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diff --git a/42714-0.txt b/42714-0.txt index eeec013..0a40fa7 100644 --- a/42714-0.txt +++ b/42714-0.txt @@ -1,34 +1,4 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Luminous Face, by Carolyn Wells - -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 Luminous Face - -Author: Carolyn Wells - -Release Date: May 16, 2013 [EBook #42714] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LUMINOUS FACE *** - - - - -Produced by Roger Frank and Sue Clark - - - - - - - +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 42714 *** THE LUMINOUS FACE @@ -9102,357 +9072,4 @@ THE END End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Luminous Face, by Carolyn Wells -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LUMINOUS FACE *** - -***** This file should be named 42714-0.txt or 42714-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/2/7/1/42714/ - -Produced by Roger Frank and Sue Clark - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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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 Luminous Face - -Author: Carolyn Wells - -Release Date: May 16, 2013 [EBook #42714] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LUMINOUS FACE *** - - - - -Produced by Roger Frank and Sue Clark - - - - - -</pre> - +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 42714 ***</div> <div class='image-center'> <img src='images/cover.jpg' class='img-limits' alt=''/> @@ -9055,378 +9021,6 @@ think there are only you two in the whole wide world.”</p> <p class='center mtb0' style='margin-top:2em;'>THE END</p> - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Luminous Face, by Carolyn Wells - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LUMINOUS FACE *** - -***** This file should be named 42714-h.htm or 42714-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/2/7/1/42714/ - -Produced by Roger Frank and Sue Clark - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm -concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared -with anyone. For forty years, he produced and distributed Project -Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. -unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily -keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: - - www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. - - -</pre> - +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 42714 ***</div> </body> </html> diff --git a/42714.txt b/42714.txt deleted file mode 100644 index a74bd33..0000000 --- a/42714.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,9458 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Luminous Face, by Carolyn Wells - -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 Luminous Face - -Author: Carolyn Wells - -Release Date: May 16, 2013 [EBook #42714] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LUMINOUS FACE *** - - - - -Produced by Roger Frank and Sue Clark - - - - - - - - -THE LUMINOUS FACE - -by - -CAROLYN WELLS - -Author of - -"The Come Back," "In the Onyx Lobby," "The Curved Blades" etc. - -A. L. BURT COMPANY - -Publishers :: New York - -Published by arrangement with George H. Doran Company - - - - -COPYRIGHT, 1921, - -BY GEORGE H. DORAN COMPANY - -PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - - - - -CONTENTS - - CHAPTER I--Doctor Fell - CHAPTER II--The Telephone Call - CHAPTER III--The Lindsays - CHAPTER IV--Pollard's Threat - CHAPTER V--Mrs Mansfield's Story - CHAPTER VI--The Fur Collar - CHAPTER VII--Barry's Suspect - CHAPTER VIII--Miss Adams' Story - CHAPTER IX--Ivy Hayes - CHAPTER X--The Signed Letter - CHAPTER XI--Miss Adams Again - CHAPTER XII--Louis' Confession - CHAPTER XIII--Philip and Phyllis - CHAPTER XIV--Hester's Statement - CHAPTER XV--Phyllis and Ivy - CHAPTER XVI--Buddy - CHAPTER XVII--Zizi - CHAPTER XVIII--The Luminous Face - - - - -THE LUMINOUS FACE - - - - -CHAPTER I - -DOCTOR FELL - - -"A bit thick, I call it," Pollard looked round the group; "here's -Mellen been dead six weeks now, and the mystery of his taking-off -still unsolved." - -"And always will be," Doctor Davenport nodded. "Mighty few murders are -brought home to the villains who commit them." - -"Oh, I don't know," drawled Phil Barry, an artist, whose dress and -demeanor coincided with the popular idea of his class. "I've no head -for statistics," he went on, idly drawing caricatures on the margin of -his evening paper as he talked, "but I think they say that only -one-tenth of one per cent, of the murderers in this great and glorious -country of ours are ever discovered." - -"Your head for statistics is defective, as you admit," Doctor -Davenport said, his tone scornful; "but percentages mean little in -these matters. The greater part of the murders committed are not -brought prominently before public notice. It's only when the victim is -rich or influential, or the circumstances of some especial interest -that a murder occupies the front pages of the newspapers." - -"Old Mellen's been on those same front pages for several weeks--off -and on, that is," Pollard insisted; "of course, he was a well-known -man and his exit was dramatic. But all the same, they ought to have -caught his murderer--or slayer, as the papers call him." - -"Him?" asked Barry, remembering the details of the case. - -"Impersonal pronoun," Pollard returned, "and probably a man anyway. -'Cherchez la femme,' is the trite advice, and always sounds well, but -really, a woman seldom has nerve enough for the fatal deed." - -"That's right," Davenport agreed. "I know lots of women who have all -the intent of murder in their hearts, but who never could pull it -off." - -"A good thing, too," Barry observed. "I'd hate to think any woman I -know capable of murder! Ugh!" His long, delicate white hand waved away -the distasteful idea with a gesture that seemed to dismiss it -entirely. - -There were not many in the Club lounge, the group of men had it mostly -to themselves, and as the afternoon dusk grew deeper and the lights -were turned on, several more went away, and finally Fred Lane rose to -go. - -"Frightfully interesting, you fellows," he said, "but it's after five, -and I've a date. Anybody I can drop anywhere?" - -"Me, please," accepted Dean Monroe. "That is, if you're going my way. -I want to go downtown." - -"Was going up," returned Lane, "but delighted to change my route. Come -along, Monroe." - -But Monroe had heard a chance word from Doctor Davenport that arrested -his attention, and he sat still. - -"Guess I won't go quite yet--thanks all the same," he nodded at Lane, -and lighted a fresh cigarette. - -Dean Monroe was a younger man than the others, an artist, but not yet -in the class with Barry. His square, firm-set jaw, and his Wedgwood -blue eyes gave his face a look of power and determination quite in -contrast with Philip Barry's pale, sensitive countenance. Yet the two -were friends--chums, almost, and though differing in their views on -art, each respected the other's opinions. - -"Have it your own way," Lane returned, indifferently, and went off. - -"Crime detection is not the simple process many suppose," Davenport -was saying, and Monroe gave his whole attention. "So much depends on -chance." - -"Now, Doctor," Monroe objected, "I hold it's one of the most exact -sciences, and----" - -Davenport looked at him, as an old dog might look at an impertinent -kitten. - -"Being an exact science doesn't interfere with dependence on chance," -he growled; "also, young man, are you sure you know what an exact -science is?" - -"Yeppy," Monroe defended himself, as the others smiled a little. -"It's--why, it's a science that's exact--isn't it?" - -His gay smile disarmed his opponent, and Davenport, mounted on his -hobby, went on: "You may have skill, intuition, deductive powers and -all that, but to discover a criminal, the prime element is chance. -Now, in the Mellen case, the chances were all against the detectives -from the first. They didn't get there till the evidences were, or -might have been destroyed. They couldn't find Mrs Gresham, the most -important witness until after she had had time to prepare her string -of falsehoods. Oh, well, you know how the case was messed up, and now, -there's not a chance in a hundred of the truth ever being known." - -"Does chance play any part in your profession, Doctor?" asked Monroe, -with the expectation of flooring him. - -"You bet it does!" was the reply. "Why, be I never so careful in my -diagnosis or treatment, a chance deviation from my orders on the part -of patient or attendant, a chance draught of wind, or upset -nerves--oh, Lord, yes! as the Good Book says, 'Time and Chance -happeneth to us all.' And no line of work is more precarious than -establishing a theory or running down a clew in a murder case. For the -criminal, ever on the alert, has all the odds on his side, and can -block or divert the detective's course at will." - -Doctor Ely Davenport was, without being pompous, a man who was at all -times conscious of his own personality and sure of his own importance. -He was important, too, being one of the most highly thought of doctors -in New York City, and his self-esteem, if a trifle annoying, was -founded on his real worth. - -He often said that his profession brought him in contact with the -souls of men and women quite as much as with their bodies, and he was -fond of theorizing what human nature might do or not do in crucial -moments. - -The detection of crime he held to be a matter requiring the highest -intelligence and rarest skill. - -"Detection!" he exclaimed, in the course of the present conversation, -"why detection is as hard to work out as the Fourth Dimension! As -difficult to understand as the Einstein theory." - -"Oh, come now, Doctor," Pollard said, smiling, "that's going a bit too -far. I admit, though, it requires a superior brain. But any real work -does. However, I say, first catch your motive." - -"That's it," broke in Monroe, eagerly. "It all depends on the motive!" - -"The crime does," Davenport assented, drily, "but not the detection. -You youngsters don't know what you're talking about--you'd better shut -up." - -"We know a lot," returned Monroe, unabashed. "Youth is no barrier to -knowledge these days. And I hold that the clever detective seeks first -the motive. You can't have a murder without a motive, any more than an -omelette without eggs." - -"True, oh, Solomon," granted the doctor. "But the motive may be known -only to the murderer, and not to be discovered by any effort of the -investigator." - -"Then the murder mystery remains unsolved," returned Monroe, promptly. - -"Your saying so doesn't make it so, you know," drawled Phil Barry, in -his impertinent way. "Now, to me it would seem that a nice lot of -circumstantial evidence, and a few good clews would expedite matters -just as well as a knowledge of the villain's motive." - -"Circumstantial evidence!" scoffed Monroe. - -"Sure," rejoined Barry; "Give me a smoking revolver with initials on -it, a dropped handkerchief, monogrammed, of course, half a broken -cuff-link, and a few fingerprints, and I care not who knows the -motive. And if you can add a piece--no, a fragment of tweed, clutched -in the victim's rigid hand--why--I'll not ask for wine!" - -"What rubbish you all talk," said Pollard, smiling superciliously; -"don't you see these things all count? If you have motive you don't -need evidence, and _vice versa_. That is, if both motive and -evidence are the real thing." - -"There are only three motives," Monroe informed. "Love, hate and -money." - -"You've got all the jargon by heart, little one," and Pollard grinned -at him. "Been reading some new Detective Fiction?" - -"I'm always doing that," Monroe stated, "but I hold that a detective -who can't tell which of those three is the motive, isn't worth his -salt." - -"Salt is one commodity that has remained fairly inexpensive," said -Barry, speaking slowly, and with his eyes on his cigarette, from which -he was carefully amputating the ash, "and a detective who could truly -diagnose motive is not to be sneezed at. Besides, revenge is often a -reason." - -"That comes under the head of hate," promptly responded Monroe. "The -three motives include all the gamut of human emotion, and some of -their ramifications will include every murder motive that ever -existed." - -"Fear?" quietly suggested Doctor Davenport. - -"Part of hate," said Monroe, but he was challenged by Pollard. - -"Not necessarily. A man may fear a person whom he does not hate at -all. But there's another motive, that doesn't quite fit your -classification, Monroe." - -Before the inevitable question could be put another man joined the -group. - -"Hello, folks," said Robert Gleason, as he sat down; "hope I don't -intrude--and all that. What you talking about?" - -"Murder," said Barry. "Murder as a Fine Art, you know." - -"Don't like the subject. Let's change it. Talk about the ladies, or -something pleasant, you know. Eh?" - -"Or Shakespeare and the musical glasses," said Pollard. - -"No musical glasses, nowadays," bewailed Gleason. "No more clink the -canakin, clink. It's drink to me only with thine eyes. Hence, the -preponderance of women and song in our lives, since the third of the -trio is gone." - -Gleason was the sort of Westerner usually described as breezy. He was -on intimate terms with everybody, whether everybody reciprocated or -not. Not a large man, not a young man, he possessed a restless -vitality, a wiry energy that gave him an effect of youth. About forty, -he was nearer the age of Doctor Davenport than the others, who were -all in their earliest thirties. - -Nobody liked Gleason much, yet no one really disliked him. He was a -bit forward, a little intrusive, but it was clear to be seen that -those mannerisms were due to ignorance and not to any intent to be -objectionable. He was put up at the Club by a friend, and had never -really overstepped his privileges, though it was observable that his -ways were not club ways. - -"Yep, the Ladies--God bless 'em!" he went on. "What could be a better -subject for gentlemen's discussion? No personalities, of course; that -goes without saying." - -"Then why say it?" murmured Pollard, without looking at the speaker. - -"That's so! Why, indeed?" was the genial response. "Now, you know, out -in Seattle, where I hail from, there's more--oh, what do you call it, -sociability like, among men. I go into a club there and everybody -sings out something gay; I come in here, and you all shut up like -clams." - -"You objected to the subject we were discussing," began Monroe, -indignantly, but Barry interrupted, with a wave of his hand, "The -effete East, my dear Gleason. Doubtless you've heard that expression? -Yes, you would. Well, it's our renowned effeteness that prevents our -falling on your neck more effusively." - -"Guying me?" asked Gleason, with a quiet smile. "You see, boys, before -I went to Seattle, I was born in New England. I can take a little -chaff." - -"You're going to tell us of your ancestry?" said Pollard, and though -his words were polite his tone held a trace of sarcastic intent. - -Gleason turned a sudden look on him. - -"I might, if you really want me to," he said, slowly. "I might give -you the story of my life from my infancy, spent in Coggs' Hollow, New -Hampshire, to the present day, when I may call myself one of the -leading citizens of Seattle, Wash." - -"What or whom do you lead?" asked Pollard, and again the only trace of -unpleasantness was a slight inflection in his really fine voice. - -"I lead the procession," and Gleason smiled, as one who positively -refuses to take offense whether meant or not. "But, I can tell you I -don't lead it here in New York! Your pace is rather swift for me! I'm -having a good time and all that, but soon, it's me for the wildness -and woolliness of the good old West again! Why, looky here, I'm living -in a hole in the wall--yes, sir, a hole in the wall!" - -"I like that!" laughed Doctor Davenport. "Why, man, you're in that -apartment of McIlvaine's--one of the best put-ups in town." - -"Yes, so Mac said," Gleason exploded. "Why, out home, we'd call that a -coop. But what could I do? This old town of yours, spilling over full, -couldn't fix me out at any hotel, so when my friend offered his -palatial home, I took it--and----" - -"You'd be surprised at the result!" Barry broke in. "That's because -you're a Western millionaire, Mr Gleason. Now we poor, struggling -young artists think that apartment you're in, one of the finest -diggings around Washington Square." - -"But, man, there's no service!" Gleason went on, complainingly. "Not -even a hall porter! Nobody to announce a caller!" - -"Well, you have that more efficient service, the----" - -"Yes! the contraption that lets a caller push a button and have the -door open in his face!" - -"Isn't that just what he wants?" said Barry, laughing outright at -Gleason's disgusted look. "Then, you see, Friend Caller walks -upstairs, and there you are!" - -"Yes, _walks_ upstairs. Not even an elevator!" - -"But your friends don't need one," expostulated Davenport. "You're -only one flight up. You don't seem to realize how lucky you are to get -that place, in these days of housing problems!" - -"Oh, well, 'tis not so deep as a well, nor so wide as a church door, -but it will serve," said Gleason, with one of his sudden, pleasant -smiles. - -"I see your point, though, Mr Gleason," said Dean Monroe. "And if I -were a plutocrat from Seattle, sojourning in this busy mart, I confess -I, too, should like a little more of the dazzling light in my halls -than you get down there. I know the place, used to go there to see -McIlvaine. And while it's a decent size, and jolly well furnished, I -can see how you'd prefer more gilt on your ginger bread." - -"I do, and I'd have it, too, if I were staying here much longer. But -I'm going to settle up things soon now, and go back to home, sweet -home." - -"How did you, a New Englander, chance to make Seattle your home?" -asked Monroe, always of a curious bent. - -"Had a chance to go out there and get rich. You see, Coggs' Hollow, as -one might gather from its name, was a small hamlet. I lived there till -I was twenty-five, then, getting a chance to go West and blow up with -the country, I did. Glad of it, too. Now, I'm going back there, and--I -hope to take with me a specimen of your fair feminine. Yes, sir, I -hope and expect to take along, under my wing, one of these little -moppy-haired, brief-skirted lassies, that will grace my Seattle home -something fine!" - -"Does she know it yet?" drawled Barry and Gleason stared at him. - -"She isn't quite sure of it, but I am!" he returned with a comical air -of determination. - -"You know her pretty well, then," chaffed Barry. - -"You bet I do! I ought to. She's my sister's stepdaughter." - -"Phyllis Lindsay!" cried Barry, involuntarily speaking the name. - -"The same," said Gleason, smiling; "and as I'm due there for dinner, -I'll be toddling now to make myself fine for the event." - -With a general beaming smile of good nature that included all the -group, Gleason went away. - -For a few moments no one spoke, and then Monroe began, "As I was -saying, there are only three motives for murder--and I stick to that. -But you were about to say, Pollard----?" - -"I was about to say that you have omitted the most frequent and most -impelling motive. It doesn't always result in the fatal stroke, but as -a motive, it can't be beat." - -"Go on--what is it?" - -"Just plain dislike." - -"Oh, hate," said Monroe. - -"Not at all. Hate implies a reason, a grievance. But I mean an -ineradicable, and unreasonable dislike--why, simply a case of: - - 'I do not like you, Doctor Fell, - The reason why I cannot tell; - But this I know and know full well, - I do not like you, Doctor Fell.' - -One Tom Brown wrote that, and it's a bit of truth, all right!" - -"One Martial said it before your friend Brown," informed Doctor -Davenport. "He wrote: - - 'Non amo, te, Sabidi, - nec possum dicere quore; - Hoc tantum possum dicere, - non amo te.' - -Which is, being translated for the benefit of you unlettered ones, 'I -do not love thee, Sabidius, nor can I say why; this only can I say, I -do not love thee.' There's a French version, also." - -"Never mind, Doc," Pollard interrupted, "we don't want your erudition, -but your opinion. You say you know psychology as well as physiology; -will you agree that a strong motive for murder might be just that -unreasonable dislike--that distaste of seeing a certain person -around?" - -"No, not a strong motive," said Davenport, after a short pause for -thought. "A slight motive, perhaps, by which I mean a fleeting -impulse." - -"No," persisted Pollard, "an impelling--a compelling motive. Why, -there's Gleason now. I can't bear that man. Yet I scarcely know him. -I've met him but a few times--had little or no personal conversation -with him--yet I dislike him. Not detest or hate or despise--merely -dislike him. And, some day I'm going to kill him." - -"Going to kill all the folks you dislike?" asked Barry, indifferently. - -"Maybe. If I dislike them enough. But that Gleason offends my taste. I -can't stand him about. So, as I say, I'm going to kill him. And I hold -that the impulse that drives me to the deed is the strongest murder -motive a man can have." - -"Don't talk rubbish, Manning," and young Monroe gave him a frightened -glance, as if he thought Pollard in earnest. - -"It isn't altogether rubbish," said Doctor Davenport, as he rose to -go, "there's a grain of truth in Pollard's contention. A rooted -dislike of another is a bad thing to have in your system. Have it cut -out, Pollard." - -"You didn't mean it, did you, Manning?" - -Monroe spoke diffidently, almost shyly, with a scared glance at -Pollard. - -The latter turned and looked at him with a smile. Then, glaring -ferociously, he growled, "Of course I did! And if you get yourself -disliked, I'll kill you, too! _Booh!_" - -They all laughed at Monroe's frightened jump, as Pollard Booh'd into -his face, and Doctor Davenport said, "Look out, Pollard, don't scare -our young friend into fits! And, remember, Monroe, 'Threatened men live -long?' I've my car--anybody want a lift anywhere?" - -"Take me, will you?" said Dean Monroe, and willingly enough, Doctor -Davenport carried the younger man off in his car. - -"You oughtn't to do it, Pol, you know," Barry gently remonstrated. -"Poor little Monroe thinks you're a gory villain, and he'll mull over -your fool remarks till he's crazy--more crazy than he is already." - -"Let him," said Pollard, smiling indifferently. "I only spoke the -truth--as to that motive, I mean. Don't you want to kill that Gleason -every time you see him?" - -"You make him seem like a cat--with nine or more lives! How _can_ -you kill a man every time you see him? It isn't done!" - -The two men left the Club together, and walked briskly down Fifth -Avenue. - -"Going to the Lindsays' to-night, of course?" asked Barry, as they -reached Forty-fifth Street, where he turned off. - -"Yes. You?" - -"Yes. See you later, then. You gather that Gleason has annexed the -pretty Phyllis?" - -"Looks like it, doesn't it? I suppose the announcement will be made -to-night at the dinner or the dance." - -"Suppose so. How I hate to see it that way. I'm in love with that -little beauty myself." - -"Who isn't?" returned Pollard, smiling, and then Barry turned off in -his own street, and Pollard went on down toward his home, a small -hotel on West Fortieth. - -Held up for a few moments by the great tide of traffic at Forty-second -Street, he glanced at his wrist watch and found it was ten minutes -after six. And then, a taxicab passed him, and in it he saw Phyllis -Lindsay. She did not see him, however, so, the traffic signal being -given, he went on his way. - - - - -CHAPTER II - -The Telephone Call - - -Every hour of every twenty-four is filled with amazing occurrences and -startling episodes. Astonishing incidents and even more startling -coincidences are happening every minute of every sixty minutes, but -the fact that those most interested are unaware of these deeds is what -makes the great cases of mystery. - -Only an omniscient eye that could see all the activities of the few -hours following the events just related could pierce the veil of doubt -and uncertainty that overhung the ensuing tragedy. - -The first human being to receive news of it was Miss Hester Jordan. - -This capable and efficient young woman was the office nurse of Doctor -Davenport, and her position was no sinecure. - -Of a highly nervous temperament, she yet managed to preserve the -proper calm and poise that nurses should always show, except when, at -the end of a long, hard day, she became mentally and physically -exhausted. - -Though supposed to be off duty at six o'clock, her relief was -frequently late in arriving and in this instance had not yet put in an -appearance, though it was half past the hour. - -Wearily, Miss Jordan answered telephone calls, striving to keep her -tired voice pleasant and amiable. - -"No," she would answer the anxious speakers, "Doctor Davenport is not -in." "Yes, I expect him soon." "Can you leave a message?" "Yes, I will -tell him." "He will surely be in by seven." "No, he left no message -for you." "No, I don't know exactly where he is." "Yes, I will let you -know." - -Replies of this sort, over and over, strained her nerves to their -furthest tension, and when at six-forty the telephone bell jangled -again she took the receiver from its hook with what was almost a jerk. - -"Hello," she said, unable to keep utter exasperation out of her voice. - -But instead of a summons from some impatient patient, she heard a -faint voice say, "Come, Doctor--oh, come quick--I'm--I'm done -for--shot----" - -There were more incoherent words, but Nurse Jordan couldn't catch -them. - -"Who are you?" she cried, alert now. "Who is speaking?" - -"Gleason," came back the faint voice. "Wash'--t'n Square--come--can't -you come quick----" - -She could get no more. The voice ceased, and only blank silence met -her frantic queries. - -She hung up her receiver, and a sudden realization of the situation -came to her. She seemed to see the scene--somebody shot--somebody -telephoning that he was shot--somebody's voice getting weaker and -ceasing to sound at all--the picture was too much for her tired brain, -and she buried her face in her hands and sobbed hysterically from -sheer nervous excitement. - -Only for a moment did she give way. Nurse Jordan's training and -personality was not to be conquered by a sudden shock of any sort. - -Pulling herself together, she set to work to find the doctor. - -This meant telephoning to two or three places where she knew there was -a chance of locating him. - -And at the third call she found him at Mrs Ballard's, and, though -still shaken and quivering, she controlled her voice and told him -distinctly of the tragic telephone call she had taken. - -"Gleason!" cried the Doctor, "Washington Square? What number?" - -But Nurse Jordan didn't know, and Doctor Davenport had to call up -somebody to inquire. - -He tried Mrs Lindsay, who was Gleason's sister, but her wire was busy -and after an impatient moment, Davenport called Pollard, at his hotel. - -"Here," he cried, handing the receiver to a staring butler, "take this -and when the gentleman answers, ask him the address of Robert Gleason. -Tell him Doctor Davenport's inquiring." - -He then returned to the prescription he had been writing, and gave it -to Mrs Ballard, who was indignant at having her interview with her -doctor intruded upon. - -"I'll call to-morrow," he soothed her; "you'll be better in the -morning. Let fish alone, and stick to simple diet for a few days. Get -that address, Jenkins?" - -"Yes, sir," and the butler gave him a slip of paper. - -"H'm--near Washington Square, not on it," he murmured, looking at the -written number, and then he ran down the Ballard front steps, and -jumping into his waiting car, gave his chauffeur Gleason's address. - -"Wonder what's up?" he thought, as his car rolled down Fifth Avenue. -"Accident, I suppose. Jordan is always on edge this time of night. -Have to take her excitement with a grain of salt." - -But when he reached the house, and pushed the button that indicated -McIlvaine's apartment, there was no response from the closed street -door. - -He rang again, long and insistently, then, still getting no -encouragement, he pushed another button. - -The door gave a grudging grunt, and, unwillingly, as it seemed, moved -slowly inward. - -Doctor Davenport was half way up the first flight of stairs, when a -woman's head appeared through a doorway. - -"What do you want?" she inquired, a little crisply. - -"Mr McIlvaine's apartment." - -"That's it, opposite," she returned, more affable as she caught sight -of the good-looking man. "Mr Gleason's in there now." - -"Yes, he's the man I want. Thank you, madame." - -She still stood, watching, as he rang the doorbell of the designated -apartment. - -There was no answer, nor any sound from inside. The doctor looked -apprehensively at the door. - -"Your key wouldn't let me in, I suppose," he said, turning back to the -now frankly curious spectator. - -"Oh, Lord, no! We don't have interchangeable keys! He's out, I expect. -He's mostly out." - -"But I want to get into his place----" - -"You do! And he not there! You a friend of his?" - -"Why--yes; I'm his doctor--and I'm afraid he's ill." - -"Oh--that. But look here--if you're his doctor, why didn't you know -which was his place? You're pretty slick, mister, but it's a bit -fishy--I think." - -She half withdrew back into her own doorway, but curiosity still -detained her, and, too, Doctor Davenport's demeanor impressed her as -being quite all right. - -"Nothing wrong--is there?" she whispered, coming across the small -hall, and peering into the doctor's face. - -"Oh, no--I think not. But he may be helpless, and I must get in. I've -never been here before, but I've been called by him just now. I -_must_ get in. Where's the janitor?" - -"Where, indeed? If you can find him, I'll bless you forever. I've -wanted him all day." - -"Isn't he on duty?" - -"He doesn't know the meaning of duty. It's something he's never on." - -She smiled at him, and noticing her for the first time, Davenport saw -that she was handsome, in a careless, rather blatant way. - -Her ash-blonde hair was loosely pinned up, and her dress--negligee or -tea-gown--was fussy with lace, and not quite immaculate. - -Her wide, light blue eyes returned his scrutiny, and for an instant -each studied the other. - -"There is something wrong," she nodded, at last, "What you going to -do, Doctor?" - -"I'm going to get in. I've wasted precious time already." He ran down -the stairs and opening the front door summoned his chauffeur. - -"Come up here, Chris," he ordered, and the two returned together. - -"Can we break in that door?" he said, ignoring the woman now. - -"My husband'll help," she volunteered, but Chris was already -delivering effective blows. - -However, the lock held, and turning to her, Doctor Davenport said, "Do -ask your husband to help us, please. I assure you it's an emergency. -I'm Doctor Ely Davenport." - -"Come here, Jim," she obeyed orders. "This is Doctor Davenport." - -"I've heard of you," said a big, commonplace looking man, appearing. -"I'm Mansfield. What's up?" - -"I have reason to think Mr Gleason is very ill. He just telephoned for -me. I must get in. These old doors are strongly built, so I'd like -your help." - -Mansfield looked at him sharply, and seeming satisfied, put his -shoulder to the door. - -United effort succeeded, and the three men entered, the woman hanging -back in fear. - -Gleason lay on the floor, in a crumpled heap, and the first glance -proclaimed him dead. - -Stooping quickly, Doctor Davenport felt for his heart, and shook his -head as he rose again to his feet. - -"He's dead," he said, quietly. "Shot through the temple. Suicide, -apparently, as the door was locked on the inside. Better take your -wife away, Mr Mansfield. She'll be getting hysterical." - -"No, I won't," declared the lady referred to, but she was quite -evidently pulling herself together. "Let me come in." - -"No," forbade Davenport. "You've no call in here. Go back home, both -of you. I shall send for the police and wait till they come." - -But the doctor hesitated as he was about to touch the telephone. - -The matter was mysterious. "Suicide, of course," he ruminated, as he -remembered the message received by Nurse Jordan. "Shot himself, then, -still living, cried to me for help. Wish I knew exactly what he said -to Jordan. But, anyway, I'm not going to disturb things--there may be -trouble ahead. Guess I'll leave the telephone alone--and everything -else." - -"Sit right here, Chris," he said, "and don't move or stir. Look around -all you like--note anything and everything that strikes you. I'll be -back soon." - -Closing the broken door behind him, he went to the Mansfield's -apartment and asked to use their telephone. On this, he called the -police, while the two listened eagerly. - -"Why did he do it?" broke out Mrs Mansfield, as the receiver was hung -up. "Oh, Doctor, tell us something about it! I'm eaten alive with -curiosity." - -Her big blue eyes shone with excitement, which her husband tried to -suppress. - -"Now, be quiet, Dottie," he said, laying a hand on her shoulder. - -"I won't be quiet," and she shook off the hand. "Here's a great big -mystery right in my own house--on my own floor--and you say, 'be -quiet!' I've got a right to know all about it, and I'm going to! I'm -going up now, to tell Mrs Conway!" - -Her husband held her back forcibly, but Doctor Davenport said, "Of -course, it must become known, and if Mrs Mansfield enjoys spreading -the news, I suppose she has a right to do so. No one may enter the -Gleason rooms, though--understand that." - -"Go on, then, Dottie," Mansfield said; "maybe you'd better." - -"She's very excitable," he sighed, as his wife ran up the stairs. - -"She's better off, unburdening her news, than being thwarted," said -the doctor, indifferently. "Let her do what she likes. What can you -tell me, Mr Mansfield, of your neighbor, Gleason?" - -"Not much, Doctor. He kept to himself, as far as the people in this -house were concerned. We didn't know him socially--no one in the house -did--and though he said good-day, if we met in the halls, it was with -a short and unsocial manner." - -"Nobody actively disliked him?" - -"Nobody knew him well enough for that--unless--well, no, I may say -none of us knew him." - -"Yet you hesitated," the doctor looked at him keenly; "why did you?" - -"A mere passing thought--better left unspoken." - -"All right, Mr Mansfield--perhaps you are wise. But, if asked to, -you'd better speak your thought to the police." - -"Oh, sure. I'm a law-abiding citizen--I hope. Will they be here soon?" - -"Nothing happens soon in matters like this. It's delay, linger and -wait on the part of everybody. I'm bothered--I've important affairs on -hand--but here I must stick, till the arm of the law gets ready to -strike." - -Davenport returned to Gleason's apartment, where the stolid Chris kept -guard. - -"Well?" said the doctor, glancing at his man. - -"Looks like a suicide to me, sir. Looks like he shot himself--there's -the revolver--I haven't touched it. And then he fell over all in a -heap." - -"It seems he telephoned after he shot----" - -"He did? How could he?" - -"Look again at his position. Near the desk, on which the telephone -sits. He might have shot, and then----" - -"Not that shot in his temple!" - -"No; but there may be another. I haven't looked carefully yet. Ah, -yes--see, Chris, here's another bullet hole, in his left shoulder. -Say, he fired that shot, then, getting cold feet, called off the -suicide idea and telephoned for me. Then, getting desperate again, -fired a second shot through his temple, which, of course, did for -him--oh, a fanciful tale, I know--but, you see, the detective work -isn't up to me. When the police come they'll look after that and I can -go." - -But the police, arriving, were very much interested in this theory of -Doctor Davenport's. - -Prescott, an alert young detective, who came with the inspector -especially interested the physician by his keen-witted and clearly put -questions. - -"Did you know this man?" he asked among his first queries. - -"Yes," returned Davenport, "but not well. I've never been here -before. He's Robert Gleason, a very rich man, from Seattle. Staying -here this winter, in this apartment which belongs to McIlvaine, a -friend of Gleason's." - -"Where's McIlvaine?" - -"In California. Gleason took over the place, furnished and all, for -the winter months." - -"Any relatives?" - -"Yes"; Davenport hated to drag in the Lindsays, but it had to be done. -"His sister, Mrs Lindsay, lives in upper Park Avenue." - -"Have you called her up?" - -"No; I thought wiser to do nothing, until you people came. Also, I'm a -very busy man, and outside my actual duty here, I can't afford to -spend much time." - -"I see. Then the sister is the only relative in New York?" - -"I think so. There are two Lindsay children, but they're not hers. She -married a widower." - -"I see. And the address?" - -Doctor Davenport gave it, and then started to go. - -"Wait a minute, please," urged Prescott. "Had the dead man any -friends, that you know of?" - -"Oh, yes. Many of them. He was put up at the Camberwell Club, by -McIlvaine himself. And he had many friends among the members." - -"Names?" - -Doctor Davenport thought quickly, and decided to give no names of the -group that had been with Gleason that same afternoon. - -He gave the names of three other Club members, and sending Chris down -ahead, again endeavored to depart himself. - -Again Prescott detained him. - -"Sorry, Doc," he said, pleasantly, "but you're here now, and something -tells me it'll be hard to get hold of you again, once I lose you. -Inspector Gale, here, is putting through the necessary red tape and -all that, and he'll see to notifying relatives and friends, and he'll -take charge of the premises--but--well, I've a hunch, this isn't a -suicide." - -"What, murder?" cried the doctor, his quick acceptance of the -suggestion proving the thought had been in his own mind. - -"Well, you never can tell. And I want to get all the sidelight on the -case I can. Was Mr Gleason happy--and all that?" - -"Yes; so far as I know. I tell you I was not an intimate--scarcely -enough to be called a friend--merely an acquaintance." - -"I see. Had the man any enemies?" - -The direct glance that accompanied these words discomfited Davenport a -little. - -"Why do you ask me that?" he said, shortly. "How should I know?" - -"Oh, it's a thing anybody might know--even a mere acquaintance. And -your desperate hurry to get away makes me think you don't take kindly -to this catechism." - -"Rubbish! I'm a busy man--a doctor sometimes is. I've numerous and -important engagements for the evening. Now, if that's incriminating, -make the most of it!" - -"Fie, fie, don't get peeved! Now, tell me once again, what the injured -man said to your nurse and I'll let you go." - -"I don't know the exact words. I've not seen her. But he called my -office, said he was shot, and for me to come right here and quickly. -That's all I know of the message. Now as to my report--it's that the -man received two shots--whether by his own hand or another's. One, in -his left shoulder--and another--the fatal one--through his temple, -producing instant death. You can get me at any time--if necessary. But -I don't want to be hauled over here, or summoned to headquarters to -repeat these facts. I'll send a typed report, and I'll do anything in -reason--but I know how you detectives mull over things, and how your -slow processes eat up time--which though it seems of little account to -you, is mighty valuable to me." - -"Yes, sir--yes, sir. Now if you'll speak to Inspector Gale a minute, -you can go." - -Grunting an assent, Davenport waited for the Inspector to finish -writing a bit of memorandum on which he was busily engaged. - -The doctor was sitting in a big easy chair, and as he squirmed -impatiently, he felt something soft beneath his heavy frame. - -Feeling about the chair cushions, he found it was fur, and a fleeting -thought that he had sat on a cat passed through his mind. - -A second later he knew it was a fur strip, probably a neck piece, -doubtless belonging to some woman. - -Now, the doctor had a very soft place in his heart for the feminine sex -in general, and his mind leaped to the idea of this fur, left there by -some indiscreet girl visitor, and the possibility of its getting the -doubtless innocent young lady into a moil of trouble. - -Also, he had a dim, indistinct notion that he recognized the fur, at -which he had stolen a furtive look. - -At any rate, unseen by the Inspector or either of his two colleagues -present, Davenport adroitly slipped the small fur collar into his -capacious overcoat pocket, and sat, looking as innocent of duplicity -as a canary-fed cat. - -"Now, Doctor," and Inspector Gale frowned importantly, "this may be a -simple case of suicide, and again it may not. So, I want your opinion -as to whether it is possible that both those shots were fired by Mr -Gleason himself." - -"Quite possible, Inspector, and, it seems to me, decidedly probable, -as I cannot see how the victim could have telephoned, with a murderer -in the room." - -"That's apparently true, but we have to think of even the remotest -possibilities. If the murderer--granting there was one--had been -merely intending to frighten his victim, maybe a robber, he might have -been--and if after that call for help, the intruder finished off his -victim--oh, well, all these ideas must be looked into, you know. The -case is not entirely clear to me." - -"Nor to me," returned Davenport, "but I cannot feel that I can help -you in your deductions. Answering your questions, I say it would have -been quite possible for Mr Gleason to have fired those two shots -himself. You see the first one hit his left shoulder, leaving his -right arm available to fire the second shot." - -"Why did he merely maim himself first?" - -"Heavens, man! I don't know. Missed aim, perhaps--or, just shooting -for practice! Such questions make me mad! If you want any more medical -statements, say so--if not, for goodness' sake, let me go!" - -"For goodness' sake, let him go," repeated Prescott, and Dr Davenport -went. - -"Some mess," Prescott said, after the doctor's angry footsteps tramped -down the stairs. - - - - -CHAPTER III - -The Lindsays - - -"You're sure no one in this building knew Mr Gleason any better than -you two did?" Prescott asked of the Mansfields, as he put them through -a course of questioning. - -"Oh, no," Mrs Mansfield informed him, volubly, "and we didn't know him -much, but being on the same floor--there are only two apartments on -each floor, we saw him once in a while, going in or out, and he would -bow distantly, and mumble 'good-morning,' but that's all." - -"You heard no noise from his apartment, during the last hour?" - -"No; but I wasn't noticing. It's across the hall, you know, and the -walls are thick in these old houses." - -"Was he going out, do you think?" asked Jim Mansfield, thoughtfully. -"He always went out to dinner." - -"Probably he was, then. It's evident he was dressing--he was in his -shirtsleeves--his day shirt--and his evening clothes were laid out on -the bed." - -"When did it happen?" - -"As nearly as I can make out, he telephoned for the doctor about -quarter before seven. He must have expired shortly after. As I figure -it--oh, well, the medical examiner is in there now, and I don't want -to discuss the details until he gets through his examination. It's an -interesting case, but I'm only out for side evidence. What about -Gleason's visitors? Did he have many?" - -"No," offered Mrs Mansfield, "but he