diff options
| -rw-r--r-- | .gitattributes | 4 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | LICENSE.txt | 11 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | README.md | 2 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/50209-0.txt | 9011 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/50209-0.zip | bin | 141106 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/50209-8.txt | 9030 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/50209-8.zip | bin | 139013 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/50209-h.zip | bin | 209292 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/50209-h/50209-h.htm | 8995 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/50209-h/images/cover.jpg | bin | 45119 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/50209-h/images/logo.jpg | bin | 19183 -> 0 bytes |
11 files changed, 17 insertions, 27036 deletions
diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..fe713cd --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #50209 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/50209) diff --git a/old/50209-0.txt b/old/50209-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 5dc2d50..0000000 --- a/old/50209-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,9011 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Mystery of the Sycamore, by Carolyn Wells - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world 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. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: The Mystery of the Sycamore - -Author: Carolyn Wells - -Release Date: October 14, 2015 [EBook #50209] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MYSTERY OF THE SYCAMORE *** - - - - -Produced by Mardi Desjardins, Stephen Hutcheson, and the -online Distributed Proofreaders Canada team at -http://www.pgdpcanada.net - - - - - - - - - - THE MYSTERY OF - THE SYCAMORE - - - By CAROLYN WELLS - - - Author of - _“The Vanishing of Betty Varian,” “The Mystery Girl,” “Anybody But - Anne,” “The Come-Back,” “The Curved Blades,” “A Chain of Evidence,” - “In the Onyx Lobby,” “The Luminous Face,” “Raspberry Jam,” etc_. - - - A. L. BURT COMPANY - Publishers New York - - Published by arrangement with J. B. Lippincott Company - Printed in U. S. A. - - COPYRIGHT, 1920, BY STREET & SMITH CORPORATION, - UNDER TITLE OF “THE PARDON TREE” - COPYRIGHT, 1921, BY J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY - - - - - CONTENTS - - - CHAPTER PAGE - I. The Letter that Said Come 9 - II. North Door and South Door 28 - III. One Last Argument 47 - IV. The Big Sycamore Tree 65 - V. The Bugle Sounded Taps 83 - VI. The Other Heir 101 - VII. Inquiries 119 - VIII. Confession 137 - IX. Counter-Confessions 155 - X. The Phantom Bugler 173 - XI. Fleming Stone 191 - XII. The Garage Fire 209 - XIII. Sara Wheeler 227 - XIV. Rachel’s Story 245 - XV. The Awful Truth 263 - XVI. Maida’s Decision 281 - XVII. Maida and Her Father 299 - XVIII. A Final Confession 317 - - - - - THE MYSTERY OF - THE SYCAMORE - - - - - CHAPTER I - THE LETTER THAT SAID COME - - -As the character of a woman may be accurately deduced from her -handkerchief, so a man’s mental status is evident from the way he opens -his mail. - -Curtis Keefe, engaged in this daily performance, slit the envelopes -neatly and laid the letters down in three piles. These divisions -represented matters known to be of no great interest; matters known to be -important; and, third, letters with contents as yet unknown and therefore -of problematical value. - -The first two piles were, as usual, dispatched quickly, and the real -attention of the secretary centred with pleasant anticipation on the -third lot. - -“Gee whiz, Genevieve!” - -As no further pearls of wisdom fell from the lips of the engrossed reader -of letters, the stenographer gave him a round-eyed glance and then -continued her work. - -Curtis Keefe was, of course, called Curt by his intimates, and while it -may be the obvious nickname was brought about by his short and concise -manner of speech, it is more probable that the abbreviation was largely -responsible for his habit of curtness. - -Anyway, Keefe had long cultivated a crisp, abrupt style of conversation. -That is, until he fell in with Samuel Appleby. That worthy ex-governor, -while in the act of engaging Keefe to be his confidential secretary, -observed: “They call you Curt, do they? Well, see to it that it is short -for courtesy.” - -This was only one of several equally sound bits of advice from the same -source, and as Keefe had an eye single to the glory of self-advancement, -he kept all these things and pondered them in his heart. - -The result was that ten years of association with Lawyer Appleby had -greatly improved the young man’s manner, and though still brief of -speech, his curtness had lost its unpleasantly sharp edge and his -courtesy had developed into a dignified urbanity, so that though still -Curt Keefe, it was in name only. - -“What’s the pretty letter all about, Curtie?” asked the observant -stenographer, who had noticed his third reading of the short missive. - -“You’ll probably answer it soon, and then you’ll know,” was the reply, as -Keefe restored the sheet to its envelope and took up the next letter. - -Genevieve Lane produced her vanity-case, and became absorbed in its -possibilities. - -“I wish I didn’t have to work,” she sighed; “I wish I was an opera -singer.” - -“‘Cromwell, I charge thee, fling away ambition,’ murmured Keefe, his eyes -still scanning letters; ‘by that sin fell the angels,’ and it’s true you -are angelic, Viva, so down you’ll go, if you fall for ambition.” - -“How you talk! Ambition is a good thing.” - -“Only when tempered by common sense and perspicacity—neither of which you -possess to a marked degree.” - -“Pooh! You’re ambitious yourself, Curt.” - -“With the before-mentioned qualifications. Look here, Viva, here’s a line -for you to remember. I ran across it in a book. ‘If you do only what is -absolutely correct and say only what is absolutely correct—you can do -anything you like.’ How’s that?” - -“I don’t see any sense in it at all.” - -“No? I told you you lacked common sense. Most women do.” - -“Huh!” and Genevieve tossed her pretty head, patted her curly ear-muffs, -and proceeded with her work. - -Samuel Appleby’s beautiful home graced the town of Stockfield, in the -western end of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Former Governor Appleby -was still a political power and a man of unquestioned force and -importance. - -It was fifteen years or more since he had held office, and now, a great -desire possessed him that his son should follow in his ways, and that his -beloved state should know another governor of the Appleby name. - -And young Sam was worthy of the people’s choice. Himself a man of forty, -motherless from childhood, and brought up sensibly and well by his -father, he listened gravely to the paternal plans for the campaign. - -But there were other candidates, and not without some strong and definite -influences could the end be attained. - -Wherefore, Mr. Appleby was quite as much interested as his secretary in -the letter which was in the morning’s mail. - -“Any word from Sycamore Ridge?” he asked, as he came into the big, -cheerful office and nodded a kindly good-morning to his two assistants. - -“Yes, and a good word,” returned Keefe, smiling. “It says: ‘Come.’” The -secretary’s attitude toward his employer, though deferential and -respectful, was marked by a touch of good-fellowship—a not unnatural -outgrowth of a long term of confidential relations between them. Keefe -had made himself invaluable to Samuel Appleby and both men knew it. So, -as one had no desire to presume on the fact and the other no wish to -ignore it, serenity reigned in the well-ordered and well-appointed -offices of the ex-governor. - -Even the light-haired, light-hearted and light-headed Genevieve couldn’t -disturb the even tenor of the routine. If she could have, she would have -been fired. - -Though not a handsome man, not even to be called distinguished looking, -Samuel Appleby gave an impression of power. His strong, lean face -betokened obdurate determination and implacable will. - -Its deep-graven lines were the result of meeting many obstacles and -surmounting most of them. And at sixty-two, the hale and hearty frame and -the alert, efficient manner made the man seem years younger. - -“You know the conditions on which Wheeler lives in that house?” Appleby -asked, as he looked over the top of the letter at Keefe. - -“No, sir.” - -“Well, it’s this way. But, no—I’ll not give you the story now. We’re -going down there—to-day.” - -“The whole tribe?” asked Keefe, briefly. - -“Yes; all three of us. Be ready, Miss Lane, please, at three-thirty.” - -“Yes, sir,” said Genevieve, reaching for her vanity-box. - -“And now, Keefe, as to young Sam,” Appleby went on, running his fingers -through his thick, iron-gray mane. “If he can put it over, or if I can -put it over for him, it will be only with the help of Dan Wheeler.” - -“Is Wheeler willing to help?” - -“Probably not. He must be made willing. I can do it—I think—unless he -turns stubborn. I know Wheeler—if he turns stubborn—well, Balaam’s -historic quadruped had nothing on him!” - -“Does Mr. Wheeler know Sam?” - -“No; and it wouldn’t matter either way if he did. It’s the platform -Wheeler stands on. If I can keep him in ignorance of that one plank——” - -“You can’t.” - -“I know it—confound it! He opposed my election on that one point—he’ll -oppose Sam’s for the same reason, I know.” - -“Where do I come in?” - -“In a general way, I want your help. Wheeler’s wife and daughter are -attractive, and you might manage to interest them and maybe sway their -sympathies toward Sam——” - -“But they’ll stand by Mr. Wheeler?” - -“Probably—yes. However, use your head, and do all you can with it.” - -“And where do I come in?” asked Genevieve, who had been an interested -listener. - -“You don’t come in at all, Miss. You mostly stay out. You’re to keep in -the background. I have to take you, for we’re only staying one night at -Sycamore Ridge, and then going on to Boston, and I’ll need you there.” - -“Yes, sir,” and the blue eyes turned from him and looked absorbedly into -a tiny mirror, as Genevieve contemplated her pleasant pink-and-whiteness. - -Her vanity and its accompanying box were matters of indifference to Mr. -Appleby and to Keefe, for the girl’s efficiency and skill outweighed them -and her diligence and loyalty scored one hundred per cent. - -Appleby’s fetish was efficiency. He had found it and recognized it in his -secretary and stenographer and he was willing to recompense it duly, even -generously. Wherefore the law business of Samuel Appleby, though carried -on for the benefit of a small number of clients, was of vast importance -and productive of lucrative returns. - -At present, the importance was overshadowed by the immediate interest of -a campaign, which, if successful would land the second Appleby in the -gubernatorial chair. This plan, as yet not a boom, was taking shape with -the neatness and dispatch that characterized the Appleby work. - -Young Sam was content to have the matter principally in his father’s -hands, and things had reached a pitch where, to the senior mind, the -coöperation of Daniel Wheeler was imperatively necessary. - -And, therefore, to Wheeler’s house they must betake themselves. - -“What do you know about the Wheeler business, kid?” Keefe inquired, after -Mr. Appleby had left them. - -Genevieve leaned back in her chair, her dimpled chin moving up and down -with a pretty rhythm as she enjoyed her chewing-gum, and gazed at the -ceiling beams. - -Appleby’s offices were in his own house, and the one given over to these -two was an attractive room, fine with mahogany and plate glass, but also -provided with all the paraphernalia of the most up-to-date of office -furniture. There were good pictures and draperies, and a wood fire added -to the cheer and mitigated the chill of the early fall weather. - -Sidling from her seat, Miss Lane moved over to a chair near the fire. - -“I’ll take those letters when you’re ready,” she said. “Why, I don’t know -a single thing about any Wheeler. Do you?” - -“Not definitely. He’s a man who had an awful fight with Mr. Appleby, long -ago. I’ve heard allusions to him now and then, but I know no details.” - -“I, either. But, it seems we’re to go there. Only for a night, and then, -on to Boston! Won’t I be glad to go!” - -“We’ll only be there a few days. I’m more interested in this Wheeler -performance. I don’t understand it. Who’s Wheeler, anyhow?” - -“Dunno. If Sammy turns up this morning, he may enlighten us.” - -Sammy did turn up, and not long after the conversation young Appleby -strolled into the office. - -Though still looked upon as a boy by his father, the man was of huge -proportions and of an important, slightly overbearing attitude. - -Somewhat like his parent in appearance, young Sam, as he was always -called, had more grace and ease, if less effect of power. He smiled -genially and impartially; he seemed cordial and friendly to all the -world, and he was a general favorite. Yet so far he had achieved no great -thing, had no claim to any especial record in public or private life. - -At forty, unmarried and unattached, his was a case of an able mentality -and a firm, reliable character, with no opportunity offered to prove its -worth. A little more initiative and he would have made opportunities for -himself; but a nature that took the line of least resistance, a -philosophy that believed in a calm acceptance of things as they came, -left Samuel Appleby, junior, pretty much where he was when he began. If -no man could say aught against him, equally surely no man could say -anything very definite for him. Yet many agreed that he was a man whose -powers would develop with acquired responsibilities, and already he had a -following. - -“Hello, little one,” he greeted Genevieve, carelessly, as he sat down -near Keefe. “I say, old chap, you’re going down to the Wheelers’ to-day, -I hear.” - -“Yes; this afternoon,” and the secretary looked up inquiringly. - -“Well, I’ll tell you what. You know the governor’s going there to get -Wheeler’s aid in my election boom, and I can tell you a way to help -things along, if you agree. See?” - -“Not yet, but go ahead.” - -“Well, it’s this way. Dan Wheeler’s daughter is devoted to her father. -Not only filial respect and all that, but she just fairly idolizes the -old man. Now, he recips, of course, and what she says goes. So—I’m asking -you squarely—won’t you put in a good word to Maida, that’s the girl—and -if you do it with your inimitable dexterity and grace, she’ll fall for -it.” - -“You mean for me to praise you up to Miss Wheeler and ask her father to -give you the benefit of his influence?” - -“How clearly you do put things! That’s exactly what I mean. It’s no harm, -you know—merely the most innocent sort of electioneering——” - -“Rather!” laughed Keefe. “If all electioneering were as innocent as that, -the word would carry no unpleasant meaning.” - -“Then you’ll do it?” - -“Of course I will—if I get opportunity.” - -“Oh, you’ll have that. It’s a big, rambling country house—a delightful -one, too—and there’s tea in the hall, and tennis on the lawn, and -moonlight on the verandas——” - -“Hold up, Sam,” Keefe warned him, “is the girl pretty?” - -“Haven’t seen her for years, but probably, yes. But that’s nothing to -you. You’re working for me, you see.” Appleby’s glance was direct, and -Keefe understood. - -“Of course; I was only joking. I’ll carry out your commission, if, as I -said, I get the chance. Tell me something of Mr. Wheeler.” - -“Oh, he’s a good old chap. Pathetic, rather. You see, he bumped up -against dad once, and got the worst of it.” - -“How?” - -Sam Appleby hesitated a moment and then said: “I see you don’t know the -story. But it’s no secret, and you may as well be told. You listen, too, -Miss Lane, but there’s no call to tattle.” - -“I’ll go home if you say so,” Genevieve piped up, a little crisply. - -“No, sit still. Why, it was while dad was governor—about fifteen years -ago, I suppose. And Daniel Wheeler forged a paper—that is, he said he -didn’t, but twelve other good and true peers of his said he did. Anyway, -he was convicted and sentenced, but father was a good friend of his, and -being governor, he pardoned Wheeler. But the pardon was on condition—oh, -I say—hasn’t dad ever told you, Keefe?” - -“Never.” - -“Then, maybe I’d better leave it for him to tell. If he wants you to know -he’ll tell you, and if not, I mustn’t.” - -“Oh, goodness!” cried Genevieve. “What a way to do! Get us all excited -over a thrilling tale, and then chop it off short!” - -“Go on with it,” said Keefe; but Appleby said, “No; I won’t tell you the -condition of the pardon. But the two men haven’t been friends since, and -won’t be, unless the condition is removed. Of course, dad can’t do it, -but the present governor can make the pardon complete, and would do so in -a minute, if dad asked him to. So, though he hasn’t said so, the -assumption is, that father expects to trade a full pardon of Friend -Wheeler for his help in my campaign.” - -“And a good plan,” Keefe nodded his satisfaction. - -“But,” Sam went on, “the trouble is that the very same points and -principles that made Wheeler oppose my father’s election will make him -oppose mine. The party is the same, the platform is the same, and I can’t -hope that the man Wheeler is not the same stubborn, adamant, unbreakable -old hickory knot he was the other time.” - -“And so, you want me to soften him by persuading his daughter to line up -on our side?” - -“Just that, Keefe. And you can do it, I am sure.” - -“I’ll try, of course; but I doubt if even a favorite daughter could -influence the man you describe.” - -“Let me help,” broke in the irrepressible Genevieve. “I can do lots with -a girl. I can do more than Curt could. I’ll chum up with her and——” - -“Now, Miss Lane, you keep out of this. I don’t believe in mixing women -and politics.” - -“But Miss Wheeler’s a woman.” - -“And I don’t want her troubled with politics. Keefe here can persuade her -to coax her father just through her affections—I don’t want her -enlightened as to any of the political details. And I can’t think your -influence would work half as well as that of a man. Moreover, Keefe has -discernment, and if it isn’t a good plan, after all, he’ll know enough to -discard it—while you’d blunder ahead blindly, and queer the whole game!” - -“Oh, well,” and bridling with offended pride, Genevieve sought refuge in -her little mirror. - -“Now, don’t get huffy,” and Sam smiled at her; “you’ll probably find that -Miss Wheeler’s complexion is finer than yours, anyway, and then you’ll -hate her and won’t want to speak to her at all.” - -Miss Lane flashed an indignant glance and then proceeded to go on with -her work. - -“Hasn’t Wheeler tried for a pardon all this time?” Keefe asked. - -“Indeed he has,” Sam returned, “many times. But you see, though -successive governors were willing to grant it, father always managed to -prevent it. Dad can pull lots of wires, as you know, and since he doesn’t -want Wheeler fully pardoned, why, he doesn’t get fully pardoned.” - -“And he lives under the stigma.” - -“Lots of people don’t know about the thing at all. He lives—well—he lives -in Connecticut—and—oh, of course, there is a certain stigma.” - -“And your father will bring about his full pardon if he promises——” - -“Let up, Keefe; I’ve said I can’t tell you that part—you’ll get your -instructions in good time. And, look here, I don’t mean for you to make -love to the girl. In fact, I’m told she has a suitor. But you’re just to -give her a little song and dance about my suitability for the election, -and then adroitly persuade her to use her powers of persuasion with her -stubborn father. For he will be stubborn—I know it! And there’s the -mother of the girl . . . tackle Mrs. Wheeler. Make her see that my father -was justified in the course he took—and besides, he was more or less -accountable to others—and use as an argument that years have dulled the -old feud and that bygones ought to be bygones and all that. - -“Try to make her see that a full pardon now will be as much, and in a way -more, to Wheeler’s credit, than if it had been given him at first——” - -“I can’t see that,” and Keefe looked quizzical - -“Neither can I,” Sam confessed, frankly, “but you can make a woman -swallow anything.” - -“Depends on what sort of woman Mrs. Wheeler is,” Keefe mused. - -“I know it. I haven’t seen her for years, and as I remember, she’s pretty -keen, but I’m banking on you to put over some of your clever work. Not -three men in Boston have your ingenuity, Keefe, when it comes to sizing -up a situation and knowing just how to handle it. Now, don’t tell father -all I’ve said, for he doesn’t especially hold with such small measures. -He’s all for the one big slam game, and he may be right. But I’m right, -too, and you just go ahead.” - -“All right,” Keefe agreed. “I see what you mean, and I’ll do all I can -that doesn’t in any way interfere with your father’s directions to me. -There’s a possibility of turning the trick through the women folks, and -if I can do it, you may count on me.” - -“Good! And as for you, Miss Lane, you keep in the background, and make as -little mischief as you can.” - -“I’m not a mischief-maker,” said the girl, pouting playfully, for she was -not at all afraid of Sam Appleby. - -“Your blue eyes and pink cheeks make mischief wherever you go,” he -returned; “but don’t try them on old Dan Wheeler. He’s a morose old -chap——” - -“I should think he would be!” defended Genevieve; “living all these years -under a ban which may, after all, be undeserved! I’ve heard that he was -entirely innocent of the forgery!” - -“Have you, indeed?” Appleby’s tone was unpleasantly sarcastic. “Other -people have also heard that—from the Wheeler family! Those better -informed believe the man guilty, and believe, too, that my father was too -lenient when he granted even a conditional pardon.” - -“But just think—if he was innocent—how awful his life has been all these -years! You bet he’ll accept the full pardon and give all his effort and -influence and any possible help in return.” - -“Hear the child orate!” exclaimed Sam, gazing at the enthusiastic little -face, as Genevieve voiced her views. - -“I think he’ll be ready to make the bargain, too,” declared Keefe. “Your -father has a strong argument. I fancy Wheeler’s jump at the chance.” - -“Maybe—maybe so. But you don’t know how opposed he is to our principles. -And he’s a man of immovable convictions. In fact, he and dad are two -mighty strong forces. One or the other must win out—but I’ve no idea -which it will be.” - -“How exciting!” Genevieve’s eyes danced. “I’m so glad I’m to go. It’s a -pretty place, you say?” - -“Wonderful. A great sweep of rolling country, a big, long, rambling sort -of house, and a splendid hospitality. You’ll enjoy the experience, but -remember, I told you to be good.” - -“I will remember,” and Genevieve pretended to took cherubic. - - - - - CHAPTER II - NORTH DOOR AND SOUTH DOOR - - -For Samuel Appleby to pay a visit to Daniel Wheeler was of itself an -astounding occurrence. The two men had not seen each other since the day, -fifteen years ago, when Governor Appleby had pardoned the convicted -Wheeler, with a condition, which, though harsh, had been strictly adhered -to. - -They had never been friends at heart, for they were diametrically opposed -in their political views, and were not of similar tastes or pursuits. But -they had been thrown much together, and when the time came for Wheeler to -be tried for forgery, Appleby lent no assistance to the case. However, -through certain influences brought to bear, in connection with the fact -that Mrs. Wheeler was related to the Applebys, the governor pardoned the -condemned man, with a conditional pardon. - -Separated ever since, a few letters had passed between the two men, but -they resulted in no change of conditions. - -As the big car ran southward through the Berkshire Hills, Appleby’s -thoughts were all on the coming meeting, and the scenery of autumn -foliage that provoked wild exclamations of delight from Genevieve and -assenting enthusiasm from Keefe left the other unmoved. - -An appreciative nod and grunt were all he vouchsafed to the girl’s -gushing praises, and when at last they neared their destination he called -her attention to a tall old sycamore tree standing alone on a ridge not -far away. - -“That’s the tree that gives the Wheeler place its name,” he informed. -“Sycamore Ridge is one of the most beautiful places in Connecticut.” - -“Oh, are we in Connecticut?” asked Miss Lane. “I didn’t know we had -crossed the border. What a great old tree! Surely one of the historic -trees of New England, isn’t it?” - -“Historic to the Wheelers,” was the grim reply, and then Mr. Appleby -again relapsed into silence and spoke no further word until they reached -the Wheeler home. - -A finely curved sweep of driveway brought them to the house, and the car -stopped at the south entrance. - -The door did not swing open in welcome, and Mr. Appleby ordered his -chauffeur to ring the bell. - -This brought a servant in response, and the visiting trio entered the -house. - -It was long and low, with many rooms on either side of the wide hall that -went straight through from south to north. The first room to the right -was a large living-room, and into this the guests were shown and were met -by a grave-looking man, who neither smiled nor offered a hand as his calm -gaze rested on Samuel Appleby. - -Indeed, the two men stared at one another, in undisguised curiosity. Each -seemed to search the other’s face for information as to his attitude and -intent. - -“Well, Dan,” Appleby said, after the silent scrutiny, “you’ve changed -some, but you’re the same good-looking chap you always were.” - -Wheeler gave a start and pulled himself together. - -“Thank you. I suppose I should return the compliment.” - -“But you can’t conscientiously do it, eh?” Appleby laughed. “Never mind. -Personal vanity is not my besetting sin. This is my secretary, Mr. Keefe, -and my assistant, Miss Lane.” - -“Ah, yes, yes. How are you? How do you do? My wife and daughter will look -after the young lady. Maida!” - -As if awaiting the call, a girl came quickly in from the hall followed by -an older woman. Introductions followed, and if there was an air of -constraint on the part of the host the ladies of the family showed none. -Sunny-faced Maida Wheeler, with her laughing brown eyes and gold brown -hair, greeted the visitors with charming cordiality, and her mother was -equally kind and courteous. - -Genevieve Lane’s wise and appraising eyes missed no point of appearance -or behavior. - -“Perfect darlings, both of them!” she commented to herself. “Whatever -ails the old guy, it hasn’t bitten them. Or else—wait a minute——” -Genevieve was very observant—“perhaps they’re putting on a little. Is -their welcome a bit extra, to help things along?” - -Yet only a most meticulous critic could discern anything more than true -hospitality in the attitude of Mrs. Wheeler or Maida. The latter took -Genevieve to the room prepared for her and chatted away in girlish -fashion. - -“The place is so wonderful!” Genevieve exclaimed, carefully avoiding -personal talk. “Don’t you just adore it?” - -“Oh, yes. I’ve loved Sycamore Ridge for nearly fifteen years.” - -“Have you lived here so long?” Genevieve was alert for information. It -was fifteen years ago that the pardon had been granted. - -But as Maida merely assented and then changed the subject, Miss Lane was -far too canny to ask further questions. - -With a promptness not entirely due to chance, the stenographer came -downstairs dressed for dinner some several minutes before the appointed -hour. Assuming her right as a guest, she wandered about the rooms. - -The south door, by which they had entered, was evidently the main -entrance, but the opposite, or north door, gave on to an even more -beautiful view, and she stepped out on the wide veranda and gazed -admiringly about. The low ridge nearby formed the western horizon, and -the giant sycamore, its straight branches outlined against the fading -sunset, was impressive and a little weird. She strolled on, and turned -the corner the better to see the ridge. The veranda ran all round the -house, and as she went on along the western side, she suddenly became -aware of a silent figure leaning against a pillar at the southwest -corner. - -“It is so quiet it frightens me,” she said to Daniel Wheeler, as she -neared him. - -“Do you feel that way, too?” he asked, looking at her a little absently. -“It is the lull before the storm.” - -“Oh, that sunset doesn’t mean rain,” Genevieve exclaimed, smiling, -“unless your Connecticut blue laws interpret weather signs differently -from our Massachusetts prophets. We _are_ in Connecticut, aren’t we?” - -“Yes,” and Wheeler sighed unaccountably. “Yes, Miss Lane, we are. That -sycamore is the finest tree in the state.” - -“I can well believe it. I never saw such a grandfather of a tree! It’s -all full of little balls.” - -“Yes, buttonballs, they are called. But note its wonderful symmetry, its -majestic appearance——” - -“And strength! It looks as if it would stand, there forever!” - -“Do you think so?” and the unmistakable note of disappointment in the -man’s tone caused Genevieve to look up in astonishment. “Well, perhaps it -will,” he added quickly. - -“Oh, no, of course it won’t really! No tree stands forever. But it will -be here long after you and I are gone.” - -“Are you an authority on trees?” Wheeler spoke without a smile. - -“Hardly that; but I was brought up in the country, and I know something -of them. Your daughter loves the country, too.” - -“Oh, yes—we all do.” - -The tone was courteous, but the whole air of the man was so melancholy, -his cheerfulness so palpably assumed, that Genevieve felt sorry for him, -as well as inordinately curious to know what was the matter. - -But her sympathy was the stronger impulse, and with a desire to entertain -him, she said, “Come for a few steps in the garden, Mr. Wheeler, won’t -you? Come and show me that quaint little summer-house near the front -door. It is the front door, isn’t it? It’s hard to tell.” - -“Yes, the north door _is_ the front door,” Wheeler said slowly, as if -repeating a lesson. “The summer-house you mention is near the front door. -But we won’t visit that now. Come this other way, and I’ll show you a -Japanese tea-house, much more attractive.” - -But Genevieve Lane was sometimes under the spell of the Imp of the -Perverse. - -“No, no,” she begged, smilingly, “let the Japanese contraption wait; -please go to the little summer-house now. See, how it fairly twinkles in -the last gleams of the setting sun! What is the flower that rambles all -over it? Oh, do let’s go there now! Come, please!” - -With no reason for her foolish insistence save a whim, Genevieve was -amazed to see the look of fury that came over her host’s face. - -“Appleby put you up to that!” he cried, in a voice of intense anger. “He -told you to ask me to go to that place!” - -“Why, Mr. Wheeler,” cried the girl, almost frightened, “Mr. Appleby did -nothing of the sort! Why should he! I’m not asking anything wrong, am I? -Why is it so dreadful to want to see an arbor instead of a tea-house? You -must be crazy!” - -When Miss Lane was excited, she was quite apt to lose her head, and speak -in thoughtless fashion. - -But Mr. Wheeler didn’t seem to notice her informality of speech. He only -stared at her as if he couldn’t quite make her out, and then he suddenly -seemed to lose interest in her or her wishes, and with a deep sigh, he -turned away, and fell into the same brooding posture as when she had -first approached him. - -“Come to dinner, people,” called Maida’s pretty voice, as, with -outstretched hands she came toward them. “Why, dads, what are you looking -miserable about? What have you done to him, Miss Lane?” - -“Maida, child, don’t speak like that! Miss Lane has been most kindly -talking to me, of—of the beauties of Sycamore Ridge.” - -“All right, then, and forgive me, Miss Lane. But you see, the sun rises -and sets for me in one Daniel Wheeler, Esquire, and any shadow on his -face makes me apprehensive of its cause.” - -Only for an instant did Genevieve Lane’s sense of justice rise in revolt, -then her common sense showed her the better way, and she smiled -pleasantly and returned: - -“I don’t blame you, Miss Wheeler. If I had a father, I should feel just -the same way, I know. But don’t do any gory-lock-shaking my way. I assure -you I didn’t really scold him. I only kicked because he wouldn’t humor my -whim for visiting the summer-house with the blossoms trailing over it! -Was that naughty of me?” - -But though Genevieve listened for the answer, none came. - -“Come on in to dinner, daddy, dear,” Maida repeated. “Come, Miss Lane, -they’re waiting for us.” - -Dinner was a delightful occasion. - -Daniel Wheeler, at the head of his own table, was a charming host, and -his melancholy entirely disappeared as the talk ran along on subjects -grave or gay, but of no personal import. - -Appleby, too, was entertaining, and the two men, with Mrs. Wheeler, -carried on most of the conversation, the younger members of the party -being by what seemed common consent left out of it. - -Genevieve looked about the dining-room, with a pleased interest. She -dearly loved beautiful appointments and was really imagining herself -mistress of just such a house, and visioning herself at the head of such -a table. The long room stretched from north to south, parallel with the -hall, though not adjoining. The table was not in the centre, but toward -the southern end, and Mr. Wheeler, at the end near the windows, had Keefe -and Miss Lane on either side of him. - -Appleby, as guest of honor, sat at Mrs. Wheeler’s right, and the whole -effect was that of a formal dinner party, rather than a group of which -two were merely office employés. - -“It is one of the few remaining warm evenings,” said Mrs. Wheeler, as she -rose from the table, “we will have our coffee on the veranda. Soon it -will be too cool for that.” - -“Which veranda?” asked Genevieve of Maida, as they went through the hall. -“The north one, I hope.” - -“Your hopes must be dashed,” laughed the other, “for it will be the south -one. Come along.” - -The two girls, followed by Keefe, took possession of a group of chairs -near Mrs. Wheeler, while the two older men sat apart, and soon became -engrossed in their own discussions. - -Nor was it long before Samuel Appleby and his host withdrew to a room -which opened on to that same south veranda, and which was, in fact, Mr. -Wheeler’s den. - -“Well, Sam,” Keefe heard the other say, as he drew down the blind, “we -may as well have it out now. What are you here for?” - -Outwardly placid, but almost consumed with curiosity, Curt Keefe changed -his seat for one nearer the window of the den. He hoped to hear the -discussion going on inside, but was doomed to disappointment, for though -the murmuring of the voices was audible, the words were not distinct, and -Keefe gathered only enough information to be sure that there was a heated -argument in progress and that neither party to it was inclined to give in -a single point. - -Of course, he decided, the subject was the coming election campaign, but -the details of desired bargaining he could not gather. - -Moreover, often, just as he almost heard sentences of interest, the -chatter of the girls or some remark of Mrs. Wheeler’s would drown the -voices of the men in the room. - -One time, indeed, he heard clearly: “When the Sycamore on the ridge goes -into Massachusetts——” but this was sheer nonsense, and he concluded he -must have misunderstood. - -Later, they all forgathered in the living-room and there was music and -general conversation. - -Genevieve Lane proved herself decidedly entertaining, and though Samuel -Appleby looked a little amusedly at his stenographer, he smiled kindly at -her as he noticed that she in no way overstepped the bounds of correct -demeanor. - -Genevieve was thinking of what Keefe had said to her: “If you do only -what is absolutely correct and say what is only absolutely correct, you -can do whatever you like.” - -She had called it nonsense at the time, but she was beginning to see the -truth of it. She was careful that her every word and act should be -correct, and she was most decidedly doing as she liked. She made good -with Mrs. Wheeler and Maida with no trouble at all; but she felt, -vaguely, that Mr. Wheeler didn’t like her. This she set about to remedy. - -Going to his side, as he chanced to sit for a moment alone, she smiled -ingratiatingly and said: - -“I wonder if you can imagine, sir, what it means to me to see the inside -of a house like this?” - -“Bless my soul, what do you mean?” asked Wheeler, puzzled at the girl’s -manner. - -“It’s like a glimpse of Fairyland,” she went on. “You see, I’m terribly -ambitious—oh, fearfully so! And all my ambitions lead to just this sort -of a home. Do you suppose I’ll ever achieve it, Mr. Wheeler?” - -Now the girl had truly wonderful magnetic charm, and even staid old Dan -Wheeler was not insensible to the note of longing in her voice, the -simple, honest admission of her hopes. - -“Of course you will, little one,” he returned, kindly. “I’ve heard that -whatever one wants, one gets, provided the wish is strong enough.” He -spoke directly to her, but his gaze wandered as if his thoughts were far -away. - -“Do you really believe that?” Genevieve’s big blue eyes begged an -affirmation. - -“I didn’t say I believed it—I said I have heard it.” He smiled sadly. -“Not quite the same—so far as I’m concerned; but quite as assuring to -you. Of course, my belief wouldn’t endorse the possibility.” - -“It would for me,” declared Genevieve. “I’ve lots of confidence in other -people’s opinions——” - -“Anybody’s?” - -“Anybody whom I respect and believe in.” - -“Appleby, for instance?” - -“Oh, yes, indeed! I’d trust Mr. Appleby’s opinions on any subject. Let’s -go over there and tell him so.” - -Samuel Appleby was sitting at the other end, the north end of the long -room. “No,” said Wheeler, “I’m too comfortable here to move—ask him to -come here.” - -Genevieve looked at him a little astonished. It was out of order, she -thought, for a host to speak thus. She pressed the point, saying there -was a picture at the other end of the room she wished to examine. - -“Run along, then,” said Wheeler, coolly. “Here, Maida, show Miss Lane -that etching and tell her the interesting details about it.” - -The girls went away, and soon after Keefe drifted round to Wheeler’s -side. - -“You know young Sam Appleby?” he asked, casually. - -“No,” Wheeler said, shortly but not sharply. “I daresay he’s a most -estimable chap.” - -“He’s all of that. He’s a true chip of the old block. Both good -gubernatorial timber, as I’m sure you agree.” - -“What makes you so sure, Mr. Keefe?” - -Curt Keefe looked straight at him. “Well,” he laughed, “I’m quite ready -to admit that the wish was father to the thought.” - -“Why do you call that an admission?” - -“Oh,” Keefe readily returned, “it is usually looked upon as a confession -that one has no reason for a thought other than a wish.” - -“And why is it your wish?” - -“Because it is the wish of my employer,” said Keefe, seriously. “I know -of no reason, Mr. Wheeler, why I shouldn’t say that I hope and trust you -will use your influence to further the cause of young Appleby.” - -“What makes you think I can do so?” - -“While I am not entirely in Mr. Appleby’s confidence, he has told me that -the campaign would be greatly aided by your willingness to help, and so I -can’t help hoping you will exercise it.” - -“Appleby has told you so much, has he? No more?” - -“No more, I think, regarding yourself, sir. I know, naturally, the -details of the campaign so far as it is yet mapped out.” - -“And you know why I do not want to lend my aid?” - -“I know you are not in accordance with the principles of the Appleby -politics——” - -“That I am not! Nor shall I ever be. Nor shall I ever pretend to be——” - -“Pretend? Of course not. But could you not be persuaded?” - -“By what means?” - -“I don’t know, Mr. Wheeler,” and Keefe looked at him frankly. “I truly -don’t know by what means. But I do know that Mr. Appleby is here to -present to you an argument by which he hopes to persuade you to help -young Sam along—and I earnestly desire to add any word of mine that may -help influence your decision. That is why I want to tell you of the good -traits of Sam Appleby, junior. It may be I can give you a clearer light -on his character than his father could do——that is, I might present it as -the opinion of a friend——” - -“And not exaggerate his virtues as a father might do? I see. Well, Mr. -Keefe, I appreciate your attitude, but let me tell you this: whatever I -do or don’t do regarding this coming campaign of young Appleby will be -entirely irrespective of the character or personality of that young man. -It will all depend on the senior Appleby’s arrangements with me, and my -ability to change his views on some of the more important planks in his -platform. If he directed you to speak to me as you have done, you may -return that to him as my answer.” - -“You, doubtless, said the same to him, sir?” - -“Of course I did. I make no secret of my position in this matter. Samuel -Appleby has a hold over me—I admit that—but it is not strong enough to -make me forget my ideas of right and wrong to the public. No influence of -a personal nature should weigh against any man’s duty to the state, and I -will never agree to pretend to any dissimulation in order to bring about -a happier life for myself.” - -“But need you subscribe to the objectionable points to use your influence -for young Sam?” - -“Tacitly, of course. And I do not choose even to appear to agree to -principles abhorrent to my sense of justice and honesty, thereby secretly -gaining something for myself.” - -“Meaning your full pardon?” - -Wheeler turned a look of surprise on the speaker. - -“I thought you said you hadn’t Appleby’s full confidence,” he said. - -“Nor have I. I do know—as do many men—that you were pardoned with a -condition, but the condition I do not know. It can’t be very galling.” -And Keefe looked about on the pleasant surroundings. - -“You think not? That’s because you don’t know the terms. And yet, galling -though they are, hateful though it makes my life, and the lives of my -wife and daughter, we would all rather bear it than to deviate one iota -from the path of strict right.” - -“I must admire you for that, as must any honorable man. But are there not -degrees or shadings of right and wrong——” - -“Mr. Keefe, as an old man, I take the privilege of advising you for your -own good. All through your life I beg you remember this: Anyone who -admits degrees or shadings of right or wrong—is already wrong. Don’t be -offended; you didn’t claim those things, you merely asked the question. -But, remember what I said about it.” - - - - - CHAPTER III - ONE LAST ARGUMENT - - -Adjoining the bedroom of Samuel Appleby at Sycamore Ridge was a small -sitting-room, also at his disposal. Here, later that same evening he sat -in confab with his two assistants. - -“We leave to-morrow afternoon,” he said to Keefe and Miss Lane. “But -before that, we’ve much to do. So far, we’ve accomplished nothing. I am a -little discouraged but not disheartened. I still have a trump card to -play, but I don’t want to use it unless absolutely necessary.” - -“If you were inclined to take us further into your confidence, Mr. -Appleby,” Keefe began, and the older man interrupted: - -“That’s just what I propose to do. The time has come for it. Perhaps if -you both know the situation you may work more intelligently.” - -“Sure we could!” exclaimed Genevieve. She was leaning forward in her -chair, clasping her knees, her pretty evening frock disclosing her -babyishly soft neck and arms; but without a trace of self-consciousness, -she thought only of the subject they were discussing. - -“There’s something queer,” she went on. “I can’t see through it. Why does -Mr. Wheeler act so polite most of the time, and then do some outrageous -thing, like——” - -“Like what?” - -“Like refusing to cross the room—or—why, he declined point-blank to go -with me to the north arbor, yet was perfectly willing to take me to the -Japanese tea-house!” - -“That’s just the point of the whole thing,” said Appleby, seriously; -“here’s the explanation in a nutshell. Years ago, Daniel Wheeler was -pardoned for a crime he had committed——” - -“He did commit it, then?” interrupted Keefe. - -“He was tried and convicted. He was sentenced. And I, being governor at -the time, pardoned him on the one condition, that he never again set foot -inside the boundaries of the State of Massachusetts.” - -“Whee!” exclaimed Genevieve; “never go to Boston!” - -“Nor anywhere else in the state. But this is the complication: Mrs. -Wheeler, who is, by the way, a distant connection of my own family, -inherited a large fortune on condition that she live in Massachusetts. So -you see, the situation was peculiar. To keep her inheritance, Mrs. -Wheeler must live in Massachusetts. Yet Mr. Wheeler could not enter the -state without forfeiting his pardon.” - -“What a mess!” cried Genevieve, but Keefe said: “You planned that -purposely, Mr. Appleby?” - -“Of course,” was the straightforward reply. - -“Then I don’t see how you can expect Mr. Wheeler’s help in the campaign.” - -“By offering him a complete pardon, of course.” - -“But go on with the story,” demanded Genevieve. “What did they do about -the Massachusetts business?” - -“As you see,” returned Appleby, “this house is built on the state line -between Massachusetts and Connecticut. It is carefully planned and built, -and all the rooms or parts of rooms that Mr. Wheeler uses or enters are -on the Connecticut side, yet the house is more than half in -Massachusetts, which secures the estate to Mrs. Wheeler.” - -“Well, I never!” Genevieve exclaimed. “So that’s why he can’t go to the -north arbor—it’s in Massachusetts!” - -“Of course it is. Also, he never goes into the northern end of the -dining-room or the living-room.” - -“Or hall.” - -“Or hall. In fact, he merely is careful to keep on his own side of a -definitely drawn line, and therefore complies with the restrictions. His -den and his own bedroom and bath are all on the south side, while Mrs. -Wheeler has a sitting-room, boudoir, and so forth, on the north side. She -and Maida can go all over the house, but Mr. Wheeler is restricted. -However, they’ve lived that way so long, it has become second nature to -them, and nobody bothers much about it.” - -“Do people know?” asked Keefe. “The neighbors, I mean.” - -“Oh, yes; but, as I say, it makes little confusion. The trouble comes, as -Miss Lane suggested, when Wheeler wants to go to Boston or anywhere in -Massachusetts.” - -“Yet that is a small thing, compared with his freedom,” observed Keefe; -“I think he got off easy.” - -“But with Wheeler it isn’t so much the deprivation as the stigma. He -longs for a full pardon, and would do most anything to have it, but he -refuses to stand for Sam’s election, even with that for a bribe.” - -“You can’t pardon him now that you aren’t governor, can you, Mr. -Appleby?” asked Genevieve. - -“I can arrange to have it done. In fact, the present governor is ready -and even anxious to pardon him, but I hold the key to that situation, -myself. You two needn’t know all the details, but now you know the -principal points, and I expect you to utilize them.” - -“I’m willing enough,” and Genevieve rocked back and forth thoughtfully, -“and I may think of a way—but, for the moment, I don’t.” - -“Get chummy with Maida,” suggested Appleby. - -“Let me do that,” Keefe interrupted. “Without undue conceit, I believe I -can influence the young lady, and I think Miss Lane, now that she knows -the truth, can jolly up Mr. Wheeler to good effect.” - -“But, good gracious! What do you want to do?” and Genevieve giggled. “Say -I entice the old gentleman over the line—then his pardon is canceled and -he’s a criminal—then you agree to ignore the lapse if he meets your -wishes—is that the idea?” - -Appleby smiled. “A little crude, Miss Lane. And beside, you couldn’t get -him over the line. He’s too accustomed to his limitations to be caught -napping, and not even your charms could decoy him over intentionally.” - -“Think so? Probably you’re right. Well, suppose I try to work through -Maida. If I could persuade Mr. Wheeler that she suffers from the stigma -of her father’s incomplete pardon——” - -“Yes, that’s it. This thing can’t be accomplished by brutal threats, it -must be done by subtle suggestion and convincing hints.” - -“That’s my idea,” agreed Keefe. “If I can talk straight goods to Miss -Wheeler and make her see how much better it would be for her father in -his latter years to be freed from all touch of the past disgrace, she -might coax him to listen to you.” - -“That’s right. Now, you know what you’re here for; just do what you -can—but don’t make a mess of things. I’d rather you did nothing than to -do some fool thing!” - -“Trust us!” Genevieve encouraged him, as she rose. “Me and Curt may not -put over a big deal, but we won’t do anything silly.” - -The two men smiled as the girl, with a pleasant good-night, went away to -her own room. - -“She’s true blue,” said Keefe. - -“Yes, she is,” Appleby nodded. “All her frivolity is on the surface, like -her powder and paint. At heart, that child has only my interests. I quite -appreciate it.” - -“I hope you think the same of me, Mr. Appleby.” - -“I do, Keefe. More, I trust you with my most confidential matters. I’ll -own I want this business here to come out in my favor. I can’t push -Wheeler too hard—so I ask your help. But, as I hinted, I’ve one rod yet -in pickle. If necessary, I’ll use it, but I’d rather not.” - -“Of course I hope you won’t have to, but, I’ll admit I don’t see much -chance of succeeding with the present outlook.” - -“To-morrow morning will tell. If we can’t work the thing through by noon, -say—I’ll spring my last trap. Good-night, Keefe.” - -“Good-night, Mr. Appleby.” - -Without apparent coercion the morning hours brought about a cozy session -on the south veranda with Miss Lane and Daniel Wheeler in attendance, -while at the same time, Keefe and Maida wandered over the beautiful park -of the estate. - -Keefe had gently guided the conversation into confidential channels, and -when he ventured to sympathize with the girl in regard to her father’s -deprivation he was surprised at her ready acceptance of it. - -“Oh, you know, don’t you, Mr. Keefe!” she exclaimed. “But you don’t know -all it means to me. You see”—she blushed but went steadily on—“you see, -I’m engaged to—to a man I adore. And——” - -“Don’t tell me if you’d rather not,” he murmured. - -“No, it’s a relief to tell—and, somehow—you seem so wise and strong——” - -“Go on then—please.” - -The kind voice helped her and Maida resumed: “Well, Jeff—Mr. Allen, lives -in Boston, and so——” - -“So it would be very awkward if your father couldn’t go there.” - -“Not only that—but I’ve made a vow never to step foot into Massachusetts -until my father can do so, too. Nothing would induce me to break that -vow!” - -“Not even your lover?” said Keefe, astonished. - -“No; my father is more to me than any lover.” - -“Then you don’t truly love Mr. Allen.” - -“Oh, yes, I do—I do! But father is my idol. I don’t believe any girl ever -adored her father as I do. All my life I’ve had only the one object—to -make him forget—as far as possible, his trouble. Now, if I were to marry -and leave him—why, I simply couldn’t do it!” - -“Can’t Mr. Allen live in Connecticut?” - -“No; his business interests are all in Boston, and he can’t be -transplanted. Oh, if father could only do what Mr. Appleby wants him to, -then we could all be happy.” - -“Can’t you persuade him?” - -“I’ve tried my best. Mother has tried, too. But, you see, it’s a matter -of principle, and when principle is involved, we are all in the same -boat. Mother and I would scorn any wrongdoing quite as much as father -does.” - -“And you’ll give up your life happiness for a principle?” - -“Of course. Wouldn’t you? Wouldn’t every decent person? I couldn’t live -at all, if I were knowingly doing wrong.” - -“But your——” Keefe stopped abruptly. - -“I know what you were going to say,” Maida spoke sadly; “you were going -to say my father did wrong. _I_ don’t believe he did.” - -“Don’t you know?” - -“I know in my own heart. I know he is incapable of the crime he was -charged with. I’m sure he is shielding some one else, or else some one -did it of whom he has no knowledge. But my father commit a crime? Never!” - -“Do you care to tell me the details?” - -“I don’t know why I shouldn’t. It was long ago, you know, and dad was -accused of forgery. It was proved on him—or the jury thought it was—and -he was convicted——” - -“And sentenced?” - -“Yes; to a long prison term. But Governor Appleby pardoned him with that -mean old proviso, that he never should step into Massachusetts!” - -“Was your mother then the heir to the Massachusetts property?” - -“No; but Mr. Appleby knew she would be. So, when she did inherit, and had -to live in Massachusetts to hold the estate, Mr. Appleby thought he had -dad where he wanted him.” - -“Were they foes?” - -“Politically, yes. Because dad did all he could to keep Mr. Appleby from -being governor.” - -“But didn’t succeed?” - -“No; but almost. So, then, Mr. Appleby did this pardon trick to get even -with father, and I think it turned out more serious than he anticipated. -For mother took up the feud, and she got lawyers and all that and -arranged to have the house built on the line between the states!” - -“Was the estate she inherited on both sides of the line?” - -“Oh, no; but it was near the southern border of Massachusetts, and she -bought enough adjoining land to make the arrangement possible.” - -“Then the house isn’t on the ground she inherited?” - -“Not quite, but the lawyers decided it so that she really complies with -the terms of the will, so it’s all right.” - -“Was your mother the only heir?” - -“So far as we can find out. I believe there was another branch of the -family, but we haven’t been able to trace it, so as the years go by, we -feel more and more confident there’s no other heir. Of course, should one -turn up, his claim would be recognized.” - -Further talk quickly convinced Keefe that there was no hope of persuading -Maida Wheeler to influence or advise her father in any direction other -than his idea of right. No amount of urging or arguing would make Wheeler -see his duty other than he now saw it, or make Maida endeavor to change -his views. With a sigh over his failure, Keefe deftly turned the talk in -other channels, and then they strolled back to the house. - -As was to be expected, Genevieve had made no progress with her part of -the plan. Her talk with Mr. Wheeler had availed nothing. He was courteous -and kind; he was amused at her gay, merry little ways; he politely -answered her questions, both serious and flippant, but absolutely nothing -came of it all. - -Samuel Appleby had a short but straightforward conversation with Mrs. -Wheeler. - -“Now, Sara,” he said, “remember I’m your old friend as well as your -relative.” - -“I don’t call you a relative,” she returned, calmly. - -“A family connection, then; I don’t care what you call it. And I’m going -to speak right out, for I know better than to try sophistries. If you can -get Dan to play my game regarding my son’s campaign, I’ll see that Dan -gets full pardon, and at once. Then Maida can marry young Allen and you -can all go to Boston to live.” - -“Sam Appleby, I’d rather never see Boston again, never have Dan see it, -than to have him agree to endorse principles that he does not believe! -And Dan feels the same way about it.” - -“But don’t you consider your daughter? Will you condemn Maida to a -broken-hearted life——?” - -“Maida must decide for herself. I think Jeffrey Allen will yet persuade -her to leave her father. She is devoted to Dan, but she is deeply in love -with Jeff and it’s only natural she should go with him. Any other girl -would do so without a second thought. Maida is unusual, but I doubt if -she can hold out much longer against her lover’s pleading.” - -“I think she will. Maida has your own unbreakable will.” - -“So be it, then. The child must choose for herself. But it doesn’t alter -the stand Dan and I have taken.” - -“Nothing can alter that?” - -“Nothing, Samuel Appleby.” - -“That remains to be seen. Have I your permission to talk to Maida, -alone?” - -“Certainly. Why not? If you can persuade her to marry Jeff, I’ll be only -too glad. If you find her determined to stand by her father, then the -case remains as it is at present.” - -And so, as Maida returned from her walk with Keefe, she was asked to go -for another stroll with Samuel Appleby. - -She assented, though with no show of pleasure at the prospect. - -But as they started off, she said: “I’m glad to have a talk with you, Mr. -Appleby. I want to appeal to your better nature.” - -“Good! That’s just what I want—to appeal to yours. Suppose you word your -appeal first.” - -“Mine is simple to understand. It is only that having had your way and -having spoiled my father’s life for fifteen years, I ask you, in the name -of humanity and justice, to arrange matters so that his latter years of -life shall be free from the curse you put upon him.” - -“I didn’t put it upon him—he brought it on himself.” - -“He never committed that crime—and you know it!” - -“What do you mean by that?” Appleby gave her a startled glance. - -Had Maida seen this glance, she might have been enlightened. But her eyes -were cast down, and she went on: “I don’t know it surely, but I am -positive in my own heart father never did it. However, that’s past -history. All I ask now is his full pardon—which, I know, you can bring -about if you want to.” - -“And I will, willingly and gladly, if your father will grant my request.” - -“To put your son in as governor with the same political views that -prevented my father from voting for you! You know he can’t do that!” - -“And yet you expect me to favor him!” - -“But don’t you see the difference? Your pardon will mean everything to -father——” - -“And to you!” - -“Yes, but that’s a secondary consideration. I’d ask this for father just -the same, if it meant disaster for me!” - -“I believe you would!” and Appleby gazed admiringly at the sweet, -forceful face, and the earnest eyes. - -“Of course I should! As I say, it means life’s happiness to him.” - -“And his consent means just as much to me.” - -“No, it doesn’t. That’s just it. Even though father doesn’t definitely -help you in your son’s election, he will do nothing to hinder. And that’s -much the same.” - -“It’s far from being the same. His positive and definite help is a very -different matter from his negative lack of interference. It’s the help I -want. And I do want it! Do you suppose I’d come here and urge it—beg for -it—if I didn’t think it absolutely necessary?” - -“No; I suppose not. But I know he never will grant it, so you may as well -give up hope.” - -“You know that, do you, Maida?” Appleby’s voice was almost wistful. - -“I most certainly do,” and the girl nodded her head positively. - -“Then listen to me. I have one argument yet unused. I’m going to use it -now. And with you.” - -Maida looked up in alarm. Appleby’s face was stern, his tone betokened a -final, even desperate decision. - -“Oh, not with me,” she cried; “I—I’m only a girl—I don’t know about these -things—let’s go where father is.” - -“No; you are the one. In your hands must rest your father’s fate—your -father’s future. Sit here, beneath the old sycamore—you know about the -tree?” - -“Yes, of course.” - -“Never mind that now; I’ve only a few moments, but that’s time enough. -You know, Maida, how your mother holds this estate?” - -“Yes—she must live in Massachusetts. Well, we do. The lawyers said——” - -“That isn’t the point; this is it. There is another heir.” - -“We’ve always thought it possible.” Maida spoke coolly, though a dull -fear clutched her heart. - -“It’s more than a possibility, it’s a fact. I know it—and I know the -heir.” - -“Who is it?” - -“Never mind for the moment. Suffice it to say that he doesn’t know it -himself—that no one knows it but me. Now, you and I know. No one else -does. Do you understand?” - -His keen gaze at her made her understand. - -“I——” she faltered. - -“You do understand,” he asserted. “You sense my proposition before I make -it. And you have it right—you’re a smart girl, Maida. Yes, I suggest that -you and I keep our secret, and that in return for my silence you persuade -your father to meet my wishes. Then, he shall be fully pardoned, and all -will be well.” - -“You criminal! You dishonest and dishonorable man!” she cried, her eyes -blazing, her cheeks reddening with her righteous indignation. - -“There, there, my girl, have a care. You haven’t thought it all out yet. -Doubtless you’re going to say that neither your father nor mother want to -remain here, if my statement is true.” - -“Of course I say that! They won’t want to stay a minute! Who is the heir? -Tell me!” - -“And have you thought what it will mean to them to leave this place? Have -you realized that your father has no business interests nor can he find -any at his age? Do you remember that your mother has no funds outside the -estate she inherited? Do you want to plunge them into penury, into -pauperism, in their declining years?” - -“Yes—if honesty requires it——” but the sweet voice trembled at the -thought. - -“Honesty is a good thing—a fine policy—but you are a devoted daughter, -and I remind you that to tell this thing I have told you, means -disaster—ruin for you and your parents. Young Allen can’t support -them—they are unaccustomed to deprivation—and,” he lowered his voice, -“this heir I speak of has no knowledge of the truth. He misses nothing, -since he hopes for nothing.” - -Maida looked at him helplessly. - -“I must think,” she said, brokenly. “Oh, you are cruel, to put this -responsibility on me.” - -“You know why I do it. I am not disinterested.” - - - - - CHAPTER IV - THE BIG SYCAMORE TREE - - -At the south door the Appleby car stood waiting. - -Genevieve was saying good-bye to Maida, with the affection of an old -friend. - -“We’re coming back, you know,” she reminded, “in two or three days, and -please say you’ll be glad to see me!” - -“Of course,” Maida assented, but her lip trembled and her eyes showed -signs of ready tears. - -“Cheer up,” Genevieve babbled on. “I’m your friend—whatever comes with -time!” - -“So am I,” put in Curtis Keefe. “Good-bye for a few days, Miss Wheeler.” - -How Maida did it, she scarcely knew herself, but she forced a smile, and -even when Samuel Appleby gave her a warning glance at parting she bravely -responded to his farewell words, and even gaily waved her hand as the car -rolled down the drive. - -Once out of earshot, Appleby broke out: - -“I played my trump card! No, you needn’t ask me what I was, for I don’t -propose to tell you. But it will take the trick, I’m sure. Why, it’s got -to!” - -“It must be something pretty forcible, then,” said Keefe, “for it looked -to me about as likely as snow in summertime, that any of those rigid -Puritans would ever give in an inch to your persuasions.” - -“Or mine,” added Genevieve. “Never before have I failed so utterly to -make any headway when I set out to be really persuasive.” - -“You did your best, Miss Lane,” and Appleby looked at her with the air of -one appraising the efficiency of a salesman. “I confess I didn’t think -Wheeler would be quite such a hardshell—after all these years.” - -“He’s just like concrete,” Keefe observed. “They all are. I didn’t know -there were such conscientious people left in this wicked old world!” - -“They’re not really in the world,” Appleby declared. “They’ve merely -vegetated in that house of theirs, never going anywhere——” - -“Oh, come now, Mr. Appleby,” and Genevieve shook her head, “Boston isn’t -the only burg on the planet! They often go to New York, and that’s going -some!” - -“Not really often—I asked Wheeler. He hasn’t been for five or six years, -and though Maida goes occasionally, to visit friends, she soon runs back -home to her father.” - -“It doesn’t matter,” Keefe said, “they’re by no means mossbacks or -hayseeds. They’re right there with the goods, when it comes to modern -literature or up-to-date news——” - -“Oh, yes, they’re a highbrow bunch,” Appleby spoke impatiently; “but a -recluse like that is no sort of a man! The truth is, I’m at the end of my -patience! I’ve got to put this thing over with less palaver and -circumlocution. I thought I’d give him a chance—just put the thing up to -him squarely once—and, as he doesn’t see fit to meet me half-way, he’s -got to be the loser, that’s all.” - -“He seems to be the loser, as it is.” This from Keefe. - -“But nothing to what’s coming to him! Why, the idea of my sparing him at -all is ridiculous! If he doesn’t come down, he’s got to be wiped out! -That’s what it amounts to!” - -“Wiped out—how?” - -“Figuratively and literally! Mentally, morally and physically! That’s -how! I’ve stood all I can—I’ve waited long enough—too long—and now I’m -going to play the game my own way! As I said, I played a trump card—I -raised one pretty definite ruction just before we left. Now, that may do -the business—and, it may not! If not, then desperate measures are -necessary—and will be used!” - -“Good gracious, Mr. Appleby!” Genevieve piped up from her fur collar -which nearly muffled her little face. “You sound positively murderous!” - -“Murder! Pooh, I’d kill Dan Wheeler in a minute, if that would help Sam! -But I don’t want Wheeler dead—I want him alive—I want his help—his -influence—yet, when he sits there looking like a stone wall, and about as -easy to overthrow, I declare I _could_ kill him! But I don’t intend to. -It’s far more likely he’d kill me!” - -“Why?” exclaimed Keefe. “Why should he? And—but you’re joking.” - -“Not at all. Wheeler isn’t of the murderer type, or I’d be taking my life -in my hands to go into his house! He hates me with all the strength of a -hard, bigoted, but strictly just nature. He thinks I was unjust in the -matter of his pardon, he thinks I was contemptible, and false to our -old-time friendship; and he would be honestly and truly glad if I were -dead. But—thank heaven—he’s no murderer!” - -“Of course not!” cried Genevieve. “How you do talk! As if murder were an -everyday performance! Why, people in our class don’t kill each other!” - -The placid assumption of equality of class with her employer was so -consistently Miss Lane’s usual attitude, that it caused no mental comment -from either of her hearers. Her services were so valuable that any such -little idiosyncrasy was tolerated. - -“Of course we don’t—often,” agreed Appleby, “but I’d wager a good bit -that if Dan Wheeler could bump me off without his conscience knowing -it—off I’d go!” - -“I don’t know about that,” said Genevieve, musingly—“but I do believe -that girl would do it!” - -“What?” cried Keefe. “Maida!” - -“Yes; she’s a lamb for looks, but she’s got a lion’s heart—if anybody -ever had one! Talk about a tigress protecting her cubs; it would be a -milk-and-water performance beside Maida Wheeler shielding her father—or -fighting for him—yes, or killing somebody for him!” - -“Rubbish!” laughed Appleby. “Maida might be willing enough, in that lion -heart of hers—but little girls don’t go around killing people.” - -“I know it, and I don’t expect her to. But I only say she’s capable of -it.” - -“Goethe says—(Keefe spoke in his superior way)—‘We are all capable of -crime, even the best of us.’” - -“I remember that phrase,” mused Appleby. “Is it Goethe’s? Well, I don’t -say it’s literally true, for lots of people are too much of a jellyfish -makeup to have such a capability. But I do believe there are lots of -strong, forcible people, who are absolutely capable of crime—if the -opportunity offers.” - -“That’s it,” and Genevieve nodded her head wisely. “Opportunity is what -counts. I’ve read detective stories, and they prove it. Be careful, Mr. -Appleby, how you trust yourself alone with Mr. Wheeler.” - -“That will do,” he reprimanded. “I can take care of myself, Miss Lane.” - -Genevieve always knew when she had gone too far, and, instead of sulking, -she tactfully changed the subject and entertained the others with her -amusing chatter, at which she was a success. - -At that very moment, Maida Wheeler, alone in her room, was sobbing -wildly, yet using every precaution that she shouldn’t be heard. - -Thrown across her bed, her face buried in the pillows, she fairly shook -with the intensity of her grief. - -But, as often happens, after she had brought her crying spell to a -finish—and exhausted Nature insists on a finish—she rose and bathed her -flushed face and sat down to think it out calmly. - -Yet the more she thought the less calm she grew. - -For the first time in her life she was face to face with a great question -which she could not refer to her parents. Always she had confided in -them, and matters that seemed great to her, even though trifling in -themselves, were invariably settled and straightened out by her wise and -loving father or mother. - -But now, Samuel Appleby had told her a secret—a dreadful secret—that she -must not only weigh and decide about, but must—at least, until she -decided—keep from her parents. - -“For,” Maida thought, “if I tell them, they’ll at once insist on knowing -who the rightful heir is, they’ll give over the place to him—and what -will become of us?” - -Her conscience was as active as ever it was, her sense of right and wrong -was in no way warped or blunted, but instinct told her that she must keep -this matter entirely to herself until she had come to her own conclusion. -Moreover, she realized, the conclusion must be her own—the decision must -be arrived at by herself, and unaided. - -Finally, accepting all this, she resolved to put the whole thing out of -her mind for the moment. Her parents were so intimately acquainted with -her every mood or shade of demeanor, they would see at once that -something was troubling her mind, unless she used the utmost care to -prevent it. Care, too, not to overdo her precaution. It would be quite as -evident that she was concealing something, if she were unusually gay or -carefree of manner. - -So the poor child went downstairs, determined to forget utterly the news -she had heard, until such time as she could be again by herself. - -And she succeeded. Though haunted by a vague sense of being deceitful, -she behaved so entirely as usual, that neither of her parents suspected -her of pretense. - -Moreover, the subject of Samuel Appleby’s visit was such a fruitful -source of conversation that there was less chance of minor -considerations. - -“Never will I consent,” her father was reiterating, as Maida entered the -room. “Why, Sara, I’d rather have the conditional pardon rescinded, -rather pay full penalty of my conviction, than stand for the things young -Sam’s campaign must stand for!” - -A clenched fist came down on the table by way of emphasis. - -“Now, dad,” said Maida, gaily, “don’t thump around like that! You look as -if you’d like to thump Mr. Appleby!” - -“And I should! I wish I could bang into his head just how I feel about -it——” - -“Oh, he knows!” and Mrs. Wheeler smiled. “He knows perfectly how you -feel.” - -“But, truly, mother, don’t you think dad could—well, not do anything -wrong—but just give in to Mr. Appleby—for—for my sake?” - -“Maida—dear—that is our only stumbling-block. Your father and I would not -budge one step, for ourselves—but for you, and for Jeffrey—oh, my dear -little girl, that’s what makes it so hard.” - -“For us, then—father, can’t you—for our sake——” - -Maida broke down. It wasn’t for her sake she was pleading—nor for the -sake of her lover. It was for the sake of her parents—that they might -remain in comfort—and yet, comfort at the expense of honesty? Oh, the -problem was too great—she hadn’t worked it out yet. - -“I can’t think,” her father’s grave voice broke in on her tumultuous -thoughts. “I can’t believe, Maida, that you would want my freedom at the -cost of my seared conscience.” - -“No, oh, no, father, I don’t—you know I don’t. But what is this dreadful -thing you’d have to countenance if you linked up on the Appleby side? Are -they pirates—or rascals?” - -“Not from their own point of view,” and Dan Wheeler smiled. “They think -we are! You can’t understand politics, child, but you must know that a -man who is heart and soul in sympathy with the principles of his party -can’t conscientiously cross over and work for the other side.” - -“Yes, I know that, and I know that tells the whole story. But, father, -think what there is at stake. Your freedom—and—ours!” - -“I know that, Maida dear, and you can never know how my very soul is torn -as I try to persuade myself that for those reasons it would be right for -me to consent. Yet——” - -He passed his hand wearily across his brow, and then folding his arms on -the table he let his head sink down upon them. - -Maida flew to his side. “Father, dearest,” she crooned over him, as she -caressed his bowed head, “don’t think of it for a minute! You know I’d -give up anything—I’d give up Jeff—if it means one speck of good for you.” - -“I know it, dear child, but—run away, now, Maida, leave me to myself.” - -Understanding, both Maida and her mother quietly left the room. - -“I’m sorry, girlie dear, that you have to be involved in these scenes,” -Mrs. Wheeler said fondly, as the two went to the sitting-room. - -“Don’t talk that way, mother. I’m part of the family, and I’m old enough -to have a share and a voice in all these matters. But just think what it -would mean, if father had his pardon! Look at this room, and think, he -has never been in it! Never has seen the pictures—the view from the -window, the general coziness of it all.” - -“I know, dear, but that’s an old story. Your father is accustomed to -living only in his own rooms——” - -“And not to be able to go to the other end of the dining-room or -living-room, if he chooses! It’s outrageous!” - -“Yes, Maida, I quite agree—but no more outrageous than it was last -week—or last year.” - -“Yes, it is! It grows more outrageous every minute! Mother, what did that -old will say? That you must live in Massachusetts?” - -“Yes—you know that, dear.” - -“Of course I do. And if you lived elsewhere, what then?” - -“I forfeit the inheritance.” - -“And what would become of it?” - -“In default of any other heirs, it would go to the State of -Massachusetts.” - -“And there are no other heirs?” - -“What ails you, Maida? You know all this. No, there are no other heirs.” - -“You’re sure?” - -“As sure as we can be. Your father had every possible search made. There -were advertisements kept in the papers for years, and able lawyers did -all they could to find heirs if there were any. And, finding none, we -were advised that there were none, and we could rest in undisturbed -possession.” - -“Suppose one should appear, what then?” - -“Then, little girl, we’d give him the keys of the house, and walk out.” - -“Where would we walk to?” - -“I’ve no idea. In fact, I can’t imagine where we could walk to. But that, -thank heaven, is not one of our troubles. Your father would indeed be -desperately fixed if it were! You know, Maida, from a fine capable -business man, he became a wreck, because of that unjust trial.” - -“Father _never_ committed the forgery?” - -“Of course not, dear.” - -“Who did?” - -“We don’t know. It was cleverly done, and the crime was purposely -fastened on your father, because he was about to be made the rival -candidate of Mr. Appleby, for governor.” - -“I know. And Mr. Appleby was at the bottom of it!” - -“Your father doesn’t admit that——” - -“He must have been.” - -“Hush, Maida. These matters are not for you to judge. You know your -father has done all he honestly could to be fully pardoned, or to -discover the real criminal, and as he hasn’t succeeded, you must rest -content with the knowledge that there was no stone left unturned.” - -“But, mother, suppose Mr. Appleby has something more up his sleeve. -Suppose he comes down on dad with some unexpected, some unforeseen blow -that——” - -“Maida, be quiet. Don’t make me sorry that we have let you into our -confidence as far as we have. These are matters above your head. Should -such a thing as you hint occur, your father can deal with it.” - -“But I want to help——” - -“And you can best do that by not trying to help! Your part is to divert -your father, to love him and cheer him and entertain him. You know this, -and you know for you to undertake to advise or suggest is not only -ridiculous but disastrous.” - -“All right, mother, I’ll be good. I don’t mean to be silly.” - -“You are, when you assume ability you don’t possess.” Mrs. Wheeler’s -loving smile robbed the words of any harsh effect. “Run along now, and -see if dad won’t go for a walk with you; and don’t refer to anything -unpleasant.” - -Maida went, and found Wheeler quite ready for a stroll - -“Which way?” he asked as they crossed the south veranda. - -“Round the park, and bring up under the tree, and have tea there,” -dictated Maida, her heart already lighter as she obeyed her mother’s -dictum to avoid unpleasant subjects. - -But as they walked on, and trivial talk seemed to pall, they naturally -reverted to the discussion of their recent guests. - -“Mr. Appleby is an old curmudgeon,” Maida declared; “Mr. Keefe is nice -and well-behaved; but the little Lane girl is a scream! I never saw any -one so funny. Now she was quite a grand lady, and then she was a common -little piece! But underneath it all she showed a lot of good sense and -I’m sure in her work she has real ability.” - -“Appleby wouldn’t keep her if she didn’t have,” her father rejoined; “but -why do you call him a curmudgeon? He’s very well-mannered.” - -“Oh, yes, he is. And to tell the truth, I’m not sure just what a -curmudgeon is. But—he’s it, anyway.” - -“I gather you don’t especially admire my old friend.” - -“Friend! If he’s a friend—give me enemies!” - -“Fie, fie, Maida, what do you mean? Remember, he gave me my pardon.” - -“Yes, a high old pardon! Say, dad, tell me again exactly how he worded -that letter about the tree.” - -“I’ve told you a dozen times! He didn’t mean anything anyhow. He only -said, that when the big sycamore tree went into Massachusetts I could -go.” - -“What a crazy thing to say, wasn’t it?” - -“It was because we had been talking about the play of _Macbeth_. You -remember, ’Till Birnam Wood shall come to Dunsinane.” - -“Oh, yes, and then it did come—by a trick.” - -“Yes, the men came, carrying branches. We’d been talking about it, -discussing some point, and then—it seemed clever, I suppose—to Appleby, -and he wrote that about the sycamore.” - -“Meaning—never?” - -“Meaning never.” - -“But Birnam Wood did go.” - -“Only by a trick, and that would not work in this case. Why, are you -thinking of carrying a branch of sycamore into Massachusetts?” - -Maida returned his smile as she answered: “I’d manage to carry the whole -tree in, if it would do any good! But, I s’pose, old Puritan Father, -you’re too conscientious to take advantage of a trick?” - -“Can’t say, till I know the details of the game. But I doubt Appleby’s -being unable to see through your trick, and then—where are you?” - -“That wouldn’t matter. Trick or no trick, if the big sycamore went into -Massachusetts, you could go. But I don’t see any good plan for getting it -in. And, too, Sycamore Ridge wouldn’t be Sycamore Ridge without it. Don’t -you love the old tree, dad?” - -“Of course, as I love every stick and stone about the place. It has been -a real haven to me in my perturbed life.” - -“Suppose you had to leave it, daddy?” - -“I think I’d die, dear. Unless, that is, we could go back home.” - -“Isn’t this home?” - -“It’s the dearest spot on earth—outside my native state.” - -“There, there, dad, don’t let’s talk about it. We’re here for keeps——” - -“Heaven send we are, dearest! I couldn’t face the loss of this place. -What made you think of such a thing?” - -“Oh, I’m thinking of all sorts of things to-day. But, father, while we’re -talking of moving—couldn’t you—oh, couldn’t you, bring yourself, somehow, -to do what Mr. Appleby wants you to do? I don’t know much about it—but -father, darling, if you _only could_!” - -“Maida, my little girl, don’t think I haven’t tried. Don’t think I don’t -realize what it means to you and Jeff. I know—oh, I _do_ know how it -would simplify matters if I should go over to the Appleby side—and push -Sam’s campaign—as I could do it. I know that it would mean my full -pardon, my return to my old home, my reunion with old scenes and -associations. And more than that, it would mean the happiness of my only -child—my daughter—and her chosen husband. And yet, Maida, as God is my -judge, I am honest in my assertion that I _can’t_ so betray my honor and -spend my remaining years a living lie. I can’t do it, Maida—I _can’t_.” - -And the calm, sorrowful countenance he turned to the girl was more -positive and final than any further protestation could have been. - - - - - CHAPTER V - THE BUGLE SOUNDED TAPS - - -Although the portions of the house and grounds that were used by Wheeler -included the most attractive spots, yet there were many forbidden places -that were a real temptation to him. - -An especial one was the flower-covered arbor that had so charmed -Genevieve and another was the broad and beautiful north veranda. To be -sure, the south piazza was equally attractive, but it was galling to be -compelled to avoid any part of his own domain. However, the passing years -had made the conditions a matter of habit and it was only occasionally -that Wheeler’s annoyance was poignant. - -In fact, he and his wife bore the cross better than did Maida. She had -never become reconciled to the unjust and arbitrary dictum of the -conditional pardon. She lived in a constant fear lest her father should -some day inadvertently and unintentionally step on the forbidden ground, -and it should be reported. Indeed, knowing her father’s quixotic honesty, -she was by no means sure he wouldn’t report it himself. - -It had never occurred—probably never would occur, and yet, she often -imagined some sudden emergency, such as a fire, or burglars, that might -cause his impulsive invasion of the other side of the house. - -In her anxiety she had spoken of this to Samuel Appleby when he was -there. But he gave her no satisfaction. He merely replied: “A condition -is a condition.” - -Curtis Keefe had tried to help her cause, by saying: “Surely a case of -danger would prove an exception to the rule,” but Appleby had only shaken -his head in denial. - -Though care had been taken to have the larger part of the house on the -Massachusetts side of the line, yet the rooms most used by the family -were in Connecticut. Here was Mr. Wheeler’s den, and this had come to be -the most used room in the whole house. Mrs. Wheeler’s sitting-room, which -her husband never had entered, was also attractive, but both mother and -daughter invaded the den, whenever leisure hours were to be enjoyed. - -The den contained a large south bay window, which was Maida’s favorite -spot. It had a broad, comfortable window-seat, and here she spent much of -her time, curled up among the cushions, reading. There were long -curtains, which, half-drawn, hid her from view, and often she was there -for hours, without her father’s knowing it. - -His own work was engrossing. Cut off from his established law business in -Massachusetts, he had at first felt unable to start it anew in different -surroundings. Then, owing to his wife’s large fortune, it was decided -that he should give up all business for a time. And as the time went on, -and there was no real necessity for an added income, Wheeler had indulged -in his hobby of book collecting, and had amassed a library of unique -charm as well as goodly intrinsic value. - -Moreover, it kept him interested and occupied, and prevented his becoming -morose or melancholy over his restricted life. - -So, many long days he worked away at his books, and Maida, hidden in the -window-seat, watched him lovingly in the intervals of her reading. - -Sitting there, the morning after Samuel Appleby’s departure, she read not -at all, although a book lay open on her lap. She was trying to decide a -big matter, trying to solve a vexed question. - -Maida’s was a straightforward nature. She never deceived herself. If she -did anything against her better judgment, even against her conscience, it -was with open eyes and understanding mind. She used no sophistry, no -pretence, and if she acted mistakenly she was always satisfied to abide -by the consequences. - -And now, she set about her problem, systematically and methodically, -determined to decide upon her course, and then strictly follow it. - -She glanced at her father, absorbed in his book catalogues and indexes, -and a great wave of love and devotion filled her heart. Surely no -sacrifice was too great that would bring peace or pleasure to that -martyred spirit. - -That he was a martyr, Maida was as sure as she was that she was alive. -She knew him too well to believe for an instant that he had committed a -criminal act; it was an impossibility for one of his character. But that -she could do nothing about. The question had been raised and settled when -she was too young to know anything about it, and now, her simple duty was -to do anything she might to ease his burden and to help him to forget. - -“And,” she said to herself, “first of all, he must stay in this home. He -positively _must_—and that’s all there is about that. Now, if he knows—if -he has the least hint that there is another heir, he’ll get out at -once—or at least, he’ll move heaven and earth to find the heir, and then -we’ll have to move. And where to? That’s an unanswerable question. -Anyway, I’ve only one sure conviction. I’ve got to keep from him all -knowledge or suspicion of that other heir! - -“Maybe it isn’t true—maybe Mr. Appleby made it up—but I don’t think so. -At any rate, I have to proceed as if it were true, and do my best. And, -first of all, I’ve got to hush up my own conscience. I’ve too much of my -father’s nature to want to live here if it rightfully belongs to somebody -else. I feel like a thief already. But I’m going to bear that—I’m going -to live under that horrid conviction that I’m living a lie—for father’s -sake.” - -Maida was in earnest. By nature and by training her conscience was -acutely sensitive to the finest shades of right and wrong. She actually -longed to announce the possibility of another heir and let justice decide -the case. But her filial devotion was, in this thing, greater even than -her conscience. Her mother, too, she knew, would be crushed by the -revelation of the secret, but would insist on thorough investigation, -and, if need be, on renunciation of the dear home. - -Her mental struggle went on. At times it seemed as if she couldn’t live -beneath the weight of such a secret. Then, she knew she must do it. What -was her own peace of mind compared with her father’s? What was her own -freedom of conscience compared with his tranquillity? - -She thought of telling Jeffrey Allen. But, she argued, he would feel as -the others would—indeed, as she herself did—that the matter must be -dragged out into the open and settled one way or the other. - -No; she must bear the brunt of the thing alone. She must never tell any -one. - -Then, the next point was, would Mr. Appleby tell? He hadn’t said so, but -she felt sure he would. Well, she must do all she could to prevent that. -He was to return in a day or two. By that time she must work out some -plan, must think up some way, to persuade him not to tell. What the -argument would be, she had no idea, but she was determined to try her -uttermost. - -There was one way—but Maida blushed even at the thought. - -Sam Appleby—young Sam—wanted to marry her—had wanted to for a year or -more. Many times she had refused him, and many times he had returned for -another attempt at persuasion. To consent to this would enable her to -control the senior Appleby’s revelations. - -It would indeed be a last resort—she wouldn’t even think of it yet; -surely there was some other way! - -The poor, tortured child was roused from her desperate plannings by a -cheery voice, calling: - -“Maida—Maida! Here’s me!” - -“Jeffrey!” she cried, springing from the window-seat, and out to greet -him. - -“Dear!” he said, as he took her in his arms. “Dear, dearer, dearest! -_What_ is troubling you?” - -“Trouble? Nothing! How can I be troubled when you’re here?” - -“But you are! You can’t fool me, you know! Never mind, you can tell me -later. I’ve got three whole days—how’s that?” - -“Splendid! How did it happen?” - -“Old Bennett went off for a week’s rest—doctor’s orders—and he said, if I -did up my chores, nice and proper, I could take a little vacation myself. -Oh, you peach! You’re twice as beautifuller as ever!” - -A whirlwind embrace followed this speech and left Maida, breathless and -laughing, while her father smiled benignly upon the pair. - -It was some hours later that, as they sat under the big sycamore, Jeffrey -Allen begged Maida to tell him her troubles. - -“For I know you’re pretty well broken up over something,” he declared. - -“How do you know?” she smiled at him. - -“Why, my girl, I know every shadow that crosses your dear heart.” - -“Do I wear my heart on my sleeve, then?” - -“You don’t have to, for me to see it. I recognize the signs from your -face, your manner, your voice—your whole being is trembling with some -fear or some deeply-rooted grief. So tell me all about it.” - -And Maida told. Not the last horrible threat that Samuel Appleby had told -her alone, but the state of things as Appleby had presented it to Daniel -Wheeler himself. - -“And so you see, Jeff, it’s a deadlock. Father won’t vote for young Sam—I -don’t mean only vote, but throw all his influence—and that means a lot—on -Sam’s side. And if he doesn’t, Mr. Appleby won’t get him pardoned—you -know we hoped he would this year——” - -“Yes, dear; it would mean so much to us.” - -“Yes, and to dad and mother, too. Well, there’s no hope of that, unless -father throws himself heart and soul into the Appleby campaign.” - -“And he won’t do that?” - -“Of course not. He couldn’t, Jeff. He’d have to subscribe to what he -doesn’t believe in—practically subscribe to a lie. And you know father——” - -“Yes, and you, too—and myself! None of us would want him to do that, -Maida!” - -“Doesn’t necessity _ever_ justify a fraud, Jeff?” The question was put so -wistfully that the young man smiled. - -“Nixy! and you know that even better than I do, dear. Why, Maida, what I -love you most for—yes, even more than your dear, sweet, beauty of face, -is the marvellous beauty of your nature, your character. Your flawless -soul attracted me first of all—even as I saw it shining through your -clear, honest eyes.” - -“Oh, Jeffrey,” and Maida’s clear eyes filled with tears, “I’m not honest, -I’m not true blue!” - -“Then nobody on this green earth is! Don’t say such things, dear. I know -what you mean, that you _think_ you want your father to sacrifice his -principles, in part, at least, to gain his full pardon thereby. See how I -read your thoughts! But, you don’t really think that; you only think you -think it. If the thing came to a focus, you’d be the first one to forbid -the slightest deviation from the line of strictest truth and honor!” - -“Oh, Jeff, do you think I would?” - -“Of course I think so—I know it! You are a strange make-up, Maida. On an -impulse, I can imagine you doing something wrong—even something pretty -awful—but with even a little time for thought you _couldn’t_ do a wrong.” - -“What!” Maida was truly surprised; “I could jump into any sort of -wickedness?” - -“I didn’t quite put it that way,” Jeff laughed, “but—well, you know it’s -my theory, that given opportunity, anybody can yield to temptation.” - -“Nonsense! It’s a poor sort of honor that gives out at a critical -moment!” - -“Not at all. Most people can resist anything—except temptation! Given a -strong enough temptation and a perfect opportunity, and your staunchest, -most conscientious spirit is going to succumb.” - -“I don’t believe that.” - -“You don’t have to—and maybe it isn’t always true. But it often is. -Howsomever, it has no bearing on the present case. Your father is not -going to lose his head—and though you might do so”—he smiled at her—“I -can’t see you getting a chance! You’re not in on the deal, in any way, -are you?” - -“No; except that Mr. Appleby asked me to use all my influence with -father.” - -“Which you’ve done?” - -“Yes; but it made not the slightest impression.” - -“Of course not. I say, Maid, young Sam isn’t coming down here, is he?” - -“Not that I know of,” but Maida couldn’t help her rising color, for she -knew what Allen was thinking. - -“Just let him try it, that’s all! Just let him show his rubicund -countenance in these parts—if he wants trouble!” - -“Does anybody ever _want_ trouble?” Maida smiled a little. - -“Why, of course they do! Sometimes they want it so much that they borrow -it!” - -“I’m not doing that! I’ve had it offered to me—in full measure, heaped -up, pressed down, and running over.” - -“Poor little girl. Don’t take it so hard, dearest. I’ll have a talk with -your father, and we’ll see how matters really stand. I doubt it’s as bad -as you fear—and anyway, if no good results come our way, things are no -worse than they have been for years. Your father has lived fairly -contented and happy. Let things drift, and in another year or two, after -the election is a thing of the past, we can pick up the pardon question -again. By that time you and I will be—where will we be, Maida?” - -“I don’t know, Jeff——” - -“Well, we’ll be together, anyway. You’ll be my wife, and if we can’t live -in Boston—we can live out of Boston! And that’s all there is about that!” - -“You’ll have to come here to live. There’s enough for us all.” - -“Settle down here and sponge on your mother! I see it! But, never you -mind, lady fair, something will happen to smooth out our path. Perhaps -this old tree will take it into its head to go over into Massachusetts, -and so blaze a trail for your father—and you.” - -“Oh, very likely. But I’ve renewed my vow—Jeff; unless father can go into -the state, _I_ never will!” - -“All right, sweetheart. Renew your vow whenever its time limit expires. -I’m going to fix things so no vows will be needed—except our marriage -vows. Will you take them, dear?” - -“When the time comes, yes.” But Maida did not smile, and Jeff, watching -her closely, concluded there was yet some point on which she had not -enlightened him. However, he asked no further question, but bided his -time. - -“Guess I’ll chop down the old tree while I’m here, and ship it into -Massachusetts as firewood,” he suggested. - -“Fine idea,” Maida acquiesced, “but you’d only have your trouble for your -pains. You see, the stipulation was, ‘without the intervention of human -hands.’” - -“All right, we’ll chop it down by machinery, then.” - -“I wish the tree promise meant anything, but it doesn’t. It was only made -as a proof positive how impossible was any chance of pardon.” - -“But now a chance of pardon has come.” - -“Yes, but a chance that cannot be taken. You’ll be here, Jeff, when they -come back. Then you can talk with Mr. Appleby, and maybe, as man to man, -you can convince him——” - -“Convince nothing! Don’t you suppose I’ve tried every argument I know of, -with that old dunderhead? I’ve spent hours with him discussing your -father’s case. I’ve talked myself deaf, dumb and blind, with no scrap of -success. But, I don’t mind telling you, Maida, that I might have moved -the old duffer to leniency if it hadn’t been for—you.” - -“Me?” - -“Yes; you know well enough young Sam’s attitude toward you. And old -Appleby as good as said if I’d give up my claim on your favor, and give -sonny Sam a chance, there’d be hope for your father.” - -“H’m. Indeed! You don’t say so! And you replied?” - -“I didn’t reply much of anything. For if I’d said what I wanted to say, -he would have been quite justified in thinking that I was no fit mate for -a Christian girl! Let’s don’t talk about it.” - -That night Maida went to her room, leaving Allen to have a long serious -talk with her father. - -She hoped much from the confab, for Jeff Allen was a man of ideas, and of -good, sound judgment. He could see straight, and could advise sensibly -and well. And Maida hoped, too, that something would happen or some way -be devised that the secret told her by Appleby might be of no moment. -Perhaps there was no heir, save in the old man’s imagination. Or perhaps -it was only someone who would inherit a portion of the property, leaving -enough for their own support and comfort. - -At any rate, she went to bed comforted and cheered by the knowledge that -Jeff was there, and that if there was anything to be done he would do it. - -She had vague misgivings because she had not told him what Appleby had -threatened. But, she argued, if she decided to suppress that bit of news, -she must not breathe it to anybody—not even Jeff. - -So, encouraged at the outlook, and exhausted by her day of worriment, she -slept soundly till well into the night. - -Then she was awakened by a strange sound. It gave her, at first, a -strange impression of being on an ocean steamer. She couldn’t think why, -for her half-awake senses responded only to the vague sense of -familiarity with such a sound. - -But wide awake in a moment, she heard more of it, and realized that it -was a bugle to which she listened—the clear, though not loud, notes of a -bugle. Amazed, she jumped from her bed, and looked out of a window in the -direction of the sound. - -She saw nothing, and heard the last faint notes die away, as she -listened. - -There was no further sound, and she returned to bed, and after a time -fell asleep again. - -She pondered over the occurrence while dressing next morning, wondering -what it meant. - -Downstairs she found only Jeffrey in the dining-room. - -“Hear anything funny in the night, Maida?” he asked her. - -“Yes; a bugle,” she returned. “Did you hear it?” - -“Of course I did. Who plays the thing around here?” - -“No one, that I know of. Wasn’t it rather strange?” - -“Rath-er! I should say so. Made me think of the old English castles, -where spooks walk the parapets and play on bugles or bagpipes or some -such doings.” - -“Oh, those silly stories! But this was a real bugle, played by a real -man.” - -“How do you know?” - -“By the sound.” - -“Spook bugles sound just the same.” - -“How do _you_ know?” - -“How could they be heard if they didn’t? Here’s your father. -Good-morning, Mr. Wheeler. Who’s your musical neighbor?” - -But Daniel Wheeler did not smile. - -“Go up to your mother, Maida, dear,” he said; “she—she isn’t well. Cheer -her up all you can.” - -“What’s the trouble?” Allen asked, solicitously, as Maida ran from the -room. - -“A strange thing, my boy. Did you hear a bugle call last night?” - -“Yes, sir; it sounded ‘taps.’ Is there a camp near by?” - -“No; nothing of the sort. Now—well, to put it frankly, there is an old -tradition in Mrs. Wheeler’s family that a phantom bugler, in that very -way, announces an approaching death.” - -“Good Lord! You don’t mean she believes that!” - -“She does, and what can I say to disprove her belief? We all heard it. -Who could have done such a trick?” - -“I don’t know who, but somebody did. That bugle was played by a pair of -good, strong human lungs—not by a spirit breath!” - -“It sounded so, but that doesn’t affect Mrs. Wheeler’s belief. If I could -produce the bugler, and get him to admit it, she might believe him, but -otherwise, she’s sure it was the traditional bugler, and that earthly -days are numbered for some one of our little family.” - -“You don’t believe this foolishness, sir?” - -“I can’t; my nature rejects the very idea of the supernatural. Yet, who -could or would do it? There’s no neighbor who would, and I know of no one -round here who knows of the tradition.” - -“Oh, pshaw, it’s the merest casual occurrence. A Boy Scout, like as -not—or a gay young chap returning from a merry party. There are lots of -explanations, quite apart from spooks!” - -“I hope you can persuade Mrs. Wheeler of that. She is nervously ill, and -will hear of no rational explanation for the bugle call.” - -“Beg her to come down to breakfast, do; then we’ll all jolly her up until -she loses her fears.” - -But though Allen’s attempt was a brave one and ably seconded by Mrs. -Wheeler’s husband and daughter, they made not the slightest progress -toward relieving her fears or disabusing her mind of her conviction. - - - - - CHAPTER VI - THE OTHER HEIR - - -A general air of vague foreboding hung over the Wheeler household. Mrs. -Wheeler tried to rally from the shock of the inexplicable bugle call, but -though she was bright and cheerful, it was fully evident that her manner -was forced and her gayety assumed. - -Maida, solicitous for her mother, was more than ever resolved not to -disclose the news of another possible heir to the estate, though the more -she thought about it, the more she felt sure Samuel Appleby had spoken -the truth. - -She decided that he had learned of the other heir, and that he was none -too honest to be willing to keep the fact a secret, if, in turn, he could -serve his own ends. She did not need to be told that if she would look on -young Sam with favor, her father would perforce lend his aid to the -campaign. And, in that case, she knew that the other heir would never be -mentioned again. - -And yet, the price—the acceptance of young Sam, was more than she could -pay. To give up Jeff Allen, her own true love, and marry a man of such a -different type and calibre as Sam Appleby was—it was too much! And Jeff -would have something to say about that! Yet, she must decide for herself. -If she made the supreme sacrifice, it must be done as if of her own -volition. If her parents or her lover guessed that she was acting under -compulsion, they would put an end to the project. - -But could she, even if willing to sacrifice herself, could she ask Sam -Appleby to take her? Yet she knew this would be the easiest thing in the -world. A mere hint to Mr. Appleby that she approved of his son would -bring the younger man down to the house at once and matters would then -take care of themselves. - -But could she do it? She looked at Jeff, as he sat talking to her father, -his strong, fine face alight with the earnestness of their discussion. He -was a man of a thousand—her own Jeffrey. No, she could not break his -heart—she had no right to do that. It would be a crime to blot out the -joy and happiness from the eager young face. - -And then she looked at the other dear face. Her father, worn and aging, -but still in rugged health. Could she let the inevitable happen, and see -him turned out of the home that he loved—the home that had so long been -his sanctuary, his refuge from the cold injustice of his fellow-men? - -And her mother, almost ill from her fright and foreboding. To add the -disaster of poverty and homelessness—no, she couldn’t do that! - -And so poor Maida wondered and worried; her thoughts going round in a -circle, and coming back to the two men she loved, and knew she must break -one heart or the other. - -At one moment her duty to her parents seemed preëminent. Then, again, she -realized a duty to herself and to the man who loved her. - -“I don’t know _what_ to do,” she thought, piteously; “I’ll wait till Mr. -Appleby comes back here, and then I’ll tell him just how I’m placed. -Perhaps I can appeal to his better nature.” - -But Maida Wheeler well knew that however she might appeal to Samuel -Appleby, it would be in vain. She knew from the very fact that he came to -her home, and made the offers and threats that he did make, that his mind -was made up, and no power on earth could move him from his decision. He -had a strong case, he probably thought; the offer of full pardon to Dan -Wheeler, and the offer to Maida to keep quiet about another heir, would, -he doubtless thought, be sufficient to win his cause. - -“What an awful man he is,” she thought. “I wish he were dead! I know I -oughtn’t to wish that, but I do. I’d kill him myself if it would help -father. I oughtn’t to say that—and I don’t suppose I really would do it, -but it would simplify matters a lot! And somebody said, ‘We are all -capable of crime—even the best of us.’ Well, of course I wouldn’t kill -the old man, but he’d better not give me a real good chance!” - -“What are you thinking about, little girl?” asked Allen, turning to her. - -Maida looked at him and then at her father, and said, deliberately: - -“I was just thinking how I’d like to kill Samuel Appleby.” - -“Senior, junior, or both?” laughed Allen, who thought little of her -words, save as a jest. - -“Senior, I meant, but we may as well make it a wholesale slaughter.” - -“Don’t, Maida,” her father looked grieved. “Don’t speak flippantly of -such subjects.” - -“Well, father, why not be honest? Wouldn’t you like to kill him?” - -“No, child—not that.” - -“But you’d be glad if he were dead! There, you needn’t answer. But if you -were absolutely honest, you’d have to admit it.” - -“I’ll admit it,” said her mother, wearily. “Samuel Appleby has spoiled -all our lives—is still spoiling them. He does it for his own selfish -interests. He has ruined the happiness of my husband, myself, my -daughter, and my prospective son-in-law. Is it any wonder that we should -honestly wish he were dead? It may not sound Christian—but it is an -honest expression of human nature.” - -“It is, Mrs. Wheeler,” and Allen’s face looked more pained than shocked. -“But, all the same, we oughtn’t to talk like that.” - -“No, indeed,” agreed Wheeler. “Please, Maida, darling, don’t say such -things. And, Sara, if you must say them, say them to me when we are -alone. It’s no sort of talk for these young people’s ears.” - -“Why, I said it before mother did!” Maida broke out. “And I mean it! I’m -at the end of my rope. If that man is to hound us and torture us all our -lives, I can’t help wishing him dead.” - -“There, there, daughter, please don’t.” - -“I won’t, dad. I’ll never say it again. But I put myself on record, and -if the rest of you were honest, you’d do the same thing!” - -“That we’d like to kill him?” asked Allen, smiling at the idea. - -“I didn’t say that—I said we wish him dead. If a nice, convenient stroke -of lightning came his way, or——” - -“Maida, hush!” her father spoke sternly; “I won’t allow such talk! It -isn’t like you, my child, and it isn’t——” - -“Isn’t good form, I s’pose!” she interrupted. “Well, I’ll let up, dads, -and I am a little ashamed of myself. Mother, maybe the phantom bugler was -announcing the death of old Appleby!” - -“Hush, Maida! What has got into you?” - -“I’m incorrigible, I guess——” - -“You are!” and Allen smiled fondly at her. “Come out for a walk in the -sunshine with me, and get these awful thoughts out of your brain.” - -“I know I’m a criminal,” said Maida, as they walked down a garden path; -“but I can’t help it. I’ve more to bear than you know of, Jeff, and you -must make allowance.” - -“I do, sweetheart. And I know how you’re troubled, and all that, but -don’t say such dreadful things. I know you don’t mean them.” - -“No, I don’t—at least, I don’t think I do. But I won’t say them any more. -I think I lost my head——” - -“Forget it. You’re upset and nervous and your mother’s worry reflects -itself on you. Is there really a bugler tradition?” - -“Not over here. There was one connected with mother’s family long ago, in -England, I believe. Of course, it was just one of those old spook yarns -that most old houses have over there. But mother always remembered it. -She has told everybody who ever visited here about it, and I think she -always expected to hear the thing. Queer, though, wasn’t it?” - -“Not very. It’s explainable by natural means, of course. Probably we’ll -never know who it was, but it was no phantom, be sure of that.” - -“Oh, well, it doesn’t matter, except that it has upset mother so -dreadfully. But she’ll get over it—if nothing happens.” - -“Nothing will happen—if by that you mean a death in the family. More -likely a marriage will take place!” - -“Not ours, Jeff. I think that bugler sounded the death-knell of our -hopes.” - -“Maida! What is the matter with you? Why are you talking like that? I -know you’ve something on your mind that you haven’t told me yet. -Something pretty serious, for it makes you say the strangest things! Tell -me, darling, won’t you?” - -“I can’t, Jeff. I mean, there isn’t anything. Wait till those people come -back again. You’ll be here, won’t you? They’re coming to-morrow.” - -“You bet I will! I’ll see what I can do with old curmudgeon. You know I’m -argumentative.” - -“That won’t do any good with Appleby. What he wants is help from dad. If -he doesn’t get that, he’ll punish us all.” - -“And he can’t get that, for your dad won’t give it. So it looks as if we -must all take our punishment. Well, we’re prepared.” - -“You wouldn’t speak so lightly if you knew everything!” - -“That’s why I ask you to tell me everything. Do, Maida, I’m sure I can -help you.” - -“Wait till they come,” was all Maida would say in response to his -repeated requests. - -And at last they came. - -Smiling and hearty, Samuel Appleby reëntered the Wheeler home, apparently -as self-assured and hopeful as when he left it. - -Keefe was courteous and polite as always and Genevieve Lane was prettier -than ever by reason of some new Boston-bought clothes. - -Allen was introduced to the newcomers and sized up by one glance of -Samuel Appleby’s keen eyes. Privately he decided that this young man was -a very formidable rival of his son. But he greeted Allen with great -cordiality, which Jeff thought it best to return, although he felt an -instinctive dislike for the man’s personality. - -“Come along with me, Maida,” and with daring familiarity, Genevieve put -her hand through Maida’s arm and drew her toward the stairs. “I have the -same room, I s’pose,” she babbled on; “I’ve lots of new things I want to -show you. And,” she added as they entered the room, and she closed the -door, “I want a talkfest with you before the others begin.” - -“What about?” asked Maida, feeling the subject would be one of -importance. - -“Well, it’s just this. And don’t be too shocked if I speak right out in -meetin’. I’ve determined to marry into this bunch that I’m working for.” - -“Have you?” laughed Maida. “Are they equally determined?” - -“I’m not joking—I’m in dead earnest. A poor girl has got to do the best -she can for herself in this cold world. Well, I’m going to corral one of -the three: old man Appleby, young man Appleby, or Curt Keefe.” - -“Which one, for choice?” Maida still spoke lightly. - -“You don’t think I’m in earnest, but I am. Well, I’d rather have young -Sam. Next, I’d choose his father; and, lastly, I’m pretty sure I could -nail Curtie Keefe.” - -Maida couldn’t help her disapproval showing in her face, but she said: -“It isn’t just the way I’d go about selecting a husband, but if it’s your -way, all right. Can I help you?” - -“Do you mean that?” - -“Why, yes, if I can do anything practical.” - -“Oh, you can! It’s only to keep off the grass, regarding young Sam.” - -“You mean not to try to charm him myself?” - -“Just about that. And I’ll tell you why I say this. It seems old Appleby -has about made up his mind that you’re the right and proper mate for -young Appleby. Oh, you needn’t draw yourself up in that haughty -fashion—he’s good enough for you, Miss!” - -“I didn’t say he wasn’t,” and Maida laughed in spite of herself at -Genevieve’s manner. “But, truly, I don’t want him. You see I’m engaged to -Mr. Allen.” - -“I know it, but that cuts no ice with Pa Appleby. He plans to oust Mr. -Allen and put his son in his place.” - -“Oh, he does, does he?” Maida’s heart sank, for she had anticipated -something like this. “Am I to be consulted?” - -“Now, look here, Maida Wheeler. You needn’t take that attitude, for it -won’t get you anywhere. You don’t know Mr. Appleby as I do. What he says -goes—_goes_, understand?” - -Maida went white. “But such a thing as you speak of won’t go!” she -exclaimed. - -“I’m not sure it won’t, if he so ordains it,” Miss Lane said, gravely. -“But I just wanted your assurance that you don’t hanker after Sammy-boy, -so I can go ahead and annex him myself.” - -“In defiance of Mr. Appleby’s intents?” - -“I may be able to circumvent him. I’m some little schemer myself. And he -may die.” - -“What?” - -“Yep. He has an unsatisfactory heart, and it may go back on him at any -minute.” - -“What a thing to bank on!” - -“It may happen all the same. But I’ve other irons in the fire. Run along, -now; I’ve work to do. You’re a dear girl, Maida, and the time may come -when I can help you.” - -The round, rosy-cheeked face looked very serious, and Maida said, -gratefully: “I may be very glad of such help, Genevieve.” - -Then she went away. - -Samuel Appleby was lying in wait for her. - -“Here you are, my girl,” he said, as she came downstairs. “Come for a -ramble with me, won’t you?” - -And, knowing that the encounter was inevitable, Maida went. - -Appleby wasted no time in preliminaries. - -“I’ve got to go home to-morrow morning,” he said. “I’ve got to have this -matter of your father’s help in the campaign settled before I go.” - -“I thought it was settled,” returned Maida, calmly. “You know he will -never give you the help you ask. And oh, please, Mr. Appleby, won’t you -give up the question? You have ruined my father’s life—all our lives; -won’t you cease bothering him, and, whether you let him get his full -pardon or not, won’t you stop trying to coerce his will?” - -“No; I will not. You are very pleading and persuasive, my girl, but I -have my own ax to grind. Now, here’s a proposition. If you—I’ll speak -plainly—if you will consent to marry my son, I’ll get your father’s full -pardon, and I’ll not ask for his campaign support.” - -Maida gasped. All her troubles removed at once—but at such a price! She -thought of Allen, and a great wave of love surged over her. - -“Oh, I can’t—I can’t,” she moaned. “What _are_ you, Mr. Appleby? I love -my chosen mate, my _fiancé_, Jeffrey Allen. Would you ask me to give him -up and marry your son, whom I esteem highly, but do not love?” - -“Certainly; I ask just that. You are free to say yes or no!” - -“Then, I say no. There _must_ be some other way! Give me some other -chance, even though it be a harder one!” - -“All right, I will.” Mr. Appleby’s face was hard now, his lips set in a -straight line; he was about to play his last card. “All right, I will. -Here it is. The other heir, of whom I spoke to you the other day, is -Curtis Keefe.” - -“Mr. Keefe!” - -“Yes—but wait—he doesn’t know it. I hit upon a clue in his chance -reference to his mother’s family, and unknown to him I investigated -genealogies and all that, and it is positive, he is the heir to all this -estate, and not your mother.” - -“You’re sure?” - -“Yes, absolutely certain. But, remember, he doesn’t know it. He has no -idea of such a thing. Now, if you’ll marry Sam, Keefe shall _never_ know. -I’ll burn all the papers that I have in evidence. You and I will forget -the secret, and your father and mother can rest in undisturbed possession -here for the rest of their lives.” - -“And you wouldn’t insist on father’s campaign work?” - -“If you marry my son, I rather think your father will lend his aid—at -least in some few matters, without urging. But he shall not be urged -beyond his wishes, rest assured of that. In a word, Maida, all that you -want or desire shall be yours except your choice of a husband. And I’ll -wager that inside of a year, you’ll be wondering what you ever saw in -young Allen, and rejoicing that you are the wife of the governor -instead!” - -“I can’t do it—oh, _I can’t!_ And, then, too, there’s Mr. Keefe—and the -heirship!” - -“Mr. Keefe and the airship!” exclaimed Curtis Keefe himself, as he came -round the corner and met them face to face. “Am I to go up in an airship? -And when?” - -Appleby flashed a quick glance at Maida, which she rightly interpreted to -mean to let Keefe rest unenlightened as to his error. - -“You’re not the Mr. Keefe we meant,” said Appleby, smiling at his -secretary. “There are others.” - -And then Appleby walked away, feeling his best plan was to let Maida -think things over. - -“What Keefe is going up in an airship?” Curt insisted, his curiosity -aroused. - -“I don’t know,” said Maida, listlessly. “Mr. Appleby was telling me some -airship yarn. I didn’t half listen. I—I can’t bear that man!” - -“I can’t blame you for that, Miss Wheeler. But we’re going away -to-morrow, and he’ll be out of your way.” - -“No; he has me in a trap. He has arranged it so—oh, what am I saying!” - -“Don’t go on, if you feel you might regret it. Of course, as Mr. -Appleby’s confidential secretary, I know most of his affairs. May I say -that I’m very sorry for you, and may I offer my help, if you can use me -in any way?” - -“How kind you are, Mr. Keefe. But if you know the details of the matter, -you know that I am in a fearful dilemma. Oh, if only that man were out of -existence!” - -“Oh, Miss Wheeler,” and Keefe looked undisguisedly shocked. - -“I don’t mean anything wrong,” Maida’s eyes were piteous, “but I don’t -know what to do! I’ve no one to confide in—no way to turn for help—for -advice——” - -“Why, Miss Wheeler, you have parents, friends——” - -“No one that I can speak to! Forgive me, Mr. Keefe, but I am nearly out -of my mind. Forgive me, if I ask you to leave me—will you?” - -“Of course, you poor child! I ought to have sensed that I was intruding!” - -With a courteous bow, he walked away, leaving Maida alone on the seat -beneath the old sycamore. - -She thought long and deeply. She seemed to grow older and more matured of -judgment as she dealt with the big questions in her mind. - -After a long time she came to her decision. Torn and wracked with -emotions, she bravely faced the many-sided situation, and made up her -mind. Then she got up and walked into the house. - -That afternoon, about five o’clock, Appleby and Wheeler sat in the -latter’s den, talking over the same old subject. Maida, hidden in the -window-seat, was listening. They did not know she was there, but they -would not have cared. They talked of nothing she did not already know. - -Appleby grew angry and Wheeler grew angry. The talk was coming to a -climax, both men were holding on to their tempers, but it was clear one -or the other must give way soon. - -Jeffrey Allen, about to go in search of Maida, saw a wisp of smoke -curling from the garage, which from his seat on the north veranda was in -plain view. - -He ran toward the smoke, shouting “Fire!” as he ran, and in a few minutes -the garage was ablaze. The servants gathered about, Mrs. Wheeler looked -from her bedroom window, and Keefe joined Allen in attempts to subdue the -flames. - -And with the efficient help of two chauffeurs and other willing workers -the fire was soon reduced to a smouldering heap of ashes. - -Allen ran, then, to the den, to tell them there that the danger was past. - -He entered to see Samuel Appleby dead in his chair, with a bullet through -his heart. Daniel Wheeler stood beside him, gazing distractedly at the -dead man. Maida, white and trembling, was half hidden as she stood just -inside the curtains of the window. - -Not realizing that there was no hope of life, Allen shouted for help, and -tore open Appleby’s coat to feel his heart. - -“He’s quite dead,” he said, in an awe-stricken tone. “But, we must get a -doctor at once!” - -“I’ll telephone,” spoke up Genevieve’s quiet voice, and with her usual -efficiency, she found the number and called the doctor. - -“Now the police?” she went on, as if such matters belonged to her -province. - -“Certainly,” said Curtis Keefe, who stood by his late employer, taking -charge, by common consent. - -“Who killed him?” said Genevieve, in a hushed tone, as she left the -telephone. - -All looked from one to another, but nobody replied. - -Mrs. Wheeler came to the doorway. - -“I knew it!” she cried; “the phantom bugler!” - -“But the phantom bugler didn’t kill him,” said Genevieve, “and we must -find out who did!” - - - - - CHAPTER VII - INQUIRIES - - -Late the same evening the Wheeler family and their guests were gathered -in the living-room. Much had been done in the past few hours. The family -doctor had been there, the medical examiner had been called and had given -his report, and the police had come and were still present. - -Samuel Appleby, junior—though no longer to be called by that -designation—was expected at any moment. - -Two detectives were there, but one, Hallen by name, said almost nothing, -seeming content to listen, while his colleague conducted the questioning -of the household. - -Burdon, the talkative one, was a quick-thinking, clear-headed chap, -decided of manner and short of speech. - -“Now, look here,” he was saying, “this was an inside job, of course. -Might have been one of the servants, or might have been any of you folks. -How many of you are ready to help me in my investigations by telling all -you know?” - -“I thought we had to do that, whether we’re ready to or not,” spoke up -Genevieve, who was not at all abashed by the presence of the authorities. -“Of course, we’ll all tell all we know—we want to find the murderer just -as much as you do.” - -Keefe looked at her with a slight frown of reproof, but said nothing. The -others paid no attention to the girl’s rather forward speech. - -In fact, everybody seemed dazed and dumb. The thing was so sudden and so -awful—the possibilities so many and so terrible—that each was aghast at -the situation. - -The three Wheelers said nothing. Now and then they looked at one another, -but quickly looked away, and preserved their unbroken silence. - -Jeffrey Allen became the spokesman for them. It seemed inevitable—for -some one must answer the first leading questions; and though Curtis Keefe -and Miss Lane were in Appleby’s employ, the detective seemed more -concerned with the Wheeler family. - -“Bad blood, wasn’t there, between Mr. Appleby and Mr. Wheeler?” Burdon -inquired. - -“They had not been friends for years,” Allen replied, straightforwardly, -for he felt sure there was nothing to be gained by misrepresentation. - -“Huh! What was the trouble, Mr. Wheeler?” - -Daniel Wheeler gave a start. Then, pulling himself together, he answered -slowly: “The trouble was that Mr. Appleby and myself belonged to -different political parties, and when I opposed his election as governor, -he resented it, and a mutual enmity followed which lasted ever since.” - -“Did you kill Mr. Appleby?” - -Wheeler looked at his questioner steadily, and replied: “I have nothing -to say.” - -“That’s all right, you don’t have to incriminate yourself.” - -“He didn’t kill him!” cried Maida, unable to keep still. “I was there, in -the room—I could see that he didn’t kill him!” - -“Who did then?” and the detective turned to her. - -“I—I don’t know. I didn’t see who did it.” - -“Are you sure, Miss? Better tell the truth.” - -“I tell you I didn’t see—I didn’t see anything! I had heard an alarm of -fire, and I was wondering where it was.” - -“You didn’t get up and go to find out?” - -“No—no, I stayed where I was.” - -“Where were you?” - -“In the window-seat—in the den.” - -“Meaning the room where the shooting occurred?” - -“Yes. My father’s study.” - -“And from where you sat, you could see the whole affair?” - -“I might have—if I had looked—but I didn’t. I was reading.” - -“Thought you were wondering about the fire?” - -“Yes,” Maida was quite composed now. “I raised my eyes from my book when -I heard the fire excitement.” - -“What sort of excitement?” - -“I heard people shouting, and I heard men running. I was just about to go -out toward the north veranda, where the sounds came from, when I—— I -can’t go on!” and Maida broke down and wept. - -“You must tell your story—maybe it’d be easier now than later. Can’t you -go on, Miss Wheeler?” - -“There’s little to tell. I saw Mr. Appleby fall over sideways——” - -“Didn’t you hear the shot?” - -“No—yes—I don’t know.” Maida looked at her father, as if to gain help -from his expression, but his face showed only agonized concern for her. - -“Dear child,” he said, “tell the truth. Tell just what you saw—or heard.” - -“I didn’t hear anything—I mean the noise from the people running to the -fire so distracted my attention, I heard no shot or any sound in the -room. I just saw Mr. Appleby fall over——” - -“You’re not giving us a straight story, Miss Wheeler,” said the -detective, bluntly. “Seems to me you’d better begin all over.” - -“Seems to me you’d better cease questioning Miss Wheeler,” said Curtis -Keefe, looking sympathetically at Maida; “she’s just about all in, and I -think she’s entitled to some consideration.” - -“H’m. Pretty hard to find the right one to question. Mrs. Wheeler, -now—I’d rather not trouble her too much.” - -“Talk to me,” said Allen. “I can tell you the facts, and you can draw -your deductions afterward.” - -“Me, too,” said Keefe. “Ask us the hard questions, and then when you need -to, inquire of the Wheelers. Remember, they’re under great nervous -strain.” - -“Well, then,” Burdon seemed willing to take the advice, “you start in, -Mr. Keefe. You’re Mr. Appleby’s secretary, I believe?” - -“Yes; we were on our way back to his home in Stockfield—we expected to go -there to-morrow.” - -“You got any theory of the shooting?” - -“I’ve nothing to found a theory on. I was out at the garage helping to -put out a small fire that had started there.” - -“How’d it start?” - -“I don’t know. In the excitement that followed, I never thought to -inquire.” - -“Tell your story of the excitement.” - -“I was at the garage with Mr. Allen, and two chauffeurs—the Wheelers’ man -and Mr. Appleby’s man. Together, and with the help of a gardener or two, -we put the fire out. Then Mr. Allen said: ‘Let’s go to the house and tell -them there’s no danger. They may be worried.’ Mr. Allen started off and I -followed. He preceded me into the den——” - -“Then you tell what you saw there, Mr. Allen.” - -“I saw, first of all,” began Jeffrey, “the figure of Mr. Appleby sitting -in a chair, near the middle of the room. His head hung forward limply, -and his whole attitude was unnatural. The thought flashed through my mind -that he had had a stroke of some sort, and I went to him—and I saw he was -dead.” - -“You knew that at once?” - -“I judged so, from the look on his face and the helpless attitude. Then I -felt for his heart and found it was still.” - -“You a doctor?” - -“No; but I’ve had enough experience to know when a man is dead.” - -“All right. What was Mr. Wheeler doing?” - -“Nothing. He stood on the other side of the room, gazing at his old -friend.” - -“And Miss Wheeler?” - -“She, too, was looking at the scene. She stood in the bay window.” - -“I see. Now, Mr. Keefe, I believe you followed close on Mr. Allen’s -heels. Did you see the place—much as he has described it?” - -“Yes;” Keefe looked thoughtful. “Yes, I think I can corroborate every -word of his description.” - -“All right. Now, Miss Lane, where were you?” - -“I was at the fire. I followed the two men in, and I saw the same -situation they have told you of.” - -Genevieve’s quiet, composed air was a relief after the somewhat excited -utterances of the others. - -“What did you do?” - -“I am accustomed to wait on Mr. Appleby, and it seemed quite within my -province that I should telephone for help for him. I called the -doctor—and then I called the police station.” - -“You don’t think you took a great deal on yourself?” - -Genevieve stared at him. “I do not think so. I only think that I did my -duty as I saw it, and in similar circumstances I should do the same -again.” - -At this point the other detective was heard from. - -“I would like to ask,” Hallen said, “what Mrs. Wheeler meant by crying -out that it was the work of a ‘phantom burglar’?” - -“Not burglar—bugler,” said Mrs. Wheeler, suddenly alert. - -“Bugler!” Hallen stared. “Please explain, ma’am.” - -“There is a tradition in my family,” Mrs. Wheeler said, in a slow, sad -voice, “that when a member of the family is about to die, a phantom -bugler makes an appearance and sounds ‘taps’ on his bugle. This -phenomenon occurred last night.” - -“Oh, no! Spooks! But Mr. Appleby is not a member of your family.” - -“No; but he was under our roof. And so I know the warning was meant for -him.” - -“Well, well, we can’t waste time on such rubbish,” interposed Burdon, -“the bugle call had nothing to do with the case.” - -“How do you explain it, then?” asked Mrs. Wheeler. “We all heard it, and -there’s no bugler about here.” - -“Cut it out,” ordered Burdon. “Take up the bugler business some other -time, if you like—but we must get down to brass tacks now.” - -His proceedings were interrupted, however, by the arrival of young Samuel -Appleby. - -The big man came in and a sudden hush fell upon the group. - -Daniel Wheeler rose—and put out a tentative hand, then half withdrew it -as if he feared it would not be accepted. - -Hallen watched this closely. He strongly suspected Wheeler was the -murderer, but he had no intention of getting himself in bad by jumping at -the conclusion. - -However, Appleby grasped the hand of his host as if he had no reason for -not doing so. - -“I’m sorry, sir, you should have had this tragedy beneath your roof,” he -said. - -Hallen listened curiously. It was strange he should adopt an apologetic -tone, as if Wheeler had been imposed upon. - -“Our sorrow is all for you, Sam,” Dan Wheeler returned, and then as -Appleby passed on to greet Maida and her mother, Wheeler sank back in his -chair and was again lost in thought. - -The whole scene was one of constraint. Appleby merely nodded to -Genevieve, and spoke a few words to Keefe, and then asked to see his -father. - -On his return to the living-room, he had a slightly different air. He was -a little more dictatorial, more ready to advise what to do. - -“The circumstances are distressing,” he said, “and I know, Mr. Wheeler, -you will agree with me that we should take my father back to his home as -soon as possible. - -“That will be done to-morrow morning—as soon as the necessary formalities -can be attended to. Now, anything I can do for you people, must be done -to-night.” - -“You can do a lot,” said Burdon. “You can help us pick out the -murderer—for, I take it, you want justice done?” - -“Yes—yes, of course.” Appleby looked surprised. “Of course I want this -deed avenged. But I can’t help in the matter. I understand you suspect -some one of the—the household. Now, I shall never be willing to accuse -any one of this deed. If it can be proved the work of an outsider—a -burglar or highwayman—or intruder of any sort, I am ready to -prosecute—but if suspicion rests on—on anyone I know—I shall keep out of -it.” - -“You can’t do that, Mr. Appleby,” said Hallen; “you’ve got to tell all -you know.” - -“But I don’t know anything! I wasn’t here!” - -“You know about motives,” Hallen said, doggedly. “Tell us now, who bore -your father any ill-will, and also had opportunity to do the shooting?” - -“I shan’t pretend I don’t know what you’re driving at,” and Appleby spoke -sternly, “but I’ve no idea that Mr. Daniel Wheeler did this deed. I know -he and my father were not on friendly terms, but you need more evidence -than that to accuse a man of murder.” - -“We’ll look after the evidence,” Hallen assured him. “All you need tell -about is the enmity between the two men.” - -“An enmity of fifteen years’ standing,” Appleby said, slowly, “is not apt -to break out in sudden flame of crime. I am not a judge nor am I a -detective, but until Mr. Wheeler himself confesses to the deed, I shall -never believe he shot my father.” - -Wheeler looked at the speaker in a sort of dumb wonder. - -Maida gazed at him with eyes full of thankfulness, and the others were -deeply impressed by the just, even noble, attitude of the son of the -victim of the tragedy. - -But Hallen mused over this thing. He wondered why Appleby took such an -unusual stand, and decided there was something back of it about which he -knew nothing as yet. And he determined to find out. - -“We can get in touch with you at any time, Mr. Appleby?” he asked. - -“Oh, yes, of course. After a few days—after my father’s funeral, I will -be at your disposal. But as I’ve said, I know nothing that would be of -any use as evidence. Do you need to keep Mr. Keefe and Miss Lane for any -reason?” - -“Why, I don’t think so,” the detective said. “Not longer than to-morrow, -anyhow. I’ll take their depositions, but they have little testimony to -give. However, you’re none of you very far away.” - -“No; you can always get us at Stockfield. Mr. Keefe will probably be -willing to stay on and settle up my father’s affairs, and I know we shall -be glad of Miss Lane’s services for a time.” Appleby glanced at the two -as he spoke, and they nodded. - -“Well, we’re going to stay right here,” and Burdon spoke decidedly. -“Whatever the truth of the matter may be, it’s clear to be seen that -suspicion must naturally point toward the Wheeler family, or some -intruder. Though how an intruder could get in the room, unseen by either -Mr. Wheeler or his daughter, is pretty inexplicable. But those things -we’re here to find out. And we’ll do it, Mr. Appleby. I’m taking it for -granted you want the criminal found?” - -“Oh—I say, Mr.