her eyes misted with tears. Straight across the room she
+went, her hands outstretched to where the other shrank back from her in
+embarrassment--between them still the gulf which love must bridge.
+
+
+THE END
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's The Case and The Girl, by Randall Parrish
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