had some. I've heard--well, -people go in there, and he was mighty glad to see them, judging by the -gay laughter and chatter." - -"Oh--lady friends?" - -Mrs Mansfield smiled, but her husband said quickly, "Shut up, Dottie! -You talk too much! You'll get us involved in this case, and make a lot -of trouble. He had callers occasionally, Mr Prescott, but we never -knew who they were and we've no call to remark on them." - -"Well, I give you the call. Don't you see, man, your information may -be vitally necessary----" - -Here Prescott was recalled to the Gleason apartment. - -The medical examiner had concluded his task. He agreed with Doctor -Davenport that the shots could have been fired by Gleason himself, -though, but for the locked door, he should have thought them the acts -of another person. The presence of powder stains proved that the shots -were fired at close range, but not necessarily by the dead man -himself. - -Still, the door being locked on the inside, it looked like suicide. - -"No," Prescott disagreed, "that doesn't cut any ice. You see, it's a -spring catch. It fastens itself when closed. If an intruder was here -and went out again, closing that door behind him, it would have locked -itself." - -"That's right," assented Gale. "So, it may be suicide or murder. But -we'll find out which. We've hardly begun to investigate yet. Now, we -must let his sister know." - -"It's pretty awful to spring it on her over the telephone," demurred -Prescott, as Gale started for the desk. - -"Got to be done," Inspector Gale declared, "I mean we've got to tell -somebody who knew him. How about those men at the Club?" - -"That's better," consented Prescott. "Just call the Camberwell Club, -and get any one of those Davenport mentioned. But, I say, Gale, use -the Mansfields' telephone. I'm saving up this one for fingerprint -work." - -"Oh, you and your fingerprint work!" Gale grumbled. "You attach too -much importance to that, Prescott." - -"All right, but you let the telephone alone. And the revolver, too. -Why, I wouldn't have those touched for anything! I'll get them -photographed to-morrow. Shall I call the Club?" - -"Yes," grunted Gale, and Prescott went back to the opposite apartment. - -"Sorry to trouble you people," he said, with his winning smile, "but -if you object, say so, and I'll run out to a drug store." - -"None around here," vouchsafed Mansfield, looking a little annoyed at -the intrusion, however. "Isn't there a telephone in the Gleason -rooms?" - -"Yes; but I don't want to use that." Prescott had already taken up the -Mansfield receiver. "Please let me have this one," and a bright smile -at Dottie Mansfield made her his ally. - -Getting the Club, Prescott asked for the names Davenport had supplied. -Only one man was available, and Mr Harper was finally connected. - -"What is it?" he asked, curtly. - -"Mr Robert Gleason has been found dead in his home," Prescott stated; -"and as you're said to be a friend of his, I'm asking you to inform -his sister, or----" - -"Indeed I won't! Why should I be asked to do such an unpleasant -errand? I've merely a nodding acquaintance with Mr Gleason. Dead, you -say? Apoplexy?" - -"No; shot." - -"Good God! Murdered?" - -"We don't know. Murder or suicide. I'm Detective Prescott. I want you -to tell his sister, or advise me how best to break the news to her. -She's Mrs Lindsay----" - -"Yes, yes--I know. Well, now, let me see. Dead! Why, the man was here -this afternoon." - -"Yes; apparently he returned home safely, and while dressing for -dinner, either shot himself or was shot by some one else." - -"Never shot himself in the world! Robert Gleason? No, never shot -himself. Well, let me see--let me see. Suppose you call up some closer -friend of his. Really, I knew him but slightly." - -"All right. Who was his nearest friend?" - -"Humph--I don't know. He wasn't long on intimate friends!" - -"Little liked?" - -"I wouldn't say that--but close friends, now--let me see; he was -talking this afternoon with a bunch--Doctor Davenport, Phil Barry, -Dean Monroe, Manning Pollard--oh, yes, Fred Lane. And maybe others. -But I know I saw him in the group I've just mentioned. Call up -Davenport." - -"Tell me the next best one to call." - -"Barry--but wait--they had a quarrel recently. Try Lane or Pollard." - -"Addresses?" - -These were given and as soon as he could get connection, Prescott -called Pollard. - -But he was out, and Philip Barry was also. - -"Can't expect to get anybody at the dinner hour," Prescott said, and -looked at his watch. "After eight, already. One more throw, and then I -make straight for the sister." - -Fred Lane proved available. - -"No!" he exclaimed at the news Prescott told. "You don't mean it! Why -I was talking with him yesterday. And only to-night I heard--Oh, I -say," he pulled himself together. "Tell me the details. Can I do -anything?" - -"You sure can. Break it to Mrs Lindsay, Gleason's sister." - -"Oh, not that! Don't ask me to. I'm--I'm no good at that sort of -thing. I say--let me off it. Get somebody else----" - -"I've been trying to, and I can't. If you won't do it, I'll have to -call up the lady and tell her myself--or go there." - -"That's it. Go there. And, I say, get her son--her stepson, you -know--young Lindsay. He's not related to Gleason--and so----" - -"That's it! Fine idea. I'll see the young man. What's his name?" - -"Louis Lindsay. There's a girl, too. Miss Phyllis. She's more of a man -than her brother--oh, not a masculine type at all--I don't mean that, -but she's a whole lot stronger character than the chappie. It might be -better to tell her. But do as you like." - -"Thank you for the information, Mr Lane. Good-by." - -"Oh, wait a minute. Do you think Gleason killed himself?" - -"Dunno yet. Lots of things to be looked into. I don't think it will be -a difficult case to handle, yet it has its queer points. Did you say -you heard something----" - -"Oh, no--no." - -"Out with it, man. Better tell anything you know." - -"Don't know anything. You going to the Lindsays' now?" - -"Yes, I think so." - -"Well, there's a dinner party on there. A big one--followed by a dance. -I mean it was to have been followed by a dance. Your news will change -their plans!" - -"You're rather unconcerned yourself! Didn't you like Gleason?" - -"Not overly. Yet he was a big man in many ways. But, come now, wasn't -he bumped off?" - -"By whom?" - -"I'm not saying. But while you're at the Lindsays', look out Dean -Monroe--and ask him what he knows about it!" - -"Dean Monroe! The artist?" - -"Yes. Oh, he isn't the criminal--if there _is_ a criminal. But -maybe he can give you a tip. I'm mighty interested. How can I hear the -result of your investigations?" - -"Guess it'll be in the morning papers. Anyway, I may want to see you." - -"All right; call me up or call on me whenever you like. I'm -interested--a whole lot!" - -"Guess I'd better go right to the Lindsay house," Prescott said, going -back to the Gleason apartment. "There's a big party on there, and it -ought to be stopped. It's an awkward situation. You see, Mrs Lindsay, -Gleason's sister, has two step-children--they're having the party, as -I make it out. But they've got to be told." - -"Yes," agreed Gale; "go along, Prescott. And you'd better have -somebody with you." - -"Not at first. Let me handle it alone, and I can call Briggs if I want -him." - -"Go on, then. The sooner we start something the better. I incline more -and more to the murder theory, but if the sister thinks there was any -reason for suicide--well, run along, Prescott." - -Prescott ran along, and reached the Lindsay home, on upper Park -Avenue, shortly after nine o'clock. - -He was admitted by a smiling maid, and he asked for Mr Lindsay. - -"He's still at dinner," she returned, doubtfully, glancing at -Prescott's informal dress. "Can you come some other time?" - -"No; the matter is urgent. You must ask him to leave the table and -come to me here." - -His manner was imperative, and the maid went on her errand. - -In a moment Louis Lindsay came to Prescott, where the detective -waited, in the reception hall. - -"What is it, my man?" said Lindsay, looking superciliously at his -visitor. "I can't see you now." - -"Just a moment, Mr Lindsay. Listen, please." - -Noting the grave face and serious voice of the speaker, young Lindsay -seemed to become panic-stricken. - -"What is it?" he said, in a gasping whisper. "Oh, what _is_ it?" - -"Why do you look like that?" Prescott said quickly. "What do you -_think_ it is?" - -"I don't know--I'm sure! Tell me!" - -The boy, for he was little more than a boy, was ghastly white, his -hands trembled and his lips quivered. He took hold of a chair back to -steady himself, and Prescott, remembering what he had been told of -Miss Lindsay, was tempted to ask for her. But he somehow felt he must -go on with this scene. - -"It's about your uncle--or rather your step-uncle--Mr Gleason." - -Lindsay slumped into a chair, and raised his wild, staring black eyes -to Prescott's face. - -"Go on," he muttered; "what about him?" - -"Didn't you expect him here to-night?" - -"Yes--yes--and he didn't come--what is it? Has anything happened? What -has happened? Who did it?" - -"Who did what?" Prescott flung the words at him, in a fierce low tone. -"What do you know? Out with it!" - -His menacing air quite finished the young man, and he buried his face -in his hands, sobbing convulsively. - -A slight rustle was heard, and a lovely vision appeared in the -doorway. - -"What is going on?" said a clear young voice. "Louis, what is the -matter?" - -Phyllis Lindsay faced the stranger as she put her query. - -The sight nearly dazzled Prescott, for Miss Lindsay was at her best -that night. - -She was a little thing, with soft dark hair, bundled about her ears, -soft, dark eyes, that were now challenging Prescott sternly, and a -slim, dainty little figure, robed in sequin-dripping gauze, from which -her soft neck and shoulders rose like a flower from its sheath. - -"Who are you?" she asked, not rudely, but with her eyes wide in -dismay. "What are you doing to my brother?" - -"Miss Lindsay?" and Prescott bowed politely. "I bring distressing -news. Your uncle--that is, Mr Robert Gleason, is--has--well, perhaps -frankness is best--he is dead." - -"Robert Gleason!" Phyllis turned as pale as her brother, but preserved -her calm. "Tell me--tell me all about it." - -She, too, placed her little hand on a chair, as if the grip of -something solid helped, and turned her anxious eyes to Prescott. - -"I thought better to tell you young people," he began, "and let you -tell your mother--Mr Gleason's sister." - -"Yes; I will tell her," said Phyllis, with dignity. "Go on, Mr----" - -"Prescott," he supplied. "The facts in brief are these. Mr Gleason -called up Doctor Davenport on the telephone, and asked the doctor to -come to him, as he was--well, hurt. When the doctor reached there, Mr -Gleason was dead." - -"What killed him?" Phyllis spoke very quietly, and looked Prescott -straight in the face. Yet the alert eyes of the detective saw her -fingers clench more tightly on the chair, and noticed her red lips -lose a little color as they set themselves in a firm line. - -He thought her even more beautiful thus, than when she had first -arrived, smiling. - -"The Medical Examiner is not quite sure, Miss Lindsay. It may be that -he took his own life--or it may be----" - -"That he was--murdered," she said, her gaze never wavering from -Prescott's face. - -It was a bit disconcerting, and the detective oddly felt himself at a -disadvantage. Yet he went on, inexorably. - -"Yes; either deduction is possible." - -"How--how was he killed?" - -At last her calm gave way a little. The tremor of her voice as she -asked this question proved her not so self-controlled as she had -seemed. - -"He was shot." Prescott watched both brother and sister as he spoke. -But Louis still kept his face hidden in his hands, and Phyllis was -once more perfectly calm. - -"What with?" she went on. - -"His own revolver. It was found close beside the body, and so as I -said, it might have been----" - -"Yes, I know what you said." Phyllis interrupted him impatiently, as -if deeming repetition of the theories unnecessary. "How shall we tell -Millicent?" - -"Mrs Lindsay?" asked Prescott respectfully. - -"Yes; we have never called her mother, of course." She looked at -Louis. "Go to your rooms, if you wish, Buddy," she said, kindly, and -Prescott marveled at this slight, dainty young thing taking the -situation into her own hands. - -"No, I'll stand by," Louis muttered, as he rose slowly. "What shall we -do? Call her out here?" - -"That would do," said Prescott, "or take her to some other room. The -guests must be told--and the party----" - -"The party broken up and the guests sent home----" Phyllis declared. -"But first, let's tell Millicent. She'll be terribly upset." - -At Phyllis' dictation, Prescott and young Lindsay went into the little -library. Like the other rooms this was beflowered for the party and -scant of furniture, for dancing purposes. The Lindsay apartment was a -fine one, yet not over large, and sounds of conversation and light -laughter came from the dining room. Phyllis quickly brought Mrs -Lindsay from the dinner table, and they joined the men. - -As the girl had predicted, her stepmother was greatly shocked and her -nerves utterly upset by Prescott's story. - -The detective said little after outlining the facts, but listened -closely while these members of the family talked. Though there on the -ungracious errand of breaking the sad news, he was also eagerly -anxious to learn any hints as to the solution of the mystery. - -"Oh, of course, he never killed himself!" declared the dead -man's sister. "Why should he? He had everything life can offer to -live for. He was rich, talented, and engaged to Phyllis, whom he -adored--worshipped! How can any one think he would kill himself?" - -"But the evidence is uncertain," Prescott began; "you see----" - -"Of course the evidence is uncertain," Phyllis broke in. "It always is -uncertain! You detectives don't know evidence when you see it! Or you -read it wrongly and make false deductions!" - -"Why, Phyllis," remonstrated her brother, "don't talk like that! You -may----" he hesitated a long time, "you may make trouble," he -concluded, lamely. - -"Trouble, how?" Prescott caught him up. - -"Don't you say another word, Louis," Phyllis ordered him. "You keep -still. Millicent, you go to your room, and let Martha look after you. -Louis, you either go to your room--or, if you stay here, don't babble. -Mind, now! Mr Prescott, we must tell the guests. Come with me and we -will tell those at the table. They will go home, and those who come -later can be told at the door and sent away." - -"Very well, Miss Lindsay," Prescott replied, feeling that here was a -strength of character he had never seen equaled in such a mere slip of -a girl! - -They went to the dining room, and without preamble, Phyllis said: - -"Listen, people. I've very bad news. Mr Gleason--Robert Gleason--has -just been found dead in his home. He was shot----" Her voice, steady -till this moment, suddenly broke down, and as her eyes filled with -tears, Philip Barry, who had already risen, hastened to her side. - -There was a general commotion, the ladies rising now, and with scared -faces, whispering to one another. - -"Wait a moment," Prescott spoke, as some seemed about to leave; "I -must ask you all if you know anything of importance concerning the -movements of Mr Gleason this afternoon or evening. I am a detective, -the case is a little mysterious, and it may be necessary to question -some of you. Will any one volunteer information?" - -Nobody did so, and Prescott, steeling himself against the entreaties -of Phyllis that all be allowed to depart, asked several of their -knowledge of the man. - -Most of these declared they were unacquainted with Mr Gleason's -whereabouts on that day, and some denied knowing the man at all. These -were allowed to go, and at last, Prescott found himself surrounded by -the men who knew Gleason and who had seen him that very day. - -These included Barry, Pollard and Monroe, of the group that had talked -together at the Club in the afternoon, and one or two others who had -seen Gleason during the day. - -Each was questioned as to the probability, in his opinion, of Robert -Gleason having shot himself. - -"I can't make a decision," Philip Barry said; "to my mind, Gleason -would be quite capable of doing any crazy or impulsive thing. He may -have had a fit of depression, he sometimes did, and feeling extra -blue, may have wanted to end it all. But, also it's quite on the cards -that somebody did for him." - -"Why do you say that, Mr Barry?" asked the detective. - -"Because you asked me for my opinion," was the retort. "That's it. I -would believe anything of Gleason. I'm not knocking him--but he was a -freak--eccentric, you know----" - -"Oh, not quite that," Dean Monroe spoke very seriously. "Mr Gleason -was a Westerner, and had different ideas from some of ours, but he was -a good sort----" - -"Good sort!" scoffed Barry. "I'd like to know what you call a bad -sort, then!" - -"Hush, Phil," Phyllis said, quietly. "Don't talk like that of a man -who is dead." - -"Forgive me, Phyllis, I forgot myself. Well, Mr Prescott, I can only -say you'll have to solve your mystery on the evidence you find; for I -assure you Mr Gleason would fit into almost any theory." - -Prescott questioned Dean Monroe next, remembering what Lane had told -him over the telephone. - -But, though interested, Monroe told nothing definitely suggestive, and -at last Prescott said, directly, "Do you know anything, Mr Monroe, -that makes you suspect that Mr Gleason might have been killed by an -intruder?" - -"Why--why, no," stammered the young artist, quite palpably -prevaricating. - -"I think you do, and I must remind you that I have a right to demand -the truth." - -"Well, then," Monroe looked positively frightened, "then--I say, -Manning, maybe it'll be better for me to speak out--I heard somebody -say to-day, that he meant to--to kill Gleason." - -"Indeed," and Prescott, accustomed as he was to surprises, stared -wonderingly at the speaker. "And who said that?" - -But Monroe obstinately shook his head and spoke no word. - -Philip Barry raised his head with a jerk and looked straight at -Manning Pollard. - -Pollard's face was white, and his voice not quite steady, but he -stated, "I said it." - -"Why?" asked Prescott, simply. - -"Oh--oh, because--I--I don't--didn't like Gleason." - -"And so you killed him?" - -"I haven't said so." - -"I'm asking you." - -"And I'm not obliged to incriminate myself, am I?" Pollard looked at -him coldly. - -"Where were you between six and seven this evening?" - -"I refuse to tell," Pollard answered, with a belligerent look, and -Prescott nodded his head, with a satisfied smile. - - - - -CHAPTER IV - -Pollard's Threat - - -"Of course, you know, Mr Pollard," Prescott said, "you are -incriminating yourself by your refusal to answer my question. No one -is as yet under suspicion of crime--indeed, it is not certain that a -crime has been committed--but it is my duty to learn all I can of the -circumstances of the case, and I must ask you what you meant by a -threat to kill Mr Gleason." - -"It wasn't exactly a threat," Pollard returned, speaking slowly, and -looked decidedly uncomfortable; "it was merely a--a statement." - -"A statement that you would like to--to see him dead?" - -"Well, yes, practically that." - -"Why?" - -"Because I didn't like the man. I took a dislike to him the first time -I saw him, and I never got over it." - -"But that's not reason enough to kill a man." - -"I haven't said I killed him. But I hold it is reason enough. I hold -that an utter detestation of seeing a person around, a positive -irritation at his mere presence, is a stronger motive for murder than -the more obvious ones of jealousy or greed." - -"You weren't jealous of Mr Gleason?" - -Pollard started, the detective had scored that time. - -But he replied, quietly. "Not jealous, no." - -"Envious?" - -"Your questions are a bit intrusive, but I think I may safely say many -men were envious of Mr Gleason." - -"On what grounds?" - -"Oh, he was wealthy, important and of a happy, satisfied disposition. -Truly an enviable person." - -Pollard's manner was indifferent and his tone light and flippant. -Prescott a judge of human nature and an expert detective, concluded -the man was sparring for time, or trying to camouflage his guilt with -an effect of careless unconcern in the matter. - -"I think, Mr Pollard," he said, seriously, "I shall have to insist on -knowing your whereabouts at the time of Mr Gleason's death." - -"And I refuse to tell you. But, look here, Mr Prescott, as I -understand it, Mr Gleason was found dead in his room, with the door -fastened. How do you argue from that a murderer at all? How could he -get out and lock the door behind him? Where was the key?" - -"Spring catch," Prescott returned, shortly. "Snapped shut as he closed -the door." - -"Oh, come now, Pollard," said Philip Barry, "say where you were at -that time. Six to seven, was it? Why, Pol, you were walking down Fifth -Avenue with me. We left the Club together." - -"Did we?" said Pollard. His face was inscrutable. It seemed as if he -had made up his mind that no information should be gathered from his -words or manner. Prescott, watching him closely thought he had never -seen such a strange man, and decided that he was the criminal he -sought, and a mighty clever one at that. - -Manning Pollard was tall and large, and of fine presence. He would not -be called handsome, but he had a well-shaped head, well set on his -broad shoulders. His special charm was his smile, which, though rare, -was spontaneous and illuminated his face with a real radiance whenever -he saw fit to favor his auditors. However, his expression was usually -calm and thoughtful, while occasionally it became supercilious and -even cynical. - -When displeased, Pollard was impossible. He shut up like a clam and -preserved a stony silence or blurted out some caustic, almost rude -speech. - -"Yes, we did," went on Barry, eagerly. "And I left you at Forty-fourth -Street." - -"Did you?" said Pollard, in the same colorless voice. - -Now Philip Barry had little love for Manning Pollard. To begin with, -they were both in love with the same girl, and--as either of them -would have agreed--there was no use in going further than that. - -Moreover, they were of widely different temperament. Barry was all -artist; dreamy, impractical, full of enthusiasms and a bit visionary. -Pollard was a hard-headed business man, successful, rich and -influential, but not by any means universally liked, by reason of his -sarcastic and cynical outlook. Yet he was polite and courteous of -demeanor, and his imperturbable calm and unshakable poise gave him an -air of superiority that could not be gainsaid. - -Up to a few months ago the two men had been chums--were still--but the -advent of Phyllis Lindsay into their circle had made a difference. - -For, though many men admired the little beauty, Pollard and Barry were -the most favored and each felt an ever-increasing hope that he might -win her. - -Then along had come Robert Gleason, the brother of Phyllis' -stepmother. He was at the Lindsay home continually, and by some means -or for some reason he had persuaded the girl to marry him. At least, -he implied that at the Club in the afternoon, and both Pollard and -Barry had been greatly disturbed thereby. - -But others were also greatly disturbed and the news, which had flown -like wildfire, had caused panic in the breasts of several who were to -attend the dinner or the dance. - -Then had come the dinner, and the unexplained absence of Gleason. They -had telephoned his place twice, but could get no response, Phyllis -told the detective in the course of his questioning. - -"H'm," Prescott listened; "at what time did you call him up, Miss -Lindsay?" - -"Why, about seven o'clock, I think. I was dressing for dinner, and I -happened to think of something I wanted to ask Mr Gleason, and I -called his number. But nobody answered, so I concluded to wait till he -arrived to ask him." - -"And the next time? You called him twice?" - -"Yes; the next time was when dinner was ready--about eight. He wasn't -here, and I thought it so strange--I--telephoned----" - -"Yourself?" asked Prescott, quickly, scenting unexpected information. - -"No--I--I asked one of the guests to do it." - -"Which one?" - -"Me." Pollard smiled at Phyllis. "Miss Lindsay asked me to telephone -to Mr Gleason, and I did, but no one answered the call." - -The speaker turned his calm eyes to Prescott, and met the detective's -suspicious gaze. - -"You're sure you called, Mr Pollard," Prescott asked, his tone plainly -indicating his own doubt. - -"I have said so," Pollard replied, and let his own glance wander -indifferently aside. - -"Well, I don't believe you!" Prescott was angered at Pollard's quite -evident lack of interest in his inquiries, and he now spoke sharply. -"I believe, Mr Pollard, that you know more than you have told -regarding this matter, and unless you see fit to become more -communicative, I shall have to resort to outside inquiry as to your -own movements this evening, prior to your arrival here." - -"That is your privilege," Pollard said, with an exaggerated -politeness. - -"It is my duty also," Prescott retorted, "and I shall begin right now. -You say you left Mr Pollard on Fifth Avenue, Mr Barry?" - -"Yes," was the reply. - -"At what time?" - -"About six o'clock." - -"It was ten minutes past," Pollard volunteered, still with the air of -superior knowledge that exasperated Prescott almost beyond bounds. - -"Did any one present see Mr Pollard between that time and his arrival -here for dinner?" Prescott looked about the room. - -No one responded, and the detective said, curtly: - -"Where do you live, Mr Pollard?" - -"At the Hotel Crosby, Fortieth Street, near Fifth Avenue," and this -time Pollard gave his questioner one of his best smiles, which had the -effect of embarrassing him greatly. - -But with determination, he took up the telephone and called the hotel. - -"Ask for the doorman," said Pollard, helpfully. - -Prescott did, and learned that Mr Pollard was out. "Had he been in?" -"Yes, he had come in soon after six o'clock, and had left again, -later, in a taxicab." - -Nothing more definite could be learned, and Prescott hung up the -receiver, conscious only of a great desire to get down to the hotel -and ask questions before Pollard could get there himself. - -But first, he must look into other matters, and he turned his -attention to the guests who sat round, all looking decidedly -uncomfortable and some very much scared. - -"Now look here, Mr Prescott," said Pollard, with the air of one -humoring a spoiled child, "you have your duty to do--we all comprehend -that. But can't you satisfy yourself regarding the innocence of most -of these men and women, and let them go home? I assume there will be -no dance this evening, and the troublesome circumstance of sending -away the guests who are yet expected will be about all Miss -Lindsay--and her brother," he added, with a sudden remembrance of the -unhelpful Louis--"can cope with. I will await your pleasure, as you -seem to have picked me out for suspicion, but do get through with -these others." - -Angry at this good advice, coming from the man he was questioning, and -embarrassed because it was really good advice, Prescott began, a -little sulkily, to take the names and addresses of many of them, and -inform them they were free to leave. He detained any he thought might -be useful to him, and among them he held Barry and Dean Monroe. - -This matter took some time, especially as Prescott was twice -interrupted by telephone. - -Mrs Lindsay and Louis had retired to their rooms, and Phyllis, at the -helm of the situation, proved herself a staunch and capable upholder -of the dignity of the Lindsay family. - -"Send away all you can, please, Mr Prescott," she requested. "Mr -Pollard is right; I have my hands full. I will give the doorman, who -is from the caterer's, instructions to explain the situation and admit -none of the evening guests. But, I daresay some intimate friends will -insist on coming in. Shall I allow it?" - -"Better not, Miss Lindsay. You see, there's no use giving the thing -more publicity than you have to. The reporters will come, of course. -Will you see them?" - -"Oh, goodness, no! Let some of the men do that. Mr Pollard, won't -you?" - -"I'd prefer Mr Monroe should," interrupted Prescott, and winced under -Pollard's smile. - -"Oh, Manning," said Dean Monroe, "why do you act like that! You make -people suspect you, whether they want to or not." - -"Suspect all you like, Dean," came the quiet reply; "if I'm innocent, -suspicion can't hurt me. If I'm guilty, I ought to be suspected." - -"You did say you intended to kill Gleason," Monroe repeated, staring -at Pollard. "It's queer he should be killed right afterward." - -"Mighty queer," agreed Pollard. "But are you sure he was murdered?" - -"Yes," said Prescott. "Inspector Gale told me over the telephone just -now, that further investigation proves it is a murder case. I think, -Mr Pollard, I'll ask you to go with me right now to your hotel. I want -to check up your story." - -"But I haven't told you any story," said Pollard. - -"Well, then," Prescott shrugged impatiently, "I'll check up the story -you didn't tell! Come along. Anybody got a car I can borrow?" - -Nobody had, as the guests had all expected to remain the whole -evening. So Prescott called a taxicab, and soon the two started for -Pollard's hotel. - -"You're a queer guy," the detective said, the semi-darkness in the cab -giving him greater freedom of speech. - -"As how?" asked Pollard, quietly. - -"Well, first, saying you proposed to kill a man." - -"I'm not unique. I've often heard people say, 'I'd like to kill him!' -or 'I wish he was dead!'" - -"Yes, but they don't mean it." - -"How do you know I meant it?" - -"I don't, for sure, but I'm going to find out. If you haven't got an -air-tight alibi--it's going to be trouble for yours!" - -"I haven't any alibi. Guilty people prepare alibis." - -"That's all right. You're cute enough to fix an alibi that don't look -to be fixed! But I'll see through it. Here we are. Come along." - -"A little less dictating, please, Mr Prescott. Remember, I'm not under -arrest." - -"Not yet--but soon!" was the retort as the two men entered the small, -but exclusive, hotel where Manning Pollard made his home. - -The doorman bowed, pleasantly, but not obsequiously, and Prescott went -straight to the desk. - -"I want to learn," he said, straightforwardly, "all you can tell me of -the movements of Mr Pollard tonight between six and seven o'clock." - -The clerk at the desk smiled at Pollard and gazed inquiringly at the -other. - -"Better tell him, Simpson," said Pollard; "he's a detective, and he's -a right to ask. I'm under a cloud--I think I may call it that--and -he's going to--well, clear me." - -Pollard's smile flashed out, and the desk clerk, in his turn, smiled -at the investigator. - -"Go ahead, sir," he agreed, "what do you want to know?" - -"What time did Mr Pollard come in this afternoon?" - -"What time, Henry?" the clerk asked the doorman. - -"'Bout quarter past six," was the reply. "I come on at six, and I'd -been here a bit before Mr Pollard came along." - -"What did he do?" went on Prescott, a little less certain of his -convictions. - -"Went up in the elevator." - -"Same elevator boy on now?" - -"Yes, sir. The car's up. Be down in a minute." - -It was; and the elevator boy related that he had taken Mr Pollard up -as soon as he came into the hotel. - -"Went right to his room, did he?" - -"Yes, sir." The woolly-headed one rolled his eyes in enjoyment of his -sudden importance. "I knows he did, kase I watched after him." - -"Why did you look after him?" - -"No reason, p'tikler. Only kase he's such a fine gentleman. I most -allus looks at him march down the hall. He marches like a--a platoon." - -"He does? And he marched straight to his room?" - -"Yessuh." - -"When did you bring him down again?" - -"'Bout an hour later, all dressed up in his glad raggses. Just like he -is now." - -"Just so. Now, during that hour do you know that Mr Pollard didn't -leave his room? Didn't go down stairs again?" - -"Not in my car, he didn't. And he always uses my car." - -"Ask the other boy." Prescott gave this order shortly. The scene was -getting on his nerves. Pollard, quiet, calm, but superior. The clerk, -ready to enjoy the detective's discomfiture, if he failed to prove the -point he was evidently trying hard to make. Black Bob, the elevator -boy, his white teeth all in evidence, and his admiration for Pollard -equally plain to be seen. And even the telephone girl, smirking from -her switchboard nearby. - -All of these were in sympathy with Pollard, and Prescott felt himself -a rank outsider. But he persevered. - -Joe, the other elevator boy, declared he had not carried Mr Pollard up -or down that evening, and the clerk said there were but two cars. - -"Go on, Mr Prescott," Pollard adjured him. "I have prepared no -air-tight alibi." - -"Did any one here see Mr Pollard in his room," the detective asked in -desperation, and to his surprise a bellhop piped out, "I did." - -"You did!" and Prescott turned to him. "How did you happen to do so?" - -"He rang, and I went up there, and he gave me a letter to mail for -him. It was a wide letter, too wide to go in the chute." - -"Did you mail it?" - -"I put it with the stuff for the postman to take. He hasn't been round -yet." - -"Get the letter." - -The bellhop did so, while the others looked on. - -It was a large, square envelope addressed to a business firm downtown. - -"Your writing, Mr Pollard?" said Prescott, not knowing, in fact, just -what to say. - -"Yes," said Pollard, glancing at it. "Open it, if you want to. It's -not private business." - -"No; I don't want to. It looks very much as if you were in your room -during the hour between six and seven." - -"It does have that appearance," said Pollard, "but I make no claims." - -"He telephoned twice," vouchsafed the girl at the switchboard. - -"He did!" Prescott wheeled on her. - -"Once not very long after he came in--maybe fifteen or twenty minutes -after." - -"To whom?" - -"To a Cleaning Establishment. I remember, because I couldn't get -them--the shop was closed. And then, he telephoned again for a taxi, -when he was ready to go out." - -"At what time?" - -"About half-past seven--or maybe a little earlier." - -"Earlier," said the doorman, who had drawn near again. "Not more'n -twenty past. I put him in the taxi myself. And it wasn't as late as -half past." - -"Where did he drive to?" - -"I don't know. He 'most always gives the driver a slip of paper with -the numbers on it--'specially if he's going to more than one address. -He did this tonight." - -"Where's that taxi man?" asked Prescott, feeling his last prop being -pulled from under him. - -"He's outside now," said the doorman. "He's waiting for a man -upstairs." - -"Call him in." - -The taxi driver looked at Pollard, nodded respectfully, and replied to -Prescott's queries by saying that Mr Pollard did give him a memorandum -of the places he wanted to go to, and that they were, first, the Hotel -Astor, where he went in for a moment, and came back with some theater -tickets which he was putting in his pocket. - -"How do you know he had theater tickets?" - -"Well, he had a little pink envelope, and he often does get tickets -there. Next, he stopped at Bard's, the Florist's, and brought out a -small square box with him, and next I took him up to a house on Park -Avenue, and he stayed there, and I came back." - -"All right, Mr Pollard, my duty is done." The detective looked a -respectful apology. "But I had to find out all this. And remember you -did make a surprising statement." - -"Surprising to you, perhaps. But my friends, who know my -eccentricities, weren't surprised at it." - -"No? Well, if it's your habit to threaten to kill people you don't -like----" - -"I'd rather you didn't call it a threat. To my mind, a threat is -spoken to the intended victim." - -"I don't know," Prescott gazed thoughtfully at the speaker. "Can't you -threaten----" - -"But I didn't threaten. I merely said I should kill Gleason some day. -It's too late, now, to make good my promise, and you've satisfied -yourself--or, haven't you?--that I didn't do it?" - -"Yes, I'm satisfied. You couldn't be here at home and in a taxicab -doing errands, between six-fifteen and seven-forty-five, and have any -chance to get away long enough to get yourself down to Washington -Square and do up that murder business, too." - -"It does look that way," Pollard agreed. "You've checked me up pretty -thoroughly. Now do you want me any further? For, though I'm as -good-natured and patient as the average man, I _have_ something -else to do with my time when you're through with me." - -"Of course, of course. But, I say, Mr Pollard, can you give me a hint -which way to look?" - -"Sorry, but I can't." - -The two had drawn aside from the hotel desk, and were by themselves in -an alcove of the lobby. Prescott, eagerly trying to learn something -further from his vindicated suspect--Pollard, calm and polite, but -quite evidently wishing to get away about his business. - -"You don't suspect anybody?" - -"No; you see I knew Mr Gleason but slightly. I didn't like him, but I -assure you I didn't kill him. And I don't know who did." - - - - -CHAPTER V - -Mrs Mansfield's Story - - -"Distrust the obvious, Prescott," said Belknap, didactically. "It is -the astute detective's weak point that he cannot see beyond the -apparent--the evident--the obvious." - -"Oh, yes," Prescott sniffed; "distrust the obvious is as hackneyed a -phrase as _Cherchez la femme!