—er—Burdon, have a little common decency! Don’t come at me -with questions of that sort, when I’m just about knocked out with this -whole fearful occurrence! Have a heart, man, give me time to realize my -loss, before you talk to me of avenging it!” - -“That’s right,” said Curt Keefe. “I think Mr. Appleby deserves more -consideration. Suppose we excuse him for the night.” - -Somewhat reluctantly the detective was brought to consent, and then -Daniel Wheeler asked that he and his wife and daughter also be excused -from further grilling that night. - -“We’re not going to run away,” he said, pathetically. “We’ll meet you in -the morning, Mr. Burdon, but please realize our stunned condition at -present.” - -“My mother must be excused,” Maida put in. “I am sure she can stand no -more,” and with a solicitous care, she assisted Mrs. Wheeler to rise from -her chair. - -“Yes, I am ill,” the elder woman said, and so white and weak did she look -that no one could doubt her word. - -The three Wheelers went to their room, and Genevieve Lane went off with -them, leaving Allen and Keefe, with Sam Appleby, to face the two -detectives’ fire of questions. - -“You vamoose, too, Sam,” Keefe advised. “There’s no use in your staying -here and listening to harrowing details. Mr. Allen and I will have a talk -with the detectives, and you can talk to-morrow morning, if you wish.” - -“All right,” and Appleby rose. “But, look here, Keefe. I loved and -respected my father, and I revere his memory—and, yes, I want justice -done—of course, but, all the same, if Wheeler shot dad, I don’t want that -poor old chap prosecuted. You know, I never fully sympathized with -father’s treatment of him, and I’d like to make amends to Wheeler by -giving him the benefit of the doubt—if it can be done.” - -“It can’t be done!” declared Burdon, unwilling to agree to this heresy. -“The law can’t be set aside by personal sympathy, Mr. Appleby!” - -“Well, I only said, if it can be,” and the man wearily turned and left -the room. - -“Now, then,” said Keefe, “let’s talk this thing out. I know your -position, Allen, and I’m sorry for you. And I want to say, right now, if -I can help in any way, I will. I like the Wheelers, and I must say I -subscribe to the ideas of Sam Appleby. But all that’s up to the -detectives. I’ve got to go away to-morrow, so I’m going to ask you, Mr. -Burdon, to get through with me to-night. I’ve lots to do at the other end -of the route, and I must get busy. But I do want to help here, too. So, -at any rate, fire your questions at me—that is, if you know what you want -to ask.” - -“I’ll ask one, right off, Mr. Keefe,” and Hallen spoke mildly but -straightforwardly. “Can you give me any fact or suggest to me any theory -that points toward any one but Mr. Daniel Wheeler as the murderer of -Samuel Appleby?” - -Curtis Keefe was dismayed. What could he reply to this very definite -question? A negative answer implicated Wheeler at once—while a “yes,” -would necessitate the disclosure of another suspect. And Keefe was not -blind to the fact that Hallen’s eyes had strayed more than once toward -Maida Wheeler with a curious glance. - -Quickly making up his mind, Keefe returned: “No fact, but a theory based -on my disbelief in Mr. Wheeler’s guilt, and implying the intrusion of -some murderous-minded person.” - -“Meaning some marauder?” Hallen looked disdainful. - -“Some intruder,” Keefe said. “I don’t know who, or for what reason, but I -don’t think it fair to accuse Mr. Wheeler without investigating every -possible alternative.” - -“There are several alternatives,” Burdon declared; “I may as well say -right out, that I’ve no more definite suspicion of Mr. Wheeler than I -have of Mrs. Wheeler or Miss Wheeler.” - -“What!” and Jeffrey Allen looked almost murderous himself. - -“Don’t get excited, sir. It’s my business to suspect. Suspicion is not -accusation. You must admit all three of the Wheeler family had a motive. -That is, they would, one and all, have been glad to be released from the -thrall in which Mr. Appleby held them. And no one else present had a -motive! I might suspect you, Mr. Allen, but that you were at the fire at -the time, according to the direct testimony of Mr. Keefe.” - -“Oh, yes, we were at the fire, all right,” Allen agreed, “and I’d knock -you down for saying to me what you did, only you are justified. I would -far rather be suspected of the murder of Mr. Appleby than to have any of -the Wheelers suspected. But owing to Keefe’s being an eye-witness of me -at the time, I can’t falsify about it. However, you may set it right down -that none of the three Wheelers did do it, and I’ll prove it!” - -“Go to it, Allen,” Keefe cried. “I’ll help.” - -“You’re two loyal friends of the Wheeler family,” said Hallen in his -quiet way, “but you can’t put anything over. There’s no way out. I know -all about the governor’s pardon and all that. I know the feud between the -two men was beyond all hope of patching up. And I know that to-night had -brought about a climax that had to result in tragedy. If Wheeler hadn’t -killed Appleby—Appleby would have killed Wheeler.” - -“Self-defence?” asked Allen. - -“No, sir, not that. But one or the other had to be out of the running. I -know the whole story, and I know what men will do in a political crisis -that they wouldn’t dream of at any other time. Wheeler’s the guilty -party—unless—well, unless that daughter of his——” - -“Hush!” cried Allen. “I won’t stand for it!” - -“I only meant that the girl’s great love and loyalty to her father might -have made her lose her head——” - -“No; she didn’t do it,” said Allen, more quietly. “Oh, I say, man, let’s -try to find this intruder that Mr. Keefe has——” - -“Has invented!” put in Burdon. “No, gentlemen, they ain’t no such -animile! Now, you tell me over again, while I take it down, just what you -two saw when you came to the door of that den, as they call it.” - -And so Allen and Keefe reluctantly, but truthfully, again detailed the -scene that met their eyes as they returned from the fire they had put -out. - -“The case is only too plain,” declared Burdon, as he snapped a rubber -band over his notebook. “Sorry, gentlemen, but your story leaves no -loophole for any other suspect than one of the three Wheelers. -Good-night.” - - - - - CHAPTER VIII - CONFESSION - - -Before Sam Appleby left the next morning, he confided to Keefe that he -had little if any faith in the detective prowess of the two men -investigating the case. - -“When I come back,” he said, “I may bring a real detective, and—I may -not. I want to think this thing over first—and, though I may be a queer -Dick, I’m not sure I want the slayer of my father found.” - -“I see,” and Keefe nodded his head understandingly. - -But Jeffrey Allen demurred. “You say that, Mr. Appleby, because you think -one of the Wheeler family is the guilty party. But I know better. I know -them so well——” - -“Not as well as I do,” interrupted Appleby, “and neither do you know all -the points of the feud that has festered for so many years. If you’ll -take my advice, Mr. Allen, you’ll delay action until my return, at -least.” - -“The detectives won’t do that,” objected Jeffrey. - -“The detectives will run round in circles and get nowhere,” scoffed -Appleby. “I shall be back as soon as possible, and I don’t mind telling -you now that there will be no election campaign for me.” - -“What!” exclaimed Curtis Keefe. “You’re out of the running?” - -“Positively! I may take it up again some other year, but this campaign -will not include my name.” - -“My gracious!” exclaimed Genevieve, who knew a great deal about current -politics. “Who’ll take your place?” - -“A dark horse, likely,” returned Appleby, speaking in an absorbed, -preoccupied manner, as if caring little who fell heir to his candidacy. - -“I don’t agree with you, Mr. Appleby,” spoke up Jeff Allen, “as to the -inefficiency of the two men on this case. Seems to me they’re doing all -they can, and I can’t help thinking they may get at the truth.” - -“All right, if they get at the truth, but it’s my opinion that the truth -of this matter is not going to be so easily discovered, and those two -bunglers may do a great deal of harm. Good-bye, Maida, keep up a good -heart, my girl.” - -The group on the veranda said good-bye to Sam Appleby, and he turned back -as he stepped into the car to say: - -“I’ll be back as soon as the funeral is over, and until then, be careful -what you say—all of you.” - -He looked seriously at Maida, but his glance turned toward the den where -Mr. Wheeler sat in solitude. - -“I heard him,” stormed Burdon, as the car drove away, and the detective -came around the corner of the veranda. “I heard what he said about me and -Hallen. Well, we’ll show him! Of course, the reason he talks like that——” - -“Don’t tell us the reason just now,” interrupted Keefe. “We men will have -a little session of our own, without the ladies present. There’s no call -for their participation in our talk.” - -“That’s right,” said Allen. “Maida, you and Miss Lane run away, and we’ll -go to the den for a chat.” - -“No, not there,” objected Burdon. “Come over and sit under the big -sycamore.” - -And so, beneath the historic tree, the three men sat down for a serious -talk. Hallen soon joined them, but he said little. - -“I’m leaving myself, soon after noon,” said Keefe. “I’ll be back in a day -or two, but there are matters of importance connected with Mr. Appleby’s -estate that must be looked after.” - -“I should think there must be!” exclaimed Burdon. “I don’t see how you -can leave to come back very soon.” - -Keefe reddened slightly, for the real reason for his intended return was -centred in Maida Wheeler’s charm, to which he had incontinently -succumbed. He knew Allen was her suitor, but his nature was such that he -believed in his own powers of persuasion to induce the girl to transfer -her affections to his more desirable self. - -But he only looked thoughtfully at Burdon and said: “There are matters -here, also, that require attention in Mr. Appleby’s interests.” - -“Well,” Burdon went on, “as to the murder, there’s no doubt that it was -the work of one of the three Wheelers. Nobody else had any reason to wish -old Appleby out of the world.” - -“You forget me,” said Allen, in a tense voice. “My interests are one with -the Wheelers. If they had such a motive as you ascribe to them—I had the -same.” - -“Don’t waste time in such talk,” said Curt Keefe. “I saw you, Allen, at -the fire during the whole time that covered the opportunity for the -murder.” - -“Of course,” agreed Burdon, “I’ve looked into all that. And so, as I say, -it must have been one member of the Wheeler family, for there’s no one -else to suspect.” - -“Including Mrs. Wheeler,” quietly put in Hallen. - -“How absurd!” flared out Allen. “It’s bad enough to suspect the other -two, but to think of Mrs. Wheeler is ridiculous!” - -“Not at all,” said Burdon, “she had the same motive—she had -opportunity——” - -“How do you know?” asked Keefe. - -“She ran down from her room at that very moment,” stated Burdon. “I have -the testimony of one of the upstairs maids, and, also, I believe Miss -Wheeler saw her mother in the den.” - -“Look here,” said Hallen, in his slow, drawling tones, “let’s reconstruct -the situation. You two men were at the fire—that much is certain—so you -can’t be suspected. But all three of the Wheelers had absolute -opportunity, and they had motive. Now, as I look at it—one of those three -was the criminal, and the other two saw the deed. Wherefore, the two -onlookers will do all they can to shield the murderer.” - -Keefe stared at him. “You really believe that!” he said. - -“Sure I do! Nobody else had either motive or opportunity. I don’t for one -minute believe in an outsider. Who could happen along at that particular -moment, get away with the shooting, and then get away himself?” - -“Why, it could have been done,” mused Keefe, and Allen broke in eagerly: - -“Of course it could! There’s nothing to prove it impossible.” - -“You two say that, because you want it to be that way,” said Burdon, -smiling at the two young men. “That’s all right—you’re both friends of -the family, and can’t bear to suspect any one of them. But facts remain. -Now, let’s see which of the three it most likely was.” - -“The old man,” declared Hallen, promptly. - -“Nonsense!” cried Allen. “Mr. Wheeler is incapable of a deed like that! -Why, I’ve known him for years——” - -“Don’t talk about incapable of anything!” said Burdon. “Most murderers -are people whom their friends consider ‘incapable of such a deed.’ A man -who is generally adjudged ‘capable’ of it is not found in polite -society.” - -“Where’s the weapon,” asked Keefe, abruptly, “if Mr. Wheeler did it?” - -“Where’s the weapon, whoever did it?” countered Burdon. “The weapon -hasn’t been found, though I’ve hunted hard. But that helps to prove it -one of the family, for they would know where to hide a revolver -securely.” - -“If it was Mr. Wheeler, he’d have to hide it in the den,” said Allen. “He -never goes over to the other side of the house, you know.” - -“It isn’t in the den,” Hallen spoke positively; “I hunted that myself.” - -“You seem sure of your statement,” said Keefe. “Couldn’t you have -overlooked it?” - -“Positively not.” - -“No, he couldn’t,” concurred Burdon. “Hallen’s a wonderful hunter. If -that revolver had been hidden in the den, he’d have found it. That’s why -I think it was Mrs. Wheeler, and she took it back to her own rooms.” - -“Oh, not Mrs. Wheeler!” groaned Jeff Allen. “That dear, sweet woman -couldn’t——” - -“Incapable of murder, I s’pose!” ironically said Burdon. “Let me tell -you, sir, many a time a dear, sweet woman has done extraordinary things -for the sake of her husband or children.” - -“But what motive would Mrs. Wheeler have?” - -“The same as the others. Appleby was a thorn in their flesh, an enemy of -many years’ standing. And I’ve heard hints of another reason for the -family’s hating him, besides that conditional pardon business. But no -matter about that now. What I want is evidence against somebody—against -one of three suspects. Until I get some definite evidence I can’t tell -which of the three is most likely the one.” - -“Seems to me the fact that Mrs. Wheeler ran downstairs and back again is -enough to indicate some pretty close questioning of her,” suggested -Hallen. - -“Oh, please,” begged Allen, “she’s _so_ upset and distracted——” - -“Of course she is. But that’s the reason we must ask her about it now. -When she gets calmed down, and gets a fine yarn concocted, there’ll be -small use asking her anything!” - -“I’d tackle the old man first,” said Hallen; “I think, on general -principles, he’s the one to make inquiries of before you go to the -ladies. Let’s go to him now.” - -“No;” proposed Burdon, “let’s send for him to come here. This is away -from the house, and we can talk more freely.” - -“I’ll go for him,” offered Allen, seeing they were determined to carry -out their plan. - -“Not much!” said Burdon. “You’re just aching to put a flea in his ear! -You go for him, Hallen.” - -The detective went to the house, and returned with Daniel Wheeler at his -side. - -The suspected man stood straight and held himself fearlessly. Not an old -man, he was grayed with care and trouble, but this morning he seemed -strong and alert as any of them. - -“Put your questions,” he said, briefly, as he seated himself on one of -the many seats beneath the old sycamore. - -“First of all, who do you think killed Samuel Appleby?” - -This question was shot at him by Burdon, and all waited in silence for -the answer. - -“I killed him myself,” was the straightforward reply. - -“That settles it,” said Hallen, “it was one of the women.” - -“What do you mean by that?” cried Wheeler, turning quickly toward the -speaker. - -“I mean, that either your wife or daughter did the deed, and you are -taking the crime on yourself to save her.” - -“No;” reasserted Dan Wheeler, “you’re wrong. I killed Appleby for good -and sufficient reason. I’m not sorry, and I accept my fate.” - -“Wait a minute,” said Hallen, as Keefe was about to protest; “where was -your daughter, Miss Maida, when you killed your man?” - -“I—I don’t know. I think she had gone to the fire—which had just broken -out.” - -“You’re not sure——” - -“I am not.” - -“She had been with you, in the den?” - -“I don’t know.” - -“Well, I know. She had. She had been sitting in her favorite window-seat, -in the large bay, and was there while you and Mr. Appleby were talking -together. Also, she did not leave the room to go to the fire, for no one -saw her anywhere near the burning garage.” - -“As to that, I can’t say,” went on Wheeler, slowly, “but she was not in -the den, to my knowledge, at the time of the shooting.” - -“Very well, let that pass. Now, then, Mr. Wheeler, if you shot Mr. -Appleby, what did you afterward do with your revolver?” - -“I—I don’t know.” The man’s face was convincing. His frank eyes testified -to the truth of his words. “I assure you, I don’t know. I was so—so -bewildered—that I must have dropped it—somewhere. I never thought of it -again.” - -“But if you had merely dropped it, it must have been found. And it hasn’t -been.” - -“Somebody else found it and secreted it,” suggested Hallen. “Probably Mr. -Wheeler’s wife or daughter.” - -“Perhaps so,” assented Wheeler, calmly. “They might have thought to help -me by secreting it. Have you asked them?” - -“Yes, and they deny all knowledge of it.” - -“So do I. But surely it will be found.” - -“It must be found. And, therefore, it is imperative that the rooms of the -ladies as well as your own rooms, sir, be thoroughly searched.” - -“All right—go ahead and search!” Wheeler spoke sharply. “I’ve confessed -the crime, now waste no time in useless chattering. Get the evidence, get -the proofs, and let the law take its course.” - -“You will not leave the premises,” put in Hallen, and his tone was that -of command rather than inquiry. - -“I most certainly shall not,” declared Wheeler. “But I do ask you, -gentlemen, to trouble and annoy my wife and daughter as little as -possible. Their grief is sufficient reason for their being let alone.” - -“H’m,” grunted Burdon. “Well, sir, I can promise not to trouble the -ladies more than is necessary—but I can’t help feeling necessity will -demand a great deal.” - -Mrs. Wheeler was next interviewed, and the confab took place in her own -sitting-room. - -None of her family was allowed to be present, and the four men filed into -the room with various expressions of face. The two detectives were -stolid-looking, but eagerly determined to do their work, while Allen and -Keefe were alertly interested in finding out some way to be of help to -Mrs. Wheeler. - -She received the men quietly, even graciously, sensing what they had come -for. - -“To start with, Mrs. Wheeler,” said Burdon, frankly but not unkindly, -“who do you think killed Mr. Appleby?” - -“Oh—I don’t know—I don’t know,” she wailed, losing her calm and becoming -greatly agitated. - -“Where were you when the shot was fired?” asked Hallen. - -“I don’t know—I didn’t hear it——” - -“Then you were up in your own room?” - -“I suppose so—I don’t know.” - -“You were up there when the fire broke out?” - -“Yes—I think I was——” - -“But you must know, Mrs. Wheeler—that is, you must know where you were -when you first heard of the fire——” - -“Yes, yes; I was up in my bedroom.” - -“And who told you of the fire?” - -“My maid—Rachel.” - -“And then what did you do?” - -“I—I—I don’t remember.” - -“You ran downstairs, didn’t you?” - -“I don’t remember——” - -“Yes, you did!” Burdon took up the reins. “You ran downstairs, and just -as you got down to the den you saw—you saw your husband shoot Mr. -Appleby!” - -His harsh manner, as he intended, frightened the nervous woman, and -reduced her to the verge of collapse. - -But after a gasping moment, she recovered herself, and cried out: “I did -not! I shot Mr. Appleby myself. That’s why I’m so agitated.” - -“I knew it!” exclaimed Burdon. “Mr. Wheeler’s confession was merely to -save his wife. Now, Mrs. Wheeler, I believe your story, and I want all -the particulars. First, why did you kill him?” - -“Be—because he was my husband’s enemy—and I had stood it as long as I -could.” - -“H’m. And what did you do with the weapon you used?” - -“I threw it out of the window.” - -“And it dropped on the lawn?” - -“Not dropped; I threw it far out—as far as I could.” - -“Oh, I see. Out of which window?” - -“Why—why, the one in the den—the bay window.” - -“But your daughter—Miss Maida—was sitting in the bay window.” - -“No, she was not,” Mrs. Wheeler spoke emphatically now. “She was not in -the room at all. She had gone to the fire.” - -“Oh, is that so? And then—what happened next?” - -“Why—nothing. I—I ran upstairs again.” - -“Appalled at what you had done?” - -“Not appalled—so much as—as——” - -“Unnerved?” - -“Yes; unnerved. I fell on my bed, and Rachel looked after me.” - -“Ah, yes; we will interview Rachel, and so save you further harrowing -details. Come on, men, let’s strike while these irons are hot.” - -The four filed from the room, and Burdon spoke in a low tone, but -excitedly: - -“Come quickly! There goes Miss Maida across the lawn. We will take her -next. The maid, Rachel, can wait.” - -Inwardly rebelling, but urged on by the others, Jeff Allen went along, -and as Burdon stopped Maida, on her quick walk across the lawn, Jeff put -his arm through that of the girl, and said: “Do as they tell you, dear. -It’s best to have this matter settled at once.” - -Again the party grouped themselves under the old sycamore, and this time -Maida was the target for their queries. - -“Tell me all you know of the case,” she said, peremptorily; “then I’ll -tell you what I know.” - -“We know that the murder was committed by one of you three Wheelers,” -said Burdon, brutally. “Now, both your parents have confessed to being -the criminal——” - -“What?” Maida cried, her face white and her eyes big and frightened. - -“Yes, ma’am, just that! Now, what have you to say? Are you going to -confess also?” - -“Of course I am! For I am the real criminal! Can’t you see that my father -and mother are both trying to shield me? I did it, because of that awful -man’s hold on my father! Take my confession, and do with me what you -will!” - -“Here’s a state of things!” cried Burdon, truly surprised at this new -development. - -“The girl is telling the truth,” exclaimed Curtis Keefe, not because he -really thought so but his quick mind told him that it would be easier to -get a young girl acquitted than an older person, and he saw the -plausibility of the detectives’ theory that it must have been one of the -three Wheelers. - -“All right,” Burdon went on, “then, Miss Wheeler, enlighten us as to -details. Where’s the weapon?” - -“I don’t have to tell you anything except that I did it. Do I, Jeffrey? -Do I, Mr. Keefe?” She looked at these two for help. - -“No, Miss Wheeler,” Keefe assured her, “you needn’t say a word without -legal advice.” - -“But, Maida,” Jeffrey groaned, “you didn’t do it—you know! You couldn’t -have!” - -“Yes, I did, Jeff.” Maida’s eyes were glittering, and her voice was -steady. “Of course I did. I’d do anything to save father from any more -persecution by that man! And there was to be more! Oh, don’t let me talk! -I mustn’t!” - -“No, you mustn’t,” agreed Keefe. “Now, Burdon, you’ve got three -confessions! What are you going to do with them?” - -“Going to find out which is the true one,” answered Burdon, with a dogged -expression. “I knew all the time it was one of the three, and I’m not -surprised that the other two are willing to perjure themselves to save -the criminal.” - -“Also, there may have been collusion,” suggested Hallen. - -“Of course,” the other agreed. “But we’ll find out. The whole thing rests -among the three. They must not be allowed to escape——” - -“I’ve no intention of running away!” said Maida, proudly. - -“No one will run away,” opined Hallen, sagaciously. “The criminal will -stand by the other two, and the other two will stand by him.” - -“Or her, as the case may be,” supplemented Burdon. - -“Her,” Maida assured him. “In the first place, my mother was upstairs in -her own room, and my father was not in the den at the time. I was there -alone.” - -“Oh, yes, your father was in the den,” cried Jeffrey, imploringly. - -“No,” said Maida, not catching his meaning. - -But Hallen caught it. - -“Where was Mr. Wheeler?” he asked. - -“I—I don’t know,” Maida said. - -“Well, if he wasn’t in the den, and if he wasn’t upstairs, maybe he was -in the big living-room, looking out at the fire.” - -“Yes—yes, I think he was!” Maida agreed. - -“Then,” Hallen went on, “then, Mr. Wheeler broke his parole—and is due -for punishment.” - -“Oh, no,” Maida moaned, seeing where her statements had led. “I—I guess -he was in the den—after all.” - -“And I guess you’re making up as you go along,” opined Mr. Hallen. - - - - - CHAPTER IX - COUNTER-CONFESSIONS - - -Before Keefe went away, young Allen had a serious talk with him. - -“I want to ask your advice,” Allen said; “shall I confess to that crime?” - -“Man alive, what are you talking about?” Keefe cried, astounded at the -suggestion. - -“Talking sense,” Jeffrey stoutly asserted. “I don’t believe any one of -those three did it—they’re saying they did to shield one another—and -so——” - -“And so, you want to get into the game!” Keefe smiled at him. “You’re -very young, my boy, to think such crude methods would get over, even with -such muffs as those two booby sleuths! No, Allen, don’t add another -perjury that can be of no possible use. You didn’t do the killing, did -you?” - -“Of course not! But neither did the Wheelers!” - -“No one of them?” - -“Certainly not.” - -“Who did, then?” - -“I don’t know; but you yourself insisted on some marauder.” - -“Only to get suspicion away from the family. But there’s no hope of -finding any evidence of an outside job. You see, I’ve made some inquiries -myself, and the servants’ tales make it pretty sure that no intruder -could have been here. So, the Wheelers are the only suspects left.” - -“And am I not as good for a suspect as they are—if I make due -confession?” - -“No, Allen, you’re not. You’re in love with Miss Maida——” - -“I’m engaged to her!” - -“All right; don’t you see, then, the absurdity of expecting any one to -believe that you, a decent, law-abiding young citizen, would commit a -murder which would positively render impossible a marriage with the girl -you love?” - -“I didn’t think of that!” - -“Of course you didn’t. But that would make it unlikely that those -detectives would believe your tale for a moment. No, it’s ridiculous for -any more people to confess to this murder. Three avowed criminals are -quite enough for the crime!” - -“But none of them really did it.” - -“How you harp on that string! Now, look here, Allen, I’m as loath to -believe it as you are, but we must face facts. Those three people had -motive and opportunity. Moreover, they’re a most united family, and if -any one thought either of the other two guilty, that one is quite capable -of falsely avowing the crime.” - -“Yes—I see that”—Allen spoke impatiently. “What I want to know is, what -we’re going to do about it?” - -“There I can’t advise you. I have to get away now, but, as I said, I’ll -return. I’ve more than a little taste for investigation myself, and when -I come back, I’ve no doubt I can hel——” - -“But—Keefe—I don’t want you to help—to investigate—if it’s going to prove -anything on any of the Wheelers.” - -“But you believe them innocent!” - -“Yes; but crime has been fastened on the innocent.” - -“Look here, Allen, you do believe them innocent—but you fear your belief -is a mistaken one!” - -“God help me, I do fear that, Keefe! Oh, what can we do?” - -“It’s a bad lookout! All I can say now, is, to preserve a non-committal -demeanor, and keep things stationary as much as you can. Maybe when I -come back, we can—well, at least muddle things so——” - -“Complicate the evidence! So that it won’t indicate——” - -“Be careful now! You know what compounding a felony means, don’t you? Oh, -Allen, you’re so young and impulsive, and the Wheelers are so emotional -and indiscreet, I wonder what will happen before I get back!” - -“Somebody ought to be in charge here.” - -“Yes, some good lawyer, or some level-headed person who would hold back -those fool detectives, and look out for the interests of the Wheelers.” - -“I wish you could stay.” - -“I wish so, too, but I’ll do all I can to return quickly. And Mr. Wheeler -ought to be able to look after his own affairs!” - -“I know he ought to—but he isn’t. Also, I ought to, but I’m not!” - -“Yes you are, Jeffrey,” cried Maida, who had happened along in time to -hear the young man’s depreciation of himself. - -“Hello, Maida,” he turned to her. “What did you mean by making up that -string of falsehoods?” - -“Don’t talk about it, Jeff,” and the girl’s face went white. “If you do, -I shall go mad!” - -“I don’t wonder, Miss Wheeler,” said Keefe, sympathetically. “Now, as -I’ve just told Allen, I’m coming back as soon as I can make it, and until -I do, won’t you try to hold off those men? Don’t let them pound you and -your parents into admissions better left unmade. I’m not asking you any -questions, I’ve no right to, but I beg of you to keep your own counsel. -If you are shielding someone, say as little as possible. If you are -guilty yourself, say nothing.” - -“‘Guilty herself!’ You’ve no right to say such a thing!” Allen cried out. - -“Of course I have,” Keefe returned, “when I heard Miss Wheeler avow the -crime! But I must go now. Here’s the car. Good-bye, both of you, and—Miss -Wheeler, if I may advise, don’t confide too much—in anybody.” - -The last words were spoken in an aside, and if Allen heard them he gave -no sign. He bade Keefe good-bye with a preoccupied air, and as others -joined them then, he waited till the car started, and then took Maida’s -arm and led her away, toward the garden. - -Miss Lane, of course, went with Keefe, and as the girls parted Maida had -suddenly felt a sense of loneliness. - -“I liked Genevieve a lot,” she said to Allen, as they walked away. - -“I didn’t,” he returned. - -“Oh, Jeff, you are so quick to take prejudices against people. I don’t -mean I’m specially fond of Genevieve, but she was kind to me, and now I -do seem so alone.” - -“Alone, Maida? When you have your parents and me? What do you mean?” - -“I can’t tell you, exactly, but I seem to want someone—someone with wide -experience and educated judgment—to whom I can go for advice.” - -“Won’t I do, dear?” - -“You’re kind enough and loving enough—but, Jeff, you don’t know things! I -mean, you haven’t had experience in—in criminal cases——” - -“Come on, Maida, let’s have it out. What about this criminal case of -ours? For it’s mine as much as it’s yours.” - -“Oh, no, it isn’t, Jeff. You’ve nothing to do with it. I must bear my -burden alone—and—I must ask you to release me from our engagement——” - -“Which I will never do! How absurd! Now, Maida mine, if you won’t speak -out, I must. I know perfectly well you never killed Mr. Appleby. I know, -too, that you saw either your father or mother kill him and you’re trying -to shield the criminal. Very right, too, except that you mustn’t keep the -truth from me. How can I help you, dear, unless I know what you’re -doing—or trying to do? So, tell me the truth—now.” - -“I can’t tell you more than I have, Jeff,” Maida spoke with a long-drawn -sigh. “You must believe me. And as a—a murderer, I never, of course, -shall marry.” - -“Maida, you’re a transparent little prevaricator! Don’t think I don’t -realize the awful situation, for I do, but I can’t—I won’t let you -sacrifice yourself for either of your parents. I don’t ask you which one -it was—in fact, I’d rather you wouldn’t tell me—but I do ask you to -believe that I know it wasn’t you. Now, drop that foolishness.” - -“Jeffrey,” and Maida spoke very solemnly, “don’t you believe that I could -kill a man? If he was so cruel, so dangerous to my father—my dear father, -that I couldn’t stand it another minute, don’t you believe I’d be capable -of killing him?” - -“We’ve spoken of that before, Maida, and I think I said I believed you -would be capable, in a moment of sudden, intense anger and excitement——” - -“Well, then, why do you doubt my word? I told the detectives—I tell you, -that the moment came—I saw my father, under stress of terrible anger—in -immediate, desperate danger from Samuel Appleby. I—I shot—to kill——” the -girl broke down and Jeffrey took the slender, quivering form in his arms. - -“All right, sweetheart,” he whispered, “don’t say another word—I -understand. I don’t blame you—how could you think I would! I just want to -help you. How can I best do that?” - -But Maida could not tell him. Her tears, once started, came in torrents. -Her whole frame shook with the intensity of her sobs, and, unable to -control herself at all, she ran from him into the house and up to her own -room. - -“What did you find out?” Burdon asked, coming out from behind a nearby -clump of shrubbery. - -“You sneak, you cad!” Allen cried, but the detective stopped him. - -“Now, look here, Mr. Allen,” he said, “we’re here to do our duty, said -duty being to discover the perpetrator of a pretty awful crime. You may -be so minded as to let the murderer go scot-free, even help him or her to -make a getaway, but I can’t indulge in any such philanthropic scheme. Mr. -Appleby’s been foully murdered, and it’s up to the law to find out the -killer and see justice done. My job is not a pleasant one, but I’ve got -to see it through, and that’s all there is about that! Now, this case is -what we call open-and-shut. The murderer is sure and positively one of -three people—said three people being known to us. So, I’ve just got to -use all my powers to discover which of the three I’m really after, and -when I find that out, then make my arrest. But I’ve no desire to nab the -wrong one.” - -“Which one do you think it is?” demanded Allen, angrily. - -“I’ve got no right nor reason to _think_ it’s either one. I’ve got to -find out for sure, not just think it. So, I ask you what you learned just -now from Miss Wheeler, and why did she run to the house, weeping like a -willow tree?” - -“I found out nothing that would throw any light on your quest, and she -wept because her nerves are strained to the breaking point with worry and -exhaustion.” - -“And I don’t wonder!” the detective spoke sympathetically. “But all the -same, I’m obliged to keep on investigating, and I must ask you what she -said to you just now.” - -Allen thought over the conversation he had had with Maida. Then he said: -“I am telling the truth when I say there was no word said between us that -would be of any real use to you. Miss Wheeler is my _fiancée_, and I -tried to comfort her, and also to assure her anew of my faithfulness and -devotion in her trouble.” - -“And what did she say?” - -“Without remembering her words exactly, I think I can state that she said -nothing more than to reiterate that she had killed Mr. Appleby. But I -want to state also, that I believe she said it, as she said it to you, to -shield some one else.” - -“Her parents—or, one of them?” - -“That is the reasonable supposition. But I do not accuse either of the -elder Wheelers. I still suspect an intruder from outside.” - -“Of course you do. . . . Anybody in your position would. But there was -none such. It was one of the three Wheelers, and I’ll proceed to find out -which one.” - -“Just how do you propose to find out?” - -“Well, the one that did it is very likely to give it away. It’s mighty -difficult to be on your guard every minute, and with one guilty, and two -shielding, and all three knowing, which is which, as I’ve no doubt they -do, why, it’s a cinch that one of the three breaks down through sheer -overcarefulness pretty soon.” - -“That’s true enough,” Allen agreed, ruefully. “Is that your only plan?” - -“Yes, except to look up the weapon. It’s a great help, always, to find -the revolver.” - -“Hoping to find the criminal’s initials on it?” - -“Well, no, they don’t mark firearms in real life, as they do in -story-books. But to find the weapon gives a lot of evidence as to where -it was fired from, and what was done with it afterward, and to whom it -belongs. Not that the owner is always the murderer. More often the -reverse is true. But the weapon we want and want pretty badly. By the -way, I’m told that young Appleby is out of the running for governor now -that his father isn’t here to help him through.” - -“More, I take it, because of his grief for his father’s untimely end.” - -“Be that as it may, he’ll withdraw his name from the candidates.” - -“Who told you?” - -“I heard Mr. Keefe telling Miss Lane.” - -“You hear a lot, Burdon.” - -“I do, Mr. Allen. It’s my business to do so. Now, here’s another thing. -About that garage fire.” - -“Well, what about it?” - -“It was a mighty mysterious fire, that’s all. Nobody knows how it -started, or where.” - -“They must know where!” - -“Not exactly. It seemed to start in the vicinity of Mr. Appleby’s own -car. But there was nothing inflammable around that part of the garage.” - -“Well, what does that prove or indicate? Anything prejudicial to the -Wheelers?” - -“Not so far as I can see. Only it’s queer, that’s all.” - -“Perhaps Mr. Appleby kept tobacco and matches in his car.” - -“Perhaps so. Anyway, that’s where the fire originated, and also about -where it stopped. They soon put it out.” - -“Glad they did. I can’t see that the fire has any bearing whatever on the -murder.” - -“Neither can I, Mr. Allen. But Hallen, now, he thinks it has.” - -“Just how?” - -“I can’t say. Hallen doesn’t know himself. But he says there’s a -connection.” - -“There may be. But unless it’s a connection that will free the Wheelers -from suspicion, it doesn’t interest me.” - -Allen left the detective, who made no effort to detain him, and went to -the den for a talk with Mr. Wheeler. - -But that gentleman, locked in the room, declared through the closed door -that he would see nobody. - -“Sorry, Jeff,” he said, in a kindly tone, “but you must excuse me at -present. Give me the day to myself. I’ll see you late this afternoon.” - -As it was already noon, Allen made no further attempt at an interview and -went in search of Mrs. Wheeler. It seemed to him he must talk to some of -the family, and he hadn’t the heart to disturb Maida, who might be -resting. - -Mrs. Wheeler’s maid said that her mistress would see him in a few -minutes. And it was only a few minutes later that the lady came -downstairs and greeted Allen, who awaited her in the living-room. - -“What are we going to do?” she exclaimed to him. “Do help us, Jeff. Did I -do right?” - -“In lying to save some one you love? Yes, I suppose so.” - -But Sara Wheeler had very acute hearing. Even as they spoke, she heard a -slight movement on the porch outside, and realized at once that a -detective was listening to her every word. - -Allen couldn’t be sure whether this changed her mental attitude or -whether she continued as she had meant to when she began. - -But she said: “Oh, I don’t mean that! I mean, did I do right to confess -my crime at once? You know they would discover it sooner or later, and I -thought it would save time and trouble for me to own up immediately.” - -“Dear Mrs. Wheeler, don’t quibble with me. I know you didn’t do it——” - -“Oh, yes, I did, Jeff. Who else could it have been? And, too, you know -about the bugler, don’t you?” - -“Yes.” - -“Well, that’s what made me do it. You see, I thought if a death occurred, -that would be the death the bugler was heralding, and if it wasn’t Mr. -Appleby it might have been Dan himself.” - -She leaned forward as she spoke, her voice dropped to a mere whisper, and -her large eyes took on a glassy stare, while her white face was drawn and -set with an agonized expression as of a dreadful memory. - -“And you killed Appleby for that reason?” cried Allen. - -“Oh, no—I killed him because—because”—her mind seemed to wander—“oh, -yes,” she resumed, “because he was a menace to Dan. To my husband.” - -For the first time Allen began to doubt her sanity. Her eyes were wild, -her fingers nervously interlaced and her speech was jerky and stammering. - -“A menace, how?” he asked, softly. - -“In different ways,” Mrs. Wheeler returned, in so low a voice that the -listener outside could scarcely hear. “Through me, because of something -he knew; through Maida—because of—of something he wanted; and, of course, -through Dan himself, because of that old conditional pardon.” - -“What do you mean about Maida?” Allen caught at the thing that most -impressed him. “Did old Appleby want to marry Maida?” - -“Yes, he did. Of course, neither her father nor I would hear of such a -thing, but Mr. Appleby was an insistent man—insistent and inexorable—and -he wanted Maida——” - -“Mother dear, I want you to come away now,” and Maida came into the room. -“Come, you have talked too long. It does no good, to you or to any one -else. Did you call her down, Jeffrey?” - -“Yes,” and Allen deeply regretted his act. “But I want to talk to -somebody, Maida. Will you take your mother away—and return?” - -“Yes, I will,” and the girl left the room, guiding the slow footsteps of -her mother. - -When she came back, Allen took her out under the old sycamore. - -“Now, Maida,” he said, gently, “the truth. No matter what it is, you must -tell me. We are here alone, that eavesdropping detective can’t overhear -us, and you must tell me whom you are shielding and the full details for -the crime.” - -“I can’t tell you all the details, Jeff,” the girl returned, “they -include a secret that is not mine to divulge.” - -“You can divulge anything in a crisis like this, Maida.” - -“No, I cannot. Before he—before he died, Mr. Appleby told me something -that I will never tell, unless my conscience makes me do so.” - -“Isn’t it a matter of conscience already?” - -“I don’t know, Jeff; truly, I can’t tell. But much as I am bound by my -principles of right, and you know, dear, I _am_ conscientious, I would -willingly throw them all to the winds if they interfered with my parents’ -happiness, well-being or safety.” - -“Let me get this straight, Maida. You would stifle your conscience, would -act directly against its dictates for the sake of your parents?” - -“Yes, Jeffrey; right or wrong, that’s what I should do.” - -“Who am I that I should judge you, dear? I know well your lifelong -submission to your conscience, even when your inclinations were strong -the other way. Now, if you have thrown over principle, honor, conscience -and right, for what you consider a stronger motive, I can only accept -your decision. But I wish you would confide in me more fully. Do you mean -in regard to Mr. Appleby?” - -“Of course I mean in regard to Mr. Appleby. And I’m going to ask you, -Jeff, to believe what I tell you.” - -“Of course I’ll do that, Maida.” - -“No; you won’t want to. But I ask you to believe it implicitly and to act -accordingly. Do you promise me this?” - -The girl’s face was turned to his, her great, sorrowful eyes were full of -dumb agony and showed unshed tears, but her voice was clear and strong as -of one whose purpose was unshakable. - -“Yes, dear,” and Jeffrey took her hands in his and looked deep into her -eyes, whose blank despair haunted him long after, “yes, Maida, I -promise.” - -“Well, then, I killed Mr. Appleby, and you must do whatever you think -best for us all. What shall we do first, Jeffrey?” - -And with the clutch of an icy dread at his heart, Allen replied, -brokenly, “I don’t know, Maida, darling, but I will find out what is -best, and we will do it——” - - - - - CHAPTER X - THE PHANTOM BUGLER - - -The day after the funeral of Samuel Appleby, Keefe returned to Sycamore -Ridge. - -“I came, Mr. Wheeler,” he said, “to offer you my services. I express no -opinion as to who killed Mr. Appleby, but I do know that his son is going -to use every means to discover his father’s murderer, and I can’t help -thinking you’d be wise to let me take up your case.” - -“As a criminal lawyer?” asked Dan Wheeler, quietly. - -“No, sir; as a friend and adviser. If you find you need a criminal -lawyer, I’ll suggest one—and a good one. But I mean, I’d like to help you -in a general way, by consultation and advice. You, if you will pardon me, -have lived so long out of the modern world that you are unfitted to cope -with this whole situation. I speak frankly—because I am deeply -interested——” - -“Just why are you so deeply interested, Mr. Keefe?” Wheeler’s tone was -kindly but his glance was sharp at his would-be benefactor. - -“I may as well own up,” Keefe said, “I am hard hit by your daughter. Oh, -yes, I know she is engaged to young Allen, and I’ve no hope she would -ever throw him over for me, but I’m anxious to serve her in any way I -can—and I feel pretty sure that I can be of help to you and your family.” - -“Well spoken, young man. And your promises are right. I am out of touch -with the world, and I should be glad indeed of the advice of an -experienced man of business. But, first of all, will you tell me who -_you_ think killed Appleby?” - -“I will, sir. I’ve no idea it was any of you three people, who have all -confessed to the deed, in order to shield one another.” - -“Whom then do you suspect?” - -“An outside intruder. I have held to this theory from the start, and I am -sure it is the true one. Moreover, I think the murderer is the man who -blew the bugle——” - -“The phantom bugler!” - -“No phantom, but a live man. Phantoms do not blow on bugles except in old -English legends. A bugle sounded in New England and heard by several -people, was blown by human lungs. Find your bugler and you’ve found your -murderer.” - -“I wonder if you can be right!” - -Wheeler fell into a brown study and Keefe watched him closely. His bugler -theory was offered in an effort to find out what Wheeler thought of it, -and Wheeler’s response ought to show whether his own knowledge of the -murder precluded the bugler or not. - -Apparently it did, for he sighed and said: “Of course the person who -sounded that bugle was a live person, but I cannot think it had any -connection with Mr. Appleby’s death. Even granting somebody might have -been wicked enough to try to frighten my wife, yet there is no reason to -think any one wishing to kill Samuel Appleby would know of the old legend -in Mrs. Wheeler’s family.” - -“True enough. But it is possible, and, in my opinion, that is the only -direction to look.” - -“But what direction? How can you find out who blew that bugle?” - -“I don’t know yet, but I shall try to find out. As a matter of fact very -little inquiry has been made. Those two detectives, while intelligent -enough, don’t have a very wide horizon. They’ve concluded that the -assassin was—well, was named Wheeler—and they’re only concerned to -discover the first name. Forgive my plain speaking, but to save yourself -and the other two, we must be outspoken.” - -“Yes, yes—pray don’t hesitate to say anything you think. I am in a -terrible position, Mr. Keefe—more terrible than you can know, and while I -am willing to make any sacrifice for my dear ones—it may be in vain——” - -The two men had been alone in the den, but now were joined by Burdon and -young Allen. - -“Glad to see you back, Mr. Keefe,” Burdon said; “usually we detectives -don’t hanker after outside help, but you’ve a good, keen mind, and I -notice you generally put your finger on the right spot.” - -“All right, Burdon, we’ll work together. Now, Mr. Wheeler, I’m going to -ask you to leave us—for there are some details to discuss——” - -Dan Wheeler was only too glad to be excused, and with a sigh of relief he -went away to his upstairs quarters. - -“Now, it’s this way,” Keefe began; “I’ve been sounding Mr. Wheeler, but I -didn’t get any real satisfaction. But here’s a point. Either he did or -didn’t kill Mr. Appleby, but in either case, he’s in bad.” - -“What do you mean?” asked Allen. - -“Why, I’ve inquired about among the servants and, adding our own -testimony, I’ve figured it out that Mr. Wheeler was either the murderer -or he was over the line on the other side of the house, and in that case -has broken his parole and is subject to the law.” - -“How do you prove that?” inquired Burdon, interestedly. - -“By the story of Miss Wheeler, who says her father was not in the den at -all at the time Mr. Appleby was shot. Now, as we know, Mrs. Wheeler ran -downstairs at that time, and she, too, says her husband was not in the -den. Also she says he was not in the living-room, nor in the hall. This -leaves only her own sitting-room, from which Mr. Wheeler could see the -fire and into which he was most likely to go for that purpose.” - -“He wouldn’t go in that room for any purpose,” declared Allen. - -“Not ordinarily, but in the excitement of a fire, men can scarcely -refrain from running to look at it, and if he was not in the places he -had a right to be, he must have been over on the forbidden ground. So, it -comes back to this: either Mr. Wheeler was the murderer, and his wife and -daughter have perjured themselves to save him, or he was in a place -which, by virtue of the conditions, cancels his pardon. This, I take it, -explains Mr. Wheeler’s present perturbed state of mind—for he is -bewildered and worried in many ways.” - -“Well,” said Allen, “where does all this lead us?” - -“It leads us,” Keefe returned, “to the necessity of a lot of hard work. -I’m willing to go on record as desiring to find a criminal outside of the -Wheeler family. Or to put it bluntly, I want to acquit all three of -them—even if——” - -“Even if one of them is guilty?” said Burdon. - -“Well, yes—just that. But, of course I don’t mean to hang an innocent -man! What I want is to get a verdict for persons unknown.” - -“I’m with you,” said Allen. “It’s all wrong, I know, but—well, I can’t -believe any of the Wheelers really did it.” - -“You do believe it, though!” Keefe turned on him, sharply. “And what’s -more, you believe the criminal is the one of the three whom you least -want it to be!” - -Keefe’s meaning was unmistakable, and Allen’s flushed and crestfallen -face betrayed his unwilling assent. Unable to retort—even unable to -speak, he quickly left the room. - -Keefe closed the door and turned to Burdon. - -“That was a test,” he said; “I’m not sure whether Allen suspects Miss -Wheeler—or not——” - -“He sure acts as if he does,” Burdon said, his face drawn with -perplexity. “But, I say, Mr. Keefe, haven’t you ever thought it might -have been Jeffrey Allen himself?” - -“Who did the shooting?” - -“Yes; he had all the motives the others had——” - -“But not opportunity. Why, he was at the garage fire—where I was——” - -“Yes, but he might have got away long enough for——” - -“Nonsense, man, nothing of the sort! We were together, fighting the -flames. The two chauffeurs were with us—the Wheelers’ man, and Mr. -Appleby’s. We used those chemical extinguishers——” - -“I know all that—but then—he might have slipped away, and in the -excitement you didn’t notice——” - -“Not a chance! No, take my word for it, the three Wheelers are the -exclusive suspects—unless we can work in that bugler individual.” - -“It’s too many for me,” Burdon sighed. “And Hallen, he’s at his wit’s -end. But you’re clever at such things, sir, and Mr. Appleby, he’s going -to get a big detective from the city.” - -“You don’t seem to mind being discarded!” - -“No, sir. If anybody’s to fasten a crime on one of those Wheelers, I -don’t want to be the one to do it.” - -“Look here, Burdon, how about Wheeler’s doing it in self-defence? I know -a lot about those two men, and Appleby was just as much interested in -getting Wheeler out of his way as _vice versa_. If Appleby attacked and -Wheeler defended, we can get him off easy.” - -“Maybe so, but it’s all speculation, Mr. Keefe. What we ought to get is -evidence—testimony—and that’s hard, for the only people to ask about it -are——” - -“Are the criminals themselves.” - -“The suspected criminals—yes, sir.” - -“There are others. Have you quizzed all the servants?” - -“I don’t take much stock in servants’ stories.” - -“You’re wrong there, my man. That principle is a good one in ordinary -matters, but when it comes to a murder case, a servant’s testimony is as -good as his master’s.” - -Burdon made no direct response to Keefe’s suggestion, but he mulled it -over in his slow-going mind, and as a result, he had a talk with Rachel, -who was ladies’ maid to both Maida and her mother. - -The girl bridled a little when Burdon began to question her. - -“Nobody seemed to think it worth while to ask me anything,” she said, “so -I held my tongue. But if so be you want information, you ask and I’ll -answer.” - -“I doubt if she really knows anything,” Burdon thought to himself, -judging from her air of self-importance, but he said: - -“Tell me anything you know of the circumstances at the time of the -murder.” - -“Circumstances?” repeated Rachel, wrinkling her brow. - -“Yes; for instance, where was Mrs. Wheeler when you heard the shot?” - -“I didn’t say I heard the shot.” - -“Didn’t you?” - -“Yes.” - -“Go on, then; don’t be foolish, or you’ll be sorry for it!” - -“Well, then, Mrs. Wheeler was downstairs—she had just left her room——” - -“Here, let me get this story straight. How long had she been in her room? -Were you there with her?” - -“Yes; we had been there half an hour or so. Then, we heard noise and -excitement and a cry of fire. Mrs. Wheeler rushed out of her room and ran -downstairs—and I followed, naturally.” - -“Yes; and what did you see?” - -“Nothing special—I saw a blaze of light, through the front door——” - -“The north door?” - -“Of course—the one toward the garage—and I saw the garage was on fire, so -I thought of nothing else—then.” - -“Then? What did you think of later?” - -“I remembered that I saw Mr. Wheeler in the living-room—in the north end -of it—where he never goes——” - -“You know about his restrictions?” - -“Oh, yes, sir. The servants all know—we have to. Well, it was natural, -poor man, that he should go to look at the fire!” - -“You’re sure of this, Rachel?” - -“Sure, yes; but don’t let’s tell, for it might get the master in -trouble.” - -“On the contrary it may get him out of trouble. To break his parole is -not as serious a crime as murder. And if he was in the north end of the -living-room he couldn’t have been in the den shooting Mr. Appleby.” - -“That’s true enough. And neither could Mrs. Wheeler have done it.” - -“Why not?” - -“Well—that is—she was right ahead of me——” - -“Did you keep her in sight?” - -“No; I was so excited myself, I ran past her and out to the garage.” - -“Who was there?” - -“Mr. Allen and Mr. Keefe and the two chauffeurs and the head gardener and -well, most all the servants. The men were fighting the fire, and the -women were standing back, looking on.” - -“Yelling, I suppose.” - -“No; they were mostly quiet. Cook was screaming, but nobody paid any -attention to her.” - -“The fire was soon over?” - -“Yes, it was a little one. I suppose that chauffeur of Mr. Appleby’s -dropped a match or something—for our servants are too well trained to do -anything of the sort. We’re all afraid of fire.” - -“Well, the fire amounted to little, as you say. Curious it should occur -at the time of the murder.” - -“Curious, indeed, sir. Do you make anything out of that?” - -“Can’t see anything in it. Unless the murderer started the fire to -distract attention from himself. In that case, it couldn’t have been any -of the Wheelers.” - -“That it couldn’t. They were all in the house.” - -“Miss Maida—did you see her at the time?” - -“I caught a glimpse of her as I ran through the hall.” - -“Where was she?” - -“In the den; standing near the bay window.” - -“Well, we’ve pretty well planted the three. Mrs. Wheeler on the stairs, -Mr. Wheeler, you say, in the living-room, where he had no right to be, -and Miss Maida——” - -“Oh, Miss Maida didn’t do it! She couldn’t! That lovely young lady!” - -“There, Rachel, that will do. You’ve given your testimony, now it’s not -for you to pass judgment. Go about your business, and keep a quiet -tongue. No babbling—you understand?” - -“Yes, sir,” and the maid went away, her attitude still one of importance, -and her face wearing a vague smile. - -Meantime Curtis Keefe was having a serious talk with Maida. - -His attitude was kindly and deferential, but he spoke with a determined -air as he said: - -“Miss Wheeler, you know, I am sure, how much I want to help you, and how -glad I will be if I can do so. But, first of all I must ask you a -question. What did Mr. Appleby mean when he said to you something about -Keefe and the airship?” - -Maida looked at him with a troubled glance. For a minute she did not -speak, then she said, calmly: “I am not at liberty to tell you what we -were talking about then, Mr. Keefe, but don’t you remember Mr. Appleby -said that you were not the Keefe referred to?” - -“I know he said that, but—I don’t believe it.” - -“I am not responsible for your disbelief,” she drew herself up with a -dignified air. “And I must ask you not to refer to that matter again.” - -“Don’t take that attitude,” he begged. “At least tell me what Keefe he -did mean. There can be no breach of confidence in that.” - -“Why do you want to know?” - -“Because I know Mr. Appleby had a big airship project under -consideration. Because I know he contemplated letting me in on the deal, -and it was a most profitable deal. Had he lived, I should have asked him -about it, but since he is dead, I admit I want to know anything you can -tell me of the matter.” - -Involuntarily Maida smiled a little, and the lovely face, usually so sad, -seemed more beautiful than ever to the man who looked at her. - -“Why do you smile?” he cried, “but whatever the reason, keep on doing so! -Oh, Maida, how wonderful you are!” - -A glance of astonishment made him quickly apologize for his speech. - -“But,” he said, “I couldn’t help it. Forgive me, Miss Wheeler, and, since -you can smile over it, I’m more than ever anxious to know about the -airship deal.” - -“And I can tell you nothing,” she declared, “because I know nothing of -any such matter. If Mr. Appleby was interested in an airship project, I -know nothing of it. The matter he mentioned to me was, I am positively -certain, not the deal you speak of.” - -“I believe that. Your face is too honest for you to speak an untruth so -convincingly. And now assure me that I am not the Keefe he referred to, -and I will never open the subject again.” - -But this Maida could not say truthfully, and though she tried, her -assertion was belied by drooping eyes and quivering lips. - -“You were not,” she uttered, but she did not look at him, and this time -Curtis Keefe did not believe her. - -“I was,” he said calmly, but he made no further effort to get the whole -truth from her. “I’m sorry you can’t confide fully in me, but I shall -doubtless learn all I want to know from Mr. Appleby’s papers.” - -“You—you have them in charge?” Maida asked, quite evidently agitated at -the thought. - -“Yes, of course, I’m his confidential secretary. That’s why, Miss -Wheeler, it’s better for you to be frank with me—in all things. Has it -never occurred to you that I’m the man who can best help you in this -whole moil of troubles?” - -“Why, no,” she said, slowly, “I don’t believe it ever has.” - -“Then realize it now. Truly, dear Miss Wheeler, I am not only the one who -can best help you, but I am the only one who can help you at all—please -try to see that.” - -“Why should I want help?” - -“For half a dozen very good reasons. First, I suppose you know that you -are in no enviable position regarding the death of Mr. Appleby. Oh, I -know you didn’t kill him——” - -“But I did!” - -“If you did, you couldn’t take it so calmly——” - -“How dare you say I take it calmly? What do you know about it? Just -because I don’t go about in hysterics—that’s not my nature—is no sign -that I’m not suffering tortures——” - -“You poor, sweet child—I know you are! Oh, little girl, dear little -girl—can’t you—won’t you let me look out for you——” - -The words were right enough, but the tone in which they were uttered, the -look that accompanied them, frightened Maida. She knew at once how this -man regarded her. - -Intuition told her it was better not to resent his speech or meaning, so -she only said, quietly: - -“Look out for me—how?” - -“Every way. Give yourself to me—be my own, own little Maida——” - -“Mr. Keefe, stop! You forget you are talking to an engaged girl——” - -“I did forget—please forgive me.” In a moment he was humble and penitent. -“I lost my head. No, Miss Wheeler, I ask no reward, I want to help you in -any and every way—remembering you are to be the bride of Mr. Allen.” - -“Only after I’m acquitted of this crime. They never convict a woman, do -they, Mr. Keefe?” - -“So that’s what you’re banking on! And safely, too. No, Miss Wheeler, no -judge or jury would ever convict you of murder. But, all the same, it’s a -mighty unpleasant process that brings about your acquittal, and I advise -you not to go through with it.” - -“But I’ve got to. I’ve confessed my crime; now they have to try me—don’t -they?” - -“You innocent baby. Unless—look here, you’re not—er—stringing me, are -you?” - -“What does that mean?” - -“I mean, you didn’t really do the job, did you?” - -“I did.” The calm glance of despair might have carried conviction to a -less skeptical hearer, but Keefe only looked puzzled. - -“I can’t quite make you out,” he declared; “either you’re a very brave -heroine—or——” - -“Or?” queried Maida. - -“Or you’re nutty!” - -Maida laughed outright. “That’s it,” she said, and her laughter became a -little hysterical. “I _am_ nutty, and I own up to it. Do you think we can -enter a plea of insanity?” - -Keefe looked at her, a new thought dawning in his mind. - -“That might not be at all a bad plan,” he said, slowly; “are you in -earnest?” - -“I don’t know. Honestly, I think of so many plans, and discard them one -after the other. But I don’t want to be convicted!” - -“And you shan’t! There are more persons in this world than the three -Wheelers! And one of them may easily be the murderer we’re seeking.” - -“Which one?” asked Maida. - -“The Phantom Bugler,” returned Keefe. - - - - - CHAPTER XI - FLEMING STONE - - -Next day brought the advent of two men and a boy to Sycamore Ridge. - -Samuel Appleby, determined to discover the murderer of his father and -convinced that it was none of the Wheeler family, had brought Fleming -Stone, the detective, to investigate the case. Stone had a young -assistant who always accompanied him, and this lad, Terence McGuire by -name, was a lively, irrepressible chap, with red hair and freckles. - -But his quick thinking and native wit rendered him invaluable to Stone, -who had already hinted that McGuire might some day become his successor. - -The Wheeler family, Jeffrey Allen, Curtis Keefe, and Burdon, the local -detective, were all gathered in Mr. Wheeler’s den to recount the whole -story to Fleming Stone. - -With grave attention, Stone listened, and young McGuire eagerly drank in -each word, as if committing a lesson to memory. Which, indeed, he was, -for Stone depended on his helper to remember all facts, theories and -suggestions put forward by the speakers. - -Long experience had made Fleming Stone a connoisseur in “cases,” and, by -a classification of his own, he divided them into “express” and “local.” -By this distinction he meant that in the former cases, he arrived quickly -at the solution, without stop or hindrance. The latter kind involved -necessary stops, even side issues, and a generally impeded course, by -reason of conflicting motives and tangled clues. - -As he listened to the story unfolded by the members of the party, he -sighed, for he knew this was no lightning express affair. He foresaw much -investigation ahead of him, and he already suspected false evidence and -perhaps bribed witnesses. - -Yet these conclusions of his were based quite as much on intuition as on -evidence, and Stone did not wholly trust intuition. - -Samuel Appleby was the principal spokesman, as he was the one chiefly -concerned in the discovery of the criminal and the avenging of his -father’s death. Moreover, he was positive the deed had not been done by -any one of the Wheeler family, and he greatly desired to prove himself -right in this. - -“But you were not here at the time, Mr. Appleby,” Stone said, “and I must -get the story from those who were. Mr. Keefe, you came with Mr. Appleby, -senior, and, also, as his confidential secretary you are in a position to -know of his mental attitudes. Had he, to your knowledge, any fear, any -premonition of evil befalling him?” - -“Not at all,” answered Keefe, promptly. “If he had, I do not know of it, -but I think I can affirm that he had not. For, when Mr. Appleby was -anxious, he always showed it. In many ways it was noticeable, if he had a -perplexity on his mind. In such a case he was irritable, quick-tempered, -and often absent-minded. The day we came down here, Mr. Appleby was -genial, affable and in a kindly mood. This, to my mind, quite precludes -the idea that he looked for anything untoward.” - -“How did he impress you, Mr. Wheeler?” Stone went on. “You had not seen -him for some time, I believe.” - -“Not for fifteen years,” Dan Wheeler spoke calmly, and with an air of -determined reserve. “Our meeting was such as might be expected between -two long-time enemies, but Appleby was polite and so was I.” - -“He came to ask a favor of you?” - -“Rather to drive a bargain. He offered me a full pardon in return for my -assistance in his son’s political campaign. You, I am sure, know all this -from Mr. Appleby, the son.” - -“Yes, I do; I’m asking you if Mr. Appleby, the father, showed in his -conversation with you, any apprehension or gave any intimation of a fear -of disaster?” - -“Mr. Stone,” returned Wheeler, “I have confessed that I killed Mr. -Appleby; I hold, therefore, that I need say nothing that will influence -my own case.” - -“Well, you see, Mr. Wheeler, this case is unusual—perhaps unique, in that -three people have confessed to the crime. So far, I am preserving an open -mind. Though it is possible you and your wife and daughter acted in -collusion, only one of you could have fired the fatal shot; yet you all -three claim to have done so. There is no conclusion to be drawn from this -but that one is guilty and the other two are shielding that one.” - -“Draw any conclusion you wish,” said Wheeler, still imperturbably. “But -I’ve no objection to replying to the question you asked me. Sam Appleby -said no word to me that hinted at a fear for his personal safety. If he -had any such fear, he kept it to himself.” - -“He knew of your enmity toward him?” - -“Of course. He did me an unforgivable injustice and I never pretended -that I did not resent it.” - -“And you refused to meet his wishes regarding his son’s campaign?” - -“I most certainly did, for the same reasons I opposed his own election -many years ago.” - -“Yes; all those details I have from Mr. Appleby, junior. Now, Mr. Appleby -does not believe that his father was killed by any member of your family, -Mr. Wheeler.” - -“Can he, then, produce the man whom he does suspect?” - -“No; he suspects no one definitely, but he thinks that by investigation, -I can find out the real criminal.” - -“You may as well save your time and trouble, Mr. Stone. I am the man you -seek, I freely confess my crime, and I accept my fate, whatever it be. -Can I do more?” - -“Yes; if you are telling the truth, go on, and relate details. What -weapon did you use?” - -“My own revolver.” - -“Where is it?” - -“I threw it out of the window.” - -“Which window?” - -“The—the bay window, in my den.” - -“In this room?” - -“Yes.” - -“That window there?” Stone pointed to the big bay. - -“Yes.” - -“You were sitting there at the time of the shot, were you not, Miss -Wheeler?” Stone turned to Maida, who, white-faced and trembling, listened -to her father’s statements. - -“I was sitting there before the shot,” the girl returned, speaking in -quiet, steady tones, though a red spot burned in either cheek. “And then, -when Mr. Appleby threatened my father, I shot him myself. My father is -untruthful for my sake. In his love for me he is trying to take my crime -on himself. Oh, believe me, Mr. Stone! Others can testify that I said, -long ago, that I could willingly kill Mr. Appleby. He has made my dear -father’s life a living grave! He has changed a brilliant, capable man of -affairs to a sad and broken-hearted recluse. A man who had everything to -live for, everything to interest and occupy his mind, was condemned to a -solitary imprisonment, save for the company of his family! My father’s -career would have been notable, celebrated; but that Samuel Appleby put -an end to fifteen years ago, for no reason but petty spite and mean -revenge! I had never seen the man, save as a small child, and when I -learned he was at last coming here, my primitive passions were stirred, -my sense of justice awoke and my whole soul was absorbed in a wild -impulse to rid the world of such a demon in human form! I told my parents -I was capable of killing him; they reproved me, so I said no more. But I -brooded over the project, and made ready, and then—when Mr. Appleby -threatened my father, talked to him brutally, scathingly, fairly turning -the iron in his soul—I could stand it no longer, and I shot him down as I -would have killed a venomous serpent! I do not regret the act—though I do -fear the consequences.” - -Maida almost collapsed, but pulled herself together, to add: - -“That is the truth. You must disregard and disbelieve my father’s noble -efforts to save me by trying to pretend the crime was his own.” - -Stone looked at her pityingly. McGuire stared fixedly; the boy’s eyes -round with amazement at this outburst of self-condemnation. - -Then Stone said, almost casually: “You, too, Mrs. Wheeler, confess to -this crime, I believe.” - -“I am the real criminal,” Sara Wheeler asserted, speaking very quietly -but with a steady gaze into the eyes of the listening detective. “You can -readily understand that my husband and daughter are trying to shield me, -when I tell you that only I had opportunity. I had possessed myself of -Mr. Wheeler’s pistol and as I ran downstairs—well knowing the -conversation that was going on, I shot through the doors as I passed and -running on, threw the weapon far out into the shrubbery. It can doubtless -be found. I must beg of you, Mr. Stone, that you thoroughly investigate -these three stories, and I assure you you will find mine the true one, -and the assertions of my husband and daughter merely loving but futile -attempts to save me from the consequences of my act.” - -Fleming Stone smiled, a queer, tender little smile. - -“It is certainly a new experience for me,” he said, “when a whole family -insist on being considered criminals. But I will reserve decision until I -can look into matters a little more fully. Now, who can give me any -information on the matter, outside of the identity of the criminal?” - -Jeffrey Allen volunteered the story of the fire, and Keefe told of the -strange bugle call that had been heard. - -“You heard it, Mr. Keefe?” asked Stone, after listening to the account. - -“No; I was with Mr. Appleby on a trip to Boston. I tell it as I heard the -tale from the household here.” - -Whereupon the Wheeler family corroborated Keefe’s story, and Fleming -Stone listened attentively to the various repetitions. - -“You find that bugler, and you’ve got your murderer,” Curtis Keefe said, -bluntly. “You agree, don’t you, Mr. Stone, that it was no phantom who -blew audible notes on a bugle?” - -“I most certainly agree to that. I’ve heard many legends, in foreign -countries, of ghostly drummers, buglers and bagpipers, but they are -merely legends—I’ve never found anyone who really heard the sounds. And, -moreover, those things aren’t even legends in America. Any bugling done -in this country is done by human lungs. Now, this bugler interests me. I -think, with you, Mr. Keefe, that to know his identity would help -us—whether he proves to be the criminal or not.” - -“He’s the criminal,” Keefe declared, again. “Forgive me, Mr. Stone, if my -certainty seems to you presumptuous or forward, but I’m so thoroughly -convinced of the innocence of the Wheeler family, that perhaps I am -overenthusiastic in my theory.” - -“A theory doesn’t depend on enthusiasm,” returned Stone, “but on evidence -and proof. Now, how can we set about finding this mysterious -bugler—whether phantom or human?” - -“I thought that’s what you’re here to do,” Sam Appleby said, looking -helplessly at Fleming Stone. - -“We are,” piped up Terence McGuire, as Stone made no reply. “That’s our -business, and, consequentially, it shall be done.” - -The boy assumed an air of importance that was saved from being -objectionable by his good-humored face and frank, serious eyes. “I’ll -just start in and get busy now,” he went on, and rising, he bobbed a -funny little bow that included all present, and left the room. - -It was mid-afternoon, and as they looked out on the wide lawn they saw -McGuire strolling slowly, hands in pockets and seemingly more absorbed in -the birds and flowers than in his vaunted “business.” - -“Perhaps McGuire needs a little explanation,” Stone smiled. “He is my -right-hand man, and a great help in detail work. But he has a not -altogether unearned reputation for untruthfulness. Indeed, his nickname -is Fibsy, because of a congenital habit of telling fibs. I advise you of -this, because I prefer you should not place implicit confidence in his -statements.” - -“But, Mr. Stone,” cried Maida, greatly interested, “how can he be of any -help to you if you can’t depend on what he says?” - -“Oh, he doesn’t lie to me,” Stone assured her; “nor does he tell whoppers -at any time. Only, it’s his habit to shade the truth when it seems to him -advisable. I do not defend this habit; in fact, I have persuaded him to -stop it, to a degree. But you know how hard it is to reform entirely.” - -“It won’t affect his usefulness, since he doesn’t lie to his employer,” -Appleby said, “and, too, it’s none of our business. I’ve engaged Mr. -Stone to solve the mystery of my father’s death, and I’m prepared to give -him full powers. He may conduct his investigations on any plan he -chooses. My only stipulation is that he shall find a criminal outside the -Wheeler family.” - -“A difficult and somewhat unusual stipulation,” remarked Stone. - -“Why difficult?” Dan Wheeler said, quickly. - -“Because, with three people confessing a crime, and no one else even -remotely suspected, save a mysterious and perhaps mythical bugle-player, -it does not seem an easy job to hunt up and then hunt down a slayer.” - -“But you’ll do it,” begged Appleby, almost pleadingly, “for it must be -done.” - -“We’ll see,” Stone replied. “And now tell me more about the fire in the -garage. It occurred at the time of the shooting, you say? What started -it?” - -But nobody knew what started it. - -“How could we know?” asked Jeff Allen. “It was only a small fire and the -most it burned was the robe in Mr. Appleby’s own car and a motor coat -that was also in the car.” - -“Whose coat?” asked Stone. - -“Mine,” said Keefe, ruefully. “A bit of bad luck, too, for it was a new -one. I had to get another in place of it.” - -“And you think the fire was the result of a dropped cigarette or match by -Mr. Appleby’s chauffeur?” - -“I don’t know,” returned Keefe. “He denies it, of course, but it must -have been that or an incendiary act of some one.” - -“Maybe the bugler person,” suggested Stone. - -“Maybe,” assented Keefe, though he did not look convinced. - -“I think Mr. Keefe thinks it was the work of my own men,” said Dan -Wheeler. “And it may have been. There’s one in my employ who has an -ignorant, brutal spirit of revenge, and if he thought Samuel Appleby was -inimical to me, he would be quite capable of setting fire to the Appleby -car. That may be the fact of the case.” - -“It may be,” agreed Stone. “Doubtless we can find out——” - -“How?” asked Allen. “That would be magician’s work, I think.” - -“A detective has to be a magician,” Stone smiled at him. “We quite often -do more astounding tricks than that.” - -“Go to it, then!” cried Appleby. “That’s the talk I like to hear. -Questions and answers any of us can put over. But the real detecting is -like magic. At least, I can’t see how it’s done. Duff in, Mr. Stone. Get -busy.” - -The group dispersed then, Fleming Stone going to his room and the others -straying off by twos or threes. - -Burdon, who had said almost nothing during the confab, declared he wanted -a talk with the great detective alone, and would await his pleasure. - -So Burdon sat by himself, brooding, on the veranda, and presently saw the -boy, Fibsy, returning toward the house. - -“Come here, young one,” Burdon called out. - -“Nixy, old one,” was the saucy retort. - -“Why not?” in a conciliatory tone. - -“’Cause you spoke disrespectful like. I’m a detective, you know.” - -“All right, old pal; come here, will you?” - -Fibsy grinned and came, seating himself on a cushioned swing nearby. - -“Whatcha want?” he demanded. - -“Only a line o’ talk. Your Mr. Stone, now, do you think he’ll show up -soon, or has he gone for a nap?” - -“Fleming Stone doesn’t take naps,” Fibsy said, disdainfully; “he isn’t -that sort.” - -“Then he’ll be down again shortly?” - -“Dunno. Maybe he’s begun his fasting and prayer over this phenomenal -case.” - -“Does he do that?” - -“How do I know? I’m not of a curious turn of mind, me havin’ other sins -to answer for.” - -“I know. Mr. Stone told us you have no respect for the truth.” - -“Did he, now! Well, he’s some mistaken! I have such a profound respect -for the truth that I never use it except on very special occasions.” - -“Is this one?” - -“It is not! Don’t believe a word I say just now. In fact, I’m so lit up -with the beauties and glories of this place, that I hardly know what I am -a-saying! Ain’t it the show-place, though!” - -“Yes, it is. Looky here, youngster, can’t you go up and coax Mr. Stone to -see me—just a few minutes?” - -“Nope; can’t do that. But you spill it to me, and if it’s worth it, I’ll -repeat it to him. I’m really along for that very purpose, you see.” - -“But I haven’t anything special to tell him——” - -“Oh, I see! Just want the glory and honor of chinning with the great -Stone!” - -As this so nearly expressed Burdon’s intention, he grinned sheepishly, -and Fibsy understood. - -“No go, old top,” he assured him. “F. Stone will send for you if he -thinks you’ll interest him in the slightest degree. Better wait for the -sending—it’ll mean a more satisfactory interview all round.” - -“Well, then, let’s you and me chat a bit.” - -“Oho, coming round to sort of like me, are you? Well, I’m willing. Tell -me this: how far from the victim did the shooter stand?” - -“The doctor said, as nearly as he could judge, about ten feet or so -away.” - -“H’m,” and Fibsy looked thoughtful. “That would just about suit all three -of the present claimants for the honor, wouldn’t it?” - -“Yes; and would preclude anybody not inside the room.” - -“Unless he was close to the window.” - -“Sure. But it ain’t likely, is it now, that a rank outsider would come -right up to the window and fire through it, and not be seen by anybody?” - -“No; it isn’t. And, of course, if that had happened, and any one of the -three Wheelers had seen it, they would be only too glad to tell of it. I -wonder they haven’t made up some such yarn as that.” - -“You don’t know the Wheelers. I do, and I can see how they would perjure -themselves—any of them—and confess to a crime they didn’t commit, to save -each other—but it wouldn’t occur to them to invent a murderer—or to say -they saw some one they didn’t see. Do you get the difference?” - -“Being an expert in the lyin’ game, I do,” and Fibsy winked. - -“It isn’t only that. It’s not only that they’re unwilling to lie about -it, but they haven’t the—the, well, ingenuity to contrive a plausible -yarn.” - -“Not being lying experts, just as I said,” Fibsy observed. “Well, we all -have our own kind of cleverness. Now, mine is finding things. Want to see -an example?” - -“Yes, I do.” - -“All right. How far did you say the shooter person stood from his -victim?” - -“About ten feet—but I daresay it might be two or three feet, more or -less.” - -“No; they can judge closer’n that by the powder marks. The truth wouldn’t -vary more’n a foot or so, from their say. Now, s’posin’ the shooter did -throw the revolver out of the bay window, as the three Wheelers agree, -severally, they did do, where would it most likely land?” - -“In that clump of rhododendrons.” - -“Yep; if they threw it straight ahead. I s’pose you’ve looked there for -it?” - -“Yes, raked the place thoroughly.” - -“All right. Now if they slung the thing over toward the right, where -would it land?” - -“On the smooth lawn.” - -“And you didn’t find it there!” - -“No. What are you doing? Stringing me?” - -“Oh, no, sir; oh, no! Now, once again. If they chanced to fling said -revolver far to the left, where would it land?” - -“Why—in that big bed of ferns—if they threw it far enough.” - -“Looked there?” - -“No; I haven’t.” - -“C’mon, let’s take a squint.” - -Fibsy rose and lounged over toward the fern bed, Burdon following, almost -certain he was being made game of. - - - - - CHAPTER XII - THE GARAGE FIRE - - -“Now, watch me,” he said, and with a quick thrust of his arm down among -the ferns, he drew forth a revolver, which he turned over to Burdon. - -“Land o’ goodness!” exclaimed that worthy. “Howja know it was there?” - -“Knew it must be—looked for it—saw it,” returned the boy, nonchalantly, -and then, hearing a short, sharp whistle, he looked up at the house to -see Fleming Stone regarding him from an upper window. - -“Found the weapon, Fibs?” he inquired. - -“Yes, Mr. Stone.” - -“All right. Bring it up here, and ask Mr. Burdon to come along.” - -Delighted at the summons, Burdon followed the boy’s flying feet and they -went up to Stone’s rooms. A small and pleasant sitting-room had been -given over to the detective, and he admitted his two visitors, then -closed the door. - -“Doing the spectacular, Terence?” Stone said, smiling a little. - -“Just one grandstand play,” the boy confessed. As a matter of fact, he -had located the pistol sometime earlier, but waited to make the discovery -seem sensational. - -“All right; let’s take a look at it.” - -Without hesitation, Burdon pronounced the revolver Mr. Wheeler’s. It had -no initials on it, but from Wheeler’s minute description, Burdon -recognized it beyond reasonable doubt. One bullet had been fired from it, -and the calibre corresponded to the shot that had killed Samuel Appleby. - -“Oh, it’s the right gun, all right,” Burdon said, “but I never thought of -looking over that way for it. Must have been thrown by a left-handed -man.” - -“Oh, not necessarily,” said Stone. “But it was thrown with a conscious -desire to hide it, and not flung away in a careless or preoccupied -moment.” - -“And what do you deduce from that?” asked Burdon, quite prepared to hear -the description of the murderer’s physical appearance and mental -attainments. - -“Nothing very definite,” Stone mused. “We might say it looked more like -the act of a strong-willed man such as Mr. Wheeler, than of a frightened -and nervously agitated woman.” - -“If either of those two women did it,” Burdon offered, “she wasn’t -nervous or agitated. They’re not that sort. They may go to pieces -afterward, but whatever Mrs. Wheeler or Maida undertake to do, they put -it over all right. I’ve known ’em for years, and I never knew either of -them to show the white feather.” - -“Well, it was not much of an indication, anyway,” Stone admitted, “but it -does prove a steady nerve and a planning brain that would realize the -advisability of flinging the weapon where it would not be probably -sought. Now, as this is Mr. Wheeler’s revolver, there’s no use asking the -three suspects anything about it. For each has declared he or she used it -and flung it away. That in itself is odd—I mean that they should all tell -the same story. It suggests not collusion so much as the idea that -whoever did the shooting was seen by one or both of the others.” - -“Then you believe it was one of the three Wheelers?” asked Burdon. - -“I don’t say that, yet,” returned Stone. “But they must be reckoned with. -I want to eliminate the innocent two and put the guilt on the third—if -that is where it belongs.” - -“And if not, which way are you looking?” - -“Toward the fire. That most opportune fire in the garage seems to me -indicative of a criminal who wanted to create a panic so he could carry -out his murderous design with neatness and despatch.” - -“And that lets out the women?” - -“Not if, as you say, they’re of the daring and capable sort.” - -“Oh, they are! If Maida Wheeler did this thing, she could stage the fire -easily enough. Or Mrs. Wheeler could, either. They’re hummers when it -comes to efficiency and actually doing things!” - -“You surprise me. Mrs. Wheeler seems such a gentle, delicate -personality.” - -“Yep; till she’s roused. Then she’s full of tiger! Oh, I know Sara -Wheeler. You ask my wife what Mrs. Wheeler can do!” - -“Tell me a little more of this conditional pardon matter. Is it possible -that for fifteen years Mr. Wheeler has never stepped over to the -forbidden side of his own house?” - -“Perfectly true. But it isn’t his house, it’s Mrs. Wheeler’s. Her folks -are connected with the Applebys and it was the work of old Appleby that -the property came to Sara with that tag attached, that she must live in -Massachusetts. Also, Appleby pardoned Wheeler on condition that he never -stepped foot into Massachusetts. And there they were. It was Sara -Wheeler’s ingenuity and determination that planned the house on the state -line, and she has seen to it that Dan Wheeler never broke parole. It’s -second nature to him now, of course.” - -“But I’m told that he did step over the night of the murder. That he went -into the sitting-room of his wife—or maybe into the forbidden end of that -long living-room—to see the fire. It would be a most natural thing for -him to do.” - -“Not natural, no, sir.” Burdon rubbed his brow thoughtfully. “Yet he -might ’a’ done it. But one misstep like that ought to be overlooked, I -think.” - -“And would be by his friends—but suppose there’s an enemy at work. -Suppose, just as a theory, that somebody is ready to take advantage of -the peculiar situation, that seems to prove Dan Wheeler was either -outside his prescribed territory—or he was the murderer. To my way of -thinking, at present, that man’s alibi is his absence from the scene of -the crime. And, if he was absent, he must have been over the line. I know -this from talks I’ve had with the servants and the family and guests, and -I’m pretty confident that Wheeler was either in the den or in the -forbidden north part of the house at the moment of the murder.” - -“Why don’t you know which it was?” asked Burdon, bluntly. - -“Because,” said Stone, not resenting the question, “because I can’t place -any dependence on the truth of the family’s statements. For three -respectable, God-fearing citizens, they are most astonishingly willing, -even eager, to perjure themselves. Of course, I know they do it for one -another’s sake. They have a strange conscience that allows them to lie -outright for the sake of a loved one. And, it may be, commit murder for -the sake of a loved one! But all this I shall straighten out when I get -further along. The case is so widespread, so full of ramifications and -possible side issues, I have to go carefully at first, and not get -entangled in false clues.” - -“Got any clue, sir? Any real ones?” - -“Meaning dropped handkerchiefs and broken cuff-links?” Stone chaffed him. -“Well, there’s the pistol. That’s a material clue. But, no, I can’t -produce anything else—at present. Well, Terence, what luck?” - -Fibsy, who had slipped from the room at the very beginning of this -interview, now returned. - -“It’s puzzlin’—that’s what it is, puzzlin’,” he declared, throwing -himself astride of a chair. “I’ve raked that old garage fore and aft, but -I can’t track down the startings of that fire. You see, the place is -stucco and all that, and besides the discipline of this whole layout is -along the lines of p’ison neatness! Everybody that works at Sycamore -Ridge has to be a very old maid for keeping things clean! So, there’s no -chance for accumulated rubbish or old rags or spontaneous combustion or -anything of the sort. Nextly, none of the three men who have any call to -go into the garage ever smoke in there. That’s a Mede and Persian law. -Gee, Mr. Wheeler is some efficient boss! Well, anyway, after the fire, -though they tried every way to find out what started it, they couldn’t -find a thing! There was no explanation but a brand dropped from the -skies, or a stroke of lightning! And there was no storm on. It wouldn’t -all be so sure, but the morning after, it seems, Mr. Allen and Mr. Keefe -were doin’ some sleuthin’ on their own, and they couldn’t find out how -the fire started. So, they put it up to the garage men, and they hunted, -too. It seems nothing was burnt but some things in Mr. Appleby’s car, -which, of course, lets out his chauffeur, who had no call to burn up his -own duds. And a coat of his was burned and also a coat of Mr. Keefe’s.” - -“What were those coats doing in an unused car?” asked Stone. - -“Oh, they were extra motor coats, or raincoats, or something like that, -and they always staid in the car.” - -“Where, in the car?” - -“I asked that,” Fibsy returned, “and they were hanging on the coat-rail. -I thought there might have been matches in the pockets, but they say no. -There never had been matches in those coat pockets, nor any matches in -the Appleby car, for that matter.” - -“Well, the fire is pretty well mixed up in the murder,” declared Stone. -“Now it’s up to us to find out how.” - -“Ex-cuse me, Mr. Stone,” and Burdon shook his head; “you’ll never get at -it that way.” - -“Ex-cuse me, Mr. Burdon,” Fibsy flared back, “Mr. Stone _will_ get at it -that way, if he thinks that’s the way to look. You don’t know F. Stone -yet——” - -“Hush up, Fibs; Mr. Burdon will know if I succeed, and, perhaps he’s -right as to the unimportance of the fire, after all.” - -“You see,” Burdon went on, unabashed, “Mr. Keefe—now, he’s some smart in -the detective line—he said, find your phantom bugler, and you’ve got your -murderer! Now, what nonsense that is! As if a marauding villain would -announce himself by playing on a bugle!” - -“Yet there may be something in it,” demurred Stone. “It may well be that -the dramatic mind that staged this whole mysterious affair is responsible -for the bugle call, the fire, and the final crime.” - -“In that case, it’s one of the women,” Burdon said. “They could do all -that, either of them, if they wanted to; but Dan Wheeler, while he could -kill a man on provocation—it would be an impulsive act—not a premeditated -one. No, sir! Wheeler could see red, and go Berserk, but he couldn’t plan -out a complicated affair like you’re turning this case into!” - -“I’m not turning it into anything,” Stone laughed. “I’m taking it as it -is presented to me, but I do hold that the phantom bugler and the -opportune fire are theatrical elements.” - -“A theatrical element, too, is the big sycamore,” and Burdon smiled. -“Now, if that tree should take a notion to walk over into Massachusetts, -it would help out some.” - -“What’s that?” cried Fibsy. “What do you mean?” - -“Well, the Wheelers have got a letter from Appleby, written while he was -still governor, and it says that when the big sycamore goes into -Massachusetts, Wheeler can go, too. But it can’t be done by a trick. I -mean, they can’t transplant the thing, or chop it down and take the wood -over. It’s got to go of its own accord.” - -“Mere teasing,” said Stone. - -“Yes, sir, just that. Appleby had a great streak of teasing. He used to -tease everybody just for the fun of seeing them squirm. This whole -Wheeler business was the outcome of Appleby’s distorted love of fun. And -Wheeler took it so seriously that Appleby kept it up. I’ll warrant, if -Wheeler had treated the whole thing as a joke, Appleby would have let up -on him. But Dan Wheeler is a solemn old chap, and he saw no fun in the -whole matter.” - -“I don’t blame him,” commented Stone. “Won’t he get pardoned now?” - -“No, sir, he won’t. Some folks think he will, but I know better. The -present governor isn’t much for pardoning old sentences—he says it -establishes precedent and all that. And the next governor is more than -likely to say the same.” - -“I hear young Mr. Appleby isn’t going to run.” - -“No, sir, he ain’t. Though I daresay he will some other time. But this -death of his father and the mystery and all, is no sort of help to a -campaign. And, too, young Appleby hasn’t the necessary qualifications to -conduct a campaign, however good he might be as governor after he got -elected. No; Sam won’t run.” - -“Who will?” - -“Dunno, I’m sure. But there’ll be lots ready and eager for a try at it.” - -“I suppose so. Well, Burdon, I’m going down now to ask some questions of -the servants. You know they’re a mine of information usually.” - -“Kin I go?” asked Fibsy. - -“Not now, son. You stay here, or do what you like. But don’t say much and -don’t antagonize anybody.” - -“Not me, F. Stone!” - -“Well, don’t shock anybody, then. Behave like a gentleman and a scholar.” - -“Yessir,” Fibsy ducked a comical bow, and Burdon, understanding he was -dismissed, went home. - -To the dining-room Stone made his way, and asked a maid there if he might -see the cook. - -Greatly frightened, the waitress brought the cook to the dining-room. - -But the newcomer, a typical, strong-armed, strong-minded individual, was -not at all abashed. - -“What is it you do be wantin’, sor?” she asked, civilly enough, but a -trifle sullenly. - -“Only a few answers to direct questions. Where were you when you first -heard the alarm of the garage fire?” - -“I was in me kitchen, cleanin’ up after dinner.” - -“What did you do?” - -“I ran out the kitchen door and, seein’ flames, I ran toward the garage.” - -“Before you ran, you were at the rear of the house—I mean the south side, -weren’t you?” - -“Yes, sor, I was.” - -“You passed along the south veranda?” - -“Not along it,” the cook looked at him wonderingly—“but by the end of it, -like.” - -“And did you see any one on the veranda? Any one at all?” - -The woman thought hard. “Well, I sh’d have said no—first off—but now you -speak of it, I must say I do have a remimbrance of seein’ a figger—but -sort of vague like.” - -“You mean your memory of it is vague—you don’t mean a shadowy figure?” - -“No, sor. I mean I can’t mind it rightly, now, for I was thinkin’ -intirely of the fire, and so as I was runnin’ past the end of the verandy -all I can say is, I just glimpsed like, a person standin’ there.” - -“Standing?” - -“Well, he might have been moving—I dunno.” - -“Are you sure it was a man?” - -“I’m not. I’m thinkin’ it was, but yet, I couldn’t speak it for sure.” - -“Then you went on to the fire?” - -“Yes, sor.” - -“And thought no more about the person on the veranda?” - -“No, sor. And it niver wud have entered me head again, savin’ your -speakin’ of it now. Why—was it the—the man that——” - -“Oh, probably not. But everything I can learn is of help in discovering -the criminal and perhaps freeing your employers from suspicion.” - -“And I wish that might be! To put it on the good man, now! And worse, -upon the ladies—angels, both of them!” - -“You are fond of the family, then?” - -“I am that! I’ve worked here for eight years, and never a cross word from -the missus or the master. As for Miss Maida—she’s my darlint.” - -“They’re fortunate in having you here,” said Stone, kindly. “That’s all, -now, cook, unless you can remember anything more of that person you saw.” - -“Nothin’ more, sor. If I do, I’ll tell you.” - -Thinking hard, Stone left her. - -It was the most unusual case he had ever attempted. If he looked no -further for the murderer than the Wheeler family, he still had enough to -do in deciding which one of the three was guilty. But he yearned for -another suspect. Not a foolish phantom that went around piping, or a -perhaps imaginary prowler stalking on the piazza, but a real suspect with -a sound, plausible motive. - -Though, to be sure, the Wheelers had motive enough. To be condemned to an -absurd restriction and then teased about it, was enough to make life gall -and wormwood to a sensitive man like Wheeler. - -And who could say what words had passed between them at that final -interview? Perhaps Appleby had goaded him to the breaking point; perhaps -Wheeler had stood it, but his wife, descending the stairs and hearing the -men talk, had grown desperate at last; or, and Stone knew he thought this -most plausible of all, perhaps Maida, in her window-seat, had stood as -long as she could the aspersions and tauntings directed at her adored -father, and had, with a reckless disregard of consequences, silenced the -enemy forever. - -Of young Allen, Stone had no slightest suspicion. To be sure, his -interests were one with the Wheeler family, and moreover, he had hoped -for a release from restrictions that would let the Wheelers go into -Massachusetts and thereby make possible his home there with Maida. - -For Maida’s vow that she would never go into the state if her father -could not go, too, was, Allen knew, inviolable. - -All this Stone mulled over, yet had no thought that Allen was the one he -was seeking. Also, Curtis Keefe had testified that Allen was with him at -the fire, during the time that included the moment of shooting. - -Strolling out into the gardens, the detective made his way to the great -tree, the big sycamore. - -Here Fibsy joined him, and at Stone’s tacit nod of permission, the boy -sat down beside his superior on the bench under the tree. - -“What’s this about the tree going to Massachusetts?” Fibsy asked, his -freckled face earnestly inquiring. - -“One of old Appleby’s jokes,” Stone returned. “Doubtless made just after -a reading of ‘Macbeth.’ You know, or if you don’t, you must read it up -for yourself, there’s a scene there that hinges on Birnam Wood going to -Dunsinane. I can’t take time to tell you about it, but quite evidently it -pleased the old wag to tell Mr. Wheeler that he could go into his native -state when this great tree went there.” - -“Meaning not at all, I s’pose.” - -“Of course. And any human intervention was not allowed. So though Birnam -Wood _was_ brought to Dunsinane, such a trick is not permissible in his -case. However, that’s beside the point just now. Have you seen any of the -servants?” - -“Some. But I got nothing. They’re willing enough to talk, but they don’t -know anything. They say I’d better tackle the ladies’ maid, a fair -Rachel. So I’m going for her. But I bet I won’t strike pay-dirt.” - -“You may. Skip along, now, for here comes Miss Maida, and she’s probably -looking for me.” - -Fibsy departed, and Maida, looking relieved to find Stone alone, came -quickly toward him. - -“You see, Mr. Stone,” she began, “you must _start_ straight in this -thing. And the only start possible is for you to be convinced that I -killed Mr. Appleby.” - -“But you must admit, Miss Wheeler, that I am not _too_ absurd in thinking -that though you say you did it, you are saying it to shield some one -else—some one who is near and dear to you.” - -“I know you think that—but it isn’t so. How can I convince you?” - -“Only by circumstantial evidence. Let me question you a bit. Where did -you get the revolver?” - -“From my father’s desk drawer, where he always keeps it.” - -“You are familiar with firearms?” - -“My father taught me to shoot years ago. I’m not a crack shot—but that -was not necessary.” - -“You premeditated the deed?” - -“For some time I have felt that I wanted to kill that man.” - -“Your conscience?” - -“Is very active. I deliberately went against its dictates for my father’s -sake.” - -“And you killed Mr. Appleby because he hounded your father in addition to -the long deprivation he had imposed on him?” - -“No, not that alone. Oh, I don’t want to tell you—but, if you won’t -believe me otherwise, Mr. Stone, I will admit that I had a new motive——” - -“A new one?” - -“Yes, a secret that I learned only a day or so before—before Mr. -Appleby’s death.” - -“The secret was Appleby’s?” - -“Yes; that is, he knew it. He told it to me. If any one else should know -it, it would mean the utter ruin and desolation of the lives of my -parents, compared to which this present condition of living is Paradise -itself!” - -“This is true, Miss Wheeler?” - -“Absolutely true. _Now_, do you understand why I killed him?” - - - - - CHAPTER XIII - SARA WHEELER - - -Fleming Stone was deeply interested in the Appleby case. - -While his logical brain could see no possible way to look save toward one -of the three Wheelers, yet his soul revolted at the thought that any one -of them was the criminal. - -Stone was well aware of the fact that the least seemingly guilty often -proved to be a deep-dyed villain, yet he hesitated to think that Dan -Wheeler had killed his old enemy, and he could not believe it was a -woman’s work. He was impressed by Maida’s story, especially by the fact -that a recent development had made her more strongly desirous to be rid -of old Appleby. He wondered if it did not have something to do with young -Appleby’s desire to marry her, and determined to persuade her to confide -further in him regarding the secret she mentioned. - -But first, he decided to interview Mrs. Wheeler. This could not be done -offhand, so he waited a convenient season, and asked for a conference -when he felt sure it would be granted. - -Sara Wheeler received the detective in her sitting-room, and her manner -was calm and collected as she asked him to make the interview as brief as -possible. - -“You are not well, Mrs. Wheeler?” Stone asked, courteously. - -“I am not ill, Mr. Stone, but naturally these dreadful days have upset -me, and the horror and suspense are still hanging over me. Can you not -bring matters to a crisis? Anything would be better than present -conditions!” - -“If some member of your family would tell me the truth,” Stone said -frankly, “it would help a great deal. You know, Mrs. Wheeler, when three -people insist on being regarded as the criminal, it’s difficult to choose -among them. Now, won’t you, at least, admit that you didn’t shoot Mr. -Appleby?” - -“But I did,” and the serene eyes looked at Stone calmly. - -“Can you prove it—I mean, to my satisfaction? Tell me this: where did you -get a pistol?” - -“I used Mr. Wheeler’s revolver.” - -“Where did you get it?” - -“From the drawer in his desk, where he always keeps it.” - -Stone sighed. Of course, both Maida and her mother knew where the -revolver was kept, so this was no test of their veracity as to the crime. - -“When did you take it from the drawer?” - -Sara Wheeler hesitated for an instant and from that, Stone knew that she -had to think before she spoke. Had she been telling the truth, he argued, -she would have answered at once. - -But immediately she spoke, though with a shade of hesitation. - -“I took it earlier in the day—I had it up in my own room.” - -“Yes; where did you conceal it there?” - -“In—in a dresser drawer.” - -“And, when you heard the alarm of fire, you ran downstairs in -consequence—but you paused to get the revolver and take it with you!” - -This sounded absurd, but Sara Wheeler could see no way out of it, so she -assented. - -“Feeling sure that you would find your husband and Mr. Appleby in such a -desperate quarrel that you would be called upon to shoot?” - -“I—I overheard the quarrel from upstairs,” she faltered, her eyes piteous -now with a baffled despair. - -“Then you went down because of the quarreling voices—not because of the -fire-alarm?” - -Unable to meet Stone’s inexorable gaze, Mrs. Wheeler’s eyes fell and she -nervously responded: “Well, it was both.” - -“Now, see here,” Stone said, kindly; “you want to do anything you can, -don’t you, to help your husband and daughter?” - -“Yes, of course!” and the wide-open eyes now looked at him hopefully. - -“Then will you trust me far enough to believe that I think you will best -help them by telling the truth?” - -“Oh, I can’t!” and with a low moan the distracted woman hid her face in -her hands. - -“Please do; your attitude proves you are concealing important -information. I am more than ever sure you are not the guilty one—and I am -not at all sure that it was either of the other two.” - -“Then who could it have been?” and Sara Wheeler looked amazed. - -“That we don’t know. If I had a hint of any direction to look I’d be -glad. But if you will shed what light you can, it may be of great help.” - -“Even if it seems to incriminate my——” - -“What can incriminate them more than their own confessions?” - -“Their confessions contradict each other. They can’t both be guilty.” - -“And you don’t know which one is?” - -“N—no,” came the faltering reply. - -“But that admission contradicts your own confession. Come now, Mrs. -Wheeler, own up to me that you didn’t do it, and I’ll not tell any one -else, unless it becomes necessary.” - -“I will tell you, for I can’t bear this burden alone any longer! I did go -downstairs because of the alarm of fire, Mr. Stone. Just before I came to -the open door of the den, I heard a shot, and as I passed the door of the -den, I saw Mr. Appleby, fallen slightly forward in his chair, my husband -standing at a little distance looking at him, and Maida in the bay -window, also staring at them both.” - -“What did you do? Go in?” - -“No; I was so bewildered, I scarcely knew which way to turn, and in my -fear and horror I ran into my own sitting-room and fell on the couch -there in sheer collapse.” - -“You stayed there?” - -“Until I heard voices in the den—the men came back from the fire and -discovered the—the tragedy. At least, I think that’s the way it was. It’s -all mixed up in my mind. Usually I’m very clear-headed and strong nerved, -but that scene seemed to take away all my will-power—all my vitality.” - -“I don’t wonder. What did you do or say?” - -“I had a vague fear that my husband or daughter would be accused of the -crime, and so, at once, I declared it was the work of the phantom bugler. -You’ve heard about him?” - -“Yes. You didn’t think it was he, though, did you?” - -“I wanted to—yes, I think I did. You see, I don’t think the bugler was a -phantom, but I do think he was a criminal. I mean, I think it was -somebody who meant harm to my husband. I—well—I think maybe the shot was -meant for Mr. Wheeler.” - -Stone looked at her sharply, and said: “Please, Mrs. Wheeler, be honest -with me, whatever you may pretend to others. Are you not springing that -theory in a further attempt to direct suspicion away from Mr. Wheeler?” - -She gave a gesture of helplessness. “I see I can hide nothing from you, -Mr. Stone! You are right—but may there not be a chance that it is a true -theory after all?” - -“Possibly; if we can find any hint of the bugler’s identity. Mr. Keefe -says, find the bugler and you’ve found the murderer.” - -“I know he does, but Keefe is—as I am—very anxious to direct suspicion -away from the Wheeler family. You see, Mr. Keefe is in love with my -daughter——” - -“As who isn’t? All the young men fall down before her charms!” - -“It is so. Although she is engaged to Mr. Allen, both Mr. Keefe and Mr. -Sam Appleby are hopeful of yet winning her regard. To me it is not -surprising, for I think Maida the very flower of lovely girlhood, but I -also think those men should recognize Jeffrey Allen’s rights and cease -paying Maida such definite attentions.” - -“It is hard to repress an ardent admirer,” Stone admitted, “and as you -say, that is probably Keefe’s intent in insisting on the finding of the -bugler. You do not, then, believe in your old legend?” - -“I do and I don’t. My mind has a tendency to revere and love the old -traditions of my family, but when it comes to real belief I can’t say I -am willing to stand by them. Yet where else can we look for a -criminal—other than my own people?” - -“Please tell me just what you saw when you looked into the den -immediately after you heard the shot. You must realize how important this -testimony is.” - -“I do,” was the solemn reply. “I saw, as I told you, both my husband and -my daughter looking at Mr. Appleby as he sat in his chair. I did not know -then that he was dead, but he must have been dead or dying. The doctors -said the death was practically instantaneous.” - -“And from their attitude or their facial expression could you assume -either your husband or daughter to have been the guilty one?” - -“I can only say they both looked stunned and horrified. Just as one would -expect them to look on the occasion of witnessing a horrible tragedy.” - -“Whether they were responsible for it or not?” - -“Yes. But I’m not sure the attitude would have been different in the case -of a criminal or a witness. I mean the fright and horror I saw on their -faces would be the same if they had committed a crime or had seen it -done.” - -Stone considered this. “You may be right,” he said; “I daresay absolute -horror would fill the soul in either case, and would produce much the -same effect in appearance. Now, let us suppose for a moment, that one or -other of the two did do the shooting—wait a moment!” as Mrs. Wheeler -swayed uncertainly in her chair. “Don’t faint. I’m supposing this only in -the interests of you and yours. Suppose, I say, that either Mr. Wheeler -or Miss Wheeler had fired the weapon—as they have both confessed to -doing—which would you assume, from their appearance, had done it?” - -Controlling herself by a strong effort, Sara Wheeler answered steadily, -“I could not say. Honestly, to my startled eyes they seemed equally -horrified and stunned.” - -“Of course they would. You see, Mrs. Wheeler, the fact that they both -confess it, makes it look as if one of them did do it, and the other -having witnessed the deed, takes over the blame to save the guilty one. -This sounds harsh, but we have to face the facts. Then, if we can get -more or different facts, so much the better.” - -“You’re suggesting, then, that one of my people did do it, and the other -saw it done?” - -“I’m suggesting that that might be the truth, and so far as we can see -now, is the most apparent solution. But I’m not saying it is the truth, -nor shall I relax my efforts to find another answer to our problem. And I -want to tell you that you have helped materially by withdrawing your own -confession. Every step I can take toward the truth is helpful. You have -lessened the suspects from three to two; now if I can eliminate another -we will have but one; and if I can clear that one, we shall have to look -elsewhere.” - -“That is specious argument, Mr. Stone,” and Sara Wheeler fixed her large, -sad eyes upon his face. “For, if you succeeded in elimination of one of -the two, it may be you cannot eliminate the third—and then——” - -“And then your loving perjuries will be useless. True, but I must do my -duty—and that means my duty to you all. I may tell you that Mr. Appleby, -who employed me, asked me to find a criminal outside of your family, -whether the real one or not.” - -“He put it that way!” - -“He did; and while I do want to find the outside criminal, I can’t find -him if he doesn’t exist.” - -“Of course not. I daresay I shall regret what I’ve told you, but——” - -“But you couldn’t help it, I know. Don’t worry, Mrs. Wheeler. If you’ve -no great faith in me, try to have a hopeful trust, and I assure you I -will not betray it.” - -“Well, Mr. McGuire,” Stone said to his adoring satellite, a little later, -“there’s one out.” - -“Mother Wheeler?” - -“Yes, you young scamp; how did you know?” - -“Saw you hobnobbing with her—she being took with a sudden attack of the -confidentials—and, anyhow, two of ’em—at least—has got to cave in. You -can ferret out which of ’em is George Washingtons and which isn’t.” - -“Well, here’s the way it seems to stand now. Mind, I only say seems to -stand.” - -“Yessir.” - -“The father and daughter—both of whom confess to the shooting, were seen -in the room immediately after the event. Now, they were on opposite sides -of the room, the victim being about midway between them. Consequently, if -one shot, the other was witness thereto. And, owing to the deep devotion -obtaining between them, either father or daughter would confess to the -crime to save the other.” - -“Then,” Fibsy summed up, “Mr. Wheeler and Maida don’t suspect each other; -one did it, and both know which one.” - -“Well put. Now, which is which?” - -“More likely the girl did the shooting. She’s awful impulsive, awful high -strung and awful fond of her father. Say the old Appleby gentleman was -beratin’ and oratin’ and iratin,’ against Friend Wheeler, and say he went -a leetle too far for Miss Maida to stand, and say she had that new -secret, or whatever it is that’s eatin’ her—well, it wouldn’t surprise me -overly, if she up and shot the varmint.” - -“Having held the pistol in readiness?” - -“Not nec’ess’rily. She coulda sprung across the room, lifted the weapon -from its customed place in the drawer, and fired, all in a fleetin’ -instant o’ time. And she’s the girl to do it! That Maida, now, she could -do anything! And she loves the old man enough to do anything. Touch and -go—that’s what she is! Especially go!” - -“Well, all right. Yet, maybe it was the other way. Maybe, Wheeler, at the -end of his patience, and knowing the ‘secret,’ whatever it may be, flung -away discretion and grabbed up his own pistol and fired.” - -“Coulda been, F. Stone. Coulda been—easily. But—I lean to the Maida -theory. Maida for mine, first, last, and all the time.” - -“For an admirer of hers, and you’re not by yourself in that, you seem -cheerfully willing to subscribe to her guilt.” - -“Well, I ain’t! But I do want to get the truth as to the three Wheelers. -And once I get it fastened on the lovely Maida, I’ll set to work to get -it off again. But, I’ll know where I’m at.” - -“And suppose we fasten it on the lovely Daniel?” - -“That’s a serious proposition, F. Stone. For, if he did it, he did it. -And if Maida did it—she didn’t do it. See?” - -“Not very clearly; but never mind, you needn’t expound. It doesn’t -interest me.” - -Fibsy looked comically chagrined, as he often did when Stone scorned his -ideas, but he said nothing except: - -“Orders, sir?” - -“Yes, Terence. Hunt up Rachel, the maid, and find out all she knows. Use -your phenomenal powers of enchantment and make her come across.” - -“’Tis the same as done, sir!” declared the boy, and he departed at once -in search of Rachel. - -He sauntered out of the north door and took a roundabout way to the -kitchen quarters. - -Finally he found the cook, and putting on his best and most endearing -little boy effects, he appealed for something to eat. - -“Not but what I’m well treated at the table,” he said, “but, you know -what boys are.” - -“I do that,” and the good-natured woman furnished him with liberal pieces -of pie and cake. - -“Great,” said Fibsy, eating the last crumb as he guilefully complimented -her culinary skill, “and now I’ve got to find a person name o’ Rachel. -Where might she be?” - -“She might be ’most anywhere, but she isn’t anywhere,” was the cryptic -reply. - -“Why for?” - -“Well, she’s plain disappeared, if you know what that means.” - -“Vamoosed? Skipped? Faded? Slid? Oozed out?” - -“Yes; all those. Anyway, she isn’t on the place.” - -“Since when?” - -“Why, I saw her last about two hours ago. Then when Mrs. Wheeler wanted -her she wasn’t to be found.” - -“And hasn’t sence ben sane?” - -“Just so. And as you are part and parcel of that detective layout that’s -infestin’ the house an’ grounds, I wish you’d find the hussy.” - -“Why, why, what langwitch! Why call her names?” - -“She’s a caution! Get along now, and if you can’t find her, at least you -can quit botherin’ me.” - -“All right. But tell me this, before we part. Did she confide to your -willin’ ears anything about the murder?” - -“Uncanny you are, lad! How’d you guess it?” - -“I’m a limb of Satan. What did she tell you? and when?” - -“Only this morning; early, before she flew off.” - -“Couldn’t very well have told you after she started.” - -“No impidence now. Well, she told me that the night of the murder, as she -ran from here to the garage, she saw on the south veranda a man with a -bugle pipe!” - -“A pipe dream!” - -“I dunno. But she told it like gospel truth.” - -“Just what did she say?” - -“Said she saw a man—a live man, no phantom foolishness, on the south -veranda, and he carried a bugle.” - -“Did he play on it?” - -“No; just carried it like. But she says he musta been the murderer, and -by the same token it’s the man I saw!” - -“Oho, you saw him, too?” - -“As I told your master, I saw him, but not plain, as I ran along to the -fire. Rachel, now, she saw him plain, so he musta been there. Well, -belike, he was the murderer and that sets my people free.” - -“Important if true, but are you both sure? And why, oh, why does the -valuable Rachel choose this time to vanish? Won’t she come back?” - -“Who knows? She didn’t take any luggage——” - -“How did she go?” - -“Nobody knows. She walked, of course——” - -“Then she couldn’t have gone far.” - -“Oh, well, she could walk to the railway station. It’s only a fairish -tramp. But _why_ did she go?” - -“I ask _you_ why.” - -“And I don’t know. But I suppose it was because she didn’t want to be -questioned about the man who shot.” - -“What! You didn’t say she saw him shoot!” - -“Yes, I did. Or I meant to. Anyway that’s what Rachel said. The man with -the bugle shot through the window and that’s what killed Mr. Appleby.” - -“Oh, come now, this is too big a yarn to be true, especially when the -yarner lights out at once after telling it!” - -“Well, Rachel has her faults, but I never knew her to lie. And if it was -the man I saw—why, that proves, at least, there was a man there.” - -“But you didn’t see him clearly.” - -“But I saw him.” - -“Then he must be reckoned with. Now, Cookie, dear, we _must_ find Rachel. -We must! Do you hear? You help me and I bet we’ll get her.” - -“But I’ve no idea where she went——” - -“Of course you haven’t. But think; has she any friends or relatives -nearby?” - -“Not one.” - -“Are there any trains about the time she left?” - -“I don’t know what time she left, but there’s been no train since -nine-thirty, and I doubt she was in time for that.” - -“She took no luggage?” - -“No, I’ll vouch for that.” - -“Then she’s likely in the neighborhood. Is there any inn or place she -could get a room and board?” - -“Oh, land, she hasn’t gone away to stay. She’s scart at something most -likely, and she’ll be back by nightfall.” - -“She may and she may not. She must be found. Wait, has she a lover?” - -“Well, they do say Fulton, the chauffeur, is sweet on her, but I never -noticed it much.” - -“Who said he was?” - -“Mostly she said it herself.” - -“She ought to know! Me for Fulton. Good-bye, Cookie, for the nonce,” and -waving a smiling farewell, Fibsy went off toward the garage. - - - - - CHAPTER XIV - RACHEL’S STORY - - -“Hello, Fult,” Fibsy sang out gaily to the chauffeur, and received a -pleasant response, for few could resist the contagious smile of the -round, freckled face of the boy. - -“Hello, Mr. Fibsy,” the other returned, “how you getting on with your -detective work?” - -“Fine; but I want a little help from you.” - -“Me? I don’t know anything about anything.” - -“Well, then tell me what you don’t know. That fire now, here in the -garage, the night of the murder, did you ever find out how it started?” - -Fulton’s face took on a perplexed look and he said: “No, we didn’t—and -it’s a queer thing. It must have been started by some one purposely, for -there’s no way it could have come about by accident.” - -“Spontaneous combustion?” - -“Whatever made you think of that? And it couldn’t have been from old -paint rags, or such, for there’s nothing like that about. But—well, -here’s what I found.” - -Fulton produced a small bottle. It was empty and had no label or stopper, -and Fibsy looked at it blankly. - -“What is it?” he asked. - -“Never see one like it?” - -“No; have you?” - -“Yes, I have. I was in the war, and bottles like that contained acid -which, when combined with another acid, caused spontaneous combustion.” - -“Combined—how?” - -“Well, they used to saturate some cloth or old clothes with the other -acid, and throw them about. Then, when the time came they threw a little -bottle like that, filled with acid, and with only a paper stopper, in -among the clothes. The acid slowly ate out the paper stopper, and then -the two acids caused combustion. So, by the time the fire started, the -man who was responsible for it was far away from the scene.” - -“Whew! And you think that happened here?” - -“There’s the bottle. The fire began in Mr. Appleby’s car. Two coats and a -rug were burned—now, mightn’t they have been sprinkled with the other -acid——” - -“Of course that’s what happened! Why haven’t you told this before?” - -“I only found the bottle this morning. It had been kicked under a bench, -and the sweeper found it. Then I fell a-thinking, for it’s the very same -sort of bottle I saw used over there. Somebody who knew that trick did -it.” - -“And whoever did it is either Mr. Appleby’s murderer, or an accomplice.” - -“You think the two crimes are connected, then?” - -“Haven’t a doubt of it. You’re a clever chap, Fulton, to dope this out——” - -“Well, there was no other explanation. Anything else hinted at -carelessness of my management of this place, and that hurt my pride, for -I like to think this garage the pink of perfection as to cleanliness and -order.” - -“Mr. Wheeler is fortunate in having such a man as you. Now, one more -thing, Fulton; where is Rachel?” - -“Rachel!” - -“Yes, your blush gives you away. If you know where she is, tell me. If -she’s done nothing wrong it can do no harm to find her. If she _has_ done -anything wrong, she _must_ be found.” - -“I don’t know where she is, Mr. Fibsy——” - -“Call me McGuire. And if you don’t know where she is, you know something -about her disappearance. When did she go away?” - -“I saw her last night. She said nothing about going away, but she seemed -nervous and worried, and I couldn’t say anything to please her.” - -“Can’t you form any idea of where she might have gone? Be frank, Fulton, -for much depends on getting hold of that girl.” - -“I can only say I’ve no idea where she is, but she may communicate with -me. In that case——” - -“In that case, let me know at once,” Fibsy commanded, and having learned -all he could there, he went off to think up some other means of finding -the lost Rachel. - -Meantime Sam Appleby was taking his departure. - -“I have to go,” he said, in response to the Wheelers’ invitation to tarry -longer; “because Keefe is coming down to-morrow. One of us ought to be in -father’s office all the time now, there’s so much to attend to.” - -“Why is Mr. Keefe coming here?” asked Maida. - -“Mr. Stone wants to see him,” Appleby informed her. “You know, Keefe is -more or less of a detective himself, and Mr. Stone thinks he may be -helpful in finding the criminal. Miss Lane is coming also, she begged to, -mostly, I think, because she took such a liking to you.” - -“I liked her, too,” returned Maida; “she’s a funny girl but a sincere, -thorough nature.” - -“Yes, she is. Well, they’ll only stay over a day or two, I can’t spare -them longer. Of course, they may be of help to Mr. Stone, and they may -not. But I don’t want to miss a trick in this investigation. What a queer -little chap that boy of Stone’s is!” - -“Fibsy?” and Maida smiled. “Yes, he’s a case! And he’s my devoted slave.” - -“As who isn’t?” exclaimed Appleby. “Oh, Maida, do give me a little -encouragement. After this awful business is all over, mayn’t I come back -with a hope that you’ll smile on me?” - -“Don’t talk that way, Sam. You know I’m engaged to Jeffrey.” - -“Oh, no, you’re not. I mean, it can be possible for you to change your -mind. Girls are often engaged to several men before they marry.” - -“I’m not that sort,” and Maida smiled a little sadly. - -“Be that sort, then.” - -“You seem to forget that I may be openly accused of crime at any moment. -And a crime that hits you pretty closely.” - -“Don’t say such things, dear. Neither you nor any of your people are -responsible for the dreadful thing that happened to father—or, if you -are, I never want to know it. And I do want you, Maida dear—so much——” - -“Hush, Sam; I won’t listen to anything like that from you.” - -“Not now, but later on,” he urged. “Tell me that I may come back, Maida -dear.” - -“Of course you may come here, whenever you like, but I hold out no hope -of the sort you ask for.” - -“I shall hope all the same. I’d die if I didn’t! Good-bye, Maida, for -this time.” - -He went away to the train, and later, came Keefe and Genevieve Lane. - -“Oh,” the girl cried, “I’m so glad to be back here again, Maida. My, but -you’re prettier than ever! If you’d only touch up those pale cheeks—just -a little bit—here, let me——” - -She opened her ever-ready vanity box, and was about to apply a touch of -rouge, but Maida sprang away from her. - -“No, no, Genevieve, I never use it.” - -“Silly girl! You don’t deserve the beauty nature gave you, if you’re not -willing to help it along a little yourself! How do you do, Mrs. Wheeler -and Mr. Wheeler?” - -She greeted them prettily, and Keefe, too, exchanged greetings with the -family. - -“Anything being done?” he asked, finally. “Has Mr. Stone discovered -anything of importance?” - -“Nothing very definite, I fear,” returned Daniel Wheeler. He spoke -wearily, and almost despairingly. Anxiety and worry had aged him, even in -the last few days. “I do hope, Keefe, that you can be of assistance. You -have a keen eye for details, and may know or remember some points that -escaped our notice.” - -“I’m hoping I can help,” Keefe returned with a serious face. “Can I see -Stone shortly?” - -“Yes, now. Come along into the den, he’s in here.” - -The two men went to the den, where Stone and Fibsy were in deep -consultation. - -“Very glad to see you, Mr. Keefe,” Fleming Stone acknowledged the -introduction. “This is McGuire, my young assistant. You may speak frankly -before him.” - -“If I have anything to speak,” said Keefe. “I don’t really know anything -I haven’t told, but I may remind Mr. Wheeler of some points he has -forgotten.” - -“Well, let’s talk it all over,” Stone suggested, and they did. - -Keefe was greatly surprised and impressed by the story of the cook’s -having seen a man on the south veranda at the time of the shooting. - -“But she didn’t see him clearly,” Fibsy added. - -“Couldn’t she describe him?” - -“No; she didn’t see him plain enough. But the maid, Rachel, told cook -that she saw the man, too, and that he carried a bugle. Cook didn’t see -the bugle.” - -“Naturally not, if she only saw the man vaguely,” said Wheeler. “But, it -begins to look as if there must have been a man there and if so, he may -have been the criminal.” - -“Let us hope,” said Keefe, earnestly. “Now, can you find this man, Mr. -Stone?” - -“We’ve got to find him,” Stone returned, “whether we can or not. It’s -really a baffling case. I think we’ve discovered the origin of the fire -in the garage.” - -He told the story that Fibsy had learned from the chauffeur, and Keefe -was greatly interested. - -“What are the acids?” he asked. - -“I don’t know the exact names,” Stone admitted, “but they are of just -such powers as Fulton described, and the thing is plausible. Here’s the -bottle.” He offered the little vial for inspection and Keefe looked at it -with some curiosity. - -“The theory being,” he said, “that the murderer first arranged for a fire -in our car—in Mr. Appleby’s car—and then waited for the fire to come off -as planned. Then, at the moment of greatest excitement, he, being -probably the man the servants saw—shot through the bay window and killed -Mr. Appleby. You were fortunate, Miss Maida, that you weren’t hit first!” - -“Oh, I was in no danger. I sat well back in the window-seat, and over to -one side, out of range of a shot from outside. And, too, Mr. Keefe, I can -scarcely discuss this matter of the shot from outside, as I am, myself, -the confessed criminal.” - -“Confessing only to save me from suspicion,” said her father, with an -affectionate glance. “But it won’t do any good, dear. I take the burden -of the crime and I own up that I did it. This man on the veranda—if, -indeed, there was such a one, may have been any of the men servants about -the place, startled by the cry of fire, and running to assure himself of -the safety of the house and family. He, doubtless, hesitates to divulge -his identity lest he be suspected of shooting.” - -“That’s all right,” declared Fibsy, “but if it was one of your men, he’d -own up by this time. He’d know he wouldn’t be suspected of shooting Mr. -Appleby. Why should he do it?” - -“Why should anybody do it, except myself?” asked Dan Wheeler. “Not all -the detectives in the world can find any one else with a motive and -opportunity. The fact that both my wife and daughter tried to take the -crime off my shoulders only makes me more determined to tell the truth.” - -“But you’re not telling the truth, dad,” and Maida looked at him. “You -know I did it—you know I had threatened to do it—you know I felt I just -could not stand Mr. Appleby’s oppression of you another day! And so—and -so, I——” - -“Go on, Miss Wheeler,” urged Stone, “and so you—what did you do?” - -“I ran across the den to the drawer where father keeps his pistol; I took -it and shot—then I ran back to the window-seat——” - -“What did you do with the pistol?” - -“Threw it out of the window.” - -“Toward the right or left?” - -“Why, I don’t know.” - -“Try to think. Stand up there now, and remember which way you flung it.” - -Reluctantly, Maida went to the bay window, and stood there thinking. - -“I don’t know,” she said, at last. “I can’t remember.” - -“It doesn’t matter,” said Keefe. “I think we can prove that it was none -of the Wheelers, but there was a man, an intruder, on the veranda who -shot. Even if we never find out his identity, we may prove that he was -really there. Where is this maid who saw him clearly? Rachel—is that her -name?” - -“That’s a pretty thing, too!” Fibsy spoke up. “She has flew the coop.” - -“Gone! Where?” Keefe showed his disappointment. - -“Nobody knows where. She just simply lit out. Even her lover doesn’t know -where she is.” - -“Who is her lover?” - -“Fulton, the chauffeur. He’s just about crazy over her disappearance.” - -“Oh, she’ll return,” surmised Stone. “She became frightened at something -and ran off. I think she’ll come back. If not, we’ll have to give chase. -We must find her, as she’s the principal witness of the man on the -veranda. Cook is not so sure about him.” - -“Who could he have been?” Keefe said. “Doubtless some enemy of Mr. -Appleby, in no way connected with the Wheelers.” - -“Probably,” agreed Stone. - -“We found the pistol, you know, Mr. Keefe,” remarked Fibsy. - -“You did! Well, you have made progress. Where was it?” - -“In the fern bed, not far from the veranda railing.” - -“Just where the man would have thrown it!” exclaimed Keefe. - -“Or where I threw it,” put in Daniel Wheeler. - -“I’d like to see the exact place it was found,” Keefe said. - -“Come on, I’ll show you,” offered Fibsy and the two started away -together. - -“Here you are,” and Fibsy showed the bed of ferns, which, growing closely -together, made a dense hiding place. - -“A wonder you ever found it,” said Keefe. “How’d you happen to?” - -“Oh, I just snooped around till I came to it. I says to myself, ‘Either -the murderer flung it away or he didn’t. If he did, why it must be -somewheres,’ and it was.” - -“I see; and does Mr. Stone think the finding of it here points to either -of the Wheelers?” - -“Not necess’rily. You see, if the man we’re looking for did the shooting, -he’s the one who threw the pistol in this here fern bed. And, you know -yourself, it’s more likely a man threw this farther than a woman.” - -“Miss Wheeler is athletic.” - -“I know, but I’m convinced that Miss Wheeler didn’t do the deed. Ain’t -you?” - -“Oh, I can’t think she did it, of course. But it’s all very mysterious.” - -“Not mysterious a bit. It’s hard sleddin’, but there ain’t much mystery -about it. Why, look a-here. If either the father or daughter did it, they -both know which one it was. Therefore, one is telling the truth and one -isn’t. It won’t be hard to find out which is which, but F. Stone, he’s -trying to find some one that’ll let the Wheelers both out.” - -“Oh, that’s his idea? And a mighty good one. I’ll help all I can. Of -course, the thing to do is to trace the pistol.” - -“Oh, it was Mr. Wheeler’s pistol, all right.” - -“It was!” Keefe looked dismayed. “Then how can we suspect an outsider?” - -“Well, he could have stolen Mr. Wheeler’s pistol for the purpose of -casting suspicion on him.” - -“Yes; that’s so. Now to find that Rachel.” - -“Oh, do find her,” Maida cried, overhearing the remark as she and -Genevieve crossed the lawn toward Keefe and Fibsy. - -The lad had not yet seen Miss Lane and he frankly admired her at once. -Perhaps a sympathetic chord was struck by the similarity of their -natures. Perhaps they intuitively recognized each other’s gay impudence, -for they engaged in a clash of words that immediately made them friends. - -“Maybe Rachel’d come back if she knew you were here,” he said. “I’m sure -she’d admire to wait on such a pretty lady.” - -“Just tell her that you saw me,” Genevieve said, “and I’ll be glad to -have her back. She’s a first-class ladies’ maid.” - -“Oh, then she only waits on first-class ladies?” - -“Yes; that’s why she’s so fond of me. Do hunt her up.” - -“Well, cutie, just for you, I’ll do that same. Where shall I go to look -for her?” - -“How should I know? But you keep watch of Fulton, and I’ll bet he gets -some word from her.” - -“Yes, they’re sweethearts. Now, how do sweethearts get word to each -other? You ought to know all about sweethearting.” - -“I don’t,” said Genevieve, demurely. - -“Pshaw, now, that’s too bad. Want me to teach you?” - -“Yes—if you don’t mind.” - -“Saunter away with me, then,” and the saucy boy led Miss Lane off for a -stroll round the grounds. - -“Honest, now, do you want to help?” he asked. - -“Yes, I do,” she asserted. “I’m downright fond of Maida, and though I -know she didn’t do it, yet she and her father will be suspected unless we -can find this other person. And the only way to get a line on him, seems -to be through Rachel. Why do you suppose she ran away?” - -“Can’t imagine. Don’t see how she could get scared.” - -“No; what would scare her? I think she’s at some neighbor’s.” - -“Let’s you and me go to all the neighbors and see.” - -“All right. We’ll go in the Wheelers’ little car. Fulton will take us.” - -“Don’t we get permission?” - -“Nixy. They might say no, by mistake for a yes. Come on—we’ll just hook -Jack.” - -To the garage they went and easily persuaded Fulton to take them around -to some of the neighboring houses. - -And at the third one they visited they found Rachel. A friend of hers was -a maid there, and she had taken Rachel in for a few days. - -“Why did you run off?” queried Fulton. - -“Oh, I don’t know,” and Rachel shuddered. “It all got on my nerves. Who’s -over there now?” - -“Just the family, and the detectives and Mr. Keefe,” Fulton answered. -“Will you come home?” - -“She will,” Fibsy answered for her. “She will get right into this car and -go at once—in the name of the law!” he added sternly, as Rachel seemed -undecided. - -Fibsy often used this phrase, and, delivered in an awe-inspiring tone, it -was usually effective. - -Rachel did get into the car, and they returned to Sycamore Lodge in -triumph. - -“Good work, Fibs,” Stone nodded his approval. “Now, Rachel, sit right -down here on the veranda, and tell us about that man you saw.” - -The girl was clearly frightened and her voice trembled, but she tried to -tell her story. - -“There’s nothing to fear,” Curtis Keefe said, kindly. “Just tell slowly -and simply the story of your seeing the man and then you may be excused.” - -She gave him a grateful look, and seemed to take courage. - -“Well, I was passing the veranda——” - -“Coming from where and going where?” interrupted Stone, speaking gently. - -“Why, I—I was coming from the—the garage——” - -“Where you had been talking to Fulton?” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“All right, go on.” - -“And I was going—going to go up to Mrs. Wheeler’s room. I thought she -might want me. And as I went by the veranda, I saw the man. He was a big -man, and he carried a bugle.” - -“He didn’t blow on it?” - -“No, sir. Just waved it about like.” - -“You didn’t see that he had a pistol?” - -“I—I couldn’t say, sir.” - -“Of course you couldn’t,” said Keefe. “Men with pistols don’t brandish -them until they get ready to shoot.” - -“But you saw this man shoot?” went on Stone. - -“Yes, sir,” Rachel said; “I saw him shoot through the bay window and then -I ran away.” - -Whereupon, she repeated the action at the conclusion of her statement, -and hurried away. - -“Humph!” said Fleming Stone. - - - - - CHAPTER XV - THE AWFUL TRUTH - - -“Well, Fibs,” said Stone, as the two sat alone in conclave, “what about -Rachel’s story?” - -“You know, F. Stone, how I hate to doubt a lady’s word, but—not to put -too fine a point upon it, the fair Rachel lied.” - -“You think so, too, eh? And just why?” - -“Under orders. She was coached in her part. Told exactly what to say——” - -“By whom?” - -“Oh, you know as well as I do. You’re just leading me on! Well, he -coached her, all right, and she got scared before the performance came -off and that’s why she ran away.” - -“Yes, I agree to all that. Keefe, of course, being the coach.” - -“Yessir. He doing it, to save the Wheelers. You see, he’s so desperately -in love with Miss Maida, that it sort of blinds his judgment and -cleverness.” - -“Just how?” - -“Well, you know his is love at first sight—practically.” - -“Look here, Terence, you know a great deal about love.” - -“Yessir, it—it comes natural to me. I’m a born lover, I am.” - -“Had much experience?” - -“Not yet. But my day’s coming. Well, never mind me—to get back to Friend -Keefe. Here’s the way it is. Miss Wheeler is sort of engaged to Mr. -Allen, and yet the matter isn’t quite settled, either. I get that from -the servants—mean to gossip, but all’s fair in love and sleuthing. Now, -Mr. Keefe comes along, sees the lovely Maida, and, zip! his heart is -cracked! All might yet be well, but for the wily Genevieve. She has her -cap set for Keefe, and he knows it, and was satisfied it should be so, -till he saw Miss Wheeler. Now, the fat’s in the fire, and no pitch hot.” - -“You do pick up a lot of general information.” - -“It’s necess’ry, sir.” The red-head nodded emphatically. “These -sidelights often point the way to the great and shinin’ truth! For, don’t -you see, Mr. Keefe, being so gone on Miss Maida, naturally doesn’t want -her or her people suspected of this crime—even if one of them is guilty. -So he fixes up a cock-and-bull story about a bugler man—on the south -veranda. This man, he argues, did the shooting. He gets Rachel—he must -have some hold on her, bribery wouldn’t be enough—and he fair crams the -bugler yarn down her throat, and orders her to recite it as Gospel -truth.” - -“Then she gets scared and runs away.” - -“Exactly. You see it that way, don’t you, Mr. Stone?” - -The earnest little face looked up to the master. Terence McGuire was -developing a wonderful gift for psychological detective work, and -sometimes he let his imagination run away with him. In such cases Stone -tripped him up and turned him back to the right track. Both had an -inkling that the day might eventually come when Stone would retire and -McGuire would reign in his stead. But this was, as yet, merely a dream, -and at present they worked together in unison and harmony. - -“Yes, Fibsy—at least, I see it may have been that way. But it’s a big -order to put on—to Mr. Keefe.” - -“I know, but he’s a big man. I mean a man of big notions and projects. -Anybody can see that. Now, he’s awful anxious Miss Wheeler and Mr. -Wheeler shall be cleared of all s’picion—even if he thinks one of ’em is -guilty. He doesn’t consider Mrs. Wheeler—I guess nobody does now.” - -“Probably not. Go on.” - -“Well, so Keefie, he thinks if he can get this bugler person guaranteed, -by a reliable and responsible witness—which, of course, Rachel would seem -to be—then, Mr. Keefe thinks, he’s got the Wheelers cleared. Now, Rachel, -getting cold feet about it all, goes back on Keefe—oh, I could see it in -his face!” - -“Yes, he looked decidedly annoyed at Rachel’s failure of a convincing -performance.” - -“He did so! Now, Mr. Stone, even if he bolsters up Rachel’s story or gets -her to tell it more convincingly—we know, you and I, that it isn’t true. -There wasn’t any man on the south veranda.” - -“Sure, Terence?” - -“Yessir, I’m pretty sure. For, what became of him? Where did he vanish -to? Who was he? There never was any bugler—I mean as a murderer. The -piper who piped some nights previous had nothing to do with the case!” - -“Sure, Terence?” - -“Oh, come now, Mr. Stone—I was sure, till you say that at me, so dubious -like—and then I’m not so sure.” - -“Well, go on with your theory, and let’s see where you come out. You may -be on the right track, after all. I’m not sure of many points myself -yet.” - -“All right. To my mind, it comes back to a toss-up between Miss Maida and -her father, with the odds in favor of the old gentleman. Agree?” - -“I might, if I understood your English. The odds in favor of Mr. Wheeler -indicating his guilt or innocence?” - -“His guilt, I meant, F. Stone. I can’t think that sweet young lady would -do it, and this isn’t because she is a sweet young lady, but because it -isn’t hardly plausible that she’s put the thing over, even though she was -willing enough to do so.” - -“It seems so to me, too, but we can’t bank on that. Maida Wheeler is a -very impulsive girl, very vigorous and athletic, and very devoted to her -father. She worships him, and she has been known to say she would -willingly kill old Mr. Appleby. These things must be remembered, Fibsy.” - -“That’s so. But I’ve noticed that when folks threaten to kill people they -most generally don’t do it.” - -“I’ve also noticed that. But, striking out Maida’s name, leaves us only -Mr. Wheeler.” - -“Well, ain’t he the one? Ain’t he the down-trodden, oppressed victim, -who, at last, has opportunity, and who is goaded to the point of -desperation by the arguments of his enemy?” - -“You grow oratorical! But, I admit, you have an argument.” - -“’Course I have. Now, say we’ve got to choose between Miss Wheeler and -Mr. Wheeler, how do we go about it?” - -“How?” - -“Why, we find out how Mr. Appleby was sitting, how Mr. Wheeler was facing -at the moment, and also Miss Maida’s position. Then, we find out the -direction from which the bullet entered the body, and then we can tell -who fired the shot.” - -“I’ve done all that, Fibs,” Stone returned, with no note of superiority -in his voice. “I found out all those things, and the result proves that -the bullet entered Mr. Appleby’s body from the direction of Miss Maida, -in the bay window, and directly opposite from what would have been its -direction if fired by Mr. Wheeler, from where he stood, when seen -directly after the shot.” - -Fibsy looked dejected. He made no response to this disclosure for a -moment, then he said: - -“All right, F. Stone. In that case I’m going over to Mr. Keefe’s side, -and I’m going to hunt up the bugler.” - -“A fictitious person?” - -“Maybe he ain’t so fictitious after all,” and the red-head shook -doggedly. - -A tap at the door of Stone’s sitting-room was followed by a “May I come -in?” and the entrance of Daniel Wheeler. - -“The time has come, Mr. Wheeler,” Stone began a little abruptly, “to put -all our cards on the table. I’ve investigated things pretty thoroughly, -and, though I’m not all through with my quest, I feel as if I must know -the truth as to what you know about the murder.” - -“I have confessed,” Wheeler began, but Stone stopped him. - -“That won’t do,” he said, very seriously. “I’ve proved positively that -from where you stood, you could not have fired the shot. It came from the -opposite direction. Now it’s useless for you to keep up that pretence of -being the criminal, which, I’ve no doubt, you’re doing to shield your -daughter. Confide in me, Mr. Wheeler, it will not harm the case.” - -“God help me, I must confide in somebody,” cried the desperate man. “She -did do it! I saw Maida fire the shot! Oh, can you save her? I wouldn’t -tell you this, but I think—I hope you can help better if you know. You’d -find it out anyway——” - -“Of course I should. Now, let us be strictly truthful. You saw Miss Maida -fire the pistol?” - -“Yes; I was sitting almost beside Appleby; he was nearer Maida than I -was, and she sat in the bay window, reading. She sits there much of the -time, and I’m so accustomed to her presence that I don’t even think about -it. We were talking pretty angrily, Appleby and I, really renewing the -old feud, and adding fuel to its flame with every word. I suppose Maida, -listening, grew more and more indignant at his injustice and cruelty to -me—those terms are not too strong!—and she being of an impulsive nature, -even revengeful when her love for me is touched, and I suppose she, -somehow, possessed herself of my pistol and fired it.” - -“You were not looking at her before the shot?” - -“Oh, no; the shot rang out, Appleby fell forward, and even as I rose to -go to his aid, I instinctively turned toward the direction from which the -sound of the shot had come. There I saw Maida, standing white-faced and -frightened, but with a look of satisfied revenge on her dear face. I felt -no resentment at her act, then—indeed, I was incapable of coherent -thought of any sort. I stepped to Appleby’s side, and I saw at once that -he was dead—had died instantly. I cannot tell you just what happened -next. It seemed ages before anybody came, and then, suddenly the room was -full of people. Allen and Keefe came, running—the servants gathered -about, my wife appeared, and Maida was there. I had a strange -undercurrent of thought that kept hammering at my brain to the effect -that I must convince everybody that I did it, to save my girl. I was -clear-headed to the extent of planning my words in an effort to carry -conviction of my guilt, but that effort so absorbed my attention that I -gave no heed to what happened otherwise.” - -“Thank you, Mr. Wheeler, for your kindness. I assure you you will not -regret it.” - -“You’re going to save her? You can save my little girl? Oh, Mr. Stone, I -beg of you——” - -The agonized father broke down completely, and Stone said, kindly: - -“Keep up a good heart, Mr. Wheeler. That will help your daughter more -than anything else you can do. I assumed that if one of you were guilty -the other was shielding the criminal, but your story has straightened out -the tangle considerably.” - -“Lemme ask something, please,” broke in Fibsy. “Say, Mr. Wheeler, did you -see the pistol in Miss Maida’s hands?” - -“I can’t say I did or didn’t,” Wheeler replied, listlessly. “I looked -only at her face. I know my daughter’s mind so well, that I at once -recognized her expression of horror mingled with relief. She had really -desired the death of her father’s enemy, and she was glad it had been -accomplished! It’s a terrible thing to say of one’s own child, but I’ve -made up my mind to be honest with you, Mr. Stone, in the hope of your -help. I should have persisted in my own story of guilt, had I not -perceived it was futile in the face of your clear-sighted logic and -knowledge of the exact circumstances.” - -“You did wisely. But say nothing to any one else, for the present. Do not -even talk to Miss Maida about it, until I have time to plan our next -step. It is still a difficult and a very delicate case. A single false -move may queer the whole game.” - -“You think, then, you can save Maida—oh, do give a tortured father a -gleam of hope!” - -“I shall do my best. You know they rarely, if ever, convict a woman—and, -too, Miss Wheeler had great provocation. Then—what about self-defence?” - -“Appleby threatened neither of us,” Wheeler said. “That can’t be used.” - -“Well, we’ll do everything we can, you may depend on that,” Stone assured -him. And Wheeler went away, relieved at the new turn things had taken, -though also newly concerned for Maida’s safety. - -“Nice old chap,” said Fibsy to Stone. “He stuck to his faked yarn as long -as the sticking was good, and then he caved in.” - -“Open and shut case, Terence?” - -“Open—but not yet shut, F. Stone. Now, where do we go from here?” - -“You go where you like, boy. Leave me to grub at this alone.” - -Without another word Fibsy left the room. He well knew when Stone spoke -in that serious tone that great thoughts were forming in that fertile -brain and sooner or later he would know of them. But at present his -company was not desired. - -The boy drifted out on the terraced lawn and wandered about among the -gardens. He, too, thought, but he could see no light ahead. - -“S’long as the old man saw her,” he observed to himself, “there’s no more -to be said. He never’d say he saw her shoot, if he hadn’t seen her. He’s -at the end of his rope, and even if they acquit the lady I don’t want to -see her dragged through a trial. But where’s any way of escape? What can -turn up to contradict a straight story like that? Who else can testify -except the eye-witness who has just spoken? I wonder if he realized -himself how conclusive his statement was? But he trusted in F. Stone to -get Maida off, somehow. Queer, how most folks think a detective is a -magician, and can do the impossible trick!” - -In a brown study he walked slowly along the garden paths, and was seen by -Keefe and Maida, who sat under the big sycamore tree. - -“Crazy idea, Stone bringing that kid,” Keefe said, with a laugh. - -“Yes, but he’s a very bright boy,” Maida returned. “I’ve been surprised -at his wise observations.” - -“Poppycock! He gets off his speeches with that funny mixture of newsboy -slang and detective jargon, and you think they’re cleverer than they -are.” - -“Perhaps,” agreed Maida, not greatly interested. “But what a strange -story Rachel told. Do you believe it, Mr. Keefe?” - -“Yes, I do. The girl was frightened, I think; first, at the information -she tried to divulge, and second, by finding herself in the limelight. -She seems to be shy, and I daresay the sudden publicity shook her nerves. -But why shouldn’t her story be true? Why should she invent all that?” - -“I don’t know, I’m sure. But it didn’t sound like Rachel—the whole thing, -I mean. She seemed acting a part.” - -“Nonsense! You imagine that. But never mind her, I’ve something to tell -you. I know—Maida, mind you, I know what Mr. Appleby meant by the speech -which I took to be ‘Mr. Keefe and the airship.’” - -Maida’s face went white. - -“Oh, no!” she cried, involuntarily. “Oh, no!” - -“Yes,” Keefe went on, “and I know now he said heirship. Not strange I -misunderstood, for the words are of the same sound—and, then I had no -reason to think of myself in connection with an heirship!” - -“And—and have you now?” - -“Yes, I have. I’ve been over Mr. Appleby’s papers—as I had a right to do. -You know I was his confidential secretary, and he kept no secrets from -me—except those he wanted to keep!” - -“Go on,” said Maida, calm now, and her eyes glistening with an expression -of despair. - -“Need I go on? You know the truth. You know that I am the rightful heir -of this whole place. Sycamore Ridge is mine, and not your mother’s.” - -“Yes.” The word was scarce audible. Poor Maida felt as if the last blow -had fallen. She had seared her conscience, defied her sense of honor, -crucified her very soul to keep this dreadful secret from her parents for -their own sake, and now all her efforts were of no avail! - -Curtis Keefe knew that the great estate was legally his, and now her dear -parents would be turned out, homeless, penniless and broken down by -sorrow and grief. - -Even though he might allow them to stay there, they wouldn’t, she knew, -consent to any such arrangement. - -She lifted a blanched, strained face to his, as she said: “What—what are -you going to do?” - -“Just what you say,” Keefe replied, drawing closer to her side. “It’s all -up to you, Maida dear. Don’t look offended; surely you know I love -you—surely you know my one great desire is to make you my wife. Give your -consent; say you will be mine, and rest assured, dearest, there will be -no trouble about the ‘heirship.’ If you will marry me, I will promise -never to divulge the secret so long as either of your parents live. They -may keep this place, and, besides that, darling, I will guarantee to get -your father a full pardon. I—well, I’m not speaking of it yet—but I’ll -tell you that there is a possibility of my running for governor myself, -since young Sam is voluntarily out of it. But, in any case, I have -influence enough in certain quarters—influence increased by knowledge -that I have gleaned here and there among the late Mr. Appleby’s papers—to -secure a full and free pardon for your father. Now, Maida, girl, even if -you don’t love me very much yet, can’t you say yes, in view of what I -offer you?” - -“How can you torture me so? Surely you know that I am engaged to Mr. -Allen.” - -“I didn’t know it was a positive engagement—but, anyway,” his voice grew -hard, “it seems to me that any one so solicitous for her parents’ welfare -and happiness as you have shown yourself, will not hesitate at a step -which means so much more than others you have taken.” - -“Oh, I don’t know what to do—what to say—let me think.” - -“Yes, dear, think all you like. Take it quietly now. Remember that a -decision in my favor means also a calm, peaceful and happy life insured -to your parents. Refusal means a broken, shattered life, a precarious -existence, and never a happy day for them again. Can you hesitate? I’m -not so very unpresentable as a husband. You may not love me now, but you -will! I’ll be so good to you that you can’t help it. Nor do I mean to win -your heart only by what I shall do for you. For, Maida dearest, love -begets love, and you will find yourself slowly perhaps, but surely, -giving me your heart. And we will be so happy! Is it yes, my darling?” - -The girl stared at him, her big brown eyes full of agony. - -“You forget something,” she said, slowly. “I am a murderess!” - -“Hush! Don’t say that awful word! You are not—and even if you were, I’ll -prove you are not! Listen, Maida, if you’ll promise to marry me, I’ll -find the real murderer—not you or your father, but the real murderer. -I’ll get a signed confession—I’ll acquit you and your family of any -implication in the deed, and I’ll produce the criminal himself. Now, will -you say yes?” - -“You can’t do all that,” she said, speaking in an awestruck whisper, as -if he had proposed to perform a miracle. - -“I can—I swear it!” - -“Then, if you can do that, you ought to do it, anyway! In the interests -of right and justice, in common honesty and decency, you ought to tell -what you know!” - -“Maida, I am a man and I am in love with you. That explains much. I will -do all I have promised, to gain you as my bride—but not otherwise. As to -right and justice—you’ve confessed the crime, haven’t you?” - -“Yes.” - -“Do you confess it to me, now? Do you say to me that you killed Samuel -Appleby?” - -There was but a moment’s pause, and then Maida said, in a low tone: -“Yes—I confess it to you, Mr. Keefe.” - -“Then, do you see what I mean when I say I will produce the—murderer? Do -you see that I mean to save you from the consequences of your own rash -act—and prove you, to the world at large, innocent?” - -Keefe looked straight into Maida’s eyes, and her own fell in confusion. - -“Can you do it?” she asked, tremulously. - -“When I say I will do a thing, I’ve already proved to my own satisfaction -that I can do it. But, I’ll do it only at my own price. The price being -you—you dear, delicious thing! Oh, Maida, you’ve no idea what it means to -be loved as I love you! I’ll make you happy, my darling! I’ll make you -forget all this horrible episode; I’ll give you a fairyland life. You -shall be happier than you ever dreamed of.” - -“But—Jeffrey—oh, I can’t.” - -“Then—Miss Wheeler, you must take the consequences—all the consequences. -Can you do that?” - -“No,” Maida said, after an interval of silence. “I can’t. I am forced to -accept your offer, Mr. Keefe——” - -“You may not accept it with that address.” - -“Curtis, then. Curtis, I say, yes.” - - - - - CHAPTER XVI - MAIDA’S DECISION - - -“Maida, it cannot be. I shall never let you marry Mr. Keefe when I know -how you love Jeffrey.” Sara Wheeler spoke quietly, but her agonized face -and tear-filled eyes told of her deep distress. Though not demonstrative, -she loved her daughter, her only child, with an affection that was almost -idolatry, and she had been glad of the idea of Maida’s marriage to -Jeffrey, for she knew of his sterling worth, and she knew the depth and -sincerity of their attachment. - -“Don’t say you won’t let me, mother,” Maida spoke in a dull, sad tone—a -tone of calm despair. “It must be so. I’m not saying I love him—I’m not -saying much about it all—but I tell you solemnly—it must be. And you must -not raise a single word of objection—if you do, you will only make my -hard lot harder.” - -“But, dear, you must explain. I am your mother—I’ve always had your -confidence, and I ought to be told why you are doing this thing.” - -“That’s just the trouble, mother. I can’t tell you. And because of the -confidence that has always been between us, you must trust me and believe -that I am doing right—and doing the only possible thing. Oh, it is all -hard enough, without having to argue about it. Why, my will power may -give out! My soul strength may break down! Mother! don’t—don’t combat me! -Don’t tempt me aside from the only straight line of duty and of right!” - -“Child, you are not doing right! You cannot have a duty of which I know -nothing! Of which your father knows nothing! Maida, my little girl, what -is this thing that has warped your sense of right and wrong? Has Curtis -Keefe won your heart away from Jeffrey——” - -“No—oh, no! Never that! But it would be a wrong to Jeffrey for me to -marry him—it would be a wrong to—to all of us! By marrying Mr. Keefe I -can make everything right—and——” she suddenly assumed an air of cold, -stern determination. “Mother, my mind is made up. You cannot change it, -nor can you help me by trying. You only make it harder for me, and I beg -of you to stop. And then—you know, mother—I killed Mr. Appleby——” - -“Hush, Maida, you never did! I know you didn’t!” - -“But it was either I or father! You don’t believe he did, do you?” - -“God help me! I don’t know what to believe! But I tried to say I did -it—only I couldn’t carry it out—nor can you, dear.” - -“Nor can father, then. Oh, mother, I did do that shooting! I did! I did!” - -“Every assertion like that makes me more certain you didn’t,” and Mrs. -Wheeler fondly caressed the head that lay on her breast. Maida was not -hysterical, but so deeply troubled that she was nervously unstrung and -now gave way to torrents of tears, and then ceased crying and bravely -announced her plans. - -“Please, mother darling, don’t talk about that. Suppose I tell you that -even that matter will be all set right if I marry Curtis Keefe—and by no -other means. Even Mr. Stone can’t find any other suspect than us three -Wheelers. He doesn’t at all believe in the ‘bugler.’ Nobody does.” - -“I do.” - -“Only as a last chance to free father and me. Mother it’s an awful -situation. Worse, far worse than you know anything about. Won’t you trust -me to do what I know to be right—and when I tell you I must marry Mr. -Keefe, won’t you believe me? And not only believe me but help me. Help me -in every way you can—for God knows I need help.” - -“What can I do, darling,” asked Sara Wheeler, awed by the look of utter -hopelessness on Maida’s face. - -“Stand by me, mother. Urge father not to oppose this marriage. Help me to -tell Jeffrey—you tell him, can’t you, mother? I can’t—oh, I can’t!” - -Again Sara Wheeler broke out into protestations against this sacrifice of -her loved daughter, and again Maida had to reaffirm her decision, until, -both worn out, they separated, Sara promising to do just as Maida wished -in all things. - -And in fulfillment of this promise, Sara told young Allen. - -As she expected, he was stunned by the news, but where she had supposed -he would show anger or rage, he showed only a deep sympathy for Maida. - -“Poor little girl,” he said, the quick tears springing to his eyes; “what -dreadful thing can that man have held over her to force her to this? And -what is the best way for me to go about remedying the situation? You -know, Mrs. Wheeler, Maida wouldn’t talk like that unless she had arrived -at a very desperate crisis——” - -“If she killed Mr. Appleby——” - -“She never did! No power on earth can make me believe that! Why, when -Maida’s own confession doesn’t convince me, what else could? No; there’s -some deep mystery behind that murder. I mean something far deeper and -more mysterious than any of us yet realize. I think Mr. Stone is on track -of the solution, but he cannot have made much progress—or, if he has, he -hasn’t told of it yet. But, I’m not a detective—nor is any needed when -Mr. Stone is on the case, but I am out to protect and clear my Maida—my -darling. Poor child, how she is suffering! Where is she?” - -“Don’t go to her, Jeff. At least, not just now. She begged that you -wouldn’t——” - -“But I must—I’ve got to!” - -“No; for her sake—Jeffrey dear, for our Maida’s sake, leave her alone for -the present. She is so worried and anxious, so wrought up to the very -verge of collapse, that if you try to talk to her she will go all to -pieces.” - -“But that’s all wrong. I ought to soothe her, to comfort her—not make her -more troubled!” - -“You ought to, I know, but you wouldn’t. Oh, it isn’t your fault—it isn’t -that you don’t love her enough—not that she doesn’t love you enough—in -fact, that’s just the trouble. Try to see it, Jeff. Maida is in the -clutch of circumstances. I don’t know the facts, you don’t; but it is -true that the kindest thing we can do for her just now is to leave her -alone. She will do right——” - -“As she sees it, yes! But she sees wrong, I know she does! The child has -always been overconscientious—and I’m positive that whatever she is up -to, it’s something to save her father!” - -“Oh, Jeff—then you believe he is——” - -“Why, Mrs. Wheeler, don’t _you_ know whether your husband killed Mr. -Appleby or not?” - -“I don’t know! Heaven help me—how can I know? The two of them, shielding -each other——” - -“Wait a minute, if they are shielding each other—they’re both innocent!” - -“But it isn’t that way. Mr. Wheeler said to me, at first: ‘Of course, -either Maida or I did it. We both know which one did it, but if we don’t -tell, no one else can know.’” - -“I see that point; but I should think, knowing both so closely as you do, -you could discern the truth—and”—he gazed at her steadily—“you have.” - -“Yes—I have. Of course, as you say, in such intimacy as we three are, it -would be impossible for me not to know.” - -“And—it was Maida?” - -“Yes, Jeffrey.” - -“How are you certain?” - -“Her father saw her.” - -“Saw her shoot?” - -“Yes.” - -“Then, I’m glad you told me. I’m going to marry her at once, and have all -rights of her protection through the trial—if it comes to that. Nothing -else could have convinced me of her act! Poor, dear little Maida. I’ve -known her capability for sudden, impulsive action but—oh, well, if Mr. -Wheeler saw her—that’s all there is to be said. Now, dear Mrs. Wheeler, -you must let me go to my Maida!” - -“But, Jeffrey, I only told you that to persuade you to let her alone. Let -her have her own way. She says that to marry Curtis Keefe will save her -from prosecution—even from suspicion. She says he can free her from all -implication in the matter.” - -“By a fraud?” - -“I don’t know——” - -“I won’t have it! If Maida did that shooting she had ample excuse—motive, -rather. Not a man on a jury would convict her. And I’d rather she’d stand -trial and——” - -“Oh, no, Jeffrey, don’t talk like that! I’d consent to anything to save -that girl from a trial—oh, you can’t mean you want her tried!” - -“Rather than to see her married to any man but me, I’d——” - -“Wait, Jeff. We mustn’t be selfish. I’m her mother, and much as I’d hate -to see her marry Keefe, I’d far prefer it—for her sake, than——” - -“No! a thousand times, no! Why, I won’t give her up! Keefe is a fine -man—I’ve nothing against him—but she’s my Maida—my own little -sweetheart——” - -“And for that reason—for your own sake—you’re going to claim her?” - -“It isn’t only for my own sake”—Jeff spoke more humbly; “but I know—I -know how she loves me. To let her marry another would be to do her a -grievous wrong——” - -“Not if she wants to—look there!” - -Mrs. Wheeler pointed from the window, and they saw Maida walking across -the lawn in deep and earnest conversation with Curtis Keefe. He was tall -and handsome and the deferential air and courteous attitude all spoke in -his favor. Maida was apparently listening with interest to his talk, and -they went on slowly toward the old sycamore and sat down on the bench -beneath it. - -“Our trysting-place!” Jeffrey murmured, his eyes fastened on the pair. - -It did not require over-close observation to see that Maida was listening -willingly to Keefe. Nor was there room for doubt that he was saying -something that pleased her. She was brighter and more cheerful than she -had been for days. - -“You see,” said Sara Wheeler, sadly. “And he is a worth-while man. Mr. -Appleby thought very highly of him.” - -“I don’t!” said Allen, briefly, and unable to stand any more, he left the -room. - -He went straight to the two who were sitting under the big tree, and -spoke directly: - -“What does this mean, Maida? Your mother tells me you——” - -“Let me answer,” spoke up Keefe, gaily; “it means that Miss Wheeler has -promised to marry me. And we ask your congratulations.” - -“Are you not aware,” Jeff’s face was white but his voice was controlled -and steady, “that Miss Wheeler is my fiancée?” - -“Hardly that,” demurred Keefe. “I believe there was what is called an -understanding, but I’m assured it has never been announced. However, the -lady will speak for herself.” - -“Go away, Jeff,” Maida pleaded; “please, go away.” - -“Not until you tell me yourself, Maida, what you are doing. Why does Mr. -Keefe say these things?” - -“It is true.” Maida’s face was as white as Allen’s. “I am going to marry -Mr. Keefe. If you considered me bound to you, I—hereby break it off. -Please go away!” the last words were wrung from her in a choked, agonized -voice, as if she were at the end of her composure. - -“I’m going,” Allen said, and went off in a daze. - -He was convinced of one thing only. That Maida was in the power of -something or some person—some combination of circumstances that forced -her to this. He had no doubt she meant what she said; had no doubt she -would really marry Keefe—but he couldn’t think she had ceased to love -him—her own Jeffrey! If he thought that, he was ready to die! - -He walked along half blindly, thinking round in circles, always coming -back to the possibility—now practically a certainty—of Maida being the -murderer, and wondering how Keefe meant to save her from the clutches of -the law. He was perturbed—almost dazed, and as he went along unseeingly, -Genevieve Lane met him, turned and walked by his side. - -“What’s Curtie Keefe doing with your girl?” she asked, for the rolling -lawn was so free of trees, the pair beneath the sycamore could be plainly -seen. - -“I don’t know!” said Allen, honestly enough, as he looked in the -good-humored face of the stenographer. - -“I don’t want him making love to her,” Miss Lane went on, pouting a -little, “first, because she’s altogether too much of a belle anyway; and -second—because——” - -She paused, almost scared at the desperate gaze Allen gave her. - -“I hope you mean because you look upon him as your property,” he said, -but without smiling. - -“Now, just why do you hope that?” - -“Because in that case, surely you can get him back——” - -“Oh, what an aspersion on Miss Wheeler’s fascinations!” - -“Hush; I’m in no mood for chaffing. Are you and Keefe special friends?” - -Genevieve looked at him a moment, and then said, very frankly: “If we’re -not, it isn’t my fault. And—to tell you the bald truth, we would have -been, had not Miss Wheeler come between us.” - -“Are you sure of that?” - -“How rude you are! But, yes—I’m practically sure. Nobody can be sure till -they’re certain, you know.” - -“Don’t try to joke with me. Look here, Miss Lane, suppose you and I try -to work together for our respective ends.” - -“Meaning just what, Mr. Allen?” - -“Meaning that we try to separate Keefe and Maida—not just at this -moment—but seriously and permanently. You, because you want him, and I, -because I want her. Isn’t it logical?” - -“Yes; but if I could get him back, don’t you suppose I would?” - -“You don’t get the idea. You’re to work for me, and I for you.” - -“Oh—I try to make Maida give him up—and you——” - -“Yes; but we must have some pretty strong arguments. Now, have you any -idea why Maida has——” - -“Has picked him up with the tongs? I have a very decided idea! In fact, I -know.” - -“You do! Is it a secret?” - -“It is. Such a big secret, that if it leaked out, the whole universe, so -far as it affects the Wheeler family, would be turned topsy-turvy!” - -“Connected with the—the death of Mr. Appleby?” - -“Not with the murder—if that’s what you mean. But it was because of the -death of Mr. Appleby that the secret came to light.” - -“Can you tell me?” - -“I can—but do I want to?” - -“What would make you want to?” - -“Why—only if you could do what you sort of suggested—make Mr. Keefe -resume his attentions to poor little Genevieve and leave the lovely Maida -to you.” - -“But how can I do that?” - -“Dunno, I’m sure! Do you want me to tell you the secret, and then try to -get my own reward by my own efforts?” - -“Oh, I don’t know what I want! I’m nearly distracted. But”—he pulled -himself together—“I’m on the job! And I’m going to accomplish something—a -lot! Now, I’m not going to dicker with you. Size it up for yourself. -Don’t you believe that if you told me that secret—confidentially—except -as it can be used in the furtherance of right and happiness for all -concerned—don’t you believe that I might use it in a way that would -incidentally result in a better adjustment of the present Keefe-Wheeler -combination?” He nodded toward the two under the sycamore. - -“Maybe,” Genevieve said, slowly and thoughtfully, “I thought of telling -Mr. Stone—but——” - -“Tell me first, and let me advise you.” - -“I will; I have confidence in you, Mr. Allen, and, too, it may be a good -thing to keep the secret in the family. The truth is, then, that Mrs. -Wheeler is not legally the heir to this estate.” - -“She is, if she lives in Massachusetts, and the house is so built——” - -“Oh, fiddlesticks! I don’t mean that part of it. The estate is left with -the proviso that the inheritor shall live in Massachusetts—but, what I -mean is, that it isn’t left to Mrs. Wheeler at all. She thought it was, -of course—but there is another heir.” - -“Is there? I’ve often heard them speak of such a possibility but they -never could find a trace of one.” - -“I know it, and they’re so honest that if they knew of one they’d put up -no fight. I mean if they knew there is a real heir, and that Sara Wheeler -is not the right inheritor.” - -“Who is?” - -“Curtis Keefe!” - -“Oh, no! Miss Lane, are you sure?” - -“I am. I discovered it from Mr. Appleby’s private papers, since his -death.” - -“Does Keefe know it?” - -“Of course; but he doesn’t know I know it. Now, see here, Mr. Allen, get -this. Mr. Appleby knew it when he came down here. He—this is only my own -theory, but I’ll bet it’s the right one—he had discovered it lately; -Keefe didn’t know it. My theory is, that he came down here to hold that -knowledge as a club over the head of Mr. Wheeler to force him to do his, -Appleby’s, bidding in the campaign matters. Well, then—he was killed to -prevent the information going any farther.” - -“Killed by whom?” - -Genevieve shrugged her shoulders. “I can’t say. Any one of the three -Wheelers might have done it for that reason.” - -“No; you’re wrong. Neither Mr. nor Mrs. Wheeler would have. They’d give -up the place at once.” - -“Your mental reservation speaks for itself! That leaves Maida! Suppose -she knew it and the rest didn’t. Suppose, in order to keep the knowledge -from her parents——” - -“Don’t go on!” he begged. “I see it—maybe it was so. But—what next?” - -“Next—alas, Curt Keefe has fallen a victim to Maida’s smiles. That’s -what’s making more trouble than anything else. I’m positive he is arguing -that if she will marry him he will keep quiet about his being the heir. -Then, her parents can live here in peace for the rest of their lives.” - -“I begin to see.” - -“I knew you would. Now, knowing this, and being bound to secrecy -concerning it, except, as you agreed, if it can serve our ends, where do -we go from here?” - -Allen looked at her steadily. “Do you expect, Miss Lane, that I will -consent to keep this secret from the Wheelers?” - -“You’ll have to,” she returned, simply. “Maida knows it, therefore it’s -her secret now. If she doesn’t want her parents told—you can’t presume to -tell them!” - -Allen looked blank. “And you mean, she’d marry Keefe, to keep the secret -from her parents?” - -“Exactly that; and there’d be no harm in keeping the secret that way, for -if Curt Keefe were her husband, it wouldn’t matter whether he was the -rightful heir or not, if he didn’t choose to exercise or even make known -his rights.” - -“I see. And—as to the——” - -“The murder?” Genevieve helped him. “Well, I don’t know. If Maida did -it—and I can’t see any way out of that conclusion, Curt will do whatever -he can to get her off easily. Perhaps he can divert suspicion -elsewhere—you know he made up that bugler man, and has stuck to him—maybe -he can get a persons unknown verdict—or maybe, with money and influence, -he can hush the whole thing up—and, anyway—Maida would never be -convicted. Why, possibly, the threat of Mr. Appleby—if he did -threaten—could be called blackmail. Anyhow, if there’s a loophole, Curtis -Keefe will find it! He’s as smart as they make ’em. Now, you know the -probabilities—almost the inevitabilities, I might say, what are we going -to do about it?” - -“Something pretty desperate, I can tell you!” - -“Fine talk, but what’s the first step?” - -“Do you want to know what I think?” - -“I sure do.” - -“Then, I say, let’s take the whole story to Fleming Stone—and at once.” - - - - - CHAPTER XVII - MAIDA AND HER FATHER - - -Genevieve hesitated. Although she had thought of doing this herself, yet -she was not quite sure she wanted to. - -But Allen insisted. - -“Come with me or not, as you choose,” he said; “but I’m going to tell -Stone. A secret like that must be divulged—in the interests of law and -justice and——” - -“Justice to whom?” asked Genevieve. - -“Why, to all concerned.” Allen stopped to think. “To—to Keefe, for one,” -he concluded, a little lamely. - -“Yes, and to yourself for two!” Genevieve exclaimed. “You want the secret -to come out so Maida won’t marry Curt to keep it quiet! Own up, now.” - -Allen couldn’t deny this, but back of it was his instinctive desire for -justice all round, and he doggedly stuck to his determination of laying -the matter before Fleming Stone. - -Genevieve accompanied him, and together they sought Stone in his -sitting-room. - -Fibsy was there and the two were in deep consultation. - -“Come in,” Stone said, as his visitors appeared. “You have something to -tell me, I gather from your eager faces.” - -“We have,” Allen returned, and he began to tell his story. - -“Let me tell it,” Miss Lane interrupted him, impatiently. “You see, Mr. -Stone, Mr. Allen is in love with Miss Wheeler, and he can’t help coloring -things in her favor.” - -“And you’re in love with Mr. Keefe,” Stone said, but without a smile, -“and you can’t help coloring things in his favor.” - -The girl bridled a little, but was in no way embarrassed at the -assertion. - -“Take your choice, then,” she said, flippantly. “Who do you want to tell -you the secret we’re ready to give away?” - -“Both,” Fibsy spoke up. “I’ll bet it’s a worth-while yarn, and we’ll hear -both sides—if you please. Ladies first; pipe up, Miss Lane.” - -“The actual secret can be quickly told,” the girl said, speaking a little -shortly. “The truth is, that Mrs. Wheeler is not the legal heir to this -estate of Sycamore Ridge—but, Mr. Keefe is.” - -“Curtis Keefe!” Stone exclaimed, and Fibsy gave a sharp, explosive -whistle. - -“Yes,” said Genevieve, well pleased at the sensation her words had -produced. - -Not that her hearers made any further demonstration of surprise. Stone -fell into a brown study, and Fibsy got up and walked up and down the -room, his hands in his pockets, and whistling softly under his breath. - -“Well!” the boy said, finally, returning to his chair. “Well, F. Stone, -things is changed since gran’ma died! Hey?” - -“In many ways!” Stone assented. “You’re sure of this, of course?” he -asked Genevieve. “How do you know?” - -“Well, I learned it from Mr. Appleby’s papers——” - -“Private papers?” - -“Yes, of course. He didn’t have ’em framed and hanging on his wall. You -see, Mr. Keefe, being Mr. Appleby’s confidential secretary, had access to -all his papers after the old gentleman died.” - -“His son?” - -“Of course, young Sam is the heir, and owns everything, but he kept Curt -on, in the same position, and so, Curt—Mr. Keefe went over all the -papers. As stenographer and general assistant, I couldn’t very well help -knowing the contents of the papers and so I learned the truth, that Mr. -Keefe, who is of another branch of the family, is really the principal -heir to the estate that is now in Mrs. Wheeler’s possession. I can’t give -you all the actual details, but you can, of course, verify my -statements.” - -“Of course,” mused Stone. “And Mr. Keefe hasn’t announced this -himself—because——” - -“That’s it,” Genevieve nodded assent to his meaning glance. “Because he -wants to marry Maida, and if she’ll marry him, he’ll keep quiet about the -heirship. Or, rather, in that case, it won’t matter, as the elder -Wheelers can live here if it’s the property of their son-in-law. But, if -not, then when Mr. Keefe walks in—the Wheeler family must walk out. And -where would they go?” - -“I can take care of them,” declared Allen. “Maida is my promised wife; if -she consents to marry Keefe, it will be under compulsion. For she knew -this secret, and she dared not tell her people because it meant poverty -and homelessness for them. You know, Mr. Wheeler is incapable of -lucrative work, and Mrs. Wheeler, brought up to affluence and comfort, -can’t be expected to live in want. But I can take care of them—that is, I -could—if they could only live in Boston. My business is there, and we -could all live on my earnings if we could live together.” - -The boy—for young Allen seemed scarcely more than a boy—was really -thinking aloud as he voiced these plans and suggestions. But he shook his -head sadly as he realized that Daniel Wheeler couldn’t go to Boston, and -that a marriage between Keefe and Maida was the only way to preserve to -them their present home. - -“Some situation!” remarked Fibsy. “And the secret is no secret really, -for if Miss Wheeler doesn’t marry Mr. Keefe, he’ll tell it at once. And -if she does, the whole matter doesn’t matter at all! But I think she -will, for what else can she do?” - -Jeffrey Allen looked angrily at the boy, but Fibsy’s funny little face -showed such a serious interest that it was impossible to chide him. - -“I think she won’t!” Allen said, “but I’m not sure just yet how I’m going -to prevent it.” - -“You won’t have to,” said Stone; “Miss Wheeler will prevent it herself—or -I miss my guess!” He looked kindly at the young man, but received only a -half smile in return. - -“If we all do our share in the matter, perhaps we can arrange things,” -Genevieve said, speaking very seriously. “I’ve something to say, for I am -engaged to Curtis Keefe myself.” - -“Does he think you are?” Stone said, rather casually. - -Miss Lane had the grace to blush, through her rouge, but she declared: -“He doesn’t want to,” and added, “but he ought to. He has made love to -me, and he once asked me to marry him. But since then he has said he -didn’t mean it. I don’t suppose I’ve enough evidence for a breach of -promise suit, but—oh, well,” and she tossed her pretty head, “I’ve not -the least doubt that if Miss Wheeler were out of the question—say, safely -married to Mr. Allen, I’d have no trouble in whistling my Curtie back.” - -“I’ll bet you wouldn’t!” Fibsy looked at her admiringly. “If I were only -a few years older——” - -“Hush, Terence,” said Fleming Stone, “don’t talk nonsense.” - -Immediately Fibsy’s face became serious and he turned his attention away -from the fascinating Genevieve. - -“But all this is aside the question of the murderer, Mr. Stone,” said -Allen. “How are you progressing with that investigation?” - -“Better than I’ve disclosed as yet,” Stone returned, speaking slowly; -“recent developments have been helpful, and I hope to be ready soon to -give a report.” - -“You expect Mr. Appleby down?” - -“Yes; to-night or to-morrow. By that time I hope to be ready to make an -arrest.” - -“Maida!” cried Jeffrey, the word seeming wrung from him against his will. - -“Forgive me, if I do not reply,” said Stone, with an earnest glance at -the questioner. “But I’d like to talk to Miss Wheeler. Will you go for -her, Mr. Allen?” - -“I’d—I’d rather not—you see——” - -“Yes, I see,” said Stone, kindly. “You go, Fibs.” - -“I’ll go,” offered Genevieve, with the result that she and McGuire flew -out of the room at the same time. - -“All right, Beauteous One, we’ll both go,” Fibsy said, as they went along -the hall side by side. “Where is the lady?” - -“Donno; but we’ll find her. I say, Terence, come down on the veranda just -a minute, first.” - -Leading him to a far corner, where there was no danger of eavesdroppers, -Genevieve made another attempt to gain an ally for her own cause. - -“I say,” she began, “you have a lot of influence with your Mr. Stone, -don’t you?” - -“Oh, heaps!” and Fibsy’s sweeping gesture indicated a wide expanse of -imagination, at least. - -“No fooling; I know you have. Now, you use that influence for me and I’ll -do something for you.” - -“What’ll you do?” - -“I don’t know; nothing particular. But, I mean if, at any time I can help -you in any way—I’ve influence, too, with big men in the financial and -business world. I haven’t always worked for the Applebys, and wherever -I’ve been I’ve made friends that I can count on.” - -“Oh, you mean a tip on the stock market or something of that sort?” - -“Yes, or a position in a big, worth-while office. You’re not always going -to be a detective’s apprentice, are you?” - -“You bet I am! Watcha talking about? Me leave F. Stone! Not on your -fleeting existence! But, never mind that part of the argument, I’ll -remember your offer, and some day, when I have a million dollars to -invest, I’ll ask your advice where to lose it. But, now, you tell me what -you want.” - -“Only for you to hint to Mr. Stone that he’d better advise Miss Wheeler -not to marry Mr. Keefe.” - -“So’s you can have him.” - -“Never mind that. There are other reasons—truly there are.” - -“Well, then, my orders are to advise F. Stone to advise M. Wheeler not to -wed one C. Keefe.” - -“That’s just it. But don’t say it right out to him. Use tact, which I -know you have—though nobody’d guess it to look at you—and sort of argue -around, so he’ll see it’s wiser for her not to marry him——” - -“Why?” - -Miss Lane stamped her foot impatiently. “I’m not saying why. That’s -enough for me to know. You’ll get along better not knowing.” - -“Does he know she’s the—the——” - -“I don’t wonder you can’t say it! I can’t, either. Yes, he knows -she’s—it—but he’s so crazy about her, he doesn’t care. What is there in -that girl that gets all the men!” - -“It’s her sweetness,” said Fibsy, with a positive nod of his head, as if -he were simply stating an axiom. “Yep, Keefe is clean gone daffy over -her. I don’t blame him—though, of course my taste runs more to——” - -“Don’t you dare!” cried Genevieve, coquettishly. - -“To the rouged type,” Fibsy went on, placidly. “To my mind a complexion -dabbed on is far more attractive than nature’s tints.” - -Miss Lane burst into laughter and, far from offended, she said: - -“You’re a darling boy, and I’ll never forget you—even in my will; now, to -come back to our dear old brass tacks. Will you tip a gentle hint to the -great Stone?” - -“Oh, lord, yes—I’ll tip him a dozen—tactfully, too. Don’t worry as to my -discretion. But I don’t mind telling you I might as well tip the -Washington monument. You see, F. S. has made up his mind.” - -“As to the murderer?” - -“Yep.” - -“Who is it?” - -“Haven’t an idea—and if I had, I’d say I hadn’t. You see, I’m his -trusty.” - -“Oh, well, in any case, you can put in a word against Mr. Keefe, can’t -you?” - -But Genevieve had lost interest in her project. She realized if Mr. Stone -had accomplished his purpose and had solved the murder mystery he would -be apt to take small interest in the love affairs of herself or Maida -Wheeler, either. - -“He won’t think much of his cherished trusty, if you don’t do the errand -he sent you on,” she said, rather crossly. - -Fibsy gave her a reproachful glance. “This, from you!” he said, -dramatically. “Farewell, fair but false! I go to seek a fairer maiden, -and I know where to find her!” - -He went flying across the lawn, for he had caught a glimpse of Maida in -the garden. - -“Miss Wheeler,” he said, as he reached her, “will you please come now to -see Mr. Stone? He wants you.” - -“Certainly,” she replied, and turning, followed him. - -Genevieve joined them, and the three went to Stone’s rooms. - -“Miss Wheeler,” the detective said, without preamble, “I want you to tell -me a few things, please. You’ll excuse me if my questions seem rather -pointed, also, if they seem to be queries already answered. Did you kill -Mr. Appleby?” - -“Yes,” said Maida, speaking wearily, as if tired of making the assertion. - -“You know no one believes that statement?” - -“I can’t help that, Mr. Stone,” she said, with a listless manner. - -“That is, no one but one person—your father. He believes it.” - -“Father!” exclaimed the girl in evident amazement. - -“Yes; he believes you for the best of all possible reasons: He saw you -shoot.” - -“What, Mr. Stone? My father! Saw me shoot Mr. Appleby!” - -“Yes; he says so. That is not strange, when, as you say, you fired the -pistol from where you stood in the bay window, and Mr. Wheeler stood by -or near the victim.” - -“But—I don’t understand. You say, father says he _saw_ me?” - -“Yes, he told me that.” - -Maida was silent, but she was evidently thinking deeply and rapidly. - -“This is a trap of some sort, Mr. Stone,” she said at last. “My father -didn’t see me shoot—he couldn’t have seen me, and consequently he -couldn’t say he did! He wouldn’t lie about it!” - -“But he said, at one time, that he did the shooting himself. Was not that -an untruth?” - -“Of a quite different sort. He said that in a justifiable effort to save -me. But this other matter—for him to say he saw me shoot—when he -didn’t—he couldn’t——” - -“Why couldn’t he, Miss Wheeler? Why was it so impossible for your father -to see you commit that crime, when he was right there?” - -“Because—because—oh, Mr. Stone, I don’t know what to say! I feel sure I -mustn’t say anything, or I shall regret it.” - -“Would you like your father to come here and tell us about it?” - -“No;—or, yes. Oh, I don’t know. Jeffrey, help me!” - -Allen had sat silently brooding all through this conversation. He had not -looked at Maida, keeping his gaze turned out of the window. He was sorely -hurt at her attitude in the Keefe matter; he was puzzled at her speech -regarding her father; and he was utterly uncertain as to his own duty or -privilege in the whole affair. But at her appeal, he turned joyfully -toward her. - -“Oh, Maida,” he cried, “let me help you. Do get your father here, now, -and settle this question. Then, we’ll see what next.” - -“Call him, then,” said Maida, but she turned very white, and paid no -further attention to Allen. She was still lost in thought, when her -father arrived and joined the group. - -“You said, Mr. Wheeler,” Stone began at once, “that you saw your daughter -fire the shot that killed Mr. Appleby?” - -“I did say that,” Daniel Wheeler replied, “because it is true. And -because I am convinced that the truth will help us all better than any -further endeavor to prove a falsehood. I did see you, Maida darling, and -I tried very hard to take the blame myself. But it has been proved to me -by Mr. Stone that my pretence is useless, and so I’ve concluded that the -fact must come out, in hope of a better result than from concealment. Do -not fear, my darling, no harm shall come to you.” - -“And you said you did it, father, and mother said she did it.” - -“Yes, of course, I told your mother the truth, and we plotted—yes, -plotted for each of us to confess to the deed, in a wild hope of somehow -saving our little girl.” - -“And you saw me shoot, father?” - -“Why, yes, dear—that is, I heard the shot, and looked up to see you -standing there with consternation and guilt on your dear face. Your arm -had then dropped to your side, but your whole attitude was unmistakable. -I couldn’t shut my eyes to the evident fact that there was no one else -who could have done the deed.” - -“There must have been, father—for—I didn’t do it.” - -“I knew you didn’t! Oh, Maida!” With a bound Allen was at her side and -his arm went round her. But she moved away from him, and went on -talking—still in a strained, unnatural voice, but steadily and -straightforwardly. - -“No; I didn’t shoot Mr. Appleby. I’ve been saying so, to shield my -father. I thought he did it.” - -“Maida! Is it possible?” and Daniel Wheeler looked perplexed. “But, oh, -I’m so glad to hear your statement.” - -“But who did do it, then?” Miss Lane asked, bluntly. - -“Who cares, so long as it wasn’t any of the Wheelers!” exclaimed Jeffrey -Allen, unable to contain his gladness. “Oh, Maida——” - -But again she waved him away from her. - -“I don’t understand, Mr. Stone,” she began; “I don’t know where these -disclosures will lead. I hope, not back to my mother——” - -“No, Maida,” said her father, “there’s no fear of that.” - -Reassured, Maida went on. “Perhaps I can’t be believed now, after my -previous insistence on my guilt, but God knows it is the truth; I am -utterly innocent of the crime.” - -“I believe it,” said Fleming Stone. “There was little evidence against -you, except your own confession. Now you’ve retracted that it only -remains for me to find the real criminal.” - -“Can you,” cried Fibsy excitedly, “can you, F. Stone?” - -“Don’t you know which way to look, Terence?” - -“I do—and I don’t—” the boy murmured; “oh, lordy! I do—and—I don’t!” - -“But there’s another matter to be agreed upon,” said Maida, who had not -at all regained her normal poise or appearance. Her face was white and -her eyes blurred with tears. But she persisted in speech. - -“I want it understood that I am engaged to marry Mr. Keefe,” she said, -not looking at Jeffrey at all. “I announce my engagement, and I desire -him to be looked upon and considered as my future husband.” - -“Maida!” came simultaneously from the lips of her father and Allen. - -“Yes, that is positive and irrevocable. I have my own reasons for this, -and one of them is”—she paused—“one very important one is, that Mr. Keefe -knows who shot Mr. Appleby, and can produce the criminal and guarantee -his confession to the deed.” - -“Wow!” Fibsy remarked, explosively, and Fleming Stone stared at the girl. - -“He used this as an argument to persuade you to marry him, Miss Wheeler?” - -“I don’t put it that way, Mr. Stone, but I have Mr. Keefe’s assurance -that he will do as I told you, and also that he will arrange to have a -full and free pardon granted to my father for the old sentence he is -still suffering under.” - -“Well, Maida, I don’t wonder you consented,” said Miss Lane, her round -eyes wide with surprise. “And I suppose he’s going to renounce all claim -to this estate?” - -“Yes,” said Maida, calmly. - -“Anything else?” said Allen, unable to keep an ironic note out of his -voice. - -“Yes,” put in Fibsy, “he’s going to be governor of Massachusetts.” - -“Oh, my heavens and earth!” gasped Genevieve, “what rubbish!” - -“Rubbish, nothing!” Fibsy defended his statement. “You know he’s after -it.” - -“I felt sure he would, when Sam Appleby gave up the running—but—I didn’t -know he had taken any public steps.” - -“Never mind what Mr. Keefe is going to do, or not going to do,” said -Maida, in a tone of finality, “I expect to marry him—and soon.” - -“Well,” said Stone, in a business-like way, “I think our next one to -confer with must be Mr. Keefe.” - - - - - CHAPTER XVIII - A FINAL CONFESSION - - -Inquiry for Keefe brought the information that he had gone to a nearby -town, but would be back at dinner-time. - -Mr. Appleby was also expected to arrive for dinner, coming from home in -his motor car. - -But in the late afternoon a severe storm set in. The wind rose rapidly -and gained great velocity while the rain fell steadily and hard. Curtis -Keefe arrived, very wet indeed, though he had protecting clothing. But a -telephone message from Sam Appleby said that he was obliged to give up -all idea of reaching Sycamore Ridge that night. He had stopped at a -roadhouse, and owing to the gale he dared not venture forth again until -the storm was over. He would therefore not arrive until next day. - -“Lucky we got his word,” said Mr. Wheeler. “This storm will soon put many -telephone wires out of commission.” - -When Keefe came down at the dinner hour, he found Maida alone in the -living-room, evidently awaiting him. - -“My darling!” he exclaimed, going quickly to her side, “my own little -girl! Are you here to greet me?” - -“Yes,” she said, and suffered rather than welcomed his caressing hand on -her shoulder. “Curtis, I told them you would tell them who killed Mr. -Appleby.” - -“So I will, dearest, after dinner. Let’s not have unpleasant subjects -discussed at table. I’ve been to Rushfield and I’ve found out all the -particulars that I hadn’t already learned, and—I’ve got actual proofs! -Now, who’s a cleverer detective than the professionals?” - -“Then that’s all right. Now, are you sure you can also get father freed?” - -“I hope to, dear. That’s all I can say at present. Do you take me for a -magician? I assure you I’m only an ordinary citizen. But I——” - -“But you promised——” - -“Yes, my little love, I did, and I well know that you promised because I -did! Well, I fancy I shall keep every promise I made you, but not every -one as promptly as this exposure of the criminal.” - -“But you’ll surely fix it so father can go into Massachusetts—can go to -Boston?” - -“Well, rather! I expect—though you mustn’t say anything about it—but I’ve -an idea that you may yet be a governor’s wife! And it wouldn’t do then to -have your father barred from the state!” - -Maida sighed. The hopes Keefe held out were the realization of her -dearest wishes—but, oh, the price she must pay! Yet she was -strong-willed. She determined to give no thought whatever to Jeffrey, for -if she did she knew her purpose would falter. Nor did she even allow -herself the doubtful privilege of feeling sorry for him. Well she knew -that that way madness lay. And, thought the poor child, sad and -broken-hearted though Jeff may be, his sadness and heartbreak are no -worse than mine. Not so bad, for I have to take the initiative! I have to -take the brunt of the whole situation. - -The others assembled, and at dinner no word was said of the tragedy. Save -for Maida and Jeffrey Allen, the party was almost a merry one. - -Daniel Wheeler and his wife were so relieved at the disclosure of Maida’s -innocence that they felt they didn’t care much what happened next. Fibsy -flirted openly with Genevieve and Fleming Stone himself was quietly -entertaining. - -Later in the evening they gathered in the den and Keefe revealed his -discoveries. - -“I felt all along,” he said, “that there was—there must have been a man -on the south veranda who did the shooting. Didn’t you think that, Mr. -Stone?” - -“I did at times,” Stone replied, truthfully. “I confess, though my -opinion changed once or twice.” - -“And at the present moment?” insisted Keefe. - -“At the present moment, Mr. Keefe, your attitude tells me that you expect -to prove that there was such a factor in the case, so I would be foolish -indeed to say I doubted it. But, to speak definitely—yes, I do think -there was a man there, and he was the murderer. He shot through the -window, past Miss Wheeler, and most naturally, her father thought she -fired the shot herself. You see, it came from exactly her direction.” - -“Yes;” agreed Keefe, “and moreover, you remember, Rachel saw the man on -the veranda—and the cook also saw him——” - -“Yes—the cook saw him!” Fibsy put in, and though the words were innocent -enough, his tone indicated a hidden meaning. - -But beyond a careless glance, Keefe didn’t notice the interruption and -went on, earnestly: - -“Now, the man the servants saw was the murderer. And I have traced him, -found him, and—secured his signed confession.” - -With unconcealed pride in his achievement, Keefe took a folded paper from -his pocket and handed it to Daniel Wheeler. - -“Why the written confession? Where is the man?” asked Stone, his dark -eyes alight with interest. - -“Gee!” muttered Fibsy, under his breath, “going some!” - -Genevieve Lane stared, round-eyed and excited, while Allen and the -Wheelers breathlessly awaited developments. - -“John Mills!” exclaimed Mr. Wheeler, looking at the paper. “Oh, the -faithful old man! Listen, Stone. This is a signed confession of a man on -his death-bed——” - -“No longer that,” said Keefe, solemnly, “he died this afternoon.” - -“And signed this just before he died?” - -“Yes, Mr. Wheeler. In the hospital. The witnesses, as you see, are the -nurses there.” - -The paper merely stated that the undersigned was the slayer of Samuel -Appleby. That the deed was committed in order to free Daniel Wheeler from -wicked and unjust molestation and tyranny. The signature, though faintly -scrawled, was perfectly legible and duly witnessed. - -“He was an old servant of mine,” Wheeler said, thoughtfully, “and very -devoted to us all. He always resented Appleby’s attitude toward me—for -Mills was my butler when the trouble occurred, and knew all about it. He -has been an invalid for a year, but has been very ill only recently.” - -“Since the shooting, in fact,” said Keefe, significantly. - -“It must have been a hard task for one so weak,” Wheeler said, “but the -old fellow was a true friend to me all his life. Tell us more of the -circumstances, Mr. Keefe.” - -“I did it all by thinking,” said Keefe, his manner not at all superior, -nor did he look toward Fleming Stone, who was listening attentively. “I -felt sure there was some man from outside. And I thought first of some -enemy of Mr. Appleby’s. But later, I thought it might have been some -enemy of Mr. Wheeler’s and the shot was possibly meant for him.” - -Wheeler nodded at this. “I thought that, too,” he observed. - -“Well, then later, I began to think maybe it was some friend—not an -enemy. A friend, of course, of Mr. Wheeler’s. On this principle I -searched for a suspect. I inquired among the servants, being careful to -arouse no suspicion of my real intent. At last, I found this old Mills -had always been devoted to the whole family here. More than devoted, -indeed. He revered Mr. Wheeler and he fairly worshipped the ladies. He -has been ill a long time of a slow and incurable malady, and quite lately -was taken to the hospital. When I reached him I saw the poor chap had but -a very short time to live.” - -“And you suspected him of crime with no more evidence than that?” Fleming -Stone asked. - -“I daresay it was a sort of intuition, Mr. Stone,” Keefe returned, -smiling a little at the detective. “Oh, I don’t wonder you feel rather -miffed to have your thunder stolen by a mere business man—and I fear it’s -unprofessional for me to put the thing through without consulting you, -but I felt the case required careful handling—somewhat psychological -handling, indeed——” - -“Very much so,” Stone nodded. - -“And so,” Keefe was a little disconcerted by the detective’s demeanor, -but others set it down to a very natural chagrin on Stone’s part. - -Fibsy sat back in his chair, his bright eyes narrowed to mere slits and -darting from the face of Keefe to that of Stone continually. - -“And so,” Keefe went on, “I inquired from the servants and also, -cautiously from the members of the family, and I learned that this Mills -was of a fiery, even revengeful, nature——” - -“He was,” Mr. Wheeler nodded, emphatically. - -“Yes, sir. And I found out from Rachel that——” - -“Rachel!” Fibsy fairly shot out the word, but a look from Stone made him -say no more. - -“Yes, Rachel, the maid,” went on Keefe, “and I found that the man she saw -on the veranda was of the same general size and appearance as Mills. -Well, I somehow felt that it was Mills—and so I went to see him.” - -“At the hospital?” asked Wheeler. - -“Yes; some days ago. He was then very weak, and the nurses didn’t want me -to arouse him to any excitement. But I knew it was my duty——” - -“Of course,” put in Stone, and Keefe gave him a patronizing look. - -“So, against the wishes of the nurses and doctors, I had an interview -alone with Mills, and I found he was the criminal.” - -“He confessed?” asked Stone. - -“Yes; and though he refused to sign a written confession, he agreed he -would confess in the presence of Mr. Wheeler and Mr. Stone. But—that was -only this morning—and the doctor assured me the man couldn’t live the day -out. So I persuaded the dying man to sign this confession, which I drew -up and read to him in the presence of the nurses. He signed—they -witnessed—and there it is.” - -With evident modesty, Keefe pointed to the paper still in Wheeler’s -hands, and said no more. - -For a moment nobody spoke. The storm was at its height. The wind whistled -and roared, the rain fell noisily, and the elements seemed to be doing -their very worst. - -Genevieve shuddered—she always was sensitive to weather conditions, and -that wind was enough to disturb even equable nerves. - -“And this same Mills was the phantom bugler?” asked Stone. - -“Yes—he told me so,” returned Keefe. “He knew about the legend, you see, -and he thought he’d work on the superstition of the family to divert -attention from himself.” - -Genevieve gasped, but quickly suppressed all show of agitation. - -Fibsy whistled—just a few notes of the bugle call that the “phantom” had -played. - -At the sound Keefe turned quickly, a strange look on his face, and the -Wheelers, too, looked startled at the familiar strain. - -“Be quiet, Terence,” Stone said, rather severely, and the boy subsided. - -“Now, Mr. Keefe,” Fleming Stone said, “you must not think—as I fear you -do—that I grudge admiration for your success, or appreciation of your -cleverness. I do not. I tell you, very sincerely, that what you have -accomplished is as fine a piece of work as I have ever run across in my -whole career as detective. Your intuition was remarkable and your -following it up a masterpiece! By the way, I suppose that it was Mills, -then, who started the fire in the garage?” - -“Yes, it was,” said Keefe. “You see, he is a clever genius, in a sly way. -He reasoned that if a fire occurred, everybody would run to it except Mr. -Wheeler, who cannot go over the line. He hoped that, therefore, Mr. -Appleby would not go either—for Mr. Appleby suffered from flatfoot—at any -rate, he took a chance that the fire would give him opportunity to shoot -unnoticed. Which it did.” - -“It certainly did. Now, Mr. Keefe, did he tell you how he set that fire?” - -“No, he did not,” was the short reply. “Moreover, Mr. Stone, I resent -your mode of questioning. I’m not on the witness stand. I’ve solved a -mystery that baffled you, and though I understand your embarrassment at -the situation, yet it does not give you free rein to make what seem to me -like endeavors to trip me up!” - -“Trip you up!” Stone lifted his eyebrows. “What a strange expression to -use. As if I suspected you of faking his tale.” - -“It speaks for itself,” and Keefe glanced nonchalantly at the paper he -had brought. “There’s the signed confession—if you can prove that -signature a fake—go ahead.” - -“No,” said Daniel Wheeler, decidedly; “that’s John Mills’ autograph. I -know it perfectly. He wrote that himself. And a dying man is not going to -sign a lie. There’s no loophole of doubt, Mr. Stone. I think you must -admit Mr. Keefe’s entire success.” - -“I do admit Mr. Keefe’s entire success,” Stone’s dark eyes flashed, “up -to this point. From here on, I shall undertake to prove my own entire -success, since that is the phrase we are using. Mr. Wheeler, your present -cook was here when John Mills worked for you?” - -“She was, Mr. Stone, but you don’t need her corroboration of this -signature. I tell you I know it to be Mills’.” - -“Will you send for the cook, please?” - -Half unwillingly, Wheeler agreed, and Maida stepped out of the room and -summoned the cook. - -The woman came in, and Stone spoke to her at once. - -“Is that John Mills’ signature?” he asked, showing her the paper. - -“It is, sir,” she replied, looking at him in wonder. - -A satisfied smile played on Keefe’s face, only to be effaced at Stone’s -next question. - -“And was John Mills the person you saw—vaguely—on the south veranda that -night of Mr. Appleby’s murder?” - -“That he was not!” she cried, emphatically. “It was a man not a bit like -Mills, and be the same token, John Mills was in his bed onable to walk at -all, at all.” - -“That will do, Mr. Wheeler,” and Stone dismissed the cook with a glance. -“Now, Mr. Keefe?” - -“As if that woman’s story mattered,” Keefe sneered, contemptuously, “she -is merely mistaken, that’s all. The word of the maid, Rachel, is as good -as that of the cook——” - -“Oh, no, it isn’t!” Stone interrupted, but, paying no heed to him, Keefe -went on; “and you can scarcely doubt the signature after Mr. Wheeler and -your friend the cook have both verified it.” - -Though his demeanor was quiet, Keefe’s face wore a defiant expression and -his voice was a trifle blustering. - -“I do not doubt the signature,” Stone declared, “nor do I doubt that you -obtained it at the hospital exactly as you have described that incident.” - -Keefe’s face relaxed at that, and he recovered his jaunty manner, as he -said: “Then you admit I have beaten you at your own game, Mr. Stone?” - -“No, Mr. Keefe, but I have beaten you at yours.” - -A silence fell for a moment. There was something about Stone’s manner of -speaking that made for conviction in the minds of his hearers that he -said truth. - -“Wait a minute! Oh, wait a minute!” It was Genevieve Lane who cried out -the words, and then she sprang from her chair and ran to Keefe’s side. - -Flinging her arms about him, she whispered close to his ear. - -He listened, and then, with a scornful gesture he flung her off. - -“No!” he said to her; “no! a thousand times, no! Do your worst.” - -“I shall!” replied Genevieve, and without another word she resumed her -seat. - -“Yes,” went on Stone, this interruption being over, “your ingenious -‘success’ in the way of detecting is doomed to an ignominious end. You -see, sir,” he turned to Daniel Wheeler, “the clever ruse Mr. Keefe has -worked, is but a ruse—a stratagem, to deceive us all and to turn the just -suspicion of the criminal in an unjust direction.” - -“Explain, Mr. Stone,” said Wheeler, apparently not much impressed with -what he deemed a last attempt on the part of the detective to redeem his -reputation. - -“Yes, Mr. Stone,” said Keefe, “if my solution of this mystery is a ruse—a -stratagem—what have you to offer in its place? You admit the signed -confession?” - -“I admit the signature, but not the confession. John Mills signed that -paper, Mr. Keefe, but he is not the murderer.” - -“Who is, then?” - -“You are!” - -Keefe laughed and shrugged his shoulders, but at that moment there was -such a blast of wind and storm, accompanied by a fearful crash, that what -he said could not be heard. - -“Explain, please, Mr. Stone,” Wheeler said again, after a pause, but his -voice now showed more interest. - -“I will. The time has come for it. Mr. Wheeler, do you and Mr. Allen see -to it, that Mr. Keefe does not leave the room. Terence—keep your eyes -open.” - -Keefe still smiled, but his smile was a frozen one. His eyes began to -widen and his hands clenched themselves upon his knees. - -“Curtis Keefe killed Samuel Appleby,” Stone went on, speaking clearly but -rapidly. “His motive was an ambition to be governor of Massachusetts. He -thought that with the elder Appleby out of the way, his son would have -neither power nor inclination to make a campaign. There were other, minor -motives, but that was his primary one. That, and the fact that the elder -Appleby had a hold on Mr. Keefe, and of late had pressed it home -uncomfortably hard. The murder was long premeditated. The trip here -brought it about, because it offered a chance where others might -reasonably be suspected. Keefe was the man on the veranda, whom the cook -saw—but not clearly enough to distinguish his identity. Though she did -know it was not John Mills.” - -“But—Mr. Stone——” interrupted Wheeler, greatly perturbed, “think what -you’re saying! Have you evidence to prove your statements?” - -“I have, Mr. Wheeler, as you shall see. Let me tell my story and judge me -then. A first proof is—Terence, you may tell of the bugle.” - -“I went, at Mr. Stone’s orders,” the boy stated, simply, “to all the -shops or little stores in this vicinity where a bugle might have been -bought; I found one was bought in a very small shop in Rushfield and -bought by a man who corresponded to Mr. Keefe’s description, and who, -when he stopped at the shop, was in a motor car whose description and -occupants were the Appleby bunch. Well, anyway—Miss Lane here knows that -Mr. Keefe bought that bugle—don’t you?” He turned to Genevieve, who, -after a glance at Keefe, nodded affirmation. - -“And so,” Stone went on, “Mr. Keefe used that bugle——” - -“How did he get opportunity?” asked Wheeler. - -“I’ll tell you,” offered Genevieve. “We all staid over night in -Rushfield, and I heard Mr. Keefe go out of doors in the night. I watched -him from my window. He returned about three hours later.” - -It was clear to all listening, that when Genevieve had whispered to Keefe -and he had told her to do her worst, they were now hearing the “worst.” - -“So,” Stone narrated, “Mr. Keefe came over here and did the bugling as a -preliminary to his further schemes. You admit that, Mr. Keefe?” - -“I admit nothing. Tell your silly story as you please.” - -“I will. Then, the day of the murder, Mr. Keefe arranged for the fire in -the garage. He used the acids as the man Fulton described, and as Keefe’s -own coat was burned and his employer’s car he felt sure suspicion would -not turn toward him. When the fire broke out—which as it depended on the -action of those acids, he was waiting for, Keefe ran with Mr. Allen to -the garage. But—and this I have verified from Mr. Allen, Keefe -disappeared for a moment, and, later was again at Allen’s side. In that -moment—Mr. Wheeler, that psychological moment, Curtis Keefe shot and -killed Samuel Appleby.” - -“And Mills?” - -“Is part of the diabolically clever scheme. Mills was dying; he was -leaving a large family without means of support. He depended, and with -reason, on hope of your generosity, Mr. Wheeler, to his wife and -children. But Curtis Keefe went to him and told him that you were about -to be dispossessed of your home and fortune, and that if he would sign -the confession—knowing what it was—that he, Keefe, would settle a large -sum of money on Mrs. Mills and the children at once. And he did.” - -“You fiend! You devil incarnate!” cried Keefe, losing all control. “How -do you know that?” - -“I found it all out from Mrs. Mills,” Stone replied; “your accomplices -all betrayed you, Mr. Keefe. A criminal should beware of accomplices. -Rachel turned state’s evidence and told how you bribed her to make up -that story of the bugler—or rather, to relate parrot-like—the story you -taught to her.” - -“It’s all up,” said Keefe, flinging out his hands in despair. “You’ve -outwitted me at every point, Mr. Stone. I confess myself vanquished——” - -“And you confess yourself the murderer?” said Stone, quickly. - -“I do, but I ask one favor. May I take that paper a moment?” - -“Certainly,” said Stone, glancing at the worthless confession. - -Keefe stepped to the table desk, where the paper lay, but as he laid his -left hand upon it, with his right he quickly pulled open a drawer, -grasped the pistol that was in it, and saying, with a slight smile: “A -life for a life!” drew the trigger and fell to the floor. - -From the gruesome situation, its silence made worse by the noise of the -storm outside, Daniel Wheeler led his wife and daughter. Jeffrey Allen -followed quickly and sought his loved Maida. - -Reaction from the strain made her break down, and sobbing in his arms she -asked and received full forgiveness for her enforced desertion of him. - -“I couldn’t do anything else, Jeff,” she sobbed. “I had to say yes to him -for dad’s sake—and mother’s.” - -“Of course you did, darling; don’t think about it. Oh, Maida, look! The -wind has torn up the sycamore! Unrooted it, and it has fallen over——” - -“Over into Massachusetts!” Maida cried; “Jeffrey, think what that means!” - -“Why—why!——” Allen was speechless. - -“Yes; the sycamore has gone into Massachusetts—and father can go!” - -“Is that real, Maida—is it truly a permission?” - -“Of course it is! We’ve got Governor Appleby’s letter, saying so—written -when he was governor, you know! Jeffrey—I’m so happy! It makes me forget -that awful——” - -“Do forget it all you can, dearest,” and beneath her lover’s caresses, -Maida did forget, for the moment at least. - -“It’s the only inexplicable thing about it all, Fibs,” Fleming Stone -observed, after the case was among the annals of the past, “that the old -sycamore fell over and fell the right way.” - -“Mighty curious, F. Stone,” rejoined the boy, with an expressionless -face. - -“You didn’t help it along, did you? You know the injunction was, ‘without -intervention of human hands.’” - -“I didn’t intervent my hands, Mr. Stone,” said the boy, earnestly, -“honest I didn’t. But—it wasn’t nominated in the bond that I shouldn’t -kick around those old decaying roots with my foot—just so’s if it -_should_ take a notion to fall it would fall heading north!” - - - - - Transcriber’s Notes - - ---Copyright notice provided as in the original—this e-text is public - domain in the country of publication. - ---Provided an original cover image, for free and unrestricted use with - this Distributed Proofreaders-Canada eBook. - ---Silently corrected palpable typos; left non-standard spellings and - dialect unchanged. - - - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's The Mystery of the Sycamore, by Carolyn Wells - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MYSTERY OF THE SYCAMORE *** - -***** This file should be named 50209-0.txt or 50209-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/0/2/0/50209/ - -Produced by Mardi Desjardins, Stephen Hutcheson, and the -online Distributed Proofreaders Canada team at -http://www.pgdpcanada.net - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law 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. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for the eBooks, unless you receive -specific permission. If you do not charge anything for copies of this -eBook, complying with the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook -for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative works, reports, -performances and research. They may be modified and printed and given -away--you may do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks -not protected by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the -trademark license, especially commercial redistribution. - -START: FULL LICENSE - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license. - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the -person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph -1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the -Foundation" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg-tm License when -you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country outside the United States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work -on which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed: - - This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and - most other parts of the world 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. If you are not located in the - United States, you'll have to check the laws of the country where you - are located before using this ebook. - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format -other than "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original "Plain -Vanilla ASCII" or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg-tm License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -provided that - -* You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, "Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation." - -* You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg-tm - works. - -* You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - -* You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and The -Project Gutenberg Trademark LLC, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark. Contact the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg-tm collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg-tm work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at -www.gutenberg.org - - - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is in Fairbanks, Alaska, with the -mailing address: PO Box 750175, Fairbanks, AK 99775, but its -volunteers and employees are scattered throughout numerous -locations. Its business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, Salt -Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up to -date contact information can be found at the Foundation's web site and -official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact - -For additional contact information: - - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular -state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. - -Professor Michael S. 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 not protected by copyright 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. - diff --git a/old/50209-0.zip b/old/50209-0.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 97ea084..0000000 --- a/old/50209-0.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/50209-8.txt b/old/50209-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index e104bd8..0000000 --- a/old/50209-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,9030 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Mystery of the Sycamore, by Carolyn Wells - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world 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. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: The Mystery of the Sycamore - -Author: Carolyn Wells - -Release Date: October 14, 2015 [EBook #50209] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MYSTERY OF THE SYCAMORE *** - - - - -Produced by Mardi Desjardins, Stephen Hutcheson, and the -online Distributed Proofreaders Canada team at -http://www.pgdpcanada.net - - - - - - - - - - THE MYSTERY OF - THE SYCAMORE - - - By CAROLYN WELLS - - - Author of - _"The Vanishing of Betty Varian," "The Mystery Girl," "Anybody But - Anne," "The Come-Back," "The Curved Blades," "A Chain of Evidence," - "In the Onyx Lobby," "The Luminous Face," "Raspberry Jam," etc_. - - - A. L. BURT COMPANY - Publishers New York - - Published by arrangement with J. B. Lippincott Company - Printed in U. S. A. - - COPYRIGHT, 1920, BY STREET & SMITH CORPORATION, - UNDER TITLE OF "THE PARDON TREE" - COPYRIGHT, 1921, BY J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY - - - - - CONTENTS - - - CHAPTER PAGE - I. The Letter that Said Come 9 - II. North Door and South Door 28 - III. One Last Argument 47 - IV. The Big Sycamore Tree 65 - V. The Bugle Sounded Taps 83 - VI. The Other Heir 101 - VII. Inquiries 119 - VIII. Confession 137 - IX. Counter-Confessions 155 - X. The Phantom Bugler 173 - XI. Fleming Stone 191 - XII. The Garage Fire 209 - XIII. Sara Wheeler 227 - XIV. Rachel's Story 245 - XV. The Awful Truth 263 - XVI. Maida's Decision 281 - XVII. Maida and Her Father 299 - XVIII. A Final Confession 317 - - - - - THE MYSTERY OF - THE SYCAMORE - - - - - CHAPTER I - THE LETTER THAT SAID COME - - -As the character of a woman may be accurately deduced from her -handkerchief, so a man's mental status is evident from the way he opens -his mail. - -Curtis Keefe, engaged in this daily performance, slit the envelopes -neatly and laid the letters down in three piles. These divisions -represented matters known to be of no great interest; matters known to be -important; and, third, letters with contents as yet unknown and therefore -of problematical value. - -The first two piles were, as usual, dispatched quickly, and the real -attention of the secretary centred with pleasant anticipation on the -third lot. - -"Gee whiz, Genevieve!" - -As no further pearls of wisdom fell from the lips of the engrossed reader -of letters, the stenographer gave him a round-eyed glance and then -continued her work. - -Curtis Keefe was, of course, called Curt by his intimates, and while it -may be the obvious nickname was brought about by his short and concise -manner of speech, it is more probable that the abbreviation was largely -responsible for his habit of curtness. - -Anyway, Keefe had long cultivated a crisp, abrupt style of conversation. -That is, until he fell in with Samuel Appleby. That worthy ex-governor, -while in the act of engaging Keefe to be his confidential secretary, -observed: "They call you Curt, do they? Well, see to it that it is short -for courtesy." - -This was only one of several equally sound bits of advice from the same -source, and as Keefe had an eye single to the glory of self-advancement, -he kept all these things and pondered them in his heart. - -The result was that ten years of association with Lawyer Appleby had -greatly improved the young man's manner, and though still brief of -speech, his curtness had lost its unpleasantly sharp edge and his -courtesy had developed into a dignified urbanity, so that though still -Curt Keefe, it was in name only. - -"What's the pretty letter all about, Curtie?" asked the observant -stenographer, who had noticed his third reading of the short missive. - -"You'll probably answer it soon, and then you'll know," was the reply, as -Keefe restored the sheet to its envelope and took up the next letter. - -Genevieve Lane produced her vanity-case, and became absorbed in its -possibilities. - -"I wish I didn't have to work," she sighed; "I wish I was an opera -singer." - -"'Cromwell, I charge thee, fling away ambition,' murmured Keefe, his eyes -still scanning letters; 'by that sin fell the angels,' and it's true you -are angelic, Viva, so down you'll go, if you fall for ambition." - -"How you talk! Ambition is a good thing." - -"Only when tempered by common sense and perspicacity--neither of which -you possess to a marked degree." - -"Pooh! You're ambitious yourself, Curt." - -"With the before-mentioned qualifications. Look here, Viva, here's a line -for you to remember. I ran across it in a book. 'If you do only what is -absolutely correct and say only what is absolutely correct--you can do -anything you like.' How's that?" - -"I don't see any sense in it at all." - -"No? I told you you lacked common sense. Most women do." - -"Huh!" and Genevieve tossed her pretty head, patted her curly ear-muffs, -and proceeded with her work. - -Samuel Appleby's beautiful home graced the town of Stockfield, in the -western end of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Former Governor Appleby -was still a political power and a man of unquestioned force and -importance. - -It was fifteen years or more since he had held office, and now, a great -desire possessed him that his son should follow in his ways, and that his -beloved state should know another governor of the Appleby name. - -And young Sam was worthy of the people's choice. Himself a man of forty, -motherless from childhood, and brought up sensibly and well by his -father, he listened gravely to the paternal plans for the campaign. - -But there were other candidates, and not without some strong and definite -influences could the end be attained. - -Wherefore, Mr. Appleby was quite as much interested as his secretary in -the letter which was in the morning's mail. - -"Any word from Sycamore Ridge?" he asked, as he came into the big, -cheerful office and nodded a kindly good-morning to his two assistants. - -"Yes, and a good word," returned Keefe, smiling. "It says: 'Come.'" The -secretary's attitude toward his employer, though deferential and -respectful, was marked by a touch of good-fellowship--a not unnatural -outgrowth of a long term of confidential relations between them. Keefe -had made himself invaluable to Samuel Appleby and both men knew it. So, -as one had no desire to presume on the fact and the other no wish to -ignore it, serenity reigned in the well-ordered and well-appointed -offices of the ex-governor. - -Even the light-haired, light-hearted and light-headed Genevieve couldn't -disturb the even tenor of the routine. If she could have, she would have -been fired. - -Though not a handsome man, not even to be called distinguished looking, -Samuel Appleby gave an impression of power. His strong, lean face -betokened obdurate determination and implacable will. - -Its deep-graven lines were the result of meeting many obstacles and -surmounting most of them. And at sixty-two, the hale and hearty frame and -the alert, efficient manner made the man seem years younger. - -"You know the conditions on which Wheeler lives in that house?" Appleby -asked, as he looked over the top of the letter at Keefe. - -"No, sir." - -"Well, it's this way. But, no--I'll not give you the story now. We're -going down there--to-day." - -"The whole tribe?" asked Keefe, briefly. - -"Yes; all three of us. Be ready, Miss Lane, please, at three-thirty." - -"Yes, sir," said Genevieve, reaching for her vanity-box. - -"And now, Keefe, as to young Sam," Appleby went on, running his fingers -through his thick, iron-gray mane. "If he can put it over, or if I can -put it over for him, it will be only with the help of Dan Wheeler." - -"Is Wheeler willing to help?" - -"Probably not. He must be made willing. I can do it--I think--unless he -turns stubborn. I know Wheeler--if he turns stubborn--well, Balaam's -historic quadruped had nothing on him!" - -"Does Mr. Wheeler know Sam?" - -"No; and it wouldn't matter either way if he did. It's the platform -Wheeler stands on. If I can keep him in ignorance of that one plank----" - -"You can't." - -"I know it--confound it! He opposed my election on that one point--he'll -oppose Sam's for the same reason, I know." - -"Where do I come in?" - -"In a general way, I want your help. Wheeler's wife and daughter are -attractive, and you might manage to interest them and maybe sway their -sympathies toward Sam----" - -"But they'll stand by Mr. Wheeler?" - -"Probably--yes. However, use your head, and do all you can with it." - -"And where do I come in?" asked Genevieve, who had been an interested -listener. - -"You don't come in at all, Miss. You mostly stay out. You're to keep in -the background. I have to take you, for we're only staying one night at -Sycamore Ridge, and then going on to Boston, and I'll need you there." - -"Yes, sir," and the blue eyes turned from him and looked absorbedly into -a tiny mirror, as Genevieve contemplated her pleasant pink-and-whiteness. - -Her vanity and its accompanying box were matters of indifference to Mr. -Appleby and to Keefe, for the girl's efficiency and skill outweighed them -and her diligence and loyalty scored one hundred per cent. - -Appleby's fetish was efficiency. He had found it and recognized it in his -secretary and stenographer and he was willing to recompense it duly, even -generously. Wherefore the law business of Samuel Appleby, though carried -on for the benefit of a small number of clients, was of vast importance -and productive of lucrative returns. - -At present, the importance was overshadowed by the immediate interest of -a campaign, which, if successful would land the second Appleby in the -gubernatorial chair. This plan, as yet not a boom, was taking shape with -the neatness and dispatch that characterized the Appleby work. - -Young Sam was content to have the matter principally in his father's -hands, and things had reached a pitch where, to the senior mind, the -coperation of Daniel Wheeler was imperatively necessary. - -And, therefore, to Wheeler's house they must betake themselves. - -"What do you know about the Wheeler business, kid?" Keefe inquired, after -Mr. Appleby had left them. - -Genevieve leaned back in her chair, her dimpled chin moving up and down -with a pretty rhythm as she enjoyed her chewing-gum, and gazed at the -ceiling beams. - -Appleby's offices were in his own house, and the one given over to these -two was an attractive room, fine with mahogany and plate glass, but also -provided with all the paraphernalia of the most up-to-date of office -furniture. There were good pictures and draperies, and a wood fire added -to the cheer and mitigated the chill of the early fall weather. - -Sidling from her seat, Miss Lane moved over to a chair near the fire. - -"I'll take those letters when you're ready," she said. "Why, I don't know -a single thing about any Wheeler. Do you?" - -"Not definitely. He's a man who had an awful fight with Mr. Appleby, long -ago. I've heard allusions to him now and then, but I know no details." - -"I, either. But, it seems we're to go there. Only for a night, and then, -on to Boston! Won't I be glad to go!" - -"We'll only be there a few days. I'm more interested in this Wheeler -performance. I don't understand it. Who's Wheeler, anyhow?" - -"Dunno. If Sammy turns up this morning, he may enlighten us." - -Sammy did turn up, and not long after the conversation young Appleby -strolled into the office. - -Though still looked upon as a boy by his father, the man was of huge -proportions and of an important, slightly overbearing attitude. - -Somewhat like his parent in appearance, young Sam, as he was always -called, had more grace and ease, if less effect of power. He smiled -genially and impartially; he seemed cordial and friendly to all the -world, and he was a general favorite. Yet so far he had achieved no great -thing, had no claim to any especial record in public or private life. - -At forty, unmarried and unattached, his was a case of an able mentality -and a firm, reliable character, with no opportunity offered to prove its -worth. A little more initiative and he would have made opportunities for -himself; but a nature that took the line of least resistance, a -philosophy that believed in a calm acceptance of things as they came, -left Samuel Appleby, junior, pretty much where he was when he began. If -no man could say aught against him, equally surely no man could say -anything very definite for him. Yet many agreed that he was a man whose -powers would develop with acquired responsibilities, and already he had a -following. - -"Hello, little one," he greeted Genevieve, carelessly, as he sat down -near Keefe. "I say, old chap, you're going down to the Wheelers' to-day, -I hear." - -"Yes; this afternoon," and the secretary looked up inquiringly. - -"Well, I'll tell you what. You know the governor's going there to get -Wheeler's aid in my election boom, and I can tell you a way to help -things along, if you agree. See?" - -"Not yet, but go ahead." - -"Well, it's this way. Dan Wheeler's daughter is devoted to her father. -Not only filial respect and all that, but she just fairly idolizes the -old man. Now, he recips, of course, and what she says goes. So--I'm -asking you squarely--won't you put in a good word to Maida, that's the -girl--and if you do it with your inimitable dexterity and grace, she'll -fall for it." - -"You mean for me to praise you up to Miss Wheeler and ask her father to -give you the benefit of his influence?" - -"How clearly you do put things! That's exactly what I mean. It's no harm, -you know--merely the most innocent sort of electioneering----" - -"Rather!" laughed Keefe. "If all electioneering were as innocent as that, -the word would carry no unpleasant meaning." - -"Then you'll do it?" - -"Of course I will--if I get opportunity." - -"Oh, you'll have that. It's a big, rambling country house--a delightful -one, too--and there's tea in the hall, and tennis on the lawn, and -moonlight on the verandas----" - -"Hold up, Sam," Keefe warned him, "is the girl pretty?" - -"Haven't seen her for years, but probably, yes. But that's nothing to -you. You're working for me, you see." Appleby's glance was direct, and -Keefe understood. - -"Of course; I was only joking. I'll carry out your commission, if, as I -said, I get the chance. Tell me something of Mr. Wheeler." - -"Oh, he's a good old chap. Pathetic, rather. You see, he bumped up -against dad once, and got the worst of it." - -"How?" - -Sam Appleby hesitated a moment and then said: "I see you don't know the -story. But it's no secret, and you may as well be told. You listen, too, -Miss Lane, but there's no call to tattle." - -"I'll go home if you say so," Genevieve piped up, a little crisply. - -"No, sit still. Why, it was while dad was governor--about fifteen years -ago, I suppose. And Daniel Wheeler forged a paper--that is, he said he -didn't, but twelve other good and true peers of his said he did. Anyway, -he was convicted and sentenced, but father was a good friend of his, and -being governor, he pardoned Wheeler. But the pardon was on condition--oh, -I say--hasn't dad ever told you, Keefe?" - -"Never." - -"Then, maybe I'd better leave it for him to tell. If he wants you to know -he'll tell you, and if not, I mustn't." - -"Oh, goodness!" cried Genevieve. "What a way to do! Get us all excited -over a thrilling tale, and then chop it off short!" - -"Go on with it," said Keefe; but Appleby said, "No; I won't tell you the -condition of the pardon. But the two men haven't been friends since, and -won't be, unless the condition is removed. Of course, dad can't do it, -but the present governor can make the pardon complete, and would do so in -a minute, if dad asked him to. So, though he hasn't said so, the -assumption is, that father expects to trade a full pardon of Friend -Wheeler for his help in my campaign." - -"And a good plan," Keefe nodded his satisfaction. - -"But," Sam went on, "the trouble is that the very same points and -principles that made Wheeler oppose my father's election will make him -oppose mine. The party is the same, the platform is the same, and I can't -hope that the man Wheeler is not the same stubborn, adamant, unbreakable -old hickory knot he was the other time." - -"And so, you want me to soften him by persuading his daughter to line up -on our side?" - -"Just that, Keefe. And you can do it, I am sure." - -"I'll try, of course; but I doubt if even a favorite daughter could -influence the man you describe." - -"Let me help," broke in the irrepressible Genevieve. "I can do lots with -a girl. I can do more than Curt could. I'll chum up with her and----" - -"Now, Miss Lane, you keep out of this. I don't believe in mixing women -and politics." - -"But Miss Wheeler's a woman." - -"And I don't want her troubled with politics. Keefe here can persuade her -to coax her father just through her affections--I don't want her -enlightened as to any of the political details. And I can't think your -influence would work half as well as that of a man. Moreover, Keefe has -discernment, and if it isn't a good plan, after all, he'll know enough to -discard it--while you'd blunder ahead blindly, and queer the whole game!" - -"Oh, well," and bridling with offended pride, Genevieve sought refuge in -her little mirror. - -"Now, don't get huffy," and Sam smiled at her; "you'll probably find that -Miss Wheeler's complexion is finer than yours, anyway, and then you'll -hate her and won't want to speak to her at all." - -Miss Lane flashed an indignant glance and then proceeded to go on with -her work. - -"Hasn't Wheeler tried for a pardon all this time?" Keefe asked. - -"Indeed he has," Sam returned, "many times. But you see, though -successive governors were willing to grant it, father always managed to -prevent it. Dad can pull lots of wires, as you know, and since he doesn't -want Wheeler fully pardoned, why, he doesn't get fully pardoned." - -"And he lives under the stigma." - -"Lots of people don't know about the thing at all. He lives--well--he -lives in Connecticut--and--oh, of course, there is a certain stigma." - -"And your father will bring about his full pardon if he promises----" - -"Let up, Keefe; I've said I can't tell you that part--you'll get your -instructions in good time. And, look here, I don't mean for you to make -love to the girl. In fact, I'm told she has a suitor. But you're just to -give her a little song and dance about my suitability for the election, -and then adroitly persuade her to use her powers of persuasion with her -stubborn father. For he will be stubborn--I know it! And there's the -mother of the girl . . . tackle Mrs. Wheeler. Make her see that my father -was justified in the course he took--and besides, he was more or less -accountable to others--and use as an argument that years have dulled the -old feud and that bygones ought to be bygones and all that. - -"Try to make her see that a full pardon now will be as much, and in a way -more, to Wheeler's credit, than if it had been given him at first----" - -"I can't see that," and Keefe looked quizzical - -"Neither can I," Sam confessed, frankly, "but you can make a woman -swallow anything." - -"Depends on what sort of woman Mrs. Wheeler is," Keefe mused. - -"I know it. I haven't seen her for years, and as I remember, she's pretty -keen, but I'm banking on you to put over some of your clever work. Not -three men in Boston have your ingenuity, Keefe, when it comes to sizing -up a situation and knowing just how to handle it. Now, don't tell father -all I've said, for he doesn't especially hold with such small measures. -He's all for the one big slam game, and he may be right. But I'm right, -too, and you just go ahead." - -"All right," Keefe agreed. "I see what you mean, and I'll do all I can -that doesn't in any way interfere with your father's directions to me. -There's a possibility of turning the trick through the women folks, and -if I can do it, you may count on me." - -"Good! And as for you, Miss Lane, you keep in the background, and make as -little mischief as you can." - -"I'm not a mischief-maker," said the girl, pouting playfully, for she was -not at all afraid of Sam Appleby. - -"Your blue eyes and pink cheeks make mischief wherever you go," he -returned; "but don't try them on old Dan Wheeler. He's a morose old -chap----" - -"I should think he would be!" defended Genevieve; "living all these years -under a ban which may, after all, be undeserved! I've heard that he was -entirely innocent of the forgery!" - -"Have you, indeed?" Appleby's tone was unpleasantly sarcastic. "Other -people have also heard that--from the Wheeler family! Those better -informed believe the man guilty, and believe, too, that my father was too -lenient when he granted even a conditional pardon." - -"But just think--if he was innocent--how awful his life has been all -these years! You bet he'll accept the full pardon and give all his effort -and influence and any possible help in return." - -"Hear the child orate!" exclaimed Sam, gazing at the enthusiastic little -face, as Genevieve voiced her views. - -"I think he'll be ready to make the bargain, too," declared Keefe. "Your -father has a strong argument. I fancy Wheeler's jump at the chance." - -"Maybe--maybe so. But you don't know how opposed he is to our principles. -And he's a man of immovable convictions. In fact, he and dad are two -mighty strong forces. One or the other must win out--but I've no idea -which it will be." - -"How exciting!" Genevieve's eyes danced. "I'm so glad I'm to go. It's a -pretty place, you say?" - -"Wonderful. A great sweep of rolling country, a big, long, rambling sort -of house, and a splendid hospitality. You'll enjoy the experience, but -remember, I told you to be good." - -"I will remember," and Genevieve pretended to took cherubic. - - - - - CHAPTER II - NORTH DOOR AND SOUTH DOOR - - -For Samuel Appleby to pay a visit to Daniel Wheeler was of itself an -astounding occurrence. The two men had not seen each other since the day, -fifteen years ago, when Governor Appleby had pardoned the convicted -Wheeler, with a condition, which, though harsh, had been strictly adhered -to. - -They had never been friends at heart, for they were diametrically opposed -in their political views, and were not of similar tastes or pursuits. But -they had been thrown much together, and when the time came for Wheeler to -be tried for forgery, Appleby lent no assistance to the case. However, -through certain influences brought to bear, in connection with the fact -that Mrs. Wheeler was related to the Applebys, the governor pardoned the -condemned man, with a conditional pardon. - -Separated ever since, a few letters had passed between the two men, but -they resulted in no change of conditions. - -As the big car ran southward through the Berkshire Hills, Appleby's -thoughts were all on the coming meeting, and the scenery of autumn -foliage that provoked wild exclamations of delight from Genevieve and -assenting enthusiasm from Keefe left the other unmoved. - -An appreciative nod and grunt were all he vouchsafed to the girl's -gushing praises, and when at last they neared their destination he called -her attention to a tall old sycamore tree standing alone on a ridge not -far away. - -"That's the tree that gives the Wheeler place its name," he informed. -"Sycamore Ridge is one of the most beautiful places in Connecticut." - -"Oh, are we in Connecticut?" asked Miss Lane. "I didn't know we had -crossed the border. What a great old tree! Surely one of the historic -trees of New England, isn't it?" - -"Historic to the Wheelers," was the grim reply, and then Mr. Appleby -again relapsed into silence and spoke no further word until they reached -the Wheeler home. - -A finely curved sweep of driveway brought them to the house, and the car -stopped at the south entrance. - -The door did not swing open in welcome, and Mr. Appleby ordered his -chauffeur to ring the bell. - -This brought a servant in response, and the visiting trio entered the -house. - -It was long and low, with many rooms on either side of the wide hall that -went straight through from south to north. The first room to the right -was a large living-room, and into this the guests were shown and were met -by a grave-looking man, who neither smiled nor offered a hand as his calm -gaze rested on Samuel Appleby. - -Indeed, the two men stared at one another, in undisguised curiosity. Each -seemed to search the other's face for information as to his attitude and -intent. - -"Well, Dan," Appleby said, after the silent scrutiny, "you've changed -some, but you're the same good-looking chap you always were." - -Wheeler gave a start and pulled himself together. - -"Thank you. I suppose I should return the compliment." - -"But you can't conscientiously do it, eh?" Appleby laughed. "Never mind. -Personal vanity is not my besetting sin. This is my secretary, Mr. Keefe, -and my assistant, Miss Lane." - -"Ah, yes, yes. How are you? How do you do? My wife and daughter will look -after the young lady. Maida!" - -As if awaiting the call, a girl came quickly in from the hall followed by -an older woman. Introductions followed, and if there was an air of -constraint on the part of the host the ladies of the family showed none. -Sunny-faced Maida Wheeler, with her laughing brown eyes and gold brown -hair, greeted the visitors with charming cordiality, and her mother was -equally kind and courteous. - -Genevieve Lane's wise and appraising eyes missed no point of appearance -or behavior. - -"Perfect darlings, both of them!" she commented to herself. "Whatever -ails the old guy, it hasn't bitten them. Or else--wait a minute----" -Genevieve was very observant--"perhaps they're putting on a little. Is -their welcome a bit extra, to help things along?" - -Yet only a most meticulous critic could discern anything more than true -hospitality in the attitude of Mrs. Wheeler or Maida. The latter took -Genevieve to the room prepared for her and chatted away in girlish -fashion. - -"The place is so wonderful!" Genevieve exclaimed, carefully avoiding -personal talk. "Don't you just adore it?" - -"Oh, yes. I've loved Sycamore Ridge for nearly fifteen years." - -"Have you lived here so long?" Genevieve was alert for information. It -was fifteen years ago that the pardon had been granted. - -But as Maida merely assented and then changed the subject, Miss Lane was -far too canny to ask further questions. - -With a promptness not entirely due to chance, the stenographer came -downstairs dressed for dinner some several minutes before the appointed -hour. Assuming her right as a guest, she wandered about the rooms. - -The south door, by which they had entered, was evidently the main -entrance, but the opposite, or north door, gave on to an even more -beautiful view, and she stepped out on the wide veranda and gazed -admiringly about. The low ridge nearby formed the western horizon, and -the giant sycamore, its straight branches outlined against the fading -sunset, was impressive and a little weird. She strolled on, and turned -the corner the better to see the ridge. The veranda ran all round the -house, and as she went on along the western side, she suddenly became -aware of a silent figure leaning against a pillar at the southwest -corner. - -"It is so quiet it frightens me," she said to Daniel Wheeler, as she -neared him. - -"Do you feel that way, too?" he asked, looking at her a little absently. -"It is the lull before the storm." - -"Oh, that sunset doesn't mean rain," Genevieve exclaimed, smiling, -"unless your Connecticut blue laws interpret weather signs differently -from our Massachusetts prophets. We _are_ in Connecticut, aren't we?" - -"Yes," and Wheeler sighed unaccountably. "Yes, Miss Lane, we are. That -sycamore is the finest tree in the state." - -"I can well believe it. I never saw such a grandfather of a tree! It's -all full of little balls." - -"Yes, buttonballs, they are called. But note its wonderful symmetry, its -majestic appearance----" - -"And strength! It looks as if it would stand, there forever!" - -"Do you think so?" and the unmistakable note of disappointment in the -man's tone caused Genevieve to look up in astonishment. "Well, perhaps it -will," he added quickly. - -"Oh, no, of course it won't really! No tree stands forever. But it will -be here long after you and I are gone." - -"Are you an authority on trees?" Wheeler spoke without a smile. - -"Hardly that; but I was brought up in the country, and I know something -of them. Your daughter loves the country, too." - -"Oh, yes--we all do." - -The tone was courteous, but the whole air of the man was so melancholy, -his cheerfulness so palpably assumed, that Genevieve felt sorry for him, -as well as inordinately curious to know what was the matter. - -But her sympathy was the stronger impulse, and with a desire to entertain -him, she said, "Come for a few steps in the garden, Mr. Wheeler, won't -you? Come and show me that quaint little summer-house near the front -door. It is the front door, isn't it? It's hard to tell." - -"Yes, the north door _is_ the front door," Wheeler said slowly, as if -repeating a lesson. "The summer-house you mention is near the front door. -But we won't visit that now. Come this other way, and I'll show you a -Japanese tea-house, much more attractive." - -But Genevieve Lane was sometimes under the spell of the Imp of the -Perverse. - -"No, no," she begged, smilingly, "let the Japanese contraption wait; -please go to the little summer-house now. See, how it fairly twinkles in -the last gleams of the setting sun! What is the flower that rambles all -over it? Oh, do let's go there now! Come, please!" - -With no reason for her foolish insistence save a whim, Genevieve was -amazed to see the look of fury that came over her host's face. - -"Appleby put you up to that!" he cried, in a voice of intense anger. "He -told you to ask me to go to that place!" - -"Why, Mr. Wheeler," cried the girl, almost frightened, "Mr. Appleby did -nothing of the sort! Why should he! I'm not asking anything wrong, am I? -Why is it so dreadful to want to see an arbor instead of a tea-house? You -must be crazy!" - -When Miss Lane was excited, she was quite apt to lose her head, and speak -in thoughtless fashion. - -But Mr. Wheeler didn't seem to notice her informality of speech. He only -stared at her as if he couldn't quite make her out, and then he suddenly -seemed to lose interest in her or her wishes, and with a deep sigh, he -turned away, and fell into the same brooding posture as when she had -first approached him. - -"Come to dinner, people," called Maida's pretty voice, as, with -outstretched hands she came toward them. "Why, dads, what are you looking -miserable about? What have you done to him, Miss Lane?" - -"Maida, child, don't speak like that! Miss Lane has been most kindly -talking to me, of--of the beauties of Sycamore Ridge." - -"All right, then, and forgive me, Miss Lane. But you see, the sun rises -and sets for me in one Daniel Wheeler, Esquire, and any shadow on his -face makes me apprehensive of its cause." - -Only for an instant did Genevieve Lane's sense of justice rise in revolt, -then her common sense showed her the better way, and she smiled -pleasantly and returned: - -"I don't blame you, Miss Wheeler. If I had a father, I should feel just -the same way, I know. But don't do any gory-lock-shaking my way. I assure -you I didn't really scold him. I only kicked because he wouldn't humor my -whim for visiting the summer-house with the blossoms trailing over it! -Was that naughty of me?" - -But though Genevieve listened for the answer, none came. - -"Come on in to dinner, daddy, dear," Maida repeated. "Come, Miss Lane, -they're waiting for us." - -Dinner was a delightful occasion. - -Daniel Wheeler, at the head of his own table, was a charming host, and -his melancholy entirely disappeared as the talk ran along on subjects -grave or gay, but of no personal import. - -Appleby, too, was entertaining, and the two men, with Mrs. Wheeler, -carried on most of the conversation, the younger members of the party -being by what seemed common consent left out of it. - -Genevieve looked about the dining-room, with a pleased interest. She -dearly loved beautiful appointments and was really imagining herself -mistress of just such a house, and visioning herself at the head of such -a table. The long room stretched from north to south, parallel with the -hall, though not adjoining. The table was not in the centre, but toward -the southern end, and Mr. Wheeler, at the end near the windows, had Keefe -and Miss Lane on either side of him. - -Appleby, as guest of honor, sat at Mrs. Wheeler's right, and the whole -effect was that of a formal dinner party, rather than a group of which -two were merely office employs. - -"It is one of the few remaining warm evenings," said Mrs. Wheeler, as she -rose from the table, "we will have our coffee on the veranda. Soon it -will be too cool for that." - -"Which veranda?" asked Genevieve of Maida, as they went through the hall. -"The north one, I hope." - -"Your hopes must be dashed," laughed the other, "for it will be the south -one. Come along." - -The two girls, followed by Keefe, took possession of a group of chairs -near Mrs. Wheeler, while the two older men sat apart, and soon became -engrossed in their own discussions. - -Nor was it long before Samuel Appleby and his host withdrew to a room -which opened on to that same south veranda, and which was, in fact, Mr. -Wheeler's den. - -"Well, Sam," Keefe heard the other say, as he drew down the blind, "we -may as well have it out now. What are you here for?" - -Outwardly placid, but almost consumed with curiosity, Curt Keefe changed -his seat for one nearer the window of the den. He hoped to hear the -discussion going on inside, but was doomed to disappointment, for though -the murmuring of the voices was audible, the words were not distinct, and -Keefe gathered only enough information to be sure that there was a heated -argument in progress and that neither party to it was inclined to give in -a single point. - -Of course, he decided, the subject was the coming election campaign, but -the details of desired bargaining he could not gather. - -Moreover, often, just as he almost heard sentences of interest, the -chatter of the girls or some remark of Mrs. Wheeler's would drown the -voices of the men in the room. - -One time, indeed, he heard clearly: "When the Sycamore on the ridge goes -into Massachusetts----" but this was sheer nonsense, and he concluded he -must have misunderstood. - -Later, they all forgathered in the living-room and there was music and -general conversation. - -Genevieve Lane proved herself decidedly entertaining, and though Samuel -Appleby looked a little amusedly at his stenographer, he smiled kindly at -her as he noticed that she in no way overstepped the bounds of correct -demeanor. - -Genevieve was thinking of what Keefe had said to her: "If you do only -what is absolutely correct and say what is only absolutely correct, you -can do whatever you like." - -She had called it nonsense at the time, but she was beginning to see the -truth of it. She was careful that her every word and act should be -correct, and she was most decidedly doing as she liked. She made good -with Mrs. Wheeler and Maida with no trouble at all; but she felt, -vaguely, that Mr. Wheeler didn't like her. This she set about to remedy. - -Going to his side, as he chanced to sit for a moment alone, she smiled -ingratiatingly and said: - -"I wonder if you can imagine, sir, what it means to me to see the inside -of a house like this?" - -"Bless my soul, what do you mean?" asked Wheeler, puzzled at the girl's -manner. - -"It's like a glimpse of Fairyland," she went on. "You see, I'm terribly -ambitious--oh, fearfully so! And all my ambitions lead to just this sort -of a home. Do you suppose I'll ever achieve it, Mr. Wheeler?" - -Now the girl had truly wonderful magnetic charm, and even staid old Dan -Wheeler was not insensible to the note of longing in her voice, the -simple, honest admission of her hopes. - -"Of course you will, little one," he returned, kindly. "I've heard that -whatever one wants, one gets, provided the wish is strong enough." He -spoke directly to her, but his gaze wandered as if his thoughts were far -away. - -"Do you really believe that?" Genevieve's big blue eyes begged an -affirmation. - -"I didn't say I believed it--I said I have heard it." He smiled sadly. -"Not quite the same--so far as I'm concerned; but quite as assuring to -you. Of course, my belief wouldn't endorse the possibility." - -"It would for me," declared Genevieve. "I've lots of confidence in other -people's opinions----" - -"Anybody's?" - -"Anybody whom I respect and believe in." - -"Appleby, for instance?" - -"Oh, yes, indeed! I'd trust Mr. Appleby's opinions on any subject. Let's -go over there and tell him so." - -Samuel Appleby was sitting at the other end, the north end of the long -room. "No," said Wheeler, "I'm too comfortable here to move--ask him to -come here." - -Genevieve looked at him a little astonished. It was out of order, she -thought, for a host to speak thus. She pressed the point, saying there -was a picture at the other end of the room she wished to examine. - -"Run along, then," said Wheeler, coolly. "Here, Maida, show Miss Lane -that etching and tell her the interesting details about it." - -The girls went away, and soon after Keefe drifted round to Wheeler's -side. - -"You know young Sam Appleby?" he asked, casually. - -"No," Wheeler said, shortly but not sharply. "I daresay he's a most -estimable chap." - -"He's all of that. He's a true chip of the old block. Both good -gubernatorial timber, as I'm sure you agree." - -"What makes you so sure, Mr. Keefe?" - -Curt Keefe looked straight at him. "Well," he laughed, "I'm quite ready -to admit that the wish was father to the thought." - -"Why do you call that an admission?" - -"Oh," Keefe readily returned, "it is usually looked upon as a confession -that one has no reason for a thought other than a wish." - -"And why is it your wish?" - -"Because it is the wish of my employer," said Keefe, seriously. "I know -of no reason, Mr. Wheeler, why I shouldn't say that I hope and trust you -will use your influence to further the cause of young Appleby." - -"What makes you think I can do so?" - -"While I am not entirely in Mr. Appleby's confidence, he has told me that -the campaign would be greatly aided by your willingness to help, and so I -can't help hoping you will exercise it." - -"Appleby has told you so much, has he? No more?" - -"No more, I think, regarding yourself, sir. I know, naturally, the -details of the campaign so far as it is yet mapped out." - -"And you know why I do not want to lend my aid?" - -"I know you are not in accordance with the principles of the Appleby -politics----" - -"That I am not! Nor shall I ever be. Nor shall I ever pretend to be----" - -"Pretend? Of course not. But could you not be persuaded?" - -"By what means?" - -"I don't know, Mr. Wheeler," and Keefe looked at him frankly. "I truly -don't know by what means. But I do know that Mr. Appleby is here to -present to you an argument by which he hopes to persuade you to help -young Sam along--and I earnestly desire to add any word of mine that may -help influence your decision. That is why I want to tell you of the good -traits of Sam Appleby, junior. It may be I can give you a clearer light -on his character than his father could do----that is, I might present it -as the opinion of a friend----" - -"And not exaggerate his virtues as a father might do? I see. Well, Mr. -Keefe, I appreciate your attitude, but let me tell you this: whatever I -do or don't do regarding this coming campaign of young Appleby will be -entirely irrespective of the character or personality of that young man. -It will all depend on the senior Appleby's arrangements with me, and my -ability to change his views on some of the more important planks in his -platform. If he directed you to speak to me as you have done, you may -return that to him as my answer." - -"You, doubtless, said the same to him, sir?" - -"Of course I did. I make no secret of my position in this matter. Samuel -Appleby has a hold over me--I admit that--but it is not strong enough to -make me forget my ideas of right and wrong to the public. No influence of -a personal nature should weigh against any man's duty to the state, and I -will never agree to pretend to any dissimulation in order to bring about -a happier life for myself." - -"But need you subscribe to the objectionable points to use your influence -for young Sam?" - -"Tacitly, of course. And I do not choose even to appear to agree to -principles abhorrent to my sense of justice and honesty, thereby secretly -gaining something for myself." - -"Meaning your full pardon?" - -Wheeler turned a look of surprise on the speaker. - -"I thought you said you hadn't Appleby's full confidence," he said. - -"Nor have I. I do know--as do many men--that you were pardoned with a -condition, but the condition I do not know. It can't be very galling." -And Keefe looked about on the pleasant surroundings. - -"You think not? That's because you don't know the terms. And yet, galling -though they are, hateful though it makes my life, and the lives of my -wife and daughter, we would all rather bear it than to deviate one iota -from the path of strict right." - -"I must admire you for that, as must any honorable man. But are there not -degrees or shadings of right and wrong----" - -"Mr. Keefe, as an old man, I take the privilege of advising you for your -own good. All through your life I beg you remember this: Anyone who -admits degrees or shadings of right or wrong--is already wrong. Don't be -offended; you didn't claim those things, you merely asked the question. -But, remember what I said about it." - - - - - CHAPTER III - ONE LAST ARGUMENT - - -Adjoining the bedroom of Samuel Appleby at Sycamore Ridge was a small -sitting-room, also at his disposal. Here, later that same evening he sat -in confab with his two assistants. - -"We leave to-morrow afternoon," he said to Keefe and Miss Lane. "But -before that, we've much to do. So far, we've accomplished nothing. I am a -little discouraged but not disheartened. I still have a trump card to -play, but I don't want to use it unless absolutely necessary." - -"If you were inclined to take us further into your confidence, Mr. -Appleby," Keefe began, and the older man interrupted: - -"That's just what I propose to do. The time has come for it. Perhaps if -you both know the situation you may work more intelligently." - -"Sure we could!" exclaimed Genevieve. She was leaning forward in her -chair, clasping her knees, her pretty evening frock disclosing her -babyishly soft neck and arms; but without a trace of self-consciousness, -she thought only of the subject they were discussing. - -"There's something queer," she went on. "I can't see through it. Why does -Mr. Wheeler act so polite most of the time, and then do some outrageous -thing, like----" - -"Like what?" - -"Like refusing to cross the room--or--why, he declined point-blank to go -with me to the north arbor, yet was perfectly willing to take me to the -Japanese tea-house!" - -"That's just the point of the whole thing," said Appleby, seriously; -"here's the explanation in a nutshell. Years ago, Daniel Wheeler was -pardoned for a crime he had committed----" - -"He did commit it, then?" interrupted Keefe. - -"He was tried and convicted. He was sentenced. And I, being governor at -the time, pardoned him on the one condition, that he never again set foot -inside the boundaries of the State of Massachusetts." - -"Whee!" exclaimed Genevieve; "never go to Boston!" - -"Nor anywhere else in the state. But this is the complication: Mrs. -Wheeler, who is, by the way, a distant connection of my own family, -inherited a large fortune on condition that she live in Massachusetts. So -you see, the situation was peculiar. To keep her inheritance, Mrs. -Wheeler must live in Massachusetts. Yet Mr. Wheeler could not enter the -state without forfeiting his pardon." - -"What a mess!" cried Genevieve, but Keefe said: "You planned that -purposely, Mr. Appleby?" - -"Of course," was the straightforward reply. - -"Then I don't see how you can expect Mr. Wheeler's help in the campaign." - -"By offering him a complete pardon, of course." - -"But go on with the story," demanded Genevieve. "What did they do about -the Massachusetts business?" - -"As you see," returned Appleby, "this house is built on the state line -between Massachusetts and Connecticut. It is carefully planned and built, -and all the rooms or parts of rooms that Mr. Wheeler uses or enters are -on the Connecticut side, yet the house is more than half in -Massachusetts, which secures the estate to Mrs. Wheeler." - -"Well, I never!" Genevieve exclaimed. "So that's why he can't go to the -north arbor--it's in Massachusetts!" - -"Of course it is. Also, he never goes into the northern end of the -dining-room or the living-room." - -"Or hall." - -"Or hall. In fact, he merely is careful to keep on his own side of a -definitely drawn line, and therefore complies with the restrictions. His -den and his own bedroom and bath are all on the south side, while Mrs. -Wheeler has a sitting-room, boudoir, and so forth, on the north side. She -and Maida can go all over the house, but Mr. Wheeler is restricted. -However, they've lived that way so long, it has become second nature to -them, and nobody bothers much about it." - -"Do people know?" asked Keefe. "The neighbors, I mean." - -"Oh, yes; but, as I say, it makes little confusion. The trouble comes, as -Miss Lane suggested, when Wheeler wants to go to Boston or anywhere in -Massachusetts." - -"Yet that is a small thing, compared with his freedom," observed Keefe; -"I think he got off easy." - -"But with Wheeler it isn't so much the deprivation as the stigma. He -longs for a full pardon, and would do most anything to have it, but he -refuses to stand for Sam's election, even with that for a bribe." - -"You can't pardon him now that you aren't governor, can you, Mr. -Appleby?" asked Genevieve. - -"I can arrange to have it done. In fact, the present governor is ready -and even anxious to pardon him, but I hold the key to that situation, -myself. You two needn't know all the details, but now you know the -principal points, and I expect you to utilize them." - -"I'm willing enough," and Genevieve rocked back and forth thoughtfully, -"and I may think of a way--but, for the moment, I don't." - -"Get chummy with Maida," suggested Appleby. - -"Let me do that," Keefe interrupted. "Without undue conceit, I believe I -can influence the young lady, and I think Miss Lane, now that she knows -the truth, can jolly up Mr. Wheeler to good effect." - -"But, good gracious! What do you want to do?" and Genevieve giggled. "Say -I entice the old gentleman over the line--then his pardon is canceled and -he's a criminal--then you agree to ignore the lapse if he meets your -wishes--is that the idea?" - -Appleby smiled. "A little crude, Miss Lane. And beside, you couldn't get -him over the line. He's too accustomed to his limitations to be caught -napping, and not even your charms could decoy him over intentionally." - -"Think so? Probably you're right. Well, suppose I try to work through -Maida. If I could persuade Mr. Wheeler that she suffers from the stigma -of her father's incomplete pardon----" - -"Yes, that's it. This thing can't be accomplished by brutal threats, it -must be done by subtle suggestion and convincing hints." - -"That's my idea," agreed Keefe. "If I can talk straight goods to Miss -Wheeler and make her see how much better it would be for her father in -his latter years to be freed from all touch of the past disgrace, she -might coax him to listen to you." - -"That's right. Now, you know what you're here for; just do what you -can--but don't make a mess of things. I'd rather you did nothing than to -do some fool thing!" - -"Trust us!" Genevieve encouraged him, as she rose. "Me and Curt may not -put over a big deal, but we won't do anything silly." - -The two men smiled as the girl, with a pleasant good-night, went away to -her own room. - -"She's true blue," said Keefe. - -"Yes, she is," Appleby nodded. "All her frivolity is on the surface, like -her powder and paint. At heart, that child has only my interests. I quite -appreciate it." - -"I hope you think the same of me, Mr. Appleby." - -"I do, Keefe. More, I trust you with my most confidential matters. I'll -own I want this business here to come out in my favor. I can't push -Wheeler too hard--so I ask your help. But, as I hinted, I've one rod yet -in pickle. If necessary, I'll use it, but I'd rather not." - -"Of course I hope you won't have to, but, I'll admit I don't see much -chance of succeeding with the present outlook." - -"To-morrow morning will tell. If we can't work the thing through by noon, -say--I'll spring my last trap. Good-night, Keefe." - -"Good-night, Mr. Appleby." - -Without apparent coercion the morning hours brought about a cozy session -on the south veranda with Miss Lane and Daniel Wheeler in attendance, -while at the same time, Keefe and Maida wandered over the beautiful park -of the estate. - -Keefe had gently guided the conversation into confidential channels, and -when he ventured to sympathize with the girl in regard to her father's -deprivation he was surprised at her ready acceptance of it. - -"Oh, you know, don't you, Mr. Keefe!" she exclaimed. "But you don't know -all it means to me. You see"--she blushed but went steadily on--"you see, -I'm engaged to--to a man I adore. And----" - -"Don't tell me if you'd rather not," he murmured. - -"No, it's a relief to tell--and, somehow--you seem so wise and -strong----" - -"Go on then--please." - -The kind voice helped her and Maida resumed: "Well, Jeff--Mr. Allen, -lives in Boston, and so----" - -"So it would be very awkward if your father couldn't go there." - -"Not only that--but I've made a vow never to step foot into Massachusetts -until my father can do so, too. Nothing would induce me to break that -vow!" - -"Not even your lover?" said Keefe, astonished. - -"No; my father is more to me than any lover." - -"Then you don't truly love Mr. Allen." - -"Oh, yes, I do--I do! But father is my idol. I don't believe any girl -ever adored her father as I do. All my life I've had only the one -object--to make him forget--as far as possible, his trouble. Now, if I -were to marry and leave him--why, I simply couldn't do it!" - -"Can't Mr. Allen live in Connecticut?" - -"No; his business interests are all in Boston, and he can't be -transplanted. Oh, if father could only do what Mr. Appleby wants him to, -then we could all be happy." - -"Can't you persuade him?" - -"I've tried my best. Mother has tried, too. But, you see, it's a matter -of principle, and when principle is involved, we are all in the same -boat. Mother and I would scorn any wrongdoing quite as much as father -does." - -"And you'll give up your life happiness for a principle?" - -"Of course. Wouldn't you? Wouldn't every decent person? I couldn't live -at all, if I were knowingly doing wrong." - -"But your----" Keefe stopped abruptly. - -"I know what you were going to say," Maida spoke sadly; "you were going -to say my father did wrong. _I_ don't believe he did." - -"Don't you know?" - -"I know in my own heart. I know he is incapable of the crime he was -charged with. I'm sure he is shielding some one else, or else some one -did it of whom he has no knowledge. But my father commit a crime? Never!" - -"Do you care to tell me the details?" - -"I don't know why I shouldn't. It was long ago, you know, and dad was -accused of forgery. It was proved on him--or the jury thought it was--and -he was convicted----" - -"And sentenced?" - -"Yes; to a long prison term. But Governor Appleby pardoned him with that -mean old proviso, that he never should step into Massachusetts!" - -"Was your mother then the heir to the Massachusetts property?" - -"No; but Mr. Appleby knew she would be. So, when she did inherit, and had -to live in Massachusetts to hold the estate, Mr. Appleby thought he had -dad where he wanted him." - -"Were they foes?" - -"Politically, yes. Because dad did all he could to keep Mr. Appleby from -being governor." - -"But didn't succeed?" - -"No; but almost. So, then, Mr. Appleby did this pardon trick to get even -with father, and I think it turned out more serious than he anticipated. -For mother took up the feud, and she got lawyers and all that and -arranged to have the house built on the line between the states!" - -"Was the estate she inherited on both sides of the line?" - -"Oh, no; but it was near the southern border of Massachusetts, and she -bought enough adjoining land to make the arrangement possible." - -"Then the house isn't on the ground she inherited?" - -"Not quite, but the lawyers decided it so that she really complies with -the terms of the will, so it's all right." - -"Was your mother the only heir?" - -"So far as we can find out. I believe there was another branch of the -family, but we haven't been able to trace it, so as the years go by, we -feel more and more confident there's no other heir. Of course, should one -turn up, his claim would be recognized." - -Further talk quickly convinced Keefe that there was no hope of persuading -Maida Wheeler to influence or advise her father in any direction other -than his idea of right. No amount of urging or arguing would make Wheeler -see his duty other than he now saw it, or make Maida endeavor to change -his views. With a sigh over his failure, Keefe deftly turned the talk in -other channels, and then they strolled back to the house. - -As was to be expected, Genevieve had made no progress with her part of -the plan. Her talk with Mr. Wheeler had availed nothing. He was courteous -and kind; he was amused at her gay, merry little ways; he politely -answered her questions, both serious and flippant, but absolutely nothing -came of it all. - -Samuel Appleby had a short but straightforward conversation with Mrs. -Wheeler. - -"Now, Sara," he said, "remember I'm your old friend as well as your -relative." - -"I don't call you a relative," she returned, calmly. - -"A family connection, then; I don't care what you call it. And I'm going -to speak right out, for I know better than to try sophistries. If you can -get Dan to play my game regarding my son's campaign, I'll see that Dan -gets full pardon, and at once. Then Maida can marry young Allen and you -can all go to Boston to live." - -"Sam Appleby, I'd rather never see Boston again, never have Dan see it, -than to have him agree to endorse principles that he does not believe! -And Dan feels the same way about it." - -"But don't you consider your daughter? Will you condemn Maida to a -broken-hearted life----?" - -"Maida must decide for herself. I think Jeffrey Allen will yet persuade -her to leave her father. She is devoted to Dan, but she is deeply in love -with Jeff and it's only natural she should go with him. Any other girl -would do so without a second thought. Maida is unusual, but I doubt if -she can hold out much longer against her lover's pleading." - -"I think she will. Maida has your own unbreakable will." - -"So be it, then. The child must choose for herself. But it doesn't alter -the stand Dan and I have taken." - -"Nothing can alter that?" - -"Nothing, Samuel Appleby." - -"That remains to be seen. Have I your permission to talk to Maida, -alone?" - -"Certainly. Why not? If you can persuade her to marry Jeff, I'll be only -too glad. If you find her determined to stand by her father, then the -case remains as it is at present." - -And so, as Maida returned from her walk with Keefe, she was asked to go -for another stroll with Samuel Appleby. - -She assented, though with no show of pleasure at the prospect. - -But as they started off, she said: "I'm glad to have a talk with you, Mr. -Appleby. I want to appeal to your better nature." - -"Good! That's just what I want--to appeal to yours. Suppose you word your -appeal first." - -"Mine is simple to understand. It is only that having had your way and -having spoiled my father's life for fifteen years, I ask you, in the name -of humanity and justice, to arrange matters so that his latter years of -life shall be free from the curse you put upon him." - -"I didn't put it upon him--he brought it on himself." - -"He never committed that crime--and you know it!" - -"What do you mean by that?" Appleby gave her a startled glance. - -Had Maida seen this glance, she might have been enlightened. But her eyes -were cast down, and she went on: "I don't know it surely, but I am -positive in my own heart father never did it. However, that's past -history. All I ask now is his full pardon--which, I know, you can bring -about if you want to." - -"And I will, willingly and gladly, if your father will grant my request." - -"To put your son in as governor with the same political views that -prevented my father from voting for you! You know he can't do that!" - -"And yet you expect me to favor him!" - -"But don't you see the difference? Your pardon will mean everything to -father----" - -"And to you!" - -"Yes, but that's a secondary consideration. I'd ask this for father just -the same, if it meant disaster for me!" - -"I believe you would!" and Appleby gazed admiringly at the sweet, -forceful face, and the earnest eyes. - -"Of course I should! As I say, it means life's happiness to him." - -"And his consent means just as much to me." - -"No, it doesn't. That's just it. Even though father doesn't definitely -help you in your son's election, he will do nothing to hinder. And that's -much the same." - -"It's far from being the same. His positive and definite help is a very -different matter from his negative lack of interference. It's the help I -want. And I do want it! Do you suppose I'd come here and urge it--beg for -it--if I didn't think it absolutely necessary?" - -"No; I suppose not. But I know he never will grant it, so you may as well -give up hope." - -"You know that, do you, Maida?" Appleby's voice was almost wistful. - -"I most certainly do," and the girl nodded her head positively. - -"Then listen to me. I have one argument yet unused. I'm going to use it -now. And with you." - -Maida looked up in alarm. Appleby's face was stern, his tone betokened a -final, even desperate decision. - -"Oh, not with me," she cried; "I--I'm only a girl--I don't know about -these things--let's go where father is." - -"No; you are the one. In your hands must rest your father's fate--your -father's future. Sit here, beneath the old sycamore--you know about the -tree?" - -"Yes, of course." - -"Never mind that now; I've only a few moments, but that's time enough. -You know, Maida, how your mother holds this estate?" - -"Yes--she must live in Massachusetts. Well, we do. The lawyers said----" - -"That isn't the point; this is it. There is another heir." - -"We've always thought it possible." Maida spoke coolly, though a dull -fear clutched her heart. - -"It's more than a possibility, it's a fact. I know it--and I know the -heir." - -"Who is it?" - -"Never mind for the moment. Suffice it to say that he doesn't know it -himself--that no one knows it but me. Now, you and I know. No one else -does. Do you understand?" - -His keen gaze at her made her understand. - -"I----" she faltered. - -"You do understand," he asserted. "You sense my proposition before I make -it. And you have it right--you're a smart girl, Maida. Yes, I suggest -that you and I keep our secret, and that in return for my silence you -persuade your father to meet my wishes. Then, he shall be fully pardoned, -and all will be well." - -"You criminal! You dishonest and dishonorable man!" she cried, her eyes -blazing, her cheeks reddening with her righteous indignation. - -"There, there, my girl, have a care. You haven't thought it all out yet. -Doubtless you're going to say that neither your father nor mother want to -remain here, if my statement is true." - -"Of course I say that! They won't want to stay a minute! Who is the heir? -Tell me!" - -"And have you thought what it will mean to them to leave this place? Have -you realized that your father has no business interests nor can he find -any at his age? Do you remember that your mother has no funds outside the -estate she inherited? Do you want to plunge them into penury, into -pauperism, in their declining years?" - -"Yes--if honesty requires it----" but the sweet voice trembled at the -thought. - -"Honesty is a good thing--a fine policy--but you are a devoted daughter, -and I remind you that to tell this thing I have told you, means -disaster--ruin for you and your parents. Young Allen can't support -them--they are unaccustomed to deprivation--and," he lowered his voice, -"this heir I speak of has no knowledge of the truth. He misses nothing, -since he hopes for nothing." - -Maida looked at him helplessly. - -"I must think," she said, brokenly. "Oh, you are cruel, to put this -responsibility on me." - -"You know why I do it. I am not disinterested." - - - - - CHAPTER IV - THE BIG SYCAMORE TREE - - -At the south door the Appleby car stood waiting. - -Genevieve was saying good-bye to Maida, with the affection of an old -friend. - -"We're coming back, you know," she reminded, "in two or three days, and -please say you'll be glad to see me!" - -"Of course," Maida assented, but her lip trembled and her eyes showed -signs of ready tears. - -"Cheer up," Genevieve babbled on. "I'm your friend--whatever comes with -time!" - -"So am I," put in Curtis Keefe. "Good-bye for a few days, Miss Wheeler." - -How Maida did it, she scarcely knew herself, but she forced a smile, and -even when Samuel Appleby gave her a warning glance at parting she bravely -responded to his farewell words, and even gaily waved her hand as the car -rolled down the drive. - -Once out of earshot, Appleby broke out: - -"I played my trump card! No, you needn't ask me what I was, for I don't -propose to tell you. But it will take the trick, I'm sure. Why, it's got -to!" - -"It must be something pretty forcible, then," said Keefe, "for it looked -to me about as likely as snow in summertime, that any of those rigid -Puritans would ever give in an inch to your persuasions." - -"Or mine," added Genevieve. "Never before have I failed so utterly to -make any headway when I set out to be really persuasive." - -"You did your best, Miss Lane," and Appleby looked at her with the air of -one appraising the efficiency of a salesman. "I confess I didn't think -Wheeler would be quite such a hardshell--after all these years." - -"He's just like concrete," Keefe observed. "They all are. I didn't know -there were such conscientious people left in this wicked old world!" - -"They're not really in the world," Appleby declared. "They've merely -vegetated in that house of theirs, never going anywhere----" - -"Oh, come now, Mr. Appleby," and Genevieve shook her head, "Boston isn't -the only burg on the planet! They often go to New York, and that's going -some!" - -"Not really often--I asked Wheeler. He hasn't been for five or six years, -and though Maida goes occasionally, to visit friends, she soon runs back -home to her father." - -"It doesn't matter," Keefe said, "they're by no means mossbacks or -hayseeds. They're right there with the goods, when it comes to modern -literature or up-to-date news----" - -"Oh, yes, they're a highbrow bunch," Appleby spoke impatiently; "but a -recluse like that is no sort of a man! The truth is, I'm at the end of my -patience! I've got to put this thing over with less palaver and -circumlocution. I thought I'd give him a chance--just put the thing up to -him squarely once--and, as he doesn't see fit to meet me half-way, he's -got to be the loser, that's all." - -"He seems to be the loser, as it is." This from Keefe. - -"But nothing to what's coming to him! Why, the idea of my sparing him at -all is ridiculous! If he doesn't come down, he's got to be wiped out! -That's what it amounts to!" - -"Wiped out--how?" - -"Figuratively and literally! Mentally, morally and physically! That's -how! I've stood all I can--I've waited long enough--too long--and now I'm -going to play the game my own way! As I said, I played a trump card--I -raised one pretty definite ruction just before we left. Now, that may do -the business--and, it may not! If not, then desperate measures are -necessary--and will be used!" - -"Good gracious, Mr. Appleby!" Genevieve piped up from her fur collar -which nearly muffled her little face. "You sound positively murderous!" - -"Murder! Pooh, I'd kill Dan Wheeler in a minute, if that would help Sam! -But I don't want Wheeler dead--I want him alive--I want his help--his -influence--yet, when he sits there looking like a stone wall, and about -as easy to overthrow, I declare I _could_ kill him! But I don't intend -to. It's far more likely he'd kill me!" - -"Why?" exclaimed Keefe. "Why should he? And--but you're joking." - -"Not at all. Wheeler isn't of the murderer type, or I'd be taking my life -in my hands to go into his house! He hates me with all the strength of a -hard, bigoted, but strictly just nature. He thinks I was unjust in the -matter of his pardon, he thinks I was contemptible, and false to our -old-time friendship; and he would be honestly and truly glad if I were -dead. But--thank heaven--he's no murderer!" - -"Of course not!" cried Genevieve. "How you do talk! As if murder were an -everyday performance! Why, people in our class don't kill each other!" - -The placid assumption of equality of class with her employer was so -consistently Miss Lane's usual attitude, that it caused no mental comment -from either of her hearers. Her services were so valuable that any such -little idiosyncrasy was tolerated. - -"Of course we don't--often," agreed Appleby, "but I'd wager a good bit -that if Dan Wheeler could bump me off without his conscience knowing -it--off I'd go!" - -"I don't know about that," said Genevieve, musingly--"but I do believe -that girl would do it!" - -"What?" cried Keefe. "Maida!" - -"Yes; she's a lamb for looks, but she's got a lion's heart--if anybody -ever had one! Talk about a tigress protecting her cubs; it would be a -milk-and-water performance beside Maida Wheeler shielding her father--or -fighting for him--yes, or killing somebody for him!" - -"Rubbish!" laughed Appleby. "Maida might be willing enough, in that lion -heart of hers--but little girls don't go around killing people." - -"I know it, and I don't expect her to. But I only say she's capable of -it." - -"Goethe says--(Keefe spoke in his superior way)--'We are all capable of -crime, even the best of us.'" - -"I remember that phrase," mused Appleby. "Is it Goethe's? Well, I don't -say it's literally true, for lots of people are too much of a jellyfish -makeup to have such a capability. But I do believe there are lots of -strong, forcible people, who are absolutely capable of crime--if the -opportunity offers." - -"That's it," and Genevieve nodded her head wisely. "Opportunity is what -counts. I've read detective stories, and they prove it. Be careful, Mr. -Appleby, how you trust yourself alone with Mr. Wheeler." - -"That will do," he reprimanded. "I can take care of myself, Miss Lane." - -Genevieve always knew when she had gone too far, and, instead of sulking, -she tactfully changed the subject and entertained the others with her -amusing chatter, at which she was a success. - -At that very moment, Maida Wheeler, alone in her room, was sobbing -wildly, yet using every precaution that she shouldn't be heard. - -Thrown across her bed, her face buried in the pillows, she fairly shook -with the intensity of her grief. - -But, as often happens, after she had brought her crying spell to a -finish--and exhausted Nature insists on a finish--she rose and bathed her -flushed face and sat down to think it out calmly. - -Yet the more she thought the less calm she grew. - -For the first time in her life she was face to face with a great question -which she could not refer to her parents. Always she had confided in -them, and matters that seemed great to her, even though trifling in -themselves, were invariably settled and straightened out by her wise and -loving father or mother. - -But now, Samuel Appleby had told her a secret--a dreadful secret--that -she must not only weigh and decide about, but must--at least, until she -decided--keep from her parents. - -"For," Maida thought, "if I tell them, they'll at once insist on knowing -who the rightful heir is, they'll give over the place to him--and what -will become of us?" - -Her conscience was as active as ever it was, her sense of right and wrong -was in no way warped or blunted, but instinct told her that she must keep -this matter entirely to herself until she had come to her own conclusion. -Moreover, she realized, the conclusion must be her own--the decision must -be arrived at by herself, and unaided. - -Finally, accepting all this, she resolved to put the whole thing out of -her mind for the moment. Her parents were so intimately acquainted with -her every mood or shade of demeanor, they would see at once that -something was troubling her mind, unless she used the utmost care to -prevent it. Care, too, not to overdo her precaution. It would be quite as -evident that she was concealing something, if she were unusually gay or -carefree of manner. - -So the poor child went downstairs, determined to forget utterly the news -she had heard, until such time as she could be again by herself. - -And she succeeded. Though haunted by a vague sense of being deceitful, -she behaved so entirely as usual, that neither of her parents suspected -her of pretense. - -Moreover, the subject of Samuel Appleby's visit was such a fruitful -source of conversation that there was less chance of minor -considerations. - -"Never will I consent," her father was reiterating, as Maida entered the -room. "Why, Sara, I'd rather have the conditional pardon rescinded, -rather pay full penalty of my conviction, than stand for the things young -Sam's campaign must stand for!" - -A clenched fist came down on the table by way of emphasis. - -"Now, dad," said Maida, gaily, "don't thump around like that! You look as -if you'd like to thump Mr. Appleby!" - -"And I should! I wish I could bang into his head just how I feel about -it----" - -"Oh, he knows!" and Mrs. Wheeler smiled. "He knows perfectly how you -feel." - -"But, truly, mother, don't you think dad could--well, not do anything -wrong--but just give in to Mr. Appleby--for--for my sake?" - -"Maida--dear--that is our only stumbling-block. Your father and I would -not budge one step, for ourselves--but for you, and for Jeffrey--oh, my -dear little girl, that's what makes it so hard." - -"For us, then--father, can't you--for our sake----" - -Maida broke down. It wasn't for her sake she was pleading--nor for the -sake of her lover. It was for the sake of her parents--that they might -remain in comfort--and yet, comfort at the expense of honesty? Oh, the -problem was too great--she hadn't worked it out yet. - -"I can't think," her father's grave voice broke in on her tumultuous -thoughts. "I can't believe, Maida, that you would want my freedom at the -cost of my seared conscience." - -"No, oh, no, father, I don't--you know I don't. But what is this dreadful -thing you'd have to countenance if you linked up on the Appleby side? Are -they pirates--or rascals?" - -"Not from their own point of view," and Dan Wheeler smiled. "They think -we are! You can't understand politics, child, but you must know that a -man who is heart and soul in sympathy with the principles of his party -can't conscientiously cross over and work for the other side." - -"Yes, I know that, and I know that tells the whole story. But, father, -think what there is at stake. Your freedom--and--ours!" - -"I know that, Maida dear, and you can never know how my very soul is torn -as I try to persuade myself that for those reasons it would be right for -me to consent. Yet----" - -He passed his hand wearily across his brow, and then folding his arms on -the table he let his head sink down upon them. - -Maida flew to his side. "Father, dearest," she crooned over him, as she -caressed his bowed head, "don't think of it for a minute! You know I'd -give up anything--I'd give up Jeff--if it means one speck of good for -you." - -"I know it, dear child, but--run away, now, Maida, leave me to myself." - -Understanding, both Maida and her mother quietly left the room. - -"I'm sorry, girlie dear, that you have to be involved in these scenes," -Mrs. Wheeler said fondly, as the two went to the sitting-room. - -"Don't talk that way, mother. I'm part of the family, and I'm old enough -to have a share and a voice in all these matters. But just think what it -would mean, if father had his pardon! Look at this room, and think, he -has never been in it! Never has seen the pictures--the view from the -window, the general coziness of it all." - -"I know, dear, but that's an old story. Your father is accustomed to -living only in his own rooms----" - -"And not to be able to go to the other end of the dining-room or -living-room, if he chooses! It's outrageous!" - -"Yes, Maida, I quite agree--but no more outrageous than it was last -week--or last year." - -"Yes, it is! It grows more outrageous every minute! Mother, what did that -old will say? That you must live in Massachusetts?" - -"Yes--you know that, dear." - -"Of course I do. And if you lived elsewhere, what then?" - -"I forfeit the inheritance." - -"And what would become of it?" - -"In default of any other heirs, it would go to the State of -Massachusetts." - -"And there are no other heirs?" - -"What ails you, Maida? You know all this. No, there are no other heirs." - -"You're sure?" - -"As sure as we can be. Your father had every possible search made. There -were advertisements kept in the papers for years, and able lawyers did -all they could to find heirs if there were any. And, finding none, we -were advised that there were none, and we could rest in undisturbed -possession." - -"Suppose one should appear, what then?" - -"Then, little girl, we'd give him the keys of the house, and walk out." - -"Where would we walk to?" - -"I've no idea. In fact, I can't imagine where we could walk to. But that, -thank heaven, is not one of our troubles. Your father would indeed be -desperately fixed if it were! You know, Maida, from a fine capable -business man, he became a wreck, because of that unjust trial." - -"Father _never_ committed the forgery?" - -"Of course not, dear." - -"Who did?" - -"We don't know. It was cleverly done, and the crime was purposely -fastened on your father, because he was about to be made the rival -candidate of Mr. Appleby, for governor." - -"I know. And Mr. Appleby was at the bottom of it!" - -"Your father doesn't admit that----" - -"He must have been." - -"Hush, Maida. These matters are not for you to judge. You know your -father has done all he honestly could to be fully pardoned, or to -discover the real criminal, and as he hasn't succeeded, you must rest -content with the knowledge that there was no stone left unturned." - -"But, mother, suppose Mr. Appleby has something more up his sleeve. -Suppose he comes down on dad with some unexpected, some unforeseen blow -that----" - -"Maida, be quiet. Don't make me sorry that we have let you into our -confidence as far as we have. These are matters above your head. Should -such a thing as you hint occur, your father can deal with it." - -"But I want to help----" - -"And you can best do that by not trying to help! Your part is to divert -your father, to love him and cheer him and entertain him. You know this, -and you know for you to undertake to advise or suggest is not only -ridiculous but disastrous." - -"All right, mother, I'll be good. I don't mean to be silly." - -"You are, when you assume ability you don't possess." Mrs. Wheeler's -loving smile robbed the words of any harsh effect. "Run along now, and -see if dad won't go for a walk with you; and don't refer to anything -unpleasant." - -Maida went, and found Wheeler quite ready for a stroll - -"Which way?" he asked as they crossed the south veranda. - -"Round the park, and bring up under the tree, and have tea there," -dictated Maida, her heart already lighter as she obeyed her mother's -dictum to avoid unpleasant subjects. - -But as they walked on, and trivial talk seemed to pall, they naturally -reverted to the discussion of their recent guests. - -"Mr. Appleby is an old curmudgeon," Maida declared; "Mr. Keefe is nice -and well-behaved; but the little Lane girl is a scream! I never saw any -one so funny. Now she was quite a grand lady, and then she was a common -little piece! But underneath it all she showed a lot of good sense and -I'm sure in her work she has real ability." - -"Appleby wouldn't keep her if she didn't have," her father rejoined; "but -why do you call him a curmudgeon? He's very well-mannered." - -"Oh, yes, he is. And to tell the truth, I'm not sure just what a -curmudgeon is. But--he's it, anyway." - -"I gather you don't especially admire my old friend." - -"Friend! If he's a friend--give me enemies!" - -"Fie, fie, Maida, what do you mean? Remember, he gave me my pardon." - -"Yes, a high old pardon! Say, dad, tell me again exactly how he worded -that letter about the tree." - -"I've told you a dozen times! He didn't mean anything anyhow. He only -said, that when the big sycamore tree went into Massachusetts I could -go." - -"What a crazy thing to say, wasn't it?" - -"It was because we had been talking about the play of _Macbeth_. You -remember, 'Till Birnam Wood shall come to Dunsinane." - -"Oh, yes, and then it did come--by a trick." - -"Yes, the men came, carrying branches. We'd been talking about it, -discussing some point, and then--it seemed clever, I suppose--to Appleby, -and he wrote that about the sycamore." - -"Meaning--never?" - -"Meaning never." - -"But Birnam Wood did go." - -"Only by a trick, and that would not work in this case. Why, are you -thinking of carrying a branch of sycamore into Massachusetts?" - -Maida returned his smile as she answered: "I'd manage to carry the whole -tree in, if it would do any good! But, I s'pose, old Puritan Father, -you're too conscientious to take advantage of a trick?" - -"Can't say, till I know the details of the game. But I doubt Appleby's -being unable to see through your trick, and then--where are you?" - -"That wouldn't matter. Trick or no trick, if the big sycamore went into -Massachusetts, you could go. But I don't see any good plan for getting it -in. And, too, Sycamore Ridge wouldn't be Sycamore Ridge without it. Don't -you love the old tree, dad?" - -"Of course, as I love every stick and stone about the place. It has been -a real haven to me in my perturbed life." - -"Suppose you had to leave it, daddy?" - -"I think I'd die, dear. Unless, that is, we could go back home." - -"Isn't this home?" - -"It's the dearest spot on earth--outside my native state." - -"There, there, dad, don't let's talk about it. We're here for keeps----" - -"Heaven send we are, dearest! I couldn't face the loss of this place. -What made you think of such a thing?" - -"Oh, I'm thinking of all sorts of things to-day. But, father, while we're -talking of moving--couldn't you--oh, couldn't you, bring yourself, -somehow, to do what Mr. Appleby wants you to do? I don't know much about -it--but father, darling, if you _only could_!" - -"Maida, my little girl, don't think I haven't tried. Don't think I don't -realize what it means to you and Jeff. I know--oh, I _do_ know how it -would simplify matters if I should go over to the Appleby side--and push -Sam's campaign--as I could do it. I know that it would mean my full -pardon, my return to my old home, my reunion with old scenes and -associations. And more than that, it would mean the happiness of my only -child--my daughter--and her chosen husband. And yet, Maida, as God is my -judge, I am honest in my assertion that I _can't_ so betray my honor and -spend my remaining years a living lie. I can't do it, Maida--I _can't_." - -And the calm, sorrowful countenance he turned to the girl was more -positive and final than any further protestation could have been. - - - - - CHAPTER V - THE BUGLE SOUNDED TAPS - - -Although the portions of the house and grounds that were used by Wheeler -included the most attractive spots, yet there were many forbidden places -that were a real temptation to him. - -An especial one was the flower-covered arbor that had so charmed -Genevieve and another was the broad and beautiful north veranda. To be -sure, the south piazza was equally attractive, but it was galling to be -compelled to avoid any part of his own domain. However, the passing years -had made the conditions a matter of habit and it was only occasionally -that Wheeler's annoyance was poignant. - -In fact, he and his wife bore the cross better than did Maida. She had -never become reconciled to the unjust and arbitrary dictum of the -conditional pardon. She lived in a constant fear lest her father should -some day inadvertently and unintentionally step on the forbidden ground, -and it should be reported. Indeed, knowing her father's quixotic honesty, -she was by no means sure he wouldn't report it himself. - -It had never occurred--probably never would occur, and yet, she often -imagined some sudden emergency, such as a fire, or burglars, that might -cause his impulsive invasion of the other side of the house. - -In her anxiety she had spoken of this to Samuel Appleby when he was -there. But he gave her no satisfaction. He merely replied: "A condition -is a condition." - -Curtis Keefe had tried to help her cause, by saying: "Surely a case of -danger would prove an exception to the rule," but Appleby had only shaken -his head in denial. - -Though care had been taken to have the larger part of the house on the -Massachusetts side of the line, yet the rooms most used by the family -were in Connecticut. Here was Mr. Wheeler's den, and this had come to be -the most used room in the whole house. Mrs. Wheeler's sitting-room, which -her husband never had entered, was also attractive, but both mother and -daughter invaded the den, whenever leisure hours were to be enjoyed. - -The den contained a large south bay window, which was Maida's favorite -spot. It had a broad, comfortable window-seat, and here she spent much of -her time, curled up among the cushions, reading. There were long -curtains, which, half-drawn, hid her from view, and often she was there -for hours, without her father's knowing it. - -His own work was engrossing. Cut off from his established law business in -Massachusetts, he had at first felt unable to start it anew in different -surroundings. Then, owing to his wife's large fortune, it was decided -that he should give up all business for a time. And as the time went on, -and there was no real necessity for an added income, Wheeler had indulged -in his hobby of book collecting, and had amassed a library of unique -charm as well as goodly intrinsic value. - -Moreover, it kept him interested and occupied, and prevented his becoming -morose or melancholy over his restricted life. - -So, many long days he worked away at his books, and Maida, hidden in the -window-seat, watched him lovingly in the intervals of her reading. - -Sitting there, the morning after Samuel Appleby's departure, she read not -at all, although a book lay open on her lap. She was trying to decide a -big matter, trying to solve a vexed question. - -Maida's was a straightforward nature. She never deceived herself. If she -did anything against her better judgment, even against her conscience, it -was with open eyes and understanding mind. She used no sophistry, no -pretence, and if she acted mistakenly she was always satisfied to abide -by the consequences. - -And now, she set about her problem, systematically and methodically, -determined to decide upon her course, and then strictly follow it. - -She glanced at her father, absorbed in his book catalogues and indexes, -and a great wave of love and devotion filled her heart. Surely no -sacrifice was too great that would bring peace or pleasure to that -martyred spirit. - -That he was a martyr, Maida was as sure as she was that she was alive. -She knew him too well to believe for an instant that he had committed a -criminal act; it was an impossibility for one of his character. But that -she could do nothing about. The question had been raised and settled when -she was too young to know anything about it, and now, her simple duty was -to do anything she might to ease his burden and to help him to forget. - -"And," she said to herself, "first of all, he must stay in this home. He -positively _must_--and that's all there is about that. Now, if he -knows--if he has the least hint that there is another heir, he'll get out -at once--or at least, he'll move heaven and earth to find the heir, and -then we'll have to move. And where to? That's an unanswerable question. -Anyway, I've only one sure conviction. I've got to keep from him all -knowledge or suspicion of that other heir! - -"Maybe it isn't true--maybe Mr. Appleby made it up--but I don't think so. -At any rate, I have to proceed as if it were true, and do my best. And, -first of all, I've got to hush up my own conscience. I've too much of my -father's nature to want to live here if it rightfully belongs to somebody -else. I feel like a thief already. But I'm going to bear that--I'm going -to live under that horrid conviction that I'm living a lie--for father's -sake." - -Maida was in earnest. By nature and by training her conscience was -acutely sensitive to the finest shades of right and wrong. She actually -longed to announce the possibility of another heir and let justice decide -the case. But her filial devotion was, in this thing, greater even than -her conscience. Her mother, too, she knew, would be crushed by the -revelation of the secret, but would insist on thorough investigation, -and, if need be, on renunciation of the dear home. - -Her mental struggle went on. At times it seemed as if she couldn't live -beneath the weight of such a secret. Then, she knew she must do it. What -was her own peace of mind compared with her father's? What was her own -freedom of conscience compared with his tranquillity? - -She thought of telling Jeffrey Allen. But, she argued, he would feel as -the others would--indeed, as she herself did--that the matter must be -dragged out into the open and settled one way or the other. - -No; she must bear the brunt of the thing alone. She must never tell any -one. - -Then, the next point was, would Mr. Appleby tell? He hadn't said so, but -she felt sure he would. Well, she must do all she could to prevent that. -He was to return in a day or two. By that time she must work out some -plan, must think up some way, to persuade him not to tell. What the -argument would be, she had no idea, but she was determined to try her -uttermost. - -There was one way--but Maida blushed even at the thought. - -Sam Appleby--young Sam--wanted to marry her--had wanted to for a year or -more. Many times she had refused him, and many times he had returned for -another attempt at persuasion. To consent to this would enable her to -control the senior Appleby's revelations. - -It would indeed be a last resort--she wouldn't even think of it yet; -surely there was some other way! - -The poor, tortured child was roused from her desperate plannings by a -cheery voice, calling: - -"Maida--Maida! Here's me!" - -"Jeffrey!" she cried, springing from the window-seat, and out to greet -him. - -"Dear!" he said, as he took her in his arms. "Dear, dearer, dearest! -_What_ is troubling you?" - -"Trouble? Nothing! How can I be troubled when you're here?" - -"But you are! You can't fool me, you know! Never mind, you can tell me -later. I've got three whole days--how's that?" - -"Splendid! How did it happen?" - -"Old Bennett went off for a week's rest--doctor's orders--and he said, if -I did up my chores, nice and proper, I could take a little vacation -myself. Oh, you peach! You're twice as beautifuller as ever!" - -A whirlwind embrace followed this speech and left Maida, breathless and -laughing, while her father smiled benignly upon the pair. - -It was some hours later that, as they sat under the big sycamore, Jeffrey -Allen begged Maida to tell him her troubles. - -"For I know you're pretty well broken up over something," he declared. - -"How do you know?" she smiled at him. - -"Why, my girl, I know every shadow that crosses your dear heart." - -"Do I wear my heart on my sleeve, then?" - -"You don't have to, for me to see it. I recognize the signs from your -face, your manner, your voice--your whole being is trembling with some -fear or some deeply-rooted grief. So tell me all about it." - -And Maida told. Not the last horrible threat that Samuel Appleby had told -her alone, but the state of things as Appleby had presented it to Daniel -Wheeler himself. - -"And so you see, Jeff, it's a deadlock. Father won't vote for young -Sam--I don't mean only vote, but throw all his influence--and that means -a lot--on Sam's side. And if he doesn't, Mr. Appleby won't get him -pardoned--you know we hoped he would this year----" - -"Yes, dear; it would mean so much to us." - -"Yes, and to dad and mother, too. Well, there's no hope of that, unless -father throws himself heart and soul into the Appleby campaign." - -"And he won't do that?" - -"Of course not. He couldn't, Jeff. He'd have to subscribe to what he -doesn't believe in--practically subscribe to a lie. And you know -father----" - -"Yes, and you, too--and myself! None of us would want him to do that, -Maida!" - -"Doesn't necessity _ever_ justify a fraud, Jeff?" The question was put so -wistfully that the young man smiled. - -"Nixy! and you know that even better than I do, dear. Why, Maida, what I -love you most for--yes, even more than your dear, sweet, beauty of face, -is the marvellous beauty of your nature, your character. Your flawless -soul attracted me first of all--even as I saw it shining through your -clear, honest eyes." - -"Oh, Jeffrey," and Maida's clear eyes filled with tears, "I'm not honest, -I'm not true blue!" - -"Then nobody on this green earth is! Don't say such things, dear. I know -what you mean, that you _think_ you want your father to sacrifice his -principles, in part, at least, to gain his full pardon thereby. See how I -read your thoughts! But, you don't really think that; you only think you -think it. If the thing came to a focus, you'd be the first one to forbid -the slightest deviation from the line of strictest truth and honor!" - -"Oh, Jeff, do you think I would?" - -"Of course I think so--I know it! You are a strange make-up, Maida. On an -impulse, I can imagine you doing something wrong--even something pretty -awful--but with even a little time for thought you _couldn't_ do a -wrong." - -"What!" Maida was truly surprised; "I could jump into any sort of -wickedness?" - -"I didn't quite put it that way," Jeff laughed, "but--well, you know it's -my theory, that given opportunity, anybody can yield to temptation." - -"Nonsense! It's a poor sort of honor that gives out at a critical -moment!" - -"Not at all. Most people can resist anything--except temptation! Given a -strong enough temptation and a perfect opportunity, and your staunchest, -most conscientious spirit is going to succumb." - -"I don't believe that." - -"You don't have to--and maybe it isn't always true. But it often is. -Howsomever, it has no bearing on the present case. Your father is not -going to lose his head--and though you might do so"--he smiled at her--"I -can't see you getting a chance! You're not in on the deal, in any way, -are you?" - -"No; except that Mr. Appleby asked me to use all my influence with -father." - -"Which you've done?" - -"Yes; but it made not the slightest impression." - -"Of course not. I say, Maid, young Sam isn't coming down here, is he?" - -"Not that I know of," but Maida couldn't help her rising color, for she -knew what Allen was thinking. - -"Just let him try it, that's all! Just let him show his rubicund -countenance in these parts--if he wants trouble!" - -"Does anybody ever _want_ trouble?" Maida smiled a little. - -"Why, of course they do! Sometimes they want it so much that they borrow -it!" - -"I'm not doing that! I've had it offered to me--in full measure, heaped -up, pressed down, and running over." - -"Poor little girl. Don't take it so hard, dearest. I'll have a talk with -your father, and we'll see how matters really stand. I doubt it's as bad -as you fear--and anyway, if no good results come our way, things are no -worse than they have been for years. Your father has lived fairly -contented and happy. Let things drift, and in another year or two, after -the election is a thing of the past, we can pick up the pardon question -again. By that time you and I will be--where will we be, Maida?" - -"I don't know, Jeff----" - -"Well, we'll be together, anyway. You'll be my wife, and if we can't live -in Boston--we can live out of Boston! And that's all there is about -that!" - -"You'll have to come here to live. There's enough for us all." - -"Settle down here and sponge on your mother! I see it! But, never you -mind, lady fair, something will happen to smooth out our path. Perhaps -this old tree will take it into its head to go over into Massachusetts, -and so blaze a trail for your father--and you." - -"Oh, very likely. But I've renewed my vow--Jeff; unless father can go -into the state, _I_ never will!" - -"All right, sweetheart. Renew your vow whenever its time limit expires. -I'm going to fix things so no vows will be needed--except our marriage -vows. Will you take them, dear?" - -"When the time comes, yes." But Maida did not smile, and Jeff, watching -her closely, concluded there was yet some point on which she had not -enlightened him. However, he asked no further question, but bided his -time. - -"Guess I'll chop down the old tree while I'm here, and ship it into -Massachusetts as firewood," he suggested. - -"Fine idea," Maida acquiesced, "but you'd only have your trouble for your -pains. You see, the stipulation was, 'without the intervention of human -hands.'" - -"All right, we'll chop it down by machinery, then." - -"I wish the tree promise meant anything, but it doesn't. It was only made -as a proof positive how impossible was any chance of pardon." - -"But now a chance of pardon has come." - -"Yes, but a chance that cannot be taken. You'll be here, Jeff, when they -come back. Then you can talk with Mr. Appleby, and maybe, as man to man, -you can convince him----" - -"Convince nothing! Don't you suppose I've tried every argument I know of, -with that old dunderhead? I've spent hours with him discussing your -father's case. I've talked myself deaf, dumb and blind, with no scrap of -success. But, I don't mind telling you, Maida, that I might have moved -the old duffer to leniency if it hadn't been for--you." - -"Me?" - -"Yes; you know well enough young Sam's attitude toward you. And old -Appleby as good as said if I'd give up my claim on your favor, and give -sonny Sam a chance, there'd be hope for your father." - -"H'm. Indeed! You don't say so! And you replied?" - -"I didn't reply much of anything. For if I'd said what I wanted to say, -he would have been quite justified in thinking that I was no fit mate for -a Christian girl! Let's don't talk about it." - -That night Maida went to her room, leaving Allen to have a long serious -talk with her father. - -She hoped much from the confab, for Jeff Allen was a man of ideas, and of -good, sound judgment. He could see straight, and could advise sensibly -and well. And Maida hoped, too, that something would happen or some way -be devised that the secret told her by Appleby might be of no moment. -Perhaps there was no heir, save in the old man's imagination. Or perhaps -it was only someone who would inherit a portion of the property, leaving -enough for their own support and comfort. - -At any rate, she went to bed comforted and cheered by the knowledge that -Jeff was there, and that if there was anything to be done he would do it. - -She had vague misgivings because she had not told him what Appleby had -threatened. But, she argued, if she decided to suppress that bit of news, -she must not breathe it to anybody--not even Jeff. - -So, encouraged at the outlook, and exhausted by her day of worriment, she -slept soundly till well into the night. - -Then she was awakened by a strange sound. It gave her, at first, a -strange impression of being on an ocean steamer. She couldn't think why, -for her half-awake senses responded only to the vague sense of -familiarity with such a sound. - -But wide awake in a moment, she heard more of it, and realized that it -was a bugle to which she listened--the clear, though not loud, notes of a -bugle. Amazed, she jumped from her bed, and looked out of a window in the -direction of the sound. - -She saw nothing, and heard the last faint notes die away, as she -listened. - -There was no further sound, and she returned to bed, and after a time -fell asleep again. - -She pondered over the occurrence while dressing next morning, wondering -what it meant. - -Downstairs she found only Jeffrey in the dining-room. - -"Hear anything funny in the night, Maida?" he asked her. - -"Yes; a bugle," she returned. "Did you hear it?" - -"Of course I did. Who plays the thing around here?" - -"No one, that I know of. Wasn't it rather strange?" - -"Rath-er! I should say so. Made me think of the old English castles, -where spooks walk the parapets and play on bugles or bagpipes or some -such doings." - -"Oh, those silly stories! But this was a real bugle, played by a real -man." - -"How do you know?" - -"By the sound." - -"Spook bugles sound just the same." - -"How do _you_ know?" - -"How could they be heard if they didn't? Here's your father. -Good-morning, Mr. Wheeler. Who's your musical neighbor?" - -But Daniel Wheeler did not smile. - -"Go up to your mother, Maida, dear," he said; "she--she isn't well. Cheer -her up all you can." - -"What's the trouble?" Allen asked, solicitously, as Maida ran from the -room. - -"A strange thing, my boy. Did you hear a bugle call last night?" - -"Yes, sir; it sounded 'taps.' Is there a camp near by?" - -"No; nothing of the sort. Now--well, to put it frankly, there is an old -tradition in Mrs. Wheeler's family that a phantom bugler, in that very -way, announces an approaching death." - -"Good Lord! You don't mean she believes that!" - -"She does, and what can I say to disprove her belief? We all heard it. -Who could have done such a trick?" - -"I don't know who, but somebody did. That bugle was played by a pair of -good, strong human lungs--not by a spirit breath!" - -"It sounded so, but that doesn't affect Mrs. Wheeler's belief. If I could -produce the bugler, and get him to admit it, she might believe him, but -otherwise, she's sure it was the traditional bugler, and that earthly -days are numbered for some one of our little family." - -"You don't believe this foolishness, sir?" - -"I can't; my nature rejects the very idea of the supernatural. Yet, who -could or would do it? There's no neighbor who would, and I know of no one -round here who knows of the tradition." - -"Oh, pshaw, it's the merest casual occurrence. A Boy Scout, like as -not--or a gay young chap returning from a merry party. There are lots of -explanations, quite apart from spooks!" - -"I hope you can persuade Mrs. Wheeler of that. She is nervously ill, and -will hear of no rational explanation for the bugle call." - -"Beg her to come down to breakfast, do; then we'll all jolly her up until -she loses her fears." - -But though Allen's attempt was a brave one and ably seconded by Mrs. -Wheeler's husband and daughter, they made not the slightest progress -toward relieving her fears or disabusing her mind of her conviction. - - - - - CHAPTER VI - THE OTHER HEIR - - -A general air of vague foreboding hung over the Wheeler household. Mrs. -Wheeler tried to rally from the shock of the inexplicable bugle call, but -though she was bright and cheerful, it was fully evident that her manner -was forced and her gayety assumed. - -Maida, solicitous for her mother, was more than ever resolved not to -disclose the news of another possible heir to the estate, though the more -she thought about it, the more she felt sure Samuel Appleby had spoken -the truth. - -She decided that he had learned of the other heir, and that he was none -too honest to be willing to keep the fact a secret, if, in turn, he could -serve his own ends. She did not need to be told that if she would look on -young Sam with favor, her father would perforce lend his aid to the -campaign. And, in that case, she knew that the other heir would never be -mentioned again. - -And yet, the price--the acceptance of young Sam, was more than she could -pay. To give up Jeff Allen, her own true love, and marry a man of such a -different type and calibre as Sam Appleby was--it was too much! And Jeff -would have something to say about that! Yet, she must decide for herself. -If she made the supreme sacrifice, it must be done as if of her own -volition. If her parents or her lover guessed that she was acting under -compulsion, they would put an end to the project. - -But could she, even if willing to sacrifice herself, could she ask Sam -Appleby to take her? Yet she knew this would be the easiest thing in the -world. A mere hint to Mr. Appleby that she approved of his son would -bring the younger man down to the house at once and matters would then -take care of themselves. - -But could she do it? She looked at Jeff, as he sat talking to her father, -his strong, fine face alight with the earnestness of their discussion. He -was a man of a thousand--her own Jeffrey. No, she could not break his -heart--she had no right to do that. It would be a crime to blot out the -joy and happiness from the eager young face. - -And then she looked at the other dear face. Her father, worn and aging, -but still in rugged health. Could she let the inevitable happen, and see -him turned out of the home that he loved--the home that had so long been -his sanctuary, his refuge from the cold injustice of his fellow-men? - -And her mother, almost ill from her fright and foreboding. To add the -disaster of poverty and homelessness--no, she couldn't do that! - -And so poor Maida wondered and worried; her thoughts going round in a -circle, and coming back to the two men she loved, and knew she must break -one heart or the other. - -At one moment her duty to her parents seemed preminent. Then, again, she -realized a duty to herself and to the man who loved her. - -"I don't know _what_ to do," she thought, piteously; "I'll wait till Mr. -Appleby comes back here, and then I'll tell him just how I'm placed. -Perhaps I can appeal to his better nature." - -But Maida Wheeler well knew that however she might appeal to Samuel -Appleby, it would be in vain. She knew from the very fact that he came to -her home, and made the offers and threats that he did make, that his mind -was made up, and no power on earth could move him from his decision. He -had a strong case, he probably thought; the offer of full pardon to Dan -Wheeler, and the offer to Maida to keep quiet about another heir, would, -he doubtless thought, be sufficient to win his cause. - -"What an awful man he is," she thought. "I wish he were dead! I know I -oughtn't to wish that, but I do. I'd kill him myself if it would help -father. I oughtn't to say that--and I don't suppose I really would do it, -but it would simplify matters a lot! And somebody said, 'We are all -capable of crime--even the best of us.' Well, of course I wouldn't kill -the old man, but he'd better not give me a real good chance!" - -"What are you thinking about, little girl?" asked Allen, turning to her. - -Maida looked at him and then at her father, and said, deliberately: - -"I was just thinking how I'd like to kill Samuel Appleby." - -"Senior, junior, or both?" laughed Allen, who thought little of her -words, save as a jest. - -"Senior, I meant, but we may as well make it a wholesale slaughter." - -"Don't, Maida," her father looked grieved. "Don't speak flippantly of -such subjects." - -"Well, father, why not be honest? Wouldn't you like to kill him?" - -"No, child--not that." - -"But you'd be glad if he were dead! There, you needn't answer. But if you -were absolutely honest, you'd have to admit it." - -"I'll admit it," said her mother, wearily. "Samuel Appleby has spoiled -all our lives--is still spoiling them. He does it for his own selfish -interests. He has ruined the happiness of my husband, myself, my -daughter, and my prospective son-in-law. Is it any wonder that we should -honestly wish he were dead? It may not sound Christian--but it is an -honest expression of human nature." - -"It is, Mrs. Wheeler," and Allen's face looked more pained than shocked. -"But, all the same, we oughtn't to talk like that." - -"No, indeed," agreed Wheeler. "Please, Maida, darling, don't say such -things. And, Sara, if you must say them, say them to me when we are -alone. It's no sort of talk for these young people's ears." - -"Why, I said it before mother did!" Maida broke out. "And I mean it! I'm -at the end of my rope. If that man is to hound us and torture us all our -lives, I can't help wishing him dead." - -"There, there, daughter, please don't." - -"I won't, dad. I'll never say it again. But I put myself on record, and -if the rest of you were honest, you'd do the same thing!" - -"That we'd like to kill him?" asked Allen, smiling at the idea. - -"I didn't say that--I said we wish him dead. If a nice, convenient stroke -of lightning came his way, or----" - -"Maida, hush!" her father spoke sternly; "I won't allow such talk! It -isn't like you, my child, and it isn't----" - -"Isn't good form, I s'pose!" she interrupted. "Well, I'll let up, dads, -and I am a little ashamed of myself. Mother, maybe the phantom bugler was -announcing the death of old Appleby!" - -"Hush, Maida! What has got into you?" - -"I'm incorrigible, I guess----" - -"You are!" and Allen smiled fondly at her. "Come out for a walk in the -sunshine with me, and get these awful thoughts out of your brain." - -"I know I'm a criminal," said Maida, as they walked down a garden path; -"but I can't help it. I've more to bear than you know of, Jeff, and you -must make allowance." - -"I do, sweetheart. And I know how you're troubled, and all that, but -don't say such dreadful things. I know you don't mean them." - -"No, I don't--at least, I don't think I do. But I won't say them any -more. I think I lost my head----" - -"Forget it. You're upset and nervous and your mother's worry reflects -itself on you. Is there really a bugler tradition?" - -"Not over here. There was one connected with mother's family long ago, in -England, I believe. Of course, it was just one of those old spook yarns -that most old houses have over there. But mother always remembered it. -She has told everybody who ever visited here about it, and I think she -always expected to hear the thing. Queer, though, wasn't it?" - -"Not very. It's explainable by natural means, of course. Probably we'll -never know who it was, but it was no phantom, be sure of that." - -"Oh, well, it doesn't matter, except that it has upset mother so -dreadfully. But she'll get over it--if nothing happens." - -"Nothing will happen--if by that you mean a death in the family. More -likely a marriage will take place!" - -"Not ours, Jeff. I think that bugler sounded the death-knell of our -hopes." - -"Maida! What is the matter with you? Why are you talking like that? I -know you've something on your mind that you haven't told me yet. -Something pretty serious, for it makes you say the strangest things! Tell -me, darling, won't you?" - -"I can't, Jeff. I mean, there isn't anything. Wait till those people come -back again. You'll be here, won't you? They're coming to-morrow." - -"You bet I will! I'll see what I can do with old curmudgeon. You know I'm -argumentative." - -"That won't do any good with Appleby. What he wants is help from dad. If -he doesn't get that, he'll punish us all." - -"And he can't get that, for your dad won't give it. So it looks as if we -must all take our punishment. Well, we're prepared." - -"You wouldn't speak so lightly if you knew everything!" - -"That's why I ask you to tell me everything. Do, Maida, I'm sure I can -help you." - -"Wait till they come," was all Maida would say in response to his -repeated requests. - -And at last they came. - -Smiling and hearty, Samuel Appleby rentered the Wheeler home, apparently -as self-assured and hopeful as when he left it. - -Keefe was courteous and polite as always and Genevieve Lane was prettier -than ever by reason of some new Boston-bought clothes. - -Allen was introduced to the newcomers and sized up by one glance of -Samuel Appleby's keen eyes. Privately he decided that this young man was -a very formidable rival of his son. But he greeted Allen with great -cordiality, which Jeff thought it best to return, although he felt an -instinctive dislike for the man's personality. - -"Come along with me, Maida," and with daring familiarity, Genevieve put -her hand through Maida's arm and drew her toward the stairs. "I have the -same room, I s'pose," she babbled on; "I've lots of new things I want to -show you. And," she added as they entered the room, and she closed the -door, "I want a talkfest with you before the others begin." - -"What about?" asked Maida, feeling the subject would be one of -importance. - -"Well, it's just this. And don't be too shocked if I speak right out in -meetin'. I've determined to marry into this bunch that I'm working for." - -"Have you?" laughed Maida. "Are they equally determined?" - -"I'm not joking--I'm in dead earnest. A poor girl has got to do the best -she can for herself in this cold world. Well, I'm going to corral one of -the three: old man Appleby, young man Appleby, or Curt Keefe." - -"Which one, for choice?" Maida still spoke lightly. - -"You don't think I'm in earnest, but I am. Well, I'd rather have young -Sam. Next, I'd choose his father; and, lastly, I'm pretty sure I could -nail Curtie Keefe." - -Maida couldn't help her disapproval showing in her face, but she said: -"It isn't just the way I'd go about selecting a husband, but if it's your -way, all right. Can I help you?" - -"Do you mean that?" - -"Why, yes, if I can do anything practical." - -"Oh, you can! It's only to keep off the grass, regarding young Sam." - -"You mean not to try to charm him myself?" - -"Just about that. And I'll tell you why I say this. It seems old Appleby -has about made up his mind that you're the right and proper mate for -young Appleby. Oh, you needn't draw yourself up in that haughty -fashion--he's good enough for you, Miss!" - -"I didn't say he wasn't," and Maida laughed in spite of herself at -Genevieve's manner. "But, truly, I don't want him. You see I'm engaged to -Mr. Allen." - -"I know it, but that cuts no ice with Pa Appleby. He plans to oust Mr. -Allen and put his son in his place." - -"Oh, he does, does he?" Maida's heart sank, for she had anticipated -something like this. "Am I to be consulted?" - -"Now, look here, Maida Wheeler. You needn't take that attitude, for it -won't get you anywhere. You don't know Mr. Appleby as I do. What he says -goes--_goes_, understand?" - -Maida went white. "But such a thing as you speak of won't go!" she -exclaimed. - -"I'm not sure it won't, if he so ordains it," Miss Lane said, gravely. -"But I just wanted your assurance that you don't hanker after Sammy-boy, -so I can go ahead and annex him myself." - -"In defiance of Mr. Appleby's intents?" - -"I may be able to circumvent him. I'm some little schemer myself. And he -may die." - -"What?" - -"Yep. He has an unsatisfactory heart, and it may go back on him at any -minute." - -"What a thing to bank on!" - -"It may happen all the same. But I've other irons in the fire. Run along, -now; I've work to do. You're a dear girl, Maida, and the time may come -when I can help you." - -The round, rosy-cheeked face looked very serious, and Maida said, -gratefully: "I may be very glad of such help, Genevieve." - -Then she went away. - -Samuel Appleby was lying in wait for her. - -"Here you are, my girl," he said, as she came downstairs. "Come for a -ramble with me, won't you?" - -And, knowing that the encounter was inevitable, Maida went. - -Appleby wasted no time in preliminaries. - -"I've got to go home to-morrow morning," he said. "I've got to have this -matter of your father's help in the campaign settled before I go." - -"I thought it was settled," returned Maida, calmly. "You know he will -never give you the help you ask. And oh, please, Mr. Appleby, won't you -give up the question? You have ruined my father's life--all our lives; -won't you cease bothering him, and, whether you let him get his full -pardon or not, won't you stop trying to coerce his will?" - -"No; I will not. You are very pleading and persuasive, my girl, but I -have my own ax to grind. Now, here's a proposition. If you--I'll speak -plainly--if you will consent to marry my son, I'll get your father's full -pardon, and I'll not ask for his campaign support." - -Maida gasped. All her troubles removed at once--but at such a price! She -thought of Allen, and a great wave of love surged over her. - -"Oh, I can't--I can't," she moaned. "What _are_ you, Mr. Appleby? I love -my chosen mate, my _fianc_, Jeffrey Allen. Would you ask me to give him -up and marry your son, whom I esteem highly, but do not love?" - -"Certainly; I ask just that. You are free to say yes or no!" - -"Then, I say no. There _must_ be some other way! Give me some other -chance, even though it be a harder one!" - -"All right, I will." Mr. Appleby's face was hard now, his lips set in a -straight line; he was about to play his last card. "All right, I will. -Here it is. The other heir, of whom I spoke to you the other day, is -Curtis Keefe." - -"Mr. Keefe!" - -"Yes--but wait--he doesn't know it. I hit upon a clue in his chance -reference to his mother's family, and unknown to him I investigated -genealogies and all that, and it is positive, he is the heir to all this -estate, and not your mother." - -"You're sure?" - -"Yes, absolutely certain. But, remember, he doesn't know it. He has no -idea of such a thing. Now, if you'll marry Sam, Keefe shall _never_ know. -I'll burn all the papers that I have in evidence. You and I will forget -the secret, and your father and mother can rest in undisturbed possession -here for the rest of their lives." - -"And you wouldn't insist on father's campaign work?" - -"If you marry my son, I rather think your father will lend his aid--at -least in some few matters, without urging. But he shall not be urged -beyond his wishes, rest assured of that. In a word, Maida, all that you -want or desire shall be yours except your choice of a husband. And I'll -wager that inside of a year, you'll be wondering what you ever saw in -young Allen, and rejoicing that you are the wife of the governor -instead!" - -"I can't do it--oh, _I can't!_ And, then, too, there's Mr. Keefe--and the -heirship!" - -"Mr. Keefe and the airship!" exclaimed Curtis Keefe himself, as he came -round the corner and met them face to face. "Am I to go up in an airship? -And when?" - -Appleby flashed a quick glance at Maida, which she rightly interpreted to -mean to let Keefe rest unenlightened as to his error. - -"You're not the Mr. Keefe we meant," said Appleby, smiling at his -secretary. "There are others." - -And then Appleby walked away, feeling his best plan was to let Maida -think things over. - -"What Keefe is going up in an airship?" Curt insisted, his curiosity -aroused. - -"I don't know," said Maida, listlessly. "Mr. Appleby was telling me some -airship yarn. I didn't half listen. I--I can't bear that man!" - -"I can't blame you for that, Miss Wheeler. But we're going away -to-morrow, and he'll be out of your way." - -"No; he has me in a trap. He has arranged it so--oh, what am I saying!" - -"Don't go on, if you feel you might regret it. Of course, as Mr. -Appleby's confidential secretary, I know most of his affairs. May I say -that I'm very sorry for you, and may I offer my help, if you can use me -in any way?" - -"How kind you are, Mr. Keefe. But if you know the details of the matter, -you know that I am in a fearful dilemma. Oh, if only that man were out of -existence!" - -"Oh, Miss Wheeler," and Keefe looked undisguisedly shocked. - -"I don't mean anything wrong," Maida's eyes were piteous, "but I don't -know what to do! I've no one to confide in--no way to turn for help--for -advice----" - -"Why, Miss Wheeler, you have parents, friends----" - -"No one that I can speak to! Forgive me, Mr. Keefe, but I am nearly out -of my mind. Forgive me, if I ask you to leave me--will you?" - -"Of course, you poor child! I ought to have sensed that I was intruding!" - -With a courteous bow, he walked away, leaving Maida alone on the seat -beneath the old sycamore. - -She thought long and deeply. She seemed to grow older and more matured of -judgment as she dealt with the big questions in her mind. - -After a long time she came to her decision. Torn and wracked with -emotions, she bravely faced the many-sided situation, and made up her -mind. Then she got up and walked into the house. - -That afternoon, about five o'clock, Appleby and Wheeler sat in the -latter's den, talking over the same old subject. Maida, hidden in the -window-seat, was listening. They did not know she was there, but they -would not have cared. They talked of nothing she did not already know. - -Appleby grew angry and Wheeler grew angry. The talk was coming to a -climax, both men were holding on to their tempers, but it was clear one -or the other must give way soon. - -Jeffrey Allen, about to go in search of Maida, saw a wisp of smoke -curling from the garage, which from his seat on the north veranda was in -plain view. - -He ran toward the smoke, shouting "Fire!" as he ran, and in a few minutes -the garage was ablaze. The servants gathered about, Mrs. Wheeler looked -from her bedroom window, and Keefe joined Allen in attempts to subdue the -flames. - -And with the efficient help of two chauffeurs and other willing workers -the fire was soon reduced to a smouldering heap of ashes. - -Allen ran, then, to the den, to tell them there that the danger was past. - -He entered to see Samuel Appleby dead in his chair, with a bullet through -his heart. Daniel Wheeler stood beside him, gazing distractedly at the -dead man. Maida, white and trembling, was half hidden as she stood just -inside the curtains of the window. - -Not realizing that there was no hope of life, Allen shouted for help, and -tore open Appleby's coat to feel his heart. - -"He's quite dead," he said, in an awe-stricken tone. "But, we must get a -doctor at once!" - -"I'll telephone," spoke up Genevieve's quiet voice, and with her usual -efficiency, she found the number and called the doctor. - -"Now the police?" she went on, as if such matters belonged to her -province. - -"Certainly," said Curtis Keefe, who stood by his late employer, taking -charge, by common consent. - -"Who killed him?" said Genevieve, in a hushed tone, as she left the -telephone. - -All looked from one to another, but nobody replied. - -Mrs. Wheeler came to the doorway. - -"I knew it!" she cried; "the phantom bugler!" - -"But the phantom bugler didn't kill him," said Genevieve, "and we must -find out who did!" - - - - - CHAPTER VII - INQUIRIES - - -Late the same evening the Wheeler family and their guests were gathered -in the living-room. Much had been done in the past few hours. The family -doctor had been there, the medical examiner had been called and had given -his report, and the police had come and were still present. - -Samuel Appleby, junior--though no longer to be called by that -designation--was expected at any moment. - -Two detectives were there, but one, Hallen by name, said almost nothing, -seeming content to listen, while his colleague conducted the questioning -of the household. - -Burdon, the talkative one, was a quick-thinking, clear-headed chap, -decided of manner and short of speech. - -"Now, look here," he was saying, "this was an inside job, of course. -Might have been one of the servants, or might have been any of you folks. -How many of you are ready to help me in my investigations by telling all -you know?" - -"I thought we had to do that, whether we're ready to or not," spoke up -Genevieve, who was not at all abashed by the presence of the authorities. -"Of course, we'll all tell all we know--we want to find the murderer just -as much as you do." - -Keefe looked at her with a slight frown of reproof, but said nothing. The -others paid no attention to the girl's rather forward speech. - -In fact, everybody seemed dazed and dumb. The thing was so sudden and so -awful--the possibilities so many and so terrible--that each was aghast at -the situation. - -The three Wheelers said nothing. Now and then they looked at one another, -but quickly looked away, and preserved their unbroken silence. - -Jeffrey Allen became the spokesman for them. It seemed inevitable--for -some one must answer the first leading questions; and though Curtis Keefe -and Miss Lane were in Appleby's employ, the detective seemed more -concerned with the Wheeler family. - -"Bad blood, wasn't there, between Mr. Appleby and Mr. Wheeler?" Burdon -inquired. - -"They had not been friends for years," Allen replied, straightforwardly, -for he felt sure there was nothing to be gained by misrepresentation. - -"Huh! What was the trouble, Mr. Wheeler?" - -Daniel Wheeler gave a start. Then, pulling himself together, he answered -slowly: "The trouble was that Mr. Appleby and myself belonged to -different political parties, and when I opposed his election as governor, -he resented it, and a mutual enmity followed which lasted ever since." - -"Did you kill Mr. Appleby?" - -Wheeler looked at his questioner steadily, and replied: "I have nothing -to say." - -"That's all right, you don't have to incriminate yourself." - -"He didn't kill him!" cried Maida, unable to keep still. "I was there, in -the room--I could see that he didn't kill him!" - -"Who did then?" and the detective turned to her. - -"I--I don't know. I didn't see who did it." - -"Are you sure, Miss? Better tell the truth." - -"I tell you I didn't see--I didn't see anything! I had heard an alarm of -fire, and I was wondering where it was." - -"You didn't get up and go to find out?" - -"No--no, I stayed where I was." - -"Where were you?" - -"In the window-seat--in the den." - -"Meaning the room where the shooting occurred?" - -"Yes. My father's study." - -"And from where you sat, you could see the whole affair?" - -"I might have--if I had looked--but I didn't. I was reading." - -"Thought you were wondering about the fire?" - -"Yes," Maida was quite composed now. "I raised my eyes from my book when -I heard the fire excitement." - -"What sort of excitement?" - -"I heard people shouting, and I heard men running. I was just about to go -out toward the north veranda, where the sounds came from, when I---- I -can't go on!" and Maida broke down and wept. - -"You must tell your story--maybe it'd be easier now than later. Can't you -go on, Miss Wheeler?" - -"There's little to tell. I saw Mr. Appleby fall over sideways----" - -"Didn't you hear the shot?" - -"No--yes--I don't know." Maida looked at her father, as if to gain help -from his expression, but his face showed only agonized concern for her. - -"Dear child," he said, "tell the truth. Tell just what you saw--or -heard." - -"I didn't hear anything--I mean the noise from the people running to the -fire so distracted my attention, I heard no shot or any sound in the -room. I just saw Mr. Appleby fall over----" - -"You're not giving us a straight story, Miss Wheeler," said the -detective, bluntly. "Seems to me you'd better begin all over." - -"Seems to me you'd better cease questioning Miss Wheeler," said Curtis -Keefe, looking sympathetically at Maida; "she's just about all in, and I -think she's entitled to some consideration." - -"H'm. Pretty hard to find the right one to question. Mrs. Wheeler, -now--I'd rather not trouble her too much." - -"Talk to me," said Allen. "I can tell you the facts, and you can draw -your deductions afterward." - -"Me, too," said Keefe. "Ask us the hard questions, and then when you need -to, inquire of the Wheelers. Remember, they're under great nervous -strain." - -"Well, then," Burdon seemed willing to take the advice, "you start in, -Mr. Keefe. You're Mr. Appleby's secretary, I believe?" - -"Yes; we were on our way back to his home in Stockfield--we expected to -go there to-morrow." - -"You got any theory of the shooting?" - -"I've nothing to found a theory on. I was out at the garage helping to -put out a small fire that had started there." - -"How'd it start?" - -"I don't know. In the excitement that followed, I never thought to -inquire." - -"Tell your story of the excitement." - -"I was at the garage with Mr. Allen, and two chauffeurs--the Wheelers' -man and Mr. Appleby's man. Together, and with the help of a gardener or -two, we put the fire out. Then Mr. Allen said: 'Let's go to the house and -tell them there's no danger. They may be worried.' Mr. Allen started off -and I followed. He preceded me into the den----" - -"Then you tell what you saw there, Mr. Allen." - -"I saw, first of all," began Jeffrey, "the figure of Mr. Appleby sitting -in a chair, near the middle of the room. His head hung forward limply, -and his whole attitude was unnatural. The thought flashed through my mind -that he had had a stroke of some sort, and I went to him--and I saw he -was dead." - -"You knew that at once?" - -"I judged so, from the look on his face and the helpless attitude. Then I -felt for his heart and found it was still." - -"You a doctor?" - -"No; but I've had enough experience to know when a man is dead." - -"All right. What was Mr. Wheeler doing?" - -"Nothing. He stood on the other side of the room, gazing at his old -friend." - -"And Miss Wheeler?" - -"She, too, was looking at the scene. She stood in the bay window." - -"I see. Now, Mr. Keefe, I believe you followed close on Mr. Allen's -heels. Did you see the place--much as he has described it?" - -"Yes;" Keefe looked thoughtful. "Yes, I think I can corroborate every -word of his description." - -"All right. Now, Miss Lane, where were you?" - -"I was at the fire. I followed the two men in, and I saw the same -situation they have told you of." - -Genevieve's quiet, composed air was a relief after the somewhat excited -utterances of the others. - -"What did you do?" - -"I am accustomed to wait on Mr. Appleby, and it seemed quite within my -province that I should telephone for help for him. I called the -doctor--and then I called the police station." - -"You don't think you took a great deal on yourself?" - -Genevieve stared at him. "I do not think so. I only think that I did my -duty as I saw it, and in similar circumstances I should do the same -again." - -At this point the other detective was heard from. - -"I would like to ask," Hallen said, "what Mrs. Wheeler meant by crying -out that it was the work of a 'phantom burglar'?" - -"Not burglar--bugler," said Mrs. Wheeler, suddenly alert. - -"Bugler!" Hallen stared. "Please explain, ma'am." - -"There is a tradition in my family," Mrs. Wheeler said, in a slow, sad -voice, "that when a member of the family is about to die, a phantom -bugler makes an appearance and sounds 'taps' on his bugle. This -phenomenon occurred last night." - -"Oh, no! Spooks! But Mr. Appleby is not a member of your family." - -"No; but he was under our roof. And so I know the warning was meant for -him." - -"Well, well, we can't waste time on such rubbish," interposed Burdon, -"the bugle call had nothing to do with the case." - -"How do you explain it, then?" asked Mrs. Wheeler. "We all heard it, and -there's no bugler about here." - -"Cut it out," ordered Burdon. "Take up the bugler business some other -time, if you like--but we must get down to brass tacks now." - -His proceedings were interrupted, however, by the arrival of young Samuel -Appleby. - -The big man came in and a sudden hush fell upon the group. - -Daniel Wheeler rose--and put out a tentative hand, then half withdrew it -as if he feared it would not be accepted. - -Hallen watched this closely. He strongly suspected Wheeler was the -murderer, but he had no intention of getting himself in bad by jumping at -the conclusion. - -However, Appleby grasped the hand of his host as if he had no reason for -not doing so. - -"I'm sorry, sir, you should have had this tragedy beneath your roof," he -said. - -Hallen listened curiously. It was strange he should adopt an apologetic -tone, as if Wheeler had been imposed upon. - -"Our sorrow is all for you, Sam," Dan Wheeler returned, and then as -Appleby passed on to greet Maida and her mother, Wheeler sank back in his -chair and was again lost in thought. - -The whole scene was one of constraint. Appleby merely nodded to -Genevieve, and spoke a few words to Keefe, and then asked to see his -father. - -On his return to the living-room, he had a slightly different air. He was -a little more dictatorial, more ready to advise what to do. - -"The circumstances are distressing," he said, "and I know, Mr. Wheeler, -you will agree with me that we should take my father back to his home as -soon as possible. - -"That will be done to-morrow morning--as soon as the necessary -formalities can be attended to. Now, anything I can do for you people, -must be done to-night." - -"You can do a lot," said Burdon. "You can help us pick out the -murderer--for, I take it, you want justice done?" - -"Yes--yes, of course." Appleby looked surprised. "Of course I want this -deed avenged. But I can't help in the matter. I understand you suspect -some one of the--the household. Now, I shall never be willing to accuse -any one of this deed. If it can be proved the work of an outsider--a -burglar or highwayman--or intruder of any sort, I am ready to -prosecute--but if suspicion rests on--on anyone I know--I shall keep out -of it." - -"You can't do that, Mr. Appleby," said Hallen; "you've got to tell all -you know." - -"But I don't know anything! I wasn't here!" - -"You know about motives," Hallen said, doggedly. "Tell us now, who bore -your father any ill-will, and also had opportunity to do the shooting?" - -"I shan't pretend I don't know what you're driving at," and Appleby spoke -sternly, "but I've no idea that Mr. Daniel Wheeler did this deed. I know -he and my father were not on friendly terms, but you need more evidence -than that to accuse a man of murder." - -"We'll look after the evidence," Hallen assured him. "All you need tell -about is the enmity between the two men." - -"An enmity of fifteen years' standing," Appleby said, slowly, "is not apt -to break out in sudden flame of crime. I am not a judge nor am I a -detective, but until Mr. Wheeler himself confesses to the deed, I shall -never believe he shot my father." - -Wheeler looked at the speaker in a sort of dumb wonder. - -Maida gazed at him with eyes full of thankfulness, and the others were -deeply impressed by the just, even noble, attitude of the son of the -victim of the tragedy. - -But Hallen mused over this thing. He wondered why Appleby took such an -unusual stand, and decided there was something back of it about which he -knew nothing as yet. And he determined to find out. - -"We can get in touch with you at any time, Mr. Appleby?" he asked. - -"Oh, yes, of course. After a few days--after my father's funeral, I will -be at your disposal. But as I've said, I know nothing that would be of -any use as evidence. Do you need to keep Mr. Keefe and Miss Lane for any -reason?" - -"Why, I don't think so," the detective said. "Not longer than to-morrow, -anyhow. I'll take their depositions, but they have little testimony to -give. However, you're none of you very far away." - -"No; you can always get us at Stockfield. Mr. Keefe will probably be -willing to stay on and settle up my father's affairs, and I know we shall -be glad of Miss Lane's services for a time." Appleby glanced at the two -as he spoke, and they nodded. - -"Well, we're going to stay right here," and Burdon spoke decidedly. -"Whatever the truth of the matter may be, it's clear to be seen that -suspicion must naturally point toward the Wheeler family, or some -intruder. Though how an intruder could get in the room, unseen by either -Mr. Wheeler or his daughter, is pretty inexplicable. But those things -we're here to find out. And we'll do it, Mr. Appleby. I'm taking it for -granted you want the criminal found?" - -"Oh--I say, Mr.--er--Burdon, have a little common decency! Don't come at -me with questions of that sort, when I'm just about knocked out with this -whole fearful occurrence! Have a heart, man, give me time to realize my -loss, before you talk to me of avenging it!" - -"That's right," said Curt Keefe. "I think Mr. Appleby deserves more -consideration. Suppose we excuse him for the night." - -Somewhat reluctantly the detective was brought to consent, and then -Daniel Wheeler asked that he and his wife and daughter also be excused -from further grilling that night. - -"We're not going to run away," he said, pathetically. "We'll meet you in -the morning, Mr. Burdon, but please realize our stunned condition at -present." - -"My mother must be excused," Maida put in. "I am sure she can stand no -more," and with a solicitous care, she assisted Mrs. Wheeler to rise from -her chair. - -"Yes, I am ill," the elder woman said, and so white and weak did she look -that no one could doubt her word. - -The three Wheelers went to their room, and Genevieve Lane went off with -them, leaving Allen and Keefe, with Sam Appleby, to face the two -detectives' fire of questions. - -"You vamoose, too, Sam," Keefe advised. "There's no use in your staying -here and listening to harrowing details. Mr. Allen and I will have a talk -with the detectives, and you can talk to-morrow morning, if you wish." - -"All right," and Appleby rose. "But, look here, Keefe. I loved and -respected my father, and I revere his memory--and, yes, I want justice -done--of course, but, all the same, if Wheeler shot dad, I don't want -that poor old chap prosecuted. You know, I never fully sympathized with -father's treatment of him, and I'd like to make amends to Wheeler by -giving him the benefit of the doubt--if it can be done." - -"It can't be done!" declared Burdon, unwilling to agree to this heresy. -"The law can't be set aside by personal sympathy, Mr. Appleby!" - -"Well, I only said, if it can be," and the man wearily turned and left -the room. - -"Now, then," said Keefe, "let's talk this thing out. I know your -position, Allen, and I'm sorry for you. And I want to say, right now, if -I can help in any way, I will. I like the Wheelers, and I must say I -subscribe to the ideas of Sam Appleby. But all that's up to the -detectives. I've got to go away to-morrow, so I'm going to ask you, Mr. -Burdon, to get through with me to-night. I've lots to do at the other end -of the route, and I must get busy. But I do want to help here, too. So, -at any rate, fire your questions at me--that is, if you know what you -want to ask." - -"I'll ask one, right off, Mr. Keefe," and Hallen spoke mildly but -straightforwardly. "Can you give me any fact or suggest to me any theory -that points toward any one but Mr. Daniel Wheeler as the murderer of -Samuel Appleby?" - -Curtis Keefe was dismayed. What could he reply to this very definite -question? A negative answer implicated Wheeler at once--while a "yes," -would necessitate the disclosure of another suspect. And Keefe was not -blind to the fact that Hallen's eyes had strayed more than once toward -Maida Wheeler with a curious glance. - -Quickly making up his mind, Keefe returned: "No fact, but a theory based -on my disbelief in Mr. Wheeler's guilt, and implying the intrusion of -some murderous-minded person." - -"Meaning some marauder?" Hallen looked disdainful. - -"Some intruder," Keefe said. "I don't know who, or for what reason, but I -don't think it fair to accuse Mr. Wheeler without investigating every -possible alternative." - -"There are several alternatives," Burdon declared; "I may as well say -right out, that I've no more definite suspicion of Mr. Wheeler than I -have of Mrs. Wheeler or Miss Wheeler." - -"What!" and Jeffrey Allen looked almost murderous himself. - -"Don't get excited, sir. It's my business to suspect. Suspicion is not -accusation. You must admit all three of the Wheeler family had a motive. -That is, they would, one and all, have been glad to be released from the -thrall in which Mr. Appleby held them. And no one else present had a -motive! I might suspect you, Mr. Allen, but that you were at the fire at -the time, according to the direct testimony of Mr. Keefe." - -"Oh, yes, we were at the fire, all right," Allen agreed, "and I'd knock -you down for saying to me what you did, only you are justified. I would -far rather be suspected of the murder of Mr. Appleby than to have any of -the Wheelers suspected. But owing to Keefe's being an eye-witness of me -at the time, I can't falsify about it. However, you may set it right down -that none of the three Wheelers did do it, and I'll prove it!" - -"Go to it, Allen," Keefe cried. "I'll help." - -"You're two loyal friends of the Wheeler family," said Hallen in his -quiet way, "but you can't put anything over. There's no way out. I know -all about the governor's pardon and all that. I know the feud between the -two men was beyond all hope of patching up. And I know that to-night had -brought about a climax that had to result in tragedy. If Wheeler hadn't -killed Appleby--Appleby would have killed Wheeler." - -"Self-defence?" asked Allen. - -"No, sir, not that. But one or the other had to be out of the running. I -know the whole story, and I know what men will do in a political crisis -that they wouldn't dream of at any other time. Wheeler's the guilty -party--unless--well, unless that daughter of his----" - -"Hush!" cried Allen. "I won't stand for it!" - -"I only meant that the girl's great love and loyalty to her father might -have made her lose her head----" - -"No; she didn't do it," said Allen, more quietly. "Oh, I say, man, let's -try to find this intruder that Mr. Keefe has----" - -"Has invented!" put in Burdon. "No, gentlemen, they ain't no such -animile! Now, you tell me over again, while I take it down, just what you -two saw when you came to the door of that den, as they call it." - -And so Allen and Keefe reluctantly, but truthfully, again detailed the -scene that met their eyes as they returned from the fire they had put -out. - -"The case is only too plain," declared Burdon, as he snapped a rubber -band over his notebook. "Sorry, gentlemen, but your story leaves no -loophole for any other suspect than one of the three Wheelers. -Good-night." - - - - - CHAPTER VIII - CONFESSION - - -Before Sam Appleby left the next morning, he confided to Keefe that he -had little if any faith in the detective prowess of the two men -investigating the case. - -"When I come back," he said, "I may bring a real detective, and--I may -not. I want to think this thing over first--and, though I may be a queer -Dick, I'm not sure I want the slayer of my father found." - -"I see," and Keefe nodded his head understandingly. - -But Jeffrey Allen demurred. "You say that, Mr. Appleby, because you think -one of the Wheeler family is the guilty party. But I know better. I know -them so well----" - -"Not as well as I do," interrupted Appleby, "and neither do you know all -the points of the feud that has festered for so many years. If you'll -take my advice, Mr. Allen, you'll delay action until my return, at -least." - -"The detectives won't do that," objected Jeffrey. - -"The detectives will run round in circles and get nowhere," scoffed -Appleby. "I shall be back as soon as possible, and I don't mind telling -you now that there will be no election campaign for me." - -"What!" exclaimed Curtis Keefe. "You're out of the running?" - -"Positively! I may take it up again some other year, but this campaign -will not include my name." - -"My gracious!" exclaimed Genevieve, who knew a great deal about current -politics. "Who'll take your place?" - -"A dark horse, likely," returned Appleby, speaking in an absorbed, -preoccupied manner, as if caring little who fell heir to his candidacy. - -"I don't agree with you, Mr. Appleby," spoke up Jeff Allen, "as to the -inefficiency of the two men on this case. Seems to me they're doing all -they can, and I can't help thinking they may get at the truth." - -"All right, if they get at the truth, but it's my opinion that the truth -of this matter is not going to be so easily discovered, and those two -bunglers may do a great deal of harm. Good-bye, Maida, keep up a good -heart, my girl." - -The group on the veranda said good-bye to Sam Appleby, and he turned back -as he stepped into the car to say: - -"I'll be back as soon as the funeral is over, and until then, be careful -what you say--all of you." - -He looked seriously at Maida, but his glance turned toward the den where -Mr. Wheeler sat in solitude. - -"I heard him," stormed Burdon, as the car drove away, and the detective -came around the corner of the veranda. "I heard what he said about me and -Hallen. Well, we'll show him! Of course, the reason he talks like -that----" - -"Don't tell us the reason just now," interrupted Keefe. "We men will have -a little session of our own, without the ladies present. There's no call -for their participation in our talk." - -"That's right," said Allen. "Maida, you and Miss Lane run away, and we'll -go to the den for a chat." - -"No, not there," objected Burdon. "Come over and sit under the big -sycamore." - -And so, beneath the historic tree, the three men sat down for a serious -talk. Hallen soon joined them, but he said little. - -"I'm leaving myself, soon after noon," said Keefe. "I'll be back in a day -or two, but there are matters of importance connected with Mr. Appleby's -estate that must be looked after." - -"I should think there must be!" exclaimed Burdon. "I don't see how you -can leave to come back very soon." - -Keefe reddened slightly, for the real reason for his intended return was -centred in Maida Wheeler's charm, to which he had incontinently -succumbed. He knew Allen was her suitor, but his nature was such that he -believed in his own powers of persuasion to induce the girl to transfer -her affections to his more desirable self. - -But he only looked thoughtfully at Burdon and said: "There are matters -here, also, that require attention in Mr. Appleby's interests." - -"Well," Burdon went on, "as to the murder, there's no doubt that it was -the work of one of the three Wheelers. Nobody else had any reason to wish -old Appleby out of the world." - -"You forget me," said Allen, in a tense voice. "My interests are one with -the Wheelers. If they had such a motive as you ascribe to them--I had the -same." - -"Don't waste time in such talk," said Curt Keefe. "I saw you, Allen, at -the fire during the whole time that covered the opportunity for the -murder." - -"Of course," agreed Burdon, "I've looked into all that. And so, as I say, -it must have been one member of the Wheeler family, for there's no one -else to suspect." - -"Including Mrs. Wheeler," quietly put in Hallen. - -"How absurd!" flared out Allen. "It's bad enough to suspect the other -two, but to think of Mrs. Wheeler is ridiculous!" - -"Not at all," said Burdon, "she had the same motive--she had -opportunity----" - -"How do you know?" asked Keefe. - -"She ran down from her room at that very moment," stated Burdon. "I have -the testimony of one of the upstairs maids, and, also, I believe Miss -Wheeler saw her mother in the den." - -"Look here," said Hallen, in his slow, drawling tones, "let's reconstruct -the situation. You two men were at the fire--that much is certain--so you -can't be suspected. But all three of the Wheelers had absolute -opportunity, and they had motive. Now, as I look at it--one of those -three was the criminal, and the other two saw the deed. Wherefore, the -two onlookers will do all they can to shield the murderer." - -Keefe stared at him. "You really believe that!" he said. - -"Sure I do! Nobody else had either motive or opportunity. I don't for one -minute believe in an outsider. Who could happen along at that particular -moment, get away with the shooting, and then get away himself?" - -"Why, it could have been done," mused Keefe, and Allen broke in eagerly: - -"Of course it could! There's nothing to prove it impossible." - -"You two say that, because you want it to be that way," said Burdon, -smiling at the two young men. "That's all right--you're both friends of -the family, and can't bear to suspect any one of them. But facts remain. -Now, let's see which of the three it most likely was." - -"The old man," declared Hallen, promptly. - -"Nonsense!" cried Allen. "Mr. Wheeler is incapable of a deed like that! -Why, I've known him for years----" - -"Don't talk about incapable of anything!" said Burdon. "Most murderers -are people whom their friends consider 'incapable of such a deed.' A man -who is generally adjudged 'capable' of it is not found in polite -society." - -"Where's the weapon," asked Keefe, abruptly, "if Mr. Wheeler did it?" - -"Where's the weapon, whoever did it?" countered Burdon. "The weapon -hasn't been found, though I've hunted hard. But that helps to prove it -one of the family, for they would know where to hide a revolver -securely." - -"If it was Mr. Wheeler, he'd have to hide it in the den," said Allen. "He -never goes over to the other side of the house, you know." - -"It isn't in the den," Hallen spoke positively; "I hunted that myself." - -"You seem sure of your statement," said Keefe. "Couldn't you have -overlooked it?" - -"Positively not." - -"No, he couldn't," concurred Burdon. "Hallen's a wonderful hunter. If -that revolver had been hidden in the den, he'd have found it. That's why -I think it was Mrs. Wheeler, and she took it back to her own rooms." - -"Oh, not Mrs. Wheeler!" groaned Jeff Allen. "That dear, sweet woman -couldn't----" - -"Incapable of murder, I s'pose!" ironically said Burdon. "Let me tell -you, sir, many a time a dear, sweet woman has done extraordinary things -for the sake of her husband or children." - -"But what motive would Mrs. Wheeler have?" - -"The same as the others. Appleby was a thorn in their flesh, an enemy of -many years' standing. And I've heard hints of another reason for the -family's hating him, besides that conditional pardon business. But no -matter about that now. What I want is evidence against somebody--against -one of three suspects. Until I get some definite evidence I can't tell -which of the three is most likely the one." - -"Seems to me the fact that Mrs. Wheeler ran downstairs and back again is -enough to indicate some pretty close questioning of her," suggested -Hallen. - -"Oh, please," begged Allen, "she's _so_ upset and distracted----" - -"Of course she is. But that's the reason we must ask her about it now. -When she gets calmed down, and gets a fine yarn concocted, there'll be -small use asking her anything!" - -"I'd tackle the old man first," said Hallen; "I think, on general -principles, he's the one to make inquiries of before you go to the -ladies. Let's go to him now." - -"No;" proposed Burdon, "let's send for him to come here. This is away -from the house, and we can talk more freely." - -"I'll go for him," offered Allen, seeing they were determined to carry -out their plan. - -"Not much!" said Burdon. "You're just aching to put a flea in his ear! -You go for him, Hallen." - -The detective went to the house, and returned with Daniel Wheeler at his -side. - -The suspected man stood straight and held himself fearlessly. Not an old -man, he was grayed with care and trouble, but this morning he seemed -strong and alert as any of them. - -"Put your questions," he said, briefly, as he seated himself on one of -the many seats beneath the old sycamore. - -"First of all, who do you think killed Samuel Appleby?" - -This question was shot at him by Burdon, and all waited in silence for -the answer. - -"I killed him myself," was the straightforward reply. - -"That settles it," said Hallen, "it was one of the women." - -"What do you mean by that?" cried Wheeler, turning quickly toward the -speaker. - -"I mean, that either your wife or daughter did the deed, and you are -taking the crime on yourself to save her." - -"No;" reasserted Dan Wheeler, "you're wrong. I killed Appleby for good -and sufficient reason. I'm not sorry, and I accept my fate." - -"Wait a minute," said Hallen, as Keefe was about to protest; "where was -your daughter, Miss Maida, when you killed your man?" - -"I--I don't know. I think she had gone to the fire--which had just broken -out." - -"You're not sure----" - -"I am not." - -"She had been with you, in the den?" - -"I don't know." - -"Well, I know. She had. She had been sitting in her favorite window-seat, -in the large bay, and was there while you and Mr. Appleby were talking -together. Also, she did not leave the room to go to the fire, for no one -saw her anywhere near the burning garage." - -"As to that, I can't say," went on Wheeler, slowly, "but she was not in -the den, to my knowledge, at the time of the shooting." - -"Very well, let that pass. Now, then, Mr. Wheeler, if you shot Mr. -Appleby, what did you afterward do with your revolver?" - -"I--I don't know." The man's face was convincing. His frank eyes -testified to the truth of his words. "I assure you, I don't know. I was -so--so bewildered--that I must have dropped it--somewhere. I never -thought of it again." - -"But if you had merely dropped it, it must have been found. And it hasn't -been." - -"Somebody else found it and secreted it," suggested Hallen. "Probably Mr. -Wheeler's wife or daughter." - -"Perhaps so," assented Wheeler, calmly. "They might have thought to help -me by secreting it. Have you asked them?" - -"Yes, and they deny all knowledge of it." - -"So do I. But surely it will be found." - -"It must be found. And, therefore, it is imperative that the rooms of the -ladies as well as your own rooms, sir, be thoroughly searched." - -"All right--go ahead and search!" Wheeler spoke sharply. "I've confessed -the crime, now waste no time in useless chattering. Get the evidence, get -the proofs, and let the law take its course." - -"You will not leave the premises," put in Hallen, and his tone was that -of command rather than inquiry. - -"I most certainly shall not," declared Wheeler. "But I do ask you, -gentlemen, to trouble and annoy my wife and daughter as little as -possible. Their grief is sufficient reason for their being let alone." - -"H'm," grunted Burdon. "Well, sir, I can promise not to trouble the -ladies more than is necessary--but I can't help feeling necessity will -demand a great deal." - -Mrs. Wheeler was next interviewed, and the confab took place in her own -sitting-room. - -None of her family was allowed to be present, and the four men filed into -the room with various expressions of face. The two detectives were -stolid-looking, but eagerly determined to do their work, while Allen and -Keefe were alertly interested in finding out some way to be of help to -Mrs. Wheeler. - -She received the men quietly, even graciously, sensing what they had come -for. - -"To start with, Mrs. Wheeler," said Burdon, frankly but not unkindly, -"who do you think killed Mr. Appleby?" - -"Oh--I don't know--I don't know," she wailed, losing her calm and -becoming greatly agitated. - -"Where were you when the shot was fired?" asked Hallen. - -"I don't know--I didn't hear it----" - -"Then you were up in your own room?" - -"I suppose so--I don't know." - -"You were up there when the fire broke out?" - -"Yes--I think I was----" - -"But you must know, Mrs. Wheeler--that is, you must know where you were -when you first heard of the fire----" - -"Yes, yes; I was up in my bedroom." - -"And who told you of the fire?" - -"My maid--Rachel." - -"And then what did you do?" - -"I--I--I don't remember." - -"You ran downstairs, didn't you?" - -"I don't remember----" - -"Yes, you did!" Burdon took up the reins. "You ran downstairs, and just -as you got down to the den you saw--you saw your husband shoot Mr. -Appleby!" - -His harsh manner, as he intended, frightened the nervous woman, and -reduced her to the verge of collapse. - -But after a gasping moment, she recovered herself, and cried out: "I did -not! I shot Mr. Appleby myself. That's why I'm so agitated." - -"I knew it!" exclaimed Burdon. "Mr. Wheeler's confession was merely to -save his wife. Now, Mrs. Wheeler, I believe your story, and I want all -the particulars. First, why did you kill him?" - -"Be--because he was my husband's enemy--and I had stood it as long as I -could." - -"H'm. And what did you do with the weapon you used?" - -"I threw it out of the window." - -"And it dropped on the lawn?" - -"Not dropped; I threw it far out--as far as I could." - -"Oh, I see. Out of which window?" - -"Why--why, the one in the den--the bay window." - -"But your daughter--Miss Maida--was sitting in the bay window." - -"No, she was not," Mrs. Wheeler spoke emphatically now. "She was not in -the room at all. She had gone to the fire." - -"Oh, is that so? And then--what happened next?" - -"Why--nothing. I--I ran upstairs again." - -"Appalled at what you had done?" - -"Not appalled--so much as--as----" - -"Unnerved?" - -"Yes; unnerved. I fell on my bed, and Rachel looked after me." - -"Ah, yes; we will interview Rachel, and so save you further harrowing -details. Come on, men, let's strike while these irons are hot." - -The four filed from the room, and Burdon spoke in a low tone, but -excitedly: - -"Come quickly! There goes Miss Maida across the lawn. We will take her -next. The maid, Rachel, can wait." - -Inwardly rebelling, but urged on by the others, Jeff Allen went along, -and as Burdon stopped Maida, on her quick walk across the lawn, Jeff put -his arm through that of the girl, and said: "Do as they tell you, dear. -It's best to have this matter settled at once." - -Again the party grouped themselves under the old sycamore, and this time -Maida was the target for their queries. - -"Tell me all you know of the case," she said, peremptorily; "then I'll -tell you what I know." - -"We know that the murder was committed by one of you three Wheelers," -said Burdon, brutally. "Now, both your parents have confessed to being -the criminal----" - -"What?" Maida cried, her face white and her eyes big and frightened. - -"Yes, ma'am, just that! Now, what have you to say? Are you going to -confess also?" - -"Of course I am! For I am the real criminal! Can't you see that my father -and mother are both trying to shield me? I did it, because of that awful -man's hold on my father! Take my confession, and do with me what you -will!" - -"Here's a state of things!" cried Burdon, truly surprised at this new -development. - -"The girl is telling the truth," exclaimed Curtis Keefe, not because he -really thought so but his quick mind told him that it would be easier to -get a young girl acquitted than an older person, and he saw the -plausibility of the detectives' theory that it must have been one of the -three Wheelers. - -"All right," Burdon went on, "then, Miss Wheeler, enlighten us as to -details. Where's the weapon?" - -"I don't have to tell you anything except that I did it. Do I, Jeffrey? -Do I, Mr. Keefe?" She looked at these two for help. - -"No, Miss Wheeler," Keefe assured her, "you needn't say a word without -legal advice." - -"But, Maida," Jeffrey groaned, "you didn't do it--you know! You couldn't -have!" - -"Yes, I did, Jeff." Maida's eyes were glittering, and her voice was -steady. "Of course I did. I'd do anything to save father from any more -persecution by that man! And there was to be more! Oh, don't let me talk! -I mustn't!" - -"No, you mustn't," agreed Keefe. "Now, Burdon, you've got three -confessions! What are you going to do with them?" - -"Going to find out which is the true one," answered Burdon, with a dogged -expression. "I knew all the time it was one of the three, and I'm not -surprised that the other two are willing to perjure themselves to save -the criminal." - -"Also, there may have been collusion," suggested Hallen. - -"Of course," the other agreed. "But we'll find out. The whole thing rests -among the three. They must not be allowed to escape----" - -"I've no intention of running away!" said Maida, proudly. - -"No one will run away," opined Hallen, sagaciously. "The criminal will -stand by the other two, and the other two will stand by him." - -"Or her, as the case may be," supplemented Burdon. - -"Her," Maida assured him. "In the first place, my mother was upstairs in -her own room, and my father was not in the den at the time. I was there -alone." - -"Oh, yes, your father was in the den," cried Jeffrey, imploringly. - -"No," said Maida, not catching his meaning. - -But Hallen caught it. - -"Where was Mr. Wheeler?" he asked. - -"I--I don't know," Maida said. - -"Well, if he wasn't in the den, and if he wasn't upstairs, maybe he was -in the big living-room, looking out at the fire." - -"Yes--yes, I think he was!" Maida agreed. - -"Then," Hallen went on, "then, Mr. Wheeler broke his parole--and is due -for punishment." - -"Oh, no," Maida moaned, seeing where her statements had led. "I--I guess -he was in the den--after all." - -"And I guess you're making up as you go along," opined Mr. Hallen. - - - - - CHAPTER IX - COUNTER-CONFESSIONS - - -Before Keefe went away, young Allen had a serious talk with him. - -"I want to ask your advice," Allen said; "shall I confess to that crime?" - -"Man alive, what are you talking about?" Keefe cried, astounded at the -suggestion. - -"Talking sense," Jeffrey stoutly asserted. "I don't believe any one of -those three did it--they're saying they did to shield one another--and -so----" - -"And so, you want to get into the game!" Keefe smiled at him. "You're -very young, my boy, to think such crude methods would get over, even with -such muffs as those two booby sleuths! No, Allen, don't add another -perjury that can be of no possible use. You didn't do the killing, did -you?" - -"Of course not! But neither did the Wheelers!" - -"No one of them?" - -"Certainly not." - -"Who did, then?" - -"I don't know; but you yourself insisted on some marauder." - -"Only to get suspicion away from the family. But there's no hope of -finding any evidence of an outside job. You see, I've made some inquiries -myself, and the servants' tales make it pretty sure that no intruder -could have been here. So, the Wheelers are the only suspects left." - -"And am I not as good for a suspect as they are--if I make due -confession?" - -"No, Allen, you're not. You're in love with Miss Maida----" - -"I'm engaged to her!" - -"All right; don't you see, then, the absurdity of expecting any one to -believe that you, a decent, law-abiding young citizen, would commit a -murder which would positively render impossible a marriage with the girl -you love?" - -"I didn't think of that!" - -"Of course you didn't. But that would make it unlikely that those -detectives would believe your tale for a moment. No, it's ridiculous for -any more people to confess to this murder. Three avowed criminals are -quite enough for the crime!" - -"But none of them really did it." - -"How you harp on that string! Now, look here, Allen, I'm as loath to -believe it as you are, but we must face facts. Those three people had -motive and opportunity. Moreover, they're a most united family, and if -any one thought either of the other two guilty, that one is quite capable -of falsely avowing the crime." - -"Yes--I see that"--Allen spoke impatiently. "What I want to know is, what -we're going to do about it?" - -"There I can't advise you. I have to get away now, but, as I said, I'll -return. I've more than a little taste for investigation myself, and when -I come back, I've no doubt I can hel----" - -"But--Keefe--I don't want you to help--to investigate--if it's going to -prove anything on any of the Wheelers." - -"But you believe them innocent!" - -"Yes; but crime has been fastened on the innocent." - -"Look here, Allen, you do believe them innocent--but you fear your belief -is a mistaken one!" - -"God help me, I do fear that, Keefe! Oh, what can we do?" - -"It's a bad lookout! All I can say now, is, to preserve a non-committal -demeanor, and keep things stationary as much as you can. Maybe when I -come back, we can--well, at least muddle things so----" - -"Complicate the evidence! So that it won't indicate----" - -"Be careful now! You know what compounding a felony means, don't you? Oh, -Allen, you're so young and impulsive, and the Wheelers are so emotional -and indiscreet, I wonder what will happen before I get back!" - -"Somebody ought to be in charge here." - -"Yes, some good lawyer, or some level-headed person who would hold back -those fool detectives, and look out for the interests of the Wheelers." - -"I wish you could stay." - -"I wish so, too, but I'll do all I can to return quickly. And Mr. Wheeler -ought to be able to look after his own affairs!" - -"I know he ought to--but he isn't. Also, I ought to, but I'm not!" - -"Yes you are, Jeffrey," cried Maida, who had happened along in time to -hear the young man's depreciation of himself. - -"Hello, Maida," he turned to her. "What did you mean by making up that -string of falsehoods?" - -"Don't talk about it, Jeff," and the girl's face went white. "If you do, -I shall go mad!" - -"I don't wonder, Miss Wheeler," said Keefe, sympathetically. "Now, as -I've just told Allen, I'm coming back as soon as I can make it, and until -I do, won't you try to hold off those men? Don't let them pound you and -your parents into admissions better left unmade. I'm not asking you any -questions, I've no right to, but I beg of you to keep your own counsel. -If you are shielding someone, say as little as possible. If you are -guilty yourself, say nothing." - -"'Guilty herself!' You've no right to say such a thing!" Allen cried out. - -"Of course I have," Keefe returned, "when I heard Miss Wheeler avow the -crime! But I must go now. Here's the car. Good-bye, both of you, -and--Miss Wheeler, if I may advise, don't confide too much--in anybody." - -The last words were spoken in an aside, and if Allen heard them he gave -no sign. He bade Keefe good-bye with a preoccupied air, and as others -joined them then, he waited till the car started, and then took Maida's -arm and led her away, toward the garden. - -Miss Lane, of course, went with Keefe, and as the girls parted Maida had -suddenly felt a sense of loneliness. - -"I liked Genevieve a lot," she said to Allen, as they walked away. - -"I didn't," he returned. - -"Oh, Jeff, you are so quick to take prejudices against people. I don't -mean I'm specially fond of Genevieve, but she was kind to me, and now I -do seem so alone." - -"Alone, Maida? When you have your parents and me? What do you mean?" - -"I can't tell you, exactly, but I seem to want someone--someone with wide -experience and educated judgment--to whom I can go for advice." - -"Won't I do, dear?" - -"You're kind enough and loving enough--but, Jeff, you don't know things! -I mean, you haven't had experience in--in criminal cases----" - -"Come on, Maida, let's have it out. What about this criminal case of -ours? For it's mine as much as it's yours." - -"Oh, no, it isn't, Jeff. You've nothing to do with it. I must bear my -burden alone--and--I must ask you to release me from our engagement----" - -"Which I will never do! How absurd! Now, Maida mine, if you won't speak -out, I must. I know perfectly well you never killed Mr. Appleby. I know, -too, that you saw either your father or mother kill him and you're trying -to shield the criminal. Very right, too, except that you mustn't keep the -truth from me. How can I help you, dear, unless I know what you're -doing--or trying to do? So, tell me the truth--now." - -"I can't tell you more than I have, Jeff," Maida spoke with a long-drawn -sigh. "You must believe me. And as a--a murderer, I never, of course, -shall marry." - -"Maida, you're a transparent little prevaricator! Don't think I don't -realize the awful situation, for I do, but I can't--I won't let you -sacrifice yourself for either of your parents. I don't ask you which one -it was--in fact, I'd rather you wouldn't tell me--but I do ask you to -believe that I know it wasn't you. Now, drop that foolishness." - -"Jeffrey," and Maida spoke very solemnly, "don't you believe that I could -kill a man? If he was so cruel, so dangerous to my father--my dear -father, that I couldn't stand it another minute, don't you believe I'd be -capable of killing him?" - -"We've spoken of that before, Maida, and I think I said I believed you -would be capable, in a moment of sudden, intense anger and -excitement----" - -"Well, then, why do you doubt my word? I told the detectives--I tell you, -that the moment came--I saw my father, under stress of terrible anger--in -immediate, desperate danger from Samuel Appleby. I--I shot--to kill----" -the girl broke down and Jeffrey took the slender, quivering form in his -arms. - -"All right, sweetheart," he whispered, "don't say another word--I -understand. I don't blame you--how could you think I would! I just want -to help you. How can I best do that?" - -But Maida could not tell him. Her tears, once started, came in torrents. -Her whole frame shook with the intensity of her sobs, and, unable to -control herself at all, she ran from him into the house and up to her own -room. - -"What did you find out?" Burdon asked, coming out from behind a nearby -clump of shrubbery. - -"You sneak, you cad!" Allen cried, but the detective stopped him. - -"Now, look here, Mr. Allen," he said, "we're here to do our duty, said -duty being to discover the perpetrator of a pretty awful crime. You may -be so minded as to let the murderer go scot-free, even help him or her to -make a getaway, but I can't indulge in any such philanthropic scheme. Mr. -Appleby's been foully murdered, and it's up to the law to find out the -killer and see justice done. My job is not a pleasant one, but I've got -to see it through, and that's all there is about that! Now, this case is -what we call open-and-shut. The murderer is sure and positively one of -three people--said three people being known to us. So, I've just got to -use all my powers to discover which of the three I'm really after, and -when I find that out, then make my arrest. But I've no desire to nab the -wrong one." - -"Which one do you think it is?" demanded Allen, angrily. - -"I've got no right nor reason to _think_ it's either one. I've got to -find out for sure, not just think it. So, I ask you what you learned just -now from Miss Wheeler, and why did she run to the house, weeping like a -willow tree?" - -"I found out nothing that would throw any light on your quest, and she -wept because her nerves are strained to the breaking point with worry and -exhaustion." - -"And I don't wonder!" the detective spoke sympathetically. "But all the -same, I'm obliged to keep on investigating, and I must ask you what she -said to you just now." - -Allen thought over the conversation he had had with Maida. Then he said: -"I am telling the truth when I say there was no word said between us that -would be of any real use to you. Miss Wheeler is my _fiance_, and I -tried to comfort her, and also to assure her anew of my faithfulness and -devotion in her trouble." - -"And what did she say?" - -"Without remembering her words exactly, I think I can state that she said -nothing more than to reiterate that she had killed Mr. Appleby. But I -want to state also, that I believe she said it, as she said it to you, to -shield some one else." - -"Her parents--or, one of them?" - -"That is the reasonable supposition. But I do not accuse either of the -elder Wheelers. I still suspect an intruder from outside." - -"Of course you do. . . . Anybody in your position would. But there was -none such. It was one of the three Wheelers, and I'll proceed to find out -which one." - -"Just how do you propose to find out?" - -"Well, the one that did it is very likely to give it away. It's mighty -difficult to be on your guard every minute, and with one guilty, and two -shielding, and all three knowing, which is which, as I've no doubt they -do, why, it's a cinch that one of the three breaks down through sheer -overcarefulness pretty soon." - -"That's true enough," Allen agreed, ruefully. "Is that your only plan?" - -"Yes, except to look up the weapon. It's a great help, always, to find -the revolver." - -"Hoping to find the criminal's initials on it?" - -"Well, no, they don't mark firearms in real life, as they do in -story-books. But to find the weapon gives a lot of evidence as to where -it was fired from, and what was done with it afterward, and to whom it -belongs. Not that the owner is always the murderer. More often the -reverse is true. But the weapon we want and want pretty badly. By the -way, I'm told that young Appleby is out of the running for governor now -that his father isn't here to help him through." - -"More, I take it, because of his grief for his father's untimely end." - -"Be that as it may, he'll withdraw his name from the candidates." - -"Who told you?" - -"I heard Mr. Keefe telling Miss Lane." - -"You hear a lot, Burdon." - -"I do, Mr. Allen. It's my business to do so. Now, here's another thing. -About that garage fire." - -"Well, what about it?" - -"It was a mighty mysterious fire, that's all. Nobody knows how it -started, or where." - -"They must know where!" - -"Not exactly. It seemed to start in the vicinity of Mr. Appleby's own -car. But there was nothing inflammable around that part of the garage." - -"Well, what does that prove or indicate? Anything prejudicial to the -Wheelers?" - -"Not so far as I can see. Only it's queer, that's all." - -"Perhaps Mr. Appleby kept tobacco and matches in his car." - -"Perhaps so. Anyway, that's where the fire originated, and also about -where it stopped. They soon put it out." - -"Glad they did. I can't see that the fire has any bearing whatever on the -murder." - -"Neither can I, Mr. Allen. But Hallen, now, he thinks it has." - -"Just how?" - -"I can't say. Hallen doesn't know himself. But he says there's a -connection." - -"There may be. But unless it's a connection that will free the Wheelers -from suspicion, it doesn't interest me." - -Allen left the detective, who made no effort to detain him, and went to -the den for a talk with Mr. Wheeler. - -But that gentleman, locked in the room, declared through the closed door -that he would see nobody. - -"Sorry, Jeff," he said, in a kindly tone, "but you must excuse me at -present. Give me the day to myself. I'll see you late this afternoon." - -As it was already noon, Allen made no further attempt at an interview and -went in search of Mrs. Wheeler. It seemed to him he must talk to some of -the family, and he hadn't the heart to disturb Maida, who might be -resting. - -Mrs. Wheeler's maid said that her mistress would see him in a few -minutes. And it was only a few minutes later that the lady came -downstairs and greeted Allen, who awaited her in the living-room. - -"What are we going to do?" she exclaimed to him. "Do help us, Jeff. Did I -do right?" - -"In lying to save some one you love? Yes, I suppose so." - -But Sara Wheeler had very acute hearing. Even