_ and about as useful in our every -day work. You make a noise like a Detective Story." - -"And they're the Big Noise, nowadays," Belknap returned, unruffled. - -"All the same," and Prescott spoke doggedly, "when a guy says he's -going to kill somebody, and that somebody is found croaked a few hours -later, seems to me----" - -"Seems to me, your guy is the last person in the world to suspect. -It's the obvious----" - -"Yes, an obvious that I sorta hate to distrust!" - -"Nonsense! And you've disposed of Pollard anyway, haven't you." - -"Yes, I have. Half a dozen people were in touch with him all through -the time of the murder. He's out of it." - -Prescott looked as disheartened as he felt. - -"And you've wasted good time tracking him down, when you might have -been investigating the evidence while it was fresh! I'm disappointed -in you, Prescott; you oughtn't to have fallen for a steer like that." - -Belknap was the Assistant District Attorney, and the Gleason case -seemed to him important and absorbing. In his office the morning after -the murder, he was getting all the information Prescott could give -him, and he was really disgusted with the detective for having -followed up the wild goose chase of Manning Pollard's impulsive speech -about the Western millionaire. - -Belknap was an earnest, honest investigator, not so much brilliant by -deduction as clear-sighted, hard-headed and practical. - -He distrusted the obvious, not so much because of the hackneyed -aphorism as because his own experience had proved to him that nine -times out of ten, or oftener, the obvious was wrong. It must be looked -into, of course, but not to the exclusion of other evidence or the -neglect of other lines of investigation. And now, he felt, the trail -had cooled somewhat, and valuable clews might be lost because of -Prescott's conviction of Pollard's guilt. - -Belknap was of a higher mentality than Pollard, and he also was a man -of more education and refinement. He was especially interested on this -case, for the Lindsays were an exclusive family and kept themselves -out of the limelight of publicity. - -But there were rumors that the lovely daughter was a harum-scarum, -that the son of the house was addicted to bright lights and high -stakes, and that the still young stepmother was quite as fond of -social life as her two charges. - -But never were their names seen on the society columns or in the -gossip papers and now, Belknap reflected, they could be approached by -reporters. - -Indeed, he saw himself admitted to that hitherto inaccessible home, -and in imagination he was already preening himself for the occasion. - -But Belknap was methodical, and he was preparing to go at once to the -Gleason apartment, to begin his line of investigation. - -"How does Mrs Lindsay act?" he allowed himself to ask as he and -Prescott started for Washington Square. - -"Oh, I don't know," returned Prescott; "about like you'd expect a -sister to act. She was fond of her brother, I take it, but--well, I -didn't see much of her; still, I've a vague impression that she's -revengeful--anxious to find and punish the murderer--that struck me -more than her grief." - -"You can't tell. She may be sorrowing deeply, and also be desirous of -avenging her brother's death. No question of suicide?" - -"Not now, no. There was at first. But an autopsy showed the second -shot was fired first." - -"What do you mean?" - -"The one they thought was second was first. It seems the first -shot--through the temple--killed Gleason. And then, for some -unexplained reason, the slayer fired again, through the dead man's -shoulder." - -"Whatever for? And how do they know?" - -"Oh, the doctors could tell, by the blood coagulation or something. As -to why it was done, I've no idea. What's the obvious--I want to -distrust it." - -"Don't be too funny, Prescott. This is a big case. Not only because of -the prominence of the people involved, but it's pretty mysterious, I -think. We ought to get something out of the other people in the -house." - -"Not a chance. I tried it." - -Belknap said nothing, but a close observer might have thought his -silence not altogether an assent to Prescott's corollary. - -"In fact," Prescott went on, "I believe you'll find your murderer -among Gleason's own bunch. Not the people in the house he lived in. -You see that place was wished on him by a friend, and Gleason hated -it. I got this from those men who know him. Miss Lindsay agreed to it. -Gleason meant to move out--only took it because it was represented to -him as a bijou apartment, and he thought it was a luxurious little -nest--and, it isn't. As you can now see for yourself." - -At the house, Prescott pushed the button below McIlvaine's card, and -after a moment the door clicked, and grudgingly, as it seemed, moved -itself a little, and Prescott pushed it open. - -"That's the way the murderer got in," he said positively. - -"Maybe not," demurred Belknap. "Maybe he came in with Gleason." - -"Oh, maybe he came in at the window, or down the chimney!" exclaimed -Prescott shortly; "you can't admit the obvious ever, can you?" - -Belknap chuckled at the other's quick temper, and they went upstairs. - -They found Policeman Kelly in charge, and he greeted them gladly. - -"Get busy," he said, genially. "Sure, there's enough to engage your -attention." - -Belknap, beyond a word of greeting, ignored the officer, and took a -swift, comprehensive survey of the place. - -It was a large front room, apparently library and cutting room. A -bedroom was back of it and a bath room behind that. An old house, -quite evidently remodeled for bachelor or small family apartments. - -Though up to date as to plumbing, lighting and decoration, the window -and door frames proclaimed it an old building. The furniture was over -ornate, and the pictures and ornaments a bit flamboyant. But it was a -comfortable enough place, and the personal belongings of the dead -Gleason were scattered about and gave a homey appearance. A silver -framed photograph of Mrs Lindsay was on a table, and on another were -two more portraits of less distinguished-looking ladies. - -"That's Ivy Hayes, the movie star," Kelly said, as Belknap looked at -one picture. - -"I know it," the attorney said, so shortly that Kelly lapsed into -silence. - -"Nothing been disturbed?" Belknap asked presently, and receiving a -negative answer went on observing. - -Kelly winked at Prescott, with an expression that said, "I like 'em -more sociable, myself!" and Prescott nodded acquiescence. - -But at last Belknap began to talk. - -"Dressing for dinner, they tell me," he said. - -"Yes," said Prescott, eagerly, "I was here right away, quick, you -know. They took the body to the Funeral Rooms, early this morning. But -he was in his shirt sleeves--day shirt----" - -"Yes, here are all his evening clothes on the bed in the next room. -Was he going to the Lindsay dinner?" - -"Yes, he was. I believe he said it was to be the occasion of the -announcement of his engagement to Miss Lindsay----" - -"Does she say that?" - -"She does not! She denies it." - -"Then you'd better keep still. You have no gumption, Prescott. Don't -you see you mustn't say those things?" - -"Oh, bother! let up on knocking me, and get down to business. Don't -touch the telephone or revolver. I've had them photographed for -fingerprints." - -"Yes, that's good." Belknap was getting more genial. "Anybody been -through his papers?" - -"No; Lane is his lawyer, Fred Lane. He's coming here to-day to look -over them." - -"All right." Belknap was already absorbed in the loose papers -scattered on the desk. "Several notes from ladies." - -"Yes, I noticed them. Old Gleason had a few friends in the chorus, I -judge. But, unless they have any bearing on the case, there's no call -to exploit 'em, eh?" - -"No, of course not. Nor any reason to mention them to the Lindsays." - -"They'll know all there is to know. You can't fool 'em. Miss Phyllis -is as wide-awake as they come, and the Mrs is nobody's fool. The boy, -I don't think much of. Say, aren't you going up there? Don't you want -to see them?" - -"Later, yes. But me for the other tenants here, first. Here's where -Gleason lay, was it? Near the telephone table--look here, if the first -shot did for him, how could he telephone to the doctor that he was -wounded?" - -"Oh, I don't know! I don't believe that dope about the doctors knowing -which shot came first. And, as you say, it couldn't have been the -fatal one first, or how could he have phoned? Anyway he could only -have called the doctor if it was a suicide. You don't think, do you, -that the murderer would stand by and let him call up!" - -"Scarcely. That's why I haven't given up the idea that it was a -suicide." - -"Never mind, Oscar, you will. Why, that man was too happy to kill -himself. His friends all say so. No, he was shot, all right, but the -two shots make a mystery that I can't get yet." - -Belknap frowned deeply, and thought for a few moments. - -"Great mistake," he said at last, "to reason from insufficient data." - -"Another of your 'familiar quotations,'" chaffed Prescott. - -"Another good rule," retorted the attorney, and went out in the hall. - -Prescott followed and together they went to the Mansfields' apartment. - -"We've been thinking it over," Mrs Mansfield said, after she had -admitted her callers and taken them to her living room, "and my -husband and I feel we ought to tell all we know." - -"You certainly ought to," Belknap assured her. - -"Well," the blonde head nodded mysteriously, "that man, Gleason, he -was a gay old bird." - -"Just what do you mean, Mrs Mansfield? Speak plainly," adjured -Belknap. - -"Oh, well," she shrugged her shoulders pettishly, for she was the sort -of woman who loved innuendo better than statement. "I don't know the -girls, of course, I'm not in that class of society, but he did have -gay looking girls coming to his apartment now and then." - -"Every day?" Belknap looked at her sharply. - -"Oh, my land, no, not every day. Just now and then?" - -"Every other day?" - -"No," pettishly. - -"Maybe once a week?" - -"Maybe." - -"Maybe, you saw one, once----" - -Mrs Mansfield laughed out. - -"That's it, Mr Belknap," she said. "How you do pin me down. Well, all -I can swear to is one time I did see a fly little piece of baggage go -in at his door." - -"Day or night?" - -"Daytime." Mrs Mansfield spoke aggrievedly, as if all the zest had -been taken out of her news. - -"Humph! And she might have been his lawyer's stenographer, with an -important paper." - -"She might not!" Mrs Mansfield declined to lose her last shred of -excitement. "Stenographers are flippy enough, Lord knows! But this -little snipjack, now, she was a real little vamp!" - -"You don't know her?" - -"My land! I guess I don't! I'm a respectable married woman----" - -"And probably she is a respectable unmarried woman----" - -"Coming to see a man in his apartment?" - -"Well, until we know the circumstances we can't judge her. I say, -Prescott, get that photograph, will you. You know, the----" - -"I know," and Prescott went back across the hall. He returned with the -picture of the girl Kelly had called Ivy Hayes. - -"This the lady?" - -"That's the one," said Mrs Mansfield, drawing away from it, "but -she's no lady." - -"Oh, come, now, you don't know her. She's a little moving picture -actress. She may have had business with Mr Gleason." - -"She may have!" and the disdainful lady sniffed. "But it's none of -_my_ business, and I don't care to discuss her." - -"You say you saw her go in there, yesterday?" - -"Good land, no! I didn't say yesterday! I said, one day." - -"All right, I'm glad you told us about it. It might mean something and -it might not." - -"Of course, it means something!" Mrs Mansfield didn't want her news -scorned as naught. "An actress calling on a man like that--of course -it means something!" - -"If it does we'll find it out," Belknap said. "You don't think this -little thing shot Gleason, do you?" - -"I don't know why she couldn't. Little women have done such deeds." - -"So they have. Now, you've nothing more to tell us?" - -But though Mrs Mansfield said quite a bit more, she had really nothing -more to tell them that they wanted to hear, and they got away, though -with some difficulty, for the lady was of a garrulous type. - -To the floor above Belknap went, Prescott returning to the Gleason -rooms to look about. - -The apartment above McIlvaine's was occupied by a spinster named Adams -who was, as the attorney deduced, from New England. - -This good lady was even more disgusted than Mrs Mansfield with the -whole matter of Gleason, his life and death. More especially the last -for, it seemed to her, no one had a right to die a violent death under -the same roof with refined and conservative people. - -"Why, he was a loud-voiced man," declared Miss Adams, as if -pronouncing the last and worst word of opprobrium. - -"Ah, you heard him from up here?" - -"Sometimes, yes. He had chums visit him, and they would laugh and talk -so loudly, I couldn't help hearing them." - -"Could you distinguish what they said?" - -"No; not words. But I could hear well enough to know whether he was -merry or angry--for, I assure you, sometimes he was the latter." - -"Did you hear anything from that apartment yesterday?" - -"Oh, yes, I heard the two shots." - -"You did! What did you do?" - -"Nothing. What should I do? As a matter of fact I didn't think they -were shots. I thought them tire explosions or some noise in the -street. But after I knew about the murder, I realized that I had heard -the fatal shot." - -"Yet you said nothing to anybody?" - -"Man alive, what could I say? I had nothing to do with Mr Gleason or -his murder----" - -"But your duty as a citizen----" - -"Look here, what do you mean? Where was any duty? You people--you -police people knew the shots were fired, didn't you? Then why should I -inform anybody that they were? And that's all I knew--or know about -them. They were fired. I heard them. No more." - -The sharp-featured, sharp-tongued old maid sat bolt upright in her -chair, and glared at Belknap. Her hair was drawn up in a tight knot, -after the fashion of New England spinsters, and Belknap wondered what -it was about her appearance that seemed so strange. - -Then he realized it was her exposed ears! He had not seen a woman with -bared ears for so long that it looked most peculiar to him. - -For the rest, Miss Adams was angular, even gaunt, and apparently of a -decided and forceful nature. And her testimony might be valuable. - -"Your knowledge is of importance," he said, gravely. "To be sure we -know the shots were fired, but a witness is always of interest. What -time was it that you heard the shots?" - -"I've no idea," she returned, carelessly. "Oh, I know, in the story -books, the witness always knows, because he was just going to keep an -engagement--or, setting his watch, or something. But I don't know at -all." - -"You are quite conversant with detective stories, though!" - -"Yes. I read them, since they're getting so popular. Anything more you -want to ask?" - -"Yes, please. I want to try to fix the time of those shots." - -"And I tell you I can't do it. Look here, did you meet any one you -know, on the street yesterday afternoon?" - -"Why, yes, I did--I met two or three." - -"All right. Mention one." - -"Well--a Mr Hartley." - -"All right, what time did you meet him?" - -"I don't know exactly----" - -"About?" - -"Oh, about half-past four or five--no, it was later----" - -"There!" triumphantly. "It is not easy to state the time, when you -paid no special attention to the occurrence." - -"You've proved your point, Miss Adams!" Belknap exclaimed, looking at -her with new interest. "I wish you _had_ noted the time--you -would have done so accurately." - -"Yes, I should have. But I didn't. Now, when I tell you that's all I -know about the whole matter, will you go away and leave me in peace?" - -"No; Miss Adams, I won't!" - -"Why not?" and to Belknap's satisfaction she turned a shade paler. - -"Because, I am sure you do know more. You are too cute to be so -ignorant. Your smartness has overreached itself. You're trying to -disarm me by the appearance of absolute frankness, and you almost did -so--but--I've--well, I've got a hunch that you know something else." - -"I swear I don't," and Miss Adams set her thin lips in a tight, -straight line. "You go away." - -"I'm going, I've much to do. But I warn you I shall return. You know -something, Miss Adams, something of importance, but I do not think you -are yourself implicated. Moreover, what you know frightens you a -little, and you don't want to tell it. Now, if I can get all the -information I want, without yours, well and good. If not, I shall come -back for yours. And don't try running away--for you won't get far!" - -"Are--are you going to have me watched!" she gasped. - -"No--not quite that. But if you attempt flight, we may have to follow -you." - -As a matter of fact, the astute Belknap had sized up the old maid -pretty carefully, and was convinced that what little she knew was -unimportant to him, though it doubtless seemed vital to her. Also, he -had no time just now, to persuade or wheedle her, and he feared -frightening her would do little good. So, he concluded to wait and see -what else he could find out, before seeing her again. A woman on the -floor above could easily know something definite, yet somehow Miss -Adams did not impress him as doing so. - -He went downstairs, and looking in the door, said, "Come on, Prescott, -let's go up to the Lindsays' and start out right." - -"All right. Wait a minute, come in here, will you? We've got word from -the photographer, and there are no fingerprints on the revolver or on -the telephone except Gleason's own." - -"What! Suicide? No, not possible, if the fatal shot was fired first." - -"It was. I just called up Doctor Davenport, and he hedged at first, -but then he acknowledged it was true. The shot in the shoulder was -fired after the man was already dead. Now, what do you make of that! -Why, in heaven's name shoot a dead man?" - -Belknap looked thoughtful. "It's a deep game somebody's playing," he -said. "We've got our work cut out for us. Come along, let's get busy. -Guard everything mighty carefully, Kelly. Don't let anybody in, but -people who belong. Our criminal is a slick one, and no obvious -measures go, this time. No fingerprints! Some expert, that murderer!" - - - - -CHAPTER VI - -The Fur Collar - - -Prescott, absorbed in the fingerprint matter, went off to see about -it, leaving Belknap to take up the trail alone. - -The attorney concluded to go first to Pollard's, and note for himself -the attitude of the man who had threatened Gleason's life. - -He found Manning Pollard in his rooms at the little hotel, and was -greeted with courtesy, though with no great cordiality. - -"Come in, Mr Belknap," Pollard said, "I can give you a short -interview, but I've a piece of important work on hand." - -"I'll stay only a few minutes," the other said, ingratiatingly, "but -I'd like your help. I know all about that remark of yours concerning -your dislike of Mr Gleason. That's past history--though I may say it -will become famous." - -"But why?" broke in Pollard, frowning a little. "You must admit there -are lots of people who feel like that----" - -"I know, but they don't put it into words. Just as there are lots of -people who would steal if they were sure they'd not be caught. But -they don't, as a rule, advertise this." - -"All right, go ahead. You don't suspect me of the murder?" - -Pollard's frank glance seemed to compel an honest reply, and Belknap -said, "I don't--but only because it has been proved that it was -impossible for you to have been in the vicinity of Gleason's place at -that time." - -"You couldn't have much more positive proof, I suppose," and Pollard -smiled. "All right, then, what can I do for you?" - -"Tell me whom you suspect." Belknap shot out the words, in an effort -to catch Pollard off his guard, for it was the attorney's belief that -the clubman knew more of the matter than he had told. - -"You give me a difficult question, Mr Belknap," Pollard said, in a -serious tone. "I daresay everybody has vague suspicions floating -through his brain, but to put them in words is--well, might it not -start inquiry in a wrong direction and do ultimate harm?" - -"It might, if spoken to the public, but to the investigators of the -case, I think it is your duty to tell all you know." - -"Oh, I don't _know_ anything. Not anything. I assure you. But if -I were to express an opinion or make a surmise, I should say look for -some incident in Mr Gleason's private life. I know enough of his -character and temperament to feel sure that he had friends among -people outside the social pale, and it seems to me there's the -direction in which to look. It's really no secret that Mr Gleason -entertained the sort of young ladies who are usually classed under the -general title of 'chorus girls' whether they are in the chorus or not. -Look that way, I imagine, and you will, at least, find food for -thought." - -"You don't know of any particular girl in whom he was interested?" - -Pollard stared at him. "I do not. I knew Mr Gleason but slightly. I -know nothing of his private affairs, and, as I told you, even the -surmise I made is based merely on the man's general characteristics. I -have heard him refer to the girls I spoke of, but only in general -conversation, and seldom at that. Please understand, I was not only no -friend of Robert Gleason, but scarcely an acquaintance. I never met -him more than three or four times." - -"Yet you took a positive dislike to him." - -"I did. I frequently take dislikes at first sight. Or, I am attracted -at first sight. Mine is not a unique nature, Mr Belknap. Many people -like or dislike a stranger at first meeting." - -"But they don't threaten to kill them." - -Pollard reached the end of his patience. "Mr Belknap," he said, "I'm -tired of having that remark of mine quoted at me. If it had not -chanced that Gleason was killed yesterday, that speech would never -have been remembered. I do not deny the remark; I do not deny that it -was spoken in earnest. But I do deny that I killed Robert Gleason. -Now, if you still suspect me, go to work and bring the crime home to -me, if not, let up on your insinuations!" - -"All right, I will. I don't believe for a minute that you had a hand -in it--but I hoped you knew something more definite than you've told -me. And, maybe you do. If for instance, you had suspicion of any -friend of yours, or an acquaintance, you would, doubtless, try to -throw me off the track, and point my attention to Mr Gleason's little -lady friends." - -Pollard looked at his visitor with fresh interest. "You're cleverer -than I thought," he said, frankly. "I don't mind telling you that if I -did suspect a friend, the first thing I should do, would be to try to -throw the police off his track." - -"Have you no sense of justice--or duty to the state?" - -"Quite as much as most people, only I don't pretend to more than I -have--as most people do. Nine men out of ten would protect a friend, -only they wouldn't be so open-mouthed about it." - -"That's so; and in a way I'm glad you are so frank. Now, if I come to -suspect any friend of yours, I shall return to you and get some -information--from the things you _don't_ say!" - -"Good for you, Mr Belknap. I like your shrewdness. And, truly, if the -time comes when I can help, without running a friend's head into the -noose, I'll do it." - -"And now, I'm going up to the Lindsay house." - -"I believe I'll go with you. I may be of some help to them." - -"I thought you were so terribly busy!" - -Pollard smiled. "I am. But, my business is a movable feast. I'm a -writer, you know." - -"Yes, I know your two books." - -"And I'm just getting out another. I write essays for the magazines, -and when I get enough, I bunch 'em up and call it a book." - -"And the reviewers call it a good book," Belknap complimented. - -"Some of them do. But, I'm my own master--if I neglect my work it -hurts no one but myself, and nothing but my own bank account. And so, -I'll give up doing a bit of writing I planned for this morning, and go -up to the Lindsays' with you. If I can do anything for them, in any -way, I'll be glad." - -The Lindsay apartment wore the air common to homes where death has -entered, yet not to one of the actual household. The shades were -partly drawn and a few shaded lamps were lighted. A silent maid -admitted the callers and they were shown into the living room where a -group of people sat. - -The three Lindsays were there, also Doctor Davenport, who had been -prescribing for Mrs Lindsay. - -"You're all right," he was telling her, "just keep quiet and----" - -"But, Doctor," her shrill voice responded, "how can I keep quiet, when -I'm so excited? My nerves are on edge--I'm frightened--I can't sleep -or eat or rest----" - -"The medicine I prescribed will help all that; now, just obey my -orders and do the best you can to keep cool and calm." - -"Let me help you," and Manning Pollard took the seat next Millicent; -"sometimes the mere presence of an unexcitable person helps frazzled -nerves." - -"You're surely that," and Mrs Lindsay smiled a welcome. "I never saw -any one less excitable than you are. Do help to calm me." - -She laid her hand in Pollard's and sank back in her chair, already -quieted by his silent sympathy. - -"Wait a minute, Doctor," Belknap said, as Davenport was about to -leave. "I'm asking a few questions, and I want you to tell me as to -those two shots that killed Mr Gleason. You don't mind being present, -Mrs Lindsay?" - -"Indeed, no. I want to be. I want to know every bit of evidence, every -clew to the murderer of my brother! I am not excited over the -investigation, I only get nervous when I think you will not avenge the -crime!" - -"We're trying our best," returned Belknap. "What is your theory, -Doctor Davenport?" - -"I haven't any," and the doctor looked slightly embarrassed. - -"Well," Belknap thought to himself, "all these people act queer! Are -they all shielding the same person? Is it the precious son of the -house?" - -"I don't believe in laymen having theories," Davenport went on. "Those -are for the police to form and then to prove." He spoke shortly, but -in an even time, as one who was sure of what he wanted to say. - -"All right," agreed Belknap, "and to form and prove our theories, we -must get all the evidence we can. Now, Doctor, as to those shots." - -The doctor became all the professional man again. "There's no doubt as -to the facts," he replied, straightforwardly; "the fatal shot was most -certainly fired first, and the shot in the shoulder some minutes -later--after the man had been dead at least several minutes." - -"How do you, then, explain Mr Gleason's ability to telephone a message -that he was shot?" - -"I don't explain it--nor can I conceive of any explanation. It's the -strangest thing I ever heard of!" - -"It is strange," Belknap mused, "but there must be some explanation. -For he did telephone. Your nurse took the message?" - -"She did. And she is a most reliable woman. Whatever she reported as -to that message, you may depend on as absolute truth. Nurse Jordan has -been with me many years, and she is most punctilious in the repetition -of messages." - -"Mightn't he have telephoned after the first shot," Pollard said, his -air more that of one thinking aloud, than of one propounding a theory, -"and then with a spasmodic gesture or something, have fired the second -shot by accident?" - -"The second shot was fired after the man was dead," repeated Doctor -Davenport, positively. - -"Then there was a murderer," Belknap said, "which fact we have decided -upon anyway. And an unusually clever murderer, too." - -"But I can't see it," Millicent Lindsay said, speaking in a low -moaning voice. "Why would anybody shoot my brother after he had -already killed him? I can't see any theory that would explain that." - -"Nor I," declared the doctor. "It's the queerest thing I ever knew." - -"Leave that point for the moment," Belknap advised, "if we get other -facts they may throw light on that. Do any of you think that Mr -Gleason," he glanced furtively at Mrs Lindsay to see if he might go -on, "was acquainted with--with young ladies----" - -"Not in our set?" cried Louis; "he most assuredly was. Now you're -getting on the right tack! You don't mind this talk, Millicent?" - -"No; go on," returned Mrs Lindsay. "I want to know the truth. And, of -course, my brother was no saint. Moreover, if he chose to entertain -chorus girls or that sort of people he had a perfect right to do so. -I'm not surprised or shocked at anything of that kind. But if they -were in any way responsible for his death, I want to know it. Do you -know anything definite, Louis?" - -"No," was the reply, but the youth went white. - -Belknap studied his face, feeling sure that to go white was not -absolutely unusual with the young man. He was apparently anaemic, -unstrung, and very emotional. His lips twitched, and he curled and -uncurled his fingers. - -As a matter of fact, Belknap was looking toward Louis as a possible -suspect. Though, as yet, he had no reason for such a suspicion. - -"I do," said Phyllis Lindsay, speaking for the first time during this -discussion. "I know he was intimate with some moving picture -actresses. He had their photographs in his rooms." - -"When were you there last?" asked Belknap suddenly. - -"I don't know--about a week ago, I think. I called in one day to see a -new picture Mr Gleason had just bought." - -Her face was slightly flushed, but she was cool and composed of -manner. Belknap despaired of getting any real information here. - -Doctor Davenport looked at Phyllis. - -"Did you leave anything there?" he asked abruptly. - -"Leave anything?" she repeated. - -"Yes," impatiently. "Any of your belongings--wearing apparel?" - -"Why, no," the girl smiled. "I didn't." - -"Sure?" - -"Of course, I'm sure. Unless I dropped a handkerchief, maybe. I'm -forever losing those." - -"You didn't leave a fur collar?" - -"Of course I didn't! My fur collars are too valuable not to keep track -of." - -"Then," and Doctor Davenport drew from his bag a small fur neckpiece. -"Then, I guess it's my duty to show up this. It's a thing," he looked -a bit embarrassed, "I picked up in Gleason's room when I first went -there last night. I thought it was yours, Phyllis, and I brought it to -you." - -"Well, of all performances!" exclaimed Belknap, astonished. - -"Oh, come now," and Davenport smiled, "I meant to give it up sooner, -but I forgot it. I only thought, if it should be Phyllis', she'd -rather know about it----" - -"All right, as long as I have it now," and Belknap reached for the fur -with an air of authority. "This may be the clew that will lead us -straight to the murderer--or murderess." - -"It may," agreed the doctor, "and it may set you off on the wrong -track, hounding some poor little innocent girl!" - -"Is it a valuable piece?" and Belknap held it out toward Phyllis. - -"I don't want to touch it," she shrank back. "Please don't make me." - -"Let me see it," said Millicent reaching out a hand. "I'll soon tell -you." - -After a moment's scrutiny she said, "It's a fairly good fur, and it's -the latest style; what they call a choker. It's new this season, but -not worth more than thirty or forty dollars." - -"It might belong to 'most anybody, then," mused Belknap. - -"Yes," said Millicent, "but you see by the label inside, it came from -a shop patronized more by bargain hunters than by an exclusive class -of customers." - -"Pointing to the less aristocratic type," Belknap nodded. "Well, we -must trace the owner of the collar. Where was it, Doctor?" - -"In a chair in the room," said Davenport, looking as sheepish as a -censured schoolboy. "I was a fool I suppose, to take it, but I thought -if it belonged to Miss Lindsay, it might lead to a lot of unpleasant -notoriety for her----" - -"All right, all right," Belknap shut off his apologies. "Now to find -an owner for the fur. Any suggestions?" - -He looked around the group, with a general survey, but really scanning -Louis' face, in hopes the boy might show some sign of recognition. - -But it was from Pollard that the advice came, "Advertise." - -"Just what I planned to do," Belknap said: "I'll take the fur and -advertise for its owner. An adroitly worded advertisement ought to -bring results." - -There was little more conversation of importance, the attorney merely -taking some notes of certain data he desired, and learning of the -arrangements for the funeral which was to take place next day at the -Funeral Rooms. - -"I probably shan't see you again, Mrs Lindsay, until after I hear from -the advertisement," Belknap told her. - -"Oh, come to see me whenever you have any fresh evidence or any news," -she urged him. "After the funeral, may be too late. Follow up all -trails--spare no effort. I may be a peculiar person, Mr Belknap, but I -can't help it. I never thought I was of a revengeful nature, but I -think it is a righteous indignation that I have now. And I will do -anything, spend any amount to find the murderer of my brother." - -"You are his heir?" Belknap asked, casually. - -"I have not inquired into that as yet," was the reply, spoken rather -coldly. "I don't even know whether my brother left a will or not. Mr -Lane is his lawyer." - -"My question was not prompted by idle curiosity," Belknap assured her, -"but it is of importance to know who will benefit financially by the -death of this rich man." - -"If he left no will," Mrs Lindsay informed him, "I am the only heir. -If he left a will, I've no idea as to its contents." - -"I must inquire of Lane, then; though doubtless he will see you on the -matter very soon." - -Belknap departed and first thing he did was to put an advertisement in -the Lost and Found columns of several evening papers. - -And the next afternoon his zeal was rewarded. - -He had instructed the owner of the collar to call at a small shop on a -side street, which had no apparent connection with Mr Robert Gleason -or his affairs. - -By arrangement with the proprietor, Belknap himself was behind the -counter and greeted the sweetly smiling young woman who came for the -fur. - -"Are you sure it's yours?" Belknap asked the fashionably dressed -little person. - -"No; are you?" she replied, saucily. "But I can describe mine." - -"Go ahead, then." - -"It's a soft, gray fur, squirrel it's called. And it has _a_ -label inside with the name of the store where it was bought." - -"Yes? And the store is----?" - -"Cheapman's Department Store." She smiled triumphantly. "Guess you'll -have to give up the goods!" - -"It looks that way," Belknap smiled. "Now where did you lose it?" - -"Haven't the least idea. Somewhere between starting out from home and -getting back there." - -"Day before yesterday?" - -"Yep. I went to a whole lot of places----" - -"Mention some. You see, the store you speak of sells a good many fur -collars, so it all depends on where you left yours." - -The girl's face fell. "Oh, come now," she said, "s'pose I don't want -to tell?" - -"Then I shall think you're putting up a game on me, and trying to get -a fur collar that doesn't belong to you." - -"Oh, well, it doesn't. But it does belong to a friend of mine--and I'm -after it for her." - -"And she doesn't want to admit where she lost it?" - -"I don't know why she wouldn't. But you see, I don't know all the -places she went to, and----" - -"Look here, Miss--you'll have to give your name, you know." - -By this time the girl looked decidedly frightened. "I don't want to," -she said, almost crying. "Let the old fur go--I don't want it! I wish -I'd kept out of this!" - -"Tell me who sent you here, and you can keep out of it." - -The girl brightened decidedly, and looked at Belknap. - -"Honest," she said; "if I tell you who sent me, can I go home?" - -"Certainly you may. I've no right to detain you." - -"All right, then, it was Mary Morton." - -"Address?" - -She gave a street number in the Longacre district, and hurried away -almost before Belknap finished writing it down. - -Thanking and remunerating the shopkeeper for the use of his premises, -Belknap went directly to the address he had obtained. - -"Like as not she'll be out," he thought, "but if she is, I'll go -again. I'll bet it's one of Gleason's lady friends, and though I've no -idea she shot him--yet, she might have. Anyway, I'll get a line on his -gay acquaintances. It's bound to be the owner of the collar, for her -friend described it exactly, and gave the right maker's name." - -Reaching the address given him, Belknap felt a sudden qualm of -suspicion. It did not look at all like a boarding house, theatrical or -any other kind. In fact it was a shop where electrical goods were -sold. - -"Upstairs, I s'pose," Gleason mused, and went in. - -But nobody at that number could tell him anything of Miss Mary Morton. -No one had ever heard of her, and Belknap was confronted with the -sudden conviction that he had been made a fool of! - -"Idiot! Dunderhead!" he called himself, angrily, as he left the place. -"I am an ass, I declare! That little snip jack took me in completely, -with her honest gray eyes! Well, let me see; I've a start. That girl -described that fur too accurately not to be the owner herself, and -I'll track her down again yet. It can't be a hard job. I'll see her -picture in some theatrical office or somewhere." - -But it was a hard blow, and Belknap felt pretty sore at Prescott's -jeers when he learned the story. - -"Anyway, it's given us a way to turn," said Belknap. "We've got the -fur." - -"Yes," grinned Prescott, wickedly, "we've got the fur, and that's as -fur as we have got!" - - - - -CHAPTER VII - -Barry's Suspect - - -After the funeral of Robert Gleason, Lane, his lawyer, went to the -Lindsay home, for the purpose of reading to the family the will of his -late client. - -There was no one present except the three Lindsays and Doctor -Davenport. The physician was keeping watch over Millicent Lindsay, for -her volatile nature and nervous condition made him fear a breakdown. - -But Millicent was quiet and composed, only an occasional quiver of her -lip or trembling of her fingers betrayed her agitation. - -Phyllis' eyes were bright with repressed excitement, but she, too, -preserved her poise. - -Louis, however, was in a high state of nervous tension. He was jumpy -and erratic of speech and gesture, and again, he would relapse into a -sulky mood and become perversely silent. - -The little party gathered in the library and Lane read the will of -Robert Gleason. - -The terms were simple. Except for bequests to some personal friends -and some charities, the fortune was equally divided between Millicent, -his sister, and Phyllis, her stepdaughter. - -No mention whatever was made of Louis, and the young man burst forth -into a torrent of angry invective. - -"Hush, Louis," Doctor Davenport said, sternly; "such talk can do you -no good, and it is a disgrace to yourself to speak so of the dead!" - -"I don't care," Louis stormed, "why did he leave a lot to Phyllis, and -nothing to me? I'm no relative of his, but neither is Phyl!" - -"But he was very much in love with Miss Lindsay," Lane explained the -situation, "and as he had no expectation of this immediate death, he -hoped to make her his wife. But, he told me this when I drew up his -will--he provided for Miss Lindsay in case of premature death or -accident to himself. I feel sure he hoped to win Miss Lindsay's -promise to be his wife--if he had not already done so." - -"He had not!" exclaimed Phyllis, but she looked thoughtful rather than -indignant at the idea. - -"If he found that he could not do so," Lane went on, "he planned to -change his will. It was, I think, tentative, and dependent on the -course of his wooing." - -"Never mind all that," said Phyllis, speaking slowly and a little -hesitantly; "the will is valid and final, is it not?" - -"Certainly," returned Lane, but he gave her a searching glance. - -"Then half the money is mine, and half Millicent's," Phyllis went on, -still with that thoughtful manner. "Don't worry, Buddy, I'll give you -part of my share." She looked at her brother with fond affection. - -"I suppose it's all right," Millicent said, her glance at Phyllis a -little resentful. "It would have been quite all right, if Phyllis had -meant to marry my brother--but she had no such intention!" - -"You don't know----" began the girl. - -"I do know," declared Millicent. "And what's more, if you had any hand -in his murder----" - -"Oh, hush!" cried Fred Lane, shocked even more at Millicent's look -than at her words. - -"I won't hush! I'm going to find out who killed my brother! He was the -only human being whom I loved. These step-children mean nothing to -me--although we have always lived harmoniously enough. Now, if Phyllis -is innocent, that's all there is about it. But her innocence must be -proved!" - -Phyllis gave her stepmother a kindly, pitying glance. - -"Now, Millicent," she said, "you're excited and nervous, and you don't -know what you're saying. Go and lie down, dear----" - -"'Go and lie down, dear!'" Millicent mocked her, eyes flashing and her -voice hard. "Yes, that's just what you'd say, of course! You fear -investigation! No one would dream of suspecting you--unless they knew -what I know! and you say--'go and lie down!' Indeed, I _won't_ go -and lie down! Now, look here, Phyllis Lindsay, you knew what was in -that will of my brother's! I didn't--but you did!" - -"No, I didn't, Millicent----" - -"You did! You led my brother on--and on--letting him think you would -marry him--then, when he'd made a will in your favor, you killed him -to get the money! That's what you did! And I'll prove it--if it costs -me all my share of my poor brother's fortune!" - -She collapsed then, and sat, huddled in the big chair, shaking with -sobs. - -Without a word, Doctor Davenport went to her, assisted her to rise, -and, summoning a maid to help him, took Millicent Lindsay away to her -own room. - -"What ails her, anyway?" Louis growled, looking at Phyllis, curiously. - -"Oh, she's like that when she gets a tantrum," the girl responded, -looking worried. "She's really good friends with me, but if she takes -a notion she turns against me, and she can't think of anything bad -enough to say to me." - -"I don't like her present attitude," Lane said, abruptly. "She may -make a lot of trouble for you, Miss Lindsay. _Did_ you know of -contents of the will?" - -"No," she returned, but she did not look at the lawyer. If, he mused, -she were telling an untruth, she would, doubtless, look just like -that. - -"Are you sure?" he followed up. - -"Of course, I'm sure!" she flung up her head and looked at him. Her -dark eyes were not flashing, but smoldering with a deep fire of -indignation. "How dare you question my statements!" - -"Now, Phyl," said her brother, "be careful what you say. Millicent has -it in her power to do you a bad turn, and she's willing to do it if -she thinks you're mixed up in her brother's case. Do you know -_anything_ about it, old girl?" - -Phyllis gave him a look of reproach, but he went on. - -"Now don't eat me up with your eyes, Sis. When I ask if you know -anything about the thing, I don't mean did you kill Robert Gleason! Of -course, I know better than that! But--oh, well, don't you think, Lane, -that Millicent can make trouble for us?" - -"Us?" and the lawyer raised his eyebrows. "Where do you come in, -Lindsay?" - -"Oh," with an impatient shrug, "Phyl's troubles are mine, of course. -And seems to me, Millicent has a very annoying bee in her bonnet." - -"Easy enough to settle the matter," Lane said, briefly. "Where were -you, Miss Lindsay, when the--the tragedy took place?" - -"Why, I don't know," Phyllis replied. "Here--at home--I think." - -But a sudden flood of scarlet suffused her face, and she was quite -evidently preserving her composure by a strong effort. - -The small, slight figure, sitting in a tall-backed chair was a picture -of itself. Phyllis' bright coloring, her deep, glowing eyes, scarlet -lips and rose-flushed cheeks were accented by the plain black gown she -wore and her graceful little hands moved eloquently as she talked, and -then fluttered to rest on the carved arms of the great chair. - -"Sure?" - -"Stop saying 'sure?' to me!" Phyllis spoke shortly, and then gave a -good-natured laugh. "Of course, I'm not sure, Mr Lane. I'll have to -think back. I haven't a--what do they call it--an alibi, but all the -same I didn't kill----" - -"Don't say that," Lane interrupted her, "nobody for a minute supposes -you killed anybody. Mrs Lindsay herself doesn't. It's hysteria that -makes her say so. But, she _can_ make trouble. And, so, I want -you to think carefully, and have your evidence ready. Where were you -last Tuesday at about half-past six or seven o'clock?" - -Phyllis thought. "Here, I think," she reiterated. "I was out--and I -came home and dressed for the dinner party." - -"What was the dinner hour?" - -"Eight." - -"And you were dressing--how long?" - -"Oh, I don't know--an hour, probably." - -"That leaves some time yet to be accounted for. Where were you just -before you came home?" - -"Look here, Mr Lane," Phyllis' eyes flashed now, "I won't be quizzed -like that! If I'm suspected of a crime----" - -"You aren't," Lane repeated, "but if Mrs Lindsay accuses you of a -crime, you must be prepared to defend yourself." - -"Wait till she does, then," said Phyllis, curtly, and lapsed into -silence. - -But Louis looked disturbed. - -"What can Millicent do, Lane?" he asked. "She can't make up any yarn -that will implicate my sister, can she?" - -"Oh, no; probably not. All she can do, is to show that Miss Lindsay -knew what she would inherit, and, therefore, can be said to have a -motive for the----" - -"Rot! As if Phyllis would shoot a man to get his money!" But Louis -Lindsay's looks belied his words. While showing no doubt or distrust -of his sister, he had all the appearance of a man deeply anxious or -alarmed at his thoughts. "And, besides, Phyl knew nothing about the -will--did you, Sis?" - -Phyllis looked at him without replying, for a moment, then she said, -"Hush, Louis; don't keep up the subject. I'm going straight to -Millicent--and if she's able to talk to me, I'll find out what she -means." - -Phyllis left the room, and his business over, Lane went away from the -house. - -As he walked along the street, he mused deeply on the matter. - -Of course, Phyllis was in no way concerned in the crime--but Lane -couldn't help thinking she knew something about it--or something -bearing on it. What could it be? How could that delicate, exclusive -girl be in any way mixed up with the deed done down in Washington -Square? - -Lane made his way to the Club. He knew he'd find a lot of his friends -there at this hour, and he wanted to hear their talk. - -He was not surprised to find a group of his intimates discussing the -Gleason case. - -"Now the funeral's over," Dean Monroe was saying, "the detectives can -get busy, and do some real work." - -"They can get busy," Manning Pollard agreed, "but can they do any real -work? I mean, any successful, decisive work?" - -"You mean, discover the murderer," Lane said, joining in the talk at -once, as he took his seat among them. - -"Not a hard job, to my mind," Dean Monroe said, slowing inhaling his -cigarette's smoke. "_Cherchez la_ chorus girl." - -"Oh, I don't know----" said Pollard. - -"Well, I know!" Monroe came back quickly. "Oh, I don't mean I -know--but who else could it have been? You may say Pollard, here, -because he announced his intention of killing Gleason. But we all know -Pol's little smarty ways. He didn't even defend himself, because, -secure in his innocence, he let the old detectives themselves find and -prove his alibi! A silly grandstand play, I call it!" - -Pollard smiled. "It was silly, I daresay, but if I had eagerly -defended myself, they might have thought me guilty. So, why not let -them find out the truth for themselves? But, as to the chorus -kiddies--I doubt if the bravest of them would have the nerve to shoot -a man. Remember they're only babies." - -"Not all of them," offered Barry. - -"Oh, well, those who have arrived at years of wisdom are not the ones -Gleason favored," Pollard said. "However, there's a possibility that -some man--some bold, bad man may have done it for the sake of a girl." - -"Then he must be found through the discovery of the girl," declared -Lane. "And with that fur piece to work on, it's a funny thing if they -can't get the lady." - -"It would be coincidence, I think," Pollard said, seriously. "I don't -know much about real detective work, but it seems to me, if I found a -fur collar at the scene of the crime, the owner of that would be the -last person I'd look for." - -"You give the collar too much importance, Monroe, and you, Pollard, -give it too little," Lane spoke in his most judicial manner. "I'm no -detective myself, but I am a lawyer, and I modestly claim a sort of -knowledge of criminal doings. The fur collar is a clew. It must be -investigated. It may lead to the truth and it may not." - -"Hear, hear!" cried Barry. "What wisdom! Oh, what sagacity! It may and -it may not! Lane, you're a wizard at deduction!" - -They all laughed, but Fred Lane was in no way dismayed. - -"All right, you fellows," he said; "but which of you can make any -better prognostication? Come now, here are four of us; let's make a -bet--or, no, that's hardly decent--let's each express an opinion -regarding the murderer of Robert Gleason, and see who comes nearest to -the truth." - -"Sure we'll ever know the truth?" asked Monroe. - -"Well, if we don't there's no harm done. Go ahead, and let it be -understood that these are merely thoughts--private opinions and -absolutely confidential." - -"All right," agreed Dean Monroe, "I'll speak my mind first. I'm all -for the chorus girl--and when I say chorus girl, I use the term -generically. She may be a Movie Star or a Vaudeville artist. But some -chicken of the stage, is my vote. Yet I don't claim but she did the -deed herself--it may well have been her stalwart gentleman friend, who -was jealous of the rich man's friendship with his girl. There's my -opinion." - -"Good enough, too," appraised Lane. "Moreover, you've got the fur -collar in evidence. You may be right. You next, Pollard?" - -"I'm inclined to think it was somebody from Gleason's Seattle home. -Seems to me there must have been people out there who felt as I did -about the man--who really wanted him out of the world; and, too, they -may have had some definite grievance--some conventional motive--what -are they? Love, hate, money?" - -"Revenge is one." - -"All the same, revenge and hate. Well, doesn't it seem more like a -wild Westerner to come there and shoot up his man than for a New -Yorker to do it? I don't take much stock in the chorus girl theory." - -"Wait a bit, Pol," put in Barry. "Seattle isn't wild and woolly and -cowboyish and bandittish! It's as civilized as our own fair city, and -as little given to deeds of violence as New York itself!" - -"Your logic is overwhelming," Pollard laughed. "Ought to have been a -lawyer instead of an artist, Barry! But I stick to my guns--which are -the guns of the Westerners who knew Gleason--the inhabitants of -Seattle and environs. I may be all wrong, but it seems the most -plausible theory to me. Perhaps I'm prejudiced, but I think Seattle is -mighty well rid of its leading citizen." - -"Hush up, Manning," reproved Monroe; "your foolish threat was bad -enough when the man was alive, it's horrid to knock him now he's -dead." - -"That's so--I'll shut up. But Lane asked for my opinion, and now he's -got it." - -"Yours, Barry?" asked Lane, without comment on Pollard's. - -"I don't want to express mine," said Philip Barry, with such a serious -look that nobody smiled. "You see, I have a dreadful suspicion of--of -some one I know--we all know." - -"Me?" asked Pollard, cheerfully. - -"No"; Barry grinned at him. "You're just plain idiot! But, truly, -haven't any of you thought of some one in--in our set?" - -Apparently no one had, for each man present looked blankly inquiring. - -"Oh, I'm not going to put it into words," and Barry gave a shrug of -his shoulders. Slightly built, his dark, intense face showing his -artistic temperament, Philip Barry had a strong will and a high -temper. - -Moreover, unlike his type, he had a desperate tenacity of opinion, and -once convinced of a thing would stick to it through thick and thin. - -"Just because an idea came into my head," he went on, "is no reason I -should give it voice. I might do an innocent man a desperate -injustice." - -"As you like, Barry," Lane said, "but to my way of thinking, if you -have such an idea it's your duty to give it voice. If your man's -innocent it can't harm him. If he's guilty he ought to be suspected. -And, among us four, your views are an inviolable secret, unless -justice requires them to be told." - -"Well," Barry began, reluctantly, "who first heard of this murder?" - -"Doctor Davenport," said Monroe, quickly. "His nurse telephoned from -the office----" - -"Did the nurse tell you that?" Barry shot at him. - -"Why, no, of course not. I haven't seen the nurse." - -"Has anybody?" - -"I don't know. I suppose the police have." - -"You suppose! Well, they haven't. I found that out. No, the police -have not thought it worth while to check up Doctor Davenport's story -of his nurse's message to him. They take it as he told it. It was nine -chances out of ten they would do so. I say, fellows, don't you -remember that conversation we had about murder that afternoon--last -Tuesday afternoon?" - -"I do," answered Pollard. "It was then that I made my famous speech." - -"Yes; and that was remembered because it was unconventional and -damn-foolishness besides. But Doctor Davenport's speeches, though of -far greater importance, are all forgotten." - -"I haven't forgotten them," said Pollard, thoughtfully. "He said the -detection of crime depended largely on chance." - -"Yes, and he minimized the chances." - -"But, good Lord, Barry, you're not hinting----" - -"I'm hinting nothing," said Barry, speaking decidedly now, "I'm -reminding you what Davenport said; I'm reminding you of his whole -attitude toward the matter of murder; I'm reminding you of his -psychological mind, and that it might have been swayed in the -direction of crime; I'm reminding you that Pollard's fool remark about -killing Gleason might have started a train of thought in the doctor's -mind----" - -"Making me accessory before the fact!" suggested Pollard. - -"Unconsciously, yes, maybe. Well, there it is. You asked me for my -guess. You have it. It isn't a suspicion, it isn't even a theory--it's -merely a guess--but it's at least a possible one." - -"Barry, you're batty!" Dean Monroe declared. "Us artists get that way -sometimes." He beamed round upon the group. "Don't mind Phil. He'll -come out all right. And for heaven's sake, fellows, forget what he has -said." - -Monroe was always looking out for his fellow artist and friend. - -Barry's impulsiveness had often been checked or steadied by Monroe's -better judgment and clearer thought. And now, Monroe was truly -distressed at Barry's speech. - -"But where's the motive?" Lane was asking, interested in this new -suggestion, and determined to look into it. - -"That I don't know," said Barry. "I've no idea what his motive could -have been. But, for my part, I don't believe in hunting the motive -first. A motive for murder is far more likely to be a secret than to -be something that anybody can deduce or guess." - -"Guessing is foolishness," Pollard remarked, "but don't you all -remember that Davenport mentioned fear as a common motive. I recollect -he did, and while I don't for one minute incline to Barry's -suggestion, yet I can admit the possibility of fear." - -"You mean Doc was afraid of Gleason? Why?" Lane spoke sharply. - -"I don't know why. I don't know that he _was_ afraid--of Gleason -or anybody else. But I do say that he might have been--there are a -hundred reasons why a man may be secretly afraid of another man. Who -knows the secrets of his neighbor's heart? I'm making no claim, -educing no theory, but it's at least a fact that Davenport did speak -of fear as a motive. Now, I merely say, if you're going to suspect -him, you may as well use that tip. That's all." - -Pollard smoked on in silence, and each of the four thought over this -new idea. - -"It's shocking, that's what it is, shocking!" exclaimed Dean Monroe, -at last. "I'm ashamed of you all, ashamed of myself, for harboring this -thought for a minute. Forget it, everybody." - -"Not so fast, Dean," Barry rebuked him. "Any thought has a right to -expression--at the right time and place. I've given you this -suggestion for what it's worth. I've nothing to base a suspicion -on--except that the first man to hear of a crime or to go to the spot -is a fair topic to think about." - -"But a doctor--called there!" Monroe went on, "You might as well -suspect the police themselves!" - -"Yes, if they gave us a surprising story of a man killed by a shot and -_afterward_ telephoning for help." - -"That story is fishy," admitted Lane. - -"You bet it is," assented Barry. "I can't _see_ that telephoning -business at all!" - - - - -CHAPTER VIII - -Miss Adams' Story - - -In the offices of the District Attorney, Lane discussed the case with -Belknap. Without giving names or making any definite accusations, the -lawyer asked the Assistant District Attorney what he thought of Dr -Davenport's story. - -"True on the face of it," replied Belknap, promptly. - -"Yes," Lane reminded him, "because it has not occurred to you to think -otherwise about it. But, how can you explain that telephoning?" - -"It can't be explained, so far as we know about it now. But, look -here, if Doctor Davenport killed Gleason--which, by the way, is the -most absurd idea I ever heard of--the last thing he would do would be -to make up such an unbelievable yarn as that of the man telephoning -after he had been fatally shot." - -"Doctor didn't quite say that." - -"Circumstances say that. Gleason called up the doctor's office and -said he was shot. The fatal shot was fired first. Elucidate." - -"I can't. That's the reason I'm here. We've got to find out about it. -I'm the Lindsays' lawyer, and Mrs Lindsay is having hysterics and all -that. She's of a revengeful temperament and wants the murderer of her -brother punished. This is not an unnatural feeling, and I want to do -all I can to push matters along. I don't want the case to drift on and -on, until it's laid on the shelf with lots of other unsolved -mysteries." - -"I don't either, Lane," Belknap said, earnestly, "and we're working on -it night and day. Any news, Prescott?" - -The query was addressed to the detective, who entered at the moment. - -"No, Mr Belknap. But what you folks talking about? Doctor Davenport?" - -Guardedly, Lane spoke of the strange story the doctor had told and -Prescott caught the drift at once. - -"Where'd you get that dope?" he asked, his shrewd eyes scanning Lane's -face. - -"It isn't dope--if you mean evidence; it's merely scouting for -possible clews." - -"Yes, and it may be a boomerang clew! It may rebound against the man -that started it. Who did?" - -"Nobody in particular," and Lane looked stubborn. - -"Yes, they did, now," persisted Prescott. "Somebody started that lead, -and did it on purpose. Who made the suggestion? Manning Pollard?" - -"No," said Lane. "I'm not sure I know who spoke about it first." - -"Well, _I'm_ sure you know, and you'd better tell. Unless you're -shielding somebody yourself. Better speak up, Mr Lane." - -"All right, then, it was Philip Barry. I believe it's wiser to say so -than to conceal it. You can't suspect him." - -"Why can't I? I can suspect anybody that can't prove his innocence. -And I've been thinking about Mr Barry myself. Isn't he in love with -the heiress?" - -"What heiress?" - -"Miss Lindsay--half heiress of Mr Gleason's big fortune." - -"What if he is? I could name a dozen young men in love with Miss -Lindsay. She's a belle and has numberless admirers." - -"Yes, but Philip Barry's a favored one, I've heard. Now, didn't he -know Miss Lindsay would inherit?" - -"I don't know whether he did or not." - -"You knew it--you drew up the will." - -"Yes." - -"Did you tell anybody?" - -Lane stared at him. "I'm not in the habit of babbling about my -clients' affairs!" he said, coldly. - -"Of course not. But did it leak out in any way--say, in general -conversation? Such things often do. It was no real secret, I suppose." - -"I treated it as one," said Lane. "Of course, I considered it -confidential." - -"Of course," put in Belknap. "Lawyers have to be close-mouthed people, -Prescott." - -But Prescott would not be downed. - -"I know all that, Mr Belknap, but listen here. The news of that -inheritance might have leaked out in a dozen ways. Not purposely, of -course, but by chance. Wasn't anybody ever in your office, Mr Lane, -when Mr Gleason was there, talking about it, or didn't you ever -mention it in conversation with some intimate friend, say?" - -Lane thought back. - -"No," he said, decidedly. "Unless--yes, one day, I remember, Manning -Pollard was in my office when Gleason came in. Gleason only stayed a -few minutes, but he did refer to his will, and after he went, I think -I did speak of it to Pollard." - -"Did he ask you about it?" - -"No, I'm sure he didn't. I think I volunteered an observation on the -queerness of the Western man, and, as Pollard didn't like him, anyway, -very little was said." - -"But the terms of his will were spoken of?" - -"Yes, incidentally. Pollard is a close friend of mine, and I may have -been a bit confidential." - -"There you are, then," and Prescott nodded his sagacious head. - -"Manning Pollard is a babbling sort of chap. I mean, he says things to -make a sensation--to shock or astound his audience. Ten chances to -one, he implied a knowledge of Gleason's intentions just to appear -importantly wise." - -"No," Lane demurred. "Pollard isn't that sort, exactly. He does like -to make startling speeches, but they're usually about himself, not -gossip about others." - -"Well, anyway, say Barry got an idea Pollard knew of Gleason's will, -and got at the truth somehow. Or, maybe Barry found out from some one -else. Didn't Miss Lindsay know of her inheritance?" - -"I think not." - -"It doesn't matter how he found out; say, Barry knew Miss Lindsay -would inherit, say, also, he was jealous of Gleason--which he was--and -say--just for the moment--he did kill Gleason. Wouldn't he be likely -to try to turn suspicion on some one else--and who could he select -better than Doctor Davenport himself?" - -Prescott beamed with an air of triumph at his conclusion, and looked -at the others for concurrence. - -"Rubbish!" Lane scoffed. "You surely have built up a mountain out of a -silly molehill. Try again, Prescott." - -"I will try again, but it will be along these same lines," and the -detective shook his head doggedly. "What say, Mr Belknap?" - -Belknap looked thoughtful. - -"I don't see much in it," he declared, "yet there may be. All you can -do, Prescott, is to investigate. Check up the doctor's story, the -nurse's story, and keep a watch on Barry. Your evidence is _nil_, -your suspicion has but slight foundation, and yet, it's true Philip -Barry is a favored admirer of Miss Lindsay, he was jealous of Robert -Gleason, and whether he knew of the will or not, his name can't be -ignored in this connection." - -"Go ahead," said Lane, "investigate Barry thoroughly, but for heaven's -sake, don't be misled. Don't assume his guilt merely because he -admires Miss Lindsay and was jealous of Gleason! Get some real -evidence." - -"I wasn't born yesterday, Mr Lane," Prescott said, looking at the -lawyer with some irritation. "I must find a direction in which to -look, mustn't I? I must look in every direction that seems likely, -mustn't I? I happen to know that there was bad blood between Doctor -Davenport and Mr Barry----" - -"What do you mean by bad blood?" asked Lane. - -"I mean they didn't like each other--weren't friendly--never chummed. -And the reason was that they were in love with the same girl." - -"Natural enough state of affairs," commented Belknap. "Go ahead, -Prescott, look up the doctor's yarn, look up Barry's alibi, but, as Mr -Lane says, go carefully. I fancy, that though you may not get anything -on either of these men, you can't help turning up something in the way -of evidence against somebody! Get all the facts you can, all the -information you can, and then see how it affects the individuals. Of -course, you must see the nurse that took the message from Gleason. I'm -surprised that hasn't been done." - -"We simply accepted the doctor's story," said Prescott. "Now, I'll -verify it." - -But before the detective began his promised verification, he elected -to go again to the Gleason apartments. - -Here he visited Miss Adams, whose story, told him by Belknap, -interested him. - -He used his best powers of persuasion on the spinster, and his -wheedlesome ways, and pleasant smile made her affable and loquacious. - -By roundabout talk, he drew from her at last some descriptions of the -callers or visitors at the Gleason apartment. - -She was loath to admit her curiosity, but she finally confessed that -she occasionally hung over the stairway to watch matters below. - -She defended her deed by explaining that she was lonely, and a little -diversion of any sort was welcome. - -"And, indeed, why shouldn't I?" she asked; "it's no crime to watch a -body going or coming along the street, or into a house!" - -"Of course it isn't," agreed Prescott, sympathetically. "Now, whom did -you see go into Mr Gleason's apartment on the day of the murder?" - -"Two people." - -"Two! Both at once?" - -"No; the lady came first." - -"Oh, she did. Wait a minute--did you see Mr Gleason himself come in?" - -"I heard him." - -"What time?" - -"After five. I don't know any nearer than that." - -"Go on, then. A lady came? When?" - -"Quite soon after Mr Gleason himself. I heard a light step on the -stairs and I looked out." - -"Describe her." - -"She was a gay little piece. Big eyes, tomato-colored cheeks and a -nose powdered like a marshmallow." - -"Small? Young?" - -"Both; that is, very slim, but about average height. I looked mainly -at her clothes." - -"What were they?" - -"Mostly fur, and long gray stockings and a little round cap of gray -fur." - -"Squirrel fur?" - -"Yes, I guess so. Gray, anyway. A pert little thing she was, and yet -pretty too, in a sort of way." - -"What sort of way?" - -"Oh, fly, flippant--flirtatious." - -"I don't know--she just gave me that impression." - -"Would you know her if you saw her again?" - -"I'm not sure--those little trots all look alike. But I'd know the -clothes." - -"Don't squirrel furs all look alike?" - -"Perhaps--yet I think I'd know her. You don't think she killed Mr -Gleason, do you?" - -"Gracious, no! Do you?" - -"Well, I never saw her come out." - -"But you weren't on watch all the time, were you?" - -"No; of course not." Miss Adams turned thoughtful. "But I didn't hear -her go out--funny." - -"Who was the other caller?" - -"A man." - -"After the girl came?" - -"Yes; soon after. He was a swagger, well-dressed chap; not very large, -but tallish." - -"Derby hat?" - -"No, sort of soft felt----" - -"Gray?" - -"Maybe--but more like olive green--dull olive." - -"Overcoat?" - -"Yes, of course. Dark, plain, but with an air." - -Prescott looked at the old maid interestedly. How should she know when -men's clothes had an air? - -"I'm very observant," she said, catching his expression. - -"I'm fond of clothes, though I never had a smart gown in my life. But -I know when people are well-dressed." - -"The man went in then, before the girl came out?" - -"Why, yes; but I never saw or heard the girl come out." - -"Did you see or hear the man come out?" - -"No; but that's not so strange. I wasn't interested in him." - -"And you were in the girl?" - -"Yes, I was. She's no right to be calling at a man's apartment! I'd no -thought of the man visitor, but I'd like to catch hold of that silly -young thing and give her a talking to." - -"Do you think she'd listen?" - -"I know she wouldn't! But I'd like the satisfaction of giving her a -piece of my mind!" - -"You may get it. I'm going to try to find her." - -"Can you?" - -"I don't know. Well, now, see here; we are assuming that Mr Gleason -died at about quarter to seven. Do you think either or both of those -people stayed as long as that?" - -"How on earth can I tell? I didn't see them leave, you know." - -"And you saw no one else enter?" - -"No." - -"Nor heard any one?" - -"Not that I know of. After six o'clock, there's more or less -trafficking on the stairs anyway. The tenants come home, you know." - -"Yes; now, you're sure about these two, and that they came about five -o'clock?" - -"I'm sure they came, but I can't say certain about the time. It was -quite some after five, but I've no idea just how much after." -Concluding he could learn no more from Miss Adams, Prescott went to -Doctor Davenport's office to interview Nurse Jordan. - -He found a calm, placid-faced woman, who, being interrogated, told the -story just as the doctor had told it. - -"Describe the voice that came to you over the telephone," said -Prescott. - -"Well, it was gasping and faint--just what you would expect a man's -voice to be after he had been shot." - -"Fatally shot?" - -"Of course not! But I heard it, and I know what he said. Now if he -spoke, he must have been alive, and if he was alive, he hadn't yet -been fatally shot. Had he?" - -"Not likely. Then you assume the second shot was the fatal one?" - -"How can I, when the doctors say otherwise?" - -"What, then, do you think about it?" - -"I don't know what to think. If any other nurse had taken that message -I'd say she dreamed the thing. But I took it myself, and I know. The -only possible explanation I can think of, is that the murderer stood -there ready to shoot, but hadn't yet fired. The victim somehow managed -to get the telephone call----" - -"How could he? Why would the murderer let him?" - -"I don't know, I'm sure. But, say the murderer threatened him, and say -the victim made some plausible plea that made the murderer grant him a -moment's respite to telephone----" - -"Oh, I see. Or, say, the murderer was threatening Gleason's life -unless he telephoned a certain party--not the doctor. Then say, -Gleason called this number as a last hope--and shouted that he was -already shot, when he was merely anticipating the deed, and in his -frenzy of fear, hoped that to tell the doctor that, would be to stay -the murderer's hand." - -"That's a way out," Nurse Jordan said, musingly. "And that's all I can -think of--that it was something of that sort. As I say, the voice was -husky and scared, but it would be that if he was threatened. Still, it -certainly sounded like the voice of a suffering, dying man. It was -short, gasping--as if strangling." - -"In that case, if he were already shot when he called up, I mean--the -death shot was not instantaneous, as is supposed, but the victim lived -a few moments. Might that be so?" - -"I can't say. I've never known Doctor Davenport to make a false -diagnosis and, too, the other doctors agree the shot in the shoulder -was fired after the man was dead." - -"That seems to be inexplicable." - -"It's all inexplicable. There's Doctor Davenport himself--talk to -him." - -Prescott blessed his luck that the doctor came in just then, and -eagerly began to question him. - -"I was at Mrs Ballard's," the doctor said; "up on Ninetieth Street, -near Fifth Avenue. After I got the nurse's message, I hurried down to -the Gleason place as fast as I could. I didn't know the exact -number----" - -"You didn't!" Prescott felt sure this was meant as a blind, to -indicate the doctor's slight acquaintance with Gleason. - -"No; I didn't. I had to telephone some one to find out. I tried the -Lindsays first, but the wire was busy, so I called up Manning -Pollard." - -"And he told you?" - -"Yes, I didn't get the call, but the Ballards' butler did, and Pollard -gave him the address. Of course, the man told Pollard I wanted it." - -"I see. Then you went right down there?" - -"Yes; and the rest is public knowledge. Look here, Prescott, what are -you getting at?" - -"Only the truth. Go on, tell the story. I have to get these details." - -"What details?" - -"Of what happened before the police came." - -"Oh, you know it all. How I got help and broke in the door, and found -Gleason on the floor, dead." - -"He was dead when you entered?" - -"Of course he was." - -"With two shots in his body." - -"Yes; why go over these things with me? I've made my report." - -"I know! but I want to find out about the telephoning. How do you -account for a man telling of his own death?" - -"That's the puzzle. It's the queerest thing I ever knew, Prescott, but -it isn't my province to ferret out the truth. My duty in the case is -done, and you know it. Now good-by." - -"One minute, Doctor. Will you tell me where you were that -afternoon--the afternoon of the murder?" - -Davenport stared at him. - -"Meaning that you suspect me of the crime?" - -"I haven't said so. Are you one of those people who think every -question a detective asks implies an accusation? There might be a -dozen reasons for my asking you that besides suspicion of you as -Gleason's murderer." - -"Well, of course, I've no reason for not telling. I left the Club with -Dean Monroe. I set him down at his home, in West Fifty-sixth Street, -and then I made a short round of calls. Not more than three or four, -special cases. And while I was at Mrs Ballard's the message came from -Nurse Jordan. Satisfied of my alibi?" - -Davenport's tone was sarcastic, and his smile was not pleasant. But, -as Prescott reflected, nobody likes to be wrongfully suspected. - -A fleeting thought went through the detective's mind that if Doctor -Davenport had killed Gleason he might have done so when he went down -there at seven o'clock. But that would mean that Nurse Jordan told a -string of falsehoods, and the whole affair would have been a most -complicated proceeding. No, if the doctor were the murderer, he would -not have called up Pollard to get that address. - -But did he do that? Prescott went away and went straight to a -telephone booth and called Pollard. - -"What?" Pollard said as he heard the query. "Called me up to ask -Gleason's address? Why, no--oh, yes, he did. I remember now. He did, -and I gave it to him. Why?" - -"Tell you some other time," said Prescott. "Good-by." - - - - -CHAPTER IX - -Ivy Hayes - - -"I've no faith in the police, no faith in detectives and no faith in -anybody!" - -This wholesale skepticism was voiced by Millicent Lindsay, and -addressed to her small audience of friends gathered in her library. - -"It's outrageous," she went on, "nearly a week has passed since my -brother's murder, and no real step has been taken to find his -murderer." - -"Steps have been taken," said Louis, "but they all seem to have been -taken in the wrong direction." - -"At any rate they led nowhere," Millicent went on. "Nobody knows -anything; nobody can explain the mystery of the two shots. Nobody -knows of any motive for the crime." - -"You've ceased to suspect Phyllis, then," Philip Barry said, his smile -a little forced as he eagerly awaited the answer. - -"I have and I haven't," Millicent returned, speaking slowly. "Of -course, it seems absurd to think a young girl like Phyllis would do -such a dreadful thing--but--she won't tell where she was, and, too, -she didn't like my brother--at least, she didn't welcome his offer of -marriage, and if she knew of his will, and I think she did, why -shouldn't I suspect her?" - -"Well, quit suspecting her," Louis growled. "Phyllis is as innocent as -a baby. You're off your head, Millicent, to dream of such a thing." - -"All right, why won't she tell where she was at the time of the crime, -then?" - -"She doesn't have to. Nobody really suspects her, and her affairs have -no reason to be inquired into. That right, Barry?" - -"Yes, of course. I think Phyllis would be wise to say where she was at -the time. But, I say, Millicent, I'm going to get busy myself, and do -a little detective work. Like you, I feel the investigations so far -have led nowhere." - -"Have you a suspicion----" began Louis. - -"Not a suspicion, exactly, but a pretty strong notion of which way to -look. I won't say what it is, for I had another hunch, that pretty -much fell through; but now I'm going to work on a new line, and I -think I may unearth something." - -"You won't," said Millicent, despondently. "You're all alike--dig up a -lot of evidence and then never prove anything from it. Do tell me, -Phil, what way your suspicions turn." - -"Why, yes, I'll tell you, for I think you ought to be kept informed. I -can't help leaning to the chorus girl theory. I feel sure that fur -collar was left by the girl at that time, and as I see it, she could -have gone there with some man, a friend of hers who either was jealous -of Mr Gleason, or who had it in for him for some other reason. Then -suppose, in a quarrel, the man shot Gleason--perhaps Gleason -threatened him--anyway, you can't tell what occurred, but I'm going to -find the girl." - -"You're all wrong," said Louis, and his voice was so full of -concentrated passion that Barry looked up quickly. - -"You're all wrong," Louis repeated; "the idea of a man shooting -another man before a girl! Do have a little sense of probability, -Barry." - -"I have, and it's not an impossibility that the deed should have been -committed before the girl witness. I've thought it all out. I don't -believe it was premeditated, but suppose the pair went there to settle -a grievance and Mr Gleason lost his temper and threatened his -visitor--the man--and in a quarrel, the pistol was flourished about, -and the visitor grabbed it and shot, maybe in self-defense." - -"All theory," scoffed Louis. "Nothing at all to back it up." - -"I'm going to find out," Barry persisted. "I'm going to find the owner -of that fur----" - -"I wish you wouldn't, Phil." Louis' face was white and his voice -trembled a little. - -"Why, Louis," Millicent exclaimed; "what's the matter? Do you know -anything about this business? Actually, from your agitation you might -be unduly interested." - -"No! I don't know anything about it, but I think it's awful to hunt -down some poor little innocent girl----" - -"I'm not hunting her--I'm hunting the man who was with her." - -"A purely imaginary man!" Louis exclaimed. - -"So far. But if he doesn't materialize, there's no harm done." - -Just then, Phyllis came in with Manning Pollard. - -"We've been for a walk," she said, and the roses in her cheeks proved -the good effects of the exercise. "Mr Pollard said I needed more -outdoor air, so we walked forty-five blocks. I wish you'd go out, -Millicent, it would do you good." - -"Come on, Mrs Lindsay," Pollard suggested; "I'll take you next." - -"Thank you, I may go some other time. Now, we're discussing the case. -Sit down, and tell us what you think, Mr Pollard." - -"My opinion is no secret. I incline to some earlier acquaintance of Mr -Gleason's. Perhaps some one from his Western home, or from anywhere. -I've heard all the evidence that has been brought forward about any -one of his New York acquaintances, and I must admit there's not a -shred of it worth considering. Indeed, there's practically no -evidence--do you know of any, Barry?" - -"Only the fur collar," said Barry, with a decided nod of his head. "I -think, as that is the only piece of real, tangible evidence, it ought -to be run to earth. I believe Prescott tried to do so, but his effort -fell through, somehow. At any rate, I'm going to take up that clew, -and see if I can't get a line on the truth." - -"All rubbish," Louis growled. "Tell him not to do it, Pollard." - -"Why should I do that?" Pollard asked. "If Barry's sleuthing leads to -anything, I'll be glad of it. Like Mrs Lindsay, I want to know who did -this thing. I don't have much faith in the fur collar sign-board, -myself, for I think the thing was left there by some little girl -caller, who had no connection whatever with the crime." - -"Maybe," Barry acquiesced. "But in that case, I'll do no harm. I -promise not to bother the little girl--why do we all assume her to be -little--if she knows nothing of interest to us." - -"How are you going about your task?" Louis asked. He was still annoyed -about it. His bent brows and frowning face showed a special interest -and a dislike of Barry's plans. He moved uneasily in his chair, -suddenly sitting bolt upright, and then falling back in careless -relaxation. - -"Do sit still, Louis," said Phyllis; "you make me quite -nervous--acting like that. I wish you'd go out for a walk. You sit -mewed up here, brooding, until you're in a perfect state of feverish -excitement. Run out, dear; go for a brisk walk. The air is fine and -bracing." - -Phyllis looked anxiously after her brother. - -He returned her gaze, seemed touched by her concern for him, and -finally rose and followed her advice. - -"I've always had the care of him," Phyllis said, as she looked fondly -after him. "He's a darling, but he has moods. And the best thing for -him is to get away from this eternal discussion of the 'case.'" - -"Perhaps you'd like to get away, too," said Millicent, tartly. "I -don't think you show any sympathy for me, Phyllis, in my trouble. But, -why should you? You've got your inheritance and you're rid of a -troublesome suitor----" - -"Don't talk like that, Millicent," Phyllis begged, tears in her eyes. -"Indeed, I do sympathize with you, and I'm ready and willing to do -anything I can to help you." - -"All right, then, turn your mind to thinking about who caused Robert's -death. You're a bright girl, you have a really clever mind. Why can't -you ferret out the truth as well as a man? As I've been saying, I -don't think the police detectives get anywhere. I think friends know -much more about the possibilities and probabilities----" - -"We do," Barry agreed. "And to prove it, I'm going to start on my -search at once. I'm going down to the Gleason apartment, I'm going to -get that fur and take it with me, and I'll bet I'll find somebody in -the house, some busybody or curious woman who has seen a girl there -with that fur on. We all know Mr Gleason had friends among the younger -members of the theatrical profession. There's no use blinking that -fact, and I propose to find out something, at any rate." - -"Well, go on, then," urged Millicent, impatiently; "don't sit there -and talk about it! Start off, now." - -"I go!" and with a smiling good-by, Barry departed. - -"He won't do a thing," Pollard said, with an indulgent smile. "He's on -a wild goose chase. I'd like to help you, Mrs Lindsay, but I confess I -don't take any stock in the girls. Now, have you any old letters or -papers of your brother's that you can look over. I feel that in those -you might find a past acquaintance or some old quarrel or altercation -that might show you a way to look. This is only a theory, but it's as -plausible as any other I've heard put forth." - -"It is, Mr Pollard," Millicent agreed. "I've none of Robert's papers -here--they're all at his rooms still. And I suppose Mr Lane has charge -of them. But I can get them, and I shall do just as you've advised. Of -course, there may be something divulged that way, but I doubt if my -brother had an enemy out West. He was a much-liked man----" - -"I know that," Phyllis interrupted, "but you must admit, Millicent, -that even well-liked men may have enemies. There's lots about a man's -private life that would contradict the general impression of him." - -"That's you all over, Phyllis! You never lose a chance to cast a slur -on my brother's memory. I should think you would have a little -gratitude to the man who left you a fortune." - -"I have, Millicent. And you must not misconstrue my words as you do. I -am anxious, too, to find your brother's murderer. And if, as Mr -Pollard suggests, it may be some Western acquaintance, we must try to -find him. And Mr Gleason's private letters and papers may reveal -much." - -"Yes, I suppose so. Now, with Phil Barry after the chorus girl, and Mr -Pollard's suggestions of hunting among the letters, we, at least have -something to do. I shall send word to Mr Lane at once that I want all -the papers from Robert's desk." - -She went away to telephone, leaving Phyllis and Manning Pollard alone. - -"It's a mere chance," said Pollard, thoughtfully; "it may well be that -Mr Gleason would destroy any letters that are indicative of the sort -of thing we're looking for." - -"I don't think so," the girl returned. "I imagine Mr Gleason would -have kept such papers. You see, I knew the man better than you did. -You hardly knew him at all, did you?" - -"No; I never met him more than two or three times, and that in the -most formal way." - -"Yet you threatened to kill him!" - -"Don't put it that way, Miss Lindsay--please. My idle words have been -repeated till I'm tired of hearing them! I did say I disliked the -man--and I did. That's all there was about it." - -"I disliked him, too," said Phyllis, slowly. "I always had a nervous -dread of him. I don't know why, but he always affected me -unpleasantly, even when he was most kind." - -"Then you know what I mean. That unreasonable, inexplicable -detestation of his presence. So, of course, when the man was killed, -they assumed it was my work. I left it to them to find out where I was -at the time for I knew that would be a surer proof of my innocence -than if I vehemently denied guilt and tried to prove an alibi. But -you, too, I'm told, refuse to say where you were at the time of the -crime." - -"Yes," Phyllis whispered. "Don't ask me. I don't want to tell. I have -good reasons for my silence, truly." - -"And not connected with Mr Gleason's death." - -Pollard did not voice this as a question, but merely as a statement of -fact, and Phyllis gave him a glance of gratitude for his faith in her. - -But she did not corroborate his assertion and his inquiring glance -that followed met with no definite response. - -"Now is there anything I can do?" Pollard asked, after a more or less -desultory chat. "I'm at your command----" - -"I thought you were a very busy man," and Phyllis smiled at him. - -"Not when I can be of any assistance to you or Mrs Lindsay. Though now -that you have come into a great fortune, perhaps an humble pen-pusher -will cease to interest you." - -"No," said Phyllis, seriously; "on the contrary, I shall have more -need than ever of friends who can advise me in certain ways." - -"Surely your lawyer will do that. Lane is a most capable legal -adviser----" - -"I don't mean that. I mean in other ways--things on which I wouldn't -dream of discussing with Mr Lane. Oh, I have awful troubles----" - -"I'm so sorry." Pollard's serious, kindly manner carried conviction. -"I'd be glad to help you, but in important matters you'd better -consult some one of sound judgment and special knowledge. If you don't -care to confide in Lane, ask him for the type of adviser you do need." - -"But, Mr Pollard," the girl hesitated, "it isn't a question of special -knowledge at all. I just want advice from some man of the world--a man -of our set, of our interests. Somebody who knows what to do in a -crisis----" - -"Please, Miss Phyllis--don't talk like that! If you do, I shall be -tempted to offer my own services, and I'm sure there are many better -fitted for the position." - -"Oh, I wish you would help me----" - -"Why not go to Barry?" - -"Phil Barry? He's a dear, and a good friend to me, but he has what is -known as the artistic temperament--and you know what that means. -No--the weight on my mind--the awful quandary I'm in, couldn't be -helped by him. He's the last man to help me. Oh, Mr Pollard--I -oughtn't to ask you--in fact, I oughtn't to tell anybody--but I feel -so helpless. Perhaps Mr Lane would be the best one after all. I don't -know what I ought to do!" - -Pollard looked at the lovely face, so full of grief and uncertainty. -He wondered what it could be about. Was it the exaggerated fear of a -young girl, that had little or no real foundation. Or--could it be -possible that she had some knowledge, guilty or evidential, of the -Gleason affair. - -After a pause the man spoke. - -"Miss Phyllis," he said, with a gentle courtesy, "I want to help you, -more than I can tell you--more than I ought to tell you. But I'm not -going to take advantage of what may be merely a mood of confidence. -You think things over; you consider your other friends--or legal -advisers--and after careful thought, if you want to make me your -confidant, I shall be honored, and I will advise you to the best of my -powers. But don't be hasty. Think it over well, and--may I see you -to-morrow?" - -"How kind you are!" the girl held out her hand with a pretty impulsive -gesture. "That's just what I want; to think it over a little and -decide whether I want to tell Mr Lane,--or whether I'd rather confide -in a--a friend." - -"Of course you do," was the hearty response. "And Lane, who has wide -knowledge, is also a good friend. Consider carefully, and decide -slowly. But depend on me to the last ditch, if I can be of help." - -Meantime Philip Barry was on his quest. - -He had decided on straightforward measures, and, gaining an accurate -description of the fur piece, had gone directly to the home of Ivy -Hayes, whose picture, he knew, graced the Gleason apartment. - -He found the young lady and obtained an interview without difficulty. - -"Well?" she said, as she appeared before him. - -He saw a slim young thing, who might have been any one of thousands of -young girls one meets everywhere, in the street or on the streetcars. - -Muffs of dark hair over her ears; hand-painted cheeks and lips; saucy, -powdered nose, and a slender shape encased in a one-piece frock, both -scant and short. - -"Miss Hayes?" said Barry, bowing politely. - -"The same. And you are----?" - -"Philip Barry." - -"Oh, are you? Hello, Phil, what's the big idea." - -"Only to learn if you lost your fur collar?" - -"H'm. My sable one--or my chinchilla?" - -"Neither," Barry couldn't help smiling at the impertinent face; "your -gray squirrel." - -"Oh, that one. Now, s'pose I say no?" - -"Then you're out one piece of fur." - -"And s'pose I say yes?" - -"Then you get your fur back, but you'll be asked a few questions." - -"Guess it's worth it. Where's the pelt?" - -"The police have it." - -"Lordy!" Ivy dropped into a chair and pretended to faint. "Now how -does that come about?" she asked, cocking one eye up at her caller. - -"Oh, I fancy you know." - -"Come on--let's put all the cards on the table. You don't think I had -anything to do with the--the fatal deed, do you?" - -"What fatal deed?" - -"Don't be silly. I told you to be frank. Old Gleason's murder, to be -sure." - -"You left your fur there?" - -"Yep, I did." - -"The day of the murder?" - -"Sure. I was there that afternoon." - -"You admit this!" - -"Why not? It'd be found out anyway, and, as I didn't have anything to -do with the shooting, I don't see why I don't get my fur back. It's an -awful nice little collar." - -"You'll get it back, Miss Hayes; and now, instead of waiting for a -police detective to interview you, suppose you tell me all you know -about the matter." - -"I don't know much, but what I have is yours. I went round there, that -afternoon, on--an errand." - -"What was the errand? You may as well tell as to have me drag it out -of you." - -"That's so. Well, our old gentleman friend said he'd give a party for -me and a few friends. Oh, a nice, proper supper party--after the -theater some night. I'm in the chorus now. Used to be in the movies. -Anyway, he promised and promised, and never set the time. So I -telephoned and telephoned and I couldn't get him to make a date, so I -just went round there to try and persuade him." - -"Did you see him?" - -"Sure I did." - -"Did he make the date?" - -"No; the old fourflusher! He crawled out of it, and said if I'd let -him off he'd give me a nice present. Said he'd take me to any jewelry -shop I chose, to pick it out. Said he'd take me the next day. Now, you -don't suppose I'd croak a guy that was about to give me a bracelet, do -you?" - -"I do not. And you were so excited you came away and left your fur -there?" - -"Just that! I wasn't sure I did leave it there, for I was at two or -three other places that day. When do I get the squirly?" - -"Oh, in a few days, I should say. I'll take your yarn to headquarters, -and they'll do the rest. But, I say, when you came away from there, Mr -Gleason was alive and well?" - -"You bet he was! He fairly shooed me out--he was in a hurry to get -ready to go to a party or something. Oh, my gracious!" - -"What's that exclamation for?" - -"Nothin'. A pin stuck into me." - -Barry knew better. A sudden thought had come to the girl, a thought -that filled her with dismay for some reason. But Philip Barry felt the -matter was getting too serious for him, and he decided to put it in -the hands of the police. - -He went straight back to the Lindsays'. - -"Come in, Mr Barry," was the first greeting he heard, as he entered -the library, where several people were sitting in conclave. "You're -just the man we want!" - -The speaker was Prescott, the detective, and he held an open letter in -his hand. - -"We've nailed you," he said to Barry. "No use your saying much. This -letter speaks for itself." - -Mechanically, Barry took the paper the detective handed to him. - -It was a letter, typewritten, on club paper. In ran thus: - - Mr Robert Gleason: Sir: - - There is small necessity of words between us. Unless you - see fit to cease your attentions to a lady of our mutual - acquaintance, I