as they spoke, she heard a -slight movement on the porch outside, and realized at once that a -detective was listening to her every word. - -Allen couldn't be sure whether this changed her mental attitude or -whether she continued as she had meant to when she began. - -But she said: "Oh, I don't mean that! I mean, did I do right to confess -my crime at once? You know they would discover it sooner or later, and I -thought it would save time and trouble for me to own up immediately." - -"Dear Mrs. Wheeler, don't quibble with me. I know you didn't do it----" - -"Oh, yes, I did, Jeff. Who else could it have been? And, too, you know -about the bugler, don't you?" - -"Yes." - -"Well, that's what made me do it. You see, I thought if a death occurred, -that would be the death the bugler was heralding, and if it wasn't Mr. -Appleby it might have been Dan himself." - -She leaned forward as she spoke, her voice dropped to a mere whisper, and -her large eyes took on a glassy stare, while her white face was drawn and -set with an agonized expression as of a dreadful memory. - -"And you killed Appleby for that reason?" cried Allen. - -"Oh, no--I killed him because--because"--her mind seemed to wander--"oh, -yes," she resumed, "because he was a menace to Dan. To my husband." - -For the first time Allen began to doubt her sanity. Her eyes were wild, -her fingers nervously interlaced and her speech was jerky and stammering. - -"A menace, how?" he asked, softly. - -"In different ways," Mrs. Wheeler returned, in so low a voice that the -listener outside could scarcely hear. "Through me, because of something -he knew; through Maida--because of--of something he wanted; and, of -course, through Dan himself, because of that old conditional pardon." - -"What do you mean about Maida?" Allen caught at the thing that most -impressed him. "Did old Appleby want to marry Maida?" - -"Yes, he did. Of course, neither her father nor I would hear of such a -thing, but Mr. Appleby was an insistent man--insistent and -inexorable--and he wanted Maida----" - -"Mother dear, I want you to come away now," and Maida came into the room. -"Come, you have talked too long. It does no good, to you or to any one -else. Did you call her down, Jeffrey?" - -"Yes," and Allen deeply regretted his act. "But I want to talk to -somebody, Maida. Will you take your mother away--and return?" - -"Yes, I will," and the girl left the room, guiding the slow footsteps of -her mother. - -When she came back, Allen took her out under the old sycamore. - -"Now, Maida," he said, gently, "the truth. No matter what it is, you must -tell me. We are here alone, that eavesdropping detective can't overhear -us, and you must tell me whom you are shielding and the full details for -the crime." - -"I can't tell you all the details, Jeff," the girl returned, "they -include a secret that is not mine to divulge." - -"You can divulge anything in a crisis like this, Maida." - -"No, I cannot. Before he--before he died, Mr. Appleby told me something -that I will never tell, unless my conscience makes me do so." - -"Isn't it a matter of conscience already?" - -"I don't know, Jeff; truly, I can't tell. But much as I am bound by my -principles of right, and you know, dear, I _am_ conscientious, I would -willingly throw them all to the winds if they interfered with my parents' -happiness, well-being or safety." - -"Let me get this straight, Maida. You would stifle your conscience, would -act directly against its dictates for the sake of your parents?" - -"Yes, Jeffrey; right or wrong, that's what I should do." - -"Who am I that I should judge you, dear? I know well your lifelong -submission to your conscience, even when your inclinations were strong -the other way. Now, if you have thrown over principle, honor, conscience -and right, for what you consider a stronger motive, I can only accept -your decision. But I wish you would confide in me more fully. Do you mean -in regard to Mr. Appleby?" - -"Of course I mean in regard to Mr. Appleby. And I'm going to ask you, -Jeff, to believe what I tell you." - -"Of course I'll do that, Maida." - -"No; you won't want to. But I ask you to believe it implicitly and to act -accordingly. Do you promise me this?" - -The girl's face was turned to his, her great, sorrowful eyes were full of -dumb agony and showed unshed tears, but her voice was clear and strong as -of one whose purpose was unshakable. - -"Yes, dear," and Jeffrey took her hands in his and looked deep into her -eyes, whose blank despair haunted him long after, "yes, Maida, I -promise." - -"Well, then, I killed Mr. Appleby, and you must do whatever you think -best for us all. What shall we do first, Jeffrey?" - -And with the clutch of an icy dread at his heart, Allen replied, -brokenly, "I don't know, Maida, darling, but I will find out what is -best, and we will do it----" - - - - - CHAPTER X - THE PHANTOM BUGLER - - -The day after the funeral of Samuel Appleby, Keefe returned to Sycamore -Ridge. - -"I came, Mr. Wheeler," he said, "to offer you my services. I express no -opinion as to who killed Mr. Appleby, but I do know that his son is going -to use every means to discover his father's murderer, and I can't help -thinking you'd be wise to let me take up your case." - -"As a criminal lawyer?" asked Dan Wheeler, quietly. - -"No, sir; as a friend and adviser. If you find you need a criminal -lawyer, I'll suggest one--and a good one. But I mean, I'd like to help -you in a general way, by consultation and advice. You, if you will pardon -me, have lived so long out of the modern world that you are unfitted to -cope with this whole situation. I speak frankly--because I am deeply -interested----" - -"Just why are you so deeply interested, Mr. Keefe?" Wheeler's tone was -kindly but his glance was sharp at his would-be benefactor. - -"I may as well own up," Keefe said, "I am hard hit by your daughter. Oh, -yes, I know she is engaged to young Allen, and I've no hope she would -ever throw him over for me, but I'm anxious to serve her in any way I -can--and I feel pretty sure that I can be of help to you and your -family." - -"Well spoken, young man. And your promises are right. I am out of touch -with the world, and I should be glad indeed of the advice of an -experienced man of business. But, first of all, will you tell me who -_you_ think killed Appleby?" - -"I will, sir. I've no idea it was any of you three people, who have all -confessed to the deed, in order to shield one another." - -"Whom then do you suspect?" - -"An outside intruder. I have held to this theory from the start, and I am -sure it is the true one. Moreover, I think the murderer is the man who -blew the bugle----" - -"The phantom bugler!" - -"No phantom, but a live man. Phantoms do not blow on bugles except in old -English legends. A bugle sounded in New England and heard by several -people, was blown by human lungs. Find your bugler and you've found your -murderer." - -"I wonder if you can be right!" - -Wheeler fell into a brown study and Keefe watched him closely. His bugler -theory was offered in an effort to find out what Wheeler thought of it, -and Wheeler's response ought to show whether his own knowledge of the -murder precluded the bugler or not. - -Apparently it did, for he sighed and said: "Of course the person who -sounded that bugle was a live person, but I cannot think it had any -connection with Mr. Appleby's death. Even granting somebody might have -been wicked enough to try to frighten my wife, yet there is no reason to -think any one wishing to kill Samuel Appleby would know of the old legend -in Mrs. Wheeler's family." - -"True enough. But it is possible, and, in my opinion, that is the only -direction to look." - -"But what direction? How can you find out who blew that bugle?" - -"I don't know yet, but I shall try to find out. As a matter of fact very -little inquiry has been made. Those two detectives, while intelligent -enough, don't have a very wide horizon. They've concluded that the -assassin was--well, was named Wheeler--and they're only concerned to -discover the first name. Forgive my plain speaking, but to save yourself -and the other two, we must be outspoken." - -"Yes, yes--pray don't hesitate to say anything you think. I am in a -terrible position, Mr. Keefe--more terrible than you can know, and while -I am willing to make any sacrifice for my dear ones--it may be in -vain----" - -The two men had been alone in the den, but now were joined by Burdon and -young Allen. - -"Glad to see you back, Mr. Keefe," Burdon said; "usually we detectives -don't hanker after outside help, but you've a good, keen mind, and I -notice you generally put your finger on the right spot." - -"All right, Burdon, we'll work together. Now, Mr. Wheeler, I'm going to -ask you to leave us--for there are some details to discuss----" - -Dan Wheeler was only too glad to be excused, and with a sigh of relief he -went away to his upstairs quarters. - -"Now, it's this way," Keefe began; "I've been sounding Mr. Wheeler, but I -didn't get any real satisfaction. But here's a point. Either he did or -didn't kill Mr. Appleby, but in either case, he's in bad." - -"What do you mean?" asked Allen. - -"Why, I've inquired about among the servants and, adding our own -testimony, I've figured it out that Mr. Wheeler was either the murderer -or he was over the line on the other side of the house, and in that case -has broken his parole and is subject to the law." - -"How do you prove that?" inquired Burdon, interestedly. - -"By the story of Miss Wheeler, who says her father was not in the den at -all at the time Mr. Appleby was shot. Now, as we know, Mrs. Wheeler ran -downstairs at that time, and she, too, says her husband was not in the -den. Also she says he was not in the living-room, nor in the hall. This -leaves only her own sitting-room, from which Mr. Wheeler could see the -fire and into which he was most likely to go for that purpose." - -"He wouldn't go in that room for any purpose," declared Allen. - -"Not ordinarily, but in the excitement of a fire, men can scarcely -refrain from running to look at it, and if he was not in the places he -had a right to be, he must have been over on the forbidden ground. So, it -comes back to this: either Mr. Wheeler was the murderer, and his wife and -daughter have perjured themselves to save him, or he was in a place -which, by virtue of the conditions, cancels his pardon. This, I take it, -explains Mr. Wheeler's present perturbed state of mind--for he is -bewildered and worried in many ways." - -"Well," said Allen, "where does all this lead us?" - -"It leads us," Keefe returned, "to the necessity of a lot of hard work. -I'm willing to go on record as desiring to find a criminal outside of the -Wheeler family. Or to put it bluntly, I want to acquit all three of -them--even if----" - -"Even if one of them is guilty?" said Burdon. - -"Well, yes--just that. But, of course I don't mean to hang an innocent -man! What I want is to get a verdict for persons unknown." - -"I'm with you," said Allen. "It's all wrong, I know, but--well, I can't -believe any of the Wheelers really did it." - -"You do believe it, though!" Keefe turned on him, sharply. "And what's -more, you believe the criminal is the one of the three whom you least -want it to be!" - -Keefe's meaning was unmistakable, and Allen's flushed and crestfallen -face betrayed his unwilling assent. Unable to retort--even unable to -speak, he quickly left the room. - -Keefe closed the door and turned to Burdon. - -"That was a test," he said; "I'm not sure whether Allen suspects Miss -Wheeler--or not----" - -"He sure acts as if he does," Burdon said, his face drawn with -perplexity. "But, I say, Mr. Keefe, haven't you ever thought it might -have been Jeffrey Allen himself?" - -"Who did the shooting?" - -"Yes; he had all the motives the others had----" - -"But not opportunity. Why, he was at the garage fire--where I was----" - -"Yes, but he might have got away long enough for----" - -"Nonsense, man, nothing of the sort! We were together, fighting the -flames. The two chauffeurs were with us--the Wheelers' man, and Mr. -Appleby's. We used those chemical extinguishers----" - -"I know all that--but then--he might have slipped away, and in the -excitement you didn't notice----" - -"Not a chance! No, take my word for it, the three Wheelers are the -exclusive suspects--unless we can work in that bugler individual." - -"It's too many for me," Burdon sighed. "And Hallen, he's at his wit's -end. But you're clever at such things, sir, and Mr. Appleby, he's going -to get a big detective from the city." - -"You don't seem to mind being discarded!" - -"No, sir. If anybody's to fasten a crime on one of those Wheelers, I -don't want to be the one to do it." - -"Look here, Burdon, how about Wheeler's doing it in self-defence? I know -a lot about those two men, and Appleby was just as much interested in -getting Wheeler out of his way as _vice versa_. If Appleby attacked and -Wheeler defended, we can get him off easy." - -"Maybe so, but it's all speculation, Mr. Keefe. What we ought to get is -evidence--testimony--and that's hard, for the only people to ask about it -are----" - -"Are the criminals themselves." - -"The suspected criminals--yes, sir." - -"There are others. Have you quizzed all the servants?" - -"I don't take much stock in servants' stories." - -"You're wrong there, my man. That principle is a good one in ordinary -matters, but when it comes to a murder case, a servant's testimony is as -good as his master's." - -Burdon made no direct response to Keefe's suggestion, but he mulled it -over in his slow-going mind, and as a result, he had a talk with Rachel, -who was ladies' maid to both Maida and her mother. - -The girl bridled a little when Burdon began to question her. - -"Nobody seemed to think it worth while to ask me anything," she said, "so -I held my tongue. But if so be you want information, you ask and I'll -answer." - -"I doubt if she really knows anything," Burdon thought to himself, -judging from her air of self-importance, but he said: - -"Tell me anything you know of the circumstances at the time of the -murder." - -"Circumstances?" repeated Rachel, wrinkling her brow. - -"Yes; for instance, where was Mrs. Wheeler when you heard the shot?" - -"I didn't say I heard the shot." - -"Didn't you?" - -"Yes." - -"Go on, then; don't be foolish, or you'll be sorry for it!" - -"Well, then, Mrs. Wheeler was downstairs--she had just left her room----" - -"Here, let me get this story straight. How long had she been in her room? -Were you there with her?" - -"Yes; we had been there half an hour or so. Then, we heard noise and -excitement and a cry of fire. Mrs. Wheeler rushed out of her room and ran -downstairs--and I followed, naturally." - -"Yes; and what did you see?" - -"Nothing special--I saw a blaze of light, through the front door----" - -"The north door?" - -"Of course--the one toward the garage--and I saw the garage was on fire, -so I thought of nothing else--then." - -"Then? What did you think of later?" - -"I remembered that I saw Mr. Wheeler in the living-room--in the north end -of it--where he never goes----" - -"You know about his restrictions?" - -"Oh, yes, sir. The servants all know--we have to. Well, it was natural, -poor man, that he should go to look at the fire!" - -"You're sure of this, Rachel?" - -"Sure, yes; but don't let's tell, for it might get the master in -trouble." - -"On the contrary it may get him out of trouble. To break his parole is -not as serious a crime as murder. And if he was in the north end of the -living-room he couldn't have been in the den shooting Mr. Appleby." - -"That's true enough. And neither could Mrs. Wheeler have done it." - -"Why not?" - -"Well--that is--she was right ahead of me----" - -"Did you keep her in sight?" - -"No; I was so excited myself, I ran past her and out to the garage." - -"Who was there?" - -"Mr. Allen and Mr. Keefe and the two chauffeurs and the head gardener and -well, most all the servants. The men were fighting the fire, and the -women were standing back, looking on." - -"Yelling, I suppose." - -"No; they were mostly quiet. Cook was screaming, but nobody paid any -attention to her." - -"The fire was soon over?" - -"Yes, it was a little one. I suppose that chauffeur of Mr. Appleby's -dropped a match or something--for our servants are too well trained to do -anything of the sort. We're all afraid of fire." - -"Well, the fire amounted to little, as you say. Curious it should occur -at the time of the murder." - -"Curious, indeed, sir. Do you make anything out of that?" - -"Can't see anything in it. Unless the murderer started the fire to -distract attention from himself. In that case, it couldn't have been any -of the Wheelers." - -"That it couldn't. They were all in the house." - -"Miss Maida--did you see her at the time?" - -"I caught a glimpse of her as I ran through the hall." - -"Where was she?" - -"In the den; standing near the bay window." - -"Well, we've pretty well planted the three. Mrs. Wheeler on the stairs, -Mr. Wheeler, you say, in the living-room, where he had no right to be, -and Miss Maida----" - -"Oh, Miss Maida didn't do it! She couldn't! That lovely young lady!" - -"There, Rachel, that will do. You've given your testimony, now it's not -for you to pass judgment. Go about your business, and keep a quiet -tongue. No babbling--you understand?" - -"Yes, sir," and the maid went away, her attitude still one of importance, -and her face wearing a vague smile. - -Meantime Curtis Keefe was having a serious talk with Maida. - -His attitude was kindly and deferential, but he spoke with a determined -air as he said: - -"Miss Wheeler, you know, I am sure, how much I want to help you, and how -glad I will be if I can do so. But, first of all I must ask you a -question. What did Mr. Appleby mean when he said to you something about -Keefe and the airship?" - -Maida looked at him with a troubled glance. For a minute she did not -speak, then she said, calmly: "I am not at liberty to tell you what we -were talking about then, Mr. Keefe, but don't you remember Mr. Appleby -said that you were not the Keefe referred to?" - -"I know he said that, but--I don't believe it." - -"I am not responsible for your disbelief," she drew herself up with a -dignified air. "And I must ask you not to refer to that matter again." - -"Don't take that attitude," he begged. "At least tell me what Keefe he -did mean. There can be no breach of confidence in that." - -"Why do you want to know?" - -"Because I know Mr. Appleby had a big airship project under -consideration. Because I know he contemplated letting me in on the deal, -and it was a most profitable deal. Had he lived, I should have asked him -about it, but since he is dead, I admit I want to know anything you can -tell me of the matter." - -Involuntarily Maida smiled a little, and the lovely face, usually so sad, -seemed more beautiful than ever to the man who looked at her. - -"Why do you smile?" he cried, "but whatever the reason, keep on doing so! -Oh, Maida, how wonderful you are!" - -A glance of astonishment made him quickly apologize for his speech. - -"But," he said, "I couldn't help it. Forgive me, Miss Wheeler, and, since -you can smile over it, I'm more than ever anxious to know about the -airship deal." - -"And I can tell you nothing," she declared, "because I know nothing of -any such matter. If Mr. Appleby was interested in an airship project, I -know nothing of it. The matter he mentioned to me was, I am positively -certain, not the deal you speak of." - -"I believe that. Your face is too honest for you to speak an untruth so -convincingly. And now assure me that I am not the Keefe he referred to, -and I will never open the subject again." - -But this Maida could not say truthfully, and though she tried, her -assertion was belied by drooping eyes and quivering lips. - -"You were not," she uttered, but she did not look at him, and this time -Curtis Keefe did not believe her. - -"I was," he said calmly, but he made no further effort to get the whole -truth from her. "I'm sorry you can't confide fully in me, but I shall -doubtless learn all I want to know from Mr. Appleby's papers." - -"You--you have them in charge?" Maida asked, quite evidently agitated at -the thought. - -"Yes, of course, I'm his confidential secretary. That's why, Miss -Wheeler, it's better for you to be frank with me--in all things. Has it -never occurred to you that I'm the man who can best help you in this -whole moil of troubles?" - -"Why, no," she said, slowly, "I don't believe it ever has." - -"Then realize it now. Truly, dear Miss Wheeler, I am not only the one who -can best help you, but I am the only one who can help you at all--please -try to see that." - -"Why should I want help?" - -"For half a dozen very good reasons. First, I suppose you know that you -are in no enviable position regarding the death of Mr. Appleby. Oh, I -know you didn't kill him----" - -"But I did!" - -"If you did, you couldn't take it so calmly----" - -"How dare you say I take it calmly? What do you know about it? Just -because I don't go about in hysterics--that's not my nature--is no sign -that I'm not suffering tortures----" - -"You poor, sweet child--I know you are! Oh, little girl, dear little -girl--can't you--won't you let me look out for you----" - -The words were right enough, but the tone in which they were uttered, the -look that accompanied them, frightened Maida. She knew at once how this -man regarded her. - -Intuition told her it was better not to resent his speech or meaning, so -she only said, quietly: - -"Look out for me--how?" - -"Every way. Give yourself to me--be my own, own little Maida----" - -"Mr. Keefe, stop! You forget you are talking to an engaged girl----" - -"I did forget--please forgive me." In a moment he was humble and -penitent. "I lost my head. No, Miss Wheeler, I ask no reward, I want to -help you in any and every way--remembering you are to be the bride of Mr. -Allen." - -"Only after I'm acquitted of this crime. They never convict a woman, do -they, Mr. Keefe?" - -"So that's what you're banking on! And safely, too. No, Miss Wheeler, no -judge or jury would ever convict you of murder. But, all the same, it's a -mighty unpleasant process that brings about your acquittal, and I advise -you not to go through with it." - -"But I've got to. I've confessed my crime; now they have to try me--don't -they?" - -"You innocent baby. Unless--look here, you're not--er--stringing me, are -you?" - -"What does that mean?" - -"I mean, you didn't really do the job, did you?" - -"I did." The calm glance of despair might have carried conviction to a -less skeptical hearer, but Keefe only looked puzzled. - -"I can't quite make you out," he declared; "either you're a very brave -heroine--or----" - -"Or?" queried Maida. - -"Or you're nutty!" - -Maida laughed outright. "That's it," she said, and her laughter became a -little hysterical. "I _am_ nutty, and I own up to it. Do you think we can -enter a plea of insanity?" - -Keefe looked at her, a new thought dawning in his mind. - -"That might not be at all a bad plan," he said, slowly; "are you in -earnest?" - -"I don't know. Honestly, I think of so many plans, and discard them one -after the other. But I don't want to be convicted!" - -"And you shan't! There are more persons in this world than the three -Wheelers! And one of them may easily be the murderer we're seeking." - -"Which one?" asked Maida. - -"The Phantom Bugler," returned Keefe. - - - - - CHAPTER XI - FLEMING STONE - - -Next day brought the advent of two men and a boy to Sycamore Ridge. - -Samuel Appleby, determined to discover the murderer of his father and -convinced that it was none of the Wheeler family, had brought Fleming -Stone, the detective, to investigate the case. Stone had a young -assistant who always accompanied him, and this lad, Terence McGuire by -name, was a lively, irrepressible chap, with red hair and freckles. - -But his quick thinking and native wit rendered him invaluable to Stone, -who had already hinted that McGuire might some day become his successor. - -The Wheeler family, Jeffrey Allen, Curtis Keefe, and Burdon, the local -detective, were all gathered in Mr. Wheeler's den to recount the whole -story to Fleming Stone. - -With grave attention, Stone listened, and young McGuire eagerly drank in -each word, as if committing a lesson to memory. Which, indeed, he was, -for Stone depended on his helper to remember all facts, theories and -suggestions put forward by the speakers. - -Long experience had made Fleming Stone a connoisseur in "cases," and, by -a classification of his own, he divided them into "express" and "local." -By this distinction he meant that in the former cases, he arrived quickly -at the solution, without stop or hindrance. The latter kind involved -necessary stops, even side issues, and a generally impeded course, by -reason of conflicting motives and tangled clues. - -As he listened to the story unfolded by the members of the party, he -sighed, for he knew this was no lightning express affair. He foresaw much -investigation ahead of him, and he already suspected false evidence and -perhaps bribed witnesses. - -Yet these conclusions of his were based quite as much on intuition as on -evidence, and Stone did not wholly trust intuition. - -Samuel Appleby was the principal spokesman, as he was the one chiefly -concerned in the discovery of the criminal and the avenging of his -father's death. Moreover, he was positive the deed had not been done by -any one of the Wheeler family, and he greatly desired to prove himself -right in this. - -"But you were not here at the time, Mr. Appleby," Stone said, "and I must -get the story from those who were. Mr. Keefe, you came with Mr. Appleby, -senior, and, also, as his confidential secretary you are in a position to -know of his mental attitudes. Had he, to your knowledge, any fear, any -premonition of evil befalling him?" - -"Not at all," answered Keefe, promptly. "If he had, I do not know of it, -but I think I can affirm that he had not. For, when Mr. Appleby was -anxious, he always showed it. In many ways it was noticeable, if he had a -perplexity on his mind. In such a case he was irritable, quick-tempered, -and often absent-minded. The day we came down here, Mr. Appleby was -genial, affable and in a kindly mood. This, to my mind, quite precludes -the idea that he looked for anything untoward." - -"How did he impress you, Mr. Wheeler?" Stone went on. "You had not seen -him for some time, I believe." - -"Not for fifteen years," Dan Wheeler spoke calmly, and with an air of -determined reserve. "Our meeting was such as might be expected between -two long-time enemies, but Appleby was polite and so was I." - -"He came to ask a favor of you?" - -"Rather to drive a bargain. He offered me a full pardon in return for my -assistance in his son's political campaign. You, I am sure, know all this -from Mr. Appleby, the son." - -"Yes, I do; I'm asking you if Mr. Appleby, the father, showed in his -conversation with you, any apprehension or gave any intimation of a fear -of disaster?" - -"Mr. Stone," returned Wheeler, "I have confessed that I killed Mr. -Appleby; I hold, therefore, that I need say nothing that will influence -my own case." - -"Well, you see, Mr. Wheeler, this case is unusual--perhaps unique, in -that three people have confessed to the crime. So far, I am preserving an -open mind. Though it is possible you and your wife and daughter acted in -collusion, only one of you could have fired the fatal shot; yet you all -three claim to have done so. There is no conclusion to be drawn from this -but that one is guilty and the other two are shielding that one." - -"Draw any conclusion you wish," said Wheeler, still imperturbably. "But -I've no objection to replying to the question you asked me. Sam Appleby -said no word to me that hinted at a fear for his personal safety. If he -had any such fear, he kept it to himself." - -"He knew of your enmity toward him?" - -"Of course. He did me an unforgivable injustice and I never pretended -that I did not resent it." - -"And you refused to meet his wishes regarding his son's campaign?" - -"I most certainly did, for the same reasons I opposed his own election -many years ago." - -"Yes; all those details I have from Mr. Appleby, junior. Now, Mr. Appleby -does not believe that his father was killed by any member of your family, -Mr. Wheeler." - -"Can he, then, produce the man whom he does suspect?" - -"No; he suspects no one definitely, but he thinks that by investigation, -I can find out the real criminal." - -"You may as well save your time and trouble, Mr. Stone. I am the man you -seek, I freely confess my crime, and I accept my fate, whatever it be. -Can I do more?" - -"Yes; if you are telling the truth, go on, and relate details. What -weapon did you use?" - -"My own revolver." - -"Where is it?" - -"I threw it out of the window." - -"Which window?" - -"The--the bay window, in my den." - -"In this room?" - -"Yes." - -"That window there?" Stone pointed to the big bay. - -"Yes." - -"You were sitting there at the time of the shot, were you not, Miss -Wheeler?" Stone turned to Maida, who, white-faced and trembling, listened -to her father's statements. - -"I was sitting there before the shot," the girl returned, speaking in -quiet, steady tones, though a red spot burned in either cheek. "And then, -when Mr. Appleby threatened my father, I shot him myself. My father is -untruthful for my sake. In his love for me he is trying to take my crime -on himself. Oh, believe me, Mr. Stone! Others can testify that I said, -long ago, that I could willingly kill Mr. Appleby. He has made my dear -father's life a living grave! He has changed a brilliant, capable man of -affairs to a sad and broken-hearted recluse. A man who had everything to -live for, everything to interest and occupy his mind, was condemned to a -solitary imprisonment, save for the company of his family! My father's -career would have been notable, celebrated; but that Samuel Appleby put -an end to fifteen years ago, for no reason but petty spite and mean -revenge! I had never seen the man, save as a small child, and when I -learned he was at last coming here, my primitive passions were stirred, -my sense of justice awoke and my whole soul was absorbed in a wild -impulse to rid the world of such a demon in human form! I told my parents -I was capable of killing him; they reproved me, so I said no more. But I -brooded over the project, and made ready, and then--when Mr. Appleby -threatened my father, talked to him brutally, scathingly, fairly turning -the iron in his soul--I could stand it no longer, and I shot him down as -I would have killed a venomous serpent! I do not regret the act--though I -do fear the consequences." - -Maida almost collapsed, but pulled herself together, to add: - -"That is the truth. You must disregard and disbelieve my father's noble -efforts to save me by trying to pretend the crime was his own." - -Stone looked at her pityingly. McGuire stared fixedly; the boy's eyes -round with amazement at this outburst of self-condemnation. - -Then Stone said, almost casually: "You, too, Mrs. Wheeler, confess to -this crime, I believe." - -"I am the real criminal," Sara Wheeler asserted, speaking very quietly -but with a steady gaze into the eyes of the listening detective. "You can -readily understand that my husband and daughter are trying to shield me, -when I tell you that only I had opportunity. I had possessed myself of -Mr. Wheeler's pistol and as I ran downstairs--well knowing the -conversation that was going on, I shot through the doors as I passed and -running on, threw the weapon far out into the shrubbery. It can doubtless -be found. I must beg of you, Mr. Stone, that you thoroughly investigate -these three stories, and I assure you you will find mine the true one, -and the assertions of my husband and daughter merely loving but futile -attempts to save me from the consequences of my act." - -Fleming Stone smiled, a queer, tender little smile. - -"It is certainly a new experience for me," he said, "when a whole family -insist on being considered criminals. But I will reserve decision until I -can look into matters a little more fully. Now, who can give me any -information on the matter, outside of the identity of the criminal?" - -Jeffrey Allen volunteered the story of the fire, and Keefe told of the -strange bugle call that had been heard. - -"You heard it, Mr. Keefe?" asked Stone, after listening to the account. - -"No; I was with Mr. Appleby on a trip to Boston. I tell it as I heard the -tale from the household here." - -Whereupon the Wheeler family corroborated Keefe's story, and Fleming -Stone listened attentively to the various repetitions. - -"You find that bugler, and you've got your murderer," Curtis Keefe said, -bluntly. "You agree, don't you, Mr. Stone, that it was no phantom who -blew audible notes on a bugle?" - -"I most certainly agree to that. I've heard many legends, in foreign -countries, of ghostly drummers, buglers and bagpipers, but they are -merely legends--I've never found anyone who really heard the sounds. And, -moreover, those things aren't even legends in America. Any bugling done -in this country is done by human lungs. Now, this bugler interests me. I -think, with you, Mr. Keefe, that to know his identity would help -us--whether he proves to be the criminal or not." - -"He's the criminal," Keefe declared, again. "Forgive me, Mr. Stone, if my -certainty seems to you presumptuous or forward, but I'm so thoroughly -convinced of the innocence of the Wheeler family, that perhaps I am -overenthusiastic in my theory." - -"A theory doesn't depend on enthusiasm," returned Stone, "but on evidence -and proof. Now, how can we set about finding this mysterious -bugler--whether phantom or human?" - -"I thought that's what you're here to do," Sam Appleby said, looking -helplessly at Fleming Stone. - -"We are," piped up Terence McGuire, as Stone made no reply. "That's our -business, and, consequentially, it shall be done." - -The boy assumed an air of importance that was saved from being -objectionable by his good-humored face and frank, serious eyes. "I'll -just start in and get busy now," he went on, and rising, he bobbed a -funny little bow that included all present, and left the room. - -It was mid-afternoon, and as they looked out on the wide lawn they saw -McGuire strolling slowly, hands in pockets and seemingly more absorbed in -the birds and flowers than in his vaunted "business." - -"Perhaps McGuire needs a little explanation," Stone smiled. "He is my -right-hand man, and a great help in detail work. But he has a not -altogether unearned reputation for untruthfulness. Indeed, his nickname -is Fibsy, because of a congenital habit of telling fibs. I advise you of -this, because I prefer you should not place implicit confidence in his -statements." - -"But, Mr. Stone," cried Maida, greatly interested, "how can he be of any -help to you if you can't depend on what he says?" - -"Oh, he doesn't lie to me," Stone assured her; "nor does he tell whoppers -at any time. Only, it's his habit to shade the truth when it seems to him -advisable. I do not defend this habit; in fact, I have persuaded him to -stop it, to a degree. But you know how hard it is to reform entirely." - -"It won't affect his usefulness, since he doesn't lie to his employer," -Appleby said, "and, too, it's none of our business. I've engaged Mr. -Stone to solve the mystery of my father's death, and I'm prepared to give -him full powers. He may conduct his investigations on any plan he -chooses. My only stipulation is that he shall find a criminal outside the -Wheeler family." - -"A difficult and somewhat unusual stipulation," remarked Stone. - -"Why difficult?" Dan Wheeler said, quickly. - -"Because, with three people confessing a crime, and no one else even -remotely suspected, save a mysterious and perhaps mythical bugle-player, -it does not seem an easy job to hunt up and then hunt down a slayer." - -"But you'll do it," begged Appleby, almost pleadingly, "for it must be -done." - -"We'll see," Stone replied. "And now tell me more about the fire in the -garage. It occurred at the time of the shooting, you say? What started -it?" - -But nobody knew what started it. - -"How could we know?" asked Jeff Allen. "It was only a small fire and the -most it burned was the robe in Mr. Appleby's own car and a motor coat -that was also in the car." - -"Whose coat?" asked Stone. - -"Mine," said Keefe, ruefully. "A bit of bad luck, too, for it was a new -one. I had to get another in place of it." - -"And you think the fire was the result of a dropped cigarette or match by -Mr. Appleby's chauffeur?" - -"I don't know," returned Keefe. "He denies it, of course, but it must -have been that or an incendiary act of some one." - -"Maybe the bugler person," suggested Stone. - -"Maybe," assented Keefe, though he did not look convinced. - -"I think Mr. Keefe thinks it was the work of my own men," said Dan -Wheeler. "And it may have been. There's one in my employ who has an -ignorant, brutal spirit of revenge, and if he thought Samuel Appleby was -inimical to me, he would be quite capable of setting fire to the Appleby -car. That may be the fact of the case." - -"It may be," agreed Stone. "Doubtless we can find out----" - -"How?" asked Allen. "That would be magician's work, I think." - -"A detective has to be a magician," Stone smiled at him. "We quite often -do more astounding tricks than that." - -"Go to it, then!" cried Appleby. "That's the talk I like to hear. -Questions and answers any of us can put over. But the real detecting is -like magic. At least, I can't see how it's done. Duff in, Mr. Stone. Get -busy." - -The group dispersed then, Fleming Stone going to his room and the others -straying off by twos or threes. - -Burdon, who had said almost nothing during the confab, declared he wanted -a talk with the great detective alone, and would await his pleasure. - -So Burdon sat by himself, brooding, on the veranda, and presently saw the -boy, Fibsy, returning toward the house. - -"Come here, young one," Burdon called out. - -"Nixy, old one," was the saucy retort. - -"Why not?" in a conciliatory tone. - -"'Cause you spoke disrespectful like. I'm a detective, you know." - -"All right, old pal; come here, will you?" - -Fibsy grinned and came, seating himself on a cushioned swing nearby. - -"Whatcha want?" he demanded. - -"Only a line o' talk. Your Mr. Stone, now, do you think he'll show up -soon, or has he gone for a nap?" - -"Fleming Stone doesn't take naps," Fibsy said, disdainfully; "he isn't -that sort." - -"Then he'll be down again shortly?" - -"Dunno. Maybe he's begun his fasting and prayer over this phenomenal -case." - -"Does he do that?" - -"How do I know? I'm not of a curious turn of mind, me havin' other sins -to answer for." - -"I know. Mr. Stone told us you have no respect for the truth." - -"Did he, now! Well, he's some mistaken! I have such a profound respect -for the truth that I never use it except on very special occasions." - -"Is this one?" - -"It is not! Don't believe a word I say just now. In fact, I'm so lit up -with the beauties and glories of this place, that I hardly know what I am -a-saying! Ain't it the show-place, though!" - -"Yes, it is. Looky here, youngster, can't you go up and coax Mr. Stone to -see me--just a few minutes?" - -"Nope; can't do that. But you spill it to me, and if it's worth it, I'll -repeat it to him. I'm really along for that very purpose, you see." - -"But I haven't anything special to tell him----" - -"Oh, I see! Just want the glory and honor of chinning with the great -Stone!" - -As this so nearly expressed Burdon's intention, he grinned sheepishly, -and Fibsy understood. - -"No go, old top," he assured him. "F. Stone will send for you if he -thinks you'll interest him in the slightest degree. Better wait for the -sending--it'll mean a more satisfactory interview all round." - -"Well, then, let's you and me chat a bit." - -"Oho, coming round to sort of like me, are you? Well, I'm willing. Tell -me this: how far from the victim did the shooter stand?" - -"The doctor said, as nearly as he could judge, about ten feet or so -away." - -"H'm," and Fibsy looked thoughtful. "That would just about suit all three -of the present claimants for the honor, wouldn't it?" - -"Yes; and would preclude anybody not inside the room." - -"Unless he was close to the window." - -"Sure. But it ain't likely, is it now, that a rank outsider would come -right up to the window and fire through it, and not be seen by anybody?" - -"No; it isn't. And, of course, if that had happened, and any one of the -three Wheelers had seen it, they would be only too glad to tell of it. I -wonder they haven't made up some such yarn as that." - -"You don't know the Wheelers. I do, and I can see how they would perjure -themselves--any of them--and confess to a crime they didn't commit, to -save each other--but it wouldn't occur to them to invent a murderer--or -to say they saw some one they didn't see. Do you get the difference?" - -"Being an expert in the lyin' game, I do," and Fibsy winked. - -"It isn't only that. It's not only that they're unwilling to lie about -it, but they haven't the--the, well, ingenuity to contrive a plausible -yarn." - -"Not being lying experts, just as I said," Fibsy observed. "Well, we all -have our own kind of cleverness. Now, mine is finding things. Want to see -an example?" - -"Yes, I do." - -"All right. How far did you say the shooter person stood from his -victim?" - -"About ten feet--but I daresay it might be two or three feet, more or -less." - -"No; they can judge closer'n that by the powder marks. The truth wouldn't -vary more'n a foot or so, from their say. Now, s'posin' the shooter did -throw the revolver out of the bay window, as the three Wheelers agree, -severally, they did do, where would it most likely land?" - -"In that clump of rhododendrons." - -"Yep; if they threw it straight ahead. I s'pose you've looked there for -it?" - -"Yes, raked the place thoroughly." - -"All right. Now if they slung the thing over toward the right, where -would it land?" - -"On the smooth lawn." - -"And you didn't find it there!" - -"No. What are you doing? Stringing me?" - -"Oh, no, sir; oh, no! Now, once again. If they chanced to fling said -revolver far to the left, where would it land?" - -"Why--in that big bed of ferns--if they threw it far enough." - -"Looked there?" - -"No; I haven't." - -"C'mon, let's take a squint." - -Fibsy rose and lounged over toward the fern bed, Burdon following, almost -certain he was being made game of. - - - - - CHAPTER XII - THE GARAGE FIRE - - -"Now, watch me," he said, and with a quick thrust of his arm down among -the ferns, he drew forth a revolver, which he turned over to Burdon. - -"Land o' goodness!" exclaimed that worthy. "Howja know it was there?" - -"Knew it must be--looked for it--saw it," returned the boy, nonchalantly, -and then, hearing a short, sharp whistle, he looked up at the house to -see Fleming Stone regarding him from an upper window. - -"Found the weapon, Fibs?" he inquired. - -"Yes, Mr. Stone." - -"All right. Bring it up here, and ask Mr. Burdon to come along." - -Delighted at the summons, Burdon followed the boy's flying feet and they -went up to Stone's rooms. A small and pleasant sitting-room had been -given over to the detective, and he admitted his two visitors, then -closed the door. - -"Doing the spectacular, Terence?" Stone said, smiling a little. - -"Just one grandstand play," the boy confessed. As a matter of fact, he -had located the pistol sometime earlier, but waited to make the discovery -seem sensational. - -"All right; let's take a look at it." - -Without hesitation, Burdon pronounced the revolver Mr. Wheeler's. It had -no initials on it, but from Wheeler's minute description, Burdon -recognized it beyond reasonable doubt. One bullet had been fired from it, -and the calibre corresponded to the shot that had killed Samuel Appleby. - -"Oh, it's the right gun, all right," Burdon said, "but I never thought of -looking over that way for it. Must have been thrown by a left-handed -man." - -"Oh, not necessarily," said Stone. "But it was thrown with a conscious -desire to hide it, and not flung away in a careless or preoccupied -moment." - -"And what do you deduce from that?" asked Burdon, quite prepared to hear -the description of the murderer's physical appearance and mental -attainments. - -"Nothing very definite," Stone mused. "We might say it looked more like -the act of a strong-willed man such as Mr. Wheeler, than of a frightened -and nervously agitated woman." - -"If either of those two women did it," Burdon offered, "she wasn't -nervous or agitated. They're not that sort. They may go to pieces -afterward, but whatever Mrs. Wheeler or Maida undertake to do, they put -it over all right. I've known 'em for years, and I never knew either of -them to show the white feather." - -"Well, it was not much of an indication, anyway," Stone admitted, "but it -does prove a steady nerve and a planning brain that would realize the -advisability of flinging the weapon where it would not be probably -sought. Now, as this is Mr. Wheeler's revolver, there's no use asking the -three suspects anything about it. For each has declared he or she used it -and flung it away. That in itself is odd--I mean that they should all -tell the same story. It suggests not collusion so much as the idea that -whoever did the shooting was seen by one or both of the others." - -"Then you believe it was one of the three Wheelers?" asked Burdon. - -"I don't say that, yet," returned Stone. "But they must be reckoned with. -I want to eliminate the innocent two and put the guilt on the third--if -that is where it belongs." - -"And if not, which way are you looking?" - -"Toward the fire. That most opportune fire in the garage seems to me -indicative of a criminal who wanted to create a panic so he could carry -out his murderous design with neatness and despatch." - -"And that lets out the women?" - -"Not if, as you say, they're of the daring and capable sort." - -"Oh, they are! If Maida Wheeler did this thing, she could stage the fire -easily enough. Or Mrs. Wheeler could, either. They're hummers when it -comes to efficiency and actually doing things!" - -"You surprise me. Mrs. Wheeler seems such a gentle, delicate -personality." - -"Yep; till she's roused. Then she's full of tiger! Oh, I know Sara -Wheeler. You ask my wife what Mrs. Wheeler can do!" - -"Tell me a little more of this conditional pardon matter. Is it possible -that for fifteen years Mr. Wheeler has never stepped over to the -forbidden side of his own house?" - -"Perfectly true. But it isn't his house, it's Mrs. Wheeler's. Her folks -are connected with the Applebys and it was the work of old Appleby that -the property came to Sara with that tag attached, that she must live in -Massachusetts. Also, Appleby pardoned Wheeler on condition that he never -stepped foot into Massachusetts. And there they were. It was Sara -Wheeler's ingenuity and determination that planned the house on the state -line, and she has seen to it that Dan Wheeler never broke parole. It's -second nature to him now, of course." - -"But I'm told that he did step over the night of the murder. That he went -into the sitting-room of his wife--or maybe into the forbidden end of -that long living-room--to see the fire. It would be a most natural thing -for him to do." - -"Not natural, no, sir." Burdon rubbed his brow thoughtfully. "Yet he -might 'a' done it. But one misstep like that ought to be overlooked, I -think." - -"And would be by his friends--but suppose there's an enemy at work. -Suppose, just as a theory, that somebody is ready to take advantage of -the peculiar situation, that seems to prove Dan Wheeler was either -outside his prescribed territory--or he was the murderer. To my way of -thinking, at present, that man's alibi is his absence from the scene of -the crime. And, if he was absent, he must have been over the line. I know -this from talks I've had with the servants and the family and guests, and -I'm pretty confident that Wheeler was either in the den or in the -forbidden north part of the house at the moment of the murder." - -"Why don't you know which it was?" asked Burdon, bluntly. - -"Because," said Stone, not resenting the question, "because I can't place -any dependence on the truth of the family's statements. For three -respectable, God-fearing citizens, they are most astonishingly willing, -even eager, to perjure themselves. Of course, I know they do it for one -another's sake. They have a strange conscience that allows them to lie -outright for the sake of a loved one. And, it may be, commit murder for -the sake of a loved one! But all this I shall straighten out when I get -further along. The case is so widespread, so full of ramifications and -possible side issues, I have to go carefully at first, and not get -entangled in false clues." - -"Got any clue, sir? Any real ones?" - -"Meaning dropped handkerchiefs and broken cuff-links?" Stone chaffed him. -"Well, there's the pistol. That's a material clue. But, no, I can't -produce anything else--at present. Well, Terence, what luck?" - -Fibsy, who had slipped from the room at the very beginning of this -interview, now returned. - -"It's puzzlin'--that's what it is, puzzlin'," he declared, throwing -himself astride of a chair. "I've raked that old garage fore and aft, but -I can't track down the startings of that fire. You see, the place is -stucco and all that, and besides the discipline of this whole layout is -along the lines of p'ison neatness! Everybody that works at Sycamore -Ridge has to be a very old maid for keeping things clean! So, there's no -chance for accumulated rubbish or old rags or spontaneous combustion or -anything of the sort. Nextly, none of the three men who have any call to -go into the garage ever smoke in there. That's a Mede and Persian law. -Gee, Mr. Wheeler is some efficient boss! Well, anyway, after the fire, -though they tried every way to find out what started it, they couldn't -find a thing! There was no explanation but a brand dropped from the -skies, or a stroke of lightning! And there was no storm on. It wouldn't -all be so sure, but the morning after, it seems, Mr. Allen and Mr. Keefe -were doin' some sleuthin' on their own, and they couldn't find out how -the fire started. So, they put it up to the garage men, and they hunted, -too. It seems nothing was burnt but some things in Mr. Appleby's car, -which, of course, lets out his chauffeur, who had no call to burn up his -own duds. And a coat of his was burned and also a coat of Mr. Keefe's." - -"What were those coats doing in an unused car?" asked Stone. - -"Oh, they were extra motor coats, or raincoats, or something like that, -and they always staid in the car." - -"Where, in the car?" - -"I asked that," Fibsy returned, "and they were hanging on the coat-rail. -I thought there might have been matches in the pockets, but they say no. -There never had been matches in those coat pockets, nor any matches in -the Appleby car, for that matter." - -"Well, the fire is pretty well mixed up in the murder," declared Stone. -"Now it's up to us to find out how." - -"Ex-cuse me, Mr. Stone," and Burdon shook his head; "you'll never get at -it that way." - -"Ex-cuse me, Mr. Burdon," Fibsy flared back, "Mr. Stone _will_ get at it -that way, if he thinks that's the way to look. You don't know F. Stone -yet----" - -"Hush up, Fibs; Mr. Burdon will know if I succeed, and, perhaps he's -right as to the unimportance of the fire, after all." - -"You see," Burdon went on, unabashed, "Mr. Keefe--now, he's some smart in -the detective line--he said, find your phantom bugler, and you've got -your murderer! Now, what nonsense that is! As if a marauding villain -would announce himself by playing on a bugle!" - -"Yet there may be something in it," demurred Stone. "It may well be that -the dramatic mind that staged this whole mysterious affair is responsible -for the bugle call, the fire, and the final crime." - -"In that case, it's one of the women," Burdon said. "They could do all -that, either of them, if they wanted to; but Dan Wheeler, while he could -kill a man on provocation--it would be an impulsive act--not a -premeditated one. No, sir! Wheeler could see red, and go Berserk, but he -couldn't plan out a complicated affair like you're turning this case -into!" - -"I'm not turning it into anything," Stone laughed. "I'm taking it as it -is presented to me, but I do hold that the phantom bugler and the -opportune fire are theatrical elements." - -"A theatrical element, too, is the big sycamore," and Burdon smiled. -"Now, if that tree should take a notion to walk over into Massachusetts, -it would help out some." - -"What's that?" cried Fibsy. "What do you mean?" - -"Well, the Wheelers have got a letter from Appleby, written while he was -still governor, and it says that when the big sycamore goes into -Massachusetts, Wheeler can go, too. But it can't be done by a trick. I -mean, they can't transplant the thing, or chop it down and take the wood -over. It's got to go of its own accord." - -"Mere teasing," said Stone. - -"Yes, sir, just that. Appleby had a great streak of teasing. He used to -tease everybody just for the fun of seeing them squirm. This whole -Wheeler business was the outcome of Appleby's distorted love of fun. And -Wheeler took it so seriously that Appleby kept it up. I'll warrant, if -Wheeler had treated the whole thing as a joke, Appleby would have let up -on him. But Dan Wheeler is a solemn old chap, and he saw no fun in the -whole matter." - -"I don't blame him," commented Stone. "Won't he get pardoned now?" - -"No, sir, he won't. Some folks think he will, but I know better. The -present governor isn't much for pardoning old sentences--he says it -establishes precedent and all that. And the next governor is more than -likely to say the same." - -"I hear young Mr. Appleby isn't going to run." - -"No, sir, he ain't. Though I daresay he will some other time. But this -death of his father and the mystery and all, is no sort of help to a -campaign. And, too, young Appleby hasn't the necessary qualifications to -conduct a campaign, however good he might be as governor after he got -elected. No; Sam won't run." - -"Who will?" - -"Dunno, I'm sure. But there'll be lots ready and eager for a try at it." - -"I suppose so. Well, Burdon, I'm going down now to ask some questions of -the servants. You know they're a mine of information usually." - -"Kin I go?" asked Fibsy. - -"Not now, son. You stay here, or do what you like. But don't say much and -don't antagonize anybody." - -"Not me, F. Stone!" - -"Well, don't shock anybody, then. Behave like a gentleman and a scholar." - -"Yessir," Fibsy ducked a comical bow, and Burdon, understanding he was -dismissed, went home. - -To the dining-room Stone made his way, and asked a maid there if he might -see the cook. - -Greatly frightened, the waitress brought the cook to the dining-room. - -But the newcomer, a typical, strong-armed, strong-minded individual, was -not at all abashed. - -"What is it you do be wantin', sor?" she asked, civilly enough, but a -trifle sullenly. - -"Only a few answers to direct questions. Where were you when you first -heard the alarm of the garage fire?" - -"I was in me kitchen, cleanin' up after dinner." - -"What did you do?" - -"I ran out the kitchen door and, seein' flames, I ran toward the garage." - -"Before you ran, you were at the rear of the house--I mean the south -side, weren't you?" - -"Yes, sor, I was." - -"You passed along the south veranda?" - -"Not along it," the cook looked at him wonderingly--"but by the end of -it, like." - -"And did you see any one on the veranda? Any one at all?" - -The woman thought hard. "Well, I sh'd have said no--first off--but now -you speak of it, I must say I do have a remimbrance of seein' a -figger--but sort of vague like." - -"You mean your memory of it is vague--you don't mean a shadowy figure?" - -"No, sor. I mean I can't mind it rightly, now, for I was thinkin' -intirely of the fire, and so as I was runnin' past the end of the verandy -all I can say is, I just glimpsed like, a person standin' there." - -"Standing?" - -"Well, he might have been moving--I dunno." - -"Are you sure it was a man?" - -"I'm not. I'm thinkin' it was, but yet, I couldn't speak it for sure." - -"Then you went on to the fire?" - -"Yes, sor." - -"And thought no more about the person on the veranda?" - -"No, sor. And it niver wud have entered me head again, savin' your -speakin' of it now. Why--was it the--the man that----" - -"Oh, probably not. But everything I can learn is of help in discovering -the criminal and perhaps freeing your employers from suspicion." - -"And I wish that might be! To put it on the good man, now! And worse, -upon the ladies--angels, both of them!" - -"You are fond of the family, then?" - -"I am that! I've worked here for eight years, and never a cross word from -the missus or the master. As for Miss Maida--she's my darlint." - -"They're fortunate in having you here," said Stone, kindly. "That's all, -now, cook, unless you can remember anything more of that person you saw." - -"Nothin' more, sor. If I do, I'll tell you." - -Thinking hard, Stone left her. - -It was the most unusual case he had ever attempted. If he looked no -further for the murderer than the Wheeler family, he still had enough to -do in deciding which one of the three was guilty. But he yearned for -another suspect. Not a foolish phantom that went around piping, or a -perhaps imaginary prowler stalking on the piazza, but a real suspect with -a sound, plausible motive. - -Though, to be sure, the Wheelers had motive enough. To be condemned to an -absurd restriction and then teased about it, was enough to make life gall -and wormwood to a sensitive man like Wheeler. - -And who could say what words had passed between them at that final -interview? Perhaps Appleby had goaded him to the breaking point; perhaps -Wheeler had stood it, but his wife, descending the stairs and hearing the -men talk, had grown desperate at last; or, and Stone knew he thought this -most plausible of all, perhaps Maida, in her window-seat, had stood as -long as she could the aspersions and tauntings directed at her adored -father, and had, with a reckless disregard of consequences, silenced the -enemy forever. - -Of young Allen, Stone had no slightest suspicion. To be sure, his -interests were one with the Wheeler family, and moreover, he had hoped -for a release from restrictions that would let the Wheelers go into -Massachusetts and thereby make possible his home there with Maida. - -For Maida's vow that she would never go into the state if her father -could not go, too, was, Allen knew, inviolable. - -All this Stone mulled over, yet had no thought that Allen was the one he -was seeking. Also, Curtis Keefe had testified that Allen was with him at -the fire, during the time that included the moment of shooting. - -Strolling out into the gardens, the detective made his way to the great -tree, the big sycamore. - -Here Fibsy joined him, and at Stone's tacit nod of permission, the boy -sat down beside his superior on the bench under the tree. - -"What's this about the tree going to Massachusetts?" Fibsy asked, his -freckled face earnestly inquiring. - -"One of old Appleby's jokes," Stone returned. "Doubtless made just after -a reading of 'Macbeth.' You know, or if you don't, you must read it up -for yourself, there's a scene there that hinges on Birnam Wood going to -Dunsinane. I can't take time to tell you about it, but quite evidently it -pleased the old wag to tell Mr. Wheeler that he could go into his native -state when this great tree went there." - -"Meaning not at all, I s'pose." - -"Of course. And any human intervention was not allowed. So though Birnam -Wood _was_ brought to Dunsinane, such a trick is not permissible in his -case. However, that's beside the point just now. Have you seen any of the -servants?" - -"Some. But I got nothing. They're willing enough to talk, but they don't -know anything. They say I'd better tackle the ladies' maid, a fair -Rachel. So I'm going for her. But I bet I won't strike pay-dirt." - -"You may. Skip along, now, for here comes Miss Maida, and she's probably -looking for me." - -Fibsy departed, and Maida, looking relieved to find Stone alone, came -quickly toward him. - -"You see, Mr. Stone," she began, "you must _start_ straight in this -thing. And the only start possible is for you to be convinced that I -killed Mr. Appleby." - -"But you must admit, Miss Wheeler, that I am not _too_ absurd in thinking -that though you say you did it, you are saying it to shield some one -else--some one who is near and dear to you." - -"I know you think that--but it isn't so. How can I convince you?" - -"Only by circumstantial evidence. Let me question you a bit. Where did -you get the revolver?" - -"From my father's desk drawer, where he always keeps it." - -"You are familiar with firearms?" - -"My father taught me to shoot years ago. I'm not a crack shot--but that -was not necessary." - -"You premeditated the deed?" - -"For some time I have felt that I wanted to kill that man." - -"Your conscience?" - -"Is very active. I deliberately went against its dictates for my father's -sake." - -"And you killed Mr. Appleby because he hounded your father in addition to -the long deprivation he had imposed on him?" - -"No, not that alone. Oh, I don't want to tell you--but, if you won't -believe me otherwise, Mr. Stone, I will admit that I had a new -motive----" - -"A new one?" - -"Yes, a secret that I learned only a day or so before--before Mr. -Appleby's death." - -"The secret was Appleby's?" - -"Yes; that is, he knew it. He told it to me. If any one else should know -it, it would mean the utter ruin and desolation of the lives of my -parents, compared to which this present condition of living is Paradise -itself!" - -"This is true, Miss Wheeler?" - -"Absolutely true. _Now_, do you understand why I killed him?" - - - - - CHAPTER XIII - SARA WHEELER - - -Fleming Stone was deeply interested in the Appleby case. - -While his logical brain could see no possible way to look save toward one -of the three Wheelers, yet his soul revolted at the thought that any one -of them was the criminal. - -Stone was well aware of the fact that the least seemingly guilty often -proved to be a deep-dyed villain, yet he hesitated to think that Dan -Wheeler had killed his old enemy, and he could not believe it was a -woman's work. He was impressed by Maida's story, especially by the fact -that a recent development had made her more strongly desirous to be rid -of old Appleby. He wondered if it did not have something to do with young -Appleby's desire to marry her, and determined to persuade her to confide -further in him regarding the secret she mentioned. - -But first, he decided to interview Mrs. Wheeler. This could not be done -offhand, so he waited a convenient season, and asked for a conference -when he felt sure it would be granted. - -Sara Wheeler received the detective in her sitting-room, and her manner -was calm and collected as she asked him to make the interview as brief as -possible. - -"You are not well, Mrs. Wheeler?" Stone asked, courteously. - -"I am not ill, Mr. Stone, but naturally these dreadful days have upset -me, and the horror and suspense are still hanging over me. Can you not -bring matters to a crisis? Anything would be better than present -conditions!" - -"If some member of your family would tell me the truth," Stone said -frankly, "it would help a great deal. You know, Mrs. Wheeler, when three -people insist on being regarded as the criminal, it's difficult to choose -among them. Now, won't you, at least, admit that you didn't shoot Mr. -Appleby?" - -"But I did," and the serene eyes looked at Stone calmly. - -"Can you prove it--I mean, to my satisfaction? Tell me this: where did -you get a pistol?" - -"I used Mr. Wheeler's revolver." - -"Where did you get it?" - -"From the drawer in his desk, where he always keeps it." - -Stone sighed. Of course, both Maida and her mother knew where the -revolver was kept, so this was no test of their veracity as to the crime. - -"When did you take it from the drawer?" - -Sara Wheeler hesitated for an instant and from that, Stone knew that she -had to think before she spoke. Had she been telling the truth, he argued, -she would have answered at once. - -But immediately she spoke, though with a shade of hesitation. - -"I took it earlier in the day--I had it up in my own room." - -"Yes; where did you conceal it there?" - -"In--in a dresser drawer." - -"And, when you heard the alarm of fire, you ran downstairs in -consequence--but you paused to get the revolver and take it with you!" - -This sounded absurd, but Sara Wheeler could see no way out of it, so she -assented. - -"Feeling sure that you would find your husband and Mr. Appleby in such a -desperate quarrel that you would be called upon to shoot?" - -"I--I overheard the quarrel from upstairs," she faltered, her eyes -piteous now with a baffled despair. - -"Then you went down because of the quarreling voices--not because of the -fire-alarm?" - -Unable to meet Stone's inexorable gaze, Mrs. Wheeler's eyes fell and she -nervously responded: "Well, it was both." - -"Now, see here," Stone said, kindly; "you want to do anything you can, -don't you, to help your husband and daughter?" - -"Yes, of course!" and the wide-open eyes now looked at him hopefully. - -"Then will you trust me far enough to believe that I think you will best -help them by telling the truth?" - -"Oh, I can't!" and with a low moan the distracted woman hid her face in -her hands. - -"Please do; your attitude proves you are concealing important -information. I am more than ever sure you are not the guilty one--and I -am not at all sure that it was either of the other two." - -"Then who could it have been?" and Sara Wheeler looked amazed. - -"That we don't know. If I had a hint of any direction to look I'd be -glad. But if you will shed what light you can, it may be of great help." - -"Even if it seems to incriminate my----" - -"What can incriminate them more than their own confessions?" - -"Their confessions contradict each other. They can't both be guilty." - -"And you don't know which one is?" - -"N--no," came the faltering reply. - -"But that admission contradicts your own confession. Come now, Mrs. -Wheeler, own up to me that you didn't do it, and I'll not tell any one -else, unless it becomes necessary." - -"I will tell you, for I can't bear this burden alone any longer! I did go -downstairs because of the alarm of fire, Mr. Stone. Just before I came to -the open door of the den, I heard a shot, and as I passed the door of the -den, I saw Mr. Appleby, fallen slightly forward in his chair, my husband -standing at a little distance looking at him, and Maida in the bay -window, also staring at them both." - -"What did you do? Go in?" - -"No; I was so bewildered, I scarcely knew which way to turn, and in my -fear and horror I ran into my own sitting-room and fell on the couch -there in sheer collapse." - -"You stayed there?" - -"Until I heard voices in the den--the men came back from the fire and -discovered the--the tragedy. At least, I think that's the way it was. -It's all mixed up in my mind. Usually I'm very clear-headed and strong -nerved, but that scene seemed to take away all my will-power--all my -vitality." - -"I don't wonder. What did you do or say?" - -"I had a vague fear that my husband or daughter would be accused of the -crime, and so, at once, I declared it was the work of the phantom bugler. -You've heard about him?" - -"Yes. You didn't think it was he, though, did you?" - -"I wanted to--yes, I think I did. You see, I don't think the bugler was a -phantom, but I do think he was a criminal. I mean, I think it was -somebody who meant harm to my husband. I--well--I think maybe the shot -was meant for Mr. Wheeler." - -Stone looked at her sharply, and said: "Please, Mrs. Wheeler, be honest -with me, whatever you may pretend to others. Are you not springing that -theory in a further attempt to direct suspicion away from Mr. Wheeler?" - -She gave a gesture of helplessness. "I see I can hide nothing from you, -Mr. Stone! You are right--but may there not be a chance that it is a true -theory after all?" - -"Possibly; if we can find any hint of the bugler's identity. Mr. Keefe -says, find the bugler and you've found the murderer." - -"I know he does, but Keefe is--as I am--very anxious to direct suspicion -away from the Wheeler family. You see, Mr. Keefe is in love with my -daughter----" - -"As who isn't? All the young men fall down before her charms!" - -"It is so. Although she is engaged to Mr. Allen, both Mr. Keefe and Mr. -Sam Appleby are hopeful of yet winning her regard. To me it is not -surprising, for I think Maida the very flower of lovely girlhood, but I -also think those men should recognize Jeffrey Allen's rights and cease -paying Maida such definite attentions." - -"It is hard to repress an ardent admirer," Stone admitted, "and as you -say, that is probably Keefe's intent in insisting on the finding of the -bugler. You do not, then, believe in your old legend?" - -"I do and I don't. My mind has a tendency to revere and love the old -traditions of my family, but when it comes to real belief I can't say I -am willing to stand by them. Yet where else can we look for a -criminal--other than my own people?" - -"Please tell me just what you saw when you looked into the den -immediately after you heard the shot. You must realize how important this -testimony is." - -"I do," was the solemn reply. "I saw, as I told you, both my husband and -my daughter looking at Mr. Appleby as he sat in his chair. I did not know -then that he was dead, but he must have been dead or dying. The doctors -said the death was practically instantaneous." - -"And from their attitude or their facial expression could you assume -either your husband or daughter to have been the guilty one?" - -"I can only say they both looked stunned and horrified. Just as one would -expect them to look on the occasion of witnessing a horrible tragedy." - -"Whether they were responsible for it or not?" - -"Yes. But I'm not sure the attitude would have been different in the case -of a criminal or a witness. I mean the fright and horror I saw on their -faces would be the same if they had committed a crime or had seen it -done." - -Stone considered this. "You may be right," he said; "I daresay absolute -horror would fill the soul in either case, and would produce much the -same effect in appearance. Now, let us suppose for a moment, that one or -other of the two did do the shooting--wait a moment!" as Mrs. Wheeler -swayed uncertainly in her chair. "Don't faint. I'm supposing this only in -the interests of you and yours. Suppose, I say, that either Mr. Wheeler -or Miss Wheeler had fired the weapon--as they have both confessed to -doing--which would you assume, from their appearance, had done it?" - -Controlling herself by a strong effort, Sara Wheeler answered steadily, -"I could not say. Honestly, to my startled eyes they seemed equally -horrified and stunned." - -"Of course they would. You see, Mrs. Wheeler, the fact that they both -confess it, makes it look as if one of them did do it, and the other -having witnessed the deed, takes over the blame to save the guilty one. -This sounds harsh, but we have to face the facts. Then, if we can get -more or different facts, so much the better." - -"You're suggesting, then, that one of my people did do it, and the other -saw it done?" - -"I'm suggesting that that might be the truth, and so far as we can see -now, is the most apparent solution. But I'm not saying it is the truth, -nor shall I relax my efforts to find another answer to our problem. And I -want to tell you that you have helped materially by withdrawing your own -confession. Every step I can take toward the truth is helpful. You have -lessened the suspects from three to two; now if I can eliminate another -we will have but one; and if I can clear that one, we shall have to look -elsewhere." - -"That is specious argument, Mr. Stone," and Sara Wheeler fixed her large, -sad eyes upon his face. "For, if you succeeded in elimination of one of -the two, it may be you cannot eliminate the third--and then----" - -"And then your loving perjuries will be useless. True, but I must do my -duty--and that means my duty to you all. I may tell you that Mr. Appleby, -who employed me, asked me to find a criminal outside of your family, -whether the real one or not." - -"He put it that way!" - -"He did; and while I do want to find the outside criminal, I can't find -him if he doesn't exist." - -"Of course not. I daresay I shall regret what I've told you, but----" - -"But you couldn't help it, I know. Don't worry, Mrs. Wheeler. If you've -no great faith in me, try to have a hopeful trust, and I assure you I -will not betray it." - -"Well, Mr. McGuire," Stone said to his adoring satellite, a little later, -"there's one out." - -"Mother Wheeler?" - -"Yes, you young scamp; how did you know?" - -"Saw you hobnobbing with her--she being took with a sudden attack of the -confidentials--and, anyhow, two of 'em--at least--has got to cave in. You -can ferret out which of 'em is George Washingtons and which isn't." - -"Well, here's the way it seems to stand now. Mind, I only say seems to -stand." - -"Yessir." - -"The father and daughter--both of whom confess to the shooting, were seen -in the room immediately after the event. Now, they were on opposite sides -of the room, the victim being about midway between them. Consequently, if -one shot, the other was witness thereto. And, owing to the deep devotion -obtaining between them, either father or daughter would confess to the -crime to save the other." - -"Then," Fibsy summed up, "Mr. Wheeler and Maida don't suspect each other; -one did it, and both know which one." - -"Well put. Now, which is which?" - -"More likely the girl did the shooting. She's awful impulsive, awful high -strung and awful fond of her father. Say the old Appleby gentleman was -beratin' and oratin' and iratin,' against Friend Wheeler, and say he went -a leetle too far for Miss Maida to stand, and say she had that new -secret, or whatever it is that's eatin' her--well, it wouldn't surprise -me overly, if she up and shot the varmint." - -"Having held the pistol in readiness?" - -"Not nec'ess'rily. She coulda sprung across the room, lifted the weapon -from its customed place in the drawer, and fired, all in a fleetin' -instant o' time. And she's the girl to do it! That Maida, now, she could -do anything! And she loves the old man enough to do anything. Touch and -go--that's what she is! Especially go!" - -"Well, all right. Yet, maybe it was the other way. Maybe, Wheeler, at the -end of his patience, and knowing the 'secret,' whatever it may be, flung -away discretion and grabbed up his own pistol and fired." - -"Coulda been, F. Stone. Coulda been--easily. But--I lean to the Maida -theory. Maida for mine, first, last, and all the time." - -"For an admirer of hers, and you're not by yourself in that, you seem -cheerfully willing to subscribe to her guilt." - -"Well, I ain't! But I do want to get the truth as to the three Wheelers. -And once I get it fastened on the lovely Maida, I'll set to work to get -it off again. But, I'll know where I'm at." - -"And suppose we fasten it on the lovely Daniel?" - -"That's a serious proposition, F. Stone. For, if he did it, he did it. -And if Maida did it--she didn't do it. See?" - -"Not very clearly; but never mind, you needn't expound. It doesn't -interest me." - -Fibsy looked comically chagrined, as he often did when Stone scorned his -ideas, but he said nothing except: - -"Orders, sir?" - -"Yes, Terence. Hunt up Rachel, the maid, and find out all she knows. Use -your phenomenal powers of enchantment and make her come across." - -"'Tis the same as done, sir!" declared the boy, and he departed at once -in search of Rachel. - -He sauntered out of the north door and took a roundabout way to the -kitchen quarters. - -Finally he found the cook, and putting on his best and most endearing -little boy effects, he appealed for something to eat. - -"Not but what I'm well treated at the table," he said, "but, you know -what boys are." - -"I do that," and the good-natured woman furnished him with liberal pieces -of pie and cake. - -"Great," said Fibsy, eating the last crumb as he guilefully complimented -her culinary skill, "and now I've got to find a person name o' Rachel. -Where might she be?" - -"She might be 'most anywhere, but she isn't anywhere," was the cryptic -reply. - -"Why for?" - -"Well, she's plain disappeared, if you know what that means." - -"Vamoosed? Skipped? Faded? Slid? Oozed out?" - -"Yes; all those. Anyway, she isn't on the place." - -"Since when?" - -"Why, I saw her last about two hours ago. Then when Mrs. Wheeler wanted -her she wasn't to be found." - -"And hasn't sence ben sane?" - -"Just so. And as you are part and parcel of that detective layout that's -infestin' the house an' grounds, I wish you'd find the hussy." - -"Why, why, what langwitch! Why call her names?" - -"She's a caution! Get along now, and if you can't find her, at least you -can quit botherin' me." - -"All right. But tell me this, before we part. Did she confide to your -willin' ears anything about the murder?" - -"Uncanny you are, lad! How'd you guess it?" - -"I'm a limb of Satan. What did she tell you? and when?" - -"Only this morning; early, before she flew off." - -"Couldn't very well have told you after she started." - -"No impidence now. Well, she told me that the night of the murder, as she -ran from here to the garage, she saw on the south veranda a man with a -bugle pipe!" - -"A pipe dream!" - -"I dunno. But she told it like gospel truth." - -"Just what did she say?" - -"Said she saw a man--a live man, no phantom foolishness, on the south -veranda, and he carried a bugle." - -"Did he play on it?" - -"No; just carried it like. But she says he musta been the murderer, and -by the same token it's the man I saw!" - -"Oho, you saw him, too?" - -"As I told your master, I saw him, but not plain, as I ran along to the -fire. Rachel, now, she saw him plain, so he musta been there. Well, -belike, he was the murderer and that sets my people free." - -"Important if true, but are you both sure? And why, oh, why does the -valuable Rachel choose this time to vanish? Won't she come back?" - -"Who knows? She didn't take any luggage----" - -"How did she go?" - -"Nobody knows. She walked, of course----" - -"Then she couldn't have gone far." - -"Oh, well, she could walk to the railway station. It's only a fairish -tramp. But _why_ did she go?" - -"I ask _you_ why." - -"And I don't know. But I suppose it was because she didn't want to be -questioned about the man who shot." - -"What! You didn't say she saw him shoot!" - -"Yes, I did. Or I meant to. Anyway that's what Rachel said. The man with -the bugle shot through the window and that's what killed Mr. Appleby." - -"Oh, come now, this is too big a yarn to be true, especially when the -yarner lights out at once after telling it!" - -"Well, Rachel has her faults, but I never knew her to lie. And if it was -the man I saw--why, that proves, at least, there was a man there." - -"But you didn't see him clearly." - -"But I saw him." - -"Then he must be reckoned with. Now, Cookie, dear, we _must_ find Rachel. -We must! Do you hear? You help me and I bet we'll get her." - -"But I've no idea where she went----" - -"Of course you haven't. But think; has she any friends or relatives -nearby?" - -"Not one." - -"Are there any trains about the time she left?" - -"I don't know what time she left, but there's been no train since -nine-thirty, and I doubt she was in time for that." - -"She took no luggage?" - -"No, I'll vouch for that." - -"Then she's likely in the neighborhood. Is there any inn or place she -could get a room and board?" - -"Oh, land, she hasn't gone away to stay. She's scart at something most -likely, and she'll be back by nightfall." - -"She may and she may not. She must be found. Wait, has she a lover?" - -"Well, they do say Fulton, the chauffeur, is sweet on her, but I never -noticed it much." - -"Who said he was?" - -"Mostly she said it herself." - -"She ought to know! Me for Fulton. Good-bye, Cookie, for the nonce," and -waving a smiling farewell, Fibsy went off toward the garage. - - - - - CHAPTER XIV - RACHEL'S STORY - - -"Hello, Fult," Fibsy sang out gaily to the chauffeur, and received a -pleasant response, for few could resist the contagious smile of the -round, freckled face of the boy. - -"Hello, Mr. Fibsy," the other returned, "how you getting on with your -detective work?" - -"Fine; but I want a little help from you." - -"Me? I don't know anything about anything." - -"Well, then tell me what you don't know. That fire now, here in the -garage, the night of the murder, did you ever find out how it started?" - -Fulton's face took on a perplexed look and he said: "No, we didn't--and -it's a queer thing. It must have been started by some one purposely, for -there's no way it could have come about by accident." - -"Spontaneous combustion?" - -"Whatever made you think of that? And it couldn't have been from old -paint rags, or such, for there's nothing like that about. But--well, -here's what I found." - -Fulton produced a small bottle. It was empty and had no label or stopper, -and Fibsy looked at it blankly. - -"What is it?" he asked. - -"Never see one like it?" - -"No; have you?" - -"Yes, I have. I was in the war, and bottles like that contained acid -which, when combined with another acid, caused spontaneous combustion." - -"Combined--how?" - -"Well, they used to saturate some cloth or old clothes with the other -acid, and throw them about. Then, when the time came they threw a little -bottle like that, filled with acid, and with only a paper stopper, in -among the clothes. The acid slowly ate out the paper stopper, and then -the two acids caused combustion. So, by the time the fire started, the -man who was responsible for it was far away from the scene." - -"Whew! And you think that happened here?" - -"There's the bottle. The fire began in Mr. Appleby's car. Two coats and a -rug were burned--now, mightn't they have been sprinkled with the other -acid----" - -"Of course that's what happened! Why haven't you told this before?" - -"I only found the bottle this morning. It had been kicked under a bench, -and the sweeper found it. Then I fell a-thinking, for it's the very same -sort of bottle I saw used over there. Somebody who knew that trick did -it." - -"And whoever did it is either Mr. Appleby's murderer, or an accomplice." - -"You think the two crimes are connected, then?" - -"Haven't a doubt of it. You're a clever chap, Fulton, to dope this -out----" - -"Well, there was no other explanation. Anything else hinted at -carelessness of my management of this place, and that hurt my pride, for -I like to think this garage the pink of perfection as to cleanliness and -order." - -"Mr. Wheeler is fortunate in having such a man as you. Now, one more -thing, Fulton; where is Rachel?" - -"Rachel!" - -"Yes, your blush gives you away. If you know where she is, tell me. If -she's done nothing wrong it can do no harm to find her. If she _has_ done -anything wrong, she _must_ be found." - -"I don't know where she is, Mr. Fibsy----" - -"Call me McGuire. And if you don't know where she is, you know something -about her disappearance. When did she go away?" - -"I saw her last night. She said nothing about going away, but she seemed -nervous and worried, and I couldn't say anything to please her." - -"Can't you form any idea of where she might have gone? Be frank, Fulton, -for much depends on getting hold of that girl." - -"I can only say I've no idea where she is, but she may communicate with -me. In that case----" - -"In that case, let me know at once," Fibsy commanded, and having learned -all he could there, he went off to think up some other means of finding -the lost Rachel. - -Meantime Sam Appleby was taking his departure. - -"I have to go," he said, in response to the Wheelers' invitation to tarry -longer; "because Keefe is coming down to-morrow. One of us ought to be in -father's office all the time now, there's so much to attend to." - -"Why is Mr. Keefe coming here?" asked Maida. - -"Mr. Stone wants to see him," Appleby informed her. "You know, Keefe is -more or less of a detective himself, and Mr. Stone thinks he may be -helpful in finding the criminal. Miss Lane is coming also, she begged to, -mostly, I think, because she took such a liking to you." - -"I liked her, too," returned Maida; "she's a funny girl but a sincere, -thorough nature." - -"Yes, she is. Well, they'll only stay over a day or two, I can't spare -them longer. Of course, they may be of help to Mr. Stone, and they may -not. But I don't want to miss a trick in this investigation. What a queer -little chap that boy of Stone's is!" - -"Fibsy?" and Maida smiled. "Yes, he's a case! And he's my devoted slave." - -"As who isn't?" exclaimed Appleby. "Oh, Maida, do give me a little -encouragement. After this awful business is all over, mayn't I come back -with a hope that you'll smile on me?" - -"Don't talk that way, Sam. You know I'm engaged to Jeffrey." - -"Oh, no, you're not. I mean, it can be possible for you to change your -mind. Girls are often engaged to several men before they marry." - -"I'm not that sort," and Maida smiled a little sadly. - -"Be that sort, then." - -"You seem to forget that I may be openly accused of crime at any moment. -And a crime that hits you pretty closely." - -"Don't say such things, dear. Neither you nor any of your people are -responsible for the dreadful thing that happened to father--or, if you -are, I never want to know it. And I do want you, Maida dear--so much----" - -"Hush, Sam; I won't listen to anything like that from you." - -"Not now, but later on," he urged. "Tell me that I may come back, Maida -dear." - -"Of course you may come here, whenever you like, but I hold out no hope -of the sort you ask for." - -"I shall hope all the same. I'd die if I didn't! Good-bye, Maida, for -this time." - -He went away to the train, and later, came Keefe and Genevieve Lane. - -"Oh," the girl cried, "I'm so glad to be back here again, Maida. My, but -you're prettier than ever! If you'd only touch up those pale cheeks--just -a little bit--here, let me----" - -She opened her ever-ready vanity box, and was about to apply a touch of -rouge, but Maida sprang away from her. - -"No, no, Genevieve, I never use it." - -"Silly girl! You don't deserve the beauty nature gave you, if you're not -willing to help it along a little yourself! How do you do, Mrs. Wheeler -and Mr. Wheeler?" - -She greeted them prettily, and Keefe, too, exchanged greetings with the -family. - -"Anything being done?" he asked, finally. "Has Mr. Stone discovered -anything of importance?" - -"Nothing very definite, I fear," returned Daniel Wheeler. He spoke -wearily, and almost despairingly. Anxiety and worry had aged him, even in -the last few days. "I do hope, Keefe, that you can be of assistance. You -have a keen eye for details, and may know or remember some points that -escaped our notice." - -"I'm hoping I can help," Keefe returned with a serious face. "Can I see -Stone shortly?" - -"Yes, now. Come along into the den, he's in here." - -The two men went to the den, where Stone and Fibsy were in deep -consultation. - -"Very glad to see you, Mr. Keefe," Fleming Stone acknowledged the -introduction. "This is McGuire, my young assistant. You may speak frankly -before him." - -"If I have anything to speak," said Keefe. "I don't really know anything -I haven't told, but I may remind Mr. Wheeler of some points he has -forgotten." - -"Well, let's talk it all over," Stone suggested, and they did. - -Keefe was greatly surprised and impressed by the story of the cook's -having seen a man on the south veranda at the time of the shooting. - -"But she didn't see him clearly," Fibsy added. - -"Couldn't she describe him?" - -"No; she didn't see him plain enough. But the maid, Rachel, told cook -that she saw the man, too, and that he carried a bugle. Cook didn't see -the bugle." - -"Naturally not, if she only saw the man vaguely," said Wheeler. "But, it -begins to look as if there must have been a man there and if so, he may -have been the criminal." - -"Let us hope," said Keefe, earnestly. "Now, can you find this man, Mr. -Stone?" - -"We've got to find him," Stone returned, "whether we can or not. It's -really a baffling case. I think we've discovered the origin of the fire -in the garage." - -He told the story that Fibsy had learned from the chauffeur, and Keefe -was greatly interested. - -"What are the acids?" he asked. - -"I don't know the exact names," Stone admitted, "but they are of just -such powers as Fulton described, and the thing is plausible. Here's the -bottle." He offered the little vial for inspection and Keefe looked at it -with some curiosity. - -"The theory being," he said, "that the murderer first arranged for a fire -in our car--in Mr. Appleby's car--and then waited for the fire to come -off as planned. Then, at the moment of greatest excitement, he, being -probably the man the servants saw--shot through the bay window and killed -Mr. Appleby. You were fortunate, Miss Maida, that you weren't hit first!" - -"Oh, I was in no danger. I sat well back in the window-seat, and over to -one side, out of range of a shot from outside. And, too, Mr. Keefe, I can -scarcely discuss this matter of the shot from outside, as I am, myself, -the confessed criminal." - -"Confessing only to save me from suspicion," said her father, with an -affectionate glance. "But it won't do any good, dear. I take the burden -of the crime and I own up that I did it. This man on the veranda--if, -indeed, there was such a one, may have been any of the men servants about -the place, startled by the cry of fire, and running to assure himself of -the safety of the house and family. He, doubtless, hesitates to divulge -his identity lest he be suspected of shooting." - -"That's all right," declared Fibsy, "but if it was one of your men, he'd -own up by this time. He'd know he wouldn't be suspected of shooting Mr. -Appleby. Why should he do it?" - -"Why should anybody do it, except myself?" asked Dan Wheeler. "Not all -the detectives in the world can find any one else with a motive and -opportunity. The fact that both my wife and daughter tried to take the -crime off my shoulders only makes me more determined to tell the truth." - -"But you're not telling the truth, dad," and Maida looked at him. "You -know I did it--you know I had threatened to do it--you know I felt I just -could not stand Mr. Appleby's oppression of you another day! And so--and -so, I----" - -"Go on, Miss Wheeler," urged Stone, "and so you--what did you do?" - -"I ran across the den to the drawer where father keeps his pistol; I took -it and shot--then I ran back to the window-seat----" - -"What did you do with the pistol?" - -"Threw it out of the window." - -"Toward the right or left?" - -"Why, I don't know." - -"Try to think. Stand up there now, and remember which way you flung it." - -Reluctantly, Maida went to the bay window, and stood there thinking. - -"I don't know," she said, at last. "I can't remember." - -"It doesn't matter," said Keefe. "I think we can prove that it was none -of the Wheelers, but there was a man, an intruder, on the veranda who -shot. Even if we never find out his identity, we may prove that he was -really there. Where is this maid who saw him clearly? Rachel--is that her -name?" - -"That's a pretty thing, too!" Fibsy spoke up. "She has flew the coop." - -"Gone! Where?" Keefe showed his disappointment. - -"Nobody knows where. She just simply lit out. Even her lover doesn't know -where she is." - -"Who is her lover?" - -"Fulton, the chauffeur. He's just about crazy over her disappearance." - -"Oh, she'll return," surmised Stone. "She became frightened at something -and ran off. I think she'll come back. If not, we'll have to give chase. -We must find her, as she's the principal witness of the man on the -veranda. Cook is not so sure about him." - -"Who could he have been?" Keefe said. "Doubtless some enemy of Mr. -Appleby, in no way connected with the Wheelers." - -"Probably," agreed Stone. - -"We found the pistol, you know, Mr. Keefe," remarked Fibsy. - -"You did! Well, you have made progress. Where was it?" - -"In the fern bed, not far from the veranda railing." - -"Just where the man would have thrown it!" exclaimed Keefe. - -"Or where I threw it," put in Daniel Wheeler. - -"I'd like to see the exact place it was found," Keefe said. - -"Come on, I'll show you," offered Fibsy and the two started away -together. - -"Here you are," and Fibsy showed the bed of ferns, which, growing closely -together, made a dense hiding place. - -"A wonder you ever found it," said Keefe. "How'd you happen to?" - -"Oh, I just snooped around till I came to it. I says to myself, 'Either -the murderer flung it away or he didn't. If he did, why it must be -somewheres,' and it was." - -"I see; and does Mr. Stone think the finding of it here points to either -of the Wheelers?" - -"Not necess'rily. You see, if the man we're looking for did the shooting, -he's the one who threw the pistol in this here fern bed. And, you know -yourself, it's more likely a man threw this farther than a woman." - -"Miss Wheeler is athletic." - -"I know, but I'm convinced that Miss Wheeler didn't do the deed. Ain't -you?" - -"Oh, I can't think she did it, of course. But it's all very mysterious." - -"Not mysterious a bit. It's hard sleddin', but there ain't much mystery -about it. Why, look a-here. If either the father or daughter did it, they -both know which one it was. Therefore, one is telling the truth and one -isn't. It won't be hard to find out which is which, but F. Stone, he's -trying to find some one that'll let the Wheelers both out." - -"Oh, that's his idea? And a mighty good one. I'll help all I can. Of -course, the thing to do is to trace the pistol." - -"Oh, it was Mr. Wheeler's pistol, all right." - -"It was!" Keefe looked dismayed. "Then how can we suspect an outsider?" - -"Well, he could have stolen Mr. Wheeler's pistol for the purpose of -casting suspicion on him." - -"Yes; that's so. Now to find that Rachel." - -"Oh, do find her," Maida cried, overhearing the remark as she and -Genevieve crossed the lawn toward Keefe and Fibsy. - -The lad had not yet seen Miss Lane and he frankly admired her at once. -Perhaps a sympathetic chord was struck by the similarity of their -natures. Perhaps they intuitively recognized each other's gay impudence, -for they engaged in a clash of words that immediately made them friends. - -"Maybe Rachel'd come back if she knew you were here," he said. "I'm sure -she'd admire to wait on such a pretty lady." - -"Just tell her that you saw me," Genevieve said, "and I'll be glad to -have her back. She's a first-class ladies' maid." - -"Oh, then she only waits on first-class ladies?" - -"Yes; that's why she's so fond of me. Do hunt her up." - -"Well, cutie, just for you, I'll do that same. Where shall I go to look -for her?" - -"How should I know? But you keep watch of Fulton, and I'll bet he gets -some word from her." - -"Yes, they're sweethearts. Now, how do sweethearts get word to each -other? You ought to know all about sweethearting." - -"I don't," said Genevieve, demurely. - -"Pshaw, now, that's too bad. Want me to teach you?" - -"Yes--if you don't mind." - -"Saunter away with me, then," and the saucy boy led Miss Lane off for a -stroll round the grounds. - -"Honest, now, do you want to help?" he asked. - -"Yes, I do," she asserted. "I'm downright fond of Maida, and though I -know she didn't do it, yet she and her father will be suspected unless we -can find this other person. And the only way to get a line on him, seems -to be through Rachel. Why do you suppose she ran away?" - -"Can't imagine. Don't see how she could get scared." - -"No; what would scare her? I think she's at some neighbor's." - -"Let's you and me go to all the neighbors and see." - -"All right. We'll go in the Wheelers' little car. Fulton will take us." - -"Don't we get permission?" - -"Nixy. They might say no, by mistake for a yes. Come on--we'll just hook -Jack." - -To the garage they went and easily persuaded Fulton to take them around -to some of the neighboring houses. - -And at the third one they visited they found Rachel. A friend of hers was -a maid there, and she had taken Rachel in for a few days. - -"Why did you run off?" queried Fulton. - -"Oh, I don't know," and Rachel shuddered. "It all got on my nerves. Who's -over there now?" - -"Just the family, and the detectives and Mr. Keefe," Fulton answered. -"Will you come home?" - -"She will," Fibsy answered for her. "She will get right into this car and -go at once--in the name of the law!" he added sternly, as Rachel seemed -undecided. - -Fibsy often used this phrase, and, delivered in an awe-inspiring tone, it -was usually effective. - -Rachel did get into the car, and they returned to Sycamore Lodge in -triumph. - -"Good work, Fibs," Stone nodded his approval. "Now, Rachel, sit right -down here on the veranda, and tell us about that man you saw." - -The girl was clearly frightened and her voice trembled, but she tried to -tell her story. - -"There's nothing to fear," Curtis Keefe said, kindly. "Just tell slowly -and simply the story of your seeing the man and then you may be excused." - -She gave him a grateful look, and seemed to take courage. - -"Well, I was passing the veranda----" - -"Coming from where and going where?" interrupted Stone, speaking gently. - -"Why, I--I was coming from the--the garage----" - -"Where you had been talking to Fulton?" - -"Yes, sir." - -"All right, go on." - -"And I was going--going to go up to Mrs. Wheeler's room. I thought she -might want me. And as I went by the veranda, I saw the man. He was a big -man, and he carried a bugle." - -"He didn't blow on it?" - -"No, sir. Just waved it about like." - -"You didn't see that he had a pistol?" - -"I--I couldn't say, sir." - -"Of course you couldn't," said Keefe. "Men with pistols don't brandish -them until they get ready to shoot." - -"But you saw this man shoot?" went on Stone. - -"Yes, sir," Rachel said; "I saw him shoot through the bay window and then -I ran away." - -Whereupon, she repeated the action at the conclusion of her statement, -and hurried away. - -"Humph!" said Fleming Stone. - - - - - CHAPTER XV - THE AWFUL TRUTH - - -"Well, Fibs," said Stone, as the two sat alone in conclave, "what about -Rachel's story?" - -"You know, F. Stone, how I hate to doubt a lady's word, but--not to put -too fine a point upon it, the fair Rachel lied." - -"You think so, too, eh? And just why?" - -"Under orders. She was coached in her part. Told exactly what to say----" - -"By whom?" - -"Oh, you know as well as I do. You're just leading me on! Well, he -coached her, all right, and she got scared before the performance came -off and that's why she ran away." - -"Yes, I agree to all that. Keefe, of course, being the coach." - -"Yessir. He doing it, to save the Wheelers. You see, he's so desperately -in love with Miss Maida, that it sort of blinds his judgment and -cleverness." - -"Just how?" - -"Well, you know his is love at first sight--practically." - -"Look here, Terence, you know a great deal about love." - -"Yessir, it--it comes natural to me. I'm a born lover, I am." - -"Had much experience?" - -"Not yet. But my day's coming. Well, never mind me--to get back to Friend -Keefe. Here's the way it is. Miss Wheeler is sort of engaged to Mr. -Allen, and yet the matter isn't quite settled, either. I get that from -the servants--mean to gossip, but all's fair in love and sleuthing. Now, -Mr. Keefe comes along, sees the lovely Maida, and, zip! his heart is -cracked! All might yet be well, but for the wily Genevieve. She has her -cap set for Keefe, and he knows it, and was satisfied it should be so, -till he saw Miss Wheeler. Now, the fat's in the fire, and no pitch hot." - -"You do pick up a lot of general information." - -"It's necess'ry, sir." The red-head nodded emphatically. "These -sidelights often point the way to the great and shinin' truth! For, don't -you see, Mr. Keefe, being so gone on Miss Maida, naturally doesn't want -her or her people suspected of this crime--even if one of them is guilty. -So he fixes up a cock-and-bull story about a bugler man--on the south -veranda. This man, he argues, did the shooting. He gets Rachel--he must -have some hold on her, bribery wouldn't be enough--and he fair crams the -bugler yarn down her throat, and orders her to recite it as Gospel -truth." - -"Then she gets scared and runs away." - -"Exactly. You see it that way, don't you, Mr. Stone?" - -The earnest little face looked up to the master. Terence McGuire was -developing a wonderful gift for psychological detective work, and -sometimes he let his imagination run away with him. In such cases Stone -tripped him up and turned him back to the right track. Both had an -inkling that the day might eventually come when Stone would retire and -McGuire would reign in his stead. But this was, as yet, merely a dream, -and at present they worked together in unison and harmony. - -"Yes, Fibsy--at least, I see it may have been that way. But it's a big -order to put on--to Mr. Keefe." - -"I know, but he's a big man. I mean a man of big notions and projects. -Anybody can see that. Now, he's awful anxious Miss Wheeler and Mr. -Wheeler shall be cleared of all s'picion--even if he thinks one of 'em is -guilty. He doesn't consider Mrs. Wheeler--I guess nobody does now." - -"Probably not. Go on." - -"Well, so Keefie, he thinks if he can get this bugler person guaranteed, -by a reliable and responsible witness--which, of course, Rachel would -seem to be--then, Mr. Keefe thinks, he's got the Wheelers cleared. Now, -Rachel, getting cold feet about it all, goes back on Keefe--oh, I could -see it in his face!" - -"Yes, he looked decidedly annoyed at Rachel's failure of a convincing -performance." - -"He did so! Now, Mr. Stone, even if he bolsters up Rachel's story or gets -her to tell it more convincingly--we know, you and I, that it isn't true. -There wasn't any man on the south veranda." - -"Sure, Terence?" - -"Yessir, I'm pretty sure. For, what became of him? Where did he vanish -to? Who was he? There never was any bugler--I mean as a murderer. The -piper who piped some nights previous had nothing to do with the case!" - -"Sure, Terence?" - -"Oh, come now, Mr. Stone--I was sure, till you say that at me, so dubious -like--and then I'm not so sure." - -"Well, go on with your theory, and let's see where you come out. You may -be on the right track, after all. I'm not sure of many points myself -yet." - -"All right. To my mind, it comes back to a toss-up between Miss Maida and -her father, with the odds in favor of the old gentleman. Agree?" - -"I might, if I understood your English. The odds in favor of Mr. Wheeler -indicating his guilt or innocence?" - -"His guilt, I meant, F. Stone. I can't think that sweet young lady would -do it, and this isn't because she is a sweet young lady, but because it -isn't hardly plausible that she's put the thing over, even though she was -willing enough to do so." - -"It seems so to me, too, but we can't bank on that. Maida Wheeler is a -very impulsive girl, very vigorous and athletic, and very devoted to her -father. She worships him, and she has been known to say she would -willingly kill old Mr. Appleby. These things must be remembered, Fibsy." - -"That's so. But I've noticed that when folks threaten to kill people they -most generally don't do it." - -"I've also noticed that. But, striking out Maida's name, leaves us only -Mr. Wheeler." - -"Well, ain't he the one? Ain't he the down-trodden, oppressed victim, -who, at last, has opportunity, and who is goaded to the point of -desperation by the arguments of his enemy?" - -"You grow oratorical! But, I admit, you have an argument." - -"'Course I have. Now, say we've got to choose between Miss Wheeler and -Mr. Wheeler, how do we go about it?" - -"How?" - -"Why, we find out how Mr. Appleby was sitting, how Mr. Wheeler was facing -at the moment, and also Miss Maida's position. Then, we find out the -direction from which the bullet entered the body, and then we can tell -who fired the shot." - -"I've done all that, Fibs," Stone returned, with no note of superiority -in his voice. "I found out all those things, and the result proves that -the bullet entered Mr. Appleby's body from the direction of Miss Maida, -in the bay window, and directly opposite from what would have been its -direction if fired by Mr. Wheeler, from where he stood, when seen -directly after the shot." - -Fibsy looked dejected. He made no response to this disclosure for a -moment, then he said: - -"All right, F. Stone. In that case I'm going over to Mr. Keefe's side, -and I'm going to hunt up the bugler." - -"A fictitious person?" - -"Maybe he ain't so fictitious after all," and the red-head shook -doggedly. - -A tap at the door of Stone's sitting-room was followed by a "May I come -in?" and the entrance of Daniel Wheeler. - -"The time has come, Mr. Wheeler," Stone began a little abruptly, "to put -all our cards on the table. I've investigated things pretty thoroughly, -and, though I'm not all through with my quest, I feel as if I must know -the truth as to what you know about the murder." - -"I have confessed," Wheeler began, but Stone stopped him. - -"That won't do," he said, very seriously. "I've proved positively that -from where you stood, you could not have fired the shot. It came from the -opposite direction. Now it's useless for you to keep up that pretence of -being the criminal, which, I've no doubt, you're doing to shield your -daughter. Confide in me, Mr. Wheeler, it will not harm the case." - -"God help me, I must confide in somebody," cried the desperate man. "She -did do it! I saw Maida fire the shot! Oh, can you save her? I wouldn't -tell you this, but I think--I hope you can help better if you know. You'd -find it out anyway----" - -"Of course I should. Now, let us be strictly truthful. You saw Miss Maida -fire the pistol?" - -"Yes; I was sitting almost beside Appleby; he was nearer Maida than I -was, and she sat in the bay window, reading. She sits there much of the -time, and I'm so accustomed to her presence that I don't even think about -it. We were talking pretty angrily, Appleby and I, really renewing the -old feud, and adding fuel to its flame with every word. I suppose Maida, -listening, grew more and more indignant at his injustice and cruelty to -me--those terms are not too strong!--and she being of an impulsive -nature, even revengeful when her love for me is touched, and I suppose -she, somehow, possessed herself of my pistol and fired it." - -"You were not looking at her before the shot?" - -"Oh, no; the shot rang out, Appleby fell forward, and even as I rose to -go to his aid, I instinctively turned toward the direction from which the -sound of the shot had come. There I saw Maida, standing white-faced and -frightened, but with a look of satisfied revenge on her dear face. I felt -no resentment at her act, then--indeed, I was incapable of coherent -thought of any sort. I stepped to Appleby's side, and I saw at once that -he was dead--had died instantly. I cannot tell you just what happened -next. It seemed ages before anybody came, and then, suddenly the room was -full of people. Allen and Keefe came, running--the servants gathered -about, my wife appeared, and Maida was there. I had a strange -undercurrent of thought that kept hammering at my brain to the effect -that I must convince everybody that I did it, to save my girl. I was -clear-headed to the extent of planning my words in an effort to carry -conviction of my guilt, but that effort so absorbed my attention that I -gave no heed to what happened otherwise." - -"Thank you, Mr. Wheeler, for your kindness. I assure you you will not -regret it." - -"You're going to save her? You can save my little girl? Oh, Mr. Stone, I -beg of you----" - -The agonized father broke down completely, and Stone said, kindly: - -"Keep up a good heart, Mr. Wheeler. That will help your daughter more -than anything else you can do. I assumed that if one of you were guilty -the other was shielding the criminal, but your story has straightened out -the tangle considerably." - -"Lemme ask something, please," broke in Fibsy. "Say, Mr. Wheeler, did you -see the pistol in Miss Maida's hands?" - -"I can't say I did or didn't," Wheeler replied, listlessly. "I looked -only at her face. I know my daughter's mind so well, that I at once -recognized her expression of horror mingled with relief. She had really -desired the death of her father's enemy, and she was glad it had been -accomplished! It's a terrible thing to say of one's own child, but I've -made up my mind to be honest with you, Mr. Stone, in the hope of your -help. I should have persisted in my own story of guilt, had I not -perceived it was futile in the face of your clear-sighted logic and -knowledge of the exact circumstances." - -"You did wisely. But say nothing to any one else, for the present. Do not -even talk to Miss Maida about it, until I have time to plan our next -step. It is still a difficult and a very delicate case. A single false -move may queer the whole game." - -"You think, then, you can save Maida--oh, do give a tortured father a -gleam of hope!" - -"I shall do my best. You know they rarely, if ever, convict a woman--and, -too, Miss Wheeler had great provocation. Then--what about self-defence?" - -"Appleby threatened neither of us," Wheeler said. "That can't be used." - -"Well, we'll do everything we can, you may depend on that," Stone assured -him. And Wheeler went away, relieved at the new turn things had taken, -though also newly concerned for Maida's safety. - -"Nice old chap," said Fibsy to Stone. "He stuck to his faked yarn as long -as the sticking was good, and then he caved in." - -"Open and shut case, Terence?" - -"Open--but not yet shut, F. Stone. Now, where do we go from here?" - -"You go where you like, boy. Leave me to grub at this alone." - -Without another word Fibsy left the room. He well knew when Stone spoke -in that serious tone that great thoughts were forming in that fertile -brain and sooner or later he would know of them. But at present his -company was not desired. - -The boy drifted out on the terraced lawn and wandered about among the -gardens. He, too, thought, but he could see no light ahead. - -"S'long as the old man saw her," he observed to himself, "there's no more -to be said. He never'd say he saw her shoot, if he hadn't seen her. He's -at the end of his rope, and even if they acquit the lady I don't want to -see her dragged through a trial. But where's any way of escape? What can -turn up to contradict a straight story like that? Who else can testify -except the eye-witness who has just spoken? I wonder if he realized -himself how conclusive his statement was? But he trusted in F. Stone to -get Maida off, somehow. Queer, how most folks think a detective is a -magician, and can do the impossible trick!" - -In a brown study he walked slowly along the garden paths, and was seen by -Keefe and Maida, who sat under the big sycamore tree. - -"Crazy idea, Stone bringing that kid," Keefe said, with a laugh. - -"Yes, but he's a very bright boy," Maida returned. "I've been surprised -at his wise observations." - -"Poppycock! He gets off his speeches with that funny mixture of newsboy -slang and detective jargon, and you think they're cleverer than they -are." - -"Perhaps," agreed Maida, not greatly interested. "But what a strange -story Rachel told. Do you believe it, Mr. Keefe?" - -"Yes, I do. The girl was frightened, I think; first, at the information -she tried to divulge, and second, by finding herself in the limelight. -She seems to be shy, and I daresay the sudden publicity shook her nerves. -But why shouldn't her story be true? Why should she invent all that?" - -"I don't know, I'm sure. But it didn't sound like Rachel--the whole -thing, I mean. She seemed acting a part." - -"Nonsense! You imagine that. But never mind her, I've something to tell -you. I know--Maida, mind you, I know what Mr. Appleby meant by the speech -which I took to be 'Mr. Keefe and the airship.'" - -Maida's face went white. - -"Oh, no!" she cried, involuntarily. "Oh, no!" - -"Yes," Keefe went on, "and I know now he said heirship. Not strange I -misunderstood, for the words are of the same sound--and, then I had no -reason to think of myself in connection with an heirship!" - -"And--and have you now?" - -"Yes, I have. I've been over Mr. Appleby's papers--as I had a right to -do. You know I was his confidential secretary, and he kept no secrets -from me--except those he wanted to keep!" - -"Go on," said Maida, calm now, and her eyes glistening with an expression -of despair. - -"Need I go on? You know the truth. You know that I am the rightful heir -of this whole place. Sycamore Ridge is mine, and not your mother's." - -"Yes." The word was scarce audible. Poor Maida felt as if the last blow -had fallen. She had seared her conscience, defied her sense of honor, -crucified her very soul to keep this dreadful secret from her parents for -their own sake, and now all her efforts were of no avail! - -Curtis Keefe knew that the great estate was legally his, and now her dear -parents would be turned out, homeless, penniless and broken down by -sorrow and grief. - -Even though he might allow them to stay there, they wouldn't, she knew, -consent to any such arrangement. - -She lifted a blanched, strained face to his, as she said: "What--what are -you going to do?" - -"Just what you say," Keefe replied, drawing closer to her side. "It's all -up to you, Maida dear. Don't look offended; surely you know I love -you--surely you know my one great desire is to make you my wife. Give -your consent; say you will be mine, and rest assured, dearest, there will -be no trouble about the 'heirship.' If you will marry me, I will promise -never to divulge the secret so long as either of your parents live. They -may keep this place, and, besides that, darling, I will guarantee to get -your father a full pardon. I--well, I'm not speaking of it yet--but I'll -tell you that there is a possibility of my running for governor myself, -since young Sam is voluntarily out of it. But, in any case, I have -influence enough in certain quarters--influence increased by knowledge -that I have gleaned here and there among the late Mr. Appleby's -papers--to secure a full and free pardon for your father. Now, Maida, -girl, even if you don't love me very much yet, can't you say yes, in view -of what I offer you?" - -"How can you torture me so? Surely you know that I am engaged to Mr. -Allen." - -"I didn't know it was a positive engagement--but, anyway," his voice grew -hard, "it seems to me that any one so solicitous for her parents' welfare -and happiness as you have shown yourself, will not hesitate at a step -which means so much more than others you have taken." - -"Oh, I don't know what to do--what to say--let me think." - -"Yes, dear, think all you like. Take it quietly now. Remember that a -decision in my favor means also a calm, peaceful and happy life insured -to your parents. Refusal means a broken, shattered life, a precarious -existence, and never a happy day for them again. Can you hesitate? I'm -not so very unpresentable as a husband. You may not love me now, but you -will! I'll be so good to you that you can't help it. Nor do I mean to win -your heart only by what I shall do for you. For, Maida dearest, love -begets love, and you will find yourself slowly perhaps, but surely, -giving me your heart. And we will be so happy! Is it yes, my darling?" - -The girl stared at him, her big brown eyes full of agony. - -"You forget something," she said, slowly. "I am a murderess!" - -"Hush! Don't say that awful word! You are not--and even if you were, I'll -prove you are not! Listen, Maida, if you'll promise to marry me, I'll -find the real murderer--not you or your father, but the real murderer. -I'll get a signed confession--I'll acquit you and your family of any -implication in the deed, and I'll produce the criminal himself. Now, will -you say yes?" - -"You can't do all that," she said, speaking in an awestruck whisper, as -if he had proposed to perform a miracle. - -"I can--I swear it!" - -"Then, if you can do that, you ought to do it, anyway! In the interests -of right and justice, in common honesty and decency, you ought to tell -what you know!" - -"Maida, I am a man and I am in love with you. That explains much. I will -do all I have promised, to gain you as my bride--but not otherwise. As to -right and justice--you've confessed the crime, haven't you?" - -"Yes." - -"Do you confess it to me, now? Do you say to me that you killed Samuel -Appleby?" - -There was but a moment's pause, and then Maida said, in a low tone: -"Yes--I confess it to you, Mr. Keefe." - -"Then, do you see what I mean when I say I will produce the--murderer? Do -you see that I mean to save you from the consequences of your own rash -act--and prove you, to the world at large, innocent?" - -Keefe looked straight into Maida's eyes, and her own fell in confusion. - -"Can you do it?" she asked, tremulously. - -"When I say I will do a thing, I've already proved to my own satisfaction -that I can do it. But, I'll do it only at my own price. The price being -you--you dear, delicious thing! Oh, Maida, you've no idea what it means -to be loved as I love you! I'll make you happy, my darling! I'll make you -forget all this horrible episode; I'll give you a fairyland life. You -shall be happier than you ever dreamed of." - -"But--Jeffrey--oh, I can't." - -"Then--Miss Wheeler, you must take the consequences--all the -consequences. Can you do that?" - -"No," Maida said, after an interval of silence. "I can't. I am forced to -accept your offer, Mr. Keefe----" - -"You may not accept it with that address." - -"Curtis, then. Curtis, I say, yes." - - - - - CHAPTER XVI - MAIDA'S DECISION - - -"Maida, it cannot be. I shall never let you marry Mr. Keefe when I know -how you love Jeffrey." Sara Wheeler spoke quietly, but her agonized face -and tear-filled eyes told of her deep distress. Though not demonstrative, -she loved her daughter, her only child, with an affection that was almost -idolatry, and she had been glad of the idea of Maida's marriage to -Jeffrey, for she knew of his sterling worth, and she knew the depth and -sincerity of their attachment. - -"Don't say you won't let me, mother," Maida spoke in a dull, sad tone--a -tone of calm despair. "It must be so. I'm not saying I love him--I'm not -saying much about it all--but I tell you solemnly--it must be. And you -must not raise a single word of objection--if you do, you will only make -my hard lot harder." - -"But, dear, you must explain. I am your mother--I've always had your -confidence, and I ought to be told why you are doing this thing." - -"That's just the trouble, mother. I can't tell you. And because of the -confidence that has always been between us, you must trust me and believe -that I am doing right--and doing the only possible thing. Oh, it is all -hard enough, without having to argue about it. Why, my will power may -give out! My soul strength may break down! Mother! don't--don't combat -me! Don't tempt me aside from the only straight line of duty and of -right!" - -"Child, you are not doing right! You cannot have a duty of which I know -nothing! Of which your father knows nothing! Maida, my little girl, what -is this thing that has warped your sense of right and wrong? Has Curtis -Keefe won your heart away from Jeffrey----" - -"No--oh, no! Never that! But it would be a wrong to Jeffrey for me to -marry him--it would be a wrong to--to all of us! By marrying Mr. Keefe I -can make everything right--and----" she suddenly assumed an air of cold, -stern determination. "Mother, my mind is made up. You cannot change it, -nor can you help me by trying. You only make it harder for me, and I beg -of you to stop. And then--you know, mother--I killed Mr. Appleby----" - -"Hush, Maida, you never did! I know you didn't!" - -"But it was either I or father! You don't believe he did, do you?" - -"God help me! I don't know what to believe! But I tried to say I did -it--only I couldn't carry it out--nor can you, dear." - -"Nor can father, then. Oh, mother, I did do that shooting! I did! I did!" - -"Every assertion like that makes me more certain you didn't," and Mrs. -Wheeler fondly caressed the head that lay on her breast. Maida was not -hysterical, but so deeply troubled that she was nervously unstrung and -now gave way to torrents of tears, and then ceased crying and bravely -announced her plans. - -"Please, mother darling, don't talk about that. Suppose I tell you that -even that matter will be all set right if I marry Curtis Keefe--and by no -other means. Even Mr. Stone can't find any other suspect than us three -Wheelers. He doesn't at all believe in the 'bugler.' Nobody does." - -"I do." - -"Only as a last chance to free father and me. Mother it's an awful -situation. Worse, far worse than you know anything about. Won't you trust -me to do what I know to be right--and when I tell you I must marry Mr. -Keefe, won't you believe me? And not only believe me but help me. Help me -in every way you can--for God knows I need help." - -"What can I do, darling," asked Sara Wheeler, awed by the look of utter -hopelessness on Maida's face. - -"Stand by me, mother. Urge father not to oppose this marriage. Help me to -tell Jeffrey--you tell him, can't you, mother? I can't--oh, I can't!" - -Again Sara Wheeler broke out into protestations against this sacrifice of -her loved daughter, and again Maida had to reaffirm her decision, until, -both worn out, they separated, Sara promising to do just as Maida wished -in all things. - -And in fulfillment of this promise, Sara told young Allen. - -As she expected, he was stunned by the news, but where she had supposed -he would show anger or rage, he showed only a deep sympathy for Maida. - -"Poor little girl," he said, the quick tears springing to his eyes; "what -dreadful thing can that man have held over her to force her to this? And -what is the best way for me to go about remedying the situation? You -know, Mrs. Wheeler, Maida wouldn't talk like that unless she had arrived -at a very desperate crisis----" - -"If she killed Mr. Appleby----" - -"She never did! No power on earth can make me believe that! Why, when -Maida's own confession doesn't convince me, what else could? No; there's -some deep mystery behind that murder. I mean something far deeper and -more mysterious than any of us yet realize. I think Mr. Stone is on track -of the solution, but he cannot have made much progress--or, if he has, he -hasn't told of it yet. But, I'm not a detective--nor is any needed when -Mr. Stone is on the case, but I am out to protect and clear my Maida--my -darling. Poor child, how she is suffering! Where is she?" - -"Don't go to her, Jeff. At least, not just now. She begged that you -wouldn't----" - -"But I must--I've got to!" - -"No; for her sake--Jeffrey dear, for our Maida's sake, leave her alone -for the present. She is so worried and anxious, so wrought up to the very -verge of collapse, that if you try to talk to her she will go all to -pieces." - -"But that's all wrong. I ought to soothe her, to comfort her--not make -her more troubled!" - -"You ought to, I know, but you wouldn't. Oh, it isn't your fault--it -isn't that you don't love her enough--not that she doesn't love you -enough--in fact, that's just the trouble. Try to see it, Jeff. Maida is -in the clutch of circumstances. I don't know the facts, you don't; but it -is true that the kindest thing we can do for her just now is to leave her -alone. She will do right----" - -"As she sees it, yes! But she sees wrong, I know she does! The child has -always been overconscientious--and I'm positive that whatever she is up -to, it's something to save her father!" - -"Oh, Jeff--then you believe he is----" - -"Why, Mrs. Wheeler, don't _you_ know whether your husband killed Mr. -Appleby or not?" - -"I don't know! Heaven help me--how can I know? The two of them, shielding -each other----" - -"Wait a minute, if they are shielding each other--they're both innocent!" - -"But it isn't that way. Mr. Wheeler said to me, at first: 'Of course, -either Maida or I did it. We both know which one did it, but if we don't -tell, no one else can know.'" - -"I see that point; but I should think, knowing both so closely as you do, -you could discern the truth--and"--he gazed at her steadily--"you have." - -"Yes--I have. Of course, as you say, in such intimacy as we three are, it -would be impossible for me not to know." - -"And--it was Maida?" - -"Yes, Jeffrey." - -"How are you certain?" - -"Her father saw her." - -"Saw her shoot?" - -"Yes." - -"Then, I'm glad you told me. I'm going to marry her at once, and have all -rights of her protection through the trial--if it comes to that. Nothing -else could have convinced me of her act! Poor, dear little Maida. I've -known her capability for sudden, impulsive action but--oh, well, if Mr. -Wheeler saw her--that's all there is to be said. Now, dear Mrs. Wheeler, -you must let me go to my Maida!" - -"But, Jeffrey, I only told you that to persuade you to let her alone. Let -her have her own way. She says that to marry Curtis Keefe will save her -from prosecution--even from suspicion. She says he can free her from all -implication in the matter." - -"By a fraud?" - -"I don't know----" - -"I won't have it! If Maida did that shooting she had ample -excuse--motive, rather. Not a man on a jury would convict her. And I'd -rather she'd stand trial and----" - -"Oh, no, Jeffrey, don't talk like that! I'd consent to anything to save -that girl from a trial--oh, you can't mean you want her tried!" - -"Rather than to see her married to any man but me, I'd----" - -"Wait, Jeff. We mustn't be selfish. I'm her mother, and much as I'd hate -to see her marry Keefe, I'd far prefer it--for her sake, than----" - -"No! a thousand times, no! Why, I won't give her up! Keefe is a fine -man--I've nothing against him--but she's my Maida--my own little -sweetheart----" - -"And for that reason--for your own sake--you're going to claim her?" - -"It isn't only for my own sake"--Jeff spoke more humbly; "but I know--I -know how she loves me. To let her marry another would be to do her a -grievous wrong----" - -"Not if she wants to--look there!" - -Mrs. Wheeler pointed from the window, and they saw Maida walking across -the lawn in deep and earnest conversation with Curtis Keefe. He was tall -and handsome and the deferential air and courteous attitude all spoke in -his favor. Maida was apparently listening with interest to his talk, and -they went on slowly toward the old sycamore and sat down on the bench -beneath it. - -"Our trysting-place!" Jeffrey murmured, his eyes fastened on the pair. - -It did not require over-close observation to see that Maida was listening -willingly to Keefe. Nor was there room for doubt that he was saying -something that pleased her. She was brighter and more cheerful than she -had been for days. - -"You see," said Sara Wheeler, sadly. "And he is a worth-while man. Mr. -Appleby thought very highly of him." - -"I don't!" said Allen, briefly, and unable to stand any more, he left the -room. - -He went straight to the two who were sitting under the big tree, and -spoke directly: - -"What does this mean, Maida? Your mother tells me you----" - -"Let me answer," spoke up Keefe, gaily; "it means that Miss Wheeler has -promised to marry me. And we ask your congratulations." - -"Are you not aware," Jeff's face was white but his voice was controlled -and steady, "that Miss Wheeler is my fiance?" - -"Hardly that," demurred Keefe. "I believe there was what is called an -understanding, but I'm assured it has never been announced. However, the -lady will speak for herself." - -"Go away, Jeff," Maida pleaded; "please, go away." - -"Not until you tell me yourself, Maida, what you are doing. Why does Mr. -Keefe say these things?" - -"It is true." Maida's face was as white as Allen's. "I am going to marry -Mr. Keefe. If you considered me bound to you, I--hereby break it off. -Please go away!" the last words were wrung from her in a choked, agonized -voice, as if she were at the end of her composure. - -"I'm going," Allen said, and went off in a daze. - -He was convinced of one thing only. That Maida was in the power of -something or some person--some combination of circumstances that forced -her to this. He had no doubt she meant what she said; had no doubt she -would really marry Keefe--but he couldn't think she had ceased to love -him--her own Jeffrey! If he thought that, he was ready to die! - -He walked along half blindly, thinking round in circles, always coming -back to the possibility--now practically a certainty--of Maida being the -murderer, and wondering how Keefe meant to save her from the clutches of -the law. He was perturbed--almost dazed, and as he went along unseeingly, -Genevieve Lane met him, turned and walked by his side. - -"What's Curtie Keefe doing with your girl?" she asked, for the rolling -lawn was so free of trees, the pair beneath the sycamore could be plainly -seen. - -"I don't know!" said Allen, honestly enough, as he looked in the -good-humored face of the stenographer. - -"I don't want him making love to her," Miss Lane went on, pouting a -little, "first, because she's altogether too much of a belle anyway; and -second--because----" - -She paused, almost scared at the desperate gaze Allen gave her. - -"I hope you mean because you look upon him as your property," he said, -but without smiling. - -"Now, just why do you hope that?" - -"Because in that case, surely you can get him back----" - -"Oh, what an aspersion on Miss Wheeler's fascinations!" - -"Hush; I'm in no mood for chaffing. Are you and Keefe special friends?" - -Genevieve looked at him a moment, and then said, very frankly: "If we're -not, it isn't my fault. And--to tell you the bald truth, we would have -been, had not Miss Wheeler come between us." - -"Are you sure of that?" - -"How rude you are! But, yes--I'm practically sure. Nobody can be sure -till they're certain, you know." - -"Don't try to joke with me. Look here, Miss Lane, suppose you and I try -to work together for our respective ends." - -"Meaning just what, Mr. Allen?" - -"Meaning that we try to separate Keefe and Maida--not just at this -moment--but seriously and permanently. You, because you want him, and I, -because I want her. Isn't it logical?" - -"Yes; but if I could get him back, don't you suppose I would?" - -"You don't get the idea. You're to work for me, and I for you." - -"Oh--I try to make Maida give him up--and you----" - -"Yes; but we must have some pretty strong arguments. Now, have you any -idea why Maida has----" - -"Has picked him up with the tongs? I have a very decided idea! In fact, I -know." - -"You do! Is it a secret?" - -"It