shall take matters into my own hands and - shall so arrange things that it will be impossible for - you to annoy her further. - - Philip Barry. - -The signature, pen signed, was undoubtedly Barry's own, and the date -was the day before the murder. - - - - -CHAPTER X - -The Signed Letter - - -Philip Barry stood staring at the paper the detective had handed to -him. - -"What foolery is this?" he said, angrily. "I never saw this before." - -"No?" said Prescott, a sarcastic smile on his face. "How'd you write -it then? Blindfolded?" - -"So it was you!" Millicent Lindsay cried. "I knew we'd get at the -truth, but I didn't think you were the criminal, Philip! Oh, you may -as well own up--the proof is positive!" - -"Not positive," Phyllis said, looking at Barry, kindly. "It isn't sure -that Mr Barry killed Mr Gleason, just because he wrote this note--is -it, Mr Prescott?" - -"Looks mighty like it," the detective returned. "But we'll listen to -what he has to say. You wrote this?" - -"I did not!" and Barry's eyes flashed ominously. "I tell you I never -saw it before." - -"That is your signature?" - -"It looks like it, I admit, but it can't be, for I never wrote that -letter. Where'd you get it?" - -"In Mr Gleason's desk. At his apartment. As you see, it's dated the -day before the murder took place, it's--to say the least--a bit -incriminating. What's your explanation?" - -"I haven't any--I----" - -"Wait a minute, Mr Barry." Prescott spoke seriously. "Here's a -threatening note, signed by yourself, written on your Club paper to Mr -Gleason. Unless you can prove that signature forged, I think your -denial of any knowledge of this document cannot be believed." - -"Believe it or not," Barry stormed, "I tell you I never wrote that. I -never saw it! I don't know anything about it! I've been out -investigating the case, getting evidence and all that, and I came back -here with it and you thrust that thing at me! I tell you it's a -forgery! Somebody's trying to get me into this thing--but the game -can't be worked!" - -"Will you sign your name, Mr Barry?" Prescott asked quietly. - -"No, I won't! I deny your right to ask it!" - -"But a refusal is a tacit admission----" - -"No admission at all! I refuse to do a silly thing like that! The -signature does resemble mine--but it can't be mine, for I didn't write -it." - -"Have you any of Mr Barry's signatures in your possession?" Prescott -asked of Phyllis. - -"No," she said, promptly, and though Prescott doubted her word, he -didn't say so. - -"How silly!" Louis exclaimed. "It's dead easy to get a signature of -yours, Phil, why not write one now, and have it over with. Of course -the thing is a forgery!" - -Apparently seeing the sense of this, Barry went to the desk and dashed -off his name on a sheet of paper. - -"There!" he cried, angrily, as he flung it at Prescott. - -The detective examined the two, and gave a short whistle. - -"Well," he declared, "if I knew of anybody who could forge as well as -that--I'd get him behind bars as quick as possible! Why, man, the -signatures are identical! As to the typing, that is as personal as -penmanship. Have you a typewriter?" - -"No"; growled Barry, looking like a wild beast at bay. "I haven't." - -"Do you ever use one?" - -"No." - -Louis looked up, with such a surprised air, that Prescott said, "Yes, -you do. Whose?" - -"Nobody's," repeated Barry, now furiously incensed. "You quit these -absurd questions! I won't answer any more!" - -"Why, Phil," said Phyllis, gently, "don't get so angry. Mr Prescott is -only trying to find out about this letter." - -"And an important letter it is," cried Millicent. - -She was greatly excited, her eyes flashed and her lips trembled, as -she fairly glared at Barry. - -"So you're the criminal," she went on, "you killed my brother! Some -need to ask why! Just because you're in love with Phyllis and you -found Robert was cutting you out! A fine way to remedy matter--to kill -your rival!" - -"Oh, Millicent," Phyllis begged, "don't jump at conclusions like that! -Even if Phil did write that letter it doesn't prove he killed Mr -Gleason." - -"No"; Barry said, as if struck with a new view of it all; "even if I -did write that, it proves nothing further." - -"Oho!" said Prescott, "you're admitting that you wrote it, then?" - -"I admit nothing. I deny nothing. I only say----" - -"Don't say anything, Phil," Louis warned him. "You say too much, -anyway. Prescott's on the job, let him find out who wrote the letter, -and who signed it." - -"As if there was any doubt;" the detective scoffed. "But, laying aside -the question for the moment, did you say, Mr Barry, that you have been -doing some investigating on your own account?" - -"On my own account, and on account of my friends here," Barry replied, -but his tone and expression betrayed agitation. "I've found out who -owns the fur collar." - -"Who?" Prescott asked. - -"Ivy Hayes." - -The effect of his announcement was slight on all present, except Louis -Lindsay. He started, looked frightened, began to speak and then -checked himself. - -"Well, Louis," Barry said, "out with it! I know you're interested in -Miss Hayes--what's the word?" - -"This is the word," said Louis, and his low voice was intense and -incisive, "if you or anybody else undertakes to drag Ivy Hayes' name -into this muddle, you'll have to reckon with me!" - -"Oh, come, now," Prescott smiled, "in the first place, I won't have my -case called a muddle--next, if Miss Hayes or anybody else is connected -with it in any way, she's in it already, without having to be dragged -in--as you call it. Go on, Mr Barry, what did you learn from or about -Miss Hayes?" - -"I learned that she was in Mr Gleason's apartment the afternoon of the -murder----" - -"She wasn't!" Louis exclaimed, "She wasn't!" - -"Oh, hush, Louis," Barry said, contemptuously, "she told me herself -she was." - -"Go on," said Prescott. - -"She left Mr Gleason alive and well, when she departed." - -"At what time?" - -"She doesn't remember exactly--it's the hardest thing in the world to -make people assert a time. But I gathered it was not far from six -o'clock when she left Gleason's rooms." - -"That's getting pretty close to the time of the murder," Prescott said -thoughtfully. - -"Oh, she didn't kill Gleason," Barry put in, "He was planning to take -her next day to buy a bracelet--as Ivy said, why would she kill a man -who was about to do that?" - -"You innocent!" exclaimed Millicent; "of course, she said that to pull -the wool over your eyes! I don't believe you did it after all, Phil! I -believe it was that Ivy person! A girl like that wouldn't leave her -fur collar, unless she went away in a fearful hurry or trepidation." - -"A point, Mrs Lindsay," and Prescott looked at her admiringly. "It -would indeed denote a preoccupied mind, to leave a fur collar. And she -was there about six, you say. But the man wasn't killed till nearly -seven." - -"Oh, she didn't tell the truth about the time," said Millicent, -nodding her head sagaciously. "I'm surprised she admitted being there -at all--but, I'm told they always slip up on some details." - -"Well, at any rate, there are several matters to be looked into," -Prescott said, rising to go. "I'm interested in your story of the -Hayes girl, Mr Barry, but I'm even more interested in this letter you -wrote." - -"I didn't write it, I tell you!" - -"I know you tell me so, but I can't take your word for that. I'm going -to consult a penmanship expert. And, if you'll take my advice you -won't try to leave town--for, you'd find it difficult." - -"Meaning I'm to be under surveillance?" - -"Oh, well, the matter has to be cleared up," Prescott shrugged. - -"Perfectly ridiculous!" Barry stormed on, after the detective had -gone; "you know, don't you, Phyllis, I had nothing to do with the -matter?" - -"Of course," Phyllis replied, but her voice was disinterested and her -gaze was far off. "But, look here, Phil, tell me something. When can I -get my money--or some of it?" - -"How much?" - -"Twenty thousand dollars." - -"Whew! What do you want of all that? Are you mercenary, Phyllis?" - -"No; but I want it----" - -"Oh, she does!" cried Millicent. "She's been harping on that all day. -I think it's disgraceful! She thinks of nothing but that." - -"Oh, no, Millicent," and Phyllis' face flushed painfully--"I do want -some ready cash, for an important purpose----" - -"And sometimes I go back to my first idea that you killed my brother," -Mrs Lindsay glared at her stepdaughter. - -Millicent Lindsay was becoming more and more nervously unstrung about -her brother's death. Hers was a super-emotional nature, and combined -with a desperate spirit of revenge, she grew excited every time the -subject was discussed. And as she never lost a possible chance to -discuss it, the state of her nerves was becoming permanently affected. -Not content to leave the matter to detectives, she continually -discovered, or thought she did, new evidence, and promptly changed her -suspicions to correspond. She transferred her accusations from one -suspect to another with remarkable speed and often unjustifiable -assurance. - -At present she was quite willing to believe in the guilt of Ivy Hayes -or Philip Barry, or, as she just stated, to turn back to her original -suspicion of Phyllis. - -"Oh, Lord," Barry groaned, "you're the limit, Millicent! You are quite -capable of believing every one of us killed Gleason! Why do you except -old Pollard from your mind? He said he was going to do it, you know." - -"Yes; that's why I know he didn't! If he had intended it, he wouldn't -have said so." - -"I say, Mill, you do have flashes of insight," Louis said, "that's the -way I look at it." - -"But I saw Pollard down in the vicinity of Gleason's place today," -said Barry. "Now, what was he doing down there?" - -"Drawn back to the scene of his crime!" Louis chaffed. "They say -that's always done. No; Phil, you can't hang anything on Pollard. -Prescott checked up his movements at once. Also, I want you to drop -Ivy Hayes' name. For my sake, old chap, do let up on that. Now, what -about yourself? Explain that letter, boy." - -"I can't," Barry looked troubled. - -"Oh, bosh. Why not own up you wrote it, but you didn't mean murder and -didn't commit murder. That's the truth, you know." - -"No, Louis--I didn't write it." - -"'Scuse me, but your tone and look are not those of a man telling the -pure unvarnished. Now, I know that nobody on this green earth could -have written that signature but Philip Barry himself. And I also -recognize the typewriter you used. As Prescott says, typing is as -traceable as penmanship, and that note was written on the machine in -the writing room at the Club. It's been there for years, and we all -write on it now and then. So you see, Phil, you'd better be careful -what you say." - -"Be quiet," Phyllis warned them; "here comes Mr Pollard; I don't -suppose you want him to hear this." - -"Why not?" said Louis, but Barry checked him with a look as Pollard -came in. - -"May I come?" he said, as he greeted the women. "I'm starving for a -cup of tea, and you asked me to come informally and unbidden----" - -"Of course we did," Phyllis smiled; "sit down, tea is imminent." - -"I've been writing my head off all day," Pollard went on, as he took -an easy chair. "Haven't even been out for a breath of air----" - -"Why--" Phyllis was about to say that Barry had seen him down near the -Gleason home, but she stopped herself in time. She had no wish to trip -up Phil Barry--indeed, her feelings prompted her to shield him--but -surely, surely, he had falsified in this instance! Why? - -There was but one answer. Barry was trying to make Pollard again -suspected. Notwithstanding Barry's insistence on Pollard's alibi, a -stray hint, such as he had given about seeing him down town, made -things questionable again. - -Quickly changing the subject, Phyllis made the conversation general, -and though the Gleason matter cropped up now and then, other topics -were mentioned. - -Also, Phyllis returned to her great desire to get some of her -inheritance at once. - -"Why, surely you can," Pollard said; "how much do you want? Can't I -advance you some?" - -"No; I want twenty thousand dollars, and I don't want to say what -for." - -Like a flash, Pollard's mind went back to that afternoon--the day of -the murder--when he saw Phyllis pass him in a taxicab. He had been -standing, he remembered, in the corner of Fifth Avenue and -Forty-second Street, and he distinctly saw Phyllis, and a strange man -with her. She had not seen him--of that he was sure--and now, as she -voiced this strange desire, he wondered what in the world she had been -up to. - -"I'm not asking what you want all that for," he said, with a kindly -smile, "but maybe you'd care to say." - -"No; I wouldn't." Her face was pink, but her voice was calm and her -glance at him steady. "I will say, however, that it is for a purpose -which no one could disapprove of----" - -"Then why not tell?" Millicent exclaimed. "That's Phyllis all over, Mr -Pollard; she'd make a mystery out of nothing! If her purpose is a good -one, why keep it so secret? I'll tell you why; only because Phyllis -loves to create a sensation! She loves to be wondered at and thought -important." - -"Oh, Millicent, what nonsense!" Phyllis blushed painfully now. - -"Let up, Mill," Louis said; "my sister is not like that. I can easily -understand why she might want a round sum of money, for a perfectly -good reason, yet not want to tell everybody all about it. And she -ought to have it, too. Lane could give it to her, if he chose----" - -"He says he can't," Phyllis said. - -"I'll be glad to lend it to you," Pollard told her, "as soon as I can -get it together. I've stocks I can sell----" - -"Don't you do it, Mr Pollard," said Millicent. "Phyllis can wait. -There's no such desperate haste--or, if there is----" - -"Hush, Millicent!" Louis spoke sternly. "You're going to insinuate -something about Phyllis and the--the affair--and I won't have it!" - -"Oh, Mr Pollard," Millicent broke forth, "you haven't heard about Phil -Barry's note, have you?" - -"No, he hasn't," said Barry, looking daggers at Millicent; "but, of -course, he soon will, so I'll tell it myself. Why, Pol, a note has -been discovered among Gleason's papers, signed by me." - -"Well, did you sign it?" - -"Never! But----" - -"If you didn't sign it, why bother? Experts nowadays can tell -positively a forgery from a real signature. You're all right. But what -was the note? Of any importance?" - -"Oh, it contained what might be looked upon as a threat against -Gleason's life." - -Pollard smiled involuntarily. - -"We're in the same boat, then, Phil. You know I'm accused of -threatening the same thing." - -"Yes, but you did threaten it--I heard you. And you were just talking -foolishly. But this written matter is different. The thing said if -Gleason didn't let Phyllis alone, I'd do for him." - -"Why, internal evidence, then, proves you never wrote it. You wouldn't -express yourself in that way in a thousand years." - -"I haven't quoted it verbatim. That's only the gist of it." - -"Oh, well; tell me more. Is it all written by you--apparently?" - -"No; but it's on that typewriter--over at the Club--you know----" - -"I know," Pollard looked serious now. "A note written on that old -junk-heap, and signed by you--I don't get it, Phil." - -"Of course you don't, Pol, I don't myself! There's a conspiracy -against me, I believe! Somebody----" - -"Oh, come, now, Barry, what sort of talk is that? You had no animosity -against Gleason----" - -"Oh, didn't I? Well, then, I did--very much so!" - -"Phil, stop!" cried Phyllis. "Don't you see you oughtn't to say such -things? Please don't." - -"It doesn't matter, here among ourselves," said Pollard, "but speak -out, Phil; say where you were at the time of the murder. Quash all -possibility of suspicion at once. I used that bravado stunt, and -though it's all right now--yet it made him a lot of bother. I wouldn't -do it again, nor advise any one else to." - -"Do what again?" asked Millicent. - -"Oh, that smarty-cat business of not telling where I was at the hour -of the crime. Of course, being right there at home, I knew they'd have -to prove it, but it was sheer, silly bravado that made me refuse to -speak plainly and tell my own story. And, now, that the case is -farther along, I'll tell you, Phil, you make a mistake if you try that -fool game. Speak up, man, where were you?" - -"Why," Barry spoke slowly, "I left the Club with you." - -"I know you did. We walked together down to your street, -Forty-fourth--and then you turned off and I went on down home. What -did you do next?" - -"Nothing. Just dressed for dinner." - -"Hold on, there was a long time in there. We parted about six, and -dinner was at eight. Dressing all the time?" - -"Yes--yes, I think so. Or in my room, anyway." - -"Anybody see you?" - -"Oh, I don't know. Let up Pollard, I won't be quizzed!" - -"I'm not quizzing you, old chap, but I'm warning you that others will. -What you tell me about this letter, doesn't sound good to me. I don't -say you wrote it, but I do say the experts will know--and if they -prove it on you--the letter I mean--you'll be questioned, and mighty -closely, too." - -"But I didn't do anything--I'm not afraid of being questioned." - -"All right, son. Neither was I. And when they questioned my hotel -people they were satisfied of my innocence. If you're fixed like that, -you're all right, too." - -Barry looked thoughtful. Pollard watched him, though not seeming to do -so. This letter business sounded queer to them all. - -Phyllis and Louis watched Barry in silence, but Millicent exclaimed: - -"Did you do it, Phil? Oh, say you didn't. I can't stand suspense--tell -me the truth." - -"No, Millicent, of course, I didn't kill your brother," Barry said; -"nor did I write him a letter saying I would do anything----" - -"That's enough, Barry," Pollard said, cordially. "I wouldn't ask you -myself, but since you make that statement, that's all I want to know. -Now, about that money, Miss Phyllis. I'm sure I can get it for you -inside of forty-eight hours. Will that do?" - -"Yes," and Phyllis gave him a grateful look. "I hate to ask you, but -Mr Lane only laughs when I talk to him, and tells me not to be -impatient." - -"Most girls are impatient," Pollard smiled. "Very well, then, I'll -bring it to you day after tomorrow--or tomorrow, if possible." - -And then, to their surprise, Prescott returned, and asked Barry to go -with him to the District Attorney's office, which, perforce, and with -a bad grace, Philip Barry did. - -"Oh, say you think he is innocent," Phyllis begged of Pollard, after -Barry's departure. - -"I would say so," Pollard returned, "but if that note is proved to be -from him, it looks a little dubious." - - - - -CHAPTER XI - -Miss Adams Again - - -"Everything looks dubious!" Millicent exclaimed. "I do think it's a -shame! Here the days are flying by and absolutely nothing done toward -discovering who killed my brother! Unless the police achieve something -soon, I shall get a private detective." - -"Oh, they're no good," Louis advised her. "They're terribly expensive -and they make a lot of trouble and never get any results, anyway." - -"You speak largely, Louis," Pollard said, smiling at the boy. "Do you -know all that from experience?" - -"No, not exactly; but I've gathered some such convictions from what -I've heard of private detectives as a class." - -"What about Phil Barry and that letter?" Phyllis asked, her great eyes -full of a troubled uncertainty. - -"He must have written it," Louis declared. "Isn't that right, -Pollard?" - -"I don't see any way out of it. It is most surely his signature, and -he often writes on that old machine. Also, he did have a grouch about -Mr Gleason's attentions to Miss Lindsay--that I know. But, I don't for -a minute think he meant to kill Gleason and I don't think he did. But -the note will make him a lot of trouble." - -"You still suspect some Western friend?" said Millicent, looking -earnestly at Pollard. - -"Scarcely a friend! But I do think that's a reasonable supposition, -for I can't see any real indication anywhere else." - -At this point Lane arrived, and joined in the wonderment about Barry. - -"It's most surely his signature," Lane said, "I know it as well as I -know my own--and it's no forgery. Why should it be a forgery, anyway? -Supposing the murderer to be a Western man, or a chorus girl, or even -Doctor Davenport, who has most foolishly been mentioned in this -connection, why should he write a note and forge Barry's name to it?" - -"To throw suspicion on Phil," said Louis, simply. - -"Yes, of course, but, I mean, how could it be done? Your Western -stranger or your chorus girl can't get into the Club to use that -machine--" - -"Are you positive the note was written on that typewriter?" asked -Pollard, thoughtfully. - -"Yes; I looked it up. There are some broken letters that don't print -well, and that makes it unmistakable. Now Davenport could get access -to the typewriter, of course, but I can't see old Doc sitting down and -writing that note and forging Barry's name! Can you?" - -"No"; and Pollard smiled at the idea. "But Davenport and Barry hate -each other like poison." - -"Yes, they've an old quarrel, something about a Picture Exhibition -where Doc is a director, and didn't fall down and worship Barry's -pictures. But that's not enough to make a man kill." - -"No. Yet it was a deep full-fledged quarrel--rather more than you -represent it. However, I say, grant Barry wrote the note--which he -must have done, but don't hold it as proof positive of murder." - -"What else could he have meant by it?" Millicent asked, her eager face -demanding reply. - -"Well, as we are assuming he meant Miss Lindsay--and we've no real -right to assume that," Pollard smiled at the girl, "we may say he only -meant to cut Gleason out, and gaining the lady's hand himself, make it -impossible for Gleason to hope any more." - -"That's an idea," Lane said, "but you'd hardly think if that was in -Barry's mind he would have worded his note just as he did." - -"Yes he would," put in Louis. "Barry's a temperamental chap, and he'd -say anything. I know him--I like him, but he does do and say queer -things." - -"All artists do," Pollard observed. - -Millicent and Lane went off to another room to discuss some business -matters and Louis followed. - -"I'm glad you didn't mention that money before Lane," Pollard said; -"it's wiser not to." - -"Why?" and Phyllis looked at him curiously. But her eyes fell before -his gaze, and a faint blush rose to her cheek. - -"Because--forgive me if I seem intrusive--because I think you want it -for a purpose you don't care to talk about. And if so, the least said -the better." - -"You're right, Mr Pollard," and Phyllis looked troubled, "I don't want -anything said about it. Also, I don't want it in a check--that I -should have to endorse. Can't I have cash?" - -"Why, yes--if necessary. But it is wiser to have a check for your own -safety and security. Shall you get a receipt?" - -"I--I suppose so--I never thought of that." The lovely face was so -anxious and worried that Pollard's deepest sympathy was roused. - -"Let me help you further," he said, impulsively. "Oh, Phyllis, confide -the whole story to me. I'm sure I can help--and you can trust me." - -The frank glance that accompanied these words was also tender and -appealing. Phyllis knew at once that here was a friend--even more than -a friend--but at any rate, a man she could trust. - -"I can't tell you," she said, hesitatingly, "for it isn't all my secret. -I wish I could speak plainly--but----" - -"That's all right; don't tell me anything you're in honor bound not -to. But let me know what you can of the circumstances and let me -advise you. Can't I pay the money whenever it is due, and bring you a -receipt--and so save you unnecessary embarrassment?" - -"Oh, if you could do that!" Phyllis' eyes shone with gratitude and -pleasure at the thought of thus having her burden shared. - -But Lane's return to the room precluded further planning just then. - -"Pollard," Lane said, "I'm beginning to think things look a bit dark -for Phil Barry." - -"As how?" - -"Not only that letter business, which is, to my mind very serious, but -other things. Merely straws, perhaps, but they show the direction of -the wind. Mrs Lindsay told me that Barry said he saw you, Pollard, -to-day, down in the vicinity of the Gleason house. Then, Mrs Lindsay -said, you came in here and said you had been at home all day." - -"So I have," Pollard returned, staring at Lane. - -"Well, here's the funny thing. Only yesterday, Barry told me that he -had seen you over in Brooklyn--" - -"Brooklyn! I never go there!" - -"Well, Barry said he saw you there. Now, it's quite evident to me, -Barry is lying, and it must be in some endeavor to get you mixed up in -the Gleason matter." - -"It looks a little like that--but, how absurd! Why should he say he -saw me in Brooklyn?" - -"I don't know. You weren't there?" - -"No; I almost never go to Brooklyn, and I certainly was not there -yesterday. I haven't been there for a year, at least!" - -"I'm not quite on to Barry's game, but there's two cases where he -falsified in the matter of seeing you. Now, why?" - -"I say why, too. I can't see any reason for the Brooklyn yarn. I -suppose I can see a reason for his saying he saw me down in Washington -Square, if he means to try to fasten the crime on me. But, the -Brooklyn story I see no sense in. What do you think, Lane?" - -"I begin to think Barry's the guilty man, though up to now, I had -quite another suspicion." - -"A definite one? A person?" - -"Yes, decidedly so. And I've no reason to give up my suspicion--except -that Barry has loomed up more prominently than my suspect." - -"Speak out--who's your man?" - -"Yes, Mr Lane, tell us," Phyllis urged. - -"No; not at present. It's some one whose name has not even been -breathed in connection with the case, and if I suspect him wrongly it -would be a fearful thing to say so." - -"All right, if that's the way of it, better keep it quiet." Pollard -nodded his head. "Been all through Gleason's papers?" - -"Yes; and I can't find any letters from any one out West or anywhere -else who would seem a likely suspect. No old time feuds, or -present-day quarrels. If we except Barry." - -"And me." - -"You haven't a quarrel with him, Pollard--or had you?" - -"I had not. I never saw him more than three times, I think. And when I -said----" - -"Yes, I know what you said, and why. Don't harp on that, Pol, but try -to help me out in this Barry business. Can you see Barry going down -there and shooting Gleason?" - -Pollard was still for a minute; then he said: - -"I suppose you mean, can I visualize Barry doing the thing. No, I -can't. To begin with, he hasn't the nerve." - -"Oh, some quiet, inoffensive men pick up nerve on occasion." - -"Well, then, he hadn't sufficient motive." - -"A lady in the case is frequently the motive." - -"I daresay. Well, here's a final disclaimer. I was with Barry myself -until about six o'clock that night. I hold he wouldn't have had time -to go down to Gleason's after I left him, and get back and appear at -Miss Lindsay's at dinner time, quite unruffled and correct in dress -and demeanor." - -"Are you sure he did do this?" - -"Certainly; I was there myself." - -"But he left you, say, at six. Dinner was at eight. Seems to me that -was time for all." - -"Yes, if he rushed matters. It would, of course, imply premeditation. -He would have had to get down to Gleason's quickly--hold on, the -telephone message was received at Doctor Davenport's office at about a -quarter to seven--I remember the detective harped on that." - -"All right. Say he did commit the crime at about six-thirty, or -quarter to seven, that would give him time to get home and to the -dinner at eight. It all fits in, I think." - -"I suppose it does," Pollard agreed, slowly. "But, that would mean -that when he left me that afternoon, or evening--about six o'clock, -anyway, he had this thing all planned, and rushed it through. I submit -that if that were so, he would have been excited, or preoccupied, or -something. On the contrary, Lane, he was as calm and casual as we are -this minute. I can't see it--as I said in the first place." - -Then Phyllis spoke. - -"It's this way, Mr Lane," she said; "I happen to know that Phil Barry -told two untruths--or else, Mr Pollard did. I mean, Phil said, he saw -Mr Pollard twice, in places where he himself says he was not. Now -shall I believe the one or the other?" - -"Choose," said Pollard, smiling at her. - -"But, Miss Lindsay," Lane said, "don't choose because of your faith in -one man or the other. Choose by rational deduction from -circumstances." - -"That's just what I want to do," Phyllis replied. "And here's how it -looks to me. Phil Barry didn't tell the truth or else Mr Pollard -didn't. Now, Mr Pollard has no reason to prevaricate, and Phil, if -guilty, has. Therefore--and yet, I can't believe Phil shot Mr -Gleason." - -"I can," Millicent exclaimed. "I see it all now. Phil's madly in love -with you, Phyllis--as who isn't? I don't know what it is, child, but -you seem to set all men wild, and you so demure and sweet! Well, it's -common knowledge that Phil adores you. And we all know my brother did. -Now the theory or hypothesis or whatever you call it, that Phil was -jealous of Robert and killed him--after sending him that warning -letter--is, to my mind the only tenable theory and one that proves in -every detail. For, granting Phil Barry is the criminal, the letter is -explainable, the stories he told about Mr Pollard are explainable, and -the whole thing becomes clear." - -"Millicent," Phyllis said, looking at her seriously, "you are only too -ready to assume the guilt of any one you suspect at the moment. I -admit your theory, but--I can't believe Phil did it!" - -"No," cried Millicent, "because you are in love with Phil! That's the -reason you won't look facts in the face! I declare, Phyllis, you have -more interest in your foolish love affairs than in discovering the -murderer of my brother! But I am determined to find the villain who -shot Robert Gleason! I shall find him--I promise you that! I am not -mercenary, I shall devote every last cent of my money--or my brother's -money to tracking down the murderer." - -"Do you know," said Pollard, quietly, "it seems to me that we all look -at this thing too close by. I mean, too much from a personal -viewpoint. You, Mrs Lindsay, want to find your brother's murderer, but -you, Phyllis, and you, Louis, are more interested in whether friends -of yours are implicated or not. Isn't that so, Lane?" - -"Yes," agreed Fred Lane. "But, see here, Pollard, I'm laying aside -this personal interest you speak of, and I'm trying to go merely and -solely by evidence. Now, I think that the evidence against Phil Barry -is pretty positive." - -"Well, I don't,'" Pollard disagreed with him. "It is, in a way--but, -good Lord, man, lots of people may write to a person without intending -to kill him." - -"Not a letter like Barry's." - -"Yes, just that. Oh, for Heaven's sake, use a little intelligence! If -Barry had meant to kill Gleason, do you suppose he would have written -that letter? Never!" - -"Yes, I think he would." Lane spoke slowly and thoughtfully. "You see, -Pol, you're tarred with the same brush--I mean the artistic -temperament, and you ought to see that a man's mind works -spasmodically. Barry had the impulse to kill, I hold, and he wrote -that warning letter as--well, as a salve to his conscience, and there -it is." - -Meantime, Detective Prescott was on the job. He had taken Barry down -to the Washington Square house, but not to Robert Gleason's apartment. - -It was Miss Adams' doorbell he rang, and to her home he escorted -Philip Barry. - -Barry's anger had subsided from belligerent altercation to a subdued -sullenness. - -"You'll be sorry for this," he told Prescott, but as that worthy had -often been similarly warned, he paid little attention. - -"Now, Miss Adams," said Prescott, when they were in the presence of -the spinster. "I want you to tell me whether this is the man whom you -saw go into Mr Gleason's apartment that afternoon." - -Miss Adams scanned Barry carefully. - -They were all standing, and as the lady looked him over, Barry turned -slowly round, as if to give her every opportunity for correct -judgment. - -"Thank you," she said, quite alive to his sarcastic intent. "No, Mr -Prescott, this is not the man." - -"Are you sure?" Prescott was disappointed, not because he wanted to -prove Barry guilty of the crime, but because Miss Adams' negative made -it imperative for him to hunt up another man. For the caller of that -afternoon must be found. - -"Why, I'm pretty sure. Though, of course, clothes might make a -difference." - -"You said the man who came wore a soft hat." - -"Yes; but it was a different color from Mr Barry's. It was a dull -green--olive, I think." - -"It was after dark when he came, wasn't it?" - -"Yes; but the hall was lighted and I saw him clearly. But a man may -have two hats, I suppose." - -"I haven't," said Barry, shortly. "That is, I haven't two hats that I -wear in the afternoon. This is the only soft felt I possess." - -The hat he wore was of a medium shade of gray, an inconspicuous soft -hat of the latest, but in no way, extreme fashion. - -"That's nothing," Prescott said. "A man can buy and give away a lot of -hats in a week. Size him up carefully, Miss Adams; your opinion may -mean a lot. Never mind the hat. How does Mr Barry's size and shape -compare with the man you saw?" - -"Mr Barry is a heavier man," the lady said, decidedly; "also I feel -sure, an older man. The man I saw was slighter and younger." - -"Did you see his face?" - -"No." - -"Yet you're sure he was younger?" - -"Yes, I am. He was of slighter build, and a little taller, and he -walked with a jauntier step, almost a run, as he came up the stairs." - -"You are very observant, Miss Adams." - -"Not so very. I took him in at a glance, and he impressed me as I have -stated. I have a retentive memory, that's all. I can see him now--as -he bounded up the stairs." - -"In a merry mood?" - -"I don't know as to that. But the impression he gave me was more that -of a man in haste. He tapped impatiently at the door of Mr Gleason's -apartment, and when it was not opened instantly, he rapped again." - -"And then Mr Gleason opened it?" - -"Then somebody opened it. I couldn't see who. The man went in quickly -and the door was closed. That's all I know about it." - -Miss Adams sat down then, and folded her hands in her lap. She was -quite serene, and apparently not much interested in the matter. - -A fleeting thought went through the detective's mind that possibly -Barry had interviewed her before and had persuaded or bribed her to -say all this. But it seemed improbable. - -Barry, too, was serene. He seemed satisfied at the turn events had -taken, and appeared to think that Miss Adams' decision had cleared him -from suspicion. - -Not so the detective. - -"Well, Mr Barry," he said, "we've got to find another man to fit that -olive green hat, it appears. But that doesn't preclude the possibility -of your having been here that day, too. You didn't hang over the -balusters all the afternoon, I suppose, Miss Adams." - -Offended at his mode of expression, the lady drew herself up -haughtily, and said, "I did not." - -"But you saw no one come in who might have been Mr Barry?" - -"No." - -"Could he have come and you not have known it?" - -Miss Adams was about to make a short reply, and then thought better of -it. - -"I want to help you all I can," she said, "and I am answering your -questions carefully. I suppose any one could have gone into Mr -Gleason's apartment that day without my knowing it, but it is not -likely. For I was listening for the arrival of my niece, who, however, -did not come. I kept watch, therefore, until about six o'clock, or a -little after, then as I gave up all hope of my niece's coming, I also -ceased to watch or listen. Anybody may have come after that. I don't -know, I'm sure." - -Prescott ruminated. Whoever killed Robert Gleason may well have -arrived after six o'clock. For the telephone call didn't reach the -doctor until about quarter of seven, and if it were Barry, it must be -remembered he didn't part company with Pollard until six or after. - -It would seem then, that Miss Adams' testimony amounted to little, -after all. However, the man with the green hat ought to be found. - -"Tell us again of the young man," Prescott said. "See if you can -describe him so we can recognize some one we know." - -Miss Adams thought a moment, and then said: "No, I can't. He just -seemed to me like a young chap, an impulsive sort, who ran in to see a -friend. He came upstairs hastily, yet not in any merriment--of that -I'm sure. Rather, he gave me the effect of a man anxious for the -interview--whatever it might be about." - -"Didn't he ring the lower bell? Why wasn't Mr Gleason at his own door -when the chap came up?" - -"I don't know. I think he must have rung Mr Gleason's bell down -stairs, for the front door opened to admit him. But Mr Gleason didn't -open his own door until the visitor had rapped twice. Of that I'm -certain." - -"Do you think the girl who came before the young man did was still in -Mr Gleason's apartment?" - -"Why, I don't know." Miss Adams seemed suddenly more interested. -"Maybe she was. Maybe she didn't want to be seen there. Maybe----" - -She paused, and sat silent. Prescott gave her a minute or two, to -collect herself, for he felt sure there would be some further -disclosure. - -Meantime Barry had taken an envelope from his pocket, and was rapidly -sketching on it. A very few lines gave a distinct picture of a young -man. - -"Does that look like the man you saw?" he asked, holding it so that -Miss Adams could see it, but Prescott could not. - -"That's the man himself!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with -astonishment. - - - - -CHAPTER XII - -Louis' Confession - - -Before Prescott could snatch at the paper picture to do so, Barry had -torn the paper into bits and thrown them into the fire in the -old-fashioned grate. - -He laughed at the detective's chagrin, and said, "Nothing doing, -Prescott. If the man I sketched is the criminal, you must find it out -for yourself. If not, I'd be mighty sorry to drag his name into it." - -"I deduce, then, that his name is not already in it," Prescott -returned; "in that case, I can guess who it is." - -"Guess away," Barry said, not believing the statement. "I'll only tell -you the man I drew on that paper bore no ill will toward Gleason, so -far as I know. And, moreover, the fact of his coming here, and running -upstairs, doesn't necessarily prove him a murderer." - -"Tell me more of his appearance, Miss Adams," urged Prescott, hoping -Barry's sketch had refreshed her memory. - -For Philip Barry had a knack of characterization, and with a few lines -could give an unmistakable likeness. - -But the spinster could tell no more in words than she had already done -and Prescott was forced to be content with a vague idea of a young man -who ran lightly upstairs. - -"Was it Louis Lindsay?" he asked, suddenly, but the non-committal -smile on Barry's face gave him an impression that this was a wrong -assumption. - -At Prescott's request, Barry accompanied him to Gleason's rooms. - -The detective had a key and they went in. Except for some tidying up, -nothing had been disturbed since the day of the crime. The rather -commonplace furnishings were in direct contrast to the personal -belongings which were still in evidence. - -There were pictures and ornaments, books and smoking paraphernalia -that had been selected with taste and good judgment. - -The desk, too, was a valuable piece of furniture, and fitted with the -best of writing appointments. - -"Any more letters from you here?" Prescott said, as if casually, while -he took a bundle of papers. - -"Probably," Barry returned, shortly; "if one could be forged, more -could be." - -"Look here, Mr Barry," the detective said, seriously, "just explain, -will you, how that letter could have been forged? Experts have -concluded that the signature is yours. They say it is impossible that -your very distinctive autograph could have been written freehand, as -it evidently is, by any one but yourself. If it were traced or copied, -some deviation would appear. Now, granting that, there is still a -possibility that some one, evilly disposed, might have written the -typed message above your signature. But how do you explain that? Did -you ever sign a blank sheet of paper? Club paper?" - -"Never!" Barry declared. "Why should I do such a thing?" - -"Why, indeed! Yet, if you didn't, the letter must be all yours. Why -not admit it? The admission, to my mind, would be less incriminating -than the denial." - -"But I didn't write it," Barry insisted. "I didn't type it, or sign -it." - -"Then the murderer did," Prescott nodded his head, sagaciously. "Can -you make it out? I mean, can you suggest how it could be done? If you -had ever signed a blank sheet, it would be easy for him to write on -it, you see----" - -"Of course I never did! If I had done such an inexplicable thing I -should remember it! No; I can't suggest how it was done. It is to me -an insoluble problem, and I admit I'm curious. But I never saw that -letter until you showed it to me." - -Barry's straightforward gaze went far toward convincing Prescott of -his truthfulness, but he only said: - -"If you're the criminal, you'd be smart enough to throw that very -bluff. I don't believe you are--but--I don't know. You see, if you'd -admit the letter, you could more easily establish your innocence----" - -"No; Prescott, I couldn't establish my innocence by telling a lie. I -am innocent, and I know nothing about that letter. Now, work from -those facts and see where you come out." - -"Just here," and Prescott faced him. "If those are facts, then the -murderer forged that letter to hang the crime on you. Never mind now, -how he forged it, merely assume he did so. Then, we must infer, the -murderer is one who has access to the Club typewriter----" - -"Well," Barry was thinking quickly, "here's a suggestion--if, as you -say, the impossible was accomplished, and that letter was forged by -some one with Club privileges, why not Gleason himself?" - -Prescott stared. "Robert Gleason? Forge the letter?" - -"As well as any one else. He hated me--suppose it was suicide----" - -"Oh, bah! it wasn't suicide! That man had all there is of it to live -for! He had wealth, and he hoped to win Miss Lindsay for his bride. -Don't tell me he thought of suicide! Absurd!" - -"That's so," and Barry dismissed the idea, "But say he knew he was -doomed and wrote the letter to get me in bad." - -"Flubdub! Though, wait--if Mr Pollard's idea is correct, and the -murderer should be some Western friend--or foe--and, just suppose, -say, that he threatened Gleason's life so definitely that Gleason knew -he was doomed, and so----" - -"And so he manufactured evidence that he hoped would incriminate me?" -Barry spoke thoughtfully. "Ingenious, on your part, Prescott, but I -can't think it. The letter is too elaborate, too difficult of -achievement. In fact, I can't see how anybody did it!" - -"Nor can I!" Prescott turned on him. "And nobody could do it, Mr -Barry, except yourself. You've overreached the mark in denying it. The -forgery of that letter is an impossibility! Therefore, you wrote it." - -"Does that argue me the criminal?" - -"Not positively. But your denial of the letter helps to do so! If you -wrote it, and denied it at first, through fear, you are now, of -course, obliged to stick to your denial. But, criminal or not, that -letter was written and sent by yourself." - -"You're wrong, Mr Prescott; but as I can't even imagine who did it or -who could have done it, there's small use in our arguing the subject." - -And there was something in his tone of finality that helped to -convince Prescott of his entire innocence. - -The poor detective was at his wits' end. Every way he looked, he -seemed to be peering into a blind alley. Conferences with his -colleagues or his superiors helped him not at all. Lack of evidence -brought all their theories to naught. Unless something more could be -discovered the case seemed likely to go unsolved. Or, and this -troubled Prescott, unless something was discovered soon, the impulsive -and impatient Mrs Lindsay would employ a private detective. And that -would be small credit to the work of the force. So Prescott worked -away at his job. He went over the letters and papers in the desk, but -these gave him no further clew. There was no other communication from -Barry, though that, in itself, proved nothing. Yet had there been -another it would have been edifying to compare the two. - -"No clews," Prescott lamented, looking hopelessly about the room. - -"No," Barry agreed. "This detective work is queer, isn't it?