is. Such a big secret, that if it leaked out, the whole universe, so -far as it affects the Wheeler family, would be turned topsy-turvy!" - -"Connected with the--the death of Mr. Appleby?" - -"Not with the murder--if that's what you mean. But it was because of the -death of Mr. Appleby that the secret came to light." - -"Can you tell me?" - -"I can--but do I want to?" - -"What would make you want to?" - -"Why--only if you could do what you sort of suggested--make Mr. Keefe -resume his attentions to poor little Genevieve and leave the lovely Maida -to you." - -"But how can I do that?" - -"Dunno, I'm sure! Do you want me to tell you the secret, and then try to -get my own reward by my own efforts?" - -"Oh, I don't know what I want! I'm nearly distracted. But"--he pulled -himself together--"I'm on the job! And I'm going to accomplish -something--a lot! Now, I'm not going to dicker with you. Size it up for -yourself. Don't you believe that if you told me that -secret--confidentially--except as it can be used in the furtherance of -right and happiness for all concerned--don't you believe that I might use -it in a way that would incidentally result in a better adjustment of the -present Keefe-Wheeler combination?" He nodded toward the two under the -sycamore. - -"Maybe," Genevieve said, slowly and thoughtfully, "I thought of telling -Mr. Stone--but----" - -"Tell me first, and let me advise you." - -"I will; I have confidence in you, Mr. Allen, and, too, it may be a good -thing to keep the secret in the family. The truth is, then, that Mrs. -Wheeler is not legally the heir to this estate." - -"She is, if she lives in Massachusetts, and the house is so built----" - -"Oh, fiddlesticks! I don't mean that part of it. The estate is left with -the proviso that the inheritor shall live in Massachusetts--but, what I -mean is, that it isn't left to Mrs. Wheeler at all. She thought it was, -of course--but there is another heir." - -"Is there? I've often heard them speak of such a possibility but they -never could find a trace of one." - -"I know it, and they're so honest that if they knew of one they'd put up -no fight. I mean if they knew there is a real heir, and that Sara Wheeler -is not the right inheritor." - -"Who is?" - -"Curtis Keefe!" - -"Oh, no! Miss Lane, are you sure?" - -"I am. I discovered it from Mr. Appleby's private papers, since his -death." - -"Does Keefe know it?" - -"Of course; but he doesn't know I know it. Now, see here, Mr. Allen, get -this. Mr. Appleby knew it when he came down here. He--this is only my own -theory, but I'll bet it's the right one--he had discovered it lately; -Keefe didn't know it. My theory is, that he came down here to hold that -knowledge as a club over the head of Mr. Wheeler to force him to do his, -Appleby's, bidding in the campaign matters. Well, then--he was killed to -prevent the information going any farther." - -"Killed by whom?" - -Genevieve shrugged her shoulders. "I can't say. Any one of the three -Wheelers might have done it for that reason." - -"No; you're wrong. Neither Mr. nor Mrs. Wheeler would have. They'd give -up the place at once." - -"Your mental reservation speaks for itself! That leaves Maida! Suppose -she knew it and the rest didn't. Suppose, in order to keep the knowledge -from her parents----" - -"Don't go on!" he begged. "I see it--maybe it was so. But--what next?" - -"Next--alas, Curt Keefe has fallen a victim to Maida's smiles. That's -what's making more trouble than anything else. I'm positive he is arguing -that if she will marry him he will keep quiet about his being the heir. -Then, her parents can live here in peace for the rest of their lives." - -"I begin to see." - -"I knew you would. Now, knowing this, and being bound to secrecy -concerning it, except, as you agreed, if it can serve our ends, where do -we go from here?" - -Allen looked at her steadily. "Do you expect, Miss Lane, that I will -consent to keep this secret from the Wheelers?" - -"You'll have to," she returned, simply. "Maida knows it, therefore it's -her secret now. If she doesn't want her parents told--you can't presume -to tell them!" - -Allen looked blank. "And you mean, she'd marry Keefe, to keep the secret -from her parents?" - -"Exactly that; and there'd be no harm in keeping the secret that way, for -if Curt Keefe were her husband, it wouldn't matter whether he was the -rightful heir or not, if he didn't choose to exercise or even make known -his rights." - -"I see. And--as to the----" - -"The murder?" Genevieve helped him. "Well, I don't know. If Maida did -it--and I can't see any way out of that conclusion, Curt will do whatever -he can to get her off easily. Perhaps he can divert suspicion -elsewhere--you know he made up that bugler man, and has stuck to -him--maybe he can get a persons unknown verdict--or maybe, with money and -influence, he can hush the whole thing up--and, anyway--Maida would never -be convicted. Why, possibly, the threat of Mr. Appleby--if he did -threaten--could be called blackmail. Anyhow, if there's a loophole, -Curtis Keefe will find it! He's as smart as they make 'em. Now, you know -the probabilities--almost the inevitabilities, I might say, what are we -going to do about it?" - -"Something pretty desperate, I can tell you!" - -"Fine talk, but what's the first step?" - -"Do you want to know what I think?" - -"I sure do." - -"Then, I say, let's take the whole story to Fleming Stone--and at once." - - - - - CHAPTER XVII - MAIDA AND HER FATHER - - -Genevieve hesitated. Although she had thought of doing this herself, yet -she was not quite sure she wanted to. - -But Allen insisted. - -"Come with me or not, as you choose," he said; "but I'm going to tell -Stone. A secret like that must be divulged--in the interests of law and -justice and----" - -"Justice to whom?" asked Genevieve. - -"Why, to all concerned." Allen stopped to think. "To--to Keefe, for one," -he concluded, a little lamely. - -"Yes, and to yourself for two!" Genevieve exclaimed. "You want the secret -to come out so Maida won't marry Curt to keep it quiet! Own up, now." - -Allen couldn't deny this, but back of it was his instinctive desire for -justice all round, and he doggedly stuck to his determination of laying -the matter before Fleming Stone. - -Genevieve accompanied him, and together they sought Stone in his -sitting-room. - -Fibsy was there and the two were in deep consultation. - -"Come in," Stone said, as his visitors appeared. "You have something to -tell me, I gather from your eager faces." - -"We have," Allen returned, and he began to tell his story. - -"Let me tell it," Miss Lane interrupted him, impatiently. "You see, Mr. -Stone, Mr. Allen is in love with Miss Wheeler, and he can't help coloring -things in her favor." - -"And you're in love with Mr. Keefe," Stone said, but without a smile, -"and you can't help coloring things in his favor." - -The girl bridled a little, but was in no way embarrassed at the -assertion. - -"Take your choice, then," she said, flippantly. "Who do you want to tell -you the secret we're ready to give away?" - -"Both," Fibsy spoke up. "I'll bet it's a worth-while yarn, and we'll hear -both sides--if you please. Ladies first; pipe up, Miss Lane." - -"The actual secret can be quickly told," the girl said, speaking a little -shortly. "The truth is, that Mrs. Wheeler is not the legal heir to this -estate of Sycamore Ridge--but, Mr. Keefe is." - -"Curtis Keefe!" Stone exclaimed, and Fibsy gave a sharp, explosive -whistle. - -"Yes," said Genevieve, well pleased at the sensation her words had -produced. - -Not that her hearers made any further demonstration of surprise. Stone -fell into a brown study, and Fibsy got up and walked up and down the -room, his hands in his pockets, and whistling softly under his breath. - -"Well!" the boy said, finally, returning to his chair. "Well, F. Stone, -things is changed since gran'ma died! Hey?" - -"In many ways!" Stone assented. "You're sure of this, of course?" he -asked Genevieve. "How do you know?" - -"Well, I learned it from Mr. Appleby's papers----" - -"Private papers?" - -"Yes, of course. He didn't have 'em framed and hanging on his wall. You -see, Mr. Keefe, being Mr. Appleby's confidential secretary, had access to -all his papers after the old gentleman died." - -"His son?" - -"Of course, young Sam is the heir, and owns everything, but he kept Curt -on, in the same position, and so, Curt--Mr. Keefe went over all the -papers. As stenographer and general assistant, I couldn't very well help -knowing the contents of the papers and so I learned the truth, that Mr. -Keefe, who is of another branch of the family, is really the principal -heir to the estate that is now in Mrs. Wheeler's possession. I can't give -you all the actual details, but you can, of course, verify my -statements." - -"Of course," mused Stone. "And Mr. Keefe hasn't announced this -himself--because----" - -"That's it," Genevieve nodded assent to his meaning glance. "Because he -wants to marry Maida, and if she'll marry him, he'll keep quiet about the -heirship. Or, rather, in that case, it won't matter, as the elder -Wheelers can live here if it's the property of their son-in-law. But, if -not, then when Mr. Keefe walks in--the Wheeler family must walk out. And -where would they go?" - -"I can take care of them," declared Allen. "Maida is my promised wife; if -she consents to marry Keefe, it will be under compulsion. For she knew -this secret, and she dared not tell her people because it meant poverty -and homelessness for them. You know, Mr. Wheeler is incapable of -lucrative work, and Mrs. Wheeler, brought up to affluence and comfort, -can't be expected to live in want. But I can take care of them--that is, -I could--if they could only live in Boston. My business is there, and we -could all live on my earnings if we could live together." - -The boy--for young Allen seemed scarcely more than a boy--was really -thinking aloud as he voiced these plans and suggestions. But he shook his -head sadly as he realized that Daniel Wheeler couldn't go to Boston, and -that a marriage between Keefe and Maida was the only way to preserve to -them their present home. - -"Some situation!" remarked Fibsy. "And the secret is no secret really, -for if Miss Wheeler doesn't marry Mr. Keefe, he'll tell it at once. And -if she does, the whole matter doesn't matter at all! But I think she -will, for what else can she do?" - -Jeffrey Allen looked angrily at the boy, but Fibsy's funny little face -showed such a serious interest that it was impossible to chide him. - -"I think she won't!" Allen said, "but I'm not sure just yet how I'm going -to prevent it." - -"You won't have to," said Stone; "Miss Wheeler will prevent it -herself--or I miss my guess!" He looked kindly at the young man, but -received only a half smile in return. - -"If we all do our share in the matter, perhaps we can arrange things," -Genevieve said, speaking very seriously. "I've something to say, for I am -engaged to Curtis Keefe myself." - -"Does he think you are?" Stone said, rather casually. - -Miss Lane had the grace to blush, through her rouge, but she declared: -"He doesn't want to," and added, "but he ought to. He has made love to -me, and he once asked me to marry him. But since then he has said he -didn't mean it. I don't suppose I've enough evidence for a breach of -promise suit, but--oh, well," and she tossed her pretty head, "I've not -the least doubt that if Miss Wheeler were out of the question--say, -safely married to Mr. Allen, I'd have no trouble in whistling my Curtie -back." - -"I'll bet you wouldn't!" Fibsy looked at her admiringly. "If I were only -a few years older----" - -"Hush, Terence," said Fleming Stone, "don't talk nonsense." - -Immediately Fibsy's face became serious and he turned his attention away -from the fascinating Genevieve. - -"But all this is aside the question of the murderer, Mr. Stone," said -Allen. "How are you progressing with that investigation?" - -"Better than I've disclosed as yet," Stone returned, speaking slowly; -"recent developments have been helpful, and I hope to be ready soon to -give a report." - -"You expect Mr. Appleby down?" - -"Yes; to-night or to-morrow. By that time I hope to be ready to make an -arrest." - -"Maida!" cried Jeffrey, the word seeming wrung from him against his will. - -"Forgive me, if I do not reply," said Stone, with an earnest glance at -the questioner. "But I'd like to talk to Miss Wheeler. Will you go for -her, Mr. Allen?" - -"I'd--I'd rather not--you see----" - -"Yes, I see," said Stone, kindly. "You go, Fibs." - -"I'll go," offered Genevieve, with the result that she and McGuire flew -out of the room at the same time. - -"All right, Beauteous One, we'll both go," Fibsy said, as they went along -the hall side by side. "Where is the lady?" - -"Donno; but we'll find her. I say, Terence, come down on the veranda just -a minute, first." - -Leading him to a far corner, where there was no danger of eavesdroppers, -Genevieve made another attempt to gain an ally for her own cause. - -"I say," she began, "you have a lot of influence with your Mr. Stone, -don't you?" - -"Oh, heaps!" and Fibsy's sweeping gesture indicated a wide expanse of -imagination, at least. - -"No fooling; I know you have. Now, you use that influence for me and I'll -do something for you." - -"What'll you do?" - -"I don't know; nothing particular. But, I mean if, at any time I can help -you in any way--I've influence, too, with big men in the financial and -business world. I haven't always worked for the Applebys, and wherever -I've been I've made friends that I can count on." - -"Oh, you mean a tip on the stock market or something of that sort?" - -"Yes, or a position in a big, worth-while office. You're not always going -to be a detective's apprentice, are you?" - -"You bet I am! Watcha talking about? Me leave F. Stone! Not on your -fleeting existence! But, never mind that part of the argument, I'll -remember your offer, and some day, when I have a million dollars to -invest, I'll ask your advice where to lose it. But, now, you tell me what -you want." - -"Only for you to hint to Mr. Stone that he'd better advise Miss Wheeler -not to marry Mr. Keefe." - -"So's you can have him." - -"Never mind that. There are other reasons--truly there are." - -"Well, then, my orders are to advise F. Stone to advise M. Wheeler not to -wed one C. Keefe." - -"That's just it. But don't say it right out to him. Use tact, which I -know you have--though nobody'd guess it to look at you--and sort of argue -around, so he'll see it's wiser for her not to marry him----" - -"Why?" - -Miss Lane stamped her foot impatiently. "I'm not saying why. That's -enough for me to know. You'll get along better not knowing." - -"Does he know she's the--the----" - -"I don't wonder you can't say it! I can't, either. Yes, he knows -she's--it--but he's so crazy about her, he doesn't care. What is there in -that girl that gets all the men!" - -"It's her sweetness," said Fibsy, with a positive nod of his head, as if -he were simply stating an axiom. "Yep, Keefe is clean gone daffy over -her. I don't blame him--though, of course my taste runs more to----" - -"Don't you dare!" cried Genevieve, coquettishly. - -"To the rouged type," Fibsy went on, placidly. "To my mind a complexion -dabbed on is far more attractive than nature's tints." - -Miss Lane burst into laughter and, far from offended, she said: - -"You're a darling boy, and I'll never forget you--even in my will; now, -to come back to our dear old brass tacks. Will you tip a gentle hint to -the great Stone?" - -"Oh, lord, yes--I'll tip him a dozen--tactfully, too. Don't worry as to -my discretion. But I don't mind telling you I might as well tip the -Washington monument. You see, F. S. has made up his mind." - -"As to the murderer?" - -"Yep." - -"Who is it?" - -"Haven't an idea--and if I had, I'd say I hadn't. You see, I'm his -trusty." - -"Oh, well, in any case, you can put in a word against Mr. Keefe, can't -you?" - -But Genevieve had lost interest in her project. She realized if Mr. Stone -had accomplished his purpose and had solved the murder mystery he would -be apt to take small interest in the love affairs of herself or Maida -Wheeler, either. - -"He won't think much of his cherished trusty, if you don't do the errand -he sent you on," she said, rather crossly. - -Fibsy gave her a reproachful glance. "This, from you!" he said, -dramatically. "Farewell, fair but false! I go to seek a fairer maiden, -and I know where to find her!" - -He went flying across the lawn, for he had caught a glimpse of Maida in -the garden. - -"Miss Wheeler," he said, as he reached her, "will you please come now to -see Mr. Stone? He wants you." - -"Certainly," she replied, and turning, followed him. - -Genevieve joined them, and the three went to Stone's rooms. - -"Miss Wheeler," the detective said, without preamble, "I want you to tell -me a few things, please. You'll excuse me if my questions seem rather -pointed, also, if they seem to be queries already answered. Did you kill -Mr. Appleby?" - -"Yes," said Maida, speaking wearily, as if tired of making the assertion. - -"You know no one believes that statement?" - -"I can't help that, Mr. Stone," she said, with a listless manner. - -"That is, no one but one person--your father. He believes it." - -"Father!" exclaimed the girl in evident amazement. - -"Yes; he believes you for the best of all possible reasons: He saw you -shoot." - -"What, Mr. Stone? My father! Saw me shoot Mr. Appleby!" - -"Yes; he says so. That is not strange, when, as you say, you fired the -pistol from where you stood in the bay window, and Mr. Wheeler stood by -or near the victim." - -"But--I don't understand. You say, father says he _saw_ me?" - -"Yes, he told me that." - -Maida was silent, but she was evidently thinking deeply and rapidly. - -"This is a trap of some sort, Mr. Stone," she said at last. "My father -didn't see me shoot--he couldn't have seen me, and consequently he -couldn't say he did! He wouldn't lie about it!" - -"But he said, at one time, that he did the shooting himself. Was not that -an untruth?" - -"Of a quite different sort. He said that in a justifiable effort to save -me. But this other matter--for him to say he saw me shoot--when he -didn't--he couldn't----" - -"Why couldn't he, Miss Wheeler? Why was it so impossible for your father -to see you commit that crime, when he was right there?" - -"Because--because--oh, Mr. Stone, I don't know what to say! I feel sure I -mustn't say anything, or I shall regret it." - -"Would you like your father to come here and tell us about it?" - -"No;--or, yes. Oh, I don't know. Jeffrey, help me!" - -Allen had sat silently brooding all through this conversation. He had not -looked at Maida, keeping his gaze turned out of the window. He was sorely -hurt at her attitude in the Keefe matter; he was puzzled at her speech -regarding her father; and he was utterly uncertain as to his own duty or -privilege in the whole affair. But at her appeal, he turned joyfully -toward her. - -"Oh, Maida," he cried, "let me help you. Do get your father here, now, -and settle this question. Then, we'll see what next." - -"Call him, then," said Maida, but she turned very white, and paid no -further attention to Allen. She was still lost in thought, when her -father arrived and joined the group. - -"You said, Mr. Wheeler," Stone began at once, "that you saw your daughter -fire the shot that killed Mr. Appleby?" - -"I did say that," Daniel Wheeler replied, "because it is true. And -because I am convinced that the truth will help us all better than any -further endeavor to prove a falsehood. I did see you, Maida darling, and -I tried very hard to take the blame myself. But it has been proved to me -by Mr. Stone that my pretence is useless, and so I've concluded that the -fact must come out, in hope of a better result than from concealment. Do -not fear, my darling, no harm shall come to you." - -"And you said you did it, father, and mother said she did it." - -"Yes, of course, I told your mother the truth, and we plotted--yes, -plotted for each of us to confess to the deed, in a wild hope of somehow -saving our little girl." - -"And you saw me shoot, father?" - -"Why, yes, dear--that is, I heard the shot, and looked up to see you -standing there with consternation and guilt on your dear face. Your arm -had then dropped to your side, but your whole attitude was unmistakable. -I couldn't shut my eyes to the evident fact that there was no one else -who could have done the deed." - -"There must have been, father--for--I didn't do it." - -"I knew you didn't! Oh, Maida!" With a bound Allen was at her side and -his arm went round her. But she moved away from him, and went on -talking--still in a strained, unnatural voice, but steadily and -straightforwardly. - -"No; I didn't shoot Mr. Appleby. I've been saying so, to shield my -father. I thought he did it." - -"Maida! Is it possible?" and Daniel Wheeler looked perplexed. "But, oh, -I'm so glad to hear your statement." - -"But who did do it, then?" Miss Lane asked, bluntly. - -"Who cares, so long as it wasn't any of the Wheelers!" exclaimed Jeffrey -Allen, unable to contain his gladness. "Oh, Maida----" - -But again she waved him away from her. - -"I don't understand, Mr. Stone," she began; "I don't know where these -disclosures will lead. I hope, not back to my mother----" - -"No, Maida," said her father, "there's no fear of that." - -Reassured, Maida went on. "Perhaps I can't be believed now, after my -previous insistence on my guilt, but God knows it is the truth; I am -utterly innocent of the crime." - -"I believe it," said Fleming Stone. "There was little evidence against -you, except your own confession. Now you've retracted that it only -remains for me to find the real criminal." - -"Can you," cried Fibsy excitedly, "can you, F. Stone?" - -"Don't you know which way to look, Terence?" - -"I do--and I don't--" the boy murmured; "oh, lordy! I do--and--I don't!" - -"But there's another matter to be agreed upon," said Maida, who had not -at all regained her normal poise or appearance. Her face was white and -her eyes blurred with tears. But she persisted in speech. - -"I want it understood that I am engaged to marry Mr. Keefe," she said, -not looking at Jeffrey at all. "I announce my engagement, and I desire -him to be looked upon and considered as my future husband." - -"Maida!" came simultaneously from the lips of her father and Allen. - -"Yes, that is positive and irrevocable. I have my own reasons for this, -and one of them is"--she paused--"one very important one is, that Mr. -Keefe knows who shot Mr. Appleby, and can produce the criminal and -guarantee his confession to the deed." - -"Wow!" Fibsy remarked, explosively, and Fleming Stone stared at the girl. - -"He used this as an argument to persuade you to marry him, Miss Wheeler?" - -"I don't put it that way, Mr. Stone, but I have Mr. Keefe's assurance -that he will do as I told you, and also that he will arrange to have a -full and free pardon granted to my father for the old sentence he is -still suffering under." - -"Well, Maida, I don't wonder you consented," said Miss Lane, her round -eyes wide with surprise. "And I suppose he's going to renounce all claim -to this estate?" - -"Yes," said Maida, calmly. - -"Anything else?" said Allen, unable to keep an ironic note out of his -voice. - -"Yes," put in Fibsy, "he's going to be governor of Massachusetts." - -"Oh, my heavens and earth!" gasped Genevieve, "what rubbish!" - -"Rubbish, nothing!" Fibsy defended his statement. "You know he's after -it." - -"I felt sure he would, when Sam Appleby gave up the running--but--I -didn't know he had taken any public steps." - -"Never mind what Mr. Keefe is going to do, or not going to do," said -Maida, in a tone of finality, "I expect to marry him--and soon." - -"Well," said Stone, in a business-like way, "I think our next one to -confer with must be Mr. Keefe." - - - - - CHAPTER XVIII - A FINAL CONFESSION - - -Inquiry for Keefe brought the information that he had gone to a nearby -town, but would be back at dinner-time. - -Mr. Appleby was also expected to arrive for dinner, coming from home in -his motor car. - -But in the late afternoon a severe storm set in. The wind rose rapidly -and gained great velocity while the rain fell steadily and hard. Curtis -Keefe arrived, very wet indeed, though he had protecting clothing. But a -telephone message from Sam Appleby said that he was obliged to give up -all idea of reaching Sycamore Ridge that night. He had stopped at a -roadhouse, and owing to the gale he dared not venture forth again until -the storm was over. He would therefore not arrive until next day. - -"Lucky we got his word," said Mr. Wheeler. "This storm will soon put many -telephone wires out of commission." - -When Keefe came down at the dinner hour, he found Maida alone in the -living-room, evidently awaiting him. - -"My darling!" he exclaimed, going quickly to her side, "my own little -girl! Are you here to greet me?" - -"Yes," she said, and suffered rather than welcomed his caressing hand on -her shoulder. "Curtis, I told them you would tell them who killed Mr. -Appleby." - -"So I will, dearest, after dinner. Let's not have unpleasant subjects -discussed at table. I've been to Rushfield and I've found out all the -particulars that I hadn't already learned, and--I've got actual proofs! -Now, who's a cleverer detective than the professionals?" - -"Then that's all right. Now, are you sure you can also get father freed?" - -"I hope to, dear. That's all I can say at present. Do you take me for a -magician? I assure you I'm only an ordinary citizen. But I----" - -"But you promised----" - -"Yes, my little love, I did, and I well know that you promised because I -did! Well, I fancy I shall keep every promise I made you, but not every -one as promptly as this exposure of the criminal." - -"But you'll surely fix it so father can go into Massachusetts--can go to -Boston?" - -"Well, rather! I expect--though you mustn't say anything about it--but -I've an idea that you may yet be a governor's wife! And it wouldn't do -then to have your father barred from the state!" - -Maida sighed. The hopes Keefe held out were the realization of her -dearest wishes--but, oh, the price she must pay! Yet she was -strong-willed. She determined to give no thought whatever to Jeffrey, for -if she did she knew her purpose would falter. Nor did she even allow -herself the doubtful privilege of feeling sorry for him. Well she knew -that that way madness lay. And, thought the poor child, sad and -broken-hearted though Jeff may be, his sadness and heartbreak are no -worse than mine. Not so bad, for I have to take the initiative! I have to -take the brunt of the whole situation. - -The others assembled, and at dinner no word was said of the tragedy. Save -for Maida and Jeffrey Allen, the party was almost a merry one. - -Daniel Wheeler and his wife were so relieved at the disclosure of Maida's -innocence that they felt they didn't care much what happened next. Fibsy -flirted openly with Genevieve and Fleming Stone himself was quietly -entertaining. - -Later in the evening they gathered in the den and Keefe revealed his -discoveries. - -"I felt all along," he said, "that there was--there must have been a man -on the south veranda who did the shooting. Didn't you think that, Mr. -Stone?" - -"I did at times," Stone replied, truthfully. "I confess, though my -opinion changed once or twice." - -"And at the present moment?" insisted Keefe. - -"At the present moment, Mr. Keefe, your attitude tells me that you expect -to prove that there was such a factor in the case, so I would be foolish -indeed to say I doubted it. But, to speak definitely--yes, I do think -there was a man there, and he was the murderer. He shot through the -window, past Miss Wheeler, and most naturally, her father thought she -fired the shot herself. You see, it came from exactly her direction." - -"Yes;" agreed Keefe, "and moreover, you remember, Rachel saw the man on -the veranda--and the cook also saw him----" - -"Yes--the cook saw him!" Fibsy put in, and though the words were innocent -enough, his tone indicated a hidden meaning. - -But beyond a careless glance, Keefe didn't notice the interruption and -went on, earnestly: - -"Now, the man the servants saw was the murderer. And I have traced him, -found him, and--secured his signed confession." - -With unconcealed pride in his achievement, Keefe took a folded paper from -his pocket and handed it to Daniel Wheeler. - -"Why the written confession? Where is the man?" asked Stone, his dark -eyes alight with interest. - -"Gee!" muttered Fibsy, under his breath, "going some!" - -Genevieve Lane stared, round-eyed and excited, while Allen and the -Wheelers breathlessly awaited developments. - -"John Mills!" exclaimed Mr. Wheeler, looking at the paper. "Oh, the -faithful old man! Listen, Stone. This is a signed confession of a man on -his death-bed----" - -"No longer that," said Keefe, solemnly, "he died this afternoon." - -"And signed this just before he died?" - -"Yes, Mr. Wheeler. In the hospital. The witnesses, as you see, are the -nurses there." - -The paper merely stated that the undersigned was the slayer of Samuel -Appleby. That the deed was committed in order to free Daniel Wheeler from -wicked and unjust molestation and tyranny. The signature, though faintly -scrawled, was perfectly legible and duly witnessed. - -"He was an old servant of mine," Wheeler said, thoughtfully, "and very -devoted to us all. He always resented Appleby's attitude toward me--for -Mills was my butler when the trouble occurred, and knew all about it. He -has been an invalid for a year, but has been very ill only recently." - -"Since the shooting, in fact," said Keefe, significantly. - -"It must have been a hard task for one so weak," Wheeler said, "but the -old fellow was a true friend to me all his life. Tell us more of the -circumstances, Mr. Keefe." - -"I did it all by thinking," said Keefe, his manner not at all superior, -nor did he look toward Fleming Stone, who was listening attentively. "I -felt sure there was some man from outside. And I thought first of some -enemy of Mr. Appleby's. But later, I thought it might have been some -enemy of Mr. Wheeler's and the shot was possibly meant for him." - -Wheeler nodded at this. "I thought that, too," he observed. - -"Well, then later, I began to think maybe it was some friend--not an -enemy. A friend, of course, of Mr. Wheeler's. On this principle I -searched for a suspect. I inquired among the servants, being careful to -arouse no suspicion of my real intent. At last, I found this old Mills -had always been devoted to the whole family here. More than devoted, -indeed. He revered Mr. Wheeler and he fairly worshipped the ladies. He -has been ill a long time of a slow and incurable malady, and quite lately -was taken to the hospital. When I reached him I saw the poor chap had but -a very short time to live." - -"And you suspected him of crime with no more evidence than that?" Fleming -Stone asked. - -"I daresay it was a sort of intuition, Mr. Stone," Keefe returned, -smiling a little at the detective. "Oh, I don't wonder you feel rather -miffed to have your thunder stolen by a mere business man--and I fear -it's unprofessional for me to put the thing through without consulting -you, but I felt the case required careful handling--somewhat -psychological handling, indeed----" - -"Very much so," Stone nodded. - -"And so," Keefe was a little disconcerted by the detective's demeanor, -but others set it down to a very natural chagrin on Stone's part. - -Fibsy sat back in his chair, his bright eyes narrowed to mere slits and -darting from the face of Keefe to that of Stone continually. - -"And so," Keefe went on, "I inquired from the servants and also, -cautiously from the members of the family, and I learned that this Mills -was of a fiery, even revengeful, nature----" - -"He was," Mr. Wheeler nodded, emphatically. - -"Yes, sir. And I found out from Rachel that----" - -"Rachel!" Fibsy fairly shot out the word, but a look from Stone made him -say no more. - -"Yes, Rachel, the maid," went on Keefe, "and I found that the man she saw -on the veranda was of the same general size and appearance as Mills. -Well, I somehow felt that it was Mills--and so I went to see him." - -"At the hospital?" asked Wheeler. - -"Yes; some days ago. He was then very weak, and the nurses didn't want me -to arouse him to any excitement. But I knew it was my duty----" - -"Of course," put in Stone, and Keefe gave him a patronizing look. - -"So, against the wishes of the nurses and doctors, I had an interview -alone with Mills, and I found he was the criminal." - -"He confessed?" asked Stone. - -"Yes; and though he refused to sign a written confession, he agreed he -would confess in the presence of Mr. Wheeler and Mr. Stone. But--that was -only this morning--and the doctor assured me the man couldn't live the -day out. So I persuaded the dying man to sign this confession, which I -drew up and read to him in the presence of the nurses. He signed--they -witnessed--and there it is." - -With evident modesty, Keefe pointed to the paper still in Wheeler's -hands, and said no more. - -For a moment nobody spoke. The storm was at its height. The wind whistled -and roared, the rain fell noisily, and the elements seemed to be doing -their very worst. - -Genevieve shuddered--she always was sensitive to weather conditions, and -that wind was enough to disturb even equable nerves. - -"And this same Mills was the phantom bugler?" asked Stone. - -"Yes--he told me so," returned Keefe. "He knew about the legend, you see, -and he thought he'd work on the superstition of the family to divert -attention from himself." - -Genevieve gasped, but quickly suppressed all show of agitation. - -Fibsy whistled--just a few notes of the bugle call that the "phantom" had -played. - -At the sound Keefe turned quickly, a strange look on his face, and the -Wheelers, too, looked startled at the familiar strain. - -"Be quiet, Terence," Stone said, rather severely, and the boy subsided. - -"Now, Mr. Keefe," Fleming Stone said, "you must not think--as I fear you -do--that I grudge admiration for your success, or appreciation of your -cleverness. I do not. I tell you, very sincerely, that what you have -accomplished is as fine a piece of work as I have ever run across in my -whole career as detective. Your intuition was remarkable and your -following it up a masterpiece! By the way, I suppose that it was Mills, -then, who started the fire in the garage?" - -"Yes, it was," said Keefe. "You see, he is a clever genius, in a sly way. -He reasoned that if a fire occurred, everybody would run to it except Mr. -Wheeler, who cannot go over the line. He hoped that, therefore, Mr. -Appleby would not go either--for Mr. Appleby suffered from flatfoot--at -any rate, he took a chance that the fire would give him opportunity to -shoot unnoticed. Which it did." - -"It certainly did. Now, Mr. Keefe, did he tell you how he set that fire?" - -"No, he did not," was the short reply. "Moreover, Mr. Stone, I resent -your mode of questioning. I'm not on the witness stand. I've solved a -mystery that baffled you, and though I understand your embarrassment at -the situation, yet it does not give you free rein to make what seem to me -like endeavors to trip me up!" - -"Trip you up!" Stone lifted his eyebrows. "What a strange expression to -use. As if I suspected you of faking his tale." - -"It speaks for itself," and Keefe glanced nonchalantly at the paper he -had brought. "There's the signed confession--if you can prove that -signature a fake--go ahead." - -"No," said Daniel Wheeler, decidedly; "that's John Mills' autograph. I -know it perfectly. He wrote that himself. And a dying man is not going to -sign a lie. There's no loophole of doubt, Mr. Stone. I think you must -admit Mr. Keefe's entire success." - -"I do admit Mr. Keefe's entire success," Stone's dark eyes flashed, "up -to this point. From here on, I shall undertake to prove my own entire -success, since that is the phrase we are using. Mr. Wheeler, your present -cook was here when John Mills worked for you?" - -"She was, Mr. Stone, but you don't need her corroboration of this -signature. I tell you I know it to be Mills'." - -"Will you send for the cook, please?" - -Half unwillingly, Wheeler agreed, and Maida stepped out of the room and -summoned the cook. - -The woman came in, and Stone spoke to her at once. - -"Is that John Mills' signature?" he asked, showing her the paper. - -"It is, sir," she replied, looking at him in wonder. - -A satisfied smile played on Keefe's face, only to be effaced at Stone's -next question. - -"And was John Mills the person you saw--vaguely--on the south veranda -that night of Mr. Appleby's murder?" - -"That he was not!" she cried, emphatically. "It was a man not a bit like -Mills, and be the same token, John Mills was in his bed onable to walk at -all, at all." - -"That will do, Mr. Wheeler," and Stone dismissed the cook with a glance. -"Now, Mr. Keefe?" - -"As if that woman's story mattered," Keefe sneered, contemptuously, "she -is merely mistaken, that's all. The word of the maid, Rachel, is as good -as that of the cook----" - -"Oh, no, it isn't!" Stone interrupted, but, paying no heed to him, Keefe -went on; "and you can scarcely doubt the signature after Mr. Wheeler and -your friend the cook have both verified it." - -Though his demeanor was quiet, Keefe's face wore a defiant expression and -his voice was a trifle blustering. - -"I do not doubt the signature," Stone declared, "nor do I doubt that you -obtained it at the hospital exactly as you have described that incident." - -Keefe's face relaxed at that, and he recovered his jaunty manner, as he -said: "Then you admit I have beaten you at your own game, Mr. Stone?" - -"No, Mr. Keefe, but I have beaten you at yours." - -A silence fell for a moment. There was something about Stone's manner of -speaking that made for conviction in the minds of his hearers that he -said truth. - -"Wait a minute! Oh, wait a minute!" It was Genevieve Lane who cried out -the words, and then she sprang from her chair and ran to Keefe's side. - -Flinging her arms about him, she whispered close to his ear. - -He listened, and then, with a scornful gesture he flung her off. - -"No!" he said to her; "no! a thousand times, no! Do your worst." - -"I shall!" replied Genevieve, and without another word she resumed her -seat. - -"Yes," went on Stone, this interruption being over, "your ingenious -'success' in the way of detecting is doomed to an ignominious end. You -see, sir," he turned to Daniel Wheeler, "the clever ruse Mr. Keefe has -worked, is but a ruse--a stratagem, to deceive us all and to turn the -just suspicion of the criminal in an unjust direction." - -"Explain, Mr. Stone," said Wheeler, apparently not much impressed with -what he deemed a last attempt on the part of the detective to redeem his -reputation. - -"Yes, Mr. Stone," said Keefe, "if my solution of this mystery is a -ruse--a stratagem--what have you to offer in its place? You admit the -signed confession?" - -"I admit the signature, but not the confession. John Mills signed that -paper, Mr. Keefe, but he is not the murderer." - -"Who is, then?" - -"You are!" - -Keefe laughed and shrugged his shoulders, but at that moment there was -such a blast of wind and storm, accompanied by a fearful crash, that what -he said could not be heard. - -"Explain, please, Mr. Stone," Wheeler said again, after a pause, but his -voice now showed more interest. - -"I will. The time has come for it. Mr. Wheeler, do you and Mr. Allen see -to it, that Mr. Keefe does not leave the room. Terence--keep your eyes -open." - -Keefe still smiled, but his smile was a frozen one. His eyes began to -widen and his hands clenched themselves upon his knees. - -"Curtis Keefe killed Samuel Appleby," Stone went on, speaking clearly but -rapidly. "His motive was an ambition to be governor of Massachusetts. He -thought that with the elder Appleby out of the way, his son would have -neither power nor inclination to make a campaign. There were other, minor -motives, but that was his primary one. That, and the fact that the elder -Appleby had a hold on Mr. Keefe, and of late had pressed it home -uncomfortably hard. The murder was long premeditated. The trip here -brought it about, because it offered a chance where others might -reasonably be suspected. Keefe was the man on the veranda, whom the cook -saw--but not clearly enough to distinguish his identity. Though she did -know it was not John Mills." - -"But--Mr. Stone----" interrupted Wheeler, greatly perturbed, "think what -you're saying! Have you evidence to prove your statements?" - -"I have, Mr. Wheeler, as you shall see. Let me tell my story and judge me -then. A first proof is--Terence, you may tell of the bugle." - -"I went, at Mr. Stone's orders," the boy stated, simply, "to all the -shops or little stores in this vicinity where a bugle might have been -bought; I found one was bought in a very small shop in Rushfield and -bought by a man who corresponded to Mr. Keefe's description, and who, -when he stopped at the shop, was in a motor car whose description and -occupants were the Appleby bunch. Well, anyway--Miss Lane here knows that -Mr. Keefe bought that bugle--don't you?" He turned to Genevieve, who, -after a glance at Keefe, nodded affirmation. - -"And so," Stone went on, "Mr. Keefe used that bugle----" - -"How did he get opportunity?" asked Wheeler. - -"I'll tell you," offered Genevieve. "We all staid over night in -Rushfield, and I heard Mr. Keefe go out of doors in the night. I watched -him from my window. He returned about three hours later." - -It was clear to all listening, that when Genevieve had whispered to Keefe -and he had told her to do her worst, they were now hearing the "worst." - -"So," Stone narrated, "Mr. Keefe came over here and did the bugling as a -preliminary to his further schemes. You admit that, Mr. Keefe?" - -"I admit nothing. Tell your silly story as you please." - -"I will. Then, the day of the murder, Mr. Keefe arranged for the fire in -the garage. He used the acids as the man Fulton described, and as Keefe's -own coat was burned and his employer's car he felt sure suspicion would -not turn toward him. When the fire broke out--which as it depended on the -action of those acids, he was waiting for, Keefe ran with Mr. Allen to -the garage. But--and this I have verified from Mr. Allen, Keefe -disappeared for a moment, and, later was again at Allen's side. In that -moment--Mr. Wheeler, that psychological moment, Curtis Keefe shot and -killed Samuel Appleby." - -"And Mills?" - -"Is part of the diabolically clever scheme. Mills was dying; he was -leaving a large family without means of support. He depended, and with -reason, on hope of your generosity, Mr. Wheeler, to his wife and -children. But Curtis Keefe went to him and told him that you were about -to be dispossessed of your home and fortune, and that if he would sign -the confession--knowing what it was--that he, Keefe, would settle a large -sum of money on Mrs. Mills and the children at once. And he did." - -"You fiend! You devil incarnate!" cried Keefe, losing all control. "How -do you know that?" - -"I found it all out from Mrs. Mills," Stone replied; "your accomplices -all betrayed you, Mr. Keefe. A criminal should beware of accomplices. -Rachel turned state's evidence and told how you bribed her to make up -that story of the bugler--or rather, to relate parrot-like--the story you -taught to her." - -"It's all up," said Keefe, flinging out his hands in despair. "You've -outwitted me at every point, Mr. Stone. I confess myself vanquished----" - -"And you confess yourself the murderer?" said Stone, quickly. - -"I do, but I ask one favor. May I take that paper a moment?" - -"Certainly," said Stone, glancing at the worthless confession. - -Keefe stepped to the table desk, where the paper lay, but as he laid his -left hand upon it, with his right he quickly pulled open a drawer, -grasped the pistol that was in it, and saying, with a slight smile: "A -life for a life!" drew the trigger and fell to the floor. - -From the gruesome situation, its silence made worse by the noise of the -storm outside, Daniel Wheeler led his wife and daughter. Jeffrey Allen -followed quickly and sought his loved Maida. - -Reaction from the strain made her break down, and sobbing in his arms she -asked and received full forgiveness for her enforced desertion of him. - -"I couldn't do anything else, Jeff," she sobbed. "I had to say yes to him -for dad's sake--and mother's." - -"Of course you did, darling; don't think about it. Oh, Maida, look! The -wind has torn up the sycamore! Unrooted it, and it has fallen over----" - -"Over into Massachusetts!" Maida cried; "Jeffrey, think what that means!" - -"Why--why!----" Allen was speechless. - -"Yes; the sycamore has gone into Massachusetts--and father can go!" - -"Is that real, Maida--is it truly a permission?" - -"Of course it is! We've got Governor Appleby's letter, saying so--written -when he was governor, you know! Jeffrey--I'm so happy! It makes me forget -that awful----" - -"Do forget it all you can, dearest," and beneath her lover's caresses, -Maida did forget, for the moment at least. - -"It's the only inexplicable thing about it all, Fibs," Fleming Stone -observed, after the case was among the annals of the past, "that the old -sycamore fell over and fell the right way." - -"Mighty curious, F. Stone," rejoined the boy, with an expressionless -face. - -"You didn't help it along, did you? You know the injunction was, 'without -intervention of human hands.'" - -"I didn't intervent my hands, Mr. Stone," said the boy, earnestly, -"honest I didn't. But--it wasn't nominated in the bond that I shouldn't -kick around those old decaying roots with my foot--just so's if it -_should_ take a notion to fall it would fall heading north!" - - - - - Transcriber's Notes - - ---Copyright notice provided as in the original--this e-text is public - domain in the country of publication. - ---Provided an original cover image, for free and unrestricted use with - this Distributed Proofreaders-Canada eBook. - ---Silently corrected palpable typos; left non-standard spellings and - dialect unchanged. - - - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's The Mystery of the Sycamore, by Carolyn Wells - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MYSTERY OF THE SYCAMORE *** - -***** This file should be named 50209-8.txt or 50209-8.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/0/2/0/50209/ - -Produced by Mardi Desjardins, Stephen Hutcheson, and the -online Distributed Proofreaders Canada team at -http://www.pgdpcanada.net - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law 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. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for the eBooks, unless you receive -specific permission. If you do not charge anything for copies of this -eBook, complying with the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook -for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative works, reports, -performances and research. They may be modified and printed and given -away--you may do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks -not protected by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the -trademark license, especially commercial redistribution. - -START: FULL LICENSE - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license. - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the -person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph -1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the -Foundation" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg-tm License when -you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country outside the United States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work -on which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed: - - This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and - most other parts of the world 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. If you are not located in the - United States, you'll have to check the laws of the country where you - are located before using this ebook. - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format -other than "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original "Plain -Vanilla ASCII" or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg-tm License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -provided that - -* You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, "Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation." - -* You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg-tm - works. - -* You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - -* You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and The -Project Gutenberg Trademark LLC, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark. Contact the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg-tm collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg-tm work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at -www.gutenberg.org - - - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is in Fairbanks, Alaska, with the -mailing address: PO Box 750175, Fairbanks, AK 99775, but its -volunteers and employees are scattered throughout numerous -locations. Its business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, Salt -Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up to -date contact information can be found at the Foundation's web site and -official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact - -For additional contact information: - - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular -state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. - -Professor Michael S. 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 not protected by copyright 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. - diff --git a/old/50209-8.zip b/old/50209-8.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index b3142f3..0000000 --- a/old/50209-8.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/50209-h.zip b/old/50209-h.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index c88a5a0..0000000 --- a/old/50209-h.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/50209-h/50209-h.htm b/old/50209-h/50209-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index e54cfe5..0000000 --- a/old/50209-h/50209-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,8995 +0,0 @@ -<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> -<head> -<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=utf-8" /> -<!-- terminate if block for class html --> -<title>The Mystery of the Sycamore, by Carolyn Wells: a Project Gutenberg eBook</title> -<meta name="author" content="Carolyn Wells" /> -<link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" /> -<link rel="schema.DC" href="http://dublincore.org/documents/1998/09/dces/" /> -<meta name="DC.Creator" content="Carolyn Wells (1862-1942)" /> -<meta name="DC.Title" content="The Mystery of the Sycamore" /> -<meta name="DC.Language" content="en" /> -<meta name="DC.Format" content="text/html" /> -<meta name="pss.pubdate" content="1921" /> -<style type="text/css"> -xbody, table.twocol tr td { margin-left:2em; margin-right:2em; } /* BODY */ -h1, h2, h3, h5, h6, .titlepg p { text-align:center; clear:right; } /* HEADINGS */ -h1 { margin-top:3em; } -.box h1 { margin-top:.5em; } -h2, h3 { margin-top:3em; margin-bottom:2em; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; max-width: 17em; } -h6 { font-size:100%; font-style:italic; } -h6.var { font-size:80%; font-style:normal; } -.titlepg { margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; border-style:double; clear:both; } -/* == BOXES == */ -.dbox { border-style:double; } -div.box, .dbox { margin-right:auto; margin-left:auto; max-width:25em;} -.nbox { margin-right:auto; margin-left:auto; max-width:18em;} -div.box, div.subbox, div.nbox { border-style:solid; border-width:1px; margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:2em; } -div.subbox { margin:.2em; } -div.box dl dd, div.subbox dl dd, div.nbox dl dd {margin-left:2em; font-size:90%; } -div.box dl dt, div.subbox dl dt, div.nbox dl dt {margin-left:1em; } -h4 { font-size:80%; text-align:center; clear:right; } -span.chaptertitle { font-style:normal; display:block; text-align:center; font-size:150%; } -p, blockquote, li { text-align:justify; margin-right:auto; margin-left:auto; } /* PARAGRAPHS */ -p.bq, blockquote { margin-left:2em; margin-right:2em; margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:2em; } -div.verse { font-size:100%; } -p.indent {text-indent:2em; text-align:left; } -p.tb, p.tbcenter { margin-top:2em; } -span.pb, div.pb, dt.pb, p.pb { text-align: right; float:right; } /* PAGE BREAKS */ -div.pb { display:inline; } -.pb { text-align:right; float:right; margin-left: 1.5em; -margin-top:.5em; margin-bottom:.5em; display:inline; -font-size:80%; font-style:normal; font-weight:bold; } -.bq div.pb, .bq span.pb { font-size:90%; margin-right:2em; } -.index dt { margin-left:3em; text-indent:-3em; } -.index dd { margin-left:3em; text-indent:-1em; } -div.img, body a img, .imgcenter {text-align:center; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; margin-top:2em; } -sup { font-size:75%; vertical-align:100%; line-height:50%; } -.center, .tbcenter { text-align:center; clear:both; } /* TEXTUAL MARKUP */ -table.center { clear:both; margin-right:auto; margin-left:auto; } -.small { font-size:80%; } -.smaller { font-size:66%; } -.smallest { font-size:50%; } -.larger { font-size:150%; } -.large { font-size:125%; } -.gs { letter-spacing:1em; } -.gs3 { letter-spacing:1.5em; } -.gslarge { letter-spacing:.3em; font-size:110%; } -.sc { font-variant:small-caps; font-style: normal; } -.sc i { font-variant:normal; } -.rubric { color: red; } -hr { width:40%; } -.shorthr { width:20%; } -.jl { text-align:left; } -span.jl { float:left; } -.jr, .jr1 { text-align:right; } -span.jr, span.jr1, span.center, span.jl { display:block; } -.jr1 { margin-right:2em; } -.ind1 { text-align:left; margin-left:2em; } -.u { text-decoration:underline; } -table.center { border-style: groove; } -table.center, table.hymntab { clear:both; margin-right:auto; margin-left:auto; } -dd.t { text-align:left; margin-left: 5.5em; } -span.date, span.author { text-align:right; font-variant:small-caps; display:block; margin-right:1em; } -span.center { text-align:center; display:block; } -span.hst { margin-left:1.5em; } -.biblio dt { margin-top:1em; } -.biblio dd { font-size:90%; } -/* INDEX (.INDEX) */ -div.notes p { margin-left:1em; text-indent:-1em; /* FOOTNOTE BLOCKS */ -text-align:justify; } -.lnum { text-align:right; float:right; margin-left:.5em; /* POETRY LINE NUMBER */ -display:inline; } -.hymn { text-align:left; } /* HYMN AND VERSE: HTML */ -.verse { text-align:left; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:0em; } -p.t0, p.l, .t0, .l, div.l, l { margin-left:4em; text-indent:-3em; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; text-align:left; } -p.tw, div.tw, .tw { margin-left:1em; text-indent:-1em; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; text-align:left; } -p.t, div.t, .t { margin-left:5em; text-indent:-3em; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; text-align:left; } -p.t2, div.t2, .t2 { margin-left:6em; text-indent:-3em; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; text-align:left; } -p.t3, div.t3, .t3 { margin-left:7em; text-indent:-3em; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; text-align:left; } -p.t4, div.t4, .t4 { margin-left:8em; text-indent:-3em; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; text-align:left; } -p.t5, div.t5, .t5 { margin-left:9em; text-indent:-3em; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; text-align:left; } -p.t6, div.t6, .t6 { margin-left:10em; text-indent:-3em; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; text-align:left; } -p.t7, div.t7, .t7 { margin-left:11em;text-indent:-3em; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; text-align:left; } -p.t8, div.t8, .t8 { margin-left:12em;text-indent:-3em; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; text-align:left; } -p.t9, div.t9, .t9 { margin-left:13em;text-indent:-3em; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; text-align:left; } -p.t10,div.t10,.t10 { margin-left:14em;text-indent:-3em; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; text-align:left; } -p.t11,div.t11,.t11 { margin-left:15em;text-indent:-3em; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; text-align:left; } -p.t12,div.t12,.t12 { margin-left:16em;text-indent:-3em; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; text-align:left; } -p.t13,div.t13,.t13 { margin-left:17em;text-indent:-3em; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; text-align:left; } -p.t14,div.t14,.t14 { margin-left:18em;text-indent:-3em; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; text-align:left; } -p.t15,div.t15,.t15 { margin-left:19em;text-indent:-3em; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; text-align:left; } -/* CONTENTS (.TOC) */ -.toc dt.center { text-align:center; clear:both; margin-top:3em; margin-bottom:1em; } -.toc dt { text-align:right; clear:left; -margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; max-width:20em; } -.toc dt.jr { text-align:right; } -.toc dt.smaller { max-width:25em; } -.toc dd { text-align:right; clear:both; margin-left:2em; } -.toc dd.t { text-align:right; clear:both; margin-left:4em; text-indent:0em; } -.toc dt a, .toc dd a { text-align:left; clear:right; float:left; } -.toc dt.sc { text-align:right; clear:both; } -.toc dt.scl { text-align:left; clear:both; font-variant:small-caps; } -.toc dt.sct { text-align:right; clear:both; font-variant:small-caps; margin-left:1em; } -.toc dt.jl { text-align:left; clear:both; font-variant:normal; } -.toc dt.scc { text-align:center; clear:both; font-variant:small-caps; } -.toc dt span.lj { text-align:left; display:block; float:left; } -.toc dt.jr { font-style:normal; } -.toc dt a span.cn, .toc dt span.cn { width:2.5em; text-align:right; margin-right:.7em; float:left; } -dt .large {font-weight:bold; } -div.bcat dl dd { margin-left:4em; max-width:21em; } -div.bcat dl dt { text-indent:-2em; margin-left:2em; } -.clear { clear:both; } -.htab { margin-left:8em; } -/* MAXWIDTH FOR JUVENILE BOOKS */ -p, blockquote, li, dd, dt, div.bcat, pre { text-align:justify; margin-right:auto; margin-left:auto; } -p, li, dd, dt, div.bcat, pre { max-width:25em; } -blockquote { max-width:23em; } -div.verse { max-width:25em; margin-right:auto; margin-left:auto; } -div.bq { margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; max-width:23em; } -hr { max-width:20em; } -</style> -</head> -<body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Mystery of the Sycamore, by Carolyn Wells - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world 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. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: The Mystery of the Sycamore - -Author: Carolyn Wells - -Release Date: October 14, 2015 [EBook #50209] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MYSTERY OF THE SYCAMORE *** - - - - -Produced by Mardi Desjardins, Stephen Hutcheson, and the -online Distributed Proofreaders Canada team at -http://www.pgdpcanada.net - - - - - - -</pre> - -<div class="img"> -<img id="coverpage" src="images/cover.jpg" alt="The Mystery of the Sycamore, by Carolyn Wells" width="580" height="780" /> -</div> -<div class="box"> -<h1>THE MYSTERY OF -<br />THE SYCAMORE</h1> -<hr /> -<p class="center"><span class="large"><span class="sc">By</span> CAROLYN WELLS</span></p> -<hr /> -<p class="center"><span class="sc">Author of</span> -<br /><span class="small"><i>“The Vanishing of Betty Varian,” “The Mystery Girl,” “Anybody But Anne,” “The Come-Back,” “The Curved Blades,” “A Chain of Evidence,” “In the Onyx Lobby,” “The Luminous Face,” “Raspberry Jam,” etc</i>.</span></p> -<div class="img" id="logo"><img src="images/logo.jpg" alt="Publisher’s Logo" width="175" height="178" /></div> -<hr /> -<p class="center">A. L. BURT COMPANY -<br />Publishers <span class="hst">New York</span></p> -<p class="center"><span class="smaller">Published by arrangement with J. B. Lippincott Company -<br />Printed in U. S. A.</span></p> -<p class="center"><span class="smaller">COPYRIGHT, 1920, BY STREET & SMITH CORPORATION, -<br />UNDER TITLE OF “THE PARDON TREE” -<br />COPYRIGHT, 1921, BY J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY</span></p> -</div> -<h2>CONTENTS</h2> -<dl class="toc"> -<dt class="jr"><span class="jl"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span></span> <span class="small">PAGE</span></dt> -<dt><a href="#c1"><span class="cn">I. </span><span class="sc">The Letter that Said Come</span></a> 9</dt> -<dt><a href="#c2"><span class="cn">II. </span><span class="sc">North Door and South Door</span></a> 28</dt> -<dt><a href="#c3"><span class="cn">III. </span><span class="sc">One Last Argument</span></a> 47</dt> -<dt><a href="#c4"><span class="cn">IV. </span><span class="sc">The Big Sycamore Tree</span></a> 65</dt> -<dt><a href="#c5"><span class="cn">V. </span><span class="sc">The Bugle Sounded Taps</span></a> 83</dt> -<dt><a href="#c6"><span class="cn">VI. </span><span class="sc">The Other Heir</span></a> 101</dt> -<dt><a href="#c7"><span class="cn">VII. </span><span class="sc">Inquiries</span></a> 119</dt> -<dt><a href="#c8"><span class="cn">VIII. </span><span class="sc">Confession</span></a> 137</dt> -<dt><a href="#c9"><span class="cn">IX. </span><span class="sc">Counter-Confessions</span></a> 155</dt> -<dt><a href="#c10"><span class="cn">X. </span><span class="sc">The Phantom Bugler</span></a> 173</dt> -<dt><a href="#c11"><span class="cn">XI. </span><span class="sc">Fleming Stone</span></a> 191</dt> -<dt><a href="#c12"><span class="cn">XII. </span><span class="sc">The Garage Fire</span></a> 209</dt> -<dt><a href="#c13"><span class="cn">XIII. </span><span class="sc">Sara Wheeler</span></a> 227</dt> -<dt><a href="#c14"><span class="cn">XIV. </span><span class="sc">Rachel’s Story</span></a> 245</dt> -<dt><a href="#c15"><span class="cn">XV. </span><span class="sc">The Awful Truth</span></a> 263</dt> -<dt><a href="#c16"><span class="cn">XVI. </span><span class="sc">Maida’s Decision</span></a> 281</dt> -<dt><a href="#c17"><span class="cn">XVII. </span><span class="sc">Maida and Her Father</span></a> 299</dt> -<dt><a href="#c18"><span class="cn">XVIII. </span><span class="sc">A Final Confession</span></a> 317</dt> -</dl> -<h1 title="">THE MYSTERY OF -<br />THE SYCAMORE</h1> -<div class="pb" id="Page_9">[9]</div> -<h2 id="c1"><span class="small">CHAPTER I</span> -<br />THE LETTER THAT SAID COME</h2> -<p>As the character of a woman may be accurately -deduced from her handkerchief, so a man’s mental -status is evident from the way he opens his mail.</p> -<p>Curtis Keefe, engaged in this daily performance, -slit the envelopes neatly and laid the letters down in -three piles. These divisions represented matters -known to be of no great interest; matters known to -be important; and, third, letters with contents as yet -unknown and therefore of problematical value.</p> -<p>The first two piles were, as usual, dispatched -quickly, and the real attention of the secretary centred -with pleasant anticipation on the third lot.</p> -<p>“Gee whiz, Genevieve!”</p> -<p>As no further pearls of wisdom fell from the lips -of the engrossed reader of letters, the stenographer -gave him a round-eyed glance and then continued -her work.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_10">[10]</div> -<p>Curtis Keefe was, of course, called Curt by his -intimates, and while it may be the obvious nickname -was brought about by his short and concise manner -of speech, it is more probable that the abbreviation -was largely responsible for his habit of curtness.</p> -<p>Anyway, Keefe had long cultivated a crisp, -abrupt style of conversation. That is, until he fell -in with Samuel Appleby. That worthy ex-governor, -while in the act of engaging Keefe to be his confidential -secretary, observed: “They call you Curt, do -they? Well, see to it that it is short for courtesy.”</p> -<p>This was only one of several equally sound bits -of advice from the same source, and as Keefe had -an eye single to the glory of self-advancement, he -kept all these things and pondered them in his heart.</p> -<p>The result was that ten years of association with -Lawyer Appleby had greatly improved the young -man’s manner, and though still brief of speech, his -curtness had lost its unpleasantly sharp edge and his -courtesy had developed into a dignified urbanity, -so that though still Curt Keefe, it was in name only.</p> -<p>“What’s the pretty letter all about, Curtie?” -asked the observant stenographer, who had noticed -his third reading of the short missive.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_11">[11]</div> -<p>“You’ll probably answer it soon, and then you’ll -know,” was the reply, as Keefe restored the sheet to -its envelope and took up the next letter.</p> -<p>Genevieve Lane produced her vanity-case, and -became absorbed in its possibilities.</p> -<p>“I wish I didn’t have to work,” she sighed; “I -wish I was an opera singer.”</p> -<p>“‘Cromwell, I charge thee, fling away ambition,’ -murmured Keefe, his eyes still scanning letters; -‘by that sin fell the angels,’ and it’s true you are -angelic, Viva, so down you’ll go, if you fall -for ambition.”</p> -<p>“How you talk! Ambition is a good thing.”</p> -<p>“Only when tempered by common sense and perspicacity—neither -of which you possess to a marked -degree.”</p> -<p>“Pooh! You’re ambitious yourself, Curt.”</p> -<p>“With the before-mentioned qualifications. Look -here, Viva, here’s a line for you to remember. I -ran across it in a book. ‘If you do only what is -absolutely correct and say only what is absolutely -correct—you can do anything you like.’ How’s -that?”</p> -<p>“I don’t see any sense in it at all.”</p> -<p>“No? I told you you lacked common sense. -Most women do.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_12">[12]</div> -<p>“Huh!” and Genevieve tossed her pretty head, -patted her curly ear-muffs, and proceeded with -her work.</p> -<p>Samuel Appleby’s beautiful home graced the -town of Stockfield, in the western end of the Commonwealth -of Massachusetts. Former Governor -Appleby was still a political power and a man of -unquestioned force and importance.</p> -<p>It was fifteen years or more since he had held -office, and now, a great desire possessed him that his -son should follow in his ways, and that his beloved -state should know another governor of the -Appleby name.</p> -<p>And young Sam was worthy of the people’s -choice. Himself a man of forty, motherless from -childhood, and brought up sensibly and well by his -father, he listened gravely to the paternal plans for -the campaign.</p> -<p>But there were other candidates, and not without -some strong and definite influences could the end -be attained.</p> -<p>Wherefore, Mr. Appleby was quite as much interested -as his secretary in the letter which was -in the morning’s mail.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_13">[13]</div> -<p>“Any word from Sycamore Ridge?” he asked, -as he came into the big, cheerful office and nodded a -kindly good-morning to his two assistants.</p> -<p>“Yes, and a good word,” returned Keefe, smiling. -“It says: ‘Come.’” The secretary’s attitude -toward his employer, though deferential and respectful, -was marked by a touch of good-fellowship—a -not unnatural outgrowth of a long term of confidential -relations between them. Keefe had made himself -invaluable to Samuel Appleby and both men -knew it. So, as one had no desire to presume on -the fact and the other no wish to ignore it, serenity -reigned in the well-ordered and well-appointed offices -of the ex-governor.</p> -<p>Even the light-haired, light-hearted and light-headed -Genevieve couldn’t disturb the even tenor of -the routine. If she could have, she would have -been fired.</p> -<p>Though not a handsome man, not even to be -called distinguished looking, Samuel Appleby gave -an impression of power. His strong, lean face betokened -obdurate determination and implacable will.</p> -<p>Its deep-graven lines were the result of meeting -many obstacles and surmounting most of them. And -at sixty-two, the hale and hearty frame and the alert, -efficient manner made the man seem years younger.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_14">[14]</div> -<p>“You know the conditions on which Wheeler -lives in that house?” Appleby asked, as he looked -over the top of the letter at Keefe.</p> -<p>“No, sir.”</p> -<p>“Well, it’s this way. But, no—I’ll not give you -the story now. We’re going down there—to-day.”</p> -<p>“The whole tribe?” asked Keefe, briefly.</p> -<p>“Yes; all three of us. Be ready, Miss Lane, -please, at three-thirty.”</p> -<p>“Yes, sir,” said Genevieve, reaching for her -vanity-box.</p> -<p>“And now, Keefe, as to young Sam,” Appleby -went on, running his fingers through his thick, iron-gray -mane. “If he can put it over, or if I can put -it over for him, it will be only with the help of -Dan Wheeler.”</p> -<p>“Is Wheeler willing to help?”</p> -<p>“Probably not. He must be made willing. I can -do it—I think—unless he turns stubborn. I know -Wheeler—if he turns stubborn—well, Balaam’s historic -quadruped had nothing on him!”</p> -<p>“Does Mr. Wheeler know Sam?”</p> -<p>“No; and it wouldn’t matter either way if he -did. It’s the platform Wheeler stands on. If I can -keep him in ignorance of that one plank——”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_15">[15]</div> -<p>“You can’t.”</p> -<p>“I know it—confound it! He opposed my election -on that one point—he’ll oppose Sam’s for the -same reason, I know.”</p> -<p>“Where do I come in?”</p> -<p>“In a general way, I want your help. Wheeler’s -wife and daughter are attractive, and you might -manage to interest them and maybe sway their sympathies -toward Sam——”</p> -<p>“But they’ll stand by Mr. Wheeler?”</p> -<p>“Probably—yes. However, use your head, and -do all you can with it.”</p> -<p>“And where do I come in?” asked Genevieve, -who had been an interested listener.</p> -<p>“You don’t come in at all, Miss. You mostly -stay out. You’re to keep in the background. I have -to take you, for we’re only staying one night at Sycamore -Ridge, and then going on to Boston, and I’ll -need you there.”</p> -<p>“Yes, sir,” and the blue eyes turned from him -and looked absorbedly into a tiny mirror, as Genevieve -contemplated her pleasant pink-and-whiteness.</p> -<p>Her vanity and its accompanying box were matters -of indifference to Mr. Appleby and to Keefe, -for the girl’s efficiency and skill outweighed them and -her diligence and loyalty scored one hundred per cent.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_16">[16]</div> -<p>Appleby’s fetish was efficiency. He had found -it and recognized it in his secretary and stenographer -and he was willing to recompense it duly, even generously. -Wherefore the law business of Samuel -Appleby, though carried on for the benefit of a small -number of clients, was of vast importance and productive -of lucrative returns.</p> -<p>At present, the importance was overshadowed by -the immediate interest of a campaign, which, if successful -would land the second Appleby in the gubernatorial -chair. This plan, as yet not a boom, was taking -shape with the neatness and dispatch that characterized -the Appleby work.</p> -<p>Young Sam was content to have the matter principally -in his father’s hands, and things had reached -a pitch where, to the senior mind, the coöperation -of Daniel Wheeler was imperatively necessary.</p> -<p>And, therefore, to Wheeler’s house they must -betake themselves.</p> -<p>“What do you know about the Wheeler business, -kid?” Keefe inquired, after Mr. Appleby had -left them.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_17">[17]</div> -<p>Genevieve leaned back in her chair, her dimpled -chin moving up and down with a pretty rhythm as -she enjoyed her chewing-gum, and gazed at the -ceiling beams.</p> -<p>Appleby’s offices were in his own house, and the -one given over to these two was an attractive room, -fine with mahogany and plate glass, but also provided -with all the paraphernalia of the most up-to-date -of office furniture. There were good pictures -and draperies, and a wood fire added to the cheer and -mitigated the chill of the early fall weather.</p> -<p>Sidling from her seat, Miss Lane moved over to a -chair near the fire.</p> -<p>“I’ll take those letters when you’re ready,” she -said. “Why, I don’t know a single thing about any -Wheeler. Do you?”</p> -<p>“Not definitely. He’s a man who had an awful -fight with Mr. Appleby, long ago. I’ve heard allusions -to him now and then, but I know no details.”</p> -<p>“I, either. But, it seems we’re to go there. Only -for a night, and then, on to Boston! Won’t I be glad -to go!”</p> -<p>“We’ll only be there a few days. I’m more interested -in this Wheeler performance. I don’t understand -it. Who’s Wheeler, anyhow?”</p> -<p>“Dunno. If Sammy turns up this morning, he -may enlighten us.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_18">[18]</div> -<p>Sammy did turn up, and not long after the conversation -young Appleby strolled into the office.</p> -<p>Though still looked upon as a boy by his father, -the man was of huge proportions and of an important, -slightly overbearing attitude.</p> -<p>Somewhat like his parent in appearance, young -Sam, as he was always called, had more grace and -ease, if less effect of power. He smiled genially -and impartially; he seemed cordial and friendly to all -the world, and he was a general favorite. Yet so far -he had achieved no great thing, had no claim to any -especial record in public or private life.</p> -<p>At forty, unmarried and unattached, his was a -case of an able mentality and a firm, reliable character, -with no opportunity offered to prove its worth. -A little more initiative and he would have made -opportunities for himself; but a nature that took the -line of least resistance, a philosophy that believed -in a calm acceptance of things as they came, left -Samuel Appleby, junior, pretty much where he was -when he began. If no man could say aught against -him, equally surely no man could say anything very -definite for him. Yet many agreed that he was a -man whose powers would develop with acquired -responsibilities, and already he had a following.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_19">[19]</div> -<p>“Hello, little one,” he greeted Genevieve, carelessly, -as he sat down near Keefe. “I say, old chap, -you’re going down to the Wheelers’ to-day, I hear.”</p> -<p>“Yes; this afternoon,” and the secretary looked -up inquiringly.</p> -<p>“Well, I’ll tell you what. You know the governor’s -going there to get Wheeler’s aid in my election -boom, and I can tell you a way to help things along, -if you agree. See?”</p> -<p>“Not yet, but go ahead.”</p> -<p>“Well, it’s this way. Dan Wheeler’s daughter -is devoted to her father. Not only filial respect and -all that, but she just fairly idolizes the old man. -Now, he recips, of course, and what she says goes. -So—I’m asking you squarely—won’t you put in a -good word to Maida, that’s the girl—and if you do it -with your inimitable dexterity and grace, she’ll fall -for it.”</p> -<p>“You mean for me to praise you up to Miss -Wheeler and ask her father to give you the benefit -of his influence?”</p> -<p>“How clearly you do put things! That’s exactly -what I mean. It’s no harm, you know—merely the -most innocent sort of electioneering——”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_20">[20]</div> -<p>“Rather!” laughed Keefe. “If all electioneering -were as innocent as that, the word would carry no -unpleasant meaning.”</p> -<p>“Then you’ll do it?”</p> -<p>“Of course I will—if I get opportunity.”</p> -<p>“Oh, you’ll have that. It’s a big, rambling -country house—a delightful one, too—and there’s tea -in the hall, and tennis on the lawn, and moonlight -on the verandas——”</p> -<p>“Hold up, Sam,” Keefe warned him, “is the -girl pretty?”</p> -<p>“Haven’t seen her for years, but probably, yes. -But that’s nothing to you. You’re working for me, -you see.” Appleby’s glance was direct, and Keefe -understood.</p> -<p>“Of course; I was only joking. I’ll carry out -your commission, if, as I said, I get the chance. Tell -me something of Mr. Wheeler.”</p> -<p>“Oh, he’s a good old chap. Pathetic, rather. -You see, he bumped up against dad once, and got -the worst of it.”</p> -<p>“How?”</p> -<p>Sam Appleby hesitated a moment and then said: -“I see you don’t know the story. But it’s no secret, -and you may as well be told. You listen, too, Miss -Lane, but there’s no call to tattle.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_21">[21]</div> -<p>“I’ll go home if you say so,” Genevieve piped up, -a little crisply.</p> -<p>“No, sit still. Why, it was while dad was governor—about -fifteen years ago, I suppose. And -Daniel Wheeler forged a paper—that is, he said he -didn’t, but twelve other good and true peers of his -said he did. Anyway, he was convicted and sentenced, -but father was a good friend of his, and -being governor, he pardoned Wheeler. But the -pardon was on condition—oh, I say—hasn’t dad -ever told you, Keefe?”</p> -<p>“Never.”</p> -<p>“Then, maybe I’d better leave it for him to tell. -If he wants you to know he’ll tell you, and if not, -I mustn’t.”</p> -<p>“Oh, goodness!” cried Genevieve. “What a -way to do! Get us all excited over a thrilling tale, -and then chop it off short!”</p> -<p>“Go on with it,” said Keefe; but Appleby said, -“No; I won’t tell you the condition of the pardon. -But the two men haven’t been friends since, and -won’t be, unless the condition is removed. Of course, -dad can’t do it, but the present governor can make -the pardon complete, and would do so in a minute, -if dad asked him to. So, though he hasn’t said so, -the assumption is, that father expects to trade a -full pardon of Friend Wheeler for his help in -my campaign.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_22">[22]</div> -<p>“And a good plan,” Keefe nodded his satisfaction.</p> -<p>“But,” Sam went on, “the trouble is that the -very same points and principles that made Wheeler -oppose my father’s election will make him oppose -mine. The party is the same, the platform is the -same, and I can’t hope that the man Wheeler is not -the same stubborn, adamant, unbreakable old hickory -knot he was the other time.”</p> -<p>“And so, you want me to soften him by persuading -his daughter to line up on our side?”</p> -<p>“Just that, Keefe. And you can do it, I -am sure.”</p> -<p>“I’ll try, of course; but I doubt if even a favorite -daughter could influence the man you describe.”</p> -<p>“Let me help,” broke in the irrepressible Genevieve. -“I can do lots with a girl. I can do more -than Curt could. I’ll chum up with her and——”</p> -<p>“Now, Miss Lane, you keep out of this. I -don’t believe in mixing women and politics.”</p> -<p>“But Miss Wheeler’s a woman.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_23">[23]</div> -<p>“And I don’t want her troubled with politics. -Keefe here can persuade her to coax her father just -through her affections—I don’t want her enlightened -as to any of the political details. And I can’t -think your influence would work half as well as that -of a man. Moreover, Keefe has discernment, and if -it isn’t a good plan, after all, he’ll know enough to -discard it—while you’d blunder ahead blindly, and -queer the whole game!”</p> -<p>“Oh, well,” and bridling with offended pride, -Genevieve sought refuge in her little mirror.</p> -<p>“Now, don’t get huffy,” and Sam smiled at her; -“you’ll probably find that Miss Wheeler’s complexion -is finer than yours, anyway, and then you’ll hate -her and won’t want to speak to her at all.”</p> -<p>Miss Lane flashed an indignant glance and then -proceeded to go on with her work.</p> -<p>“Hasn’t Wheeler tried for a pardon all this -time?” Keefe asked.</p> -<p>“Indeed he has,” Sam returned, “many times. -But you see, though successive governors were willing -to grant it, father always managed to prevent it. -Dad can pull lots of wires, as you know, and since he -doesn’t want Wheeler fully pardoned, why, he -doesn’t get fully pardoned.”</p> -<p>“And he lives under the stigma.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_24">[24]</div> -<p>“Lots of people don’t know about the thing at all. -He lives—well—he lives in Connecticut—and—oh, -of course, there is a certain stigma.”</p> -<p>“And your father will bring about his full pardon -if he promises——”</p> -<p>“Let up, Keefe; I’ve said I can’t tell you that -part—you’ll get your instructions in good time. -And, look here, I don’t mean for you to make love -to the girl. In fact, I’m told she has a suitor. But -you’re just to give her a little song and dance about -my suitability for the election, and then adroitly persuade -her to use her powers of persuasion with her -stubborn father. For he will be stubborn—I know -it! And there’s the mother of the girl . . . tackle -Mrs. Wheeler. Make her see that my father was -justified in the course he took—and besides, he was -more or less accountable to others—and use as an -argument that years have dulled the old feud and -that bygones ought to be bygones and all that.</p> -<p>“Try to make her see that a full pardon now -will be as much, and in a way more, to Wheeler’s -credit, than if it had been given him at first——”</p> -<p>“I can’t see that,” and Keefe looked quizzical</p> -<p>“Neither can I,” Sam confessed, frankly, “but -you can make a woman swallow anything.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_25">[25]</div> -<p>“Depends on what sort of woman Mrs. Wheeler -is,” Keefe mused.</p> -<p>“I know it. I haven’t seen her for years, and -as I remember, she’s pretty keen, but I’m banking on -you to put over some of your clever work. Not three -men in Boston have your ingenuity, Keefe, when -it comes to sizing up a situation and knowing just -how to handle it. Now, don’t tell father all I’ve said, -for he doesn’t especially hold with such small measures. -He’s all for the one big slam game, and he may -be right. But I’m right, too, and you just go ahead.”</p> -<p>“All right,” Keefe agreed. “I see what you -mean, and I’ll do all I can that doesn’t in any way -interfere with your father’s directions to me. There’s -a possibility of turning the trick through the women -folks, and if I can do it, you may count on me.”</p> -<p>“Good! And as for you, Miss Lane, you keep -in the background, and make as little mischief as -you can.”</p> -<p>“I’m not a mischief-maker,” said the girl, pouting -playfully, for she was not at all afraid of Sam -Appleby.</p> -<p>“Your blue eyes and pink cheeks make mischief -wherever you go,” he returned; “but don’t try them -on old Dan Wheeler. He’s a morose old chap——”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_26">[26]</div> -<p>“I should think he would be!” defended Genevieve; -“living all these years under a ban which -may, after all, be undeserved! I’ve heard that he -was entirely innocent of the forgery!”</p> -<p>“Have you, indeed?” Appleby’s tone was unpleasantly -sarcastic. “Other people have also heard -that—from the Wheeler family! Those better informed -believe the man guilty, and believe, too, that -my father was too lenient when he granted even -a conditional pardon.”</p> -<p>“But just think—if he was innocent—how awful -his life has been all these years! You bet he’ll accept -the full pardon and give all his effort and influence -and any possible help in return.”</p> -<p>“Hear the child orate!” exclaimed Sam, gazing -at the enthusiastic little face, as Genevieve voiced -her views.</p> -<p>“I think he’ll be ready to make the bargain, too,” -declared Keefe. “Your father has a strong argument. -I fancy Wheeler’s jump at the chance.”</p> -<p>“Maybe—maybe so. But you don’t know how -opposed he is to our principles. And he’s a man of -immovable convictions. In fact, he and dad are -two mighty strong forces. One or the other must -win out—but I’ve no idea which it will be.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_27">[27]</div> -<p>“How exciting!” Genevieve’s eyes danced. “I’m -so glad I’m to go. It’s a pretty place, you say?”</p> -<p>“Wonderful. A great sweep of rolling country, -a big, long, rambling sort of house, and a splendid -hospitality. You’ll enjoy the experience, but remember, -I told you to be good.”</p> -<p>“I will remember,” and Genevieve pretended to -took cherubic.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_28">[28]</div> -<h2 id="c2"><span class="small">CHAPTER II</span> -<br />NORTH DOOR AND SOUTH DOOR</h2> -<p>For Samuel Appleby to pay a visit to Daniel -Wheeler was of itself an astounding occurrence. The -two men had not seen each other since the day, fifteen -years ago, when Governor Appleby had pardoned the -convicted Wheeler, with a condition, which, though -harsh, had been strictly adhered to.</p> -<p>They had never been friends at heart, for they -were diametrically opposed in their political views, -and were not of similar tastes or pursuits. But they -had been thrown much together, and when the time -came for Wheeler to be tried for forgery, Appleby -lent no assistance to the case. However, through -certain influences brought to bear, in connection with -the fact that Mrs. Wheeler was related to the -Applebys, the governor pardoned the condemned -man, with a conditional pardon.</p> -<p>Separated ever since, a few letters had passed -between the two men, but they resulted in no change -of conditions.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_29">[29]</div> -<p>As the big car ran southward through the Berkshire -Hills, Appleby’s thoughts were all on the coming -meeting, and the scenery of autumn foliage that -provoked wild exclamations of delight from Genevieve -and assenting enthusiasm from Keefe left the -other unmoved.</p> -<p>An appreciative nod and grunt were all he vouchsafed -to the girl’s gushing praises, and when at last -they neared their destination he called her attention -to a tall old sycamore tree standing alone on a ridge -not far away.</p> -<p>“That’s the tree that gives the Wheeler place -its name,” he informed. “Sycamore Ridge is one -of the most beautiful places in Connecticut.”</p> -<p>“Oh, are we in Connecticut?” asked Miss -Lane. “I didn’t know we had crossed the border. -What a great old tree! Surely one of the historic -trees of New England, isn’t it?”</p> -<p>“Historic to the Wheelers,” was the grim reply, -and then Mr. Appleby again relapsed into silence and -spoke no further word until they reached the -Wheeler home.</p> -<p>A finely curved sweep of driveway brought them -to the house, and the car stopped at the south -entrance.</p> -<p>The door did not swing open in welcome, and -Mr. Appleby ordered his chauffeur to ring the bell.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_30">[30]</div> -<p>This brought a servant in response, and the visiting -trio entered the house.</p> -<p>It was long and low, with many rooms on either -side of the wide hall that went straight through from -south to north. The first room to the right was a -large living-room, and into this the guests were -shown and were met by a grave-looking man, who -neither smiled nor offered a hand as his calm gaze -rested on Samuel Appleby.</p> -<p>Indeed, the two men stared at one another, in undisguised -curiosity. Each seemed to search the -other’s face for information as to his attitude -and intent.</p> -<p>“Well, Dan,” Appleby said, after the silent scrutiny, -“you’ve changed some, but you’re the same -good-looking chap you always were.”</p> -<p>Wheeler gave a start and pulled himself -together.</p> -<p>“Thank you. I suppose I should return the -compliment.”</p> -<p>“But you can’t conscientiously do it, eh?” -Appleby laughed. “Never mind. Personal vanity is -not my besetting sin. This is my secretary, Mr. -Keefe, and my assistant, Miss Lane.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_31">[31]</div> -<p>“Ah, yes, yes. How are you? How do you do? -My wife and daughter will look after the young -lady. Maida!”</p> -<p>As if awaiting the call, a girl came quickly in -from the hall followed by an older woman. Introductions -followed, and if there was an air of constraint -on the part of the host the ladies of the -family showed none. Sunny-faced Maida Wheeler, -with her laughing brown eyes and gold brown hair, -greeted the visitors with charming cordiality, and her -mother was equally kind and courteous.</p> -<p>Genevieve Lane’s wise and appraising eyes -missed no point of appearance or behavior.</p> -<p>“Perfect darlings, both of them!” she commented -to herself. “Whatever ails the old guy, it -hasn’t bitten them. Or else—wait a minute——” -Genevieve was very observant—“perhaps they’re -putting on a little. Is their welcome a bit extra, to -help things along?”</p> -<p>Yet only a most meticulous critic could discern -anything more than true hospitality in the attitude of -Mrs. Wheeler or Maida. The latter took Genevieve -to the room prepared for her and chatted away in -girlish fashion.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_32">[32]</div> -<p>“The place is so wonderful!” Genevieve exclaimed, -carefully avoiding personal talk. “Don’t -you just adore it?”</p> -<p>“Oh, yes. I’ve loved Sycamore Ridge for nearly -fifteen years.”</p> -<p>“Have you lived here so long?” Genevieve was -alert for information. It was fifteen years ago that -the pardon had been granted.</p> -<p>But as Maida merely assented and then changed -the subject, Miss Lane was far too canny to ask -further questions.</p> -<p>With a promptness not entirely due to chance, the -stenographer came downstairs dressed for dinner -some several minutes before the appointed hour. -Assuming her right as a guest, she wandered about -the rooms.</p> -<p>The south door, by which they had entered, was -evidently the main entrance, but the opposite, or -north door, gave on to an even more beautiful view, -and she stepped out on the wide veranda and gazed -admiringly about. The low ridge nearby formed the -western horizon, and the giant sycamore, its straight -branches outlined against the fading sunset, was -impressive and a little weird. She strolled on, and -turned the corner the better to see the ridge. The -veranda ran all round the house, and as she went on -along the western side, she suddenly became aware -of a silent figure leaning against a pillar at the -southwest corner.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_33">[33]</div> -<p>“It is so quiet it frightens me,” she said to -Daniel Wheeler, as she neared him.</p> -<p>“Do you feel that way, too?” he asked, looking -at her a little absently. “It is the lull before -the storm.”</p> -<p>“Oh, that sunset doesn’t mean rain,” Genevieve -exclaimed, smiling, “unless your Connecticut blue -laws interpret weather signs differently from our -Massachusetts prophets. We <i>are</i> in Connecticut, -aren’t we?”</p> -<p>“Yes,” and Wheeler sighed unaccountably. -“Yes, Miss Lane, we are. That sycamore is the -finest tree in the state.”</p> -<p>“I can well believe it. I never saw such a -grandfather of a tree! It’s all full of little balls.”</p> -<p>“Yes, buttonballs, they are called. But note its -wonderful symmetry, its majestic appearance——”</p> -<p>“And strength! It looks as if it would stand, -there forever!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_34">[34]</div> -<p>“Do you think so?” and the unmistakable note -of disappointment in the man’s tone caused Genevieve -to look up in astonishment. “Well, perhaps -it will,” he added quickly.</p> -<p>“Oh, no, of course it won’t really! No tree -stands forever. But it will be here long after you -and I are gone.”</p> -<p>“Are you an authority on trees?” Wheeler spoke -without a smile.</p> -<p>“Hardly that; but I was brought up in the country, -and I know something of them. Your daughter -loves the country, too.”</p> -<p>“Oh, yes—we all do.”</p> -<p>The tone was courteous, but the whole air of the -man was so melancholy, his cheerfulness so palpably -assumed, that Genevieve felt sorry for him, as well -as inordinately curious to know what was the matter.</p> -<p>But her sympathy was the stronger impulse, and -with a desire to entertain him, she said, “Come for -a few steps in the garden, Mr. Wheeler, won’t you? -Come and show me that quaint little summer-house -near the front door. It is the front door, isn’t it? -It’s hard to tell.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_35">[35]</div> -<p>“Yes, the north door <i>is</i> the front door,” Wheeler -said slowly, as if repeating a lesson. “The summer-house -you mention is near the front door. But we -won’t visit that now. Come this other way, and -I’ll show you a Japanese tea-house, much more -attractive.”</p> -<p>But Genevieve Lane was sometimes under the -spell of the Imp of the Perverse.</p> -<p>“No, no,” she begged, smilingly, “let the Japanese -contraption wait; please go to the little summer-house -now. See, how it fairly twinkles in the last -gleams of the setting sun! What is the flower that -rambles all over it? Oh, do let’s go there now! -Come, please!”</p> -<p>With no reason for her foolish insistence save a -whim, Genevieve was amazed to see the look of fury -that came over her host’s face.</p> -<p>“Appleby put you up to that!” he cried, in a -voice of intense anger. “He told you to ask me to go -to that place!”</p> -<p>“Why, Mr. Wheeler,” cried the girl, almost -frightened, “Mr. Appleby did nothing of the sort! -Why should he! I’m not asking anything wrong, -am I? Why is it so dreadful to want to see an arbor -instead of a tea-house? You must be crazy!”</p> -<p>When Miss Lane was excited, she was quite -apt to lose her head, and speak in thoughtless fashion.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_36">[36]</div> -<p>But Mr. Wheeler didn’t seem to notice her informality -of speech. He only stared at her as if he -couldn’t quite make her out, and then he suddenly -seemed to lose interest in her or her wishes, and -with a deep sigh, he turned away, and fell into -the same brooding posture as when she had first -approached him.</p> -<p>“Come to dinner, people,” called Maida’s pretty -voice, as, with outstretched hands she came toward -them. “Why, dads, what are you looking miserable -about? What have you done to him, Miss Lane?”</p> -<p>“Maida, child, don’t speak like that! Miss Lane -has been most kindly talking to me, of—of the beauties -of Sycamore Ridge.”</p> -<p>“All right, then, and forgive me, Miss Lane. -But you see, the sun rises and sets for me in one -Daniel Wheeler, Esquire, and any shadow on his -face makes me apprehensive of its cause.”</p> -<p>Only for an instant did Genevieve Lane’s sense -of justice rise in revolt, then her common sense -showed her the better way, and she smiled pleasantly -and returned:</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_37">[37]</div> -<p>“I don’t blame you, Miss Wheeler. If I had a -father, I should feel just the same way, I know. -But don’t do any gory-lock-shaking my way. I -assure you I didn’t really scold him. I only kicked -because he wouldn’t humor my whim for visiting -the summer-house with the blossoms trailing over it! -Was that naughty of me?”</p> -<p>But though Genevieve listened for the answer, -none came.</p> -<p>“Come on in to dinner, daddy, dear,” Maida -repeated. “Come, Miss Lane, they’re waiting -for us.”</p> -<p>Dinner was a delightful occasion.</p> -<p>Daniel Wheeler, at the head of his own table, -was a charming host, and his melancholy entirely -disappeared as the talk ran along on subjects grave -or gay, but of no personal import.</p> -<p>Appleby, too, was entertaining, and the two men, -with Mrs. Wheeler, carried on most of the conversation, -the younger members of the party being by -what seemed common consent left out of it.</p> -<p>Genevieve looked about the dining-room, with -a pleased interest. She dearly loved beautiful appointments -and was really imagining herself mistress -of just such a house, and visioning herself at the -head of such a table. The long room stretched from -north to south, parallel with the hall, though not -adjoining. The table was not in the centre, but -toward the southern end, and Mr. Wheeler, at the -end near the windows, had Keefe and Miss Lane -on either side of him.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_38">[38]</div> -<p>Appleby, as guest of honor, sat at Mrs. Wheeler’s -right, and the whole effect was that of a formal -dinner party, rather than a group of which two were -merely office employés.</p> -<p>“It is one of the few remaining warm evenings,” -said Mrs. Wheeler, as she rose from the table, “we -will have our coffee on the veranda. Soon it will -be too cool for that.”</p> -<p>“Which veranda?” asked Genevieve of Maida, -as they went through the hall. “The north one, -I hope.”</p> -<p>“Your hopes must be dashed,” laughed the other, -“for it will be the south one. Come along.”</p> -<p>The two girls, followed by Keefe, took possession -of a group of chairs near Mrs. Wheeler, while the -two older men sat apart, and soon became engrossed -in their own discussions.</p> -<p>Nor was it long before Samuel Appleby and his -host withdrew to a room which opened on to that -same south veranda, and which was, in fact, Mr. -Wheeler’s den.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_39">[39]</div> -<p>“Well, Sam,” Keefe heard the other say, as he -drew down the blind, “we may as well have it out -now. What are you here for?”</p> -<p>Outwardly placid, but almost consumed with -curiosity, Curt Keefe changed his seat for one nearer -the window of the den. He hoped to hear the discussion -going on inside, but was doomed to disappointment, -for though the murmuring of the voices -was audible, the words were not distinct, and Keefe -gathered only enough information to be sure that -there was a heated argument in progress and that -neither party to it was inclined to give in a -single point.</p> -<p>Of course, he decided, the subject was the coming -election campaign, but the details of desired -bargaining he could not gather.</p> -<p>Moreover, often, just as he almost heard sentences -of interest, the chatter of the girls or some -remark of Mrs. Wheeler’s would drown the voices of -the men in the room.</p> -<p>One time, indeed, he heard clearly: “When the -Sycamore on the ridge goes into Massachusetts——” -but this was sheer nonsense, and he concluded he must -have misunderstood.</p> -<p>Later, they all forgathered in the living-room and -there was music and general conversation.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_40">[40]</div> -<p>Genevieve Lane proved herself decidedly entertaining, -and though Samuel Appleby looked a little -amusedly at his stenographer, he smiled kindly at her -as he noticed that she in no way overstepped the -bounds of correct demeanor.</p> -<p>Genevieve was thinking of what Keefe had said -to her: “If you do only what is absolutely correct -and say what is only absolutely correct, you can do -whatever you like.”</p> -<p>She had called it nonsense at the time, but she -was beginning to see the truth of it. She was careful -that her every word and act should be correct, and -she was most decidedly doing as she liked. She made -good with Mrs. Wheeler and Maida with no trouble -at all; but she felt, vaguely, that Mr. Wheeler didn’t -like her. This she set about to remedy.</p> -<p>Going to his side, as he chanced to sit for a -moment alone, she smiled ingratiatingly and said:</p> -<p>“I wonder if you can imagine, sir, what it means -to me to see the inside of a house like this?”</p> -<p>“Bless my soul, what do you mean?” asked -Wheeler, puzzled at the girl’s manner.</p> -<p>“It’s like a glimpse of Fairyland,” she went on. -“You see, I’m terribly ambitious—oh, fearfully so! -And all my ambitions lead to just this sort of a home. -Do you suppose I’ll ever achieve it, Mr. Wheeler?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_41">[41]</div> -<p>Now the girl had truly wonderful magnetic -charm, and even staid old Dan Wheeler was not insensible -to the note of longing in her voice, the simple, -honest admission of her hopes.</p> -<p>“Of course you will, little one,” he returned, -kindly. “I’ve heard that whatever one wants, one -gets, provided the wish is strong enough.” He spoke -directly to her, but his gaze wandered as if his -thoughts were far away.</p> -<p>“Do you really believe that?” Genevieve’s big -blue eyes begged an affirmation.</p> -<p>“I didn’t say I believed it—I said I have heard -it.” He smiled sadly. “Not quite the same—so far -as I’m concerned; but quite as assuring to you. Of -course, my belief wouldn’t endorse the possibility.”</p> -<p>“It would for me,” declared Genevieve. “I’ve -lots of confidence in other people’s opinions——”</p> -<p>“Anybody’s?”</p> -<p>“Anybody whom I respect and believe in.”</p> -<p>“Appleby, for instance?”</p> -<p>“Oh, yes, indeed! I’d trust Mr. Appleby’s opinions -on any subject. Let’s go over there and tell -him so.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_42">[42]</div> -<p>Samuel Appleby was sitting at the other end, -the north end of the long room. “No,” said -Wheeler, “I’m too comfortable here to move—ask -him to come here.”</p> -<p>Genevieve looked at him a little astonished. It -was out of order, she thought, for a host to speak -thus. She pressed the point, saying there was a picture -at the other end of the room she wished -to examine.</p> -<p>“Run along, then,” said Wheeler, coolly. -“Here, Maida, show Miss Lane that etching and tell -her the interesting details about it.”</p> -<p>The girls went away, and soon after Keefe -drifted round to Wheeler’s side.</p> -<p>“You know young Sam Appleby?” he asked, -casually.</p> -<p>“No,” Wheeler said, shortly but not sharply. -“I daresay he’s a most estimable chap.”</p> -<p>“He’s all of that. He’s a true chip of the old -block. Both good gubernatorial timber, as I’m sure -you agree.”</p> -<p>“What makes you so sure, Mr. Keefe?”</p> -<p>Curt Keefe looked straight at him. “Well,” he -laughed, “I’m quite ready to admit that the wish was -father to the thought.”</p> -<p>“Why do you call that an admission?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_43">[43]</div> -<p>“Oh,” Keefe readily returned, “it is usually -looked upon as a confession that one has no reason -for a thought other than a wish.”</p> -<p>“And why is it your wish?”</p> -<p>“Because it is the wish of my employer,” said -Keefe, seriously. “I know of no reason, Mr. -Wheeler, why I shouldn’t say that I hope and trust -you will use your influence to further the cause of -young Appleby.”</p> -<p>“What makes you think I can do so?”</p> -<p>“While I am not entirely in Mr. Appleby’s confidence, -he has told me that the campaign would be -greatly aided by your willingness to help, and so I -can’t help hoping you will exercise it.”</p> -<p>“Appleby has told you so much, has he? No -more?”</p> -<p>“No more, I think, regarding yourself, sir. I -know, naturally, the details of the campaign so far -as it is yet mapped out.”</p> -<p>“And you know why I do not want to lend -my aid?”</p> -<p>“I know you are not in accordance with the -principles of the Appleby politics——”</p> -<p>“That I am not! Nor shall I ever be. Nor shall -I ever pretend to be——”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_44">[44]</div> -<p>“Pretend? Of course not. But could you not -be persuaded?”</p> -<p>“By what means?”</p> -<p>“I don’t know, Mr. Wheeler,” and Keefe looked -at him frankly. “I truly don’t know by what means. -But I do know that Mr. Appleby is here to present -to you an argument by which he hopes to persuade -you to help young Sam along—and I earnestly desire -to add any word of mine that may help influence -your decision. That is why I want to tell you of -the good traits of Sam Appleby, junior. It may be -I can give you a clearer light on his character than -his father could do——that is, I might present it as -the opinion of a friend——”</p> -<p>“And not exaggerate his virtues as a father -might do? I see. Well, Mr. Keefe, I appreciate -your attitude, but let me tell you this: whatever I -do or don’t do regarding this coming campaign of -young Appleby will be entirely irrespective of the -character or personality of that young man. It will -all depend on the senior Appleby’s arrangements with -me, and my ability to change his views on some of -the more important planks in his platform. If he -directed you to speak to me as you have done, you -may return that to him as my answer.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_45">[45]</div> -<p>“You, doubtless, said the same to him, sir?”</p> -<p>“Of course I did. I make no secret of my position -in this matter. Samuel Appleby has a hold over -me—I admit that—but it is not strong enough to -make me forget my ideas of right and wrong to the -public. No influence of a personal nature should -weigh against any man’s duty to the state, and I will -never agree to pretend to any dissimulation in order -to bring about a happier life for myself.”</p> -<p>“But need you subscribe to the objectionable -points to use your influence for young Sam?”</p> -<p>“Tacitly, of course. And I do not choose even -to appear to agree to principles abhorrent to my sense -of justice and honesty, thereby secretly gaining something -for myself.”</p> -<p>“Meaning your full pardon?”</p> -<p>Wheeler turned a look of surprise on the speaker.</p> -<p>“I thought you said you hadn’t Appleby’s full -confidence,” he said.</p> -<p>“Nor have I. I do know—as do many men—that -you were pardoned with a condition, but -the condition I do not know. It can’t be very -galling.” And Keefe looked about on the pleasant -surroundings.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_46">[46]</div> -<p>“You think not? That’s because you don’t know -the terms. And yet, galling though they are, hateful -though it makes my life, and the lives of my wife -and daughter, we would all rather bear it than to -deviate one iota from the path of strict right.”</p> -<p>“I must admire you for that, as must any honorable -man. But are there not degrees or shadings of -right and wrong——”</p> -<p>“Mr. Keefe, as an old man, I take the privilege -of advising you for your own good. All through -your life I beg you remember this: Anyone who -admits degrees or shadings of right or wrong—is -already wrong. Don’t be offended; you didn’t claim -those things, you merely asked the question. But, -remember what I said about it.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_47">[47]</div> -<h2 id="c3"><span class="small">CHAPTER III</span> -<br />ONE LAST ARGUMENT</h2> -<p>Adjoining the bedroom of Samuel Appleby at -Sycamore Ridge was a small sitting-room, also at his -disposal. Here, later that same evening he sat in -confab with his two assistants.</p> -<p>“We leave to-morrow afternoon,” he said to -Keefe and Miss Lane. “But before that, we’ve much -to do. So far, we’ve accomplished nothing. I am a -little discouraged but not disheartened. I still have -a trump card to play, but I don’t want to use it -unless absolutely necessary.”</p> -<p>“If you were inclined to take us further into -your confidence, Mr. Appleby,” Keefe began, and -the older man interrupted:</p> -<p>“That’s just what I propose to do. The time has -come for it. Perhaps if you both know the situation -you may work more intelligently.”</p> -<p>“Sure we could!” exclaimed Genevieve. She -was leaning forward in her chair, clasping her knees, -her pretty evening frock disclosing her babyishly -soft neck and arms; but without a trace of self-consciousness, -she thought only of the subject they -were discussing.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_48">[48]</div> -<p>“There’s something queer,” she went on. “I -can’t see through it. Why does Mr. Wheeler act so -polite most of the time, and then do some outrageous -thing, like——”</p> -<p>“Like what?”</p> -<p>“Like refusing to cross the room—or—why, he -declined point-blank to go with me to the north -arbor, yet was perfectly willing to take me to the -Japanese tea-house!”</p> -<p>“That’s just the point of the whole thing,” said -Appleby, seriously; “here’s the explanation in a -nutshell. Years ago, Daniel Wheeler was pardoned -for a crime he had committed——”</p> -<p>“He did commit it, then?” interrupted Keefe.</p> -<p>“He was tried and convicted. He was sentenced. -And I, being governor at the time, pardoned -him on the one condition, that he never again -set foot inside the boundaries of the State of -Massachusetts.”</p> -<p>“Whee!” exclaimed Genevieve; “never go -to Boston!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_49">[49]</div> -<p>“Nor anywhere else in the state. But this is the -complication: Mrs. Wheeler, who is, by the way, a -distant connection of my own family, inherited a -large fortune on condition that she live in Massachusetts. -So you see, the situation was peculiar. -To keep her inheritance, Mrs. Wheeler must live in -Massachusetts. Yet Mr. Wheeler could not enter the -state without forfeiting his pardon.”</p> -<p>“What a mess!” cried Genevieve, but Keefe -said: “You planned that purposely, Mr. Appleby?”</p> -<p>“Of course,” was the straightforward reply.</p> -<p>“Then I don’t see how you can expect Mr. -Wheeler’s help in the campaign.”</p> -<p>“By offering him a complete pardon, of course.”</p> -<p>“But go on with the story,” demanded Genevieve. -“What did they do about the Massachusetts -business?”</p> -<p>“As you see,” returned Appleby, “this house -is built on the state line between Massachusetts and -Connecticut. It is carefully planned and built, and -all the rooms or parts of rooms that Mr. Wheeler -uses or enters are on the Connecticut side, yet the -house is more than half in Massachusetts, which -secures the estate to Mrs. Wheeler.”</p> -<p>“Well, I never!” Genevieve exclaimed. “So -that’s why he can’t go to the north arbor—it’s -in Massachusetts!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_50">[50]</div> -<p>“Of course it is. Also, he never goes into the -northern end of the dining-room or the living-room.”</p> -<p>“Or hall.”</p> -<p>“Or hall. In fact, he merely is careful to keep -on his own side of a definitely drawn line, and therefore -complies with the restrictions. His den and -his own bedroom and bath are all on the south side, -while Mrs. Wheeler has a sitting-room, boudoir, and -so forth, on the north side. She and Maida can go -all over the house, but Mr. Wheeler is restricted. -However, they’ve lived that way so long, it has become -second nature to them, and nobody bothers -much about it.”</p> -<p>“Do people know?” asked Keefe. “The neighbors, -I mean.”</p> -<p>“Oh, yes; but, as I say, it makes little confusion. -The trouble comes, as Miss Lane suggested, when -Wheeler wants to go to Boston or anywhere -in Massachusetts.”</p> -<p>“Yet that is a small thing, compared with his -freedom,” observed Keefe; “I think he got -off easy.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_51">[51]</div> -<p>“But with Wheeler it isn’t so much the deprivation -as the stigma. He longs for a full pardon, and -would do most anything to have it, but he refuses -to stand for Sam’s election, even with that for -a bribe.”</p> -<p>“You can’t pardon him now that you aren’t governor, -can you, Mr. Appleby?” asked Genevieve.</p> -<p>“I can arrange to have it done. In fact, the -present governor is ready and even anxious to pardon -him, but I hold the key to that situation, myself. -You two needn’t know all the details, but now you -know the principal points, and I expect you to utilize -them.”</p> -<p>“I’m willing enough,” and Genevieve rocked back -and forth thoughtfully, “and I may think of a way—but, -for the moment, I don’t.”</p> -<p>“Get chummy with Maida,” suggested Appleby.</p> -<p>“Let me do that,” Keefe interrupted. “Without -undue conceit, I believe I can influence the young -lady, and I think Miss Lane, now that she knows the -truth, can jolly up Mr. Wheeler to good effect.”</p> -<p>“But, good gracious! What do you want to -do?” and Genevieve giggled. “Say I entice the old -gentleman over the line—then his pardon is canceled -and he’s a criminal—then you agree to ignore the -lapse if he meets your wishes—is that the idea?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_52">[52]</div> -<p>Appleby smiled. “A little crude, Miss Lane. -And beside, you couldn’t get him over the line. He’s -too accustomed to his limitations to be caught napping, -and not even your charms could decoy him -over intentionally.”</p> -<p>“Think so? Probably you’re right. Well, suppose -I try to work through Maida. If I could persuade -Mr. Wheeler that she suffers from the stigma -of her father’s incomplete pardon——”</p> -<p>“Yes, that’s it. This thing can’t be accomplished -by brutal threats, it must be done by subtle suggestion -and convincing hints.”</p> -<p>“That’s my idea,” agreed Keefe. “If I can talk -straight goods to Miss Wheeler and make her see -how much better it would be for her father in his -latter years to be freed from all touch of the past -disgrace, she might coax him to listen to you.”</p> -<p>“That’s right. Now, you know what you’re here -for; just do what you can—but don’t make a mess -of things. I’d rather you did nothing than to do -some fool thing!”</p> -<p>“Trust us!” Genevieve encouraged him, as she -rose. “Me and Curt may not put over a big deal, -but we won’t do anything silly.”</p> -<p>The two men smiled as the girl, with a pleasant -good-night, went away to her own room.</p> -<p>“She’s true blue,” said Keefe.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_53">[53]</div> -<p>“Yes, she is,” Appleby nodded. “All her frivolity -is on the surface, like her powder and paint. At -heart, that child has only my interests. I quite -appreciate it.”</p> -<p>“I hope you think the same of me, Mr. Appleby.”</p> -<p>“I do, Keefe. More, I trust you with my most -confidential matters. I’ll own I want this business -here to come out in my favor. I can’t push Wheeler -too hard—so I ask your help. But, as I hinted, I’ve -one rod yet in pickle. If necessary, I’ll use it, but I’d -rather not.”</p> -<p>“Of course I hope you won’t have to, but, I’ll -admit I don’t see much chance of succeeding with -the present outlook.”</p> -<p>“To-morrow morning will tell. If we can’t work -the thing through by noon, say—I’ll spring my last -trap. Good-night, Keefe.”</p> -<p>“Good-night, Mr. Appleby.”</p> -<p>Without apparent coercion the morning hours -brought about a cozy session on the south veranda -with Miss Lane and Daniel Wheeler in attendance, -while at the same time, Keefe and Maida wandered -over the beautiful park of the estate.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_54">[54]</div> -<p>Keefe had gently guided the conversation into confidential -channels, and when he ventured to sympathize -with the girl in regard to her father’s deprivation -he was surprised at her ready acceptance of it.</p> -<p>“Oh, you know, don’t you, Mr. Keefe!” she -exclaimed. “But you don’t know all it means to me. -You see”—she blushed but went steadily on—“you -see, I’m engaged to—to a man I adore. And——”</p> -<p>“Don’t tell me if you’d rather not,” he -murmured.</p> -<p>“No, it’s a relief to tell—and, somehow—you -seem so wise and strong——”</p> -<p>“Go on then—please.”</p> -<p>The kind voice helped her and Maida resumed: -“Well, Jeff—Mr. Allen, lives in Boston, -and so——”</p> -<p>“So it would be very awkward if your father -couldn’t go there.”</p> -<p>“Not only that—but I’ve made a vow never to -step foot into Massachusetts until my father can do -so, too. Nothing would induce me to break -that vow!”</p> -<p>“Not even your lover?” said Keefe, astonished.</p> -<p>“No; my father is more to me than any lover.”</p> -<p>“Then you don’t truly love Mr. Allen.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_55">[55]</div> -<p>“Oh, yes, I do—I do! But father is my idol. -I don’t believe any girl ever adored her father as I do. -All my life I’ve had only the one object—to make -him forget—as far as possible, his trouble. Now, -if I were to marry and leave him—why, I simply -couldn’t do it!”</p> -<p>“Can’t Mr. Allen live in Connecticut?”</p> -<p>“No; his business interests are all in Boston, and -he can’t be transplanted. Oh, if father could only -do what Mr. Appleby wants him to, then we could -all be happy.”</p> -<p>“Can’t you persuade him?”</p> -<p>“I’ve tried my best. Mother has tried, too. But, -you see, it’s a matter of principle, and when principle -is involved, we are all in the same boat. Mother and -I would scorn any wrongdoing quite as much as -father does.”</p> -<p>“And you’ll give up your life happiness for -a principle?”</p> -<p>“Of course. Wouldn’t you? Wouldn’t every -decent person? I couldn’t live at all, if I were knowingly -doing wrong.”</p> -<p>“But your——” Keefe stopped abruptly.</p> -<p>“I know what you were going to say,” Maida -spoke sadly; “you were going to say my father did -wrong. <i>I</i> don’t believe he did.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_56">[56]</div> -<p>“Don’t you know?”</p> -<p>“I know in my own heart. I know he is incapable -of the crime he was charged with. I’m sure he is -shielding some one else, or else some one did it of -whom he has no knowledge. But my father commit -a crime? Never!”</p> -<p>“Do you care to tell me the details?”</p> -<p>“I don’t know why I shouldn’t. It was long ago, -you know, and dad was accused of forgery. It was -proved on him—or the jury thought it was—and he -was convicted——”</p> -<p>“And sentenced?”</p> -<p>“Yes; to a long prison term. But Governor -Appleby pardoned him with that mean old proviso, -that he never should step into Massachusetts!”</p> -<p>“Was your mother then the heir to the Massachusetts -property?”</p> -<p>“No; but Mr. Appleby knew she would be. So, -when she did inherit, and had to live in Massachusetts -to hold the estate, Mr. Appleby thought he had -dad where he wanted him.”</p> -<p>“Were they foes?”</p> -<p>“Politically, yes. Because dad did all he could to -keep Mr. Appleby from being governor.”</p> -<p>“But didn’t succeed?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_57">[57]</div> -<p>“No; but almost. So, then, Mr. Appleby did this -pardon trick to get even with father, and I think it -turned out more serious than he anticipated. For -mother took up the feud, and she got lawyers and -all that and arranged to have the house built on the -line between the states!”</p> -<p>“Was the estate she inherited on both sides of -the line?”</p> -<p>“Oh, no; but it was near the southern border -of Massachusetts, and she bought enough adjoining -land to make the arrangement possible.”</p> -<p>“Then the house isn’t on the ground she -inherited?”</p> -<p>“Not quite, but the lawyers decided it so that -she really complies with the terms of the will, so it’s -all right.”</p> -<p>“Was your mother the only heir?”</p> -<p>“So far as we can find out. I believe there was -another branch of the family, but we haven’t been -able to trace it, so as the years go by, we feel more -and more confident there’s no other heir. Of course, -should one turn up, his claim would be recognized.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_58">[58]</div> -<p>Further talk quickly convinced Keefe that there -was no hope of persuading Maida Wheeler to influence -or advise her father in any direction other -than his idea of right. No amount of urging or -arguing would make Wheeler see his duty other -than he now saw it, or make Maida endeavor to -change his views. With a sigh over his failure, -Keefe deftly turned the talk in other channels, and -then they strolled back to the house.</p> -<p>As was to be expected, Genevieve had made no -progress with her part of the plan. Her talk with -Mr. Wheeler had availed nothing. He was courteous -and kind; he was amused at her gay, merry -little ways; he politely answered her questions, both -serious and flippant, but absolutely nothing came of -it all.</p> -<p>Samuel Appleby had a short but straightforward -conversation with Mrs. Wheeler.</p> -<p>“Now, Sara,” he said, “remember I’m your old -friend as well as your relative.”</p> -<p>“I don’t call you a relative,” she returned, calmly.</p> -<p>“A family connection, then; I don’t care what -you call it. And I’m going to speak right out, for I -know better than to try sophistries. If you can get -Dan to play my game regarding my son’s campaign, -I’ll see that Dan gets full pardon, and at once. Then -Maida can marry young Allen and you can all go to -Boston to live.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_59">[59]</div> -<p>“Sam Appleby, I’d rather never see Boston -again, never have Dan see it, than to have him agree -to endorse principles that he does not believe! And -Dan feels the same way about it.”</p> -<p>“But don’t you consider your daughter? Will -you condemn Maida to a broken-hearted life——?”</p> -<p>“Maida must decide for herself. I think Jeffrey -Allen will yet persuade her to leave her father. She -is devoted to Dan, but she is deeply in love with Jeff -and it’s only natural she should go with him. Any -other girl would do so without a second thought. -Maida is unusual, but I doubt if she can hold out -much longer against her lover’s pleading.”</p> -<p>“I think she will. Maida has your own unbreakable -will.”</p> -<p>“So be it, then. The child must choose for herself. -But it doesn’t alter the stand Dan and I -have taken.”</p> -<p>“Nothing can alter that?”</p> -<p>“Nothing, Samuel Appleby.”</p> -<p>“That remains to be seen. Have I your permission -to talk to Maida, alone?”</p> -<p>“Certainly. Why not? If you can persuade her -to marry Jeff, I’ll be only too glad. If you find her -determined to stand by her father, then the case remains -as it is at present.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_60">[60]</div> -<p>And so, as Maida returned from her walk with -Keefe, she was asked to go for another stroll with -Samuel Appleby.</p> -<p>She assented, though with no show of pleasure -at the prospect.</p> -<p>But as they started off, she said: “I’m glad to -have a talk with you, Mr. Appleby. I want to appeal -to your better nature.”</p> -<p>“Good! That’s just what I want—to appeal to -yours. Suppose you word your appeal first.”</p> -<p>“Mine is simple to understand. It is only that -having had your way and having spoiled my father’s -life for fifteen years, I ask you, in the name of -humanity and justice, to arrange matters so that his -latter years of life shall be free from the curse you -put upon him.”</p> -<p>“I didn’t put it upon him—he brought it on -himself.”</p> -<p>“He never committed that crime—and you -know it!”</p> -<p>“What do you mean by that?” Appleby gave -her a startled glance.</p> -<p>Had Maida seen this glance, she might have been -enlightened. But her eyes were cast down, and she -went on: “I don’t know it surely, but I am positive -in my own heart father never did it. However, -that’s past history. All I ask now is his full pardon—which, -I know, you can bring about if you want to.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_61">[61]</div> -<p>“And I will, willingly and gladly, if your father -will grant my request.”</p> -<p>“To put your son in as governor with the same -political views that prevented my father from voting -for you! You know he can’t do that!”</p> -<p>“And yet you expect me to favor him!”</p> -<p>“But don’t you see the difference? Your pardon -will mean everything to father——”</p> -<p>“And to you!”</p> -<p>“Yes, but that’s a secondary consideration. I’d -ask this for father just the same, if it meant disaster -for me!”</p> -<p>“I believe you would!” and Appleby gazed admiringly -at the sweet, forceful face, and the earnest -eyes.</p> -<p>“Of course I should! As I say, it means life’s -happiness to him.”</p> -<p>“And his consent means just as much to me.”</p> -<p>“No, it doesn’t. That’s just it. Even though -father doesn’t definitely help you in your son’s election, -he will do nothing to hinder. And that’s much -the same.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_62">[62]</div> -<p>“It’s far from being the same. His positive and -definite help is a very different matter from his negative -lack of interference. It’s the help I want. -And I do want it! Do you suppose I’d come here -and urge it—beg for it—if I didn’t think it absolutely -necessary?”</p> -<p>“No; I suppose not. But I know he never will -grant it, so you may as well give up hope.”</p> -<p>“You know that, do you, Maida?” Appleby’s -voice was almost wistful.</p> -<p>“I most certainly do,” and the girl nodded her -head positively.</p> -<p>“Then listen to me. I have one argument yet -unused. I’m going to use it now. And with you.”</p> -<p>Maida looked up in alarm. Appleby’s face was -stern, his tone betokened a final, even desperate -decision.</p> -<p>“Oh, not with me,” she cried; “I—I’m only a -girl—I don’t know about these things—let’s go -where father is.”</p> -<p>“No; you are the one. In your hands must rest -your father’s fate—your father’s future. Sit -here, beneath the old sycamore—you know about -the tree?”</p> -<p>“Yes, of course.”</p> -<p>“Never mind that now; I’ve only a few moments, -but that’s time enough. You know, Maida, -how your mother holds this estate?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_63">[63]</div> -<p>“Yes—she must live in Massachusetts. Well, -we do. The lawyers said——”</p> -<p>“That isn’t the point; this is it. There is another -heir.”</p> -<p>“We’ve always thought it possible.” Maida -spoke coolly, though a dull fear clutched her heart.</p> -<p>“It’s more than a possibility, it’s a fact. I know -it—and I know the heir.”</p> -<p>“Who is it?”</p> -<p>“Never mind for the moment. Suffice it to say -that he doesn’t know it himself—that no one knows -it but me. Now, you and I know. No one else -does. Do you understand?”</p> -<p>His keen gaze at her made her understand.</p> -<p>“I——” she faltered.</p> -<p>“You do understand,” he asserted. “You -sense my proposition before I make it. And you -have it right—you’re a smart girl, Maida. Yes, I -suggest that you and I keep our secret, and that in -return for my silence you persuade your father to -meet my wishes. Then, he shall be fully pardoned, -and all will be well.”</p> -<p>“You criminal! You dishonest and dishonorable -man!” she cried, her eyes blazing, her cheeks -reddening with her righteous indignation.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_64">[64]</div> -<p>“There, there, my girl, have a care. You haven’t -thought it all out yet. Doubtless you’re going to say -that neither your father nor mother want to remain -here, if my statement is true.”</p> -<p>“Of course I say that! They won’t want to stay -a minute! Who is the heir? Tell me!”</p> -<p>“And have you thought what it will mean to -them to leave this place? Have you realized that -your father has no business interests nor can he find -any at his age? Do you remember that your mother -has no funds outside the estate she inherited? Do -you want to plunge them into penury, into pauperism, -in their declining years?”</p> -<p>“Yes—if honesty requires it——” but the sweet -voice trembled at the thought.</p> -<p>“Honesty is a good thing—a fine policy—but -you are a devoted daughter, and I remind you that to -tell this thing I have told you, means disaster—ruin -for you and your parents. Young Allen can’t -support them—they are unaccustomed to deprivation—and,” -he lowered his voice, “this heir I speak -of has no knowledge of the truth. He misses nothing, -since he hopes for nothing.”</p> -<p>Maida looked at him helplessly.</p> -<p>“I must think,” she said, brokenly. “Oh, you -are cruel, to put this responsibility on me.”</p> -<p>“You know why I do it. I am not disinterested.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_65">[65]</div> -<h2 id="c4"><span class="small">CHAPTER IV</span> -<br />THE BIG SYCAMORE TREE</h2> -<p>At the south door the Appleby car stood waiting.</p> -<p>Genevieve was saying good-bye to Maida, with -the affection of an old friend.</p> -<p>“We’re coming back, you know,” she reminded, -“in two or three days, and please say you’ll be glad -to see me!”</p> -<p>“Of course,” Maida assented, but her lip trembled -and her eyes showed signs of ready tears.</p> -<p>“Cheer up,” Genevieve babbled on. “I’m your -friend—whatever comes with time!”</p> -<p>“So am I,” put in Curtis Keefe. “Good-bye for -a few days, Miss Wheeler.”</p> -<p>How Maida did it, she scarcely knew herself, but -she forced a smile, and even when Samuel Appleby -gave her a warning glance at parting she bravely -responded to his farewell words, and even gaily -waved her hand as the car rolled down the drive.</p> -<p>Once out of earshot, Appleby broke out:</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_66">[66]</div> -<p>“I played my trump card! No, you needn’t ask -me what I was, for I don’t propose to tell you. -But it will take the trick, I’m sure. Why, it’s got to!”</p> -<p>“It must be something pretty forcible, then,” -said Keefe, “for it looked to me about as likely as -snow in summertime, that any of those rigid Puritans -would ever give in an inch to your persuasions.”</p> -<p>“Or mine,” added Genevieve. “Never before -have I failed so utterly to make any headway when -I set out to be really persuasive.”</p> -<p>“You did your best, Miss Lane,” and Appleby -looked at her with the air of one appraising -the efficiency of a salesman. “I confess I didn’t -think Wheeler would be quite such a hardshell—after -all these years.”</p> -<p>“He’s just like concrete,” Keefe observed. -“They all are. I didn’t know there were such conscientious -people left in this wicked old world!”</p> -<p>“They’re not really in the world,” Appleby declared. -“They’ve merely vegetated in that house -of theirs, never going anywhere——”</p> -<p>“Oh, come now, Mr. Appleby,” and Genevieve -shook her head, “Boston isn’t the only burg on the -planet! They often go to New York, and that’s -going some!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_67">[67]</div> -<p>“Not really often—I asked Wheeler. He hasn’t -been for five or six years, and though Maida goes -occasionally, to visit friends, she soon runs back -home to her father.”</p> -<p>“It doesn’t matter,” Keefe said, “they’re by no -means mossbacks or hayseeds. They’re right there -with the goods, when it comes to modern literature or -up-to-date news——”</p> -<p>“Oh, yes, they’re a highbrow bunch,” Appleby -spoke impatiently; “but a recluse like that is no sort -of a man! The truth is, I’m at the end of my -patience! I’ve got to put this thing over with less -palaver and circumlocution. I thought I’d give him -a chance—just put the thing up to him squarely once—and, -as he doesn’t see fit to meet me half-way, he’s -got to be the loser, that’s all.”</p> -<p>“He seems to be the loser, as it is.” This -from Keefe.</p> -<p>“But nothing to what’s coming to him! Why, -the idea of my sparing him at all is ridiculous! If he -doesn’t come down, he’s got to be wiped out! That’s -what it amounts to!”</p> -<p>“Wiped out—how?