---- Now in -story-books, the obliging criminals leave all sorts of interesting -bits of evidence or indications of their presence." - -"Yes, but real criminals are too canny for that. Not even a -fingerprint on the telephone or revolver, except Gleason's own. And -that, though meant to indicate a suicide, proved only a diabolically -clever criminal!" - -"How do you explain the telephone call after the man was fatally -shot?" - -Prescott grunted. "An impossibility like that can be explained only by -the discovery of facts not yet known. Maybe the doctors diagnosed -wrong----" - -"No, not Ely Davenport!" Barry declared. - -"Well, then, maybe the man telephoned before he was shot, but was -positive the shot was coming." - -"Telephoned in the presence of the murderer?" - -"Oh, I don't know! Didn't I tell you nothing could explain that but to -discover some _new_ facts? I haven't got 'em yet!" - -"Do you expect to?" - -"Honest, Mr Barry, I don't know. A case like this--so full of queer -and unexplainable conditions may suddenly become clear--or, it may -never do so!" - -"Isn't that true of every case?" - -"Well, I mean some unexpected clew may drop from the skies and clear -it all up at once, or it may never be solved at all. Most cases can be -worked out piece by piece, and require only patience and perseverance; -but when you strike the work of a super-criminal, as this certainly -is, then you have to wait for chance to help you. And that's mighty -uncertain!" - -"Well, I'll help you, Prescott, to this extent. I won't leave town and -I'll always be where you can find me. If you believe me, you can call -off your shadowers--if you don't, let them keep on my trail. But as to -any startling clew or evidence I can't promise to give you any." - -"Even if you get it yourself?" said the detective, quickly. - -"You have uncanny intuition!" exclaimed Barry. "I didn't say that." - -"Be careful about compounding a felony, sir." - -"Be careful about suspecting an innocent man," returned Barry, and -went away. - -The artist went to the Lindsay home, but not finding Louis there, -followed his trail to the Club. - -Getting him into a secluded corner, Barry asked him abruptly: "Were -you at Gleason's the afternoon of the murder?" - -"No; why?" was the reply, but the nervous agitation the boy showed -seemed not to corroborate his statement. - -"Because I've been told you were. Come across, Louis. Take my -advice--there's nothing to be gained from falsification. Own up, now. -You were there." - -"Yes, Phil, I was. But don't let it be known--for I didn't do for old -Gleason--truly I didn't! Any more than you did!" - -"Of course, Louis--neither of us killed that man. But I tell you it's -better to tell the truth." - -"But I won't be believed----" Louis whimpered like a child. "Don't -tell on me, Phil. Who said I was there?" - -"You were seen to go in." - -"By whom?" - -"A tenant on another floor. Better come clean, boy. What were you -there for?" - -"The old reason. I wanted money." Louis spoke sullenly, and his dark -eyes showed a smoldering fire. "I was in bad----" - -"Oh, Louis, gambling again?" - -"Quit that tone, Barry. You're not my father confessor!" - -"You'd better have one. Don't you see you're ruining your life--and -breaking your sister's heart--not that you'd care! You are a selfish -little beast, Louis! I've no use for you! But, listen, unless you tell -the truth when you're questioned, I warn you, it'll go hard with you. -Promise me this; if you're asked, admit you were there. If you're not -asked, do as you like about withholding the information." - -"I'll do as I like, anyway," and young Lindsay's eyes showed an ugly -light, though his glance at Barry was furtive rather than belligerent. - -"Of course you will, pighead!" Barry was thoroughly angry. "Now, tell -me this; were you at Gleason's at the time Ivy Hayes was there?" - -"No! What do you mean?" the astonishment was real. "When was she -there?" - -"Oh, she didn't kill Gleason. Don't worry about that. But it does seem -as if a great many people chose that day to call on the Western -millionaire." - -"And all for the same purpose!" Louis shot out, with a sudden incisive -perception. - -"Of course," Barry said, contemptuously; "I dare say I'm the only -suspect who can't be accused of killing the old man for lucre." - -"He wasn't so awful old--and, I say, Barry, who else is suspected -_but_ you?" - -"You!" Barry flashed back. "Or you will be! I meant to warn you in -kindness, Louis, but you're so ungrateful, I'll let you alone. Better -be careful, though." - -Louis sulked, so Barry left him, and went away. He went to Fred Lane's -office, and demanded an interview alone with the lawyer. - -"What's up?" Lane asked him. - -"Oh, nothing. That's the worst of it. I don't believe, Lane, that -they'll ever get at the truth of the Gleason murder." - -"Then they'll railroad you to the chair," said Lane, cheerfully. - -"What about the letter, Lane? Can you see through it?" - -"No, I can't. You wrote that signature, Phil; now think back and see -how or when you could have done it?" - -"Don't be absurd! I couldn't have done it, except as a signature to -that very letter, and I didn't do that." - -"But----" - -"But, look here, Lane--just supposing somebody wanted to blacken my -name--in this connection. What a roundabout way to take! Imagine some -one writing that screed on the Club typewriter, and managing somehow -to get my signature on it--could it be done with a transfer paper, or -something of that sort?" - -"Don't think so--it would be backward, then, wouldn't it?" - -"Why, yes----" - -"But did nobody ever persuade you to sign a sheet of blank paper? -Wanted your autograph, or that sort of thing?" - -"Never! I'm not a celebrity!" - -"Well, here's an idea! Did anybody ever get you to sign a paper -written in pencil? Then, he could rub out the pencil marks and type in -the letter?" - -"No, smarty! Why, that has been suggested by some one. But the expert -said that the pencil marks would show, even if carefully erased." - -"You mean the erasure would leave its traces. That's right, it would. -And if ever there was a genuine looking letter that's one." - -"On the surface, yes. But if I were a detective, I would note at once -that the letter itself is not in a phraseology that I would use----" - -"And if I were a detective, I should note that, too, and set it down -as a further proof of your cleverness!" - -"Hello, Lane, are _you_ convinced of my guilt?" - -"Not a bit of it, but I am frankly puzzled about that letter. It's so -positively Club paper, Club typewriter, your signature--what's the -answer?" - -"I'll find out--I swear I will!" - -"If you don't, old chap, it'll go hard with you, I fear." - -"As a starter, I'm going to see that Hayes girl. No, I don't think -she's implicated, but I may be able to get something new." - -"Go ahead. Sound her and you may, at least, find some new way to look. -Louis Lindsay never did it----" - -"Oh, no, I know that! He'd hardly have nerve to kill a fly!" - -To the home of Ivy Hayes Barry went next. - -The girl willingly saw him, and seemed glad to discuss the matter. - -After some preliminary conversation and as Barry grew more definite in -his queries, she began to be a little frightened, and was less frank -in her responses. - -"You came to see me before, Mr Barry," she said, "and I told you then -all I knew about this thing. Now, I've no more to tell." - -"I think you have. I remember the other time I was here, you had a -sudden recollection, or thought, and you gave a startled exclamation. -What was that thought?" - -"As if I could recall! I suppose I was nervous--I often jump like -that. It's--it's temperament, you know." - -"It was more than that. You did think of something that gave you a new -idea regarding Mr Gleason's murder or murderer. Now, don't say you -didn't, for I know it. Come across, Ivy, tell me what it was--or you -may get in deep yourself." - -"Tell me this, Mr Barry," and the girl spoke quietly and earnestly; -"is there any danger of my being suspected? For, if so, I'll tell -something. It's awful mean to tell it--but I've got myself to look out -for--oh, no--no! I don't know anything! Not anything!" - -"You do. You've already proved it. Now, Ivy, I won't exaggerate your -danger, but I'll tell you that I think the only real suspects they -have, as yet, are you and me. As I'm not the criminal, and as I shall -do my very best to prove that, suspicion may come back on you. I don't -say this to frighten you. I merely state the fact. So, don't you think -yourself that you'd better tell me what you know, and I assure you -that I will use the knowledge with discretion." - -"Oh, I can't tell," and the girl burst into tears. "I can't tell -anybody, and you least of all!" - -Barry stared. What could such a speech mean? - -"Please go away," Ivy moaned. "Go away now, and come tomorrow. Then -I'll decide what to do." - -"No," Barry said sternly; "you know something, and you must tell me. -If you refuse I'll go away, but I'll send Mr Prescott here--and I'm -sure you'd rather tell me--wouldn't you, Ivy?" - -Barry's tone was ingratiating, and too, his words carried conviction. -Ivy wiped her eyes and looked at him dolefully. - -"I don't know what to do. You see, for me to tell what I know would be -mean--oh, worse than mean--it would be too low down for words! And -yet--I don't want to be arrested!" - -"Then tell--tell me, my girl--you'll feel better to tell it." - -Barry sensed the psychological moment, and knew he must get the story -out of Ivy, while she was frightened. If she really knew how little -she was suspected, she might never tell. And Barry felt it imperative -that her knowledge be revealed. - -Persuaded by his urgency, Ivy began. - -"Well, you see, I went there about half past five----" - -"How do you know the time so well--most people don't." - -"Oh, I don't know how I know it, but I just happen to. I was due home -at six, so I went there at five-thirty, or within a few minutes of -that time. Does it matter?" - -"No; go on." - -"Well, I rang the bell, you know, and the door clicked open and I went -up and Mr Gleason let me in." - -"Yes." - -"Well, I hadn't been there hardly any time at all--not ten minutes, -anyhow, when Mr Gleason's bell rang again. And I said, 'Who is it?'" - -"What made you think he would know who it was?" - -"Don't know as I did. Guess I just said it--but, anyway--he -said--'It's Miss Lindsay--I expect her--she mustn't see you here!'" - -"What did you do?" - -"Why, he pushed me through into the dining-room----" - -"He never used the dining-room----" - -"Oh, he did sometimes. Well, anyway, the room was there--and he pushed -me in, and told me to go through the pantry and down the back stairs -and out that way." - -"Why did he push you? Weren't you willing to go?" - -"Yes, but I was rattled--bewildered. And, I've never seen Miss -Lindsay, and I was curious to see her. I didn't mind being found in Mr -Gleason's rooms, but he minded very much. And so he hurried me off, -and that's when he told me he'd give me the bracelet, if I'd sneak off -without making a sound." - -"And did you?" - -"Yes; but I waited a minute to try to see Miss Lindsay." - -"Did you see her?" - -"No; the door opened the wrong way. I peaked through the crack, but I -couldn't see her. I heard her, though." - -"You did?" Barry's nerves were pounding, his heart beat fast, as he -listened for, yet dreaded her further speech. - -"Yes, and I couldn't make out a word she said, her voice was so low. -But they were quarreling--or at least discussing something on which -they didn't agree." - -"What was it?" Barry controlled himself. - -"I don't know. Mr Gleason walked up and down the room as he talked--he -often did that--but it kept me from pushing the door a speck wider -open. In fact, he pushed it tight shut as he passed it." - -"Did he suspect you were there listening?" - -"Oh, I don't think so. He just closed it on general principles. Maybe -he thought I was there. But after that I couldn't hear a word, so I -went through the pantry and down the back way." - -"Anybody see you?" - -"I don't think so." - -"You're sure it was Miss Lindsay who was there?" - -"Yes. I heard Mr Gleason say 'my sister is your stepmother, I know,' -and again he said, 'Yes, you're Lindsay--you're both Lindsays--but -I've made my will----' that's all I heard." - -"What time did you leave there?" - -"It must have been about quarter to six, for I was home at six." - -"And Miss Lindsay was there when you left." - -"Oh, yes, she was there when I left." - -And then, Philip Barry's secret fear was confirmed. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII - -Philip and Phyllis - - -Philip Barry, though of the artistic temperament common to his -calling, had also a businesslike instinct that prompted him to -straight-forward measures in any case where he was specially -interested. - -And he was deeply interested in learning that Phyllis had been at -Gleason's rooms the afternoon of the murder, and he wanted the matter -cleared up to his own satisfaction. - -Wherefore, he went to Phyllis herself and inquired concerning it. - -"Were you at Mr Gleason's that day?" was his somewhat direct way of -opening the conversation. - -They were alone, in the Lindsays' library, and Phyllis, looking demure -enough in a little white house gown, was in perverse mood. - -"Good gracious, Phil, are _you_ beginning to suspect me? Go to -Millicent with your theories? She has thought from the first that I -shot her brother. Go over to her side, if you like." - -"I don't like! It isn't a question of 'sides'! And if it is, of -course, I'm on your side. You know that, don't you, Phyllis? You know -I'm for you, first, last and all the time." - -"Then help me, Phil, and sympathize, and don't come rushing in here -and screaming out, 'Was I at Mr Gleason's when he was killed?'" - -"I didn't say that!" - -"You did, practically. Now, what do you mean by it?" - -"Why," Barry hesitated, "why, I've been to see that----" - -"Ivy Hayes?" - -"Yes. And she said you were there." - -"Ivy Hayes said I was there! She must be crazy!" - -"Weren't you? Tell me you weren't, Phyllis. I'll be so glad to know -it. Where were you that afternoon, late? You never would say." - -"Why should I? I won't say now, either, but I was not at Mr -Gleason's." - -"Oh, then that's all right." Barry's tense expression relaxed, and he -smiled. "Then that youngster made it all up. I fancied she did--just -to make a sensation." - -"Why--what did she say, exactly?" Phyllis looked ill at ease. - -Barry couldn't suspect her sincerity, but he watched her as he told of -his interview with Miss Hayes. - -"She said I was there! That she was hidden in another room while I was -there! Why, I wasn't there at all!" - -"You didn't go to Mr Gleason's the day of--the day he died?" - -"No, I've never been there! Why should I go? It isn't my custom to go -to the homes of men I know. They call on me." - -"Of course, Phyllis--don't get angry, dear. I didn't think you'd go -there--but there might have been a reason--an errand, you know." - -"Well, there wasn't. I wish you'd all stop trying to find out who -killed that man! What difference does it make? He's dead, and it won't -bring him to life to punish his murderer. I think Millicent is foolish -about it." - -"It's natural, Phyllis, dear. It isn't exactly revenge, but more an -avenging spirit. It's human nature to demand a life for a life." - -"But it can't be found out. If they do arrest somebody, it'll most -likely be the wrong person." - -Phyllis looked very lovely as she drew her brows together in a -perplexed frown and then smiled. - -"Oh, make them stop, Phil. If you advise Millicent, she'll stop." - -"I'm afraid my sense of justice is too strong--" Barry began, but -Phyllis interrupted him: - -"It _is_ too strong if it's stronger than your wish to please -me," and she pouted like a scolded child. - -"Nothing in my heart is stronger than my wish to please you," Barry -said, gravely, "and you know it, Phyllis. If you make it a condition, -I will most certainly suggest to Mrs Lindsay that she give up her -quest. But, such advice would be against my own better judgment." - -"But why, Phil?" Phyllis was coaxing now. "Don't you feel sure they'll -never find the murderer?" - -"If they don't, Phyllis, they'll always suspect me." - -"What do you care--since you are innocent?" - -"I care very much! Why, my dear girl, do you suppose I could carry -that burden all my life? Always go about, knowing that many people--or -even a few people suspected me of Robert Gleason's murder? No; when I -think about it, I'm ready to move heaven and earth, if that were -possible, to find the true criminal!" - -Phyllis shuddered and her face went white. - -"Couldn't you forget in time?" she said, bravely struggling to speak -steadily. - -"Never! Why, Phyllis, that letter is enough to condemn me--only I -didn't write it." - -"Didn't you, really, Phil?" - -The girl leaned forward, and looked into his eyes so earnestly that -Barry recoiled in amazement. Did she suspect him? Phyllis! - -"Don't!" he cried out, "don't look as if you thought me guilty! You, -of all people!" - -"Oh, I don't," she said, quickly, "but I thought you might have -written the letter, meaning something else. The fact of your writing -it doesn't make you the criminal." - -"But I didn't. Listen, Phyllis--I love you--oh, sweetheart, how I love -you! but I've resolved not to ask you for love, until I can offer you -an unstained name----" - -"Your name isn't stained! I won't have you say such things!" - -Her sweet smile was encouraging, but Barry shook his head: - -"No, dear, you mustn't even be kind to me. I can't stand it! You know -my name _is_ affected until the mystery of that letter is -explained. It's the most inexplicable thing! Why, look at it! We -fellows all discussed murder, and discussed Gleason and that very day -he was killed and that letter was found in his desk! It was a piece of -diabolical cleverness on somebody's part!" - -"But, Phil, just as an argument. How could anybody write that letter -but you?" - -"I don't see, myself. But somebody did do it. I've thought it over and -over. I've looked at this letter through a lens, but there's no trace -of erased writing, nor any possibility of my signature having been -pasted into another sheet, or anything like that." - -"I've seen wonderful inlay work, where one piece of paper is joined to -another actually invisibly." - -"So have I, and I thought of that. But it wasn't done in this case. -That sheet of paper--Club paper, is absolutely intact, it is typed -just as I type things-a little carelessly--and the signature is like -mine. I would say it is mine, only--I didn't write it!" - -"Maybe somebody hypnotized you." - -"No; I've never been hypnotized--nor has any one ever attempted such a -thing with me. It's diabolical, as I said. But I'll find out if it -takes my life time! Now, you see, dear, why I don't want you to urge -me to stop investigation on the part of anybody. Besides, Mrs Lindsay -isn't the only one eager to solve the mystery. The detectives, the -police, are as anxious as she is." - -"I don't think so. I think they're getting tired of having no results. -I think, if Millicent gave up the search, they soon would do so." - -"But why? Why, Phyllis, are you desirous of having it given up?" - -"Oh, I don't know! I'm tired of it, that's all. And now, you're -dragging me into it----" - -"Phyllis, as you said to me--if you're innocent, your name can't be -harmed." - -"Well--suppose I'm not innocent--would you stop then?" - -Barry stared at her. He thought at first her speech was merely an -outburst of the perversity which now and then showed in her volatile -nature. But her face was drawn and white and her eyes dark with a sort -of terror he had never before seen her show. - -However, he saw no choice but to treat her speech lightly. - -"Oh, yes, of course! But until you tell me you're the villain of the -piece, I shan't be able to believe it." - -"I didn't like Mr Gleason." - -"Who did? Check up, now. If we're to suspect all who didn't like the -man, there's Pollard, Davenport, you, me----" - -"And Mr Pollard's mythical Westerner. Oh, Phil, I wish _he_ could -be found!" - -"Who? Pollard?" - -"No; the man he thinks came from the West--an old acquaintance of Mr -Gleason's." - -"Yes, he's a fine suspect, but a bit intangible. Perhaps he wrote the -note I signed!" - -"Don't jest, Philip. I'm--I'm so miserable." - -Phyllis bowed her face in her hands and cried softly. - -"Don't--don't, Phyllis, darling. For heaven's sake, keep out of the -muddle." - -"But you dragged me into it! You came here checking up on my -movements. Why did you do that?" - -"I told you why. Because Ivy Hayes said you were there." - -"Oh, yes--so she did. I forgot that. Well--maybe I was--maybe I -was----" - -"Phyllis, hush. You're talking wildly. And here's another thing. Where -was Louis that afternoon?" - -"Phil Barry, you stop! Are you going to accuse the whole family? Why -don't you ask where Millicent was?" - -"I ask about Louis because I've been told he was there." - -"And I was there! And Ivy Hayes was there! And the man from the West -was there! Quite a party!" - -Phyllis laughed shrilly--not at all like her usual gentle laugh, and -Barry watched her in alarm, lest she grow hysterical. - -"I won't," she said, divining his fear. "I'm not hysterical, but I'm -distracted. Oh, Phil, do help me!" - -"Of course I will, little girl," Barry held out his arms. "Come to me, -Phyllis, let's forget all the horrible things of life and just love -each other--and belong." - -"No," she drew away from him. "Not yet. If your name must be -cleared--so must mine." - -"But your name isn't even mentioned." - -"Yes, it is," Phyllis said, speaking in a dull, slow way, "yes, it -is--and the worst of it is, my name can't be cleared." - -"Hush," Barry cautioned, "somebody's coming in." - -The street door closed, and a moment later, Manning Pollard made an -appearance. - -The conversation, though general, was not spontaneous, and after a -short time, Barry took his leave. Though he did not consider Pollard -an actual rival of his in Phyllis' favor, yet he felt disgruntled when -the other was present. And, too, he wanted to go off by himself to -think over what Phyllis had said. - -He knew her too well to imagine for a moment that she was merely upset -by the whole situation and wanted the investigation to be stopped. - -He knew she had some definite and imperative reason for begging him to -quit searching and also that she meant something when she said her own -name could not be cleared. - -That remark, of course, could not be taken at its face value, but all -the same, it meant something--and he must find out what. - -Manning Pollard was confronted with the same question. - -Apparently unable to control her nervous fear, Phyllis said, at once: - -"Oh, Mr Pollard, can't you help me? I'm in such trouble. That Miss -Hayes says I was at Mr Gleason's the day of the murder!" - -"And were you?" - -"No!--or, well, maybe I was. But that has nothing to do with it. Can't -you hush up the Hayes girl? Must she tell of it, if I _was_ -there?" - -"It would be a pretty difficult matter to stop her mouth." - -"But if I paid her?" - -"Ah, then you would get yourself in trouble! Don't do anything of that -sort, I beg of you! Tell me all about it, Miss Lindsay. I'm sure I can -help--and if not, won't it relieve you to talk it over? What is the -new development?" - -"Oh, only that probably I shall next be suspected of the Gleason -murder!" - -"Yes?" Manning Pollard didn't look so intensely surprised as Phyllis -had anticipated. - -"Oh, I know Millicent has foolishly said that I did it--but she didn't -mean it. She'd suspect anybody from the mayor to the cook! But, now, -that little chorus girl--or whatever she is--has said that I was in -the room with Mr Gleason, when he----" - -"When he was killed! Oh, no!" - -"Why, she practically says that. It seems she was there herself." - -"She was there! When Mr Gleason was shot!" - -"Oh, she couldn't have been--could she? But--you see I don't know -exactly what she said----" - -"Then don't try to quote her, but tell me what you do know. Did she -try to implicate you?" - -"Yes--I think she did." - -"You're not sure----" - -"No; only she said I was there----" - -"Were you?" - -"I--I don't want to tell you----" - -"Miss Lindsay, don't tell me--don't tell anybody! If you were there -keep it to yourself--and if not--there's no occasion to say so. I -understand what you're trying to do. Keep it up. That's why I invented -the Western man!" - -"Invented him! You don't really believe in him?" - -"Oh, I suppose invented isn't the right word. But--of course, I've no -proof of his existence. He _may_ well be a fact--or, again, he -may not be. I only say that there's a possibility--even a probability -that Gleason _may_ have known somebody out there who came after -him here and killed him. Nobody can deny the possibility, at least." - -"No, of course not." - -"You've no idea of the identity of any such person?" - -"I? Oh, no." - -"It would be a good thing if you could remember Mr Gleason's having -told you of such a one." - -Phyllis looked up suddenly, and caught Pollard's meaning glance. Could -it be? Was he hinting that she should make up some such story. It -couldn't be! - -"Why?" she said, quietly. - -"I think you know," he spoke gently, "but if you want me to put it -into words, I will. The Hayes girl has told several people--Mr -Prescott among them, that you were at the Gleason rooms about six -o'clock that night. Now, you know, you have refused to say where you -were at that time--and it is not surprising that their suspicions are -aroused. For you to deny being there would not be half so efficacious -as for you to turn the thoughts of the detectives in some other -direction. Suppose, for instance, you were to remember some man Mr -Gleason told you of. Some name--let us say--and suppose the detectives -set themselves to work to find the individual. If they can't find him, -you harm nobody, and--you divert attention from yourself." - -Phyllis did not pretend to misunderstand. Nor did she treat the matter -lightly. - -"You think I am in danger, then?" she asked. - -"Oh, don't say danger--I don't like the word. But, your name will be -bandied about--will be in the papers--unless you quash the thing in -the beginning. You haven't admitted you were there, but, suppose it is -proved that you were, and suppose you tell of this man, of whom Mr -Gleason spoke to you--spoke to you at that very time--and suppose your -story is that you were there about six--that you left soon after--and -that Mr Gleason was even then fearing the arrival of this enemy of -his." - -Again Phyllis looked him in the eyes. - -Pollard was a magnetic man, his face inspired confidence, but more -than that, the girl read in the deep, dark eyes a troubled care for -herself--for her own safety and well-being. - -She knew Pollard admired her--most of her men friends did, but only -now was she aware of his passionate love. - -"It's a terrible thing that I'm advising," he said, in a whisper, "but -I realize the gravity of the situation. Phyllis--I care so much--so -much--and I can't help seeing how things are tending. You know I have -no shadow of suspicion of you--my beautiful--my darling--but others -will--others will be swayed by the Hayes story, and--though you left -the place before Mr Gleason was killed--yet it must have been only -shortly before--and somebody did come in and kill him--so, why not -say----" - -"I see your point, I see how I am endangered--even if I'm innocent. If -I'm innocent." - -"Why do you say that?" Pollard looked at her wonderingly. "At least, -don't say it to me! And forgive my abruptness, but I must tell you how -I love you. I must ask you if you can't love me--oh, Phyllis, even a -little? Do you, dear?" - -"Please, Mr Pollard--please don't say those things now--I'm -so-worried----" The soft eyes filled with unshed tears. - -"I know it, my little girl--I know it--and that's why--I want to be in -a position to help you--I mean I want to have a right--to let the -world know I have the right, to protect you. Will you give it to -me--Phyllis--will you?" - -The big man leaned toward her, his attitude reverently affectionate, -and Phyllis felt wonderfully drawn to him. He was so capable, so -efficient, and though she felt a sense of potential mastery in his -manner, she did not resent it, but rather rejoiced in it. - -"Oh," she breathed, looking at him, with startled, shining eyes, -"oh--I can't say--now. Don't ask me now." - -"Yes, I shall--now--my beloved, my queen! Oh, you beautiful girl, you -may not love me yet, but I'll make you--I'll make you!" - -The smile that accompanied the words took away any hint of tyranny, -and the pleading in Manning Pollard's eyes was hard to resist. - -But Phyllis hesitated. She didn't know him so very well, and, too, she -had a feminine notion that to say yes at once would make her seem too -willing. Moreover, she wanted to think it over, alone, by herself. - -She had always thought she loved Phil Barry--but somehow, in a moment -this insistent wooer had pushed Phil to the background. - -"Not now," she said, softly, as she gave him her hand, "I will think -about what you've said--but I can't promise now." - -"No, dear, I understand," and as Pollard's strong fingers closed over -her own, Phyllis was almost certain what her eventual answer to him -would be. He was so gentle in his strength, so tender in his -manliness--and he seemed a real refuge for her in her uncertainties. - -"But, here's another thing," he went on; "I hate to tell you, but the -question of your having been in Gleason's room is bound to be -raised--and I want to say that I saw you--that afternoon at about six -o'clock. I tell you, so you won't try any prevarication on me." - -The last was said with a good-natured smile, that gave a feeling of -camaraderie which delighted Phyllis' heart. She didn't want to give -herself irrevocably to Pollard--yet--but she was glad to have him for -a friend--and his frank, pleasant friendliness cheered her very soul. - -"Where in the world did you see me?" she asked. - -"At the crowded corner of Fifth Avenue and Forty-second Street. I had -just left Phil Barry--we came down from the Club together--and I saw -you, in a cab--with a strange man. Who was he, Phyllis?" - -The assured manner of his query was not lost on the girl, but she did -not resent it. - -"Must I tell you?" she smiled. - -"No--no, dear. But I wish you wanted to be frank with me--to confide -in me." - -"Oh, I will--I do--but--I can't." - -"Then you needn't--and, don't look so distressed, my poor little girl. -Tell me only what you want to--just let me help in any way that you -want me to. And, Phyllis--I hate to make this proposition, but I must. -If anything happens--if anything is said that frightens you, or -troubles you deeply--will you--if you feel it would help you in any -way--will you say that you are engaged to me?" - -"When I'm not!" - -"You may consider that you are or not, as you wish; but I have an idea -that occasion might arise, when it would help you to announce the -engagement--to assert that you have some one to look after you. If you -want to break it later--that is, of course, your privilege." - -"Oh," said Phyllis, looking at him, admiringly, "how good you are! -Nobody else would have thought of that!" - -"Don't misunderstand me. I want you--I want you to say yes to me for -keeps, some day. But in the meantime, if it ever should serve your -purpose, claim me as your fiance." - - - - -CHAPTER XIV - -Hester's Statement - - -Pollard and Lane, sitting talking in the Club Lounge, were joined by -Dean Monroe. - -"It's a queer thing," Monroe said, "that nobody gets any forrader in -the Gleason matter. What are police for? What are detectives for? And -most of all, what are we chaps for, if we can't solve a mystery right -in our own set?" - -"I don't know that it matters, being in our own set," Pollard began, -but Monroe interrupted: - -"Yes, it does. We know all the principals----" - -"Hold on," Lane said; "what do you mean, principals? There's the -principal character, the victim, himself, but further than that we -know no 'principal.'" - -"We don't! Well, I should say we know most of the suspects." - -"Suspects don't amount to much," Pollard observed, "unless you can -hang more evidence on them than has been attached to anybody so far." - -"Evidence!" Monroe exclaimed; "what further evidence do you want than -that letter of Phil Barry's?" - -"Oho," said Lane; "you're out for Barry, are you? But, Pol, here -threatened to kill Gleason. That's far more incriminating evidence to -my mind than Barry's letter. For the letter may have been forged, but -Pollard said his words himself." - -"Oh, I know, but Manning was home in his rooms all the time, and -nobody knows where Phil was. Why don't they find out?" - -"Why don't they find out anything?" Lane smiled. "Because they don't -go to work with any intelligence." - -"You could solve the mystery, I suppose?" Monroe flung at him. - -"I'd be afraid to try," and Lane looked serious. - -"Meaning?" Pollard asked. - -"That investigation of a determined sort might lead to awful -conclusions." - -"Don't say it!" Pollard cried. "I can't help knowing what you mean, -but don't breathe it, Lane. You know how a word--a hint--may start -suspicion. And there's not a word of truth in it!" - -"Who? Miss Lindsay?" Monroe asked, bluntly. - -"Hush up, Dean," Pollard growled. - -"I won't. And it's silly to evade an issue. If there's nothing in it, -drag it out into the light and prove there isn't." - -"No," Lane said, thoughtfully, "it isn't wise to drag out anything -concerning the Lindsays--any of them. Not even Mrs Lindsay. They're an -emotional lot, and if they get excited, they say all sorts of things. -If they must be questioned, it would better be by somebody with their -interests at heart, and the thing should be done quietly and with few -listeners." - -"Well, you go and do it, Lane," Monroe suggested. "I feel sure unless -you do, the police will get ahead of you, and they'll put Miss Lindsay -through the third degree----" - -"Oh, nonsense. The police are hot on Barry's trail. That chap'll be -arrested very soon, I believe. Why, that letter is damning. How do you -explain it, except at its face value?" - -"But what is its face value?" asked Pollard. "The letter doesn't -threaten violent measures at all----" - -"It implies something of the sort. And Barry has no alibi." - -"Of course not," Pollard said; "an innocent man doesn't have. I mean, -an innocent man is very likely not to know where he was at any given -time. It's your criminal who has his alibi at his tongue's end." - -"I'm going over to the Lindsay house now," Lane said, rising. "Want to -go along, Pol?" - -"No, not this time. If you're going to quiz Miss Lindsay I'd rather -not be there. And you said yourself you'd rather be alone." - -"Right. But I'm going to ask Mrs Lindsay a few questions, too. After -all, she and Miss Phyllis are the only heirs." - -"Meaning one of them is doubtless the criminal!" Dean Monroe spoke -scornfully. - -"Oh, I don't say that," Lane returned, "but there's lots to see -about." - -Others than Lane were of this mind, for when the lawyer reached the -Lindsay home, he found Belknap and Prescott both there, and the -Lindsay ladies, as a result of their visitors' questions, both in a -highly excited state. - -"I'm glad to see you, Mr Lane," Millicent cried, as Lane entered; "do -help Phyllis and me. These men are saying awful things to us!" - -"To me," Phyllis corrected. "They've nothing against you, Millicent." - -Phyllis looked exhausted. Apparently, she had had all she could stand -of the detectives' grilling, and she was at the end of her -self-control. - -"You must excuse me a few minutes," she exclaimed, starting up, and -without another word she left the room. - -"You were rather blunt, Prescott," Belknap said. "You must remember -Miss Lindsay is a delicate, sheltered young lady, and unaccustomed to -hear such rough speech as you gave her." - -"No matter," said Prescott, doggedly. "If she killed Gleason, such -talk is none too bad for her. And if she didn't, it can't hurt her." - -"What!" cried Lane. "Miss Lindsay kill Mr Gleason! Man, you must be -crazy!" - -"Oh, no, not that," Prescott said, quietly. "But when a young lady -goes to a man's rooms half an hour before he is killed, when she at -that interview learns for the first time that she is heiress to half -his fortune, when she is overheard in altercation with the man a very -short time before he is shot, when no other person is seen there at -the time or anywhere near it, when the young lady doesn't care much -for the man, when he wants to marry her--and she knows if she refuses -she'll lose the inheritance--well, isn't that about enough?" - -"First," asked Lane, "are your statements all proved facts?" - -"Facts don't have to be proved," Prescott flared back. "But my -statements are facts, as you mostly know, yourself. We have Miss -Hayes' word for it that Miss Lindsay was at Mr Gleason's about six." - -"She says she wasn't," Millicent broke in, angrily. - -"Now, look here, Mrs Lindsay," said Belknap, "the very day of the -crime you accused Miss Lindsay. Why do you now try to defend her?" - -"Oh, she never did it," wailed Millicent. "Never! Never! When I said -she did, I was out of my head. Just at first, you know, I was so -stunned I scarcely knew what I was saying." - -"Well, you know now. Was Miss Lindsay here at home at six o'clock that -night?" - -"I don't know----" - -"You do know. Answer." - -"Well, then, she wasn't--but that doesn't prove she was down in -Washington Square!" - -"Leave us to do the proving. You answer questions." - -"Now, don't frighten the lady," Lane advised, frowning at the -detective's manner. "She will answer your questions--or I will." - -"All right, then, you answer. What does Miss Lindsay want twenty -thousand dollars for--and in a hurry, too?" - -"Does she want that sum?" - -"She does; and she's bound to get it. Wants her inheritance right off. -What for, I say?" - -"And I say, I don't know," Lane replied. "But there are lots of things -the modern young woman wants money for----" - -"Yes, but if they're right and proper things, why won't she tell what -they are? No matter if they're extravagances or foolish luxuries, why -not say so? But if the destination of that twenty thousand can't be -told--it's clear there's something wrong about it." - -"Meaning?" - -"Meaning nothing but that. Something wrong--something shady--something -that must be covered up. Therefore, she had to have the money at once. -Therefore, she went to Robert Gleason for it. Therefore, he told her -he would give it to her on one condition--marriage." - -"Hold on, Prescott, do you know this?" Lane demanded. - -Prescott jerked a finger toward Millicent Lindsay. - -"She knows it," he said. "She knows that for weeks Miss Lindsay had -kept Gleason dangling--waiting for her answer. Then, when the young -lady discovers she can get the money by the man's death--and as she -really abhors him and doesn't want to marry him--and as the -opportunity offers----" - -"What opportunity?" - -"The fact that she's there alone with him in his rooms, his pistol -conveniently at hand, and nobody about----" - -"Oh, you're romancing! That girl! She couldn't do it!" - -"You know she could, Mr Lane," Belknap interposed. "You say that -because you don't want to think it. But the only thing that would -positively disprove it would be for Miss Lindsay to tell where she was -at the time. This she refuses to do." - -"Yes, and Manning Pollard refused to tell where he was------" - -"But we found out where he was, without his telling us. To prove where -a man was by outside witnesses, many of them, is proof, when his own -statement is far from proof. Now if we could check up Miss Lindsay as -we did Mr Pollard, that would settle her question. But we can't." - -"Where was she?" Lane asked of Millicent. - -"I don't know, I'm sure. She came home just in time to dress for the -dinner-party. But I don't know what time it was." - -"That's the trouble," Prescott said, despairingly. "Nobody ever knows -what time anything happened. The only thing we are sure of is that -Gleason was still alive and telephoning at quarter to seven, and even -at that, that nurse may have been mistaken." - -"Not she," said Lane. "She's most accurate." - -"Then, we're fairly sure of Miss Hayes' evidence, for the simple -reason that we've no cause for doubt in her case. She says she left -the Gleason place, by the back entrance, at six o'clock. And, she says -Miss Lindsay was with Gleason at that time. Now, the puzzle fits into -place. Miss Lindsay remained for a time, trying to persuade Gleason to -give her this large sum of money, and when he refused--that is, unless -she would marry him, she became desperate, and the tragedy resulted." - -"Straight story," said Lane, "but little to back it save your -imagination. What's to prevent Miss Lindsay going away and somebody -else coming and committing the deed? Plenty of time between six and -quarter of seven." - -"Not likely. The people of the house were coming in then, and an -arriving man would have been noticed. Oh, I don't say it would have -been impossible--but we've no shadow of evidence for it. And, if so, -where did Miss Lindsay go from there at six o'clock, that she didn't -get home until seven or thereabouts?" - -"You don't know that it was as late as seven----" - -"No! I tell you I can't fix the time of anything. Nobody seems to have -had a timepiece going that night--which is suspicious in itself!" - -"What about Philip Barry?" Lane asked this quietly. "I thought you -were sure of his guilt." - -"It all fits in," said Prescott, slowly. "Mr Barry and Miss Lindsay -are in love with each other----" - -"Now how do you know that?" and Lane looked at the detective sharply. - -"I gathered it from lots of sources. Barry's letter to Gleason for -one." - -"But that only proves that Mr Barry admired Miss Lindsay. Not that his -regard was returned." - -"Oh, well, that doesn't matter. Say they were friends, then. Say they -were in cahoots. Say the money was wanted by Mr Barry, and together -they planned to get it from Gleason--in one way or another." - -Lane laughed shortly, and again remarked on the detective's fertile -imagination, but in truth he was decidedly uncomfortable. He had been -afraid some one would evolve a theory that included Phyllis and Barry -both, and this was the thought that had haunted Lane's mind. It was -incredible, but it was at least possible, that Barry's threatening -letter and Phyllis' desire for a large sum of money and the liking of -the girl for the artist and her detestation of Robert Gleason, all -tended toward a theory that included the two, and that had much to be -said for it. - -And then a strange thing happened. One of the maids employed in the -Lindsay household came into the room. - -"What is it, Hester?" asked Millicent, in surprise. - -"Oh, please, madam--please, Mrs Lindsay, I think I know something I -ought to tell." - -"You do!" Prescott pounced on her. "Well, tell it, then." - -"Why--you see--I heard you talking about where Miss Phyllis was--on -the night of--of, you know--at six o'clock. And I can tell you where -she was." - -Belknap looked at the girl without much interest. She was as emotional -as the people she worked for. Her fingers twisted nervously, and she -picked at her apron, and swayed from side to side as she talked. - -Probably, Belknap thought, she's devoted to Miss Lindsay, and is -making up a yarn to save her. - -But Hester went on, speaking softly, but steadily enough. - -"Yes, sir. And this is what I know. At six o'clock, Miss Phyllis was -in a taxicab with a man driving up Fifth Avenue. She was near -Forty-second Street." - -Prescott laughed outright. - -"You've a kind heart, and doubtless you love Miss Lindsay, but your -story is a little crude. Wants verisimilitude,--if you know what that -means. You may go, Hester." - -"No; wait a minute," directed Belknap. "Were you out that afternoon, -Hester?" - -"No, sir." - -"Then how do you know this?" - -"I heard Mr Pollard say so." - -"Wait! This grows interesting. To whom did he say it?" - -"To Miss Phyllis herself, sir." - -"Oh, he did! And when?" - -"I'm thinking it was yesterday or day before. Anyhow, he was here a -talking to Miss Phyllis, and I heard him tell her he saw her then and -there and he asked her who was the man with her." - -"And who was it?" - -"Miss Phyllis wouldn't tell him, sir." - -"And so, Hester, you listen at doors, do you?" - -"No, sir, that I don't. I came into the library to mend the fire and -to turn on the lights as is my duty at twilight. And Miss Phyllis was -talking with Mr Pollard, and they said what I've told you." - -"And just why are you repeating it to us?" - -"Because--to-day I _was_ listening at the door. I love Miss -Phyllis and when I saw her rush out of the room here, and run up to -her own room and throw herself on the bed and cry as if her heart -would break, I didn't know what to do! And she wouldn't let me do -anything for her, but said she wanted to be alone. So I left her and I -came down, and when I heard you gentleman talking against my young -lady, I thought maybe if I told that, it might help." - -Hester's honest blue eyes, tear-filled and sad, left no doubt of her -sincerity and her loyalty to her beloved young mistress. - -"I think you have helped, Hester," said Belknap, not unkindly. "Now -will you go and tell Miss Lindsay that we wish to see her. That she -must come at once." - -Hester went, and it was several moments before she returned. - -The group waited in silence. - -Millicent wept softly, and though Lane spoke to her once or twice she -paid no attention. The volatile little woman was deeply sorry now that -she had accused Phyllis in the first place. As she said, and she did -not really mean it--or at least, she was so stunned and bewildered -that she scarcely knew what she did mean. But when she became calmer, -she knew she didn't suspect Phyllis--and yet, so susceptible is human -nature to suggestion that when the detectives put the matter as they -did, she began to think they might be right. - -While they were waiting for Phyllis' reappearance, Barry came. - -He was surprised at the presence of the Assistant District Attorney -and the detective, but as he noted their reception of himself he was -even more surprised. For they did not regard him as hostilely as -usual, and he immediately concluded they were on another track. - -But conversation was a bit constrained, and finally Barry blurted out: - -"What's the idea? Why are you all sitting here as if looking for -something or somebody?" - -"We are," and Belknap looked grave. "We are waiting for Miss Lindsay -to reappear." - -"What about her?" Barry asked, suddenly alert. - -"We want her to answer a few questions." Belknap kept a wary eye on the -artist, for he was becoming more and more convinced that the secret of -the murder was in the keeping of the two. His theory strengthened in -his mind every moment and he wished Phyllis would come. Yet, something -might be gained from Barry in the meantime. - -"Were you in a taxicab with Miss Lindsay on the day of Mr Gleason's -death?" Belknap sprang suddenly. - -"What do you mean?" cried Barry, angrily. "Of course I wasn't." - -"Who was, then?" - -"I don't know, I'm sure. I don't know that anybody was." - -"Well, some man was. At about six o'clock. At Fifth Avenue and -Forty-second Street. Where were you at that hour?" - -"Why, I was almost right there myself. I walked down from the Club -with Pollard about that time, and I left him at Forty-fourth and he -went on down." - -"Very good," Belknap nodded. - -Barry's air had been honest, his thinking back evidently real and his -statement quite in accordance with the known facts. Pollard had said -Barry walked down with him, and had left him at Forty-fourth. Now, -from that time, Pollard's every movement had been checked up, but not -so Barry's. Nobody seemed to have seen him from that moment until he -arrived at the Lindsay dinner party. - -To ask him as to this was sure to anger him, yet Belknap tried it. - -"No!" Barry stormed, in answer to his query, "I haven't an alibi. I -mean I've nobody who can swear to one. As a matter of fact, I went -directly home after leaving Pollard. I went into my hotel, a small one -on West Forty-fourth Street, and I went to my rooms." - -"Meeting nobody?" - -"Of course, I passed the doorman and the desk people. I don't remember -whether I spoke to them or not. I usually nod if they're looking my -way. But I can't remember what happens every single night! I'm not -trying to establish an alibi, because I didn't kill Mr Gleason. But -I'm ready to help you find out who did. I've not done much so far, -because I thought the matter was in capable hands. But those capable -hands have accomplished just nothing--nothing at all! Now, I'm going -to put my finger in this pie--and I'm going to discover something!" - -"Wait, Mr Barry," Belknap said, "what about that letter signed by you, -yet which you say you didn't write. Suppose you explain that first." - -"Just what I intend to do! I haven't quite proved it, but I have found -out a possible solution of that matter. If I can prove I didn't write -it, and can show who did and how and why, it'll help some--won't it?" - -"You bet it will!" cried Prescott. "That's the kind of talk. But have -you some real information, or merely a supposition that doesn't mean -anything definite?" - -"We'll see," and Barry shook his head. "I'm not telling it all now. -But I came to see Miss Lindsay. Where is she?" - -"She'll be here in a minute," Millicent said, eyeing Barry closely. - -But in a minute, instead of Phyllis, Hester returned. - -Excitedly, she exclaimed, "Miss Phyllis is gone. Nobody saw her go and -nobody knows where she is!" - -"Gone!" said Millicent contemptuously; "how absurd! If you mean she -has run away! Phyllis wouldn't do that." - -"Well, madam, she's not in the apartment. Her moleskin coat is gone -from her wardrobe, and her little taupe hat. She has certainly gone -out, ma'am." - -And gone Phyllis surely had. It was foolish to look for her in the -rooms, for her hat and coat were missing, of course she had gone out -into the street; whether for some ordinary errand, or to disappear who -could tell? - -"I'll find her," said Prescott, and clapping on his hat he hurried -away. - - - - -CHAPTER XV - -Phyllis and Ivy - - -And where _was_ Phyllis? - -Why, sitting in the small, but pretty, little bedroom of Ivy Hayes, in -that young woman's boarding-house home. - -"And so you're Phyllis Lindsay," said the other girl, looking -admiringly at Phyllis' smart, inconspicuous costume. "I'm jolly glad -to see you. What can I do for you?" - -The frank, pleasant manner of the hostess pleased the guest and -Phyllis said, impulsively, "Oh, I hope you can help me. I'm in a -quandary. Will you tell me frankly just why you said I was at Mr -Gleason's the day he died?" - -"Now, how did you know I said that? I declare those detectives tell -everything!" - -"I thought it was Mr Barry whom you told." - -"Well, it's all the same. Why, I said you were there, because you were -there." - -"No, I wasn't." - -"All right, then, you weren't. I like you, Miss Lindsay, and I'll -stand by you. Now, you tell me what you want me to say, and I'll say -it." - -"Oh, dear, I don't want you to say anything that isn't true. Why did -you think I was there, if you didn't see me?" - -"I heard you." - -"Heard me talking?" - -"Yes." - -"What did I say?" - -"You were asking Mr Gleason for money--a big sum." - -"And you heard me ask him?" - -"I didn't exactly hear you, you spoke very low, and I was behind a -closed door. But I heard all Mr Gleason said--so I could tell." - -"What did he say?" - -"He said, 'twenty thousand dollars! I should say not! Not -unless--well, you know my conditions.' That's exactly what he said. -And then you murmured something, and he said, 'You're a -Lindsay--you're both Lindsays,' but I don't know whether he meant you -and his sister, or you and your brother." - -"What has my brother to do with it?" - -"I don't know--but when he spoke of the two of you together, like -that, I thought he meant you and Louis. But afterward, I thought he -might have meant you and his sister, Mrs Lindsay." - -"You know my brother? You call him Louis!" - -"Yes, I know him--not awfully well, but enough to call him anything I -like. You don't have to know anybody so very long to call him pet -names." - -"Pet names!" - -"Oh, come now, Miss Lindsay, don't be so shocked. You're probably more -conventional than I am, but you must know a few things. Well, anyhow, -I didn't hear any more, because Mr Gleason shut the door, and I just -scooted down the back way and home. I never knew whether you got the -money you wanted or not. Did you?" - -Phyllis gasped. She was annoyed at the girl's rudeness, but, after -all, Ivy Hayes had a charm of her own, and it was impossible to feel -deep resentment toward the flippant little thing. - -"I didn't get it from Mr Gleason, because I didn't ask him for it. I -didn't ask him for it, because I wasn't there. I've never been there." - -"All right, Miss Lindsay--what you say goes. You've never been there. -Is that what you came to tell me?" - -Ivy cocked her foolish little curly head on one side, and gave Phyllis -such a humorous wink that she couldn't help smiling. - -"I don't wonder Louis likes you," she said, impulsively. "You're an -adorable little piece." - -"That's right," said Ivy, gravely. "Pile it on thick. I just lap it -up. Do you think I'm pretty?" - -"Yes," Phyllis returned, simply. "Now, tell me again, why did you -think the--the person Mr Gleason said those things to was myself, when -you never had seen me--and you say you couldn't hear me." - -"Well, when the bell rang, Mr Gleason said it was you. That he -expected you." - -Phyllis turned pale. "Go on," she said. - -"That's all. He said, 'That's Miss Lindsay coming up. You go.' So I -went. I hung around a few moments, trying to get a glimpse of you, but -I couldn't. I heard you speak, but you spoke so low, and the door was -almost shut, so I couldn't hear a word you said." - -"Well," Phyllis drew a long breath. "If I was there--I didn't kill Mr -Gleason." - -"Of course you didn't!" Ivy exclaimed. Then, with a look deep into -Phyllis' eyes, she added, "And you weren't there. I know it now!" - -"How do you know it?" - -"Oh, it's come to me. You were not there that day at all, Miss -Lindsay. As you say, you've never been there." - -Ivy looked very grave. She gazed at Phyllis with a strange look of -divination, and added, "I know you haven't." - -"Oh, yes, I have," Phyllis cried quickly. "I _was_ there that -day--I was, really. I just said I wasn't--because----" - -"Oh, come now," Ivy smiled a little but she did not laugh. "What am I -to think? You were there and you weren't there! You've never been -there and you were there that day! My goodness gracious!" - -"I was there," Phyllis said, looking at her coldly. "I said at first I -wasn't, for--for reasons of my own----" - -"Yes, I know," and Ivy nodded a sagacious head. "What are we going to -do about it?" - -Phyllis stared. "About what?" - -"About the--the reason you said--you know----" - -"Don't! Don't look like that! You're uncanny. What do you know?" - -"I don't know anything. Do you?" - -"About what?" - -"About who killed Mr Gleason." - -This time Ivy looked directly at Phyllis, and that with a meaning -glance. - -Phyllis covered her face with her hands, and at once Ivy ran to her -side and threw her arms around her. - -"Now, don't cry," she begged. "It's no time for that. Let's see what -we can do." - -"Do about what? What are you talking about?" - -"Shall I speak out? Shall I put it into words?" - -"Yes," said Phyllis, but she shrank as from a sudden blow. - -"Then, here's how I dope it out. It wasn't you who were there--but it -was Louis." - -"Oh, no, no! It was I. It wasn't Buddy." - -"Yes it was. You're trying to shield him. I see it. Now, don't take -that tack with me. Own up--tell me all you know--and I'll help you." -Phyllis thought a moment. - -"Might as well," Ivy urged. "I know too much to be ignored, and I -truly think it would be better for you in every way, to take me into -your confidence. Let me help you." - -"How can you?" - -"I don't know, quite. But I do know that if you stick to your story of -having been there yourself, when you were not, you'll get a whole lot -of unpleasant notoriety, if nothing worse." - -"Meaning?" - -"Suspicion. Accusation. Maybe arrest." - -Phyllis jumped. "Arrest!" she whispered, and her eyes stared in -horror. - -"Well, maybe not that," Ivy soothed her, "but, you tell me all about -it. Look here, Miss Lindsay, I'm a better detective than half the men -on the force. And, say, I know a little girl--well, I don't suppose -you'd want her--but start straight now--tell me everything you know. -Let me be your father confessor." - -"But I've nothing to confess." - -"You haven't! How about that story--fib you just told about going to -Mr Gleason's house--when you didn't go." - -"You don't know that I didn't." - -"Yes, I do, and I'll tell you how I know. It was Louis who went -there--not you!" - -"You didn't see him." - -"No, and I didn't hear him--or I should have known at once. But it was -Louis, of course, and when Mr Gleason said 'You're both Lindsays,' and -referred to the stepmother, of course it fitted Louis as well as you. -Louis wanted money--you know that?" - -"Yes, I know that." - -"Has he got it--yet?" - -"He will have it to-morrow. A--a friend is going to let me have it for -him." - -"Who?" - -"Mr Pollard." - -"You seem to be able to get money easily!" - -"Mr Pollard is my fiance." - -Phyllis remembered suddenly that Pollard had told her she might want -to say that, and just now, in the presence of this girl of a lower -class and of a lesser degree of refinement, Phyllis felt a sudden -impulse to justify her position. To her mind, to take money from one's -fiance made correct what would otherwise be a questionable thing to -do. - -"Oho! I see! Why, I thought you and Mr Barry were pals." - -"We are. Good pals. But I am engaged to Mr Pollard." - -"And you're to get the money for Louis--in time?" - -"Yes--in time. You know?" - -"I know he'll be jailed if he doesn't fork over about twenty thousand -to that old shark!" - -"Never mind details. Now, truly, Ivy, do you think Buddy was at Mr -Gleason's that day?" - -"I don't think it, I know it. And, Phyllis--he--he killed him." - -In the gravity of the moment neither noticed the intimate use of the -name. Phyllis looked at the other, her eyes full of a dumb agony. - -"Don't!" she begged, "don't say it!" - -"Better face it, dear. I am positive. You see it all hangs together. -That old maid person on the floor above, saw a young man come in, and -I know it was Louis. Where was he at that time? I mean, where does he -say he was?" - -"I don't know. I haven't asked him. Oh, Ivy, he didn't?--he -couldn't----" - -"Maybe he could. Louis is not much on the strong-arm work, but he has -desperate determination, and if he went there to get that money--and -if Mr Gleason wouldn't give it to him--let me see--I suppose Gleason -must have said that his condition was your acceptance of his suit!" - -"I suppose so," Phyllis agreed. "He knew how I love Louis, and he -often tried to get him to persuade me to do various things. Louis is -my idol. I've always adored him. I really brought him up, for mother -died when he was so little. We're far closer to one another than most -brothers and sisters. Oh, Ivy, what can I do?" - -"Hush, let me think. I wish I wasn't so sure Louis did the thing. But, -you see, he was right there--johnny-on-the-spot! And he was mad--and -he was desperate--and Mr Gleason's pistol was handy-by--and he was at -the end of his rope--alone with him there--oh, of course, it was -inevitable. How has he acted since?" - -"Queerly," Phyllis admitted. "He's nervous and jumpy, and afraid of -everybody." - -"Of course he is. Well, Phyllis, he'll have to run away." - -"Oh, no!" - -"Yes, he will. It's all very well to be shocked at the idea, and to -prefer to have him face the music--but the risk is too great! Even if -he should be innocent--and he can't be--they'd put him through with -bells on!" - -"What do you mean?" - -"I mean as soon as the police get Louis in their mind as a suspect, -they'll pounce on him, and they'll fasten it on him, no matter what he -says." - -"Railroad him----" - -"That's not quite the word. You don't know much about these things, do -you? Railroad is a term they use about innocent suspects, and -Louis----" - -"Oh, Ivy, how can you? Stop! Don't you love him, too?" - -"Oh, in a way. But it's enough of a way to want him to get off! I tell -you he must vanish--disappear. And that big money must be paid, or -those people will be after him. You know all about that deal?" - -"Yes; and I may as well tell you, I was out that afternoon, in a -taxicab with--with Bill Halsey." - -"Halsey! You! Oh, you poor dear." - -"Oh, he was respectful--very decent, in fact. He was to go with me to -Mr Gleason--I was expected, you see--and I was to try to persuade Mr -Gleason to pay that debt and free Louis from the sharks. I knew Mr -Gleason's price would be my promise to marry him--and--I expected to -pay." - -"Well, why didn't you go to Gleason's?" - -"Because--as we neared there, we saw Louis going in!" - -"What time was that?" - -"Oh, I don't know. It's all a horrid nightmare. I turned around and -went right home. No, not right home; we drove around a bit, trying to -decide what to do. Mr Halsey was nice; he said for me to follow up my -brother or to wait developments, just as I chose. Of course, I said -I'd wait and learn the result of Louis' visit--I knew what he went -for." - -"And since--since we know the result of Louis' visit, has Mr Halsey -been after you?" - -"Yes; but I told him that now the inheritance was mine, I'd pay him -all Louis owes him just as soon as I could arrange it. He seemed -satisfied, only he wants the money at once. So Mr Pollard is getting -it for me." - -"Well, anyway, Bill Halsey won't bother Louis about that. Now, I tell -you, Phyllis, it's necessary that we get the boy away--smuggle him out -of the country----" - -"Out of the country!" - -"Yes--Canada, Europe--anywhere. Or maybe it would be easier to hide -him. Do you know of any country place--some friend's house--no, they'd -find him. Oh, what can we do?" - -"It's too big a question for us to handle. Two girls can't take care -of a case like this. I'll ask Mr Pollard what to do." - -"Yes, that's good. Mr Barry wouldn't be very capable--but Mr Pollard -is." - -"You know him?" - -"Not personally. But I know he's a powerful and a wise man. He'll know -just what to do. And as you're engaged to him--you'll want to tell him -about Louis--or, won't you?" - -"Why, yes--I suppose so. But how you take things for granted! I must -see Louis first of all. Oh, Buddy, Buddy dear!" - -In the meantime, Phyllis' mysterious disappearance was causing dismay -and consternation in many hearts and minds. - -Prescott, who had started out to find her, was looking everywhere, -except in the home of Ivy Hayes. - -Belknap, still at the Lindsay house, talked it over with Mrs Lindsay -and Philip Barry and concluded that at last they were on the right -track. He had no fears about finding the girl, for she could not -disappear permanently. But it was a shock, and he was a little -bewildered. - -"Of course," he said, "disappearance is practically confession. Miss -Lindsay must be found--can, probably, easily be found. But I am -sorry." - -"Sorry!" cried Millicent, "how you talk! You don't mean you think -Phyllis killed my brother, do you?" - -"You said that yourself, at first, Mrs Lindsay," Belknap reminded her. - -"Only in the excitement of my first shock. Really, I was not quite -responsible for what I said that night. Now, I know Phyllis couldn't -have done it----" - -"Why not?" - -"A girl like that! Incredible." - -"It has been done. It may be she was under great provocation." - -"But, hold on, Belknap," Barry cried; "don't go too fast. What have -you by way of evidence? Only that Miss Lindsay was seen in a taxicab -with some man. What does that prove?" - -"That there are some questions for Miss Lindsay to answer. I am not -accusing her unheard. I want to hear her, to see her, to question her. -And she has run away--which is, to say the least, a strange thing for -her to do." - -"Oh, she hasn't run away. There are dozens of plausible reasons for -her sudden departure. And see here, Belknap, don't let your suspicions -turn toward that girl. It's too ridiculous." - -"It will bear investigation." - -"Not even that. Since you've taken this attitude, I've decided to come -through myself. I killed Robert Gleason." - -Belknap looked at him. "Now, Mr Barry, that's too transparent. You're -saying that to shield Miss Lindsay." - -"Seems to me you'd better not jump at conclusions too continuously. -And are you logical? You suspect Miss Lindsay with no evidence--only -because she chanced to go out when you wanted to see her. Yet when I -come and give myself up, you refuse to believe my confession. Can you -not say, at least, that it needs investigation? Isn't it your habit to -look into the matter of a serious confession?" - -Belknap stared at him. - -But Millicent Lindsay cried out: "Oh, Phil, I'm so sorry! Do you know, -I felt it was you all along. And I like you so much! But when I -learned about the letter you wrote to Robert--you did write it, didn't -you?" - -"Yes," said Barry. - -"Well, as soon as I heard about that, I knew you did it. You never -liked Robert, but that was mostly because you thought he would get -Phyllis away from you. But to kill him! I can hardly believe it--and -yet, I've felt sure of it for some time!" - -The doorbell rang, and in a flurry of tears and agitation Millicent -ran away to her own room. - -The newcomer was Pollard, and as he entered he observed the serious -attitude of the two men. - -"What is it?" he asked, simply. - -"I've just confessed to the Gleason murder," said Barry. - -"What did you confess for?" - -"Because I did it. What does any one confess for?" - -"Usually because he didn't do it. The real murderer rarely confesses." - -"Just what I think," Belknap said; "Mr Barry has an idea that Miss -Lindsay will be accused, and he has confessed to prevent it." - -"That it, Phil?" and Manning Pollard looked Barry squarely in the -eyes. - -"Take it any way you like, Pol," Barry said. "I make my confession, I -give myself up--now let the law--if such a thing exists--take its -course. And there's that letter. You know I wrote it, Pollard. You -know I must have written it. There's no other possible theory. You -know I left you about six--or a little before. You know I've no -alibi--and there was time enough for me to go down to the Gleason -place and get back for the dinner party." - -"You rattle it off like a lesson, Phil. How did you go down there?" - -Barry stared, but quickly said, "Taxi." - -"Did no one see you go in?" - -"Not that I know of. Shut up, Pollard." - -Pollard shut up, and Belknap asked a long string of questions. These -Barry answered, but even then, Belknap did not arrest him. The -attorney went away, leaving the matter in abeyance, for, as a matter -of fact, he had no idea Barry was telling the truth. - -"Shielding somebody?" Pollard asked as soon as Belknap had gone. - -Barry look at him. "I confessed," he said. - -"Yes; I know. To shield Phyllis--or Louis?" - -"Don't, Pol." - -"Own up, old chap. Or perhaps you suspect them both." - -"I do! How did you know? They were there together. There was trouble. -Louis sent that telephone message--after the shooting--and he muddled -it. It's all been a muddle ever since!" - -"It surely has," agreed Pollard. "But I'm not sure you've chosen the -best way to clear it up." - -"Well, I had to. I can't see Phyllis dragged through a trial--and she -would say or do anything to shield Louis. So I thought I'd throw -myself into the breach." - -"You've certainly done so--whether for good or ill." - - - - -CHAPTER XVI - -Buddy - - -"Now that the money is paid, Phyllis, dear, and the whole matter is -hushed up, Louis will never be suspected of having had anything to do -with that Bill Halsey gang. It was a narrow escape--if the story had -come out, it would have stained the boy's reputation badly. But, -thanks to your quick action and watchful care, your brother is -released from their clutches and you need worry about that no more." - -"Thanks, too, to your kindness in letting me have the money. I will -repay you just as soon as Mr Lane settles financial matters enough to -give it to me out of my inheritance." - -"No hurry about it. Instead of that, let's talk about ourselves. When -are you going to let me give you a ring?" - -"Oh, not yet," and Phyllis looked distressed. "Wait till this awful -matter of the Gleason death is explained." - -"Will it ever be?" Pollard spoke gravely, and added, "Do you want it -to be?" - -"Oh," she cried, "don't look like that! Do _you_ suspect Louis, -too? Buddy never did it! Never!" - -"No, of course he didn't. Do you sometimes think Phil----" - -"Philip Barry! No! He says he did, to shield my brother----" - -"And you." - -"Me!" - -"Yes. Let's speak frankly, Phyllis. I can't bear to fence or quibble -with you. Now, you know, you and Louis were there----" - -"Oh, no, we weren't--well--maybe we were--oh, I don't know what I'm -saying." - -"Poor little girl. Don't try to make up stories to me. Tell me just -how it was--or, don't tell me anything--as you wish, but don't tell me -what isn't so. I can't help you if you do that." - -Phyllis looked at him searchingly. She trusted him--and yet, she -hesitated to put into words her own suspicions of Louis. - -"I'm sure Phil Barry is shielding some one else," she began. - -"But, dear, that letter--how could that have been written, except by -Barry?" - -"Now, don't you prevaricate to me!" she cried; "you know whatever is -the explanation of the letter, Phil Barry isn't guilty!" - -"I don't know any such thing! If Barry wrote the letter, he must have -meant something by it, and until he is proved innocent, there's good -reason for suspecting him." - -"Don't you suspect Louis?" Phyllis asked directly, facing Pollard with -a straightforward gaze. - -"Don't ask me, dear. If I did--if I do--I wouldn't say so, -because--because I love you. Confide in me--please do, darling. If you -suspect your brother, tell me so, and I'll do all I can to divert -suspicion from him." - -"Even if you think him guilty?" - -"Certainly. If Louis did it--he was blinded by rage, or, moved by a -sudden homicidal impulse born of desperation----" - -"But that doesn't excuse him." - -"Not to the law--but to me, he is excused because he is your -brother----" - -"Yes, my brother--my little Buddy--oh, Manning, I can't face it!" - -"You weren't there, too--at the time?" - -"At the time of the murder? Oh, no!" Phyllis' eyes were wide with -horror. - -"Do you know that Louis was there?" - -Pollard pressed the question, glad that Phyllis had abandoned -pretense, and was telling truths. - -"Yes, I do." The pained eyes looked beseechingly into his. "I have the -evidence of an eye-witness--or, nearly." - -"What do you mean by nearly?" - -"Why, somebody else was there, who didn't see Louis, but who heard -him--or, rather, heard Mr Gleason talking to him." - -"Is that all? Phyllis, that isn't enough to convict Louis!" - -"Isn't it? But, if they accuse him--he'll break down and confess. I -know Buddy; as soon as a breath of suspicion touches him he'll go all -to pieces----" - -"Whether he's guilty or not?" - -Phyllis stared. "Why, no, of course not if he isn't guilty. Oh, -Manning, do you think he isn't? Tell me you do!" - -"I wish I could, darling. But, I do say, there's no real evidence and -we may be able to prevent any from coming to light. Even if Louis was -there, didn't he leave before the time of the attack?" - -"I don't know. I can't find out. I daren't mention it to him. Oh, -Buddy, dear--I'm sure you never did it!" - -"I'm sure, too," said Pollard, decidedly, and, whatever was in his -mind there was conviction in his tone. "Now, see here, Phyllis, let's -do nothing in the matter. As near as I can make out, Barry's -confession is not believed at all by the police. They are sure he's -shielding some one, but they don't know who it is. Of course, Barry -won't tell, so Louis is safe." - -"But suppose they do come to believe Phil, and he is arrested!" - -"Not a chance." - -"But if they should?" - -"Would you care so much?" Pollard spoke softly, and tenderly. "If it -should mean Louis' safety----" - -"At the expense of an innocent man? Oh, impossible!" - -"But you love Buddy----" - -"I do, yes--but if he is guilty--nobody else can be allowed to suffer -in his place. Least of all, Phil Barry." - -Phyllis said the name, with a gentler light in her eyes, a softer -inflection of her voice, and Pollard felt a sudden chill at his heart. - -"What do you mean by that?" he asked, quietly, "anything especial?" - -"No--oh, no," but Phyllis blushed. - -"Remember, dear, you're engaged to me," Pollard said, smiling at her. -"I resent such implications of any other interest of yours." - -"You resent my interest in Phil Barry! Why, I thought he was your best -friend." - -"He is. But he can't be yours. Not your best friend--only -second-best." - -"Well, he's too dear a friend for me to let any undeserved suspicion -fall on him," and Phyllis' eyes shone with righteous indignation. - -"First, we must be sure it is undeserved." - -"Very well, I will make sure!" - -With a determined gesture, Phyllis pushed a bell button and a maid -responded. - -"Ask Mr Lindsay to come here," Phyllis directed, and then turning to -Pollard with a pretty gesture of confidence, she said: - -"Let's work together, Manning. You see what you think of the way Louis -meets my questions. I've decided to meet the issue straight." - -"What is it, Sis?" asked Louis, coming into the room. "What do you -want of me? Hello, Pollard, how are you?" - -"Buddy, dear," Phyllis began, "where were you the day Mr Gleason -died?" - -"Out with it Phyl. Do you think I killed him?" - -Louis looked at his sister. The boy was haggard, pale and worried -looking, but he met her eye and awaited her answer to his question. - -"No, Louis, I can't think so--but there are circumstances that make it -appear possible, and I want your word." - -"Well, then, Phyllis, I didn't do it." - -Calmly the brother gazed at the sister. Anxiously, Phyllis scanned the -well-known face, the affectionate eyes, the sensitive, quivering -mouth, but though agitated, Louis had himself well in hand, and his -frank speech carried conviction. - -Phyllis drew a long breath. - -"I believe you, Buddy," she said. - -Pollard was quiet for a moment, and then observed, "All right, -Lindsay. And, in that case, you're probably willing to tell all about -your presence there that afternoon. Why haven't you done so?" - -Pollard's tone was not accusing so much as one of friendly inquiry, -and Louis, after a moment's hesitation, replied: - -"Why, Pol, I suppose I was a coward. I was afraid, if I admitted I was -in Gleason's place that afternoon, I might be suspected of the -crime--and I'm innocent--before God, I am." - -The solemn voice rang true, and Phyllis clasped his hand as she said, -"I know it, Buddy, I know you never did it!" - -"But, if it comes out I was there, I can't help being suspected," -Louis went on, a look of terror coming to his face. "I--oh, I hate to -confess it, but I _am_ afraid. Not afraid of justice--but afraid -I'll be accused of something I didn't do!" - -"You would, too, Louis," Pollard said. "Better keep still about the -whole matter, I think. You see, Louis, except for the murderer, you -are probably the last one who saw Gleason alive. Now, that, in itself -is troublesome evidence, especially if the murderer doesn't turn up. -That is why, I think, my theory of the stranger from the West is -undoubtedly the true one. You see, none of the people hereabouts--I -mean you, Barry, Davenport, myself, or any of us Club men could have -been down there so late, and then turned up here for the dinner party. -Of course, that would have been possible, but highly improbable. While -an outsider, a man known to Gleason but not to any of use, could have -come and gone at will." - -"He had to reach the Gleason apartment soon after Buddy left," Phyllis -mused, thinking it out. "Well, Manning, I'm convinced of Buddy's -innocence. My boy can't lie to me! I know him too well. He is worried -and anxious about the suspicions that may attach to him, but he's -absolutely innocent of crime, aren't you, dear?" - -And Louis looked into his sister's face, and quietly replied, "Yes, -Phyllis," and she believed him. - -"Now," she said, "I'm going to free Phil Barry." - -"You!" exclaimed Pollard. "Are you going to turn detective?" - -"I'm going to help the detectives work," she declared. "Or, rather, -I'm going to get a detective that can work. I don't think much of what -has been accomplished so far. I'm going to get another detective----" - -"A private detective?" asked Pollard. "Better be careful, dear. Don't -get mixed up in this thing too deeply." - -"No, I won't. I'm not going to do anything myself. But, I want to tell -you something. Ivy Hayes knows of a girl----" - -"Ivy Hayes!" exclaimed Louis, while Pollard raising his eyebrows, -murmured, "A girl!" - -"I seem to have exploded two bombshells!" said Phyllis, smiling. - -She was in better spirits now, since the assurance of Louis that he -was not guilty. - -"But it is the truth. Ivy Hayes knows of a girl detective----" - -"Oh, Phyllis, don't!" begged Pollard. "A private detective is bad -enough--but a girl one! Please don't." - -"But she's a wonder--Ivy says so." - -"Sister, for goodness' sake, don't tell me you know Ivy Hayes!" - -"Certainly I do, Louis. If you may know her why can't I? And I like -her, too. And she'll get this person for me, and I know Millicent will -agree----" - -"Quite a feminine bunch," Pollard laughed. "Do you think you and Mrs -Lindsay and Miss Hayes and the girl sleuth can succeed where several -men have failed?" - -"That's just what I do think," cried Phyllis, triumphantly. "This is -the era of feminine achievement, and why not in detection as well as -in other lines?" - -"Have it your own way," said Pollard, looking at her fondly. "I must -go now, but if I can help you--though, being a mere man, I suppose I -can't----" - -"Oh, yes, you can," Phyllis smiled at him. "I'll be only too glad to -call upon you for assistance." Pollard left, and Phyllis at once -called Ivy on the telephone to get more information about the girl -detective. - -"Oh, it isn't a girl!" Ivy replied; "that is, it is a girl, but it's a -man, too. They're associated, you see. Of course, the man is the head -of the firm--but the girl, who is his assistant, does quite as much of -the work as he does. And, she's my friend, that's why I spoke of her -as the detective. But he's the one to call on. He's Pennington -Wise--they call him Penny Wise--how could they help it! Well, he's -your man, and she's your girl. I used to know her, when we were both -kids, and I don't see her often nowadays, but we're good friends, and -she's a wonder." - -"You're a wonder, too, Ivy," Phyllis said; "thank you lots and heaps. -Give me the address, and I'll excuse you." - -Ivy gave the number, and Phyllis went at once and told the story to -Millicent. - -"Oh, do get him!" cried Mrs Lindsay. "I've heard of Penny Wise--he's a -wizard! I don't know anything about his girl assistant--but that -doesn't matter. Penny Wise is great! I've often heard of him. He's -frightfully expensive, but they say he never loses a case. But, -Phyllis, I never suspected Louis! How could you think I did! -But--don't faint now--I do suspect Phil Barry!" - -"It doesn't matter much whom you suspect to-day, Millicent, it will be -somebody else to-morrow! Aren't you about due to suspect me again?" - -"You! oh, Phyllis, don't remind me of the foolish things I said, when -I was hysterical and almost crazy! You know how you'd feel if Louis -had been killed! You'd suspect anybody!" - -"All right, Millicent, I'll forget it. But I don't believe for one -minute that Philip Barry is the guilty man." - -"You don't! Why, Phyllis, I thought you did!" - -"Oh, I don't know what I think," and Phyllis broke down and sobbed. - -"There, there, dear child," Millicent soothed her. "Don't cry. You're -all worried to pieces. Now, let's get the Wise man, and then you shift -all care and anxiety on to him." - -"But, Millicent, suppose he should prove it to be Phil!" - -"If it is Phil, he ought to be shown up. We can't stop now, for -sentiment or preference. We must go ahead and prove positively who is -the criminal." - -When Millicent took the tone of an avenging justice, she was almost -humorous, so ill did the role fit her. But she was in earnest, and she -immediately set to work to engage the services of Pennington Wise. - -Her efforts were vain, however, as the detective politely informed her -that his press of business would not permit him to take on another -case at present. - -Greatly disappointed, she told Phyllis, who at once told Ivy Hayes, -over the telephone, of her defeat. - -"Huh," said the young woman, "won't come, won't he? Well, I guess he -will. Expect him this evening, to talk over the preliminaries." - -For the sanguine Ivy felt sure her childhood friend could somehow -persuade the great detective to meet the engagement she had just -committed him to. - -"Zizi," Miss Hayes later remarked, to her friend, "You just simply got -to take on the Gleason case. You hear me?" - -"Hear you perfectly," Zizi's engaging little voice replied. "But----" - -"No buts. You just do it. Why, Ziz, it's all mixed up with friends of -mine. And say, dearie, I want you to do it for old times' sake." - -"But, Ivy, truly----" - -"Truly you will? All right, Ziz. You make Penny Wise stand around--you -fix it somehow--and you send him or go yourself to the Lindsay home -this evening at eight o'clock. Love and kisses. Your own Ivy." - -Ivy hung up the receiver, satisfied that if her friend didn't or -couldn't meet her wishes, she would call her up and tell her so. Not -hearing from Zizi, Ivy concluded all was going well. - -And it was. Zizi, the wonderful little assistant of the great -detective, coaxed and finally persuaded him to take the case, assuring -him that she, herself, would do most of the work. She put it on the -grounds of a personal favor to herself, and as this was so unusual a -condition as to be almost unique, Pennington Wise gave in. - -And so, promptly at eight, he presented himself at the Lindsays' and -was received with welcome. - -For an hour Wise listened to the accounts of the case from the three -Lindsays. No one else was present, and Wise asked them to tell him all -they could, both of direct evidence or their own leanings or -suspicions. - -The detective was a man of great personal magnetism. Tall and strong, -his very bearing inspired confidence and hope. His face was fine and -mobile, his wavy chestnut hair, brushed over back, was fine and thick, -and his keen blue eyes took in everything without any undue curiosity. - -He was both receptive and responsive, and in an hour he had the -history of the case, clearly and definitely in his mind. - -"Now, then," he said, "we can admit of several suspects already. There -was a motive, let us say, for any one who benefited by Mr Gleason's -will. That includes Mr and Miss as well as Mrs Lindsay." - -Millicent frowned at him. "Me!" she cried, explosively. - -"I only say you benefited by the will," said Wise, mildly. "I have as -much right to mention your name as those of the other two." - -"Louis didn't get anything from the will," said Phyllis. - -"He did, in a way," the detective returned. "You're so fond of your -brother, that whatever is yours, is pretty much the same as belonging -to him. Now, I'm not going to consider you two ladies as suspects at -all. But Mr Lindsay's cause I shall look into." - -Louis colored, angrily, and was about to make a sharp retort, when the -kindness of Wise's expression caught his notice, and he suddenly -decided he'd like to be friends with the detective. - -"Look into it all you like," he said, with an air of relief at giving -his troubles over to this capable person. "I'm glad to have you. You -see, Mr Wise, I was there so fearfully close to the time of the crime, -that I've been afraid to have it known how close." - -"Don't be afraid, my boy. If you're guilty I'll find it out, anyway; -and if not, you've more to gain than lose by being frank and honest." - -"Who are your other suspects?" Phyllis asked, anxiously. - -"Everybody," said Wise, smiling at her. "First, Doctor Davenport----" - -"Oh, no!" - -"First, Doctor Davenport, because, he first raised the alarm. Next, Mr -Pollard, because he declared an intention of killing Mr Gleason. Next, -Mr Monroe, because----" - -"Dean Monroe!" exclaimed Louis, "why he has never been thought of!" - -"That's the answer!" said Wise. "He was in that group who discussed -murder that afternoon, he went away, his subsequent movements have not -been traced, and, as you say, he's never been questioned or even -thought of in the matter. Therefore, I investigate his case." - -"And Philip Barry?" Phyllis could hold back the question no longer. - -"Ah, yes, Mr Barry." Pennington Wise looked at her. "You are -interested in him? Especially? Forgive me if I seem intrusive. I am -not really, but I have to know some things to know how to go about -others." - -"Miss Lindsay is engaged to Mr Pollard," Millicent informed the -inquirer. "She's a firm friend of Mr Barry's, but, I think you ought -to know that Manning Pollard is her fiance." - -"Yes," Phyllis said, as Wise asked the question by a glance. "I am -engaged to Mr Pollard, but I don't want Mr Barry suspected." - -"Not if he did it?" - -"He didn't do it." - -"But the letter? He wrote that?" - -"No; he did not." - -"He says he did. It is signed by him. It is in keeping with his nature -and his attitude toward Mr Gleason. Why do you say he didn't write -it?" - -"I don't know, Mr Wise. I have a feeling, a conviction that somebody -forged that letter." - -"But how would that be possible?" - -"I don't know. I can't tell you. But I'm sure." - -"I haven't seen the letter yet, Miss Lindsay," Pennington Wise looked -at her reflectively. "And until I do, I can't speak positively. But -I've read up this case, more or less, and I can't see how a forgery -could pass the experts as this has done. I incline to think it is -genuine. But it need not have implied murder at all." - -"No," repeated Phyllis, "he didn't write it. I know he didn't." - -"If he didn't, trust me to find it out," Wise reassured her. And, as -they heard the bell ring, "I dare say that's my little assistant. She -agreed to come later. I want you to like her." - -"I know I shall," said Phyllis, enthusiastically; "I've heard about her -from Miss Hayes." - -And in another moment Zizi appeared in the doorway. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII - -Zizi - - -"Mrs Lindsay?" Zizi said, by way of interrogative greeting, and, with -a second nod to Louis, she crossed the room and sat down by Phyllis. - -"Miss Lindsay," and the visitor took both Phyllis' hands in her own. -"I am so glad to know you. May I help you?" - -"Oh, I hope you can," Phyllis said, fascinated by the strange child. - -For Zizi looked like a child. Little, slim, and of a lithe, nervous -personality, her big, dark eyes gazed into Phyllis' with an expression -of intense interest in her and her affairs. - -"You're troubled," she went on, as Phyllis responded to her evident -friendliness. "But it will be all right; Pennington Wise will clear up -the mystery and you will be glad again." - -"You queer little thing!" Millicent exclaimed. "Turn around here and -let me look at you." - -Zizi, turned, smiling, her white teeth just showing between her -scarlet lips, her eyes dancing, cheeks glowing, and her black hair -muffed over her ears--a highly-colored picture of vivid, restless -vitality. - -"Yes, Mrs Lindsay," she responded in her low, yet clear voice, "and -please like me, for I'm going to stay here." - -"Stay here!" - -"Yes, please, during the investigation. Mr Wise will come and go, but -I have to be here all the time." - -"Why, certainly--of course, if you wish----" - -"Good!" Louis cried; "glad to have you stay, Miss----" - -"Zizi," she said, "just Zizi." And the smile she flashed on Louis was -the complete undoing of that impressionable young man. - -"And now to business," Zizi went on, her manner changing subtly from -the witch-like, fascinating child to the energetic young woman. "Tell -me things." - -"We've already told Mr Wise about the case----" Millicent began. - -"Not the kind of things you tell him--other things. About this Mr -Barry, now. Has he a high temper?" - -Phyllis stared-What had Phil Barry's temper to do with the murder of -Robert Gleason? - -"You see," Zizi explained, "if he had, the note might have meant he'd -kill his rival--if not it might have meant a lesser threat." - -"He has a high temper," Phyllis admitted, reluctantly; "I may as well -say so, for others would tell you that. He's a mild, equable nature as -long as things go his way. But if he's thwarted or crossed, even in -trifles, he flies in a rage at once. I oughtn't to say this----" - -"Because it seems to incriminate him," Zizi nodded her little head; -"but I compel the truth--don't I?" she smiled at Phyllis. "I'll bet -you wouldn't have said that to any other detective. Well, now, with -the knowledge that Mr Barry is quick tempered, that he was jealous of -Mr Gleason and that he wrote the threatening letter, and that he has -given no positive account of what he was doing at the critical -moment--shall we suspect him? Answer, no." - -"Why?" Phyllis spoke breathlessly, relieved but anxious to know more. - -"Well, principally for the reason that he has confessed." - -"Don't murderers ever confess?" Louis asked, his eyes on the beautiful -young thing that was of a type hitherto unknown in his experience. - -Zizi was not really beautiful, but her magnetic charm was so great, -her ways so winsome, and her mysterious eyes so full of changing -expression and half-veiled witchery that she enthralled them all. - -Wise watched her. He was accustomed to have his clients surprised at -his strange little assistant, but oftener they were critical than -wholly admiring. Tonight, however, Zizi was at her best--she was more -than usually attractive, and her manner was gentler than she often -chose to make it. - -"Oh, yes," she said, in reply to Louis' query, "but you have to know -why they confess. You see Mr Barry confessed to shield some one else." - -"Who?" Louis asked, but he flushed and looked embarrassed. - -"You know who," Zizi returned, "and maybe it wasn't only yourself, but -Phyllis, too. You see--you must see, all of you, that the situation is -serious. Louis was there very shortly before the crime took place. -Phyllis is said to have been there--whether she was or not--no one can -be found who saw or spoke to Mr Gleason after that--so it would be -just like the detectives to fasten the crime on one or both of the -Lindsays. Anyway, that's the way it looked to Mr Barry, and in his -quick tempered--which means impulsive way--he gave himself up. -Although he is as innocent of the crime as you two are." - -"My goodness!" Millicent exclaimed, "you start out by clearing all -those who have been suspected!" - -"Not all. There still remain several of the Club men--also the -possibility of a stranger--I mean a stranger to you people who are -interested. Mrs Lindsay, where did your brother live before he went to -Seattle?" - -"In a little village in New Hampshire--Coggs' Hollow." - -"Lovely name! Did you live there, too?" - -"No; I lived in Ohio with my parents. An uncle, my mother's brother, -took Robert to live with him, in New Hampshire, when the boy was quite -small. That's why Robert and I never saw much of each other. We were -affectionate enough when we met, but living apart, we were not really -intimate. I was surprised when he came East, and we renewed our family -relations. Then----" - -"Then he fell in love with Phyllis"--Zizi interrupted. "And it wasn't -reciprocated." - -"Quite true," Phyllis said, calmly. - -"Yes," Millicent agreed, "it was really love at first sight. And as -Phyllis had any number of suitors, Robert tried to cut them out by -promises of such luxuries and dazzling prospects as his wealth could -offer. But Phyllis couldn't seem to bring herself to say yes----" - -"But she had, hadn't she?" Zizi didn't look at Phyllis. "Wasn't the -dinner party to be an announcement?" - -Millicent shrugged her shoulders. - -"I don't know," she said: "ask her." - -Zizi turned. "How about it, Phyllis?" - -"I don't know, either," Phyllis said, slowly. "I had half -promised--because--oh, why not tell? because Mr Gleason had promised -me a lot of money--which I very much needed--at once--if I would make -the announcement that night." - -"Go on, tell it all," Pennington Wise put in; "you wanted that -money----" - -"To pull me out of a desperate hole," Louis burst forth. "I got in -bad--very bad--with some gamblers and some loan sharks--and Sis was -good enough to try to get me out of it. She--she didn't have to marry -old Gleason--even if she did announce an engagement." - -"Hush, Buddy," said Phyllis, looking at him reprovingly; "I never -thought of saying yes to him, and backing out afterward. I wouldn't do -such a thing. But I planned to go there that afternoon and try once -more to persuade him to give me the money, without a definite promise -on my part. I hoped that for the sake of Louis' good name I could -persuade him. But--I didn't go." - -"Never mind all that," Zizi said, impatiently, "it won't get us -anywhere to mull over that. Now, Penny Wise, here's where I stand. All -people here present are innocent of this crime. Philip Barry--I -think--is also innocent. I've no reason to suspect a stranger--an -acquaintance of Mr Gleason's--and I think if there were such an -individual, there must have been some trace of him. People don't glide -in and out of a situation like shadows." - -"Go slow, Ziz," cautioned the detective, looking at her thoughtfully. -"Keep your imagination in leash." - -"Yes, sir," and she bowed with mock docility. "Now, if you'll excuse -me, I have to go to Coggs' Hollow." - -"To-night!" gasped Millicent, as Zizi rose, and began pulling on her -gloves. - -"Yes; there's a train at midnight, I can easily catch it. Good-by, -all." - -She drew her cloak together and fastened it, and held out her hand to -Wise with a demanding gesture. - -Understandingly, he took out his pocketbook, and gave it to her -without a word. - -She tucked it into her roomy handbag, and turned to the door. - -"I'll go with you," Louis cried, already in the hall, and getting into -his overcoat. - -"To the station? Thank you," Zizi smiled. - -"No; all the way. To New Hampshire." - -"Nixy!" she laughed, flashing her white teeth. "He travels the fastest -who travels alone. But I'll be glad to have you entrain me." - -The two went out together, and hailing a taxicab, Louis delightedly -put Zizi in. - -"Anyway, I'll have you to myself for an hour," he exulted. "What are -you, I can't make you out. A sprite, a witch, an elf?" - -"Oh, yes, all those things, and a girl beside. And you needn't fall in -love with me--it would be a foolishness." - -"But I've already fallen." - -"Oh, well, all right. It doesn't matter." Zizi was absorbed in -thought, and seemed really to care nothing at all for Louis' state of -mind. - -Meantime, Millicent was demanding of Pennington Wise an explanation of -the astonishing Zizi. - -"Don't worry about her," he said, smiling. "Don't think about her. -She never does a wrong thing--in detective work, I mean. She will some -day--I daresay--and it may be she has now. But she acts on impulse, on -intuition, on what some people call a hunch. And I've never known her -to slip up. She is a wonder--but don't try to understand her--for you -can't." - -"But will she go to New Hampshire--all alone by herself? At night!" - -"Oh, yes, and she'll take care of herself." - -"Louis will go with her," Phyllis said, "I know he will." - -"No, Miss Lindsay, you're mistaken there. Zizi won't let your brother -accompany her." - -"I'm sure it would be all right," Millicent observed; "at work on a -case, you know." - -"Right enough, but Zizi won't let him go because she doesn't want him -to. Now, as to Mr Gleason's will. Did you two ladies know about its -terms?" - -"We weren't certain," Millicent said, "for my brother changed it quite -often. He was ready to settle a large amount on Phyllis at once if she -would consent to marry him, but he had already made a will leaving his -fortune equally divided between us two. He never liked Louis, rather, -he disapproved of him. Of late, Louis has run wild----" - -"It isn't his fault," Phyllis defended; "he has been duped and deluded -by a lot of men with whom he had no business to associate at all. But -let's leave Louis out of it, for Mr Wise has declared he doesn't -suspect him, and he is in no other way concerned in this business." - -"That's true, Miss Lindsay. Now, tell me, did Mr Gleason contemplate -changing his will again in case Miss Lindsay refused him definitely?" - -"Yes, he did," Phyllis stated; "he told me unless I made the -announcement at the dinner party, he would change his will and cut me -out of it entirely." - -"Did he, then, assume that you could be bought in that fashion." - -Phyllis colored, but she replied, "Yes, he did. But, mostly because he -knew how desperately I wanted money for my brother. And, too, it isn't -a gracious thing to say--but Mr Gleason was not such an attractive man -that he had much reason for being accepted outside of his wealth." - -"I see; and he had made the existing will recently?" - -"Within a month or so." - -"Who knew of it?" - -"No one, I believe," Millicent said, "but Phyllis and Louis and -myself--except, of course, the lawyer who drew it." - -"Mr Fred Lane?" - -"Yes." - -"Wasn't he one of that group of men who were discussing murder at the -Club that day?" - -"Yes," Millicent looked inquiringly at him; "but you don't dream that -Mr Lane----" - -"Why not?" - -"Oh, nonsense, Fred Lane and my brother were good friends." - -"At any rate, it is to the men of that group that I shall first direct -my investigations. Few of them really liked Mr Gleason. Forgive me, if -I seem unkind, Mrs Lindsay, but I cannot work if trammeled by too -great consideration for your feelings." - -"Don't stop for that, Mr Wise. I quite understand. And I know my -brother was not a favorite with the Club men. He was too different. He -was out of the picture. They had little in common. Now, in so far as -that is of assistance to you in forming your theories, use it, for it -is quite true. My brother was a far better and worthier man than most -of them, but his ways were different and he did not show to advantage -when among them. If Phyllis could have cared for Robert he could have -made her very happy, I know. But that's all past. What I want now, is -to avenge my brother's death. To discover and punish his murderer, no -matter who he may be. I beg of you, Mr Wise, spare no time, pains or -expense to ferret him out." - -"Indeed I shall not. Can you think of any grievance or reason for -enmity toward Mr Gleason on the part of those men I refer to?" - -"Only one reason, Mr Wise, and that applies to several. They were -jealous of his attentions to Miss Lindsay." - -"Oh, Millicent!" Phyllis cried, in protest. - -"It is true. Miss Lindsay is a belle, and all the men of that group -were her admirers--or almost all. Doctor Davenport, is, of course, -excepted, and Mr Lane. They are married men." - -"Leaving Mr Barry, Mr Pollard and Mr Monroe." - -"Yes; and they surely cannot be suspected. You have declared Mr Barry -innocent, Mr Pollard was in his own home at the time of the crime, and -Dean Monroe--why, he hasn't even been thought of." - -"Has he been inquired of as to his whereabouts at the time?" - -"I don't know, I'm sure. Has he, Phyllis?" - -"I don't know. But it's silly to think of Dean! Why, he scarcely knew -Mr Gleason." - -"But he is devoted to you?" Wise asked the question so casually that -Phyllis answered, frankly, "Yes, he is. That is, he has asked me to -marry him." - -"And you refused?" - -"I did. But, Mr Wise, is it necessary to tell you such things?" - -"It is, Miss Lindsay. I fully believe that you are the innocent cause -of this murder. This attaches no blame to you, in any way, but it -makes it imperative for me to learn these details. Probably nine -crimes out of ten are committed because of a woman--so don't let it -disturb you." - -"Not disturb me!" Phyllis cried; "of course it disturbs me! If there -are women so foolishly vain as to enjoy stirring up strife among their -admirers, I am not of that sort. I wish I were dead!" - -"There, now, Phyllis," Millicent said, "don't act like that. I, too, -believe the murderer was somebody who was jealous of Robert because of -you, but you can't help that. I'm sure my brother had no enemy who -would come from the West to kill him." - -"You can't be sure of such a thing as that, but we can prove up where -the people were who might be suspected here." - -Methodically Wise went about the job. - -Although he had told the Lindsays he was sure of Philip Barry's -innocence, none the less did he look into his alibi. - -And it seemed to be all right. The doorman and the desk clerk at the -small hotel where he lived were almost certain that he had came in -that afternoon, just about six, as he said he did. They were not -willing to swear to it, but they were reasonably certain, and Wise -felt pretty sure they were right. - -Next he went to the nearby hotel where Pollard lived. - -"Yes, sir," declared the doorman there, "I saw Mr Pollard come in--he -nodded to me just like he always does. And later, I saw him when he -went out again. I put him into his taxi myself." - -"At what time, about?" - -"No about about it. It was just twenty-five minutes to seven----" - -"How do you know?" - -"I'll tell you how I know. Mr Pollard glanced at his wrist watch as he -got into the cab. It had a radium dial, and I saw it plain." - -"Mr Pollard wears a wrist watch, then?" - -"Yes, he's worn it ever since the war. Got used to it over there, I -s'pose. Well, anyway, that's what happened, so--if the watch was -correct--it was seven-twenty-five." - -"Good," said Wise. "And, as I understand it, one or two people saw Mr -Pollard in his room, or heard him telephone during the hour or so he -was here?" - -"Yes, sir," the desk clerk rehearsed the story a little wearily. The -employees of the hotel had told the tale often, for owing to Manning -Pollard's threat--which had passed into history--he was frequently -being suspected by somebody, detective or amateur, and the hotel -people had been called upon to rehearse the story until they were -letter perfect in their parts. - -Next, Pennington Wise investigated the doings of Dean Monroe. - -And the result was that he learned that Monroe had gone from the Club -that day straight to the home of his mother, and had remained with her -until so late that he had to make great haste dressing for dinner in -order to reach the Lindsay house on time. - -"H'm," said Penny Wise, profoundly, to himself; "h'm." - -Three days later, Zizi returned. She went to Wise's apartment before -going to the Lindsay house. - -"Find out much?" he asked her, as she flung off her wraps, and -deposited her small person in a very large easy chair. - -"I sure did! But I'm glad to get back! New England is no paradise in -winter. Get me something to eat, there's a bright Penny." - -"All right," and Wise rang a bell. "Take your time, Ziz, but have a -little pity on a mere man, consumed with curiosity." - -"I will. Coggs' Hollow is exactly what its name sounds like. A tiny, -primitive village, just the same now as it was a quarter of a century -ago, when Robert Gleason lived there, with his uncle." - -"You found people who knew him, then?" - -"I did." - -"Could they throw any light on the murder--or its cause?" - -"Not light--but a sort of a glimmer of a glow of a hint of dawn." - -"Good! That's enough. You succeeded, then!" - -"Oh, yes; and, Penny Wise, whom do you suppose I saw up there, also -nosing about?" - -"Who?" - -"Mr Manning Pollard." - -"Ziz, you're crazy. He wasn't there. I've seen him myself every day -you've been gone." - -"Seen him! Seen Manning Pollard? Penny, _you're_ crazy!" - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII - -The Luminous Face - - -"No, Zizi, my child, I'm not crazy. And, as a matter of fact, I suppose -you're not, either. Now, what do you mean by thinking you saw Pollard -in New Hampshire when I know he was here in New York?" - -"First, you tell me what you mean by thinking he was here in New York -when I saw him in Coggs' Hollow?" - -"Saw him? and talked with him?" - -"No; I didn't see him to speak to--but I saw him." - -"Where was he?" - -"Walking along the street." - -"Did he see you?" - -"Yes." - -"Did he speak to you, or bow?" - -"Oh, no; he doesn't know me!" - -"How do you know him?" - -"I don't. But I've seen his picture--both in the paper and at Miss -Lindsay's, and, as you know yourself, he's unmistakable. Nobody could -take any one else for Manning Pollard! Why, that face is of a type not -often seen. And his physique, and his big, square shoulders--why, -Penny, I know it was he." - -"Well, Ziz, I don't say it wasn't, but we must puzzle out how he got -up there and why he went." - -"What have you done here while I was away?" - -"I've found out all about the Barry letter for one thing." - -"Tell me." - -"A cleverly contrived thing. It was originally written in vanishing -ink and Barry signed it in real ink. Then, when the vanishing ink -vanished, the perpetrator of the precious scheme filled in the typed -letter above the signature." - -"Clever! What was the original document?" - -"It was a testimonial or something of the sort to a Club servant. Head -Steward, or somebody, and this testimonial was arranged for him. Barry -remembers being asked to sign and remembers signing. Then he forgot -all about it." - -"Weren't others to sign?" - -"Barry thought so, but the matter was never carried on." - -"H'm. Who asked Barry to sign?" - -"Dean Monroe." - -"How he continues to crop up! Is he the murderer?" - -"Now, look here, Zizi, we're up against an enormously interesting -case. It's simple up to a certain point, and then it's inexplicable. -The murderer is one of the cleverest men on this planet. For, look. He -arranged that letter deliberately, fixed up the Club servant scheme, -to get Philip Barry's signature on a blank sheet of paper. Having -that, he later wrote in whatever he chose. His cleverness consisted, -at this point, in not overdoing. Had he made the letter a threat of -murder, it would have looked false on the face of it, for Barry is not -like that. Well, he had this letter ready to plant in Gleason's desk -after he had committed his crime--and he did so. Next, he left no -fingerprints on the telephone or on the revolver, save those of -Gleason himself. Was that clever?" - -"Oh, Penny, it was! And he made the prints on the telephone with Mr -Gleason's fingers after Mr Gleason was dead! And he did the -telephoning himself!" - -"Yes; how quick you are, Zizi! That's exactly what happened, because -that's the only way it could have been. Now, a man clever enough for -all that is clever enough for anything. Yet I can't see how he did it. -Nor do I grasp his motive." - -"Jealous of Phyllis?" - -"That isn't enough to account for the crime." - -"No, it isn't! He had another motive, and I've found it out. I found -out up in Coggs' Hollow." - -"Going to tell me?" - -"You bet I am! Right away. How did you guess the man?" - -"I didn't guess. I deduced from his alibi. Such a clever villain--what -would he naturally choose by way of alibi?" - -"Just what he did do. Pretend not to have any--but when they -investigate, they find he has a cast-iron one!" - -"Exactly, and Manning Pollard's was all that. But I can't see how he -managed it." - -"There's only one way. He must have had a confederate who did the -killing." - -"No; a clever criminal doesn't have a confederate. No; Pollard killed -Gleason himself. By the way, Zizi, I found Pollard's fingerprints on -the Barry letter." - -"But Dean Monroe did that." - -"Dean Monroe asked Barry to sign it, but--he told me himself--Pollard -gave him the paper and asked him to get Barry's signature. This, -Monroe did, and gave the paper back to Pollard. Later, Pollard told -Monroe the plan had been given up. I dug that all out, without -speaking to Barry about it. I don't want Pollard to imagine we suspect -him. Now, my child, what was his motive?" - -"A pretty strong one. It seems that Manning Pollard is an illegitimate -child. He was born in Coggs' Hollow, of unmarried parents. Later, his -father and mother married, so he was legally legitimized. But of -course, a stigma remains. Now, Mr Pollard is several years younger -than Robert Gleason, so the assumption is that Robert Gleason, who -lived all his boyhood in Coggs' Hollow, knew this secret of Pollard's -birth, and had threatened to expose him, unless he desisted from -trying to win Phyllis away from Gleason." - -Pennington Wise thought a few moments. - -"That's it," he said, at last; "that's it, Zizi. You're a wonderful -child for sure! How did you get it?" - -"I went straight to the town clerk, and he not only showed me his -books, but he told me the story. He knows nothing of the Gleason -murder, and I didn't tell him. Up in that little dot of a village they -don't know the news of New York." - -"But they must know of Gleason's death. He was a foremost citizen, -wasn't he?" - -"Of Seattle, yes. But when he left Coggs' Hollow he was a young man of -twenty-five or so, and I suppose they've forgotten all about him. -Anyway, the town clerk didn't remember him very clearly, but he -remembered all about the Pollard family. Of course, it was a -celebrated case up there. - -"The fact of the couple's marriage, five or six years after Manning -Pollard's birth, was a sensational affair, and though nobody could -blame Mr Pollard, the fact remains that he was really an illegitimate -child." - -"And, knowing this, Gleason probably was quite ready to tell it, and -so----" - -"And so, Pollard made it impossible for him to tell. Now, Penny Wise, -that's a fine theory, a noble deduction--but, how did Pollard commit -that murder when he was at home in his hotel? Like you, I can't see -him employing a gunman. Rather, I see him going there to plead with -Gleason to spare him. Then, when Gleason refused, in the heat of -passion, Pollard shot him." - -"But the carefully prepared letter from Barry proves premeditation." - -"That's so. And, remember his threat to kill Gleason. Would he have -said that, if he had really intended to kill him?" - -"I think so. I've thought all along, that Pollard's bravado was his -hope of escape. He would argue that a man who made such a threat would -not be suspected. And, quite as he calculated, everybody said, 'oh, if -he had meant to kill Gleason, he never would have advertised his -intention.' That was a bold stroke, but an efficacious one. Yet, we -can't be right, Zizi, for he was at home. I've been to the hotel -again. I've tabulated all his movements. He did go home at six, he did -go out again at seven-twenty-five, and during that time he was in his -room, because he telephoned twice, and he talked to the bellboy. And -these three circumstances were at intervals of twenty minutes or so, -therefore, he couldn't have been down in Washington Square at all. -After he got into his taxi, the driver accounts for his every movement -until he reached the Lindsay house at dinner time. So, there's his -alibi." - -"Perfect." - -"Yes, that's the trouble----" - -"Now, don't say, 'distrust the perfect alibi,' Penny, for that's a -platitude and a silly one, too. Your innocent man has a perfect alibi. -He may or may not remember it, but it's perfect all the same. Now, -this alibi of Pollard's is, to all appearances, the alibi of an -innocent man. He has that secret of his past, Gleason did know it, -that makes a motive. He did, as you say, fix up the Barry -letter--though that may not be quite true----" - -"What do you mean by that, Ziz?" - -"I mean perhaps somebody else worked the vanishing ink, and all -that----" - -"But who would want to?" - -"The murderer--if it turns out to be not Pollard. Look here, Penny, -Pollard is either innocent or guilty. If guilty, all your deductions -are correct, but if innocent they must be transferred to some one -else." - -"Surely. But to whom?" - -"Dunno yet. Me, I think it is Pollard--but how, _how_, how did he -manage it?" - -"Only by a confederate who did the deed." - -"Which is not the solution! I don't know how I know it, but I know -that didn't happen. Why, a villain might get a gunman to shoot -somebody, but not to put up all that elaboration. The fingerprints, -the telephoning stunt--all that was the work of an artist in crime, -the cleverest criminal in the world, as you've admitted. Not a -hireling." - -"A hireling might be clever." - -"Not in that way. No, a wizard like that is not anybody's hireling. -He's in business for himself." - -"Have it your own way. And I think you're right. Well, then, how did -Pollard get down there? Aeroplane?" - -"No; there's a simple explanation, only we haven't got it yet. -Incidentally, how did he get up to New Hampshire and back without -being missed here in New York. Aeroplane?" - -"He couldn't have done it at all. You're mistaken about seeing him -there." - -"Maybe." Zizi knitted her pretty brows. "What time did he leave the -hotel in that taxi to go to Phyllis' dinner?" - -"Seven twenty-five. He had two errands on the way. He stopped----" - -"I know. For theater tickets and for flowers. How do they know so -positively the exact time he left?" - -"That's a coincidence. The doorman happened to catch sight of -Pollard's wrist watch as he got into the cab. It has a luminous -face--I've seen him wear it--and the doorman noticed it was just -twenty-five minutes after seven." - -"What! Oh, oh, Penny! That explains it all! Oh, me, oh, my! To think -of the simple solution! Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we -practise to deceive! Oh, gracious goodness sakes! Be sure your sin -will find you out!" - -"For heaven's sake, Zizi, don't act like a wild woman! When you begin -to quote things I know you're luny! Sit down and tell me what you're -talking about!" - -"Is this a dagger that I see before me? Oh, what a noble mind was here -o'erthrown!" - -"Don't get your Shakespeare mixed up. That first quotation is from -Macbeth, but the other is from Hamlet. You look more like one of the -witches!" - -"Oh, I am! I am! Double, double, toil and trouble!" - -"Zizi, behave! Stop your foolishness!" - -The girl was dancing up and down the room like a veritable witch-elf. -She flung her long, thin arms about, and was really excited, her brain -teeming with the sudden revelation that had come to her. - -"Do you remember the Macbeth witches?" she demanded, pausing before -him, poised on one foot, and looking like a Sibyl herself. - -"Of course I do! Double, double, toil and trouble; fire burn and -cauldron bubble!" - -"That's it--that's the answer! Oh, Penny Wise, it's as plain as -day--as Day! I see it all--all--_all_!" - -"Might I inquire what enlightened you?" - -"The radium watch! The luminous face! Oh, I'm onto the watch! I'm on -the watch!" - -"Zizi, you are crazy. I refuse to talk to you as long as you act so -foolishly. Will you be quiet and tell me things?" - -"Penny, I'm so excited. Yes, I'll tell you, after I prove my case to -myself. I've got to go to the hotel--to Pollard's hotel--and see about -something." - -And in a moment she was gone, and in the shortest possible time she -was at the hotel. - -"Again?" groaned the telephone girl, as Zizi earnestly began to -whisper her questions. - -"Yes, again--and yet." Zizi said: "Now, listen, and tell me this. What -did Mr Pollard say when he called his cab that night?" - -"Why, that's a funny thing. Why do you ask that? He said 'Will you -call me a cab, please.'" - -"Why was that funny?" - -"Because he always says, 'Call me a taxi.' I remember, because I'm -afraid some time I'll say, 'You're a taxi!'" - -"Funny girl! Well, I'm trying to prove that Mr Pollard was not himself -that night!" - -"Oh--Mr Pollard never drinks anything." - -"How do you know?" - -"I just happen to know. You're wrong, he was perfectly sober." - -"Then why did he telephone to the cleaner's when he knew it was past -their closing time?" - -"I suppose he didn't think of that." - -"Not like Manning Pollard's way. One more thing. Isn't Mr Pollard a -careful dresser?" - -"Is he! The finest ever. He's so particular, he's an old fuss." - -"You know a lot about him, don't you?" - -"I can't help it. A telephone operator gets side-lights on people who -are continually discussing their affairs over her lines. I don't have -to listen in, but I can't help knowing how often Mr Pollard telephones -to cleaners and tailors and haberdashers and all that. Can I?" - -"No, honey, of course you can't. Good-by." - -And as Zizi left the hotel she met Manning Pollard coming in. He -looked at her curiously, for though they had never met, Phyllis had -told him of the queer girl, and he felt sure this was she. - -To confirm it he went directly to the telephone girl and inquired of -her, and the obliging young woman repeated to him the whole of her -conversation with Zizi. - -"H'm," Pollard observed to himself, "h'm--exactly so." - -And he turned on his heel and went out again. - -Absorbed in his thoughts, he paid no attention to a slim little figure -that slipped out from a protecting doorway and followed him. Nor did -he notice that the determined little person kept on following him as -he boarded a Fifth Avenue Bus and went southward. - -Zizi, who could make herself as inconspicuous as a schoolgirl when she -chose, sat in the rear seat, looking out of the window. - -Pollard got out at the Washington Square terminus, and walked briskly -westward. This was away from the Gleason apartments, though Zizi had -not expected him to go there. - -She followed, unnoticed, until Pollard entered what seemed to be a -second-rate boarding house. - -Nodding her head contentedly, Zizi waited until her quarry again made -an appearance. - -Then as the man went over and took a North-bound Bus, Zizi found a -taxicab and gave the order to fly back to Penny Wise. - -It was after fifteen or twenty minutes of the excited girl's -conversation and explanations that Wise was in possession of all the -facts. - -"Can we get him?" he asked, and then the telephone rang. - -"Hello," said Wise, and received this astonishing response. - -"Manning Pollard speaking. You have been too many for me, Mr Wise. I -give myself up. I don't know how you discovered so much, but I see -there's no use in further effort to hide my crime. I confess, and you -may come and take me. I am in my rooms at the hotel." - -"You are a bit astonishing, Mr Pollard," Wise said. "But I accept your -invitation and I will go at once to you. Will you stay there till I -come." - -"Certainly. When I perceive the game is up, what else is there for me -to do? Moreover, would I call you up and surrender, if I were not -sincere about it?" - -"I can't see why you should. At your hotel, then? All right." - -"Heavens, Zizi, what a man! I'll start right off. You call Prescott, -and tell him just what Pollard said, and tell him to go to the hotel -with two policemen--or enough to take the prisoner." - -Wise went and Zizi did as he had bade her. - -"What?" Prescott cried, over the wire, "you don't say so! Well, -wonders will never cease! I don't altogether believe in it, but I'll -hurry to the hotel." - -Then Zizi herself hurried to the hotel, more excited than ever. - -She calmed herself a little on the way, for she knew she must be cool -and collected to take her part in the scene. - -She reached the hotel a moment or two before Prescott got there. - -But he came, as she waited, and, seeing her, exclaimed, "Are you sure? -Where's Mr Wise?" - -"He isn't here," she said, a little unnecessarily. "I'll go up with -you." - -"Come if you like," said Prescott, carelessly, and with his two husky -companions he entered the elevator. - -At Pollard's door the group paused, and Prescott knocked. - -"Come in," they heard, and went in. - -The man sitting in an easy chair sprang up. - -"What the devil!" he cried. - -"Easy now, Mr Pollard," Prescott said, "you told us to come and get -you, and we're here." - -"Told you--come and get me---- Get out, I say!" - -Prescott stared. Was this Manning Pollard? Talking so unlike himself! -Clearly, it was not! - -"Who are you?" Prescott said, curiously; and then, illogically, "Mr -Pollard, who are you?" - -"I'm not Manning Pollard. If you've come to arrest him, you've got the -wrong man." But though blustering, the speaker was white with fear. -Overcome with surprise and terror, he fell back into his chair and -began to swear fluently. - -"None of that, now," said Prescott, dumfounded, but vigilant. "If -you're not Manning Pollard you're his twin brother! Is that it?" - -"No--oh, no." - -"Well, then, who are you?" - -"I'm--oh, hang it all--I'm Horace Taylor." - -"And just what are you doing in Pollard's rooms? And why do you look -so much like him? You're his very double!" - -"Double, double, toil and trouble!" Zizi chanted softly, to herself, -but no one noticed her. - -"I am," said Taylor, bitterly, "and he has betrayed me. I'll make a -clean breast of it. I've done nothing wrong--and I didn't know he was -going to. I'm--well I'm his half-brother." - -"You're the exact image of him in form and feature, but your manner is -utterly different." - -"Yes, because he has had education and culture--and I've had none." - -"Well, out with your story." - -"Manning Pollard is the son of the man who was also my father. We are -exactly alike, though I'm a couple of years older." - -"Are you a legitimate son?" - -"I am not--but neither is Manning, though he was legally made so, by -his parents' marriage some years after he was born." - -"You know all that?" cried Zizi. "You were up in Coggs' Hollow day -before yesterday." - -"Yes, miss. I saw you there, at the clerk's office. I knew then there -was trouble brewing for Manning." - -"Double, double, toil and trouble----" - -"Yes, miss, exactly that! Manning hired me to personate him here in -his rooms the night of--well, you know that night, Mr Prescott. -He--oh, thunder! shall I tell it all?" - -"Yes, tell it all," Prescott was breathless with curiosity and -interest. - -"Well, he paid me heaps to meet him at a certain spot." - -"Fifth Avenue and Forty-second Street?" - -"Yes, in the crowd. He had supplied me with clothes just like his own, -and given me full instructions." - -"What were the instructions?" Prescott demanded. - -"I was to meet him there, at about six, and I was to assume his -identity for a time. I was to come here, come up to his rooms, here, -dress for dinner, take a taxi and go away at exactly twenty-five past -seven. While here I was to telephone once or twice, also to call a -bellhop and see him." - -"What a plot!" exclaimed Prescott, "oh, _what_ a plot!" - -"I did all this, and then, later, when I went into the Astor for the -theater tickets, Manning met me there, and in the crowd, we changed -identities again, he got into the cab I had got out of, and he went on -to the dinner and I went home." - -"You knew what his object in all this was?" - -"I did not! Before God I never would have consented if I had. He told -me it was to play a joke on some of his friends, and the price he -offered was so great I consented." - -"And you telephoned to the cleaner's and all that?" - -"Yes; and called the bellboy to take the letter--which Manning had -prepared. Then afterward, when I read the papers I felt sure that -Manning had killed Robert Gleason. I never taxed him with it, for it -was none of my business and if it was true I didn't want to know it." - -"This explains Mr Barry seeing Pollard over in Brooklyn--it was you, I -suppose." - -"I suppose so. What are you going to do with me?" - -"Hold you for the present, but if your story is true, you're merely a -dupe. How come you here now?" - -"Manning came down to my place about an hour ago, and said for me to -come right up here and personate him again for an hour or so, and then -he said he'd never trouble me again." - -"You came willingly?" - -"Oh, the poor chap was so upset, seemed in danger, and said I could -save his life by doing this." - -"You have. Of course he's miles away by now. What a mess--oh, -_what_ a mess!" - -Prescott was disgusted. First that such a gigantic hoax had been put -over on him, and second that he had utterly lost all chance to catch -the perpetrator thereof. - -"You put it over neatly enough," Prescott growled, looking at the man, -Taylor. - -"Yes, but I nearly muffed it. While I was dressing here that night, -some guy called up to know Robert Gleason's address. I hadn't a -notion, but I chanced to see a little address book on the desk, and I -soon found it." - -"Yes, that was the butler of Davenport's patient," Prescott -remembered. "Well, it was one great game. And we've lost our man!" - -And then Pennington Wise came. - -"Taylor?" he said, looking curiously at the double. "Well, you -_are_ an exact duplicate!" - -"What do you know about this?" cried Prescott, "Where's Pollard?" - -"Dead," replied Wise, gravely. "I've just left your place, Taylor, and -your precious half-brother shot himself there fifteen minutes ago." - -"Spill it," commanded Prescott. - -"I knew when I got the message from Pollard that the dupe would be -here so I sent you, Prescott, while I went down to Taylor's home. As I -expected, Pollard was there. He made a full confession, seeing the -game was up, and then eluding my watchfulness, he shot himself. I -called the police in and I came up here to tell you." - -"I can't get over it," said Prescott, his eyes wide with wonder. "What -a scheme!" - -"Simple in the main," said Wise, "but elaborate as to details. He left -nothing unprovided for. He foresaw every condition and met it. The -only thing, and the thing that proved his undoing was his forgetting -that Mr Taylor had not enjoyed the same social advantages that he -himself had." - -"What do you mean?" growled Taylor. - -"He had evening clothes ready for you here. He planned for every item -of your conduct, but he couldn't know that you would wear a wrist -watch with evening dress! That little incident caught the attention of -Zizi, and from that she instantly deduced that the man that got into -that taxi with a wrist watch on in the evening, could not have been -Manning Pollard himself! Moreover, he drew the attention of the -doorman to the time on its illuminated dial, and so, the luminous face -fixed the time, but Pollard would have had on no wrist watch." - -"That's so," agreed Prescott, "Pollard's a perfect dresser, I happen -to know." - -"He confessed it all," went on Wise. "He was game, I'll say, and he -told me frankly that Gleason had threatened to tell of his shameful -birth. He was very sensitive about the matter. Gleason told him he -would disclose the secret unless Pollard ceased his attentions to Miss -Lindsay. Also, Pollard knew, from Lane, of Gleason's will. Therefore, -rid of Gleason, Pollard figured he could win Miss Lindsay and the -fortune. So he set about to get rid of Gleason--and did. His threat -that day was, of course, with the idea that such a remark would tend -to divert suspicion from him--which it did. His alibi, so perfectly -prepared, he scorned to declare, knowing that when it was learned by -inquiry it would be satisfactory, which it was. That's all, except to -credit my assistant, Zizi, with the acumen which found out the truth. -Her suspicion of a double was roused by the wrist watch episode. She -came over here, and learned that the exact doings of the man here that -fatal evening were not precisely in Pollard's usual manner. She -watched Pollard come in and go out again. She followed him, and when -he went into a house, she felt sure it was the home of his double. It -was! She saw a man come out, and though it was like Pollard, her newly -attentive eyes showed her it was not really he. Off guard, Taylor has -many dissimilarities from his brother. She flew back to me with the -story, not knowing how soon the denouncements was to come. And then, -when Pollard telephoned he would give himself up, I knew at once he -meant to have Taylor here in his place. So I went to Taylor's place, -and a more surprised man than Manning Pollard I never saw!" - -"As my reward," Zizi said quietly, "I want to be allowed to go and -tell Phyllis Lindsay the truth. I love her so, and I don't want her -shocked at hearing about it from a lot of policemen." - -There was no objection on the part of anybody, and Zizi went on her -errand. - -An hour later, when all three of the Lindsays had been told, and had -indeed been shocked and horrified, Philip Barry came in. - -"Phyllis," he said, scarcely seeing any one else. - -Phyllis rose and went straight to him. He held out his arms, and she -clung to him as they closed round her. - -"I never doubted you for a minute, Phil," she said, "but that man had -a sort of power over me--a--oh, almost an hypnotic power, I think." - -"Forget him," Zizi advised, smiling at the pair. - -"Now, you two talk over things, while I go in the library and flirt -with Louis, with Mrs Lindsay for chaperon. Forget everybody else, and -think there are only you two in the whole wide world." - -THE END - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Luminous Face, by Carolyn Wells - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LUMINOUS FACE *** - -***** This file should be named 42714.txt or 42714.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/2/7/1/42714/ - -Produced by Roger Frank and Sue Clark - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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