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_68">[68]</div> -<p>“Figuratively and literally! Mentally, morally -and physically! That’s how! I’ve stood all I can—I’ve -waited long enough—too long—and now I’m -going to play the game my own way! As I said, I -played a trump card—I raised one pretty definite -ruction just before we left. Now, that may do the -business—and, it may not! If not, then desperate -measures are necessary—and will be used!”</p> -<p>“Good gracious, Mr. Appleby!” Genevieve -piped up from her fur collar which nearly muffled her -little face. “You sound positively murderous!”</p> -<p>“Murder! Pooh, I’d kill Dan Wheeler in a minute, -if that would help Sam! But I don’t want -Wheeler dead—I want him alive—I want his help—his -influence—yet, when he sits there looking like a -stone wall, and about as easy to overthrow, I declare -I <i>could</i> kill him! But I don’t intend to. It’s far -more likely he’d kill me!”</p> -<p>“Why?” exclaimed Keefe. “Why should he? -And—but you’re joking.”</p> -<p>“Not at all. Wheeler isn’t of the murderer type, -or I’d be taking my life in my hands to go into his -house! He hates me with all the strength of a hard, -bigoted, but strictly just nature. He thinks I was unjust -in the matter of his pardon, he thinks I was -contemptible, and false to our old-time friendship; -and he would be honestly and truly glad if I were -dead. But—thank heaven—he’s no murderer!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_69">[69]</div> -<p>“Of course not!” cried Genevieve. “How you -do talk! As if murder were an everyday performance! -Why, people in our class don’t kill -each other!”</p> -<p>The placid assumption of equality of class with -her employer was so consistently Miss Lane’s usual -attitude, that it caused no mental comment from -either of her hearers. Her services were so valuable -that any such little idiosyncrasy was tolerated.</p> -<p>“Of course we don’t—often,” agreed Appleby, -“but I’d wager a good bit that if Dan Wheeler -could bump me off without his conscience knowing -it—off I’d go!”</p> -<p>“I don’t know about that,” said Genevieve, musingly—“but -I do believe that girl would do it!”</p> -<p>“What?” cried Keefe. “Maida!”</p> -<p>“Yes; she’s a lamb for looks, but she’s got a -lion’s heart—if anybody ever had one! Talk about -a tigress protecting her cubs; it would be a milk-and-water -performance beside Maida Wheeler shielding -her father—or fighting for him—yes, or killing -somebody for him!”</p> -<p>“Rubbish!” laughed Appleby. “Maida might -be willing enough, in that lion heart of hers—but -little girls don’t go around killing people.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_70">[70]</div> -<p>“I know it, and I don’t expect her to. But I only -say she’s capable of it.”</p> -<p>“Goethe says—(Keefe spoke in his superior -way)—‘We are all capable of crime, even the best -of us.’”</p> -<p>“I remember that phrase,” mused Appleby. “Is -it Goethe’s? Well, I don’t say it’s literally true, for -lots of people are too much of a jellyfish makeup to -have such a capability. But I do believe there are -lots of strong, forcible people, who are absolutely -capable of crime—if the opportunity offers.”</p> -<p>“That’s it,” and Genevieve nodded her head -wisely. “Opportunity is what counts. I’ve read -detective stories, and they prove it. Be careful, -Mr. Appleby, how you trust yourself alone with -Mr. Wheeler.”</p> -<p>“That will do,” he reprimanded. “I can take -care of myself, Miss Lane.”</p> -<p>Genevieve always knew when she had gone too -far, and, instead of sulking, she tactfully changed -the subject and entertained the others with her amusing -chatter, at which she was a success.</p> -<p>At that very moment, Maida Wheeler, alone in -her room, was sobbing wildly, yet using every precaution -that she shouldn’t be heard.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_71">[71]</div> -<p>Thrown across her bed, her face buried in the pillows, -she fairly shook with the intensity of her grief.</p> -<p>But, as often happens, after she had brought her -crying spell to a finish—and exhausted Nature insists -on a finish—she rose and bathed her flushed -face and sat down to think it out calmly.</p> -<p>Yet the more she thought the less calm she grew.</p> -<p>For the first time in her life she was face to face -with a great question which she could not refer to -her parents. Always she had confided in them, and -matters that seemed great to her, even though trifling -in themselves, were invariably settled and straightened -out by her wise and loving father or mother.</p> -<p>But now, Samuel Appleby had told her a secret—a -dreadful secret—that she must not only weigh and -decide about, but must—at least, until she decided—keep -from her parents.</p> -<p>“For,” Maida thought, “if I tell them, they’ll at -once insist on knowing who the rightful heir is, -they’ll give over the place to him—and what will -become of us?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_72">[72]</div> -<p>Her conscience was as active as ever it was, her -sense of right and wrong was in no way warped or -blunted, but instinct told her that she must keep this -matter entirely to herself until she had come to her -own conclusion. Moreover, she realized, the conclusion -must be her own—the decision must be -arrived at by herself, and unaided.</p> -<p>Finally, accepting all this, she resolved to put the -whole thing out of her mind for the moment. Her -parents were so intimately acquainted with her every -mood or shade of demeanor, they would see at once -that something was troubling her mind, unless she -used the utmost care to prevent it. Care, too, not -to overdo her precaution. It would be quite as evident -that she was concealing something, if she were -unusually gay or carefree of manner.</p> -<p>So the poor child went downstairs, determined to -forget utterly the news she had heard, until such time -as she could be again by herself.</p> -<p>And she succeeded. Though haunted by a vague -sense of being deceitful, she behaved so entirely as -usual, that neither of her parents suspected her -of pretense.</p> -<p>Moreover, the subject of Samuel Appleby’s visit -was such a fruitful source of conversation that there -was less chance of minor considerations.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_73">[73]</div> -<p>“Never will I consent,” her father was reiterating, -as Maida entered the room. “Why, Sara, I’d -rather have the conditional pardon rescinded, rather -pay full penalty of my conviction, than stand for -the things young Sam’s campaign must stand for!”</p> -<p>A clenched fist came down on the table by way -of emphasis.</p> -<p>“Now, dad,” said Maida, gaily, “don’t thump -around like that! You look as if you’d like to thump -Mr. Appleby!”</p> -<p>“And I should! I wish I could bang into his -head just how I feel about it——”</p> -<p>“Oh, he knows!” and Mrs. Wheeler smiled. -“He knows perfectly how you feel.”</p> -<p>“But, truly, mother, don’t you think dad could—well, -not do anything wrong—but just give in to -Mr. Appleby—for—for my sake?”</p> -<p>“Maida—dear—that is our only stumbling-block. -Your father and I would not budge one step, -for ourselves—but for you, and for Jeffrey—oh, my -dear little girl, that’s what makes it so hard.”</p> -<p>“For us, then—father, can’t you—for our -sake——”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_74">[74]</div> -<p>Maida broke down. It wasn’t for her sake she -was pleading—nor for the sake of her lover. It -was for the sake of her parents—that they might -remain in comfort—and yet, comfort at the expense -of honesty? Oh, the problem was too great—she -hadn’t worked it out yet.</p> -<p>“I can’t think,” her father’s grave voice broke -in on her tumultuous thoughts. “I can’t believe, -Maida, that you would want my freedom at the cost -of my seared conscience.”</p> -<p>“No, oh, no, father, I don’t—you know I don’t. -But what is this dreadful thing you’d have to countenance -if you linked up on the Appleby side? Are -they pirates—or rascals?”</p> -<p>“Not from their own point of view,” and Dan -Wheeler smiled. “They think we are! You can’t -understand politics, child, but you must know that -a man who is heart and soul in sympathy with the -principles of his party can’t conscientiously cross -over and work for the other side.”</p> -<p>“Yes, I know that, and I know that tells the -whole story. But, father, think what there is at -stake. Your freedom—and—ours!”</p> -<p>“I know that, Maida dear, and you can never -know how my very soul is torn as I try to persuade -myself that for those reasons it would be right for -me to consent. Yet——”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_75">[75]</div> -<p>He passed his hand wearily across his brow, and -then folding his arms on the table he let his head sink -down upon them.</p> -<p>Maida flew to his side. “Father, dearest,” she -crooned over him, as she caressed his bowed head, -“don’t think of it for a minute! You know I’d give -up anything—I’d give up Jeff—if it means one speck -of good for you.”</p> -<p>“I know it, dear child, but—run away, now, -Maida, leave me to myself.”</p> -<p>Understanding, both Maida and her mother -quietly left the room.</p> -<p>“I’m sorry, girlie dear, that you have to be involved -in these scenes,” Mrs. Wheeler said fondly, -as the two went to the sitting-room.</p> -<p>“Don’t talk that way, mother. I’m part of the -family, and I’m old enough to have a share and a -voice in all these matters. But just think what it -would mean, if father had his pardon! Look at this -room, and think, he has never been in it! Never -has seen the pictures—the view from the window, -the general coziness of it all.”</p> -<p>“I know, dear, but that’s an old story. Your -father is accustomed to living only in his own -rooms——”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_76">[76]</div> -<p>“And not to be able to go to the other end of -the dining-room or living-room, if he chooses! -It’s outrageous!”</p> -<p>“Yes, Maida, I quite agree—but no more outrageous -than it was last week—or last year.”</p> -<p>“Yes, it is! It grows more outrageous every -minute! Mother, what did that old will say? That -you must live in Massachusetts?”</p> -<p>“Yes—you know that, dear.”</p> -<p>“Of course I do. And if you lived elsewhere, -what then?”</p> -<p>“I forfeit the inheritance.”</p> -<p>“And what would become of it?”</p> -<p>“In default of any other heirs, it would go to -the State of Massachusetts.”</p> -<p>“And there are no other heirs?”</p> -<p>“What ails you, Maida? You know all this. -No, there are no other heirs.”</p> -<p>“You’re sure?”</p> -<p>“As sure as we can be. Your father had every -possible search made. There were advertisements -kept in the papers for years, and able lawyers did all -they could to find heirs if there were any. And, -finding none, we were advised that there were none, -and we could rest in undisturbed possession.”</p> -<p>“Suppose one should appear, what then?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_77">[77]</div> -<p>“Then, little girl, we’d give him the keys of the -house, and walk out.”</p> -<p>“Where would we walk to?”</p> -<p>“I’ve no idea. In fact, I can’t imagine where -we could walk to. But that, thank heaven, is not -one of our troubles. Your father would indeed be -desperately fixed if it were! You know, Maida, -from a fine capable business man, he became a wreck, -because of that unjust trial.”</p> -<p>“Father <i>never</i> committed the forgery?”</p> -<p>“Of course not, dear.”</p> -<p>“Who did?”</p> -<p>“We don’t know. It was cleverly done, and the -crime was purposely fastened on your father, because -he was about to be made the rival candidate of -Mr. Appleby, for governor.”</p> -<p>“I know. And Mr. Appleby was at the bottom -of it!”</p> -<p>“Your father doesn’t admit that——”</p> -<p>“He must have been.”</p> -<p>“Hush, Maida. These matters are not for you -to judge. You know your father has done all he -honestly could to be fully pardoned, or to discover the -real criminal, and as he hasn’t succeeded, you must -rest content with the knowledge that there was no -stone left unturned.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_78">[78]</div> -<p>“But, mother, suppose Mr. Appleby has something -more up his sleeve. Suppose he comes down -on dad with some unexpected, some unforeseen -blow that——”</p> -<p>“Maida, be quiet. Don’t make me sorry that -we have let you into our confidence as far as we -have. These are matters above your head. Should -such a thing as you hint occur, your father can deal -with it.”</p> -<p>“But I want to help——”</p> -<p>“And you can best do that by not trying to help! -Your part is to divert your father, to love him and -cheer him and entertain him. You know this, and -you know for you to undertake to advise or suggest -is not only ridiculous but disastrous.”</p> -<p>“All right, mother, I’ll be good. I don’t mean -to be silly.”</p> -<p>“You are, when you assume ability you don’t -possess.” Mrs. Wheeler’s loving smile robbed the -words of any harsh effect. “Run along now, and -see if dad won’t go for a walk with you; and -don’t refer to anything unpleasant.”</p> -<p>Maida went, and found Wheeler quite ready for -a stroll</p> -<p>“Which way?” he asked as they crossed the -south veranda.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_79">[79]</div> -<p>“Round the park, and bring up under the tree, -and have tea there,” dictated Maida, her heart -already lighter as she obeyed her mother’s dictum to -avoid unpleasant subjects.</p> -<p>But as they walked on, and trivial talk seemed -to pall, they naturally reverted to the discussion of -their recent guests.</p> -<p>“Mr. Appleby is an old curmudgeon,” Maida declared; -“Mr. Keefe is nice and well-behaved; but -the little Lane girl is a scream! I never saw any one -so funny. Now she was quite a grand lady, and then -she was a common little piece! But underneath it all -she showed a lot of good sense and I’m sure in her -work she has real ability.”</p> -<p>“Appleby wouldn’t keep her if she didn’t have,” -her father rejoined; “but why do you call him a -curmudgeon? He’s very well-mannered.”</p> -<p>“Oh, yes, he is. And to tell the truth, I’m not -sure just what a curmudgeon is. But—he’s it, -anyway.”</p> -<p>“I gather you don’t especially admire my old -friend.”</p> -<p>“Friend! If he’s a friend—give me enemies!”</p> -<p>“Fie, fie, Maida, what do you mean? Remember, -he gave me my pardon.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_80">[80]</div> -<p>“Yes, a high old pardon! Say, dad, tell me -again exactly how he worded that letter about -the tree.”</p> -<p>“I’ve told you a dozen times! He didn’t mean -anything anyhow. He only said, that when the big -sycamore tree went into Massachusetts I could go.”</p> -<p>“What a crazy thing to say, wasn’t it?”</p> -<p>“It was because we had been talking about the -play of <i>Macbeth</i>. You remember, ’Till Birnam -Wood shall come to Dunsinane.”</p> -<p>“Oh, yes, and then it did come—by a trick.”</p> -<p>“Yes, the men came, carrying branches. We’d -been talking about it, discussing some point, and -then—it seemed clever, I suppose—to Appleby, and -he wrote that about the sycamore.”</p> -<p>“Meaning—never?”</p> -<p>“Meaning never.”</p> -<p>“But Birnam Wood did go.”</p> -<p>“Only by a trick, and that would not work in this -case. Why, are you thinking of carrying a branch -of sycamore into Massachusetts?”</p> -<p>Maida returned his smile as she answered: “I’d -manage to carry the whole tree in, if it would do any -good! But, I s’pose, old Puritan Father, you’re too -conscientious to take advantage of a trick?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_81">[81]</div> -<p>“Can’t say, till I know the details of the game. -But I doubt Appleby’s being unable to see through -your trick, and then—where are you?”</p> -<p>“That wouldn’t matter. Trick or no trick, if -the big sycamore went into Massachusetts, you -could go. But I don’t see any good plan for getting -it in. And, too, Sycamore Ridge wouldn’t be Sycamore -Ridge without it. Don’t you love the old -tree, dad?”</p> -<p>“Of course, as I love every stick and stone about -the place. It has been a real haven to me in my -perturbed life.”</p> -<p>“Suppose you had to leave it, daddy?”</p> -<p>“I think I’d die, dear. Unless, that is, we could -go back home.”</p> -<p>“Isn’t this home?”</p> -<p>“It’s the dearest spot on earth—outside my -native state.”</p> -<p>“There, there, dad, don’t let’s talk about it. -We’re here for keeps——”</p> -<p>“Heaven send we are, dearest! I couldn’t face -the loss of this place. What made you think of -such a thing?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_82">[82]</div> -<p>“Oh, I’m thinking of all sorts of things to-day. -But, father, while we’re talking of moving—couldn’t -you—oh, couldn’t you, bring yourself, somehow, to -do what Mr. Appleby wants you to do? I don’t -know much about it—but father, darling, if you -<i>only could</i>!”</p> -<p>“Maida, my little girl, don’t think I haven’t -tried. Don’t think I don’t realize what it means to -you and Jeff. I know—oh, I <i>do</i> know how it would -simplify matters if I should go over to the Appleby -side—and push Sam’s campaign—as I could do it. I -know that it would mean my full pardon, my return -to my old home, my reunion with old scenes and -associations. And more than that, it would mean -the happiness of my only child—my daughter—and -her chosen husband. And yet, Maida, as God is my -judge, I am honest in my assertion that I <i>can’t</i> so -betray my honor and spend my remaining years a -living lie. I can’t do it, Maida—I <i>can’t</i>.”</p> -<p>And the calm, sorrowful countenance he turned -to the girl was more positive and final than any further -protestation could have been.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_83">[83]</div> -<h2 id="c5"><span class="small">CHAPTER V</span> -<br />THE BUGLE SOUNDED TAPS</h2> -<p>Although the portions of the house and -grounds that were used by Wheeler included the most -attractive spots, yet there were many forbidden -places that were a real temptation to him.</p> -<p>An especial one was the flower-covered arbor that -had so charmed Genevieve and another was the broad -and beautiful north veranda. To be sure, the south -piazza was equally attractive, but it was galling -to be compelled to avoid any part of his own domain. -However, the passing years had made the conditions -a matter of habit and it was only occasionally that -Wheeler’s annoyance was poignant.</p> -<p>In fact, he and his wife bore the cross better than -did Maida. She had never become reconciled to the -unjust and arbitrary dictum of the conditional pardon. -She lived in a constant fear lest her father -should some day inadvertently and unintentionally -step on the forbidden ground, and it should be reported. -Indeed, knowing her father’s quixotic honesty, -she was by no means sure he wouldn’t report -it himself.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_84">[84]</div> -<p>It had never occurred—probably never would -occur, and yet, she often imagined some sudden -emergency, such as a fire, or burglars, that might -cause his impulsive invasion of the other side of -the house.</p> -<p>In her anxiety she had spoken of this to Samuel -Appleby when he was there. But he gave her no -satisfaction. He merely replied: “A condition is -a condition.”</p> -<p>Curtis Keefe had tried to help her cause, by saying: -“Surely a case of danger would prove an exception -to the rule,” but Appleby had only shaken -his head in denial.</p> -<p>Though care had been taken to have the larger -part of the house on the Massachusetts side of the -line, yet the rooms most used by the family were in -Connecticut. Here was Mr. Wheeler’s den, and this -had come to be the most used room in the whole -house. Mrs. Wheeler’s sitting-room, which her husband -never had entered, was also attractive, but both -mother and daughter invaded the den, whenever -leisure hours were to be enjoyed.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_85">[85]</div> -<p>The den contained a large south bay window, -which was Maida’s favorite spot. It had a broad, -comfortable window-seat, and here she spent much -of her time, curled up among the cushions, reading. -There were long curtains, which, half-drawn, hid her -from view, and often she was there for hours, without -her father’s knowing it.</p> -<p>His own work was engrossing. Cut off from his -established law business in Massachusetts, he had at -first felt unable to start it anew in different surroundings. -Then, owing to his wife’s large fortune, it -was decided that he should give up all business for a -time. And as the time went on, and there was no -real necessity for an added income, Wheeler had indulged -in his hobby of book collecting, and had -amassed a library of unique charm as well as goodly -intrinsic value.</p> -<p>Moreover, it kept him interested and occupied, -and prevented his becoming morose or melancholy -over his restricted life.</p> -<p>So, many long days he worked away at his books, -and Maida, hidden in the window-seat, watched him -lovingly in the intervals of her reading.</p> -<p>Sitting there, the morning after Samuel -Appleby’s departure, she read not at all, although a -book lay open on her lap. She was trying to decide -a big matter, trying to solve a vexed question.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_86">[86]</div> -<p>Maida’s was a straightforward nature. She -never deceived herself. If she did anything against -her better judgment, even against her conscience, it -was with open eyes and understanding mind. She -used no sophistry, no pretence, and if she acted mistakenly -she was always satisfied to abide by the -consequences.</p> -<p>And now, she set about her problem, systematically -and methodically, determined to decide upon -her course, and then strictly follow it.</p> -<p>She glanced at her father, absorbed in his book -catalogues and indexes, and a great wave of love and -devotion filled her heart. Surely no sacrifice was -too great that would bring peace or pleasure to that -martyred spirit.</p> -<p>That he was a martyr, Maida was as sure as she -was that she was alive. She knew him too well to -believe for an instant that he had committed a criminal -act; it was an impossibility for one of his character. -But that she could do nothing about. The -question had been raised and settled when she was -too young to know anything about it, and now, her -simple duty was to do anything she might to ease -his burden and to help him to forget.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_87">[87]</div> -<p>“And,” she said to herself, “first of all, he must -stay in this home. He positively <i>must</i>—and that’s -all there is about that. Now, if he knows—if he has -the least hint that there is another heir, he’ll get out -at once—or at least, he’ll move heaven and earth to -find the heir, and then we’ll have to move. And -where to? That’s an unanswerable question. Anyway, -I’ve only one sure conviction. I’ve got to keep -from him all knowledge or suspicion of that -other heir!</p> -<p>“Maybe it isn’t true—maybe Mr. Appleby made -it up—but I don’t think so. At any rate, I have to -proceed as if it were true, and do my best. And, -first of all, I’ve got to hush up my own conscience. -I’ve too much of my father’s nature to want to live -here if it rightfully belongs to somebody else. I feel -like a thief already. But I’m going to bear that—I’m -going to live under that horrid conviction that I’m -living a lie—for father’s sake.”</p> -<p>Maida was in earnest. By nature and by training -her conscience was acutely sensitive to the finest -shades of right and wrong. She actually longed to -announce the possibility of another heir and let justice -decide the case. But her filial devotion was, -in this thing, greater even than her conscience. Her -mother, too, she knew, would be crushed by the revelation -of the secret, but would insist on thorough investigation, -and, if need be, on renunciation of the -dear home.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_88">[88]</div> -<p>Her mental struggle went on. At times it seemed -as if she couldn’t live beneath the weight of such a -secret. Then, she knew she must do it. What was -her own peace of mind compared with her father’s? -What was her own freedom of conscience compared -with his tranquillity?</p> -<p>She thought of telling Jeffrey Allen. But, she -argued, he would feel as the others would—indeed, -as she herself did—that the matter must be dragged -out into the open and settled one way or the other.</p> -<p>No; she must bear the brunt of the thing alone. -She must never tell any one.</p> -<p>Then, the next point was, would Mr. Appleby -tell? He hadn’t said so, but she felt sure he would. -Well, she must do all she could to prevent that. He -was to return in a day or two. By that time she -must work out some plan, must think up some way, -to persuade him not to tell. What the argument -would be, she had no idea, but she was determined -to try her uttermost.</p> -<p>There was one way—but Maida blushed even at -the thought.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_89">[89]</div> -<p>Sam Appleby—young Sam—wanted to marry -her—had wanted to for a year or more. Many times -she had refused him, and many times he had returned -for another attempt at persuasion. To consent -to this would enable her to control the senior -Appleby’s revelations.</p> -<p>It would indeed be a last resort—she wouldn’t -even think of it yet; surely there was some other way!</p> -<p>The poor, tortured child was roused from her -desperate plannings by a cheery voice, calling:</p> -<p>“Maida—Maida! Here’s me!”</p> -<p>“Jeffrey!” she cried, springing from the -window-seat, and out to greet him.</p> -<p>“Dear!” he said, as he took her in his arms. -“Dear, dearer, dearest! <i>What</i> is troubling you?”</p> -<p>“Trouble? Nothing! How can I be troubled -when you’re here?”</p> -<p>“But you are! You can’t fool me, you know! -Never mind, you can tell me later. I’ve got three -whole days—how’s that?”</p> -<p>“Splendid! How did it happen?”</p> -<p>“Old Bennett went off for a week’s rest—doctor’s -orders—and he said, if I did up my chores, nice -and proper, I could take a little vacation myself. Oh, -you peach! You’re twice as beautifuller as ever!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_90">[90]</div> -<p>A whirlwind embrace followed this speech and -left Maida, breathless and laughing, while her father -smiled benignly upon the pair.</p> -<p>It was some hours later that, as they sat under -the big sycamore, Jeffrey Allen begged Maida to tell -him her troubles.</p> -<p>“For I know you’re pretty well broken up over -something,” he declared.</p> -<p>“How do you know?” she smiled at him.</p> -<p>“Why, my girl, I know every shadow that -crosses your dear heart.”</p> -<p>“Do I wear my heart on my sleeve, then?”</p> -<p>“You don’t have to, for me to see it. I recognize -the signs from your face, your manner, your voice—your -whole being is trembling with some fear or -some deeply-rooted grief. So tell me all about it.”</p> -<p>And Maida told. Not the last horrible threat -that Samuel Appleby had told her alone, but the -state of things as Appleby had presented it to Daniel -Wheeler himself.</p> -<p>“And so you see, Jeff, it’s a deadlock. Father -won’t vote for young Sam—I don’t mean only vote, -but throw all his influence—and that means a lot—on -Sam’s side. And if he doesn’t, Mr. Appleby won’t -get him pardoned—you know we hoped he would -this year——”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_91">[91]</div> -<p>“Yes, dear; it would mean so much to us.”</p> -<p>“Yes, and to dad and mother, too. Well, there’s -no hope of that, unless father throws himself heart -and soul into the Appleby campaign.”</p> -<p>“And he won’t do that?”</p> -<p>“Of course not. He couldn’t, Jeff. He’d have -to subscribe to what he doesn’t believe in—practically -subscribe to a lie. And you know father——”</p> -<p>“Yes, and you, too—and myself! None of us -would want him to do that, Maida!”</p> -<p>“Doesn’t necessity <i>ever</i> justify a fraud, Jeff?” -The question was put so wistfully that the young -man smiled.</p> -<p>“Nixy! and you know that even better than I do, -dear. Why, Maida, what I love you most for—yes, -even more than your dear, sweet, beauty of face, is -the marvellous beauty of your nature, your character. -Your flawless soul attracted me first of all—even as -I saw it shining through your clear, honest eyes.”</p> -<p>“Oh, Jeffrey,” and Maida’s clear eyes filled with -tears, “I’m not honest, I’m not true blue!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_92">[92]</div> -<p>“Then nobody on this green earth is! Don’t say -such things, dear. I know what you mean, that you -<i>think</i> you want your father to sacrifice his principles, -in part, at least, to gain his full pardon thereby. -See how I read your thoughts! But, you don’t really -think that; you only think you think it. If the thing -came to a focus, you’d be the first one to forbid -the slightest deviation from the line of strictest truth -and honor!”</p> -<p>“Oh, Jeff, do you think I would?”</p> -<p>“Of course I think so—I know it! You are a -strange make-up, Maida. On an impulse, I can imagine -you doing something wrong—even something -pretty awful—but with even a little time for thought -you <i>couldn’t</i> do a wrong.”</p> -<p>“What!” Maida was truly surprised; “I could -jump into any sort of wickedness?”</p> -<p>“I didn’t quite put it that way,” Jeff laughed, -“but—well, you know it’s my theory, that given -opportunity, anybody can yield to temptation.”</p> -<p>“Nonsense! It’s a poor sort of honor that gives -out at a critical moment!”</p> -<p>“Not at all. Most people can resist anything—except -temptation! Given a strong enough temptation -and a perfect opportunity, and your staunchest, most -conscientious spirit is going to succumb.”</p> -<p>“I don’t believe that.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_93">[93]</div> -<p>“You don’t have to—and maybe it isn’t -always true. But it often is. Howsomever, it has -no bearing on the present case. Your father is not -going to lose his head—and though you might do -so”—he smiled at her—“I can’t see you getting a -chance! You’re not in on the deal, in any way, -are you?”</p> -<p>“No; except that Mr. Appleby asked me to use -all my influence with father.”</p> -<p>“Which you’ve done?”</p> -<p>“Yes; but it made not the slightest impression.”</p> -<p>“Of course not. I say, Maid, young Sam isn’t -coming down here, is he?”</p> -<p>“Not that I know of,” but Maida couldn’t help -her rising color, for she knew what Allen was -thinking.</p> -<p>“Just let him try it, that’s all! Just let him -show his rubicund countenance in these parts—if he -wants trouble!”</p> -<p>“Does anybody ever <i>want</i> trouble?” Maida -smiled a little.</p> -<p>“Why, of course they do! Sometimes they want -it so much that they borrow it!”</p> -<p>“I’m not doing that! I’ve had it offered to me—in -full measure, heaped up, pressed down, and running -over.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_94">[94]</div> -<p>“Poor little girl. Don’t take it so hard, dearest. -I’ll have a talk with your father, and we’ll see how -matters really stand. I doubt it’s as bad as you fear—and -anyway, if no good results come our way, -things are no worse than they have been for years. -Your father has lived fairly contented and happy. -Let things drift, and in another year or two, after -the election is a thing of the past, we can pick up the -pardon question again. By that time you and I will -be—where will we be, Maida?”</p> -<p>“I don’t know, Jeff——”</p> -<p>“Well, we’ll be together, anyway. You’ll be my -wife, and if we can’t live in Boston—we can live out -of Boston! And that’s all there is about that!”</p> -<p>“You’ll have to come here to live. There’s -enough for us all.”</p> -<p>“Settle down here and sponge on your mother! -I see it! But, never you mind, lady fair, something -will happen to smooth out our path. Perhaps this -old tree will take it into its head to go over into -Massachusetts, and so blaze a trail for your father—and -you.”</p> -<p>“Oh, very likely. But I’ve renewed my vow—Jeff; -unless father can go into the state, <i>I</i> never will!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_95">[95]</div> -<p>“All right, sweetheart. Renew your vow whenever -its time limit expires. I’m going to fix things -so no vows will be needed—except our marriage -vows. Will you take them, dear?”</p> -<p>“When the time comes, yes.” But Maida did not -smile, and Jeff, watching her closely, concluded there -was yet some point on which she had not enlightened -him. However, he asked no further question, but -bided his time.</p> -<p>“Guess I’ll chop down the old tree while I’m -here, and ship it into Massachusetts as firewood,” -he suggested.</p> -<p>“Fine idea,” Maida acquiesced, “but you’d only -have your trouble for your pains. You see, the -stipulation was, ‘without the intervention of -human hands.’”</p> -<p>“All right, we’ll chop it down by machinery, -then.”</p> -<p>“I wish the tree promise meant anything, but it -doesn’t. It was only made as a proof positive how -impossible was any chance of pardon.”</p> -<p>“But now a chance of pardon has come.”</p> -<p>“Yes, but a chance that cannot be taken. You’ll -be here, Jeff, when they come back. Then you can -talk with Mr. Appleby, and maybe, as man to man, -you can convince him——”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_96">[96]</div> -<p>“Convince nothing! Don’t you suppose I’ve -tried every argument I know of, with that old dunderhead? -I’ve spent hours with him discussing your -father’s case. I’ve talked myself deaf, dumb and -blind, with no scrap of success. But, I don’t mind -telling you, Maida, that I might have moved the old -duffer to leniency if it hadn’t been for—you.”</p> -<p>“Me?”</p> -<p>“Yes; you know well enough young Sam’s attitude -toward you. And old Appleby as good as said -if I’d give up my claim on your favor, and -give sonny Sam a chance, there’d be hope for -your father.”</p> -<p>“H’m. Indeed! You don’t say so! And you -replied?”</p> -<p>“I didn’t reply much of anything. For if I’d said -what I wanted to say, he would have been quite -justified in thinking that I was no fit mate for a -Christian girl! Let’s don’t talk about it.”</p> -<p>That night Maida went to her room, leaving -Allen to have a long serious talk with her father.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_97">[97]</div> -<p>She hoped much from the confab, for Jeff Allen -was a man of ideas, and of good, sound judgment. -He could see straight, and could advise sensibly and -well. And Maida hoped, too, that something would -happen or some way be devised that the secret told -her by Appleby might be of no moment. Perhaps -there was no heir, save in the old man’s imagination. -Or perhaps it was only someone who would inherit -a portion of the property, leaving enough for their -own support and comfort.</p> -<p>At any rate, she went to bed comforted and -cheered by the knowledge that Jeff was there, and -that if there was anything to be done he would do it.</p> -<p>She had vague misgivings because she had not -told him what Appleby had threatened. But, she -argued, if she decided to suppress that bit of news, -she must not breathe it to anybody—not even Jeff.</p> -<p>So, encouraged at the outlook, and exhausted -by her day of worriment, she slept soundly till well -into the night.</p> -<p>Then she was awakened by a strange sound. It -gave her, at first, a strange impression of being on an -ocean steamer. She couldn’t think why, for her half-awake -senses responded only to the vague sense of -familiarity with such a sound.</p> -<p>But wide awake in a moment, she heard more of -it, and realized that it was a bugle to which she listened—the -clear, though not loud, notes of a bugle. -Amazed, she jumped from her bed, and looked out -of a window in the direction of the sound.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_98">[98]</div> -<p>She saw nothing, and heard the last faint notes -die away, as she listened.</p> -<p>There was no further sound, and she returned to -bed, and after a time fell asleep again.</p> -<p>She pondered over the occurrence while dressing -next morning, wondering what it meant.</p> -<p>Downstairs she found only Jeffrey in the dining-room.</p> -<p>“Hear anything funny in the night, Maida?” -he asked her.</p> -<p>“Yes; a bugle,” she returned. “Did you -hear it?”</p> -<p>“Of course I did. Who plays the thing -around here?”</p> -<p>“No one, that I know of. Wasn’t it rather -strange?”</p> -<p>“Rath-er! I should say so. Made me think of -the old English castles, where spooks walk the parapets -and play on bugles or bagpipes or some -such doings.”</p> -<p>“Oh, those silly stories! But this was a real -bugle, played by a real man.”</p> -<p>“How do you know?”</p> -<p>“By the sound.”</p> -<p>“Spook bugles sound just the same.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_99">[99]</div> -<p>“How do <i>you</i> know?”</p> -<p>“How could they be heard if they didn’t? Here’s -your father. Good-morning, Mr. Wheeler. Who’s -your musical neighbor?”</p> -<p>But Daniel Wheeler did not smile.</p> -<p>“Go up to your mother, Maida, dear,” he said; -“she—she isn’t well. Cheer her up all you can.”</p> -<p>“What’s the trouble?” Allen asked, solicitously, -as Maida ran from the room.</p> -<p>“A strange thing, my boy. Did you hear a -bugle call last night?”</p> -<p>“Yes, sir; it sounded ‘taps.’ Is there a camp -near by?”</p> -<p>“No; nothing of the sort. Now—well, to put it -frankly, there is an old tradition in Mrs. Wheeler’s -family that a phantom bugler, in that very way, announces -an approaching death.”</p> -<p>“Good Lord! You don’t mean she believes that!”</p> -<p>“She does, and what can I say to disprove her -belief? We all heard it. Who could have done -such a trick?”</p> -<p>“I don’t know who, but somebody did. That -bugle was played by a pair of good, strong human -lungs—not by a spirit breath!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_100">[100]</div> -<p>“It sounded so, but that doesn’t affect Mrs. -Wheeler’s belief. If I could produce the bugler, -and get him to admit it, she might believe him, but -otherwise, she’s sure it was the traditional bugler, -and that earthly days are numbered for some one of -our little family.”</p> -<p>“You don’t believe this foolishness, sir?”</p> -<p>“I can’t; my nature rejects the very idea of -the supernatural. Yet, who could or would do it? -There’s no neighbor who would, and I know of no -one round here who knows of the tradition.”</p> -<p>“Oh, pshaw, it’s the merest casual occurrence. -A Boy Scout, like as not—or a gay young chap returning -from a merry party. There are lots of explanations, -quite apart from spooks!”</p> -<p>“I hope you can persuade Mrs. Wheeler of that. -She is nervously ill, and will hear of no rational -explanation for the bugle call.”</p> -<p>“Beg her to come down to breakfast, do; then -we’ll all jolly her up until she loses her fears.”</p> -<p>But though Allen’s attempt was a brave one and -ably seconded by Mrs. Wheeler’s husband and -daughter, they made not the slightest progress toward -relieving her fears or disabusing her mind of -her conviction.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_101">[101]</div> -<h2 id="c6"><span class="small">CHAPTER VI</span> -<br />THE OTHER HEIR</h2> -<p>A general air of vague foreboding hung over -the Wheeler household. Mrs. Wheeler tried to rally -from the shock of the inexplicable bugle call, but -though she was bright and cheerful, it was fully -evident that her manner was forced and her -gayety assumed.</p> -<p>Maida, solicitous for her mother, was more than -ever resolved not to disclose the news of another possible -heir to the estate, though the more she thought -about it, the more she felt sure Samuel Appleby had -spoken the truth.</p> -<p>She decided that he had learned of the other heir, -and that he was none too honest to be willing to keep -the fact a secret, if, in turn, he could serve his own -ends. She did not need to be told that if she would -look on young Sam with favor, her father would perforce -lend his aid to the campaign. And, in that -case, she knew that the other heir would never be -mentioned again.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_102">[102]</div> -<p>And yet, the price—the acceptance of young -Sam, was more than she could pay. To give up -Jeff Allen, her own true love, and marry a man of -such a different type and calibre as Sam Appleby was—it -was too much! And Jeff would have something -to say about that! Yet, she must decide for herself. -If she made the supreme sacrifice, it must be done as -if of her own volition. If her parents or her lover -guessed that she was acting under compulsion, they -would put an end to the project.</p> -<p>But could she, even if willing to sacrifice herself, -could she ask Sam Appleby to take her? Yet she -knew this would be the easiest thing in the world. -A mere hint to Mr. Appleby that she approved of -his son would bring the younger man down to the -house at once and matters would then take care -of themselves.</p> -<p>But could she do it? She looked at Jeff, as he sat -talking to her father, his strong, fine face alight with -the earnestness of their discussion. He was a man -of a thousand—her own Jeffrey. No, she could not -break his heart—she had no right to do that. It -would be a crime to blot out the joy and happiness -from the eager young face.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_103">[103]</div> -<p>And then she looked at the other dear face. Her -father, worn and aging, but still in rugged health. -Could she let the inevitable happen, and see him -turned out of the home that he loved—the home that -had so long been his sanctuary, his refuge from the -cold injustice of his fellow-men?</p> -<p>And her mother, almost ill from her fright and -foreboding. To add the disaster of poverty and -homelessness—no, she couldn’t do that!</p> -<p>And so poor Maida wondered and worried; her -thoughts going round in a circle, and coming back -to the two men she loved, and knew she must break -one heart or the other.</p> -<p>At one moment her duty to her parents seemed -preëminent. Then, again, she realized a duty to -herself and to the man who loved her.</p> -<p>“I don’t know <i>what</i> to do,” she thought, piteously; -“I’ll wait till Mr. Appleby comes back here, -and then I’ll tell him just how I’m placed. Perhaps -I can appeal to his better nature.”</p> -<p>But Maida Wheeler well knew that however she -might appeal to Samuel Appleby, it would be in vain. -She knew from the very fact that he came to her -home, and made the offers and threats that he did -make, that his mind was made up, and no power -on earth could move him from his decision. He had -a strong case, he probably thought; the offer of full -pardon to Dan Wheeler, and the offer to Maida to -keep quiet about another heir, would, he doubtless -thought, be sufficient to win his cause.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_104">[104]</div> -<p>“What an awful man he is,” she thought. “I -wish he were dead! I know I oughtn’t to wish that, -but I do. I’d kill him myself if it would help father. -I oughtn’t to say that—and I don’t suppose I really -would do it, but it would simplify matters a lot! -And somebody said, ‘We are all capable of crime—even -the best of us.’ Well, of course I wouldn’t -kill the old man, but he’d better not give me a real -good chance!”</p> -<p>“What are you thinking about, little girl?” -asked Allen, turning to her.</p> -<p>Maida looked at him and then at her father, and -said, deliberately:</p> -<p>“I was just thinking how I’d like to kill Samuel -Appleby.”</p> -<p>“Senior, junior, or both?” laughed Allen, who -thought little of her words, save as a jest.</p> -<p>“Senior, I meant, but we may as well make it -a wholesale slaughter.”</p> -<p>“Don’t, Maida,” her father looked grieved. -“Don’t speak flippantly of such subjects.”</p> -<p>“Well, father, why not be honest? Wouldn’t -you like to kill him?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_105">[105]</div> -<p>“No, child—not that.”</p> -<p>“But you’d be glad if he were dead! There, -you needn’t answer. But if you were absolutely -honest, you’d have to admit it.”</p> -<p>“I’ll admit it,” said her mother, wearily. -“Samuel Appleby has spoiled all our lives—is still -spoiling them. He does it for his own selfish interests. -He has ruined the happiness of my husband, -myself, my daughter, and my prospective son-in-law. -Is it any wonder that we should honestly wish he -were dead? It may not sound Christian—but it is an -honest expression of human nature.”</p> -<p>“It is, Mrs. Wheeler,” and Allen’s face looked -more pained than shocked. “But, all the same, we -oughtn’t to talk like that.”</p> -<p>“No, indeed,” agreed Wheeler. “Please, Maida, -darling, don’t say such things. And, Sara, if you -must say them, say them to me when we are alone. -It’s no sort of talk for these young people’s ears.”</p> -<p>“Why, I said it before mother did!” Maida -broke out. “And I mean it! I’m at the end of my -rope. If that man is to hound us and torture us all -our lives, I can’t help wishing him dead.”</p> -<p>“There, there, daughter, please don’t.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_106">[106]</div> -<p>“I won’t, dad. I’ll never say it again. But I -put myself on record, and if the rest of you were -honest, you’d do the same thing!”</p> -<p>“That we’d like to kill him?” asked Allen, -smiling at the idea.</p> -<p>“I didn’t say that—I said we wish him dead. -If a nice, convenient stroke of lightning came his -way, or——”</p> -<p>“Maida, hush!” her father spoke sternly; “I -won’t allow such talk! It isn’t like you, my child, and -it isn’t——”</p> -<p>“Isn’t good form, I s’pose!” she interrupted. -“Well, I’ll let up, dads, and I am a little ashamed of -myself. Mother, maybe the phantom bugler was -announcing the death of old Appleby!”</p> -<p>“Hush, Maida! What has got into you?”</p> -<p>“I’m incorrigible, I guess——”</p> -<p>“You are!” and Allen smiled fondly at her. -“Come out for a walk in the sunshine with me, -and get these awful thoughts out of your brain.”</p> -<p>“I know I’m a criminal,” said Maida, as they -walked down a garden path; “but I can’t help it. -I’ve more to bear than you know of, Jeff, and you -must make allowance.”</p> -<p>“I do, sweetheart. And I know how you’re -troubled, and all that, but don’t say such dreadful -things. I know you don’t mean them.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_107">[107]</div> -<p>“No, I don’t—at least, I don’t think I do. But -I won’t say them any more. I think I lost my -head——”</p> -<p>“Forget it. You’re upset and nervous and your -mother’s worry reflects itself on you. Is there really -a bugler tradition?”</p> -<p>“Not over here. There was one connected with -mother’s family long ago, in England, I believe. Of -course, it was just one of those old spook yarns that -most old houses have over there. But mother always -remembered it. She has told everybody who ever -visited here about it, and I think she always expected -to hear the thing. Queer, though, wasn’t it?”</p> -<p>“Not very. It’s explainable by natural means, of -course. Probably we’ll never know who it was, but -it was no phantom, be sure of that.”</p> -<p>“Oh, well, it doesn’t matter, except that it has -upset mother so dreadfully. But she’ll get over it—if -nothing happens.”</p> -<p>“Nothing will happen—if by that you mean a -death in the family. More likely a marriage will -take place!”</p> -<p>“Not ours, Jeff. I think that bugler sounded the -death-knell of our hopes.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_108">[108]</div> -<p>“Maida! What is the matter with you? Why -are you talking like that? I know you’ve something -on your mind that you haven’t told me yet. Something -pretty serious, for it makes you say the strangest -things! Tell me, darling, won’t you?”</p> -<p>“I can’t, Jeff. I mean, there isn’t anything. -Wait till those people come back again. You’ll be -here, won’t you? They’re coming to-morrow.”</p> -<p>“You bet I will! I’ll see what I can do with -old curmudgeon. You know I’m argumentative.”</p> -<p>“That won’t do any good with Appleby. What -he wants is help from dad. If he doesn’t get that, -he’ll punish us all.”</p> -<p>“And he can’t get that, for your dad won’t give -it. So it looks as if we must all take our punishment. -Well, we’re prepared.”</p> -<p>“You wouldn’t speak so lightly if you knew -everything!”</p> -<p>“That’s why I ask you to tell me everything. -Do, Maida, I’m sure I can help you.”</p> -<p>“Wait till they come,” was all Maida would say -in response to his repeated requests.</p> -<p>And at last they came.</p> -<p>Smiling and hearty, Samuel Appleby reëntered -the Wheeler home, apparently as self-assured and -hopeful as when he left it.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_109">[109]</div> -<p>Keefe was courteous and polite as always and -Genevieve Lane was prettier than ever by reason -of some new Boston-bought clothes.</p> -<p>Allen was introduced to the newcomers and sized -up by one glance of Samuel Appleby’s keen eyes. -Privately he decided that this young man was a very -formidable rival of his son. But he greeted Allen -with great cordiality, which Jeff thought it best to return, -although he felt an instinctive dislike for the -man’s personality.</p> -<p>“Come along with me, Maida,” and with daring -familiarity, Genevieve put her hand through Maida’s -arm and drew her toward the stairs. “I have the -same room, I s’pose,” she babbled on; “I’ve lots of -new things I want to show you. And,” she added -as they entered the room, and she closed the door, -“I want a talkfest with you before the others begin.”</p> -<p>“What about?” asked Maida, feeling the subject -would be one of importance.</p> -<p>“Well, it’s just this. And don’t be too shocked -if I speak right out in meetin’. I’ve determined to -marry into this bunch that I’m working for.”</p> -<p>“Have you?” laughed Maida. “Are they -equally determined?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_110">[110]</div> -<p>“I’m not joking—I’m in dead earnest. A poor -girl has got to do the best she can for herself in this -cold world. Well, I’m going to corral one of the -three: old man Appleby, young man Appleby, or -Curt Keefe.”</p> -<p>“Which one, for choice?” Maida still spoke -lightly.</p> -<p>“You don’t think I’m in earnest, but I am. Well, -I’d rather have young Sam. Next, I’d choose his -father; and, lastly, I’m pretty sure I could nail -Curtie Keefe.”</p> -<p>Maida couldn’t help her disapproval showing in -her face, but she said: “It isn’t just the way I’d -go about selecting a husband, but if it’s your way, -all right. Can I help you?”</p> -<p>“Do you mean that?”</p> -<p>“Why, yes, if I can do anything practical.”</p> -<p>“Oh, you can! It’s only to keep off the grass, -regarding young Sam.”</p> -<p>“You mean not to try to charm him myself?”</p> -<p>“Just about that. And I’ll tell you why I say -this. It seems old Appleby has about made up his -mind that you’re the right and proper mate for -young Appleby. Oh, you needn’t draw yourself up -in that haughty fashion—he’s good enough for -you, Miss!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_111">[111]</div> -<p>“I didn’t say he wasn’t,” and Maida laughed in -spite of herself at Genevieve’s manner. “But, truly, -I don’t want him. You see I’m engaged to -Mr. Allen.”</p> -<p>“I know it, but that cuts no ice with Pa Appleby. -He plans to oust Mr. Allen and put his son in -his place.”</p> -<p>“Oh, he does, does he?” Maida’s heart sank, -for she had anticipated something like this. “Am I -to be consulted?”</p> -<p>“Now, look here, Maida Wheeler. You needn’t -take that attitude, for it won’t get you anywhere. -You don’t know Mr. Appleby as I do. What he says -goes—<i>goes</i>, understand?”</p> -<p>Maida went white. “But such a thing as you -speak of won’t go!” she exclaimed.</p> -<p>“I’m not sure it won’t, if he so ordains it,” Miss -Lane said, gravely. “But I just wanted your assurance -that you don’t hanker after Sammy-boy, so I -can go ahead and annex him myself.”</p> -<p>“In defiance of Mr. Appleby’s intents?”</p> -<p>“I may be able to circumvent him. I’m some -little schemer myself. And he may die.”</p> -<p>“What?”</p> -<p>“Yep. He has an unsatisfactory heart, and it -may go back on him at any minute.”</p> -<p>“What a thing to bank on!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_112">[112]</div> -<p>“It may happen all the same. But I’ve other -irons in the fire. Run along, now; I’ve work to do. -You’re a dear girl, Maida, and the time may come -when I can help you.”</p> -<p>The round, rosy-cheeked face looked very serious, -and Maida said, gratefully: “I may be very glad -of such help, Genevieve.”</p> -<p>Then she went away.</p> -<p>Samuel Appleby was lying in wait for her.</p> -<p>“Here you are, my girl,” he said, as she came -downstairs. “Come for a ramble with me, -won’t you?”</p> -<p>And, knowing that the encounter was inevitable, -Maida went.</p> -<p>Appleby wasted no time in preliminaries.</p> -<p>“I’ve got to go home to-morrow morning,” he -said. “I’ve got to have this matter of your father’s -help in the campaign settled before I go.”</p> -<p>“I thought it was settled,” returned Maida, -calmly. “You know he will never give you the help -you ask. And oh, please, Mr. Appleby, won’t you -give up the question? You have ruined my father’s -life—all our lives; won’t you cease bothering him, -and, whether you let him get his full pardon or not, -won’t you stop trying to coerce his will?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_113">[113]</div> -<p>“No; I will not. You are very pleading and -persuasive, my girl, but I have my own ax to grind. -Now, here’s a proposition. If you—I’ll speak plainly—if -you will consent to marry my son, I’ll get -your father’s full pardon, and I’ll not ask for his -campaign support.”</p> -<p>Maida gasped. All her troubles removed at once—but -at such a price! She thought of Allen, and a -great wave of love surged over her.</p> -<p>“Oh, I can’t—I can’t,” she moaned. “What -<i>are</i> you, Mr. Appleby? I love my chosen mate, my -<i>fiancé</i>, Jeffrey Allen. Would you ask me to give -him up and marry your son, whom I esteem highly, -but do not love?”</p> -<p>“Certainly; I ask just that. You are free to say -yes or no!”</p> -<p>“Then, I say no. There <i>must</i> be some other -way! Give me some other chance, even though it -be a harder one!”</p> -<p>“All right, I will.” Mr. Appleby’s face was -hard now, his lips set in a straight line; he was about -to play his last card. “All right, I will. Here it is. -The other heir, of whom I spoke to you the other -day, is Curtis Keefe.”</p> -<p>“Mr. Keefe!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_114">[114]</div> -<p>“Yes—but wait—he doesn’t know it. I hit upon -a clue in his chance reference to his mother’s family, -and unknown to him I investigated genealogies and -all that, and it is positive, he is the heir to all this -estate, and not your mother.”</p> -<p>“You’re sure?”</p> -<p>“Yes, absolutely certain. But, remember, he -doesn’t know it. He has no idea of such a thing. -Now, if you’ll marry Sam, Keefe shall <i>never</i> know. -I’ll burn all the papers that I have in evidence. You -and I will forget the secret, and your father and -mother can rest in undisturbed possession here for -the rest of their lives.”</p> -<p>“And you wouldn’t insist on father’s campaign -work?”</p> -<p>“If you marry my son, I rather think your -father will lend his aid—at least in some few matters, -without urging. But he shall not be urged beyond -his wishes, rest assured of that. In a word, Maida, -all that you want or desire shall be yours except your -choice of a husband. And I’ll wager that inside of a -year, you’ll be wondering what you ever saw in -young Allen, and rejoicing that you are the wife of -the governor instead!”</p> -<p>“I can’t do it—oh, <i>I can’t!</i> And, then, too, -there’s Mr. Keefe—and the heirship!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_115">[115]</div> -<p>“Mr. Keefe and the airship!” exclaimed Curtis -Keefe himself, as he came round the corner and met -them face to face. “Am I to go up in an airship? -And when?”</p> -<p>Appleby flashed a quick glance at Maida, which -she rightly interpreted to mean to let Keefe rest -unenlightened as to his error.</p> -<p>“You’re not the Mr. Keefe we meant,” said -Appleby, smiling at his secretary. “There are -others.”</p> -<p>And then Appleby walked away, feeling his best -plan was to let Maida think things over.</p> -<p>“What Keefe is going up in an airship?” Curt -insisted, his curiosity aroused.</p> -<p>“I don’t know,” said Maida, listlessly. “Mr. -Appleby was telling me some airship yarn. I didn’t -half listen. I—I can’t bear that man!”</p> -<p>“I can’t blame you for that, Miss Wheeler. But -we’re going away to-morrow, and he’ll be out of -your way.”</p> -<p>“No; he has me in a trap. He has arranged -it so—oh, what am I saying!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_116">[116]</div> -<p>“Don’t go on, if you feel you might regret it. -Of course, as Mr. Appleby’s confidential secretary, I -know most of his affairs. May I say that I’m very -sorry for you, and may I offer my help, if you can -use me in any way?”</p> -<p>“How kind you are, Mr. Keefe. But if you -know the details of the matter, you know that I am -in a fearful dilemma. Oh, if only that man were -out of existence!”</p> -<p>“Oh, Miss Wheeler,” and Keefe looked undisguisedly -shocked.</p> -<p>“I don’t mean anything wrong,” Maida’s eyes -were piteous, “but I don’t know what to do! I’ve -no one to confide in—no way to turn for help—for -advice——”</p> -<p>“Why, Miss Wheeler, you have parents, -friends——”</p> -<p>“No one that I can speak to! Forgive me, Mr. -Keefe, but I am nearly out of my mind. Forgive -me, if I ask you to leave me—will you?”</p> -<p>“Of course, you poor child! I ought to have -sensed that I was intruding!”</p> -<p>With a courteous bow, he walked away, leaving -Maida alone on the seat beneath the old sycamore.</p> -<p>She thought long and deeply. She seemed to -grow older and more matured of judgment as she -dealt with the big questions in her mind.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_117">[117]</div> -<p>After a long time she came to her decision. Torn -and wracked with emotions, she bravely faced the -many-sided situation, and made up her mind. Then -she got up and walked into the house.</p> -<p>That afternoon, about five o’clock, Appleby and -Wheeler sat in the latter’s den, talking over the same -old subject. Maida, hidden in the window-seat, was -listening. They did not know she was there, but they -would not have cared. They talked of nothing she -did not already know.</p> -<p>Appleby grew angry and Wheeler grew angry. -The talk was coming to a climax, both men were -holding on to their tempers, but it was clear one -or the other must give way soon.</p> -<p>Jeffrey Allen, about to go in search of Maida, saw -a wisp of smoke curling from the garage, which from -his seat on the north veranda was in plain view.</p> -<p>He ran toward the smoke, shouting “Fire!” as -he ran, and in a few minutes the garage was ablaze. -The servants gathered about, Mrs. Wheeler looked -from her bedroom window, and Keefe joined Allen -in attempts to subdue the flames.</p> -<p>And with the efficient help of two chauffeurs and -other willing workers the fire was soon reduced to a -smouldering heap of ashes.</p> -<p>Allen ran, then, to the den, to tell them there that -the danger was past.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_118">[118]</div> -<p>He entered to see Samuel Appleby dead in his -chair, with a bullet through his heart. Daniel -Wheeler stood beside him, gazing distractedly at the -dead man. Maida, white and trembling, was half -hidden as she stood just inside the curtains of -the window.</p> -<p>Not realizing that there was no hope of life, -Allen shouted for help, and tore open Appleby’s -coat to feel his heart.</p> -<p>“He’s quite dead,” he said, in an awe-stricken -tone. “But, we must get a doctor at once!”</p> -<p>“I’ll telephone,” spoke up Genevieve’s quiet -voice, and with her usual efficiency, she found the -number and called the doctor.</p> -<p>“Now the police?” she went on, as if such -matters belonged to her province.</p> -<p>“Certainly,” said Curtis Keefe, who stood by his -late employer, taking charge, by common consent.</p> -<p>“Who killed him?” said Genevieve, in a hushed -tone, as she left the telephone.</p> -<p>All looked from one to another, but nobody -replied.</p> -<p>Mrs. Wheeler came to the doorway.</p> -<p>“I knew it!” she cried; “the phantom bugler!”</p> -<p>“But the phantom bugler didn’t kill him,” said -Genevieve, “and we must find out who did!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_119">[119]</div> -<h2 id="c7"><span class="small">CHAPTER VII</span> -<br />INQUIRIES</h2> -<p>Late the same evening the Wheeler family and -their guests were gathered in the living-room. Much -had been done in the past few hours. The family -doctor had been there, the medical examiner had been -called and had given his report, and the police had -come and were still present.</p> -<p>Samuel Appleby, junior—though no longer to -be called by that designation—was expected at -any moment.</p> -<p>Two detectives were there, but one, Hallen by -name, said almost nothing, seeming content to listen, -while his colleague conducted the questioning of -the household.</p> -<p>Burdon, the talkative one, was a quick-thinking, -clear-headed chap, decided of manner and short -of speech.</p> -<p>“Now, look here,” he was saying, “this was an -inside job, of course. Might have been one of the -servants, or might have been any of you folks. How -many of you are ready to help me in my investigations -by telling all you know?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_120">[120]</div> -<p>“I thought we had to do that, whether we’re -ready to or not,” spoke up Genevieve, who was not -at all abashed by the presence of the authorities. -“Of course, we’ll all tell all we know—we want to -find the murderer just as much as you do.”</p> -<p>Keefe looked at her with a slight frown of -reproof, but said nothing. The others paid no attention -to the girl’s rather forward speech.</p> -<p>In fact, everybody seemed dazed and dumb. The -thing was so sudden and so awful—the possibilities -so many and so terrible—that each was aghast at -the situation.</p> -<p>The three Wheelers said nothing. Now and then -they looked at one another, but quickly looked away, -and preserved their unbroken silence.</p> -<p>Jeffrey Allen became the spokesman for them. -It seemed inevitable—for some one must answer the -first leading questions; and though Curtis Keefe -and Miss Lane were in Appleby’s employ, the detective -seemed more concerned with the Wheeler family.</p> -<p>“Bad blood, wasn’t there, between Mr. Appleby -and Mr. Wheeler?” Burdon inquired.</p> -<p>“They had not been friends for years,” Allen -replied, straightforwardly, for he felt sure there was -nothing to be gained by misrepresentation.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_121">[121]</div> -<p>“Huh! What was the trouble, Mr. Wheeler?”</p> -<p>Daniel Wheeler gave a start. Then, pulling himself -together, he answered slowly: “The trouble was -that Mr. Appleby and myself belonged to different -political parties, and when I opposed his election as -governor, he resented it, and a mutual enmity followed -which lasted ever since.”</p> -<p>“Did you kill Mr. Appleby?”</p> -<p>Wheeler looked at his questioner steadily, and -replied: “I have nothing to say.”</p> -<p>“That’s all right, you don’t have to incriminate -yourself.”</p> -<p>“He didn’t kill him!” cried Maida, unable to -keep still. “I was there, in the room—I could see -that he didn’t kill him!”</p> -<p>“Who did then?” and the detective turned -to her.</p> -<p>“I—I don’t know. I didn’t see who did it.”</p> -<p>“Are you sure, Miss? Better tell the truth.”</p> -<p>“I tell you I didn’t see—I didn’t see anything! -I had heard an alarm of fire, and I was wondering -where it was.”</p> -<p>“You didn’t get up and go to find out?”</p> -<p>“No—no, I stayed where I was.”</p> -<p>“Where were you?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_122">[122]</div> -<p>“In the window-seat—in the den.”</p> -<p>“Meaning the room where the shooting -occurred?”</p> -<p>“Yes. My father’s study.”</p> -<p>“And from where you sat, you could see the -whole affair?”</p> -<p>“I might have—if I had looked—but I didn’t. -I was reading.”</p> -<p>“Thought you were wondering about the fire?”</p> -<p>“Yes,” Maida was quite composed now. “I -raised my eyes from my book when I heard the -fire excitement.”</p> -<p>“What sort of excitement?”</p> -<p>“I heard people shouting, and I heard men running. -I was just about to go out toward the north -veranda, where the sounds came from, when I—— I -can’t go on!” and Maida broke down and wept.</p> -<p>“You must tell your story—maybe it’d be easier -now than later. Can’t you go on, Miss Wheeler?”</p> -<p>“There’s little to tell. I saw Mr. Appleby fall -over sideways——”</p> -<p>“Didn’t you hear the shot?”</p> -<p>“No—yes—I don’t know.” Maida looked at her -father, as if to gain help from his expression, but his -face showed only agonized concern for her.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_123">[123]</div> -<p>“Dear child,” he said, “tell the truth. Tell -just what you saw—or heard.”</p> -<p>“I didn’t hear anything—I mean the noise from -the people running to the fire so distracted my attention, -I heard no shot or any sound in the room. I -just saw Mr. Appleby fall over——”</p> -<p>“You’re not giving us a straight story, Miss -Wheeler,” said the detective, bluntly. “Seems to me -you’d better begin all over.”</p> -<p>“Seems to me you’d better cease questioning -Miss Wheeler,” said Curtis Keefe, looking sympathetically -at Maida; “she’s just about all in, and I -think she’s entitled to some consideration.”</p> -<p>“H’m. Pretty hard to find the right one to question. -Mrs. Wheeler, now—I’d rather not trouble her -too much.”</p> -<p>“Talk to me,” said Allen. “I can tell you the -facts, and you can draw your deductions afterward.”</p> -<p>“Me, too,” said Keefe. “Ask us the hard questions, -and then when you need to, inquire of the -Wheelers. Remember, they’re under great nervous -strain.”</p> -<p>“Well, then,” Burdon seemed willing to take the -advice, “you start in, Mr. Keefe. You’re Mr. -Appleby’s secretary, I believe?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_124">[124]</div> -<p>“Yes; we were on our way back to his home in -Stockfield—we expected to go there to-morrow.”</p> -<p>“You got any theory of the shooting?”</p> -<p>“I’ve nothing to found a theory on. I was out -at the garage helping to put out a small fire that -had started there.”</p> -<p>“How’d it start?”</p> -<p>“I don’t know. In the excitement that followed, -I never thought to inquire.”</p> -<p>“Tell your story of the excitement.”</p> -<p>“I was at the garage with Mr. Allen, and two -chauffeurs—the Wheelers’ man and Mr. Appleby’s -man. Together, and with the help of a gardener or -two, we put the fire out. Then Mr. Allen said: -‘Let’s go to the house and tell them there’s no danger. -They may be worried.’ Mr. Allen started off -and I followed. He preceded me into the den——”</p> -<p>“Then you tell what you saw there, Mr. Allen.”</p> -<p>“I saw, first of all,” began Jeffrey, “the figure -of Mr. Appleby sitting in a chair, near the middle of -the room. His head hung forward limply, and his -whole attitude was unnatural. The thought flashed -through my mind that he had had a stroke of some -sort, and I went to him—and I saw he was dead.”</p> -<p>“You knew that at once?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_125">[125]</div> -<p>“I judged so, from the look on his face and the -helpless attitude. Then I felt for his heart and found -it was still.”</p> -<p>“You a doctor?”</p> -<p>“No; but I’ve had enough experience to know -when a man is dead.”</p> -<p>“All right. What was Mr. Wheeler doing?”</p> -<p>“Nothing. He stood on the other side of the -room, gazing at his old friend.”</p> -<p>“And Miss Wheeler?”</p> -<p>“She, too, was looking at the scene. She stood -in the bay window.”</p> -<p>“I see. Now, Mr. Keefe, I believe you followed -close on Mr. Allen’s heels. Did you see the place—much -as he has described it?”</p> -<p>“Yes;” Keefe looked thoughtful. “Yes, I think -I can corroborate every word of his description.”</p> -<p>“All right. Now, Miss Lane, where were you?”</p> -<p>“I was at the fire. I followed the two men in, -and I saw the same situation they have told you of.”</p> -<p>Genevieve’s quiet, composed air was a relief after -the somewhat excited utterances of the others.</p> -<p>“What did you do?”</p> -<p>“I am accustomed to wait on Mr. Appleby, and -it seemed quite within my province that I should telephone -for help for him. I called the doctor—and -then I called the police station.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_126">[126]</div> -<p>“You don’t think you took a great deal on -yourself?”</p> -<p>Genevieve stared at him. “I do not think so. I -only think that I did my duty as I saw it, and in similar -circumstances I should do the same again.”</p> -<p>At this point the other detective was heard from.</p> -<p>“I would like to ask,” Hallen said, “what Mrs. -Wheeler meant by crying out that it was the work -of a ‘phantom burglar’?”</p> -<p>“Not burglar—bugler,” said Mrs. Wheeler, suddenly -alert.</p> -<p>“Bugler!” Hallen stared. “Please explain, -ma’am.”</p> -<p>“There is a tradition in my family,” Mrs. -Wheeler said, in a slow, sad voice, “that when a -member of the family is about to die, a phantom -bugler makes an appearance and sounds ‘taps’ on -his bugle. This phenomenon occurred last night.”</p> -<p>“Oh, no! Spooks! But Mr. Appleby is not a -member of your family.”</p> -<p>“No; but he was under our roof. And so I -know the warning was meant for him.”</p> -<p>“Well, well, we can’t waste time on such rubbish,” -interposed Burdon, “the bugle call had nothing -to do with the case.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_127">[127]</div> -<p>“How do you explain it, then?” asked Mrs. -Wheeler. “We all heard it, and there’s no bugler -about here.”</p> -<p>“Cut it out,” ordered Burdon. “Take up the -bugler business some other time, if you like—but we -must get down to brass tacks now.”</p> -<p>His proceedings were interrupted, however, by -the arrival of young Samuel Appleby.</p> -<p>The big man came in and a sudden hush fell upon -the group.</p> -<p>Daniel Wheeler rose—and put out a tentative -hand, then half withdrew it as if he feared it would -not be accepted.</p> -<p>Hallen watched this closely. He strongly suspected -Wheeler was the murderer, but he had no -intention of getting himself in bad by jumping at -the conclusion.</p> -<p>However, Appleby grasped the hand of his host -as if he had no reason for not doing so.</p> -<p>“I’m sorry, sir, you should have had this tragedy -beneath your roof,” he said.</p> -<p>Hallen listened curiously. It was strange he -should adopt an apologetic tone, as if Wheeler -had been imposed upon.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_128">[128]</div> -<p>“Our sorrow is all for you, Sam,” Dan Wheeler -returned, and then as Appleby passed on to greet -Maida and her mother, Wheeler sank back in his -chair and was again lost in thought.</p> -<p>The whole scene was one of constraint. Appleby -merely nodded to Genevieve, and spoke a few words -to Keefe, and then asked to see his father.</p> -<p>On his return to the living-room, he had a slightly -different air. He was a little more dictatorial, more -ready to advise what to do.</p> -<p>“The circumstances are distressing,” he said, -“and I know, Mr. Wheeler, you will agree with me -that we should take my father back to his home as -soon as possible.</p> -<p>“That will be done to-morrow morning—as soon -as the necessary formalities can be attended to. Now, -anything I can do for you people, must be -done to-night.”</p> -<p>“You can do a lot,” said Burdon. “You can -help us pick out the murderer—for, I take it, you -want justice done?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_129">[129]</div> -<p>“Yes—yes, of course.” Appleby looked surprised. -“Of course I want this deed avenged. But -I can’t help in the matter. I understand you suspect -some one of the—the household. Now, I shall never -be willing to accuse any one of this deed. If it can be -proved the work of an outsider—a burglar or highwayman—or -intruder of any sort, I am ready to -prosecute—but if suspicion rests on—on anyone I -know—I shall keep out of it.”</p> -<p>“You can’t do that, Mr. Appleby,” said Hallen; -“you’ve got to tell all you know.”</p> -<p>“But I don’t know anything! I wasn’t here!”</p> -<p>“You know about motives,” Hallen said, doggedly. -“Tell us now, who bore your father any -ill-will, and also had opportunity to do the shooting?”</p> -<p>“I shan’t pretend I don’t know what you’re -driving at,” and Appleby spoke sternly, “but I’ve no -idea that Mr. Daniel Wheeler did this deed. I know -he and my father were not on friendly terms, but -you need more evidence than that to accuse a man -of murder.”</p> -<p>“We’ll look after the evidence,” Hallen assured -him. “All you need tell about is the enmity between -the two men.”</p> -<p>“An enmity of fifteen years’ standing,” Appleby -said, slowly, “is not apt to break out in sudden flame -of crime. I am not a judge nor am I a detective, -but until Mr. Wheeler himself confesses to the deed, -I shall never believe he shot my father.”</p> -<p>Wheeler looked at the speaker in a sort of -dumb wonder.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_130">[130]</div> -<p>Maida gazed at him with eyes full of thankfulness, -and the others were deeply impressed by the -just, even noble, attitude of the son of the victim -of the tragedy.</p> -<p>But Hallen mused over this thing. He wondered -why Appleby took such an unusual stand, and decided -there was something back of it about which -he knew nothing as yet. And he determined to -find out.</p> -<p>“We can get in touch with you at any time, Mr. -Appleby?” he asked.</p> -<p>“Oh, yes, of course. After a few days—after -my father’s funeral, I will be at your disposal. But -as I’ve said, I know nothing that would be of any -use as evidence. Do you need to keep Mr. Keefe -and Miss Lane for any reason?”</p> -<p>“Why, I don’t think so,” the detective said. -“Not longer than to-morrow, anyhow. I’ll take -their depositions, but they have little testimony to -give. However, you’re none of you very far away.”</p> -<p>“No; you can always get us at Stockfield. Mr. -Keefe will probably be willing to stay on and settle -up my father’s affairs, and I know we shall be -glad of Miss Lane’s services for a time.” Appleby -glanced at the two as he spoke, and they nodded.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_131">[131]</div> -<p>“Well, we’re going to stay right here,” and -Burdon spoke decidedly. “Whatever the truth of -the matter may be, it’s clear to be seen that suspicion -must naturally point toward the Wheeler family, or -some intruder. Though how an intruder could get -in the room, unseen by either Mr. Wheeler or his -daughter, is pretty inexplicable. But those things -we’re here to find out. And we’ll do it, Mr. -Appleby. I’m taking it for granted you want the -criminal found?”</p> -<p>“Oh—I say, Mr.—er—Burdon, have a little common -decency! Don’t come at me with questions of -that sort, when I’m just about knocked out with this -whole fearful occurrence! Have a heart, man, give -me time to realize my loss, before you talk to me -of avenging it!”</p> -<p>“That’s right,” said Curt Keefe. “I think Mr. -Appleby deserves more consideration. Suppose we -excuse him for the night.”</p> -<p>Somewhat reluctantly the detective was brought -to consent, and then Daniel Wheeler asked that he -and his wife and daughter also be excused from -further grilling that night.</p> -<p>“We’re not going to run away,” he said, pathetically. -“We’ll meet you in the morning, Mr. Burdon, -but please realize our stunned condition at present.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_132">[132]</div> -<p>“My mother must be excused,” Maida put in. -“I am sure she can stand no more,” and with a -solicitous care, she assisted Mrs. Wheeler to rise -from her chair.</p> -<p>“Yes, I am ill,” the elder woman said, and so -white and weak did she look that no one could doubt -her word.</p> -<p>The three Wheelers went to their room, and -Genevieve Lane went off with them, leaving Allen -and Keefe, with Sam Appleby, to face the two detectives’ -fire of questions.</p> -<p>“You vamoose, too, Sam,” Keefe advised. -“There’s no use in your staying here and listening -to harrowing details. Mr. Allen and I will have a -talk with the detectives, and you can talk to-morrow -morning, if you wish.”</p> -<p>“All right,” and Appleby rose. “But, look here, -Keefe. I loved and respected my father, and I -revere his memory—and, yes, I want justice done—of -course, but, all the same, if Wheeler shot dad, -I don’t want that poor old chap prosecuted. You -know, I never fully sympathized with father’s treatment -of him, and I’d like to make amends to Wheeler -by giving him the benefit of the doubt—if it can -be done.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_133">[133]</div> -<p>“It can’t be done!” declared Burdon, unwilling -to agree to this heresy. “The law can’t be set aside -by personal sympathy, Mr. Appleby!”</p> -<p>“Well, I only said, if it can be,” and the man -wearily turned and left the room.</p> -<p>“Now, then,” said Keefe, “let’s talk this thing -out. I know your position, Allen, and I’m sorry for -you. And I want to say, right now, if I can help in -any way, I will. I like the Wheelers, and I must -say I subscribe to the ideas of Sam Appleby. But -all that’s up to the detectives. I’ve got to go away -to-morrow, so I’m going to ask you, Mr. Burdon, to -get through with me to-night. I’ve lots to do at the -other end of the route, and I must get busy. But I -do want to help here, too. So, at any rate, fire your -questions at me—that is, if you know what you want -to ask.”</p> -<p>“I’ll ask one, right off, Mr. Keefe,” and Hallen -spoke mildly but straightforwardly. “Can you give -me any fact or suggest to me any theory that points -toward any one but Mr. Daniel Wheeler as the -murderer of Samuel Appleby?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_134">[134]</div> -<p>Curtis Keefe was dismayed. What could he -reply to this very definite question? A negative answer -implicated Wheeler at once—while a “yes,” -would necessitate the disclosure of another suspect. -And Keefe was not blind to the fact that Hallen’s -eyes had strayed more than once toward Maida -Wheeler with a curious glance.</p> -<p>Quickly making up his mind, Keefe returned: -“No fact, but a theory based on my disbelief in -Mr. Wheeler’s guilt, and implying the intrusion of -some murderous-minded person.”</p> -<p>“Meaning some marauder?” Hallen looked -disdainful.</p> -<p>“Some intruder,” Keefe said. “I don’t know -who, or for what reason, but I don’t think it fair -to accuse Mr. Wheeler without investigating every -possible alternative.”</p> -<p>“There are several alternatives,” Burdon declared; -“I may as well say right out, that I’ve no -more definite suspicion of Mr. Wheeler than I have -of Mrs. Wheeler or Miss Wheeler.”</p> -<p>“What!” and Jeffrey Allen looked almost murderous -himself.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_135">[135]</div> -<p>“Don’t get excited, sir. It’s my business to suspect. -Suspicion is not accusation. You must admit -all three of the Wheeler family had a motive. That -is, they would, one and all, have been glad to be released -from the thrall in which Mr. Appleby held -them. And no one else present had a motive! I -might suspect you, Mr. Allen, but that you were at -the fire at the time, according to the direct testimony -of Mr. Keefe.”</p> -<p>“Oh, yes, we were at the fire, all right,” Allen -agreed, “and I’d knock you down for saying to me -what you did, only you are justified. I would far -rather be suspected of the murder of Mr. Appleby -than to have any of the Wheelers suspected. But -owing to Keefe’s being an eye-witness of me at the -time, I can’t falsify about it. However, you may -set it right down that none of the three Wheelers -did do it, and I’ll prove it!”</p> -<p>“Go to it, Allen,” Keefe cried. “I’ll help.”</p> -<p>“You’re two loyal friends of the Wheeler family,” -said Hallen in his quiet way, “but you can’t -put anything over. There’s no way out. I know -all about the governor’s pardon and all that. I -know the feud between the two men was beyond all -hope of patching up. And I know that to-night had -brought about a climax that had to result in tragedy. -If Wheeler hadn’t killed Appleby—Appleby would -have killed Wheeler.”</p> -<p>“Self-defence?” asked Allen.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_136">[136]</div> -<p>“No, sir, not that. But one or the other had to -be out of the running. I know the whole story, and -I know what men will do in a political crisis that they -wouldn’t dream of at any other time. Wheeler’s the -guilty party—unless—well, unless that daughter of -his——”</p> -<p>“Hush!” cried Allen. “I won’t stand for it!”</p> -<p>“I only meant that the girl’s great love and -loyalty to her father might have made her lose -her head——”</p> -<p>“No; she didn’t do it,” said Allen, more quietly. -“Oh, I say, man, let’s try to find this intruder that -Mr. Keefe has——”</p> -<p>“Has invented!” put in Burdon. “No, gentlemen, -they ain’t no such animile! Now, you tell me -over again, while I take it down, just what you two -saw when you came to the door of that den, as they -call it.”</p> -<p>And so Allen and Keefe reluctantly, but truthfully, -again detailed the scene that met their eyes as -they returned from the fire they had put out.</p> -<p>“The case is only too plain,” declared Burdon, as -he snapped a rubber band over his notebook. -“Sorry, gentlemen, but your story leaves no loophole -for any other suspect than one of the three -Wheelers. Good-night.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_137">[137]</div> -<h2 id="c8"><span class="small">CHAPTER VIII</span> -<br />CONFESSION</h2> -<p>Before Sam Appleby left the next morning, he -confided to Keefe that he had little if any faith in the -detective prowess of the two men investigating -the case.</p> -<p>“When I come back,” he said, “I may bring a -real detective, and—I may not. I want to think this -thing over first—and, though I may be a queer -Dick, I’m not sure I want the slayer of my -father found.”</p> -<p>“I see,” and Keefe nodded his head understandingly.</p> -<p>But Jeffrey Allen demurred. “You say that, Mr. -Appleby, because you think one of the Wheeler -family is the guilty party. But I know better. I -know them so well——”</p> -<p>“Not as well as I do,” interrupted Appleby, “and -neither do you know all the points of the feud that -has festered for so many years. If you’ll take my -advice, Mr. Allen, you’ll delay action until my return, -at least.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_138">[138]</div> -<p>“The detectives won’t do that,” objected Jeffrey.</p> -<p>“The detectives will run round in circles and get -nowhere,” scoffed Appleby. “I shall be back as soon -as possible, and I don’t mind telling you now that -there will be no election campaign for me.”</p> -<p>“What!” exclaimed Curtis Keefe. “You’re out -of the running?”</p> -<p>“Positively! I may take it up again some other -year, but this campaign will not include my name.”</p> -<p>“My gracious!” exclaimed Genevieve, who -knew a great deal about current politics. “Who’ll -take your place?”</p> -<p>“A dark horse, likely,” returned Appleby, speaking -in an absorbed, preoccupied manner, as if caring -little who fell heir to his candidacy.</p> -<p>“I don’t agree with you, Mr. Appleby,” spoke up -Jeff Allen, “as to the inefficiency of the two men on -this case. Seems to me they’re doing all they can, -and I can’t help thinking they may get at the truth.”</p> -<p>“All right, if they get at the truth, but it’s my -opinion that the truth of this matter is not going to be -so easily discovered, and those two bunglers may do -a great deal of harm. Good-bye, Maida, keep up a -good heart, my girl.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_139">[139]</div> -<p>The group on the veranda said good-bye to Sam -Appleby, and he turned back as he stepped into the -car to say:</p> -<p>“I’ll be back as soon as the funeral is over, and -until then, be careful what you say—all of you.”</p> -<p>He looked seriously at Maida, but his glance -turned toward the den where Mr. Wheeler sat -in solitude.</p> -<p>“I heard him,” stormed Burdon, as the car drove -away, and the detective came around the corner of -the veranda. “I heard what he said about me and -Hallen. Well, we’ll show him! Of course, the -reason he talks like that——”</p> -<p>“Don’t tell us the reason just now,” interrupted -Keefe. “We men will have a little session of our -own, without the ladies present. There’s no call -for their participation in our talk.”</p> -<p>“That’s right,” said Allen. “Maida, you and -Miss Lane run away, and we’ll go to the den for -a chat.”</p> -<p>“No, not there,” objected Burdon. “Come over -and sit under the big sycamore.”</p> -<p>And so, beneath the historic tree, the three men -sat down for a serious talk. Hallen soon joined -them, but he said little.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_140">[140]</div> -<p>“I’m leaving myself, soon after noon,” said -Keefe. “I’ll be back in a day or two, but there are -matters of importance connected with Mr. Appleby’s -estate that must be looked after.”</p> -<p>“I should think there must be!” exclaimed -Burdon. “I don’t see how you can leave to come -back very soon.”</p> -<p>Keefe reddened slightly, for the real reason for -his intended return was centred in Maida Wheeler’s -charm, to which he had incontinently succumbed. -He knew Allen was her suitor, but his nature was -such that he believed in his own powers of persuasion -to induce the girl to transfer her affections to his -more desirable self.</p> -<p>But he only looked thoughtfully at Burdon and -said: “There are matters here, also, that require -attention in Mr. Appleby’s interests.”</p> -<p>“Well,” Burdon went on, “as to the murder, -there’s no doubt that it was the work of one of the -three Wheelers. Nobody else had any reason to wish -old Appleby out of the world.”</p> -<p>“You forget me,” said Allen, in a tense voice. -“My interests are one with the Wheelers. If they -had such a motive as you ascribe to them—I had -the same.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_141">[141]</div> -<p>“Don’t waste time in such talk,” said Curt Keefe. -“I saw you, Allen, at the fire during the whole time -that covered the opportunity for the murder.”</p> -<p>“Of course,” agreed Burdon, “I’ve looked into -all that. And so, as I say, it must have been one -member of the Wheeler family, for there’s no one -else to suspect.”</p> -<p>“Including Mrs. Wheeler,” quietly put in Hallen.</p> -<p>“How absurd!” flared out Allen. “It’s bad -enough to suspect the other two, but to think of Mrs. -Wheeler is ridiculous!”</p> -<p>“Not at all,” said Burdon, “she had the same -motive—she had opportunity——”</p> -<p>“How do you know?” asked Keefe.</p> -<p>“She ran down from her room at that very moment,” -stated Burdon. “I have the testimony of -one of the upstairs maids, and, also, I believe Miss -Wheeler saw her mother in the den.”</p> -<p>“Look here,” said Hallen, in his slow, drawling -tones, “let’s reconstruct the situation. You two -men were at the fire—that much is certain—so you -can’t be suspected. But all three of the Wheelers -had absolute opportunity, and they had motive. -Now, as I look at it—one of those three was the -criminal, and the other two saw the deed. Wherefore, -the two onlookers will do all they can to shield -the murderer.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_142">[142]</div> -<p>Keefe stared at him. “You really believe that!” -he said.</p> -<p>“Sure I do! Nobody else had either motive or -opportunity. I don’t for one minute believe in an -outsider. Who could happen along at that particular -moment, get away with the shooting, and then get -away himself?”</p> -<p>“Why, it could have been done,” mused Keefe, -and Allen broke in eagerly:</p> -<p>“Of course it could! There’s nothing to prove -it impossible.”</p> -<p>“You two say that, because you want it to be -that way,” said Burdon, smiling at the two young -men. “That’s all right—you’re both friends of the -family, and can’t bear to suspect any one of them. -But facts remain. Now, let’s see which of the three -it most likely was.”</p> -<p>“The old man,” declared Hallen, promptly.</p> -<p>“Nonsense!” cried Allen. “Mr. Wheeler is incapable -of a deed like that! Why, I’ve known him -for years——”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_143">[143]</div> -<p>“Don’t talk about incapable of anything!” said -Burdon. “Most murderers are people whom their -friends consider ‘incapable of such a deed.’ A man -who is generally adjudged ‘capable’ of it is not found -in polite society.”</p> -<p>“Where’s the weapon,” asked Keefe, abruptly, -“if Mr. Wheeler did it?”</p> -<p>“Where’s the weapon, whoever did it?” countered -Burdon. “The weapon hasn’t been found, -though I’ve hunted hard. But that helps to prove -it one of the family, for they would know where to -hide a revolver securely.”</p> -<p>“If it was Mr. Wheeler, he’d have to hide it in -the den,” said Allen. “He never goes over to the -other side of the house, you know.”</p> -<p>“It isn’t in the den,” Hallen spoke positively; -“I hunted that myself.”</p> -<p>“You seem sure of your statement,” said Keefe. -“Couldn’t you have overlooked it?”</p> -<p>“Positively not.”</p> -<p>“No, he couldn’t,” concurred Burdon. “Hallen’s -a wonderful hunter. If that revolver had been -hidden in the den, he’d have found it. That’s why I -think it was Mrs. Wheeler, and she took it back to -her own rooms.”</p> -<p>“Oh, not Mrs. Wheeler!” groaned Jeff Allen. -“That dear, sweet woman couldn’t——”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_144">[144]</div> -<p>“Incapable of murder, I s’pose!” ironically said -Burdon. “Let me tell you, sir, many a time a dear, -sweet woman has done extraordinary things for the -sake of her husband or children.”</p> -<p>“But what motive would Mrs. Wheeler have?”</p> -<p>“The same as the others. Appleby was a thorn -in their flesh, an enemy of many years’ standing. -And I’ve heard hints of another reason for the family’s -hating him, besides that conditional pardon business. -But no matter about that now. What I want -is evidence against somebody—against one of three -suspects. Until I get some definite evidence I can’t -tell which of the three is most likely the one.”</p> -<p>“Seems to me the fact that Mrs. Wheeler ran -downstairs and back again is enough to indicate some -pretty close questioning of her,” suggested Hallen.</p> -<p>“Oh, please,” begged Allen, “she’s <i>so</i> upset and -distracted——”</p> -<p>“Of course she is. But that’s the reason we must -ask her about it now. When she gets calmed down, -and gets a fine yarn concocted, there’ll be small use -asking her anything!”</p> -<p>“I’d tackle the old man first,” said Hallen; “I -think, on general principles, he’s the one to make -inquiries of before you go to the ladies. Let’s go to -him now.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_145">[145]</div> -<p>“No;” proposed Burdon, “let’s send for him to -come here. This is away from the house, and we can -talk more freely.”</p> -<p>“I’ll go for him,” offered Allen, seeing they were -determined to carry out their plan.</p> -<p>“Not much!” said Burdon. “You’re just aching -to put a flea in his ear! You go for him, Hallen.”</p> -<p>The detective went to the house, and returned -with Daniel Wheeler at his side.</p> -<p>The suspected man stood straight and held himself -fearlessly. Not an old man, he was grayed -with care and trouble, but this morning he seemed -strong and alert as any of them.</p> -<p>“Put your questions,” he said, briefly, as he -seated himself on one of the many seats beneath the -old sycamore.</p> -<p>“First of all, who do you think killed Samuel -Appleby?”</p> -<p>This question was shot at him by Burdon, and all -waited in silence for the answer.</p> -<p>“I killed him myself,” was the straightforward -reply.</p> -<p>“That settles it,” said Hallen, “it was one of -the women.”</p> -<p>“What do you mean by that?” cried Wheeler, -turning quickly toward the speaker.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_146">[146]</div> -<p>“I mean, that either your wife or daughter did -the deed, and you are taking the crime on yourself -to save her.”</p> -<p>“No;” reasserted Dan Wheeler, “you’re wrong. -I killed Appleby for good and sufficient reason. I’m -not sorry, and I accept my fate.”</p> -<p>“Wait a minute,” said Hallen, as Keefe was -about to protest; “where was your daughter, Miss -Maida, when you killed your man?”</p> -<p>“I—I don’t know. I think she had gone to the -fire—which had just broken out.”</p> -<p>“You’re not sure——”</p> -<p>“I am not.”</p> -<p>“She had been with you, in the den?”</p> -<p>“I don’t know.”</p> -<p>“Well, I know. She had. She had been sitting -in her favorite window-seat, in the large bay, and -was there while you and Mr. Appleby were talking -together. Also, she did not leave the room to go to -the fire, for no one saw her anywhere near the burning -garage.”</p> -<p>“As to that, I can’t say,” went on Wheeler, -slowly, “but she was not in the den, to my knowledge, -at the time of the shooting.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_147">[147]</div> -<p>“Very well, let that pass. Now, then, Mr. -Wheeler, if you shot Mr. Appleby, what did you -afterward do with your revolver?”</p> -<p>“I—I don’t know.” The man’s face was convincing. -His frank eyes testified to the truth of his -words. “I assure you, I don’t know. I was so—so -bewildered—that I must have dropped it—somewhere. -I never thought of it again.”</p> -<p>“But if you had merely dropped it, it must have -been found. And it hasn’t been.”</p> -<p>“Somebody else found it and secreted it,” suggested -Hallen. “Probably Mr. Wheeler’s wife -or daughter.”</p> -<p>“Perhaps so,” assented Wheeler, calmly. “They -might have thought to help me by secreting it. Have -you asked them?”</p> -<p>“Yes, and they deny all knowledge of it.”</p> -<p>“So do I. But surely it will be found.”</p> -<p>“It must be found. And, therefore, it is imperative -that the rooms of the ladies as well as your own -rooms, sir, be thoroughly searched.”</p> -<p>“All right—go ahead and search!” Wheeler -spoke sharply. “I’ve confessed the crime, now waste -no time in useless chattering. Get the evidence, get -the proofs, and let the law take its course.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_148">[148]</div> -<p>“You will not leave the premises,” put in Hallen, -and his tone was that of command rather than -inquiry.</p> -<p>“I most certainly shall not,” declared Wheeler. -“But I do ask you, gentlemen, to trouble and -annoy my wife and daughter as little as possible. -Their grief is sufficient reason for their being -let alone.”</p> -<p>“H’m,” grunted Burdon. “Well, sir, I can -promise not to trouble the ladies more than is necessary—but -I can’t help feeling necessity will demand -a great deal.”</p> -<p>Mrs. Wheeler was next interviewed, and the -confab took place in her own sitting-room.</p> -<p>None of her family was allowed to be present, -and the four men filed into the room with various -expressions of face. The two detectives were stolid-looking, -but eagerly determined to do their work, -while Allen and Keefe were alertly interested in -finding out some way to be of help to Mrs. Wheeler.</p> -<p>She received the men quietly, even graciously, -sensing what they had come for.</p> -<p>“To start with, Mrs. Wheeler,” said Burdon, -frankly but not unkindly, “who do you think killed -Mr. Appleby?”</p> -<p>“Oh—I don’t know—I don’t know,” she wailed, -losing her calm and becoming greatly agitated.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_149">[149]</div> -<p>“Where were you when the shot was fired?” -asked Hallen.</p> -<p>“I don’t know—I didn’t hear it——”</p> -<p>“Then you were up in your own room?”</p> -<p>“I suppose so—I don’t know.”</p> -<p>“You were up there when the fire broke out?”</p> -<p>“Yes—I think I was——”</p> -<p>“But you must know, Mrs. Wheeler—that is, -you must know where you were when you first heard -of the fire——”</p> -<p>“Yes, yes; I was up in my bedroom.”</p> -<p>“And who told you of the fire?”</p> -<p>“My maid—Rachel.”</p> -<p>“And then what did you do?”</p> -<p>“I—I—I don’t remember.”</p> -<p>“You ran downstairs, didn’t you?”</p> -<p>“I don’t remember——”</p> -<p>“Yes, you did!” Burdon took up the reins. -“You ran downstairs, and just as you got down to -the den you saw—you saw your husband shoot -Mr. Appleby!”</p> -<p>His harsh manner, as he intended, frightened -the nervous woman, and reduced her to the verge -of collapse.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_150">[150]</div> -<p>But after a gasping moment, she recovered herself, -and cried out: “I did not! I shot Mr. Appleby -myself. That’s why I’m so agitated.”</p> -<p>“I knew it!” exclaimed Burdon. “Mr. -Wheeler’s confession was merely to save his wife. -Now, Mrs. Wheeler, I believe your story, and I -want all the particulars. First, why did you -kill him?”</p> -<p>“Be—because he was my husband’s enemy—and -I had stood it as long as I could.”</p> -<p>“H’m. And what did you do with the weapon -you used?”</p> -<p>“I threw it out of the window.”</p> -<p>“And it dropped on the lawn?”</p> -<p>“Not dropped; I threw it far out—as far as -I could.”</p> -<p>“Oh, I see. Out of which window?”</p> -<p>“Why—why, the one in the den—the bay -window.”</p> -<p>“But your daughter—Miss Maida—was sitting -in the bay window.”</p> -<p>“No, she was not,” Mrs. Wheeler spoke emphatically -now. “She was not in the room at all. -She had gone to the fire.”</p> -<p>“Oh, is that so? And then—what happened -next?”</p> -<p>“Why—nothing. I—I ran upstairs again.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_151">[151]</div> -<p>“Appalled at what you had done?”</p> -<p>“Not appalled—so much as—as——”</p> -<p>“Unnerved?”</p> -<p>“Yes; unnerved. I fell on my bed, and Rachel -looked after me.”</p> -<p>“Ah, yes; we will interview Rachel, and so save -you further harrowing details. Come on, men, let’s -strike while these irons are hot.”</p> -<p>The four filed from the room, and Burdon spoke -in a low tone, but excitedly:</p> -<p>“Come quickly! There goes Miss Maida across -the lawn. We will take her next. The maid, Rachel, -can wait.”</p> -<p>Inwardly rebelling, but urged on by the others, -Jeff Allen went along, and as Burdon stopped Maida, -on her quick walk across the lawn, Jeff put his arm -through that of the girl, and said: “Do as they tell -you, dear. It’s best to have this matter settled -at once.”</p> -<p>Again the party grouped themselves under the old -sycamore, and this time Maida was the target for -their queries.</p> -<p>“Tell me all you know of the case,” she said, -peremptorily; “then I’ll tell you what I know.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_152">[152]</div> -<p>“We know that the murder was committed by -one of you three Wheelers,” said Burdon, brutally. -“Now, both your parents have confessed to being -the criminal——”</p> -<p>“What?” Maida cried, her face white and her -eyes big and frightened.</p> -<p>“Yes, ma’am, just that! Now, what have you -to say? Are you going to confess also?”</p> -<p>“Of course I am! For I am the real criminal! -Can’t you see that my father and mother are both -trying to shield me? I did it, because of that awful -man’s hold on my father! Take my confession, and -do with me what you will!”</p> -<p>“Here’s a state of things!” cried Burdon, truly -surprised at this new development.</p> -<p>“The girl is telling the truth,” exclaimed Curtis -Keefe, not because he really thought so but his quick -mind told him that it would be easier to get a young -girl acquitted than an older person, and he saw the -plausibility of the detectives’ theory that it must have -been one of the three Wheelers.</p> -<p>“All right,” Burdon went on, “then, Miss -Wheeler, enlighten us as to details. Where’s -the weapon?”</p> -<p>“I don’t have to tell you anything except that I -did it. Do I, Jeffrey? Do I, Mr. Keefe?” She -looked at these two for help.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_153">[153]</div> -<p>“No, Miss Wheeler,” Keefe assured her, “you -needn’t say a word without legal advice.”</p> -<p>“But, Maida,” Jeffrey groaned, “you didn’t -do it—you know! You couldn’t have!”</p> -<p>“Yes, I did, Jeff.” Maida’s eyes were glittering, -and her voice was steady. “Of course I did. -I’d do anything to save father from any more persecution -by that man! And there was to be more! -Oh, don’t let me talk! I mustn’t!”</p> -<p>“No, you mustn’t,” agreed Keefe. “Now, Burdon, -you’ve got three confessions! What are you -going to do with them?”</p> -<p>“Going to find out which is the true one,” answered -Burdon, with a dogged expression. “I knew -all the time it was one of the three, and I’m not surprised -that the other two are willing to perjure themselves -to save the criminal.”</p> -<p>“Also, there may have been collusion,” suggested -Hallen.</p> -<p>“Of course,” the other agreed. “But we’ll find -out. The whole thing rests among the three. They -must not be allowed to escape——”</p> -<p>“I’ve no intention of running away!” said -Maida, proudly.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_154">[154]</div> -<p>“No one will run away,” opined Hallen, sagaciously. -“The criminal will stand by the other two, -and the other two will stand by him.”</p> -<p>“Or her, as the case may be,” supplemented -Burdon.</p> -<p>“Her,” Maida assured him. “In the first place, -my mother was upstairs in her own room, and my -father was not in the den at the time. I was -there alone.”</p> -<p>“Oh, yes, your father was in the den,” cried -Jeffrey, imploringly.</p> -<p>“No,” said Maida, not catching his meaning.</p> -<p>But Hallen caught it.</p> -<p>“Where was Mr. Wheeler?” he asked.</p> -<p>“I—I don’t know,” Maida said.</p> -<p>“Well, if he wasn’t in the den, and if he wasn’t -upstairs, maybe he was in the big living-room, looking -out at the fire.”</p> -<p>“Yes—yes, I think he was!” Maida agreed.</p> -<p>“Then,” Hallen went on, “then, Mr. Wheeler -broke his parole—and is due for punishment.”</p> -<p>“Oh, no,” Maida moaned, seeing where her statements -had led. “I—I guess he was in the den—after -all.”</p> -<p>“And I guess you’re making up as you go along,” -opined Mr. Hallen.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_155">[155]</div> -<h2 id="c9"><span class="small">CHAPTER IX</span> -<br />COUNTER-CONFESSIONS</h2> -<p>Before Keefe went away, young Allen had a -serious talk with him.</p> -<p>“I want to ask your advice,” Allen said; “shall -I confess to that crime?”</p> -<p>“Man alive, what are you talking about?” Keefe -cried, astounded at the suggestion.</p> -<p>“Talking sense,” Jeffrey stoutly asserted. “I -don’t believe any one of those three did it—they’re -saying they did to shield one another—and so——”</p> -<p>“And so, you want to get into the game!” Keefe -smiled at him. “You’re very young, my boy, to -think such crude methods would get over, even with -such muffs as those two booby sleuths! No, Allen, -don’t add another perjury that can be of no possible -use. You didn’t do the killing, did you?”</p> -<p>“Of course not! But neither did the Wheelers!”</p> -<p>“No one of them?”</p> -<p>“Certainly not.”</p> -<p>“Who did, then?”</p> -<p>“I don’t know; but you yourself insisted on -some marauder.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_156">[156]</div> -<p>“Only to get suspicion away from the family. -But there’s no hope of finding any evidence of an -outside job. You see, I’ve made some inquiries -myself, and the servants’ tales make it pretty sure -that no intruder could have been here. So, the -Wheelers are the only suspects left.”</p> -<p>“And am I not as good for a suspect as they -are—if I make due confession?”</p> -<p>“No, Allen, you’re not. You’re in love with -Miss Maida——”</p> -<p>“I’m engaged to her!”</p> -<p>“All right; don’t you see, then, the absurdity -of expecting any one to believe that you, a decent, -law-abiding young citizen, would commit a murder -which would positively render impossible a marriage -with the girl you love?”</p> -<p>“I didn’t think of that!”</p> -<p>“Of course you didn’t. But that would make it -unlikely that those detectives would believe your tale -for a moment. No, it’s ridiculous for any more -people to confess to this murder. Three avowed -criminals are quite enough for the crime!”</p> -<p>“But none of them really did it.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_157">[157]</div> -<p>“How you harp on that string! Now, look here, -Allen, I’m as loath to believe it as you are, but we -must face facts. Those three people had motive and -opportunity. Moreover, they’re a most united family, -and if any one thought either of the other two -guilty, that one is quite capable of falsely avowing -the crime.”</p> -<p>“Yes—I see that”—Allen spoke impatiently. -“What I want to know is, what we’re going to do -about it?”</p> -<p>“There I can’t advise you. I have to get away -now, but, as I said, I’ll return. I’ve more than a -little taste for investigation myself, and when I come -back, I’ve no doubt I can hel——”</p> -<p>“But—Keefe—I don’t want you to help—to investigate—if -it’s going to prove anything on any -of the Wheelers.”</p> -<p>“But you believe them innocent!”</p> -<p>“Yes; but crime has been fastened on the -innocent.”</p> -<p>“Look here, Allen, you do believe them innocent—but -you fear your belief is a mistaken one!”</p> -<p>“God help me, I do fear that, Keefe! Oh, what -can we do?”</p> -<p>“It’s a bad lookout! All I can say now, is, to -preserve a non-committal demeanor, and keep things -stationary as much as you can. Maybe when I come -back, we can—well, at least muddle things so——”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_158">[158]</div> -<p>“Complicate the evidence! So that it won’t -indicate——”</p> -<p>“Be careful now! You know what compounding -a felony means, don’t you? Oh, Allen, you’re so -young and impulsive, and the Wheelers are so emotional -and indiscreet, I wonder what will happen -before I get back!”</p> -<p>“Somebody ought to be in charge here.”</p> -<p>“Yes, some good lawyer, or some level-headed -person who would hold back those fool detectives, -and look out for the interests of the Wheelers.”</p> -<p>“I wish you could stay.”</p> -<p>“I wish so, too, but I’ll do all I can to return -quickly. And Mr. Wheeler ought to be able to look -after his own affairs!”</p> -<p>“I know he ought to—but he isn’t. Also, I ought -to, but I’m not!”</p> -<p>“Yes you are, Jeffrey,” cried Maida, who had -happened along in time to hear the young man’s -depreciation of himself.</p> -<p>“Hello, Maida,” he turned to her. “What did -you mean by making up that string of falsehoods?”</p> -<p>“Don’t talk about it, Jeff,” and the girl’s face -went white. “If you do, I shall go mad!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_159">[159]</div> -<p>“I don’t wonder, Miss Wheeler,” said Keefe, -sympathetically. “Now, as I’ve just told Allen, -I’m coming back as soon as I can make it, and until -I do, won’t you try to hold off those men? Don’t -let them pound you and your parents into admissions -better left unmade. I’m not asking you any -questions, I’ve no right to, but I beg of you to -keep your own counsel. If you are shielding someone, -say as little as possible. If you are guilty -yourself, say nothing.”</p> -<p>“‘Guilty herself!’ You’ve no right to say such -a thing!” Allen cried out.</p> -<p>“Of course I have,” Keefe returned, “when I -heard Miss Wheeler avow the crime! But I must -go now. Here’s the car. Good-bye, both of you, -and—Miss Wheeler, if I may advise, don’t confide -too much—in anybody.”</p> -<p>The last words were spoken in an aside, and if -Allen heard them he gave no sign. He bade Keefe -good-bye with a preoccupied air, and as others joined -them then, he waited till the car started, and then -took Maida’s arm and led her away, toward -the garden.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_160">[160]</div> -<p>Miss Lane, of course, went with Keefe, and as -the girls parted Maida had suddenly felt a sense -of loneliness.</p> -<p>“I liked Genevieve a lot,” she said to Allen, as -they walked away.</p> -<p>“I didn’t,” he returned.</p> -<p>“Oh, Jeff, you are so quick to take prejudices -against people. I don’t mean I’m specially fond of -Genevieve, but she was kind to me, and now I do -seem so alone.”</p> -<p>“Alone, Maida? When you have your parents -and me? What do you mean?”</p> -<p>“I can’t tell you, exactly, but I seem to want -someone—someone with wide experience and educated -judgment—to whom I can go for advice.”</p> -<p>“Won’t I do, dear?”</p> -<p>“You’re kind enough and loving enough—but, -Jeff, you don’t know things! I mean, you haven’t -had experience in—in criminal cases——”</p> -<p>“Come on, Maida, let’s have it out. What about -this criminal case of ours? For it’s mine as much -as it’s yours.”</p> -<p>“Oh, no, it isn’t, Jeff. You’ve nothing to do -with it. I must bear my burden alone—and—I must -ask you to release me from our engagement——”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_161">[161]</div> -<p>“Which I will never do! How absurd! Now, -Maida mine, if you won’t speak out, I must. I know -perfectly well you never killed Mr. Appleby. I -know, too, that you saw either your father or mother -kill him and you’re trying to shield the criminal. -Very right, too, except that you mustn’t keep the -truth from me. How can I help you, dear, unless I -know what you’re doing—or trying to do? So, tell -me the truth—now.”</p> -<p>“I can’t tell you more than I have, Jeff,” Maida -spoke with a long-drawn sigh. “You must believe -me. And as a—a murderer, I never, of course, -shall marry.”</p> -<p>“Maida, you’re a transparent little prevaricator! -Don’t think I don’t realize the awful situation, for -I do, but I can’t—I won’t let you sacrifice yourself -for either of your parents. I don’t ask you which -one it was—in fact, I’d rather you wouldn’t tell -me—but I do ask you to believe that I know it wasn’t -you. Now, drop that foolishness.”</p> -<p>“Jeffrey,” and Maida spoke very solemnly, -“don’t you believe that I could kill a man? If he -was so cruel, so dangerous to my father—my dear -father, that I couldn’t stand it another minute, don’t -you believe I’d be capable of killing him?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_162">[162]</div> -<p>“We’ve spoken of that before, Maida, and I -think I said I believed you would be capable, in a moment -of sudden, intense anger and excitement——”</p> -<p>“Well, then, why do you doubt my word? I -told the detectives—I tell you, that the moment came—I -saw my father, under stress of terrible anger—in -immediate, desperate danger from Samuel Appleby. -I—I shot—to kill——” the girl broke down and -Jeffrey took the slender, quivering form in his arms.</p> -<p>“All right, sweetheart,” he whispered, “don’t -say another word—I understand. I don’t blame you—how -could you think I would! I just want to help -you. How can I best do that?”</p> -<p>But Maida could not tell him. Her tears, once -started, came in torrents. Her whole frame shook -with the intensity of her sobs, and, unable to control -herself at all, she ran from him into the house and -up to her own room.</p> -<p>“What did you find out?” Burdon asked, coming -out from behind a nearby clump of shrubbery.</p> -<p>“You sneak, you cad!” Allen cried, but the detective -stopped him.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_163">[163]</div> -<p>“Now, look here, Mr. Allen,” he said, “we’re -here to do our duty, said duty being to discover the -perpetrator of a pretty awful crime. You may be so -minded as to let the murderer go scot-free, even help -him or her to make a getaway, but I can’t indulge in -any such philanthropic scheme. Mr. Appleby’s been -foully murdered, and it’s up to the law to find out -the killer and see justice done. My job is not a -pleasant one, but I’ve got to see it through, and that’s -all there is about that! Now, this case is what we -call open-and-shut. The murderer is sure and positively -one of three people—said three people being -known to us. So, I’ve just got to use all my powers -to discover which of the three I’m really after, and -when I find that out, then make my arrest. But I’ve -no desire to nab the wrong one.”</p> -<p>“Which one do you think it is?” demanded -Allen, angrily.</p> -<p>“I’ve got no right nor reason to <i>think</i> it’s either -one. I’ve got to find out for sure, not just think it. -So, I ask you what you learned just now from Miss -Wheeler, and why did she run to the house, weeping -like a willow tree?”</p> -<p>“I found out nothing that would throw any light -on your quest, and she wept because her nerves -are strained to the breaking point with worry -and exhaustion.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_164">[164]</div> -<p>“And I don’t wonder!” the detective spoke sympathetically. -“But all the same, I’m obliged to keep -on investigating, and I must ask you what she said -to you just now.”</p> -<p>Allen thought over the conversation he had had -with Maida. Then he said: “I am telling the truth -when I say there was no word said between us that -would be of any real use to you. Miss Wheeler is -my <i>fiancée</i>, and I tried to comfort her, and also to -assure her anew of my faithfulness and devotion in -her trouble.”</p> -<p>“And what did she say?”</p> -<p>“Without remembering her words exactly, I -think I can state that she said nothing more than to -reiterate that she had killed Mr. Appleby. But I -want to state also, that I believe she said it, as she -said it to you, to shield some one else.”</p> -<p>“Her parents—or, one of them?”</p> -<p>“That is the reasonable supposition. But I do -not accuse either of the elder Wheelers. I still suspect -an intruder from outside.”</p> -<p>“Of course you do. . . . Anybody in your -position would. But there was none such. It was -one of the three Wheelers, and I’ll proceed to find -out which one.”</p> -<p>“Just how do you propose to find out?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_165">[165]</div> -<p>“Well, the one that did it is very likely to give it -away. It’s mighty difficult to be on your guard every -minute, and with one guilty, and two shielding, and -all three knowing, which is which, as I’ve no doubt -they do, why, it’s a cinch that one of the three breaks -down through sheer overcarefulness pretty soon.”</p> -<p>“That’s true enough,” Allen agreed, ruefully. -“Is that your only plan?”</p> -<p>“Yes, except to look up the weapon. It’s a -great help, always, to find the revolver.”</p> -<p>“Hoping to find the criminal’s initials on it?”</p> -<p>“Well, no, they don’t mark firearms in real life, -as they do in story-books. But to find the weapon -gives a lot of evidence as to where it was fired from, -and what was done with it afterward, and to whom it -belongs. Not that the owner is always the murderer. -More often the reverse is true. But the weapon we -want and want pretty badly. By the way, I’m -told that young Appleby is out of the running for -governor now that his father isn’t here to help -him through.”</p> -<p>“More, I take it, because of his grief for his -father’s untimely end.”</p> -<p>“Be that as it may, he’ll withdraw his name -from the candidates.”</p> -<p>“Who told you?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_166">[166]</div> -<p>“I heard Mr. Keefe telling Miss Lane.”</p> -<p>“You hear a lot, Burdon.”</p> -<p>“I do, Mr. Allen. It’s my business to do so. -Now, here’s another thing. About that garage fire.”</p> -<p>“Well, what about it?”</p> -<p>“It was a mighty mysterious fire, that’s all. Nobody -knows how it started, or where.”</p> -<p>“They must know where!”</p> -<p>“Not exactly. It seemed to start in the vicinity -of Mr. Appleby’s own car. But there was nothing -inflammable around that part of the garage.”</p> -<p>“Well, what does that prove or indicate? Anything -prejudicial to the Wheelers?”</p> -<p>“Not so far as I can see. Only it’s queer, -that’s all.”</p> -<p>“Perhaps Mr. Appleby kept tobacco and matches -in his car.”</p> -<p>“Perhaps so. Anyway, that’s where the fire -originated, and also about where it stopped. They -soon put it out.”</p> -<p>“Glad they did. I can’t see that the fire has -any bearing whatever on the murder.”</p> -<p>“Neither can I, Mr. Allen. But Hallen, now, he -thinks it has.”</p> -<p>“Just how?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_167">[167]</div> -<p>“I can’t say. Hallen doesn’t know himself. But -he says there’s a connection.”</p> -<p>“There may be. But unless it’s a connection that -will free the Wheelers from suspicion, it doesn’t -interest me.”</p> -<p>Allen left the detective, who made no effort to -detain him, and went to the den for a talk with -Mr. Wheeler.</p> -<p>But that gentleman, locked in the room, declared -through the closed door that he would see nobody.</p> -<p>“Sorry, Jeff,” he said, in a kindly tone, “but -you must excuse me at present. Give me the day to -myself. I’ll see you late this afternoon.”</p> -<p>As it was already noon, Allen made no further -attempt at an interview and went in search of Mrs. -Wheeler. It seemed to him he must talk to some of -the family, and he hadn’t the heart to disturb Maida, -who might be resting.</p> -<p>Mrs. Wheeler’s maid said that her mistress would -see him in a few minutes. And it was only a few -minutes later that the lady came downstairs and -greeted Allen, who awaited her in the living-room.</p> -<p>“What are we going to do?” she exclaimed to -him. “Do help us, Jeff. Did I do right?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_168">[168]</div> -<p>“In lying to save some one you love? Yes, I -suppose so.”</p> -<p>But Sara Wheeler had very acute hearing. Even -as they spoke, she heard a slight movement on the -porch outside, and realized at once that a detective -was listening to her every word.</p> -<p>Allen couldn’t be sure whether this changed her -mental attitude or whether she continued as she had -meant to when she began.</p> -<p>But she said: “Oh, I don’t mean that! I mean, -did I do right to confess my crime at once? You -know they would discover it sooner or later, and I -thought it would save time and trouble for me to -own up immediately.”</p> -<p>“Dear Mrs. Wheeler, don’t quibble with me. I -know you didn’t do it——”</p> -<p>“Oh, yes, I did, Jeff. Who else could it have -been? And, too, you know about the bugler, -don’t you?”</p> -<p>“Yes.”</p> -<p>“Well, that’s what made me do it. You see, I -thought if a death occurred, that would be the death -the bugler was heralding, and if it wasn’t Mr. -Appleby it might have been Dan himself.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_169">[169]</div> -<p>She leaned forward as she spoke, her voice -dropped to a mere whisper, and her large eyes took on -a glassy stare, while her white face was drawn and -set with an agonized expression as of a dreadful -memory.</p> -<p>“And you killed Appleby for that reason?” -cried Allen.</p> -<p>“Oh, no—I killed him because—because”—her -mind seemed to wander—“oh, yes,” she resumed, -“because he was a menace to Dan. To my husband.”</p> -<p>For the first time Allen began to doubt her sanity. -Her eyes were wild, her fingers nervously interlaced -and her speech was jerky and stammering.</p> -<p>“A menace, how?” he asked, softly.</p> -<p>“In different ways,” Mrs. Wheeler returned, in -so low a voice that the listener outside could scarcely -hear. “Through me, because of something he knew; -through Maida—because of—of something he -wanted; and, of course, through Dan himself, because -of that old conditional pardon.”</p> -<p>“What do you mean about Maida?” Allen -caught at the thing that most impressed him. “Did -old Appleby want to marry Maida?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_170">[170]</div> -<p>“Yes, he did. Of course, neither her father -nor I would hear of such a thing, but Mr. Appleby -was an insistent man—insistent and inexorable—and -he wanted Maida——”</p> -<p>“Mother dear, I want you to come away now,” -and Maida came into the room. “Come, you have -talked too long. It does no good, to you or to any -one else. Did you call her down, Jeffrey?”</p> -<p>“Yes,” and Allen deeply regretted his act. “But -I want to talk to somebody, Maida. Will you take -your mother away—and return?”</p> -<p>“Yes, I will,” and the girl left the room, guiding -the slow footsteps of her mother.</p> -<p>When she came back, Allen took her out under -the old sycamore.</p> -<p>“Now, Maida,” he said, gently, “the truth. No -matter what it is, you must tell me. We are here -alone, that eavesdropping detective can’t overhear us, -and you must tell me whom you are shielding and the -full details for the crime.”</p> -<p>“I can’t tell you all the details, Jeff,” the girl -returned, “they include a secret that is not mine -to divulge.”</p> -<p>“You can divulge anything in a crisis like -this, Maida.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_171">[171]</div> -<p>“No, I cannot. Before he—before he died, Mr. -Appleby told me something that I will never tell, -unless my conscience makes me do so.”</p> -<p>“Isn’t it a matter of conscience already?”</p> -<p>“I don’t know, Jeff; truly, I can’t tell. But much -as I am bound by my principles of right, and you -know, dear, I <i>am</i> conscientious, I would willingly -throw them all to the winds if they interfered with -my parents’ happiness, well-being or safety.”</p> -<p>“Let me get this straight, Maida. You would -stifle your conscience, would act directly against its -dictates for the sake of your parents?”</p> -<p>“Yes, Jeffrey; right or wrong, that’s what I -should do.”</p> -<p>“Who am I that I should judge you, dear? I -know well your lifelong submission to your conscience, -even when your inclinations were strong the -other way. Now, if you have thrown over principle, -honor, conscience and right, for what you consider -a stronger motive, I can only accept your decision. -But I wish you would confide in me more fully. Do -you mean in regard to Mr. Appleby?”</p> -<p>“Of course I mean in regard to Mr. Appleby. -And I’m going to ask you, Jeff, to believe what I -tell you.”</p> -<p>“Of course I’ll do that, Maida.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_172">[172]</div> -<p>“No; you won’t want to. But I ask you to believe -it implicitly and to act accordingly. Do you -promise me this?”</p> -<p>The girl’s face was turned to his, her great, sorrowful -eyes were full of dumb agony and showed -unshed tears, but her voice was clear and strong as -of one whose purpose was unshakable.</p> -<p>“Yes, dear,” and Jeffrey took her hands in his -and looked deep into her eyes, whose blank despair -haunted him long after, “yes, Maida, I promise.”</p> -<p>“Well, then, I killed Mr. Appleby, and you -must do whatever you think best for us all. What -shall we do first, Jeffrey?”</p> -<p>And with the clutch of an icy dread at his heart, -Allen replied, brokenly, “I don’t know, Maida, darling, -but I will find out what is best, and we will -do it——”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_173">[173]</div> -<h2 id="c10"><span class="small">CHAPTER X</span> -<br />THE PHANTOM BUGLER</h2> -<p>The day after the funeral of Samuel Appleby, -Keefe returned to Sycamore Ridge.</p> -<p>“I came, Mr. Wheeler,” he said, “to offer you -my services. I express no opinion as to who killed -Mr. Appleby, but I do know that his son is going -to use every means to discover his father’s murderer, -and I can’t help thinking you’d be wise to let me -take up your case.”</p> -<p>“As a criminal lawyer?” asked Dan Wheeler, -quietly.</p> -<p>“No, sir; as a friend and adviser. If you find -you need a criminal lawyer, I’ll suggest one—and a -good one. But I mean, I’d like to help you in a -general way, by consultation and advice. You, if -you will pardon me, have lived so long out of the -modern world that you are unfitted to cope with -this whole situation. I speak frankly—because I -am deeply interested——”</p> -<p>“Just why are you so deeply interested, Mr. -Keefe?” Wheeler’s tone was kindly but his glance -was sharp at his would-be benefactor.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_174">[174]</div> -<p>“I may as well own up,” Keefe said, “I am hard -hit by your daughter. Oh, yes, I know she is engaged -to young Allen, and I’ve no hope she would -ever throw him over for me, but I’m anxious to serve -her in any way I can—and I feel pretty sure that I -can be of help to you and your family.”</p> -<p>“Well spoken, young man. And your promises -are right. I am out of touch with the world, and I -should be glad indeed of the advice of an experienced -man of business. But, first of all, will you tell me -who <i>you</i> think killed Appleby?”</p> -<p>“I will, sir. I’ve no idea it was any of you -three people, who have all confessed to the deed, in -order to shield one another.”</p> -<p>“Whom then do you suspect?”</p> -<p>“An outside intruder. I have held to this theory -from the start, and I am sure it is the true one. -Moreover, I think the murderer is the man who blew -the bugle——”</p> -<p>“The phantom bugler!”</p> -<p>“No phantom, but a live man. Phantoms do not -blow on bugles except in old English legends. A -bugle sounded in New England and heard by several -people, was blown by human lungs. Find your bugler -and you’ve found your murderer.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_175">[175]</div> -<p>“I wonder if you can be right!”</p> -<p>Wheeler fell into a brown study and Keefe -watched him closely. His bugler theory was offered -in an effort to find out what Wheeler thought of it, -and Wheeler’s response ought to show whether his -own knowledge of the murder precluded the bugler -or not.</p> -<p>Apparently it did, for he sighed and said: “Of -course the person who sounded that bugle was a live -person, but I cannot think it had any connection -with Mr. Appleby’s death. Even granting somebody -might have been wicked enough to try to frighten my -wife, yet there is no reason to think any one wishing -to kill Samuel Appleby would know of the old legend -in Mrs. Wheeler’s family.”</p> -<p>“True enough. But it is possible, and, in my -opinion, that is the only direction to look.”</p> -<p>“But what direction? How can you find out -who blew that bugle?”</p> -<p>“I don’t know yet, but I shall try to find out. -As a matter of fact very little inquiry has been made. -Those two detectives, while intelligent enough, don’t -have a very wide horizon. They’ve concluded that -the assassin was—well, was named Wheeler—and -they’re only concerned to discover the first name. -Forgive my plain speaking, but to save yourself and -the other two, we must be outspoken.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_176">[176]</div> -<p>“Yes, yes—pray don’t hesitate to say anything -you think. I am in a terrible position, Mr. Keefe—more -terrible than you can know, and while I am -willing to make any sacrifice for my dear ones—it -may be in vain——”</p> -<p>The two men had been alone in the den, but now -were joined by Burdon and young Allen.</p> -<p>“Glad to see you back, Mr. Keefe,” Burdon -said; “usually we detectives don’t hanker after outside -help, but you’ve a good, keen mind, and I notice -you generally put your finger on the right spot.”</p> -<p>“All right, Burdon, we’ll work together. Now, -Mr. Wheeler, I’m going to ask you to leave us—for -there are some details to discuss——”</p> -<p>Dan Wheeler was only too glad to be excused, -and with a sigh of relief he went away to his upstairs -quarters.</p> -<p>“Now, it’s this way,” Keefe began; “I’ve been -sounding Mr. Wheeler, but I didn’t get any real satisfaction. -But here’s a point. Either he did or didn’t -kill Mr. Appleby, but in either case, he’s in bad.”</p> -<p>“What do you mean?” asked Allen.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_177">[177]</div> -<p>“Why, I’ve inquired about among the servants -and, adding our own testimony, I’ve figured it out -that Mr. Wheeler was either the murderer or he was -over the line on the other side of the house, and in -that case has broken his parole and is subject to -the law.”</p> -<p>“How do you prove that?” inquired Burdon, -interestedly.</p> -<p>“By the story of Miss Wheeler, who says her -father was not in the den at all at the time Mr. -Appleby was shot. Now, as we know, Mrs. Wheeler -ran downstairs at that time, and she, too, says her -husband was not in the den. Also she says he was -not in the living-room, nor in the hall. This leaves -only her own sitting-room, from which Mr. Wheeler -could see the fire and into which he was most likely -to go for that purpose.”</p> -<p>“He wouldn’t go in that room for any purpose,” -declared Allen.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_178">[178]</div> -<p>“Not ordinarily, but in the excitement of a -fire, men can scarcely refrain from running to look -at it, and if he was not in the places he had a right -to be, he must have been over on the forbidden -ground. So, it comes back to this: either Mr. -Wheeler was the murderer, and his wife and daughter -have perjured themselves to save him, or he was -in a place which, by virtue of the conditions, cancels -his pardon. This, I take it, explains Mr. Wheeler’s -present perturbed state of mind—for he is bewildered -and worried in many ways.”</p> -<p>“Well,” said Allen, “where does all this -lead us?”</p> -<p>“It leads us,” Keefe returned, “to the necessity -of a lot of hard work. I’m willing to go on record -as desiring to find a criminal outside of the Wheeler -family. Or to put it bluntly, I want to acquit all -three of them—even if——”</p> -<p>“Even if one of them is guilty?” said Burdon.</p> -<p>“Well, yes—just that. But, of course I don’t -mean to hang an innocent man! What I want is to -get a verdict for persons unknown.”</p> -<p>“I’m with you,” said Allen. “It’s all wrong, I -know, but—well, I can’t believe any of the Wheelers -really did it.”</p> -<p>“You do believe it, though!” Keefe turned on -him, sharply. “And what’s more, you believe the -criminal is the one of the three whom you least want -it to be!”</p> -<p>Keefe’s meaning was unmistakable, and Allen’s -flushed and crestfallen face betrayed his unwilling -assent. Unable to retort—even unable to speak, he -quickly left the room.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_179">[179]</div> -<p>Keefe closed the door and turned to Burdon.</p> -<p>“That was a test,” he said; “I’m not sure -whether Allen suspects Miss Wheeler—or not——”</p> -<p>“He sure acts as if he does,” Burdon said, his -face drawn with perplexity. “But, I say, Mr. Keefe, -haven’t you ever thought it might have been Jeffrey -Allen himself?”</p> -<p>“Who did the shooting?”</p> -<p>“Yes; he had all the motives the others had——”</p> -<p>“But not opportunity. Why, he was at the -garage fire—where I was——”</p> -<p>“Yes, but he might have got away long enough -for——”</p> -<p>“Nonsense, man, nothing of the sort! We -were together, fighting the flames. The two -chauffeurs were with us—the Wheelers’ man, -and Mr. Appleby’s. We used those chemical -extinguishers——”</p> -<p>“I know all that—but then—he might have -slipped away, and in the excitement you didn’t -notice——”</p> -<p>“Not a chance! No, take my word for it, the -three Wheelers are the exclusive suspects—unless -we can work in that bugler individual.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_180">[180]</div> -<p>“It’s too many for me,” Burdon sighed. “And -Hallen, he’s at his wit’s end. But you’re clever at -such things, sir, and Mr. Appleby, he’s going to get -a big detective from the city.”</p> -<p>“You don’t seem to mind being discarded!”</p> -<p>“No, sir. If anybody’s to fasten a crime on one -of those Wheelers, I don’t want to be the one to -do it.”</p> -<p>“Look here, Burdon, how about Wheeler’s doing -it in self-defence? I know a lot about those two men, -and Appleby was just as much interested in getting -Wheeler out of his way as <i>vice versa</i>. If Appleby -attacked and Wheeler defended, we can get him -off easy.”</p> -<p>“Maybe so, but it’s all speculation, Mr. Keefe. -What we ought to get is evidence—testimony—and -that’s hard, for the only people to ask about -it are——”</p> -<p>“Are the criminals themselves.”</p> -<p>“The suspected criminals—yes, sir.”</p> -<p>“There are others. Have you quizzed all the -servants?”</p> -<p>“I don’t take much stock in servants’ stories.”</p> -<p>“You’re wrong there, my man. That principle -is a good one in ordinary matters, but when it comes -to a murder case, a servant’s testimony is as good -as his master’s.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_181">[181]</div> -<p>Burdon made no direct response to Keefe’s suggestion, -but he mulled it over in his slow-going mind, -and as a result, he had a talk with Rachel, who was -ladies’ maid to both Maida and her mother.</p> -<p>The girl bridled a little when Burdon began to -question her.</p> -<p>“Nobody seemed to think it worth while to ask -me anything,” she said, “so I held my tongue. But -if so be you want information, you ask and -I’ll answer.”</p> -<p>“I doubt if she really knows anything,” Burdon -thought to himself, judging from her air of self-importance, -but he said:</p> -<p>“Tell me anything you know of the circumstances -at the time of the murder.”</p> -<p>“Circumstances?” repeated Rachel, wrinkling -her brow.</p> -<p>“Yes; for instance, where was Mrs. Wheeler -when you heard the shot?”</p> -<p>“I didn’t say I heard the shot.”</p> -<p>“Didn’t you?”</p> -<p>“Yes.”</p> -<p>“Go on, then; don’t be foolish, or you’ll be sorry -for it!”</p> -<p>“Well, then, Mrs. Wheeler was downstairs—she -had just left her room——”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_182">[182]</div> -<p>“Here, let me get this story straight. How -long had she been in her room? Were you there -with her?”</p> -<p>“Yes; we had been there half an hour or so. -Then, we heard noise and excitement and a cry of -fire. Mrs. Wheeler rushed out of her room and ran -downstairs—and I followed, naturally.”</p> -<p>“Yes; and what did you see?”</p> -<p>“Nothing special—I saw a blaze of light, -through the front door——”</p> -<p>“The north door?”</p> -<p>“Of course—the one toward the garage—and I -saw the garage was on fire, so I thought of nothing -else—then.”</p> -<p>“Then? What did you think of later?”</p> -<p>“I remembered that I saw Mr. Wheeler in the -living-room—in the north end of it—where he -never goes——”</p> -<p>“You know about his restrictions?”</p> -<p>“Oh, yes, sir. The servants all know—we have -to. Well, it was natural, poor man, that he should -go to look at the fire!”</p> -<p>“You’re sure of this, Rachel?”</p> -<p>“Sure, yes; but don’t let’s tell, for it might get -the master in trouble.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_183">[183]</div> -<p>“On the contrary it may get him out of trouble. -To break his parole is not as serious a crime as murder. -And if he was in the north end of the living-room -he couldn’t have been in the den shooting -Mr. Appleby.”</p> -<p>“That’s true enough. And neither could Mrs. -Wheeler have done it.”</p> -<p>“Why not?”</p> -<p>“Well—that is—she was right ahead of me——”</p> -<p>“Did you keep her in sight?”</p> -<p>“No; I was so excited myself, I ran past her -and out to the garage.”</p> -<p>“Who was there?”</p> -<p>“Mr. Allen and Mr. Keefe and the two chauffeurs -and the head gardener and well, most all the -servants. The men were fighting the fire, and the -women were standing back, looking on.”</p> -<p>“Yelling, I suppose.”</p> -<p>“No; they were mostly quiet. Cook was screaming, -but nobody paid any attention to her.”</p> -<p>“The fire was soon over?”</p> -<p>“Yes, it was a little one. I suppose that chauffeur -of Mr. Appleby’s dropped a match or something—for -our servants are too well trained to do -anything of the sort. We’re all afraid of fire.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_184">[184]</div> -<p>“Well, the fire amounted to little, as you say. -Curious it should occur at the time of the murder.”</p> -<p>“Curious, indeed, sir. Do you make anything -out of that?”</p> -<p>“Can’t see anything in it. Unless the murderer -started the fire to distract attention from himself. -In that case, it couldn’t have been any of the -Wheelers.”</p> -<p>“That it couldn’t. They were all in the house.”</p> -<p>“Miss Maida—did you see her at the time?”</p> -<p>“I caught a glimpse of her as I ran through -the hall.”</p> -<p>“Where was she?”</p> -<p>“In the den; standing near the bay window.”</p> -<p>“Well, we’ve pretty well planted the three. -Mrs. Wheeler on the stairs, Mr. Wheeler, you say, -in the living-room, where he had no right to be, and -Miss Maida——”</p> -<p>“Oh, Miss Maida didn’t do it! She couldn’t! -That lovely young lady!”</p> -<p>“There, Rachel, that will do. You’ve given -your testimony, now it’s not for you to pass judgment. -Go about your business, and keep a quiet -tongue. No babbling—you understand?”</p> -<p>“Yes, sir,” and the maid went away, her attitude -still one of importance, and her face wearing a -vague smile.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_185">[185]</div> -<p>Meantime Curtis Keefe was having a serious talk -with Maida.</p> -<p>His attitude was kindly and deferential, but he -spoke with a determined air as he said:</p> -<p>“Miss Wheeler, you know, I am sure, how much -I want to help you, and how glad I will be if I can do -so. But, first of all I must ask you a question. What -did Mr. Appleby mean when he said to you something -about Keefe and the airship?”</p> -<p>Maida looked at him with a troubled glance. -For a minute she did not speak, then she said, calmly: -“I am not at liberty to tell you what we were talking -about then, Mr. Keefe, but don’t you remember Mr. -Appleby said that you were not the Keefe referred -to?”</p> -<p>“I know he said that, but—I don’t believe it.”</p> -<p>“I am not responsible for your disbelief,” she -drew herself up with a dignified air. “And I must -ask you not to refer to that matter again.”</p> -<p>“Don’t take that attitude,” he begged. “At -least tell me what Keefe he did mean. There can -be no breach of confidence in that.”</p> -<p>“Why do you want to know?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_186">[186]</div> -<p>“Because I know Mr. Appleby had a big airship -project under consideration. Because I know he -contemplated letting me in on the deal, and it was -a most profitable deal. Had he lived, I should have -asked him about it, but since he is dead, I admit -I want to know anything you can tell me of -the matter.”</p> -<p>Involuntarily Maida smiled a little, and the -lovely face, usually so sad, seemed more beautiful -than ever to the man who looked at her.</p> -<p>“Why do you smile?” he cried, “but whatever -the reason, keep on doing so! Oh, Maida, how wonderful -you are!”</p> -<p>A glance of astonishment made him quickly -apologize for his speech.</p> -<p>“But,” he said, “I couldn’t help it. Forgive me, -Miss Wheeler, and, since you can smile over it, I’m -more than ever anxious to know about the airship -deal.”</p> -<p>“And I can tell you nothing,” she declared, “because -I know nothing of any such matter. If Mr. -Appleby was interested in an airship project, I know -nothing of it. The matter he mentioned to me was, -I am positively certain, not the deal you speak of.”</p> -<p>“I believe that. Your face is too honest for -you to speak an untruth so convincingly. And now -assure me that I am not the Keefe he referred to, and -I will never open the subject again.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_187">[187]</div> -<p>But this Maida could not say truthfully, and -though she tried, her assertion was belied by drooping -eyes and quivering lips.</p> -<p>“You were not,” she uttered, but she did not look -at him, and this time Curtis Keefe did not believe -her.</p> -<p>“I was,” he said calmly, but he made no further -effort to get the whole truth from her. “I’m sorry -you can’t confide fully in me, but I shall doubtless -learn all I want to know from Mr. Appleby’s papers.”</p> -<p>“You—you have them in charge?” Maida asked, -quite evidently agitated at the thought.</p> -<p>“Yes, of course, I’m his confidential secretary. -That’s why, Miss Wheeler, it’s better for you to be -frank with me—in all things. Has it never occurred -to you that I’m the man who can best help you in -this whole moil of troubles?”</p> -<p>“Why, no,” she said, slowly, “I don’t believe -it ever has.”</p> -<p>“Then realize it now. Truly, dear Miss -Wheeler, I am not only the one who can best help -you, but I am the only one who can help you at all—please -try to see that.”</p> -<p>“Why should I want help?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_188">[188]</div> -<p>“For half a dozen very good reasons. First, I -suppose you know that you are in no enviable position -regarding the death of Mr. Appleby. Oh, I -know you didn’t kill him——”</p> -<p>“But I did!”</p> -<p>“If you did, you couldn’t take it so calmly——”</p> -<p>“How dare you say I take it calmly? What do -you know about it? Just because I don’t go about in -hysterics—that’s not my nature—is no sign that I’m -not suffering tortures——”</p> -<p>“You poor, sweet child—I know you are! Oh, -little girl, dear little girl—can’t you—won’t you let -me look out for you——”</p> -<p>The words were right enough, but the tone in -which they were uttered, the look that accompanied -them, frightened Maida. She knew at once how this -man regarded her.</p> -<p>Intuition told her it was better not to resent his -speech or meaning, so she only said, quietly:</p> -<p>“Look out for me—how?”</p> -<p>“Every way. Give yourself to me—be my own, -own little Maida——”</p> -<p>“Mr. Keefe, stop! You forget you are talking -to an engaged girl——”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_189">[189]</div> -<p>“I did forget—please forgive me.” In a moment -he was humble and penitent. “I lost my head. -No, Miss Wheeler, I ask no reward, I want to help -you in any and every way—remembering you are -to be the bride of Mr. Allen.”</p> -<p>“Only after I’m acquitted of this crime. They -never convict a woman, do they, Mr. Keefe?”</p> -<p>“So that’s what you’re banking on! And safely, -too. No, Miss Wheeler, no judge or jury would -ever convict you of murder. But, all the same, it’s -a mighty unpleasant process that brings about your -acquittal, and I advise you not to go through with it.”</p> -<p>“But I’ve got to. I’ve confessed my crime; now -they have to try me—don’t they?”</p> -<p>“You innocent baby. Unless—look here, you’re -not—er—stringing me, are you?”</p> -<p>“What does that mean?”</p> -<p>“I mean, you didn’t really do the job, did you?”</p> -<p>“I did.” The calm glance of despair might have -carried conviction to a less skeptical hearer, but -Keefe only looked puzzled.</p> -<p>“I can’t quite make you out,” he declared; -“either you’re a very brave heroine—or——”</p> -<p>“Or?” queried Maida.</p> -<p>“Or you’re nutty!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_190">[190]</div> -<p>Maida laughed outright. “That’s it,” she said, -and her laughter became a little hysterical. “I <i>am</i> -nutty, and I own up to it. Do you think we can enter -a plea of insanity?”</p> -<p>Keefe looked at her, a new thought dawning in -his mind.</p> -<p>“That might not be at all a bad plan,” he said, -slowly; “are you in earnest?”</p> -<p>“I don’t know. Honestly, I think of so many -plans, and discard them one after the other. But I -don’t want to be convicted!”</p> -<p>“And you shan’t! There are more persons in -this world than the three Wheelers! And one of -them may easily be the murderer we’re seeking.”</p> -<p>“Which one?” asked Maida.</p> -<p>“The Phantom Bugler,” returned Keefe.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_191">[191]</div> -<h2 id="c11"><span class="small">CHAPTER XI</span> -<br />FLEMING STONE</h2> -<p>Next day brought the advent of two men and a -boy to Sycamore Ridge.</p> -<p>Samuel Appleby, determined to discover the murderer -of his father and convinced that it was none -of the Wheeler family, had brought Fleming Stone, -the detective, to investigate the case. Stone had a -young assistant who always accompanied him, and -this lad, Terence McGuire by name, was a lively, -irrepressible chap, with red hair and freckles.</p> -<p>But his quick thinking and native wit rendered -him invaluable to Stone, who had already hinted -that McGuire might some day become his successor.</p> -<p>The Wheeler family, Jeffrey Allen, Curtis Keefe, -and Burdon, the local detective, were all gathered in -Mr. Wheeler’s den to recount the whole story to -Fleming Stone.</p> -<p>With grave attention, Stone listened, and young -McGuire eagerly drank in each word, as if committing -a lesson to memory. Which, indeed, he was, -for Stone depended on his helper to remember all -facts, theories and suggestions put forward by -the speakers.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_192">[192]</div> -<p>Long experience had made Fleming Stone a connoisseur -in “cases,” and, by a classification of his -own, he divided them into “express” and “local.” -By this distinction he meant that in the former cases, -he arrived quickly at the solution, without stop or -hindrance. The latter kind involved necessary stops, -even side issues, and a generally impeded course, by -reason of conflicting motives and tangled clues.</p> -<p>As he listened to the story unfolded by the members -of the party, he sighed, for he knew this was no -lightning express affair. He foresaw much investigation -ahead of him, and he already suspected false -evidence and perhaps bribed witnesses.</p> -<p>Yet these conclusions of his were based quite as -much on intuition as on evidence, and Stone did not -wholly trust intuition.</p> -<p>Samuel Appleby was the principal spokesman, -as he was the one chiefly concerned in the discovery -of the criminal and the avenging of his father’s -death. Moreover, he was positive the deed had not -been done by any one of the Wheeler family, and -he greatly desired to prove himself right in this.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_193">[193]</div> -<p>“But you were not here at the time, Mr. -Appleby,” Stone said, “and I must get the story -from those who were. Mr. Keefe, you came with -Mr. Appleby, senior, and, also, as his confidential -secretary you are in a position to know of his mental -attitudes. Had he, to your knowledge, any fear, any -premonition of evil befalling him?”</p> -<p>“Not at all,” answered Keefe, promptly. “If -he had, I do not know of it, but I think I can affirm -that he had not. For, when Mr. Appleby was -anxious, he always showed it. In many ways it was -noticeable, if he had a perplexity on his mind. In -such a case he was irritable, quick-tempered, and -often absent-minded. The day we came down here, -Mr. Appleby was genial, affable and in a kindly -mood. This, to my mind, quite precludes the idea -that he looked for anything untoward.”</p> -<p>“How did he impress you, Mr. Wheeler?” Stone -went on. “You had not seen him for some time, -I believe.”</p> -<p>“Not for fifteen years,” Dan Wheeler spoke -calmly, and with an air of determined reserve. “Our -meeting was such as might be expected between two -long-time enemies, but Appleby was polite and so -was I.”</p> -<p>“He came to ask a favor of you?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_194">[194]</div> -<p>“Rather to drive a bargain. He offered me a -full pardon in return for my assistance in his son’s -political campaign. You, I am sure, know all this -from Mr. Appleby, the son.”</p> -<p>“Yes, I do; I’m asking you if Mr. Appleby, the -father, showed in his conversation with you, any -apprehension or gave any intimation of a fear -of disaster?”</p> -<p>“Mr. Stone,” returned Wheeler, “I have confessed -that I killed Mr. Appleby; I hold, therefore, -that I need say nothing that will influence my -own case.”</p> -<p>“Well, you see, Mr. Wheeler, this case is unusual—perhaps -unique, in that three people have confessed -to the crime. So far, I am preserving an open -mind. Though it is possible you and your wife and -daughter acted in collusion, only one of you could -have fired the fatal shot; yet you all three claim -to have done so. There is no conclusion to be drawn -from this but that one is guilty and the other two are -shielding that one.”</p> -<p>“Draw any conclusion you wish,” said Wheeler, -still imperturbably. “But I’ve no objection to replying -to the question you asked me. Sam Appleby -said no word to me that hinted at a fear for his -personal safety. If he had any such fear, he kept it -to himself.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_195">[195]</div> -<p>“He knew of your enmity toward him?”</p> -<p>“Of course. He did me an unforgivable injustice -and I never pretended that I did not resent it.”</p> -<p>“And you refused to meet his wishes regarding -his son’s campaign?”</p> -<p>“I most certainly did, for the same reasons I -opposed his own election many years ago.”</p> -<p>“Yes; all those details I have from Mr. Appleby, -junior. Now, Mr. Appleby does not believe that his -father was killed by any member of your family, -Mr. Wheeler.”</p> -<p>“Can he, then, produce the man whom he does -suspect?”</p> -<p>“No; he suspects no one definitely, but he thinks -that by investigation, I can find out the real criminal.”</p> -<p>“You may as well save your time and trouble, -Mr. Stone. I am the man you seek, I freely confess -my crime, and I accept my fate, whatever it be. Can -I do more?”</p> -<p>“Yes; if you are telling the truth, go on, and -relate details. What weapon did you use?”</p> -<p>“My own revolver.”</p> -<p>“Where is it?”</p> -<p>“I threw it out of the window.”</p> -<p>“Which window?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_196">[196]</div> -<p>“The—the bay window, in my den.”</p> -<p>“In this room?”</p> -<p>“Yes.”</p> -<p>“That window there?” Stone pointed to the -big bay.</p> -<p>“Yes.”</p> -<p>“You were sitting there at the time of the shot, -were you not, Miss Wheeler?” Stone turned to -Maida, who, white-faced and trembling, listened to -her father’s statements.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_197">[197]</div> -<p>“I was sitting there before the shot,” the girl -returned, speaking in quiet, steady tones, though a -red spot burned in either cheek. “And then, when -Mr. Appleby threatened my father, I shot him myself. -My father is untruthful for my sake. In his -love for me he is trying to take my crime on himself. -Oh, believe me, Mr. Stone! Others can testify that -I said, long ago, that I could willingly kill Mr. -Appleby. He has made my dear father’s life a living -grave! He has changed a brilliant, capable man of -affairs to a sad and broken-hearted recluse. A man -who had everything to live for, everything to interest -and occupy his mind, was condemned to a solitary -imprisonment, save for the company of his family! -My father’s career would have been notable, celebrated; -but that Samuel Appleby put an end to fifteen -years ago, for no reason but petty spite and mean -revenge! I had never seen the man, save as a small -child, and when I learned he was at last coming here, -my primitive passions were stirred, my sense of -justice awoke and my whole soul was absorbed in a -wild impulse to rid the world of such a demon in -human form! I told my parents I was capable of -killing him; they reproved me, so I said no more. -But I brooded over the project, and made ready, and -then—when Mr. Appleby threatened my father, -talked to him brutally, scathingly, fairly turning the -iron in his soul—I could stand it no longer, and I -shot him down as I would have killed a venomous -serpent! I do not regret the act—though I do fear -the consequences.”</p> -<p>Maida almost collapsed, but pulled herself together, -to add:</p> -<p>“That is the truth. You must disregard and -disbelieve my father’s noble efforts to save me by -trying to pretend the crime was his own.”</p> -<p>Stone looked at her pityingly. McGuire stared -fixedly; the boy’s eyes round with amazement at this -outburst of self-condemnation.</p> -<p>Then Stone said, almost casually: “You, too, -Mrs. Wheeler, confess to this crime, I believe.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_198">[198]</div> -<p>“I am the real criminal,” Sara Wheeler asserted, -speaking very quietly but with a steady gaze into the -eyes of the listening detective. “You can readily -understand that my husband and daughter are trying -to shield me, when I tell you that only I had opportunity. -I had possessed myself of Mr. Wheeler’s -pistol and as I ran downstairs—well knowing the -conversation that was going on, I shot through the -doors as I passed and running on, threw the weapon -far out into the shrubbery. It can doubtless be -found. I must beg of you, Mr. Stone, that you -thoroughly investigate these three stories, and I -assure you you will find mine the true one, and the -assertions of my husband and daughter merely loving -but futile attempts to save me from the consequences -of my act.”</p> -<p>Fleming Stone smiled, a queer, tender little smile.</p> -<p>“It is certainly a new experience for me,” he -said, “when a whole family insist on being considered -criminals. But I will reserve decision until I -can look into matters a little more fully. Now, who -can give me any information on the matter, outside -of the identity of the criminal?”</p> -<p>Jeffrey Allen volunteered the story of the fire, -and Keefe told of the strange bugle call that had -been heard.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_199">[199]</div> -<p>“You heard it, Mr. Keefe?” asked Stone, after -listening to the account.</p> -<p>“No; I was with Mr. Appleby on a trip to Boston. -I tell it as I heard the tale from the household -here.”</p> -<p>Whereupon the Wheeler family corroborated -Keefe’s story, and Fleming Stone listened attentively -to the various repetitions.</p> -<p>“You find that bugler, and you’ve got your murderer,” -Curtis Keefe said, bluntly. “You agree, -don’t you, Mr. Stone, that it was no phantom who -blew audible notes on a bugle?”</p> -<p>“I most certainly agree to that. I’ve heard many -legends, in foreign countries, of ghostly drummers, -buglers and bagpipers, but they are merely legends—I’ve -never found anyone who really heard the sounds. -And, moreover, those things aren’t even legends in -America. Any bugling done in this country is done -by human lungs. Now, this bugler interests me. I -think, with you, Mr. Keefe, that to know his identity -would help us—whether he proves to be the criminal -or not.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_200">[200]</div> -<p>“He’s the criminal,” Keefe declared, again. -“Forgive me, Mr. Stone, if my certainty seems to -you presumptuous or forward, but I’m so thoroughly -convinced of the innocence of the Wheeler family, -that perhaps I am overenthusiastic in my theory.”</p> -<p>“A theory doesn’t depend on enthusiasm,” returned -Stone, “but on evidence and proof. Now, -how can we set about finding this mysterious bugler—whether -phantom or human?”</p> -<p>“I thought that’s what you’re here to do,” Sam -Appleby said, looking helplessly at Fleming Stone.</p> -<p>“We are,” piped up Terence McGuire, as Stone -made no reply. “That’s our business, and, consequentially, -it shall be done.”</p> -<p>The boy assumed an air of importance that was -saved from being objectionable by his good-humored -face and frank, serious eyes. “I’ll just start in and -get busy now,” he went on, and rising, he bobbed -a funny little bow that included all present, and left -the room.</p> -<p>It was mid-afternoon, and as they looked out -on the wide lawn they saw McGuire strolling slowly, -hands in pockets and seemingly more absorbed in the -birds and flowers than in his vaunted “business.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_201">[201]</div> -<p>“Perhaps McGuire needs a little explanation,” -Stone smiled. “He is my right-hand man, and a -great help in detail work. But he has a not altogether -unearned reputation for untruthfulness. Indeed, -his nickname is Fibsy, because of a congenital -habit of telling fibs. I advise you of this, because I -prefer you should not place implicit confidence in -his statements.”</p> -<p>“But, Mr. Stone,” cried Maida, greatly interested, -“how can he be of any help to you if you -can’t depend on what he says?”</p> -<p>“Oh, he doesn’t lie to me,” Stone assured her; -“nor does he tell whoppers at any time. Only, it’s -his habit to shade the truth when it seems to him advisable. -I do not defend this habit; in fact, I have -persuaded him to stop it, to a degree. But you know -how hard it is to reform entirely.”</p> -<p>“It won’t affect his usefulness, since he doesn’t -lie to his employer,” Appleby said, “and, too, it’s -none of our business. I’ve engaged Mr. Stone to -solve the mystery of my father’s death, and I’m -prepared to give him full powers. He may conduct -his investigations on any plan he chooses. My only -stipulation is that he shall find a criminal outside -the Wheeler family.”</p> -<p>“A difficult and somewhat unusual stipulation,” -remarked Stone.</p> -<p>“Why difficult?” Dan Wheeler said, quickly.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_202">[202]</div> -<p>“Because, with three people confessing a crime, -and no one else even remotely suspected, save a -mysterious and perhaps mythical bugle-player, it -does not seem an easy job to hunt up and then hunt -down a slayer.”</p> -<p>“But you’ll do it,” begged Appleby, almost pleadingly, -“for it must be done.”</p> -<p>“We’ll see,” Stone replied. “And now tell me -more about the fire in the garage. It occurred at the -time of the shooting, you say? What started it?”</p> -<p>But nobody knew what started it.</p> -<p>“How could we know?” asked Jeff Allen. “It -was only a small fire and the most it burned was the -robe in Mr. Appleby’s own car and a motor coat that -was also in the car.”</p> -<p>“Whose coat?” asked Stone.</p> -<p>“Mine,” said Keefe, ruefully. “A bit of bad -luck, too, for it was a new one. I had to get another -in place of it.”</p> -<p>“And you think the fire was the result of a -dropped cigarette or match by Mr. Appleby’s -chauffeur?”</p> -<p>“I don’t know,” returned Keefe. “He denies it, -of course, but it must have been that or an incendiary -act of some one.”</p> -<p>“Maybe the bugler person,” suggested Stone.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_203">[203]</div> -<p>“Maybe,” assented Keefe, though he did not -look convinced.</p> -<p>“I think Mr. Keefe thinks it was the work of -my own men,” said Dan Wheeler. “And it may -have been. There’s one in my employ who has an -ignorant, brutal spirit of revenge, and if he thought -Samuel Appleby was inimical to me, he would be -quite capable of setting fire to the Appleby car. That -may be the fact of the case.”</p> -<p>“It may be,” agreed Stone. “Doubtless we can -find out——”</p> -<p>“How?” asked Allen. “That would be magician’s -work, I think.”</p> -<p>“A detective has to be a magician,” Stone smiled -at him. “We quite often do more astounding tricks -than that.”</p> -<p>“Go to it, then!” cried Appleby. “That’s the -talk I like to hear. Questions and answers any of us -can put over. But the real detecting is like magic. -At least, I can’t see how it’s done. Duff in, Mr. -Stone. Get busy.”</p> -<p>The group dispersed then, Fleming Stone going -to his room and the others straying off by twos -or threes.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_204">[204]</div> -<p>Burdon, who had said almost nothing during -the confab, declared he wanted a talk with the great -detective alone, and would await his pleasure.</p> -<p>So Burdon sat by himself, brooding, on the veranda, -and presently saw the boy, Fibsy, returning -toward the house.</p> -<p>“Come here, young one,” Burdon called out.</p> -<p>“Nixy, old one,” was the saucy retort.</p> -<p>“Why not?” in a conciliatory tone.</p> -<p>“’Cause you spoke disrespectful like. I’m a detective, -you know.”</p> -<p>“All right, old pal; come here, will you?”</p> -<p>Fibsy grinned and came, seating himself on a -cushioned swing nearby.</p> -<p>“Whatcha want?” he demanded.</p> -<p>“Only a line o’ talk. Your Mr. Stone, now, do -you think he’ll show up soon, or has he gone for -a nap?”</p> -<p>“Fleming Stone doesn’t take naps,” Fibsy said, -disdainfully; “he isn’t that sort.”</p> -<p>“Then he’ll be down again shortly?”</p> -<p>“Dunno. Maybe he’s begun his fasting and -prayer over this phenomenal case.”</p> -<p>“Does he do that?”</p> -<p>“How do I know? I’m not of a curious turn of -mind, me havin’ other sins to answer for.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_205">[205]</div> -<p>“I know. Mr. Stone told us you have no respect -for the truth.”</p> -<p>“Did he, now! Well, he’s some mistaken! I -have such a profound respect for the truth that I -never use it except on very special occasions.”</p> -<p>“Is this one?”</p> -<p>“It is not! Don’t believe a word I say just now. -In fact, I’m so lit up with the beauties and glories -of this place, that I hardly know what I am a-saying! -Ain’t it the show-place, though!”</p> -<p>“Yes, it is. Looky here, youngster, can’t you -go up and coax Mr. Stone to see me—just a few -minutes?”</p> -<p>“Nope; can’t do that. But you spill it to me, and -if it’s worth it, I’ll repeat it to him. I’m really along -for that very purpose, you see.”</p> -<p>“But I haven’t anything special to tell him——”</p> -<p>“Oh, I see! Just want the glory and honor of -chinning with the great Stone!”</p> -<p>As this so nearly expressed Burdon’s intention, he -grinned sheepishly, and Fibsy understood.</p> -<p>“No go, old top,” he assured him. “F. Stone -will send for you if he thinks you’ll interest him in -the slightest degree. Better wait for the sending—it’ll -mean a more satisfactory interview all round.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_206">[206]</div> -<p>“Well, then, let’s you and me chat a bit.”</p> -<p>“Oho, coming round to sort of like me, are you? -Well, I’m willing. Tell me this: how far from the -victim did the shooter stand?”</p> -<p>“The doctor said, as nearly as he could judge, -about ten feet or so away.”</p> -<p>“H’m,” and Fibsy looked thoughtful. “That -would just about suit all three of the present claimants -for the honor, wouldn’t it?”</p> -<p>“Yes; and would preclude anybody not inside -the room.”</p> -<p>“Unless he was close to the window.”</p> -<p>“Sure. But it ain’t likely, is it now, that a rank -outsider would come right up to the window and -fire through it, and not be seen by anybody?”</p> -<p>“No; it isn’t. And, of course, if that had happened, -and any one of the three Wheelers had seen -it, they would be only too glad to tell of it. I wonder -they haven’t made up some such yarn as that.”</p> -<p>“You don’t know the Wheelers. I do, and I -can see how they would perjure themselves—any of -them—and confess to a crime they didn’t commit, -to save each other—but it wouldn’t occur to them to -invent a murderer—or to say they saw some one they -didn’t see. Do you get the difference?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_207">[207]</div> -<p>“Being an expert in the lyin’ game, I do,” and -Fibsy winked.</p> -<p>“It isn’t only that. It’s not only that they’re -unwilling to lie about it, but they haven’t the—the, -well, ingenuity to contrive a plausible yarn.”</p> -<p>“Not being lying experts, just as I said,” -Fibsy observed. “Well, we all have our own kind -of cleverness. Now, mine is finding things. Want -to see an example?”</p> -<p>“Yes, I do.”</p> -<p>“All right. How far did you say the shooter -person stood from his victim?”</p> -<p>“About ten feet—but I daresay it might be two -or three feet, more or less.”</p> -<p>“No; they can judge closer’n that by the powder -marks. The truth wouldn’t vary more’n a foot or so, -from their say. Now, s’posin’ the shooter did throw -the revolver out of the bay window, as the three -Wheelers agree, severally, they did do, where would -it most likely land?”</p> -<p>“In that clump of rhododendrons.”</p> -<p>“Yep; if they threw it straight ahead. I s’pose -you’ve looked there for it?”</p> -<p>“Yes, raked the place thoroughly.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_208">[208]</div> -<p>“All right. Now if they slung the thing over -toward the right, where would it land?”</p> -<p>“On the smooth lawn.”</p> -<p>“And you didn’t find it there!”</p> -<p>“No. What are you doing? Stringing me?”</p> -<p>“Oh, no, sir; oh, no! Now, once again. If they -chanced to fling said revolver far to the left, where -would it land?”</p> -<p>“Why—in that big bed of ferns—if they threw -it far enough.”</p> -<p>“Looked there?”</p> -<p>“No; I haven’t.”</p> -<p>“C’mon, let’s take a squint.”</p> -<p>Fibsy rose and lounged over toward the fern bed, -Burdon following, almost certain he was being made -game of.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_209">[209]</div> -<h2 id="c12"><span class="small">CHAPTER XII</span> -<br />THE GARAGE FIRE</h2> -<p>“Now, watch me,” he said, and with a quick -thrust of his arm down among the ferns, he drew -forth a revolver, which he turned over to Burdon.</p> -<p>“Land o’ goodness!” exclaimed that worthy. -“Howja know it was there?”</p> -<p>“Knew it must be—looked for it—saw it,” returned -the boy, nonchalantly, and then, hearing a -short, sharp whistle, he looked up at the house -to see Fleming Stone regarding him from an -upper window.</p> -<p>“Found the weapon, Fibs?” he inquired.</p> -<p>“Yes, Mr. Stone.”</p> -<p>“All right. Bring it up here, and ask Mr. -Burdon to come along.”</p> -<p>Delighted at the summons, Burdon followed the -boy’s flying feet and they went up to Stone’s rooms. -A small and pleasant sitting-room had been given -over to the detective, and he admitted his two visitors, -then closed the door.</p> -<p>“Doing the spectacular, Terence?” Stone said, -smiling a little.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_210">[210]</div> -<p>“Just one grandstand play,” the boy confessed. -As a matter of fact, he had located the pistol sometime -earlier, but waited to make the discovery -seem sensational.</p> -<p>“All right; let’s take a look at it.”</p> -<p>Without hesitation, Burdon pronounced the revolver -Mr. Wheeler’s. It had no initials on it, but -from Wheeler’s minute description, Burdon recognized -it beyond reasonable doubt. One bullet had -been fired from it, and the calibre corresponded to the -shot that had killed Samuel Appleby.</p> -<p>“Oh, it’s the right gun, all right,” Burdon said, -“but I never thought of looking over that way for it. -Must have been thrown by a left-handed man.”</p> -<p>“Oh, not necessarily,” said Stone. “But it was -thrown with a conscious desire to hide it, and not -flung away in a careless or preoccupied moment.”</p> -<p>“And what do you deduce from that?” asked -Burdon, quite prepared to hear the description -of the murderer’s physical appearance and -mental attainments.</p> -<p>“Nothing very definite,” Stone mused. “We -might say it looked more like the act of a strong-willed -man such as Mr. Wheeler, than of a frightened -and nervously agitated woman.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_211">[211]</div> -<p>“If either of those two women did it,” Burdon -offered, “she wasn’t nervous or agitated. They’re -not that sort. They may go to pieces afterward, but -whatever Mrs. Wheeler or Maida undertake to do, -they put it over all right. I’ve known ’em for years, -and I never knew either of them to show the -white feather.”</p> -<p>“Well, it was not much of an indication, anyway,” -Stone admitted, “but it does prove a steady -nerve and a planning brain that would realize the -advisability of flinging the weapon where it would -not be probably sought. Now, as this is Mr. -Wheeler’s revolver, there’s no use asking the three -suspects anything about it. For each has declared -he or she used it and flung it away. That in itself is -odd—I mean that they should all tell the same story. -It suggests not collusion so much as the idea that -whoever did the shooting was seen by one or both -of the others.”</p> -<p>“Then you believe it was one of the three -Wheelers?” asked Burdon.</p> -<p>“I don’t say that, yet,” returned Stone. “But -they must be reckoned with. I want to eliminate the -innocent two and put the guilt on the third—if that -is where it belongs.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_212">[212]</div> -<p>“And if not, which way are you looking?”</p> -<p>“Toward the fire. That most opportune fire -in the garage seems to me indicative of a criminal -who wanted to create a panic so he could carry out -his murderous design with neatness and despatch.”</p> -<p>“And that lets out the women?”</p> -<p>“Not if, as you say, they’re of the daring and -capable sort.”</p> -<p>“Oh, they are! If Maida Wheeler did this -thing, she could stage the fire easily enough. Or -Mrs. Wheeler could, either. They’re hummers when -it comes to efficiency and actually doing things!”</p> -<p>“You surprise me. Mrs. Wheeler seems such -a gentle, delicate personality.”</p> -<p>“Yep; till she’s roused. Then she’s full of tiger! -Oh, I know Sara Wheeler. You ask my wife what -Mrs. Wheeler can do!”</p> -<p>“Tell me a little more of this conditional pardon -matter. Is it possible that for fifteen years Mr. -Wheeler has never stepped over to the forbidden -side of his own house?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_213">[213]</div> -<p>“Perfectly true. But it isn’t his house, it’s Mrs. -Wheeler’s. Her folks are connected with the -Applebys and it was the work of old Appleby that the -property came to Sara with that tag attached, that -she must live in Massachusetts. Also, Appleby pardoned -Wheeler on condition that he never stepped -foot into Massachusetts. And there they were. It -was Sara Wheeler’s ingenuity and determination -that planned the house on the state line, and she -has seen to it that Dan Wheeler never broke parole. -It’s second nature to him now, of course.”</p> -<p>“But I’m told that he did step over the night of -the murder. That he went into the sitting-room of -his wife—or maybe into the forbidden end of that -long living-room—to see the fire. It would be a -most natural thing for him to do.”</p> -<p>“Not natural, no, sir.” Burdon rubbed his brow -thoughtfully. “Yet he might ’a’ done it. But one -misstep like that ought to be overlooked, I think.”</p> -<p>“And would be by his friends—but suppose -there’s an enemy at work. Suppose, just as a theory, -that somebody is ready to take advantage of the -peculiar situation, that seems to prove Dan Wheeler -was either outside his prescribed territory—or he -was the murderer. To my way of thinking, at present, -that man’s alibi is his absence from the scene of -the crime. And, if he was absent, he must have been -over the line. I know this from talks I’ve had with -the servants and the family and guests, and I’m pretty -confident that Wheeler was either in the den or in the -forbidden north part of the house at the moment -of the murder.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_214">[214]</div> -<p>“Why don’t you know which it was?” asked -Burdon, bluntly.</p> -<p>“Because,” said Stone, not resenting the question, -“because I can’t place any dependence on the -truth of the family’s statements. For three respectable, -God-fearing citizens, they are most astonishingly -willing, even eager, to perjure themselves. Of -course, I know they do it for one another’s sake. -They have a strange conscience that allows them to -lie outright for the sake of a loved one. And, it -may be, commit murder for the sake of a loved one! -But all this I shall straighten out when I get further -along. The case is so widespread, so full of ramifications -and possible side issues, I have to go carefully -at first, and not get entangled in false clues.”</p> -<p>“Got any clue, sir? Any real ones?”</p> -<p>“Meaning dropped handkerchiefs and broken -cuff-links?” Stone chaffed him. “Well, there’s -the pistol. That’s a material clue. But, no, I can’t -produce anything else—at present. Well, Terence, -what luck?”</p> -<p>Fibsy, who had slipped from the room at the -very beginning of this interview, now returned.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_215">[215]</div> -<p>“It’s puzzlin’—that’s what it is, puzzlin’,” he -declared, throwing himself astride of a chair. “I’ve -raked that old garage fore and aft, but I can’t track -down the startings of that fire. You see, the place is -stucco and all that, and besides the discipline of this -whole layout is along the lines of p’ison neatness! -Everybody that works at Sycamore Ridge has to be a -very old maid for keeping things clean! So, there’s -no chance for accumulated rubbish or old rags or -spontaneous combustion or anything of the sort. -Nextly, none of the three men who have any call -to go into the garage ever smoke in there. That’s -a Mede and Persian law. Gee, Mr. Wheeler is some -efficient boss! Well, anyway, after the fire, though -they tried every way to find out what started it, -they couldn’t find a thing! There was no explanation -but a brand dropped from the skies, or a stroke -of lightning! And there was no storm on. It -wouldn’t all be so sure, but the morning after, it -seems, Mr. Allen and Mr. Keefe were doin’ some -sleuthin’ on their own, and they couldn’t find out -how the fire started. So, they put it up to the garage -men, and they hunted, too. It seems nothing was -burnt but some things in Mr. Appleby’s car, which, -of course, lets out his chauffeur, who had no call -to burn up his own duds. And a coat of his was -burned and also a coat of Mr. Keefe’s.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_216">[216]</div> -<p>“What were those coats doing in an unused -car?” asked Stone.</p> -<p>“Oh, they were extra motor coats, or raincoats, -or something like that, and they always staid in -the car.”</p> -<p>“Where, in the car?”</p> -<p>“I asked that,” Fibsy returned, “and they were -hanging on the coat-rail. I thought there might have -been matches in the pockets, but they say no. There -never had been matches in those coat pockets, nor -any matches in the Appleby car, for that matter.”</p> -<p>“Well, the fire is pretty well mixed up in the -murder,” declared Stone. “Now it’s up to us to find -out how.”</p> -<p>“Ex-cuse me, Mr. Stone,” and Burdon shook -his head; “you’ll never get at it that way.”</p> -<p>“Ex-cuse me, Mr. Burdon,” Fibsy flared back, -“Mr. Stone <i>will</i> get at it that way, if he thinks -that’s the way to look. You don’t know F. Stone -yet——”</p> -<p>“Hush up, Fibs; Mr. Burdon will know if I -succeed, and, perhaps he’s right as to the unimportance -of the fire, after all.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_217">[217]</div> -<p>“You see,” Burdon went on, unabashed, “Mr. -Keefe—now, he’s some smart in the detective line—he -said, find your phantom bugler, and you’ve got -your murderer! Now, what nonsense that is! As -if a marauding villain would announce himself by -playing on a bugle!”</p> -<p>“Yet there may be something in it,” demurred -Stone. “It may well be that the dramatic mind that -staged this whole mysterious affair is responsible for -the bugle call, the fire, and the final crime.”</p> -<p>“In that case, it’s one of the women,” Burdon -said. “They could do all that, either of them, if they -wanted to; but Dan Wheeler, while he could kill a -man on provocation—it would be an impulsive act—not -a premeditated one. No, sir! Wheeler could -see red, and go Berserk, but he couldn’t plan -out a complicated affair like you’re turning this -case into!”</p> -<p>“I’m not turning it into anything,” Stone -laughed. “I’m taking it as it is presented to me, but -I do hold that the phantom bugler and the opportune -fire are theatrical elements.”</p> -<p>“A theatrical element, too, is the big sycamore,” -and Burdon smiled. “Now, if that tree -should take a notion to walk over into Massachusetts, -it would help out some.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_218">[218]</div> -<p>“What’s that?” cried Fibsy. “What do you -mean?”</p> -<p>“Well, the Wheelers have got a letter from -Appleby, written while he was still governor, and -it says that when the big sycamore goes into Massachusetts, -Wheeler can go, too. But it can’t be done -by a trick. I mean, they can’t transplant the thing, -or chop it down and take the wood over. It’s got to -go of its own accord.”</p> -<p>“Mere teasing,” said Stone.</p> -<p>“Yes, sir, just that. Appleby had a great streak -of teasing. He used to tease everybody just for the -fun of seeing them squirm. This whole Wheeler -business was the outcome of Appleby’s distorted -love of fun. And Wheeler took it so seriously that -Appleby kept it up. I’ll warrant, if Wheeler had -treated the whole thing as a joke, Appleby would -have let up on him. But Dan Wheeler is a solemn -old chap, and he saw no fun in the whole matter.”</p> -<p>“I don’t blame him,” commented Stone. “Won’t -he get pardoned now?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_219">[219]</div> -<p>“No, sir, he won’t. Some folks think he will, -but I know better. The present governor isn’t much -for pardoning old sentences—he says it establishes -precedent and all that. And the next governor is -more than likely to say the same.”</p> -<p>“I hear young Mr. Appleby isn’t going to run.”</p> -<p>“No, sir, he ain’t. Though I daresay he will -some other time. But this death of his father and -the mystery and all, is no sort of help to a campaign. -And, too, young Appleby hasn’t the necessary qualifications -to conduct a campaign, however good he -might be as governor after he got elected. No; Sam -won’t run.”</p> -<p>“Who will?”</p> -<p>“Dunno, I’m sure. But there’ll be lots ready -and eager for a try at it.”</p> -<p>“I suppose so. Well, Burdon, I’m going down -now to ask some questions of the servants. You -know they’re a mine of information usually.”</p> -<p>“Kin I go?” asked Fibsy.</p> -<p>“Not now, son. You stay here, or do what you -like. But don’t say much and don’t antagonize -anybody.”</p> -<p>“Not me, F. Stone!”</p> -<p>“Well, don’t shock anybody, then. Behave like -a gentleman and a scholar.”</p> -<p>“Yessir,” Fibsy ducked a comical bow, and -Burdon, understanding he was dismissed, went home.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_220">[220]</div> -<p>To the dining-room Stone made his way, and -asked a maid there if he might see the cook.</p> -<p>Greatly frightened, the waitress brought the cook -to the dining-room.</p> -<p>But the newcomer, a typical, strong-armed, -strong-minded individual, was not at all abashed.</p> -<p>“What is it you do be wantin’, sor?” she asked, -civilly enough, but a trifle sullenly.</p> -<p>“Only a few answers to direct questions. Where -were you when you first heard the alarm of the -garage fire?”</p> -<p>“I was in me kitchen, cleanin’ up after dinner.”</p> -<p>“What did you do?”</p> -<p>“I ran out the kitchen door and, seein’ flames, I -ran toward the garage.”</p> -<p>“Before you ran, you were at the rear of the -house—I mean the south side, weren’t you?”</p> -<p>“Yes, sor, I was.”</p> -<p>“You passed along the south veranda?”</p> -<p>“Not along it,” the cook looked at him wonderingly—“but -by the end of it, like.”</p> -<p>“And did you see any one on the veranda? Any -one at all?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_221">[221]</div> -<p>The woman thought hard. “Well, I sh’d have -said no—first off—but now you speak of it, I must -say I do have a remimbrance of seein’ a figger—but -sort of vague like.”</p> -<p>“You mean your memory of it is vague—you -don’t mean a shadowy figure?”</p> -<p>“No, sor. I mean I can’t mind it rightly, now, -for I was thinkin’ intirely of the fire, and so as I was -runnin’ past the end of the verandy all I can say is, -I just glimpsed like, a person standin’ there.”</p> -<p>“Standing?”</p> -<p>“Well, he might have been moving—I dunno.”</p> -<p>“Are you sure it was a man?”</p> -<p>“I’m not. I’m thinkin’ it was, but yet, I couldn’t -speak it for sure.”</p> -<p>“Then you went on to the fire?”</p> -<p>“Yes, sor.”</p> -<p>“And thought no more about the person on -the veranda?”</p> -<p>“No, sor. And it niver wud have entered me -head again, savin’ your speakin’ of it now. Why—was -it the—the man that——”</p> -<p>“Oh, probably not. But everything I can learn -is of help in discovering the criminal and perhaps -freeing your employers from suspicion.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_222">[222]</div> -<p>“And I wish that might be! To put it on the -good man, now! And worse, upon the ladies—angels, -both of them!”</p> -<p>“You are fond of the family, then?”</p> -<p>“I am that! I’ve worked here for eight years, -and never a cross word from the missus or the master. -As for Miss Maida—she’s my darlint.”</p> -<p>“They’re fortunate in having you here,” said -Stone, kindly. “That’s all, now, cook, unless you -can remember anything more of that person -you saw.”</p> -<p>“Nothin’ more, sor. If I do, I’ll tell you.”</p> -<p>Thinking hard, Stone left her.</p> -<p>It was the most unusual case he had ever attempted. -If he looked no further for the murderer -than the Wheeler family, he still had enough to do -in deciding which one of the three was guilty. But -he yearned for another suspect. Not a foolish phantom -that went around piping, or a perhaps imaginary -prowler stalking on the piazza, but a real suspect with -a sound, plausible motive.</p> -<p>Though, to be sure, the Wheelers had motive -enough. To be condemned to an absurd restriction -and then teased about it, was enough to make life -gall and wormwood to a sensitive man like Wheeler.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_223">[223]</div> -<p>And who could say what words had passed between -them at that final interview? Perhaps Appleby -had goaded him to the breaking point; perhaps -Wheeler had stood it, but his wife, descending the -stairs and hearing the men talk, had grown desperate -at last; or, and Stone knew he thought this most -plausible of all, perhaps Maida, in her window-seat, -had stood as long as she could the aspersions and -tauntings directed at her adored father, and had, -with a reckless disregard of consequences, silenced -the enemy forever.</p> -<p>Of young Allen, Stone had no slightest suspicion. -To be sure, his interests were one with the Wheeler -family, and moreover, he had hoped for a release -from restrictions that would let the Wheelers go into -Massachusetts and thereby make possible his home -there with Maida.</p> -<p>For Maida’s vow that she would never go into the -state if her father could not go, too, was, Allen -knew, inviolable.</p> -<p>All this Stone mulled over, yet had no thought -that Allen was the one he was seeking. Also, Curtis -Keefe had testified that Allen was with him at the -fire, during the time that included the moment -of shooting.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_224">[224]</div> -<p>Strolling out into the gardens, the detective made -his way to the great tree, the big sycamore.</p> -<p>Here Fibsy joined him, and at Stone’s tacit nod -of permission, the boy sat down beside his superior -on the bench under the tree.</p> -<p>“What’s this about the tree going to Massachusetts?” -Fibsy asked, his freckled face earnestly -inquiring.</p> -<p>“One of old Appleby’s jokes,” Stone returned. -“Doubtless made just after a reading of ‘Macbeth.’ -You know, or if you don’t, you must read it up for -yourself, there’s a scene there that hinges on Birnam -Wood going to Dunsinane. I can’t take time to tell -you about it, but quite evidently it pleased the old wag -to tell Mr. Wheeler that he could go into his native -state when this great tree went there.”</p> -<p>“Meaning not at all, I s’pose.”</p> -<p>“Of course. And any human intervention was -not allowed. So though Birnam Wood <i>was</i> brought -to Dunsinane, such a trick is not permissible in his -case. However, that’s beside the point just now. -Have you seen any of the servants?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_225">[225]</div> -<p>“Some. But I got nothing. They’re willing -enough to talk, but they don’t know anything. They -say I’d better tackle the ladies’ maid, a fair Rachel. -So I’m going for her. But I bet I won’t strike -pay-dirt.”</p> -<p>“You may. Skip along, now, for here comes -Miss Maida, and she’s probably looking for me.”</p> -<p>Fibsy departed, and Maida, looking relieved to -find Stone alone, came quickly toward him.</p> -<p>“You see, Mr. Stone,” she began, “you must -<i>start</i> straight in this thing. And the only start possible -is for you to be convinced that I killed -Mr. Appleby.”</p> -<p>“But you must admit, Miss Wheeler, that I -am not <i>too</i> absurd in thinking that though you say -you did it, you are saying it to shield some one else—some -one who is near and dear to you.”</p> -<p>“I know you think that—but it isn’t so. How -can I convince you?”</p> -<p>“Only by circumstantial evidence. Let me -question you a bit. Where did you get the revolver?”</p> -<p>“From my father’s desk drawer, where he -always keeps it.”</p> -<p>“You are familiar with firearms?”</p> -<p>“My father taught me to shoot years ago. I’m -not a crack shot—but that was not necessary.”</p> -<p>“You premeditated the deed?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_226">[226]</div> -<p>“For some time I have felt that I wanted to -kill that man.”</p> -<p>“Your conscience?”</p> -<p>“Is very active. I deliberately went against its -dictates for my father’s sake.”</p> -<p>“And you killed Mr. Appleby because he -hounded your father in addition to the long deprivation -he had imposed on him?”</p> -<p>“No, not that alone. Oh, I don’t want to tell -you—but, if you won’t believe me otherwise, Mr. -Stone, I will admit that I had a new motive——”</p> -<p>“A new one?”</p> -<p>“Yes, a secret that I learned only a day or so -before—before Mr. Appleby’s death.”</p> -<p>“The secret was Appleby’s?”</p> -<p>“Yes; that is, he knew it. He told it to me. -If any one else should know it, it would mean the -utter ruin and desolation of the lives of my parents, -compared to which this present condition of living is -Paradise itself!”</p> -<p>“This is true, Miss Wheeler?”</p> -<p>“Absolutely true. <i>Now</i>, do you understand -why I killed him?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_227">[227]</div> -<h2 id="c13"><span class="small">CHAPTER XIII</span> -<br />SARA WHEELER</h2> -<p>Fleming Stone was deeply interested in the -Appleby case.</p> -<p>While his logical brain could see no possible way -to look save toward one of the three Wheelers, yet -his soul revolted at the thought that any one of them -was the criminal.</p> -<p>Stone was well aware of the fact that the least -seemingly guilty often proved to be a deep-dyed -villain, yet he hesitated to think that Dan Wheeler -had killed his old enemy, and he could not believe it -was a woman’s work. He was impressed by Maida’s -story, especially by the fact that a recent development -had made her more strongly desirous to be rid -of old Appleby. He wondered if it did not have -something to do with young Appleby’s desire to -marry her, and determined to persuade her to confide -further in him regarding the secret she mentioned.</p> -<p>But first, he decided to interview Mrs. Wheeler. -This could not be done offhand, so he waited a convenient -season, and asked for a conference when he -felt sure it would be granted.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_228">[228]</div> -<p>Sara Wheeler received the detective in her sitting-room, -and her manner was calm and collected as she -asked him to make the interview as brief as possible.</p> -<p>“You are not well, Mrs. Wheeler?” Stone -asked, courteously.</p> -<p>“I am not ill, Mr. Stone, but naturally these -dreadful days have upset me, and the horror and -suspense are still hanging over me. Can you not -bring matters to a crisis? Anything would be better -than present conditions!”</p> -<p>“If some member of your family would tell me -the truth,” Stone said frankly, “it would help a great -deal. You know, Mrs. Wheeler, when three people -insist on being regarded as the criminal, it’s difficult -to choose among them. Now, won’t you, at least, -admit that you didn’t shoot Mr. Appleby?”</p> -<p>“But I did,” and the serene eyes looked at -Stone calmly.</p> -<p>“Can you prove it—I mean, to my satisfaction? -Tell me this: where did you get a pistol?”</p> -<p>“I used Mr. Wheeler’s revolver.”</p> -<p>“Where did you get it?”</p> -<p>“From the drawer in his desk, where he always -keeps it.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_229">[229]</div> -<p>Stone sighed. Of course, both Maida and her -mother knew where the revolver was kept, so this -was no test of their veracity as to the crime.</p> -<p>“When did you take it from the drawer?”</p> -<p>Sara Wheeler hesitated for an instant and from -that, Stone knew that she had to think before she -spoke. Had she been telling the truth, he argued, -she would have answered at once.</p> -<p>But immediately she spoke, though with a shade -of hesitation.</p> -<p>“I took it earlier in the day—I had it up in my -own room.”</p> -<p>“Yes; where did you conceal it there?”</p> -<p>“In—in a dresser drawer.”</p> -<p>“And, when you heard the alarm of fire, you -ran downstairs in consequence—but you paused to -get the revolver and take it with you!”</p> -<p>This sounded absurd, but Sara Wheeler could -see no way out of it, so she assented.</p> -<p>“Feeling sure that you would find your husband -and Mr. Appleby in such a desperate quarrel -that you would be called upon to shoot?”</p> -<p>“I—I overheard the quarrel from upstairs,” she -faltered, her eyes piteous now with a baffled despair.</p> -<p>“Then you went down because of the quarreling -voices—not because of the fire-alarm?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_230">[230]</div> -<p>Unable to meet Stone’s inexorable gaze, Mrs. -Wheeler’s eyes fell and she nervously responded: -“Well, it was both.”</p> -<p>“Now, see here,” Stone said, kindly; “you want -to do anything you can, don’t you, to help your husband -and daughter?”</p> -<p>“Yes, of course!” and the wide-open eyes now -looked at him hopefully.</p> -<p>“Then will you trust me far enough to believe -that I think you will best help them by telling -the truth?”</p> -<p>“Oh, I can’t!” and with a low moan the distracted -woman hid her face in her hands.</p> -<p>“Please do; your attitude proves you are concealing -important information. I am more than ever -sure you are not the guilty one—and I am not at all -sure that it was either of the other two.”</p> -<p>“Then who could it have been?” and Sara -Wheeler looked amazed.</p> -<p>“That we don’t know. If I had a hint of any -direction to look I’d be glad. But if you will shed -what light you can, it may be of great help.”</p> -<p>“Even if it seems to incriminate my——”</p> -<p>“What can incriminate them more than their -own confessions?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_231">[231]</div> -<p>“Their confessions contradict each other. They -can’t both be guilty.”</p> -<p>“And you don’t know which one is?”</p> -<p>“N—no,” came the faltering reply.</p> -<p>“But that admission contradicts your own confession. -Come now, Mrs. Wheeler, own up to me -that you didn’t do it, and I’ll not tell any one else, -unless it becomes necessary.”</p> -<p>“I will tell you, for I can’t bear this burden -alone any longer! I did go downstairs because of -the alarm of fire, Mr. Stone. Just before I came to -the open door of the den, I heard a shot, and as -I passed the door of the den, I saw Mr. Appleby, -fallen slightly forward in his chair, my husband -standing at a little distance looking at him, and -Maida in the bay window, also staring at them both.”</p> -<p>“What did you do? Go in?”</p> -<p>“No; I was so bewildered, I scarcely knew which -way to turn, and in my fear and horror I ran into -my own sitting-room and fell on the couch there -in sheer collapse.”</p> -<p>“You stayed there?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_232">[232]</div> -<p>“Until I heard voices in the den—the men came -back from the fire and discovered the—the tragedy. -At least, I think that’s the way it was. It’s all mixed -up in my mind. Usually I’m very clear-headed and -strong nerved, but that scene seemed to take away -all my will-power—all my vitality.”</p> -<p>“I don’t wonder. What did you do or say?”</p> -<p>“I had a vague fear that my husband or daughter -would be accused of the crime, and so, at once, I -declared it was the work of the phantom bugler. -You’ve heard about him?”</p> -<p>“Yes. You didn’t think it was he, though, -did you?”</p> -<p>“I wanted to—yes, I think I did. You see, I -don’t think the bugler was a phantom, but I do think -he was a criminal. I mean, I think it was somebody -who meant harm to my husband. I—well—I think -maybe the shot was meant for Mr. Wheeler.”</p> -<p>Stone looked at her sharply, and said: “Please, -Mrs. Wheeler, be honest with me, whatever you may -pretend to others. Are you not springing that theory -in a further attempt to direct suspicion away from -Mr. Wheeler?”</p> -<p>She gave a gesture of helplessness. “I see I -can hide nothing from you, Mr. Stone! You are -right—but may there not be a chance that it is a -true theory after all?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_233">[233]</div> -<p>“Possibly; if we can find any hint of the bugler’s -identity. Mr. Keefe says, find the bugler and you’ve -found the murderer.”</p> -<p>“I know he does, but Keefe is—as I am—very -anxious to direct suspicion away from the Wheeler -family. You see, Mr. Keefe is in love with my -daughter——”</p> -<p>“As who isn’t? All the young men fall down -before her charms!”</p> -<p>“It is so. Although she is engaged to Mr. Allen, -both Mr. Keefe and Mr. Sam Appleby are hopeful -of yet winning her regard. To me it is not surprising, -for I think Maida the very flower of lovely girlhood, -but I also think those men should recognize -Jeffrey Allen’s rights and cease paying Maida such -definite attentions.”</p> -<p>“It is hard to repress an ardent admirer,” Stone -admitted, “and as you say, that is probably Keefe’s -intent in insisting on the finding of the bugler. You -do not, then, believe in your old legend?”</p> -<p>“I do and I don’t. My mind has a tendency to -revere and love the old traditions of my family, but -when it comes to real belief I can’t say I am willing -to stand by them. Yet where else can we look for a -criminal—other than my own people?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_234">[234]</div> -<p>“Please tell me just what you saw when you -looked into the den immediately after you heard the -shot. You must realize how important this testimony -is.”</p> -<p>“I do,” was the solemn reply. “I saw, as I told -you, both my husband and my daughter looking at -Mr. Appleby as he sat in his chair. I did not know -then that he was dead, but he must have been dead or -dying. The doctors said the death was practically -instantaneous.”</p> -<p>“And from their attitude or their facial expression -could you assume either your husband or -daughter to have been the guilty one?”</p> -<p>“I can only say they both looked stunned and -horrified. Just as one would expect them to look on -the occasion of witnessing a horrible tragedy.”</p> -<p>“Whether they were responsible for it or not?”</p> -<p>“Yes. But I’m not sure the attitude would have -been different in the case of a criminal or a witness. -I mean the fright and horror I saw on their faces -would be the same if they had committed a crime or -had seen it done.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_235">[235]</div> -<p>Stone considered this. “You may be right,” he -said; “I daresay absolute horror would fill the soul -in either case, and would produce much the same -effect in appearance. Now, let us suppose for a moment, -that one or other of the two did do the shooting—wait -a moment!” as Mrs. Wheeler swayed uncertainly -in her chair. “Don’t faint. I’m supposing -this only in the interests of you and yours. Suppose, -I say, that either Mr. Wheeler or Miss Wheeler -had fired the weapon—as they have both confessed -to doing—which would you assume, from their appearance, -had done it?”</p> -<p>Controlling herself by a strong effort, Sara -Wheeler answered steadily, “I could not say. Honestly, -to my startled eyes they seemed equally horrified -and stunned.”</p> -<p>“Of course they would. You see, Mrs. Wheeler, -the fact that they both confess it, makes it look as if -one of them did do it, and the other having witnessed -the deed, takes over the blame to save the guilty one. -This sounds harsh, but we have to face the facts. -Then, if we can get more or different facts, so much -the better.”</p> -<p>“You’re suggesting, then, that one of my people -did do it, and the other saw it done?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_236">[236]</div> -<p>“I’m suggesting that that might be the truth, -and so far as we can see now, is the most apparent -solution. But I’m not saying it is the truth, -nor shall I relax my efforts to find another answer to -our problem. And I want to tell you that you have -helped materially by withdrawing your own confession. -Every step I can take toward the truth is -helpful. You have lessened the suspects from three -to two; now if I can eliminate another we will have -but one; and if I can clear that one, we shall have -to look elsewhere.”</p> -<p>“That is specious argument, Mr. Stone,” and -Sara Wheeler fixed her large, sad eyes upon his face. -“For, if you succeeded in elimination of one of the -two, it may be you cannot eliminate the third—and -then——”</p> -<p>“And then your loving perjuries will be useless. -True, but I must do my duty—and that means my -duty to you all. I may tell you that Mr. Appleby, -who employed me, asked me to find a criminal outside -of your family, whether the real one or not.”</p> -<p>“He put it that way!”</p> -<p>“He did; and while I do want to find the outside -criminal, I can’t find him if he doesn’t exist.”</p> -<p>“Of course not. I daresay I shall regret what -I’ve told you, but——”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_237">[237]</div> -<p>“But you couldn’t help it, I know. Don’t worry, -Mrs. Wheeler. If you’ve no great faith in me, try -to have a hopeful trust, and I assure you I will not -betray it.”</p> -<p>“Well, Mr. McGuire,” Stone said to his adoring -satellite, a little later, “there’s one out.”</p> -<p>“Mother Wheeler?”</p> -<p>“Yes, you young scamp; how did you know?”</p> -<p>“Saw you hobnobbing with her—she being took -with a sudden attack of the confidentials—and, anyhow, -two of ’em—at least—has got to cave in. You -can ferret out which of ’em is George Washingtons -and which isn’t.”</p> -<p>“Well, here’s the way it seems to stand now. -Mind, I only say seems to stand.”</p> -<p>“Yessir.”</p> -<p>“The father and daughter—both of whom confess -to the shooting, were seen in the room immediately -after the event. Now, they were on opposite -sides of the room, the victim being about midway -between them. Consequently, if one shot, the other -was witness thereto. And, owing to the deep devotion -obtaining between them, either father or daughter -would confess to the crime to save the other.”</p> -<p>“Then,” Fibsy summed up, “Mr. Wheeler and -Maida don’t suspect each other; one did it, and both -know which one.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_238">[238]</div> -<p>“Well put. Now, which is which?”</p> -<p>“More likely the girl did the shooting. She’s -awful impulsive, awful high strung and awful fond -of her father. Say the old Appleby gentleman was -beratin’ and oratin’ and iratin,’ against Friend -Wheeler, and say he went a leetle too far for Miss -Maida to stand, and say she had that new secret, or -whatever it is that’s eatin’ her—well, it wouldn’t -surprise me overly, if she up and shot the varmint.”</p> -<p>“Having held the pistol in readiness?”</p> -<p>“Not nec’ess’rily. She coulda sprung across the -room, lifted the weapon from its customed place in -the drawer, and fired, all in a fleetin’ instant o’ time. -And she’s the girl to do it! That Maida, now, she -could do anything! And she loves the old man -enough to do anything. Touch and go—that’s what -she is! Especially go!”</p> -<p>“Well, all right. Yet, maybe it was the other -way. Maybe, Wheeler, at the end of his patience, -and knowing the ‘secret,’ whatever it may be, flung -away discretion and grabbed up his own pistol -and fired.”</p> -<p>“Coulda been, F. Stone. Coulda been—easily. -But—I lean to the Maida theory. Maida for mine, -first, last, and all the time.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_239">[239]</div> -<p>“For an admirer of hers, and you’re not by yourself -in that, you seem cheerfully willing to subscribe -to her guilt.”</p> -<p>“Well, I ain’t! But I do want to get the truth -as to the three Wheelers. And once I get it fastened -on the lovely Maida, I’ll set to work to get it off -again. But, I’ll know where I’m at.”</p> -<p>“And suppose we fasten it on the lovely -Daniel?”</p> -<p>“That’s a serious proposition, F. Stone. For, -if he did it, he did it. And if Maida did it—she -didn’t do it. See?”</p> -<p>“Not very clearly; but never mind, you needn’t -expound. It doesn’t interest me.”</p> -<p>Fibsy looked comically chagrined, as he often -did when Stone scorned his ideas, but he said nothing -except:</p> -<p>“Orders, sir?”</p> -<p>“Yes, Terence. Hunt up Rachel, the maid, and -find out all she knows. Use your phenomenal powers -of enchantment and make her come across.”</p> -<p>“’Tis the same as done, sir!” declared the boy, -and he departed at once in search of Rachel.</p> -<p>He sauntered out of the north door and took -a roundabout way to the kitchen quarters.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_240">[240]</div> -<p>Finally he found the cook, and putting on his best -and most endearing little boy effects, he appealed -for something to eat.</p> -<p>“Not but what I’m well treated at the table,” he -said, “but, you know what boys are.”</p> -<p>“I do that,” and the good-natured woman furnished -him with liberal pieces of pie and cake.</p> -<p>“Great,” said Fibsy, eating the last crumb as he -guilefully complimented her culinary skill, “and now -I’ve got to find a person name o’ Rachel. Where -might she be?”</p> -<p>“She might be ’most anywhere, but she isn’t -anywhere,” was the cryptic reply.</p> -<p>“Why for?”</p> -<p>“Well, she’s plain disappeared, if you know what -that means.”</p> -<p>“Vamoosed? Skipped? Faded? Slid? Oozed -out?”</p> -<p>“Yes; all those. Anyway, she isn’t on the place.”</p> -<p>“Since when?”</p> -<p>“Why, I saw her last about two hours ago. -Then when Mrs. Wheeler wanted her she wasn’t to -be found.”</p> -<p>“And hasn’t sence ben sane?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_241">[241]</div> -<p>“Just so. And as you are part and parcel of -that detective layout that’s infestin’ the house an’ -grounds, I wish you’d find the hussy.”</p> -<p>“Why, why, what langwitch! Why call her -names?”</p> -<p>“She’s a caution! Get along now, and if you -can’t find her, at least you can quit botherin’ me.”</p> -<p>“All right. But tell me this, before we part. -Did she confide to your willin’ ears anything about -the murder?”</p> -<p>“Uncanny you are, lad! How’d you guess it?”</p> -<p>“I’m a limb of Satan. What did she tell you? -and when?”</p> -<p>“Only this morning; early, before she flew off.”</p> -<p>“Couldn’t very well have told you after she -started.”</p> -<p>“No impidence now. Well, she told me that the -night of the murder, as she ran from here to the -garage, she saw on the south veranda a man with -a bugle pipe!”</p> -<p>“A pipe dream!”</p> -<p>“I dunno. But she told it like gospel truth.”</p> -<p>“Just what did she say?”</p> -<p>“Said she saw a man—a live man, no phantom -foolishness, on the south veranda, and he carried -a bugle.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_242">[242]</div> -<p>“Did he play on it?”</p> -<p>“No; just carried it like. But she says he musta -been the murderer, and by the same token it’s the -man I saw!”</p> -<p>“Oho, you saw him, too?”</p> -<p>“As I told your master, I saw him, but not plain, -as I ran along to the fire. Rachel, now, she saw him -plain, so he musta been there. Well, belike, he -was the murderer and that sets my people free.”</p> -<p>“Important if true, but are you both sure? And -why, oh, why does the valuable Rachel choose this -time to vanish? Won’t she come back?”</p> -<p>“Who knows? She didn’t take any luggage——”</p> -<p>“How did she go?”</p> -<p>“Nobody knows. She walked, of course——”</p> -<p>“Then she couldn’t have gone far.”</p> -<p>“Oh, well, she could walk to the railway station. -It’s only a fairish tramp. But <i>why</i> did she go?”</p> -<p>“I ask <i>you</i> why.”</p> -<p>“And I don’t know. But I suppose it was because -she didn’t want to be questioned about the -man who shot.”</p> -<p>“What! You didn’t say she saw him shoot!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_243">[243]</div> -<p>“Yes, I did. Or I meant to. Anyway that’s -what Rachel said. The man with the bugle shot -through the window and that’s what killed Mr. -Appleby.”</p> -<p>“Oh, come now, this is too big a yarn to be -true, especially when the yarner lights out at once -after telling it!”</p> -<p>“Well, Rachel has her faults, but I never knew -her to lie. And if it was the man I saw—why, that -proves, at least, there was a man there.”</p> -<p>“But you didn’t see him clearly.”</p> -<p>“But I saw him.”</p> -<p>“Then he must be reckoned with. Now, Cookie, -dear, we <i>must</i> find Rachel. We must! Do you -hear? You help me and I bet we’ll get her.”</p> -<p>“But I’ve no idea where she went——”</p> -<p>“Of course you haven’t. But think; has she any -friends or relatives nearby?”</p> -<p>“Not one.”</p> -<p>“Are there any trains about the time she left?”</p> -<p>“I don’t know what time she left, but there’s -been no train since nine-thirty, and I doubt she was -in time for that.”</p> -<p>“She took no luggage?”</p> -<p>“No, I’ll vouch for that.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_244">[244]</div> -<p>“Then she’s likely in the neighborhood. Is -there any inn or place she could get a room -and board?”</p> -<p>“Oh, land, she hasn’t gone away to stay. She’s -scart at something most likely, and she’ll be back -by nightfall.”</p> -<p>“She may and she may not. She must be found. -Wait, has she a lover?”</p> -<p>“Well, they do say Fulton, the chauffeur, is -sweet on her, but I never noticed it much.”</p> -<p>“Who said he was?”</p> -<p>“Mostly she said it herself.”</p> -<p>“She ought to know! Me for Fulton. Good-bye, -Cookie, for the nonce,” and waving a smiling -farewell, Fibsy went off toward the garage.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_245">[245]</div> -<h2 id="c14"><span class="small">CHAPTER XIV</span> -<br />RACHEL’S STORY</h2> -<p>“Hello, Fult,” Fibsy sang out gaily to the -chauffeur, and received a pleasant response, for few -could resist the contagious smile of the round, -freckled face of the boy.</p> -<p>“Hello, Mr. Fibsy,” the other returned, “how -you getting on with your detective work?”</p> -<p>“Fine; but I want a little help from you.”</p> -<p>“Me? I don’t know anything about anything.”</p> -<p>“Well, then tell me what you don’t know. That -fire now, here in the garage, the night of the murder, -did you ever find out how it started?”</p> -<p>Fulton’s face took on a perplexed look and he -said: “No, we didn’t—and it’s a queer thing. It -must have been started by some one purposely, for -there’s no way it could have come about by accident.”</p> -<p>“Spontaneous combustion?”</p> -<p>“Whatever made you think of that? And it -couldn’t have been from old paint rags, or such, for -there’s nothing like that about. But—well, here’s -what I found.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_246">[246]</div> -<p>Fulton produced a small bottle. It was empty -and had no label or stopper, and Fibsy looked at -it blankly.</p> -<p>“What is it?” he asked.</p> -<p>“Never see one like it?”</p> -<p>“No; have you?”</p> -<p>“Yes, I have. I was in the war, and bottles like -that contained acid which, when combined with another -acid, caused spontaneous combustion.”</p> -<p>“Combined—how?”</p> -<p>“Well, they used to saturate some cloth or old -clothes with the other acid, and throw them about. -Then, when the time came they threw a little bottle -like that, filled with acid, and with only a paper -stopper, in among the clothes. The acid slowly ate -out the paper stopper, and then the two acids caused -combustion. So, by the time the fire started, the -man who was responsible for it was far away from -the scene.”</p> -<p>“Whew! And you think that happened here?”</p> -<p>“There’s the bottle. The fire began in Mr. -Appleby’s car. Two coats and a rug were burned—now, -mightn’t they have been sprinkled with the -other acid——”</p> -<p>“Of course that’s what happened! Why haven’t -you told this before?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_247">[247]</div> -<p>“I only found the bottle this morning. It had -been kicked under a bench, and the sweeper found -it. Then I fell a-thinking, for it’s the very same -sort of bottle I saw used over there. Somebody who -knew that trick did it.”</p> -<p>“And whoever did it is either Mr. Appleby’s -murderer, or an accomplice.”</p> -<p>“You think the two crimes are connected, -then?”</p> -<p>“Haven’t a doubt of it. You’re a clever chap, -Fulton, to dope this out——”</p> -<p>“Well, there was no other explanation. Anything -else hinted at carelessness of my management -of this place, and that hurt my pride, for I like to -think this garage the pink of perfection as to cleanliness -and order.”</p> -<p>“Mr. Wheeler is fortunate in having such a man -as you. Now, one more thing, Fulton; where -is Rachel?”</p> -<p>“Rachel!”</p> -<p>“Yes, your blush gives you away. If you -know where she is, tell me. If she’s done nothing -wrong it can do no harm to find her. If she <i>has</i> -done anything wrong, she <i>must</i> be found.”</p> -<p>“I don’t know where she is, Mr. Fibsy——”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_248">[248]</div> -<p>“Call me McGuire. And if you don’t know -where she is, you know something about her disappearance. -When did she go away?”</p> -<p>“I saw her last night. She said nothing about -going away, but she seemed nervous and worried, -and I couldn’t say anything to please her.”</p> -<p>“Can’t you form any idea of where she might -have gone? Be frank, Fulton, for much depends on -getting hold of that girl.”</p> -<p>“I can only say I’ve no idea where she is, but -she may communicate with me. In that case——”</p> -<p>“In that case, let me know at once,” Fibsy commanded, -and having learned all he could there, he -went off to think up some other means of finding the -lost Rachel.</p> -<p>Meantime Sam Appleby was taking his -departure.</p> -<p>“I have to go,” he said, in response to the -Wheelers’ invitation to tarry longer; “because Keefe -is coming down to-morrow. One of us ought to be -in father’s office all the time now, there’s so much -to attend to.”</p> -<p>“Why is Mr. Keefe coming here?” asked Maida.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_249">[249]</div> -<p>“Mr. Stone wants to see him,” Appleby informed -her. “You know, Keefe is more or less of a detective -himself, and Mr. Stone thinks he may be helpful -in finding the criminal. Miss Lane is coming also, -she begged to, mostly, I think, because she took such -a liking to you.”</p> -<p>“I liked her, too,” returned Maida; “she’s a -funny girl but a sincere, thorough nature.”</p> -<p>“Yes, she is. Well, they’ll only stay over a day -or two, I can’t spare them longer. Of course, they -may be of help to Mr. Stone, and they may not. But -I don’t want to miss a trick in this investigation. -What a queer little chap that boy of Stone’s is!”</p> -<p>“Fibsy?” and Maida smiled. “Yes, he’s a -case! And he’s my devoted slave.”</p> -<p>“As who isn’t?” exclaimed Appleby. “Oh, -Maida, do give me a little encouragement. After -this awful business is all over, mayn’t I come back -with a hope that you’ll smile on me?”</p> -<p>“Don’t talk that way, Sam. You know I’m -engaged to Jeffrey.”</p> -<p>“Oh, no, you’re not. I mean, it can be possible -for you to change your mind. Girls are often engaged -to several men before they marry.”</p> -<p>“I’m not that sort,” and Maida smiled a little -sadly.</p> -<p>“Be that sort, then.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_250">[250]</div> -<p>“You seem to forget that I may be openly -accused of crime at any moment. And a crime that -hits you pretty closely.”</p> -<p>“Don’t say such things, dear. Neither you nor -any of your people are responsible for the dreadful -thing that happened to father—or, if you are, I -never want to know it. And I do want you, Maida -dear—so much——”</p> -<p>“Hush, Sam; I won’t listen to anything like that -from you.”</p> -<p>“Not now, but later on,” he urged. “Tell me -that I may come back, Maida dear.”</p> -<p>“Of course you may come here, whenever you -like, but I hold out no hope of the sort you ask for.”</p> -<p>“I shall hope all the same. I’d die if I didn’t! -Good-bye, Maida, for this time.”</p> -<p>He went away to the train, and later, came Keefe -and Genevieve Lane.</p> -<p>“Oh,” the girl cried, “I’m so glad to be back -here again, Maida. My, but you’re prettier than -ever! If you’d only touch up those pale cheeks—just -a little bit—here, let me——”</p> -<p>She opened her ever-ready vanity box, and was -about to apply a touch of rouge, but Maida sprang -away from her.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_251">[251]</div> -<p>“No, no, Genevieve, I never use it.”</p> -<p>“Silly girl! You don’t deserve the beauty nature -gave you, if you’re not willing to help it along -a little yourself! How do you do, Mrs. Wheeler -and Mr. Wheeler?”</p> -<p>She greeted them prettily, and Keefe, too, exchanged -greetings with the family.</p> -<p>“Anything being done?” he asked, finally. “Has -Mr. Stone discovered anything of importance?”</p> -<p>“Nothing very definite, I fear,” returned Daniel -Wheeler. He spoke wearily, and almost despairingly. -Anxiety and worry had aged him, even in -the last few days. “I do hope, Keefe, that you -can be of assistance. You have a keen eye for -details, and may know or remember some points -that escaped our notice.”</p> -<p>“I’m hoping I can help,” Keefe returned with -a serious face. “Can I see Stone shortly?”</p> -<p>“Yes, now. Come along into the den, he’s -in here.”</p> -<p>The two men went to the den, where Stone and -Fibsy were in deep consultation.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_252">[252]</div> -<p>“Very glad to see you, Mr. Keefe,” Fleming -Stone acknowledged the introduction. “This is -McGuire, my young assistant. You may speak -frankly before him.”</p> -<p>“If I have anything to speak,” said Keefe. “I -don’t really know anything I haven’t told, but -I may remind Mr. Wheeler of some points he -has forgotten.”</p> -<p>“Well, let’s talk it all over,” Stone suggested, -and they did.</p> -<p>Keefe was greatly surprised and impressed by -the story of the cook’s having seen a man on the -south veranda at the time of the shooting.</p> -<p>“But she didn’t see him clearly,” Fibsy added.</p> -<p>“Couldn’t she describe him?”</p> -<p>“No; she didn’t see him plain enough. But the -maid, Rachel, told cook that she saw the man, too, -and that he carried a bugle. Cook didn’t see -the bugle.”</p> -<p>“Naturally not, if she only saw the man -vaguely,” said Wheeler. “But, it begins to look as -if there must have been a man there and if so, he -may have been the criminal.”</p> -<p>“Let us hope,” said Keefe, earnestly. “Now, -can you find this man, Mr. Stone?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_253">[253]</div> -<p>“We’ve got to find him,” Stone returned, -“whether we can or not. It’s really a baffling case. -I think we’ve discovered the origin of the fire in -the garage.”</p> -<p>He told the story that Fibsy had learned from -the chauffeur, and Keefe was greatly interested.</p> -<p>“What are the acids?” he asked.</p> -<p>“I don’t know the exact names,” Stone admitted, -“but they are of just such powers as Fulton described, -and the thing is plausible. Here’s the bottle.” -He offered the little vial for inspection and -Keefe looked at it with some curiosity.</p> -<p>“The theory being,” he said, “that the murderer -first arranged for a fire in our car—in Mr. Appleby’s -car—and then waited for the fire to come off as -planned. Then, at the moment of greatest excitement, -he, being probably the man the servants saw—shot -through the bay window and killed Mr. -Appleby. You were fortunate, Miss Maida, that -you weren’t hit first!”</p> -<p>“Oh, I was in no danger. I sat well back in the -window-seat, and over to one side, out of range -of a shot from outside. And, too, Mr. Keefe, I can -scarcely discuss this matter of the shot from outside, -as I am, myself, the confessed criminal.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_254">[254]</div> -<p>“Confessing only to save me from suspicion,” -said her father, with an affectionate glance. “But it -won’t do any good, dear. I take the burden of the -crime and I own up that I did it. This man on the -veranda—if, indeed, there was such a one, may -have been any of the men servants about the place, -startled by the cry of fire, and running to assure -himself of the safety of the house and family. He, -doubtless, hesitates to divulge his identity lest he -be suspected of shooting.”</p> -<p>“That’s all right,” declared Fibsy, “but if it was -one of your men, he’d own up by this time. He’d -know he wouldn’t be suspected of shooting Mr. -Appleby. Why should he do it?”</p> -<p>“Why should anybody do it, except myself?” -asked Dan Wheeler. “Not all the detectives in the -world can find any one else with a motive and opportunity. -The fact that both my wife and daughter -tried to take the crime off my shoulders only makes -me more determined to tell the truth.”</p> -<p>“But you’re not telling the truth, dad,” and -Maida looked at him. “You know I did it—you -know I had threatened to do it—you know I felt I -just could not stand Mr. Appleby’s oppression of you -another day! And so—and so, I——”</p> -<p>“Go on, Miss Wheeler,” urged Stone, “and so -you—what did you do?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_255">[255]</div> -<p>“I ran across the den to the drawer where father -keeps his pistol; I took it and shot—then I ran back -to the window-seat——”</p> -<p>“What did you do with the pistol?”</p> -<p>“Threw it out of the window.”</p> -<p>“Toward the right or left?”</p> -<p>“Why, I don’t know.”</p> -<p>“Try to think. Stand up there now, and remember -which way you flung it.”</p> -<p>Reluctantly, Maida went to the bay window, and -stood there thinking.</p> -<p>“I don’t know,” she said, at last. “I can’t -remember.”</p> -<p>“It doesn’t matter,” said Keefe. “I think we -can prove that it was none of the Wheelers, but there -was a man, an intruder, on the veranda who shot. -Even if we never find out his identity, we may prove -that he was really there. Where is this maid who -saw him clearly? Rachel—is that her name?”</p> -<p>“That’s a pretty thing, too!” Fibsy spoke up. -“She has flew the coop.”</p> -<p>“Gone! Where?” Keefe showed his disappointment.</p> -<p>“Nobody knows where. She just simply lit out. -Even her lover doesn’t know where she is.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_256">[256]</div> -<p>“Who is her lover?”</p> -<p>“Fulton, the chauffeur. He’s just about crazy -over her disappearance.”</p> -<p>“Oh, she’ll return,” surmised Stone. “She became -frightened at something and ran off. I think -she’ll come back. If not, we’ll have to give chase. -We must find her, as she’s the principal witness of -the man on the veranda. Cook is not so sure -about him.”</p> -<p>“Who could he have been?” Keefe said. -“Doubtless some enemy of Mr. Appleby, in no way -connected with the Wheelers.”</p> -<p>“Probably,” agreed Stone.</p> -<p>“We found the pistol, you know, Mr. Keefe,” -remarked Fibsy.</p> -<p>“You did! Well, you have made progress. -Where was it?”</p> -<p>“In the fern bed, not far from the veranda -railing.”</p> -<p>“Just where the man would have thrown it!” -exclaimed Keefe.</p> -<p>“Or where I threw it,” put in Daniel Wheeler.</p> -<p>“I’d like to see the exact place it was found,” -Keefe said.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_257">[257]</div> -<p>“Come on, I’ll show you,” offered Fibsy and -the two started away together.</p> -<p>“Here you are,” and Fibsy showed the bed of -ferns, which, growing closely together, made a dense -hiding place.</p> -<p>“A wonder you ever found it,” said Keefe. -“How’d you happen to?”</p> -<p>“Oh, I just snooped around till I came to it. -I says to myself, ‘Either the murderer flung it away -or he didn’t. If he did, why it must be somewheres,’ -and it was.”</p> -<p>“I see; and does Mr. Stone think the finding of -it here points to either of the Wheelers?”</p> -<p>“Not necess’rily. You see, if the man we’re -looking for did the shooting, he’s the one who threw -the pistol in this here fern bed. And, you know -yourself, it’s more likely a man threw this farther -than a woman.”</p> -<p>“Miss Wheeler is athletic.”</p> -<p>“I know, but I’m convinced that Miss Wheeler -didn’t do the deed. Ain’t you?”</p> -<p>“Oh, I can’t think she did it, of course. But -it’s all very mysterious.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_258">[258]</div> -<p>“Not mysterious a bit. It’s hard sleddin’, but -there ain’t much mystery about it. Why, look a-here. -If either the father or daughter did it, they both -know which one it was. Therefore, one is telling -the truth and one isn’t. It won’t be hard to find out -which is which, but F. Stone, he’s trying to find -some one that’ll let the Wheelers both out.”</p> -<p>“Oh, that’s his idea? And a mighty good one. -I’ll help all I can. Of course, the thing to do is to -trace the pistol.”</p> -<p>“Oh, it was Mr. Wheeler’s pistol, all right.”</p> -<p>“It was!” Keefe looked dismayed. “Then -how can we suspect an outsider?”</p> -<p>“Well, he could have stolen Mr. Wheeler’s pistol -for the purpose of casting suspicion on him.”</p> -<p>“Yes; that’s so. Now to find that Rachel.”</p> -<p>“Oh, do find her,” Maida cried, overhearing the -remark as she and Genevieve crossed the lawn toward -Keefe and Fibsy.</p> -<p>The lad had not yet seen Miss Lane and he -frankly admired her at once. Perhaps a sympathetic -chord was struck by the similarity of their natures. -Perhaps they intuitively recognized each other’s gay -impudence, for they engaged in a clash of words -that immediately made them friends.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_259">[259]</div> -<p>“Maybe Rachel’d come back if she knew you -were here,” he said. “I’m sure she’d admire to -wait on such a pretty lady.”</p> -<p>“Just tell her that you saw me,” Genevieve said, -“and I’ll be glad to have her back. She’s a first-class -ladies’ maid.”</p> -<p>“Oh, then she only waits on first-class ladies?”</p> -<p>“Yes; that’s why she’s so fond of me. Do -hunt her up.”</p> -<p>“Well, cutie, just for you, I’ll do that same. -Where shall I go to look for her?”</p> -<p>“How should I know? But you keep watch of -Fulton, and I’ll bet he gets some word from her.”</p> -<p>“Yes, they’re sweethearts. Now, how do sweethearts -get word to each other? You ought to know -all about sweethearting.”</p> -<p>“I don’t,” said Genevieve, demurely.</p> -<p>“Pshaw, now, that’s too bad. Want me to -teach you?”</p> -<p>“Yes—if you don’t mind.”</p> -<p>“Saunter away with me, then,” and the saucy -boy led Miss Lane off for a stroll round the grounds.</p> -<p>“Honest, now, do you want to help?” he asked.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_260">[260]</div> -<p>“Yes, I do,” she asserted. “I’m downright -fond of Maida, and though I know she didn’t do it, -yet she and her father will be suspected unless we can -find this other person. And the only way to get a -line on him, seems to be through Rachel. Why do -you suppose she ran away?”</p> -<p>“Can’t imagine. Don’t see how she could get -scared.”</p> -<p>“No; what would scare her? I think she’s at -some neighbor’s.”</p> -<p>“Let’s you and me go to all the neighbors -and see.”</p> -<p>“All right. We’ll go in the Wheelers’ little car. -Fulton will take us.”</p> -<p>“Don’t we get permission?”</p> -<p>“Nixy. They might say no, by mistake for a -yes. Come on—we’ll just hook Jack.”</p> -<p>To the garage they went and easily persuaded -Fulton to take them around to some of the neighboring -houses.</p> -<p>And at the third one they visited they found -Rachel. A friend of hers was a maid there, and she -had taken Rachel in for a few days.</p> -<p>“Why did you run off?” queried Fulton.</p> -<p>“Oh, I don’t know,” and Rachel shuddered. -“It all got on my nerves. Who’s over there now?”</p> -<p>“Just the family, and the detectives and Mr. -Keefe,” Fulton answered. “Will you come home?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_261">[261]</div> -<p>“She will,” Fibsy answered for her. “She will -get right into this car and go at once—in the -name of the law!” he added sternly, as Rachel -seemed undecided.</p> -<p>Fibsy often used this phrase, and, delivered in an -awe-inspiring tone, it was usually effective.</p> -<p>Rachel did get into the car, and they returned -to Sycamore Lodge in triumph.</p> -<p>“Good work, Fibs,” Stone nodded his approval. -“Now, Rachel, sit right down here on the veranda, -and tell us about that man you saw.”</p> -<p>The girl was clearly frightened and her voice -trembled, but she tried to tell her story.</p> -<p>“There’s nothing to fear,” Curtis Keefe said, -kindly. “Just tell slowly and simply the story of -your seeing the man and then you may be excused.”</p> -<p>She gave him a grateful look, and seemed to -take courage.</p> -<p>“Well, I was passing the veranda——”</p> -<p>“Coming from where and going where?” interrupted -Stone, speaking gently.</p> -<p>“Why, I—I was coming from the—the -garage——”</p> -<p>“Where you had been talking to Fulton?”</p> -<p>“Yes, sir.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_262">[262]</div> -<p>“All right, go on.”</p> -<p>“And I was going—going to go up to Mrs. -Wheeler’s room. I thought she might want me. -And as I went by the veranda, I saw the man. He -was a big man, and he carried a bugle.”</p> -<p>“He didn’t blow on it?”</p> -<p>“No, sir. Just waved it about like.”</p> -<p>“You didn’t see that he had a pistol?”</p> -<p>“I—I couldn’t say, sir.”</p> -<p>“Of course you couldn’t,” said Keefe. “Men -with pistols don’t brandish them until they get ready -to shoot.”</p> -<p>“But you saw this man shoot?” went on Stone.</p> -<p>“Yes, sir,” Rachel said; “I saw him shoot -through the bay window and then I ran away.”</p> -<p>Whereupon, she repeated the action at the conclusion -of her statement, and hurried away.</p> -<p>“Humph!” said Fleming Stone.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_263">[263]</div> -<h2 id="c15"><span class="small">CHAPTER XV</span> -<br />THE AWFUL TRUTH</h2> -<p>“Well, Fibs,” said Stone, as the two sat alone -in conclave, “what about Rachel’s story?”</p> -<p>“You know, F. Stone, how I hate to doubt a -lady’s word, but—not to put too fine a point upon it, -the fair Rachel lied.”</p> -<p>“You think so, too, eh? And just why?”</p> -<p>“Under orders. She was coached in her part. -Told exactly what to say——”</p> -<p>“By whom?”</p> -<p>“Oh, you know as well as I do. You’re just leading -me on! Well, he coached her, all right, and she -got scared before the performance came off and -that’s why she ran away.”</p> -<p>“Yes, I agree to all that. Keefe, of course, being -the coach.”</p> -<p>“Yessir. He doing it, to save the Wheelers. -You see, he’s so desperately in love with Miss Maida, -that it sort of blinds his judgment and cleverness.”</p> -<p>“Just how?”</p> -<p>“Well, you know his is love at first sight—practically.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_264">[264]</div> -<p>“Look here, Terence, you know a great deal -about love.”</p> -<p>“Yessir, it—it comes natural to me. I’m a born -lover, I am.”</p> -<p>“Had much experience?”</p> -<p>“Not yet. But my day’s coming. Well, never -mind me—to get back to Friend Keefe. Here’s the -way it is. Miss Wheeler is sort of engaged to Mr. -Allen, and yet the matter isn’t quite settled, either. -I get that from the servants—mean to gossip, but -all’s fair in love and sleuthing. Now, Mr. Keefe -comes along, sees the lovely Maida, and, zip! his -heart is cracked! All might yet be well, but for the -wily Genevieve. She has her cap set for Keefe, -and he knows it, and was satisfied it should be so, till -he saw Miss Wheeler. Now, the fat’s in the fire, -and no pitch hot.”</p> -<p>“You do pick up a lot of general information.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_265">[265]</div> -<p>“It’s necess’ry, sir.” The red-head nodded emphatically. -“These sidelights often point the way -to the great and shinin’ truth! For, don’t you see, -Mr. Keefe, being so gone on Miss Maida, naturally -doesn’t want her or her people suspected of this -crime—even if one of them is guilty. So he fixes up -a cock-and-bull story about a bugler man—on the -south veranda. This man, he argues, did the shooting. -He gets Rachel—he must have some hold on -her, bribery wouldn’t be enough—and he fair crams -the bugler yarn down her throat, and orders her to -recite it as Gospel truth.”</p> -<p>“Then she gets scared and runs away.”</p> -<p>“Exactly. You see it that way, don’t you, -Mr. Stone?”</p> -<p>The earnest little face looked up to the master. -Terence McGuire was developing a wonderful gift -for psychological detective work, and sometimes he -let his imagination run away with him. In such cases -Stone tripped him up and turned him back to the -right track. Both had an inkling that the day might -eventually come when Stone would retire and McGuire -would reign in his stead. But this was, as yet, -merely a dream, and at present they worked together -in unison and harmony.</p> -<p>“Yes, Fibsy—at least, I see it may have been -that way. But it’s a big order to put on—to -Mr. Keefe.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_266">[266]</div> -<p>“I know, but he’s a big man. I mean a man of -big notions and projects. Anybody can see that. -Now, he’s awful anxious Miss Wheeler and Mr. -Wheeler shall be cleared of all s’picion—even if he -thinks one of ’em is guilty. He doesn’t consider -Mrs. Wheeler—I guess nobody does now.”</p> -<p>“Probably not. Go on.”</p> -<p>“Well, so Keefie, he thinks if he can get this -bugler person guaranteed, by a reliable and responsible -witness—which, of course, Rachel would seem -to be—then, Mr. Keefe thinks, he’s got the Wheelers -cleared. Now, Rachel, getting cold feet about it all, -goes back on Keefe—oh, I could see it in his face!”</p> -<p>“Yes, he looked decidedly annoyed at Rachel’s -failure of a convincing performance.”</p> -<p>“He did so! Now, Mr. Stone, even if he bolsters -up Rachel’s story or gets her to tell it more -convincingly—we know, you and I, that it isn’t true. -There wasn’t any man on the south veranda.”</p> -<p>“Sure, Terence?”</p> -<p>“Yessir, I’m pretty sure. For, what became of -him? Where did he vanish to? Who was he? -There never was any bugler—I mean as a murderer. -The piper who piped some nights previous had nothing -to do with the case!”</p> -<p>“Sure, Terence?”</p> -<p>“Oh, come now, Mr. Stone—I was sure, till you -say that at me, so dubious like—and then I’m not -so sure.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_267">[267]</div> -<p>“Well, go on with your theory, and let’s see -where you come out. You may be on the right track, -after all. I’m not sure of many points myself yet.”</p> -<p>“All right. To my mind, it comes back to a -toss-up between Miss Maida and her father, with the -odds in favor of the old gentleman. Agree?”</p> -<p>“I might, if I understood your English. The -odds in favor of Mr. Wheeler indicating his guilt -or innocence?”</p> -<p>“His guilt, I meant, F. Stone. I can’t think -that sweet young lady would do it, and this isn’t because -she is a sweet young lady, but because it isn’t -hardly plausible that she’s put the thing over, even -though she was willing enough to do so.”</p> -<p>“It seems so to me, too, but we can’t bank on that. -Maida Wheeler is a very impulsive girl, very vigorous -and athletic, and very devoted to her father. -She worships him, and she has been known to say she -would willingly kill old Mr. Appleby. These things -must be remembered, Fibsy.”</p> -<p>“That’s so. But I’ve noticed that when folks -threaten to kill people they most generally don’t -do it.”</p> -<p>“I’ve also noticed that. But, striking out Maida’s -name, leaves us only Mr. Wheeler.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_268">[268]</div> -<p>“Well, ain’t he the one? Ain’t he the down-trodden, -oppressed victim, who, at last, has opportunity, -and who is goaded to the point of desperation -by the arguments of his enemy?”</p> -<p>“You grow oratorical! But, I admit, you have -an argument.”</p> -<p>“’Course I have. Now, say we’ve got to choose -between Miss Wheeler and Mr. Wheeler, how do -we go about it?”</p> -<p>“How?”</p> -<p>“Why, we find out how Mr. Appleby was sitting, -how Mr. Wheeler was facing at the moment, -and also Miss Maida’s position. Then, we find out -the direction from which the bullet entered the body, -and then we can tell who fired the shot.”</p> -<p>“I’ve done all that, Fibs,” Stone returned, with -no note of superiority in his voice. “I found out -all those things, and the result proves that the bullet -entered Mr. Appleby’s body from the direction of -Miss Maida, in the bay window, and directly opposite -from what would have been its direction if -fired by Mr. Wheeler, from where he stood, when -seen directly after the shot.”</p> -<p>Fibsy looked dejected. He made no response -to this disclosure for a moment, then he said:</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_269">[269]</div> -<p>“All right, F. Stone. In that case I’m going -over to Mr. Keefe’s side, and I’m going to hunt up -the bugler.”</p> -<p>“A fictitious person?”</p> -<p>“Maybe he ain’t so fictitious after all,” and the -red-head shook doggedly.</p> -<p>A tap at the door of Stone’s sitting-room was -followed by a “May I come in?” and the entrance -of Daniel Wheeler.</p> -<p>“The time has come, Mr. Wheeler,” Stone began -a little abruptly, “to put all our cards on the -table. I’ve investigated things pretty thoroughly, -and, though I’m not all through with my quest, I -feel as if I must know the truth as to what you know -about the murder.”</p> -<p>“I have confessed,” Wheeler began, but Stone -stopped him.</p> -<p>“That won’t do,” he said, very seriously. “I’ve -proved positively that from where you stood, you -could not have fired the shot. It came from the -opposite direction. Now it’s useless for you to keep -up that pretence of being the criminal, which, I’ve no -doubt, you’re doing to shield your daughter. Confide -in me, Mr. Wheeler, it will not harm the case.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_270">[270]</div> -<p>“God help me, I must confide in somebody,” -cried the desperate man. “She did do it! I saw -Maida fire the shot! Oh, can you save her? I -wouldn’t tell you this, but I think—I hope you can -help better if you know. You’d find it out -anyway——”</p> -<p>“Of course I should. Now, let us be strictly -truthful. You saw Miss Maida fire the pistol?”</p> -<p>“Yes; I was sitting almost beside Appleby; he -was nearer Maida than I was, and she sat in the bay -window, reading. She sits there much of the time, -and I’m so accustomed to her presence that I don’t -even think about it. We were talking pretty angrily, -Appleby and I, really renewing the old feud, and -adding fuel to its flame with every word. I suppose -Maida, listening, grew more and more indignant at -his injustice and cruelty to me—those terms are not -too strong!—and she being of an impulsive nature, -even revengeful when her love for me is touched, and -I suppose she, somehow, possessed herself of my -pistol and fired it.”</p> -<p>“You were not looking at her before the shot?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_271">[271]</div> -<p>“Oh, no; the shot rang out, Appleby fell forward, -and even as I rose to go to his aid, I instinctively -turned toward the direction from which the -sound of the shot had come. There I saw Maida, -standing white-faced and frightened, but with a look -of satisfied revenge on her dear face. I felt no -resentment at her act, then—indeed, I was incapable -of coherent thought of any sort. I stepped to -Appleby’s side, and I saw at once that he was dead—had -died instantly. I cannot tell you just what happened -next. It seemed ages before anybody came, -and then, suddenly the room was full of people. -Allen and Keefe came, running—the servants gathered -about, my wife appeared, and Maida was there. -I had a strange undercurrent of thought that kept -hammering at my brain to the effect that I must -convince everybody that I did it, to save my girl. I -was clear-headed to the extent of planning my words -in an effort to carry conviction of my guilt, but that -effort so absorbed my attention that I gave no heed -to what happened otherwise.”</p> -<p>“Thank you, Mr. Wheeler, for your kindness. -I assure you you will not regret it.”</p> -<p>“You’re going to save her? You can save my -little girl? Oh, Mr. Stone, I beg of you——”</p> -<p>The agonized father broke down completely, and -Stone said, kindly:</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_272">[272]</div> -<p>“Keep up a good heart, Mr. Wheeler. That will -help your daughter more than anything else you can -do. I assumed that if one of you were guilty the -other was shielding the criminal, but your story has -straightened out the tangle considerably.”</p> -<p>“Lemme ask something, please,” broke in Fibsy. -“Say, Mr. Wheeler, did you see the pistol in Miss -Maida’s hands?”</p> -<p>“I can’t say I did or didn’t,” Wheeler replied, -listlessly. “I looked only at her face. I know my -daughter’s mind so well, that I at once recognized -her expression of horror mingled with relief. She -had really desired the death of her father’s enemy, -and she was glad it had been accomplished! It’s -a terrible thing to say of one’s own child, but I’ve -made up my mind to be honest with you, Mr. Stone, -in the hope of your help. I should have persisted in -my own story of guilt, had I not perceived it was -futile in the face of your clear-sighted logic and -knowledge of the exact circumstances.”</p> -<p>“You did wisely. But say nothing to any one -else, for the present. Do not even talk to Miss -Maida about it, until I have time to plan our next -step. It is still a difficult and a very delicate case. A -single false move may queer the whole game.”</p> -<p>“You think, then, you can save Maida—oh, do -give a tortured father a gleam of hope!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_273">[273]</div> -<p>“I shall do my best. You know they rarely, -if ever, convict a woman—and, too, Miss Wheeler -had great provocation. Then—what about self-defence?”</p> -<p>“Appleby threatened neither of us,” Wheeler -said. “That can’t be used.”</p> -<p>“Well, we’ll do everything we can, you may depend -on that,” Stone assured him. And Wheeler -went away, relieved at the new turn things had taken, -though also newly concerned for Maida’s safety.</p> -<p>“Nice old chap,” said Fibsy to Stone. “He -stuck to his faked yarn as long as the sticking was -good, and then he caved in.”</p> -<p>“Open and shut case, Terence?”</p> -<p>“Open—but not yet shut, F. Stone. Now, where -do we go from here?”</p> -<p>“You go where you like, boy. Leave me to -grub at this alone.”</p> -<p>Without another word Fibsy left the room. He -well knew when Stone spoke in that serious tone -that great thoughts were forming in that fertile brain -and sooner or later he would know of them. But -at present his company was not desired.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_274">[274]</div> -<p>The boy drifted out on the terraced lawn and -wandered about among the gardens. He, too, -thought, but he could see no light ahead.</p> -<p>“S’long as the old man saw her,” he observed -to himself, “there’s no more to be said. He never’d -say he saw her shoot, if he hadn’t seen her. He’s -at the end of his rope, and even if they acquit the -lady I don’t want to see her dragged through a trial. -But where’s any way of escape? What can turn up -to contradict a straight story like that? Who else -can testify except the eye-witness who has just -spoken? I wonder if he realized himself how conclusive -his statement was? But he trusted in -F. Stone to get Maida off, somehow. Queer, how -most folks think a detective is a magician, and can -do the impossible trick!”</p> -<p>In a brown study he walked slowly along the -garden paths, and was seen by Keefe and Maida, who -sat under the big sycamore tree.</p> -<p>“Crazy idea, Stone bringing that kid,” Keefe -said, with a laugh.</p> -<p>“Yes, but he’s a very bright boy,” Maida returned. -“I’ve been surprised at his wise observations.”</p> -<p>“Poppycock! He gets off his speeches with -that funny mixture of newsboy slang and detective -jargon, and you think they’re cleverer than they are.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_275">[275]</div> -<p>“Perhaps,” agreed Maida, not greatly interested. -“But what a strange story Rachel told. Do you -believe it, Mr. Keefe?”</p> -<p>“Yes, I do. The girl was frightened, I think; -first, at the information she tried to divulge, and second, -by finding herself in the limelight. She seems -to be shy, and I daresay the sudden publicity shook -her nerves. But why shouldn’t her story be true? -Why should she invent all that?”</p> -<p>“I don’t know, I’m sure. But it didn’t sound -like Rachel—the whole thing, I mean. She seemed -acting a part.”</p> -<p>“Nonsense! You imagine that. But never mind -her, I’ve something to tell you. I know—Maida, -mind you, I know what Mr. Appleby meant by -the speech which I took to be ‘Mr. Keefe and -the airship.’”</p> -<p>Maida’s face went white.</p> -<p>“Oh, no!” she cried, involuntarily. “Oh, no!”</p> -<p>“Yes,” Keefe went on, “and I know now he said -heirship. Not strange I misunderstood, for the -words are of the same sound—and, then I had no -reason to think of myself in connection with -an heirship!”</p> -<p>“And—and have you now?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_276">[276]</div> -<p>“Yes, I have. I’ve been over Mr. Appleby’s -papers—as I had a right to do. You know I was -his confidential secretary, and he kept no secrets -from me—except those he wanted to keep!”</p> -<p>“Go on,” said Maida, calm now, and her eyes -glistening with an expression of despair.</p> -<p>“Need I go on? You know the truth. You -know that I am the rightful heir of this whole place. -Sycamore Ridge is mine, and not your mother’s.”</p> -<p>“Yes.” The word was scarce audible. Poor -Maida felt as if the last blow had fallen. She had -seared her conscience, defied her sense of honor, -crucified her very soul to keep this dreadful secret -from her parents for their own sake, and now all -her efforts were of no avail!</p> -<p>Curtis Keefe knew that the great estate was -legally his, and now her dear parents would be turned -out, homeless, penniless and broken down by sorrow -and grief.</p> -<p>Even though he might allow them to stay there, -they wouldn’t, she knew, consent to any such -arrangement.</p> -<p>She lifted a blanched, strained face to his, as -she said: “What—what are you going to do?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_277">[277]</div> -<p>“Just what you say,” Keefe replied, drawing -closer to her side. “It’s all up to you, Maida dear. -Don’t look offended; surely you know I love you—surely -you know my one great desire is to make -you my wife. Give your consent; say you will be -mine, and rest assured, dearest, there will be no -trouble about the ‘heirship.’ If you will marry me, -I will promise never to divulge the secret so long -as either of your parents live. They may keep this -place, and, besides that, darling, I will guarantee to -get your father a full pardon. I—well, I’m not -speaking of it yet—but I’ll tell you that there is -a possibility of my running for governor myself, -since young Sam is voluntarily out of it. But, in -any case, I have influence enough in certain quarters—influence -increased by knowledge that I have -gleaned here and there among the late Mr. Appleby’s -papers—to secure a full and free pardon for your -father. Now, Maida, girl, even if you don’t love -me very much yet, can’t you say yes, in view of what -I offer you?”</p> -<p>“How can you torture me so? Surely you know -that I am engaged to Mr. Allen.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_278">[278]</div> -<p>“I didn’t know it was a positive engagement—but, -anyway,” his voice grew hard, “it seems to me -that any one so solicitous for her parents’ welfare -and happiness as you have shown yourself, will not -hesitate at a step which means so much more than -others you have taken.”</p> -<p>“Oh, I don’t know what to do—what to say—let -me think.”</p> -<p>“Yes, dear, think all you like. Take it quietly -now. Remember that a decision in my favor means -also a calm, peaceful and happy life insured to your -parents. Refusal means a broken, shattered life, a -precarious existence, and never a happy day for them -again. Can you hesitate? I’m not so very unpresentable -as a husband. You may not love me now, -but you will! I’ll be so good to you that you can’t -help it. Nor do I mean to win your heart only by -what I shall do for you. For, Maida dearest, love -begets love, and you will find yourself slowly perhaps, -but surely, giving me your heart. And we will -be so happy! Is it yes, my darling?”</p> -<p>The girl stared at him, her big brown eyes full -of agony.</p> -<p>“You forget something,” she said, slowly. “I -am a murderess!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_279">[279]</div> -<p>“Hush! Don’t say that awful word! You are -not—and even if you were, I’ll prove you are not! -Listen, Maida, if you’ll promise to marry me, I’ll -find the real murderer—not you or your father, but -the real murderer. I’ll get a signed confession—I’ll -acquit you and your family of any implication in the -deed, and I’ll produce the criminal himself. Now, -will you say yes?”</p> -<p>“You can’t do all that,” she said, speaking in an -awestruck whisper, as if he had proposed to perform -a miracle.</p> -<p>“I can—I swear it!”</p> -<p>“Then, if you can do that, you ought to do it, -anyway! In the interests of right and justice, in -common honesty and decency, you ought to tell -what you know!”</p> -<p>“Maida, I am a man and I am in love with you. -That explains much. I will do all I have promised, -to gain you as my bride—but not otherwise. As to -right and justice—you’ve confessed the crime, -haven’t you?”</p> -<p>“Yes.”</p> -<p>“Do you confess it to me, now? Do you say -to me that you killed Samuel Appleby?”</p> -<p>There was but a moment’s pause, and then Maida -said, in a low tone: “Yes—I confess it to you, -Mr. Keefe.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_280">[280]</div> -<p>“Then, do you see what I mean when I say I -will produce the—murderer? Do you see that I -mean to save you from the consequences of your -own rash act—and prove you, to the world at -large, innocent?”</p> -<p>Keefe looked straight into Maida’s eyes, and her -own fell in confusion.</p> -<p>“Can you do it?” she asked, tremulously.</p> -<p>“When I say I will do a thing, I’ve already -proved to my own satisfaction that I can do it. But, -I’ll do it only at my own price. The price being you—you -dear, delicious thing! Oh, Maida, you’ve no -idea what it means to be loved as I love you! I’ll -make you happy, my darling! I’ll make you forget -all this horrible episode; I’ll give you a fairyland -life. You shall be happier than you ever dreamed of.”</p> -<p>“But—Jeffrey—oh, I can’t.”</p> -<p>“Then—Miss Wheeler, you must take the consequences—all -the consequences. Can you do that?”</p> -<p>“No,” Maida said, after an interval of silence. -“I can’t. I am forced to accept your offer, -Mr. Keefe——”</p> -<p>“You may not accept it with that address.”</p> -<p>“Curtis, then. Curtis, I say, yes.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_281">[281]</div> -<h2 id="c16"><span class="small">CHAPTER XVI</span> -<br />MAIDA’S DECISION</h2> -<p>“Maida, it cannot be. I shall never let you -marry Mr. Keefe when I know how you love -Jeffrey.” Sara Wheeler spoke quietly, but her -agonized face and tear-filled eyes told of her deep -distress. Though not demonstrative, she loved her -daughter, her only child, with an affection that was -almost idolatry, and she had been glad of the idea -of Maida’s marriage to Jeffrey, for she knew of his -sterling worth, and she knew the depth and sincerity -of their attachment.</p> -<p>“Don’t say you won’t let me, mother,” Maida -spoke in a dull, sad tone—a tone of calm despair. -“It must be so. I’m not saying I love him—I’m not -saying much about it all—but I tell you solemnly—it -must be. And you must not raise a single word of -objection—if you do, you will only make my hard -lot harder.”</p> -<p>“But, dear, you must explain. I am your -mother—I’ve always had your confidence, and I -ought to be told why you are doing this thing.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_282">[282]</div> -<p>“That’s just the trouble, mother. I can’t tell -you. And because of the confidence that has always -been between us, you must trust me and believe that -I am doing right—and doing the only possible thing. -Oh, it is all hard enough, without having to argue -about it. Why, my will power may give out! My -soul strength may break down! Mother! don’t—don’t -combat me! Don’t tempt me aside from the -only straight line of duty and of right!”</p> -<p>“Child, you are not doing right! You cannot -have a duty of which I know nothing! Of which -your father knows nothing! Maida, my little girl, -what is this thing that has warped your sense of -right and wrong? Has Curtis Keefe won your heart -away from Jeffrey——”</p> -<p>“No—oh, no! Never that! But it would be -a wrong to Jeffrey for me to marry him—it would -be a wrong to—to all of us! By marrying Mr. Keefe -I can make everything right—and——” she suddenly -assumed an air of cold, stern determination. -“Mother, my mind is made up. You cannot change -it, nor can you help me by trying. You only make -it harder for me, and I beg of you to stop. And then—you -know, mother—I killed Mr. Appleby——”</p> -<p>“Hush, Maida, you never did! I know you -didn’t!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_283">[283]</div> -<p>“But it was either I or father! You don’t believe -he did, do you?”</p> -<p>“God help me! I don’t know what to believe! -But I tried to say I did it—only I couldn’t carry it -out—nor can you, dear.”</p> -<p>“Nor can father, then. Oh, mother, I did do -that shooting! I did! I did!”</p> -<p>“Every assertion like that makes me more certain -you didn’t,” and Mrs. Wheeler fondly caressed -the head that lay on her breast. Maida was not hysterical, -but so deeply troubled that she was nervously -unstrung and now gave way to torrents of tears, and -then ceased crying and bravely announced her plans.</p> -<p>“Please, mother darling, don’t talk about that. -Suppose I tell you that even that matter will be all -set right if I marry Curtis Keefe—and by no other -means. Even Mr. Stone can’t find any other suspect -than us three Wheelers. He doesn’t at all believe -in the ‘bugler.’ Nobody does.”</p> -<p>“I do.”</p> -<p>“Only as a last chance to free father and me. -Mother it’s an awful situation. Worse, far worse -than you know anything about. Won’t you trust me -to do what I know to be right—and when I tell you -I must marry Mr. Keefe, won’t you believe me? -And not only believe me but help me. Help me in -every way you can—for God knows I need help.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_284">[284]</div> -<p>“What can I do, darling,” asked Sara Wheeler, -awed by the look of utter hopelessness on Maida’s -face.</p> -<p>“Stand by me, mother. Urge father not to -oppose this marriage. Help me to tell Jeffrey—you -tell him, can’t you, mother? I can’t—oh, I can’t!”</p> -<p>Again Sara Wheeler broke out into protestations -against this sacrifice of her loved daughter, and -again Maida had to reaffirm her decision, until, both -worn out, they separated, Sara promising to do just -as Maida wished in all things.</p> -<p>And in fulfillment of this promise, Sara told -young Allen.</p> -<p>As she expected, he was stunned by the news, -but where she had supposed he would show anger -or rage, he showed only a deep sympathy for Maida.</p> -<p>“Poor little girl,” he said, the quick tears springing -to his eyes; “what dreadful thing can that man -have held over her to force her to this? And what -is the best way for me to go about remedying the -situation? You know, Mrs. Wheeler, Maida -wouldn’t talk like that unless she had arrived at a -very desperate crisis——”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_285">[285]</div> -<p>“If she killed Mr. Appleby——”</p> -<p>“She never did! No power on earth can make -me believe that! Why, when Maida’s own confession -doesn’t convince me, what else could? No; -there’s some deep mystery behind that murder. I -mean something far deeper and more mysterious -than any of us yet realize. I think Mr. Stone is on -track of the solution, but he cannot have made much -progress—or, if he has, he hasn’t told of it yet. But, -I’m not a detective—nor is any needed when Mr. -Stone is on the case, but I am out to protect and clear -my Maida—my darling. Poor child, how she is suffering! -Where is she?”</p> -<p>“Don’t go to her, Jeff. At least, not just now. -She begged that you wouldn’t——”</p> -<p>“But I must—I’ve got to!”</p> -<p>“No; for her sake—Jeffrey dear, for our -Maida’s sake, leave her alone for the present. She -is so worried and anxious, so wrought up to the very -verge of collapse, that if you try to talk to her she -will go all to pieces.”</p> -<p>“But that’s all wrong. I ought to soothe her, to -comfort her—not make her more troubled!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_286">[286]</div> -<p>“You ought to, I know, but you wouldn’t. Oh, -it isn’t your fault—it isn’t that you don’t love her -enough—not that she doesn’t love you enough—in -fact, that’s just the trouble. Try to see it, Jeff. -Maida is in the clutch of circumstances. I don’t -know the facts, you don’t; but it is true that the -kindest thing we can do for her just now is to leave -her alone. She will do right——”</p> -<p>“As she sees it, yes! But she sees wrong, I -know she does! The child has always been overconscientious—and -I’m positive that whatever she is up -to, it’s something to save her father!”</p> -<p>“Oh, Jeff—then you believe he is——”</p> -<p>“Why, Mrs. Wheeler, don’t <i>you</i> know whether -your husband killed Mr. Appleby or not?”</p> -<p>“I don’t know! Heaven help me—how can I -know? The two of them, shielding each other——”</p> -<p>“Wait a minute, if they are shielding each other—they’re -both innocent!”</p> -<p>“But it isn’t that way. Mr. Wheeler said to me, -at first: ‘Of course, either Maida or I did it. We -both know which one did it, but if we don’t tell, no -one else can know.’”</p> -<p>“I see that point; but I should think, knowing -both so closely as you do, you could discern the -truth—and”—he gazed at her steadily—“you have.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_287">[287]</div> -<p>“Yes—I have. Of course, as you say, in such -intimacy as we three are, it would be impossible -for me not to know.”</p> -<p>“And—it was Maida?”</p> -<p>“Yes, Jeffrey.”</p> -<p>“How are you certain?”</p> -<p>“Her father saw her.”</p> -<p>“Saw her shoot?”</p> -<p>“Yes.”</p> -<p>“Then, I’m glad you told me. I’m going to -marry her at once, and have all rights of her protection -through the trial—if it comes to that. Nothing -else could have convinced me of her act! Poor, dear -little Maida. I’ve known her capability for sudden, -impulsive action but—oh, well, if Mr. Wheeler saw -her—that’s all there is to be said. Now, dear Mrs. -Wheeler, you must let me go to my Maida!”</p> -<p>“But, Jeffrey, I only told you that to persuade -you to let her alone. Let her have her own way. -She says that to marry Curtis Keefe will save her -from prosecution—even from suspicion. She says -he can free her from all implication in the matter.”</p> -<p>“By a fraud?”</p> -<p>“I don’t know——”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_288">[288]</div> -<p>“I won’t have it! If Maida did that shooting -she had ample excuse—motive, rather. Not a man -on a jury would convict her. And I’d rather she’d -stand trial and——”</p> -<p>“Oh, no, Jeffrey, don’t talk like that! I’d consent -to anything to save that girl from a trial—oh, -you can’t mean you want her tried!”</p> -<p>“Rather than to see her married to any man but -me, I’d——”</p> -<p>“Wait, Jeff. We mustn’t be selfish. I’m her -mother, and much as I’d hate to see her marry Keefe, -I’d far prefer it—for her sake, than——”</p> -<p>“No! a thousand times, no! Why, I won’t give -her up! Keefe is a fine man—I’ve nothing -against him—but she’s my Maida—my own -little sweetheart——”</p> -<p>“And for that reason—for your own sake—you’re -going to claim her?”</p> -<p>“It isn’t only for my own sake”—Jeff spoke -more humbly; “but I know—I know how she loves -me. To let her marry another would be to do her -a grievous wrong——”</p> -<p>“Not if she wants to—look there!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_289">[289]</div> -<p>Mrs. Wheeler pointed from the window, and they -saw Maida walking across the lawn in deep and earnest -conversation with Curtis Keefe. He was tall -and handsome and the deferential air and courteous -attitude all spoke in his favor. Maida was apparently -listening with interest to his talk, and they -went on slowly toward the old sycamore and sat -down on the bench beneath it.</p> -<p>“Our trysting-place!” Jeffrey murmured, his -eyes fastened on the pair.</p> -<p>It did not require over-close observation to see -that Maida was listening willingly to Keefe. Nor -was there room for doubt that he was saying something -that pleased her. She was brighter and more -cheerful than she had been for days.</p> -<p>“You see,” said Sara Wheeler, sadly. “And -he is a worth-while man. Mr. Appleby thought very -highly of him.”</p> -<p>“I don’t!” said Allen, briefly, and unable to -stand any more, he left the room.</p> -<p>He went straight to the two who were sitting -under the big tree, and spoke directly:</p> -<p>“What does this mean, Maida? Your mother -tells me you——”</p> -<p>“Let me answer,” spoke up Keefe, gaily; “it -means that Miss Wheeler has promised to marry me. -And we ask your congratulations.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_290">[290]</div> -<p>“Are you not aware,” Jeff’s face was white but -his voice was controlled and steady, “that Miss -Wheeler is my fiancée?”</p> -<p>“Hardly that,” demurred Keefe. “I believe -there was what is called an understanding, but I’m -assured it has never been announced. However, the -lady will speak for herself.”</p> -<p>“Go away, Jeff,” Maida pleaded; “please, -go away.”</p> -<p>“Not until you tell me yourself, Maida, what -you are doing. Why does Mr. Keefe say these -things?”</p> -<p>“It is true.” Maida’s face was as white as -Allen’s. “I am going to marry Mr. Keefe. If you -considered me bound to you, I—hereby break it off. -Please go away!” the last words were wrung from -her in a choked, agonized voice, as if she were at the -end of her composure.</p> -<p>“I’m going,” Allen said, and went off in a daze.</p> -<p>He was convinced of one thing only. That -Maida was in the power of something or some person—some -combination of circumstances that forced -her to this. He had no doubt she meant what she -said; had no doubt she would really marry Keefe—but -he couldn’t think she had ceased to love him—her -own Jeffrey! If he thought that, he was ready -to die!</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_291">[291]</div> -<p>He walked along half blindly, thinking round in -circles, always coming back to the possibility—now -practically a certainty—of Maida being the murderer, -and wondering how Keefe meant to save her -from the clutches of the law. He was perturbed—almost -dazed, and as he went along unseeingly, -Genevieve Lane met him, turned and walked by -his side.</p> -<p>“What’s Curtie Keefe doing with your girl?” -she asked, for the rolling lawn was so free of trees, -the pair beneath the sycamore could be plainly seen.</p> -<p>“I don’t know!” said Allen, honestly enough, -as he looked in the good-humored face of the -stenographer.</p> -<p>“I don’t want him making love to her,” Miss -Lane went on, pouting a little, “first, because she’s -altogether too much of a belle anyway; and second—because——”</p> -<p>She paused, almost scared at the desperate gaze -Allen gave her.</p> -<p>“I hope you mean because you look upon him -as your property,” he said, but without smiling.</p> -<p>“Now, just why do you hope that?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_292">[292]</div> -<p>“Because in that case, surely you can get -him back——”</p> -<p>“Oh, what an aspersion on Miss Wheeler’s -fascinations!”</p> -<p>“Hush; I’m in no mood for chaffing. Are you -and Keefe special friends?”</p> -<p>Genevieve looked at him a moment, and then said, -very frankly: “If we’re not, it isn’t my fault. And—to -tell you the bald truth, we would have been, had -not Miss Wheeler come between us.”</p> -<p>“Are you sure of that?”</p> -<p>“How rude you are! But, yes—I’m practically -sure. Nobody can be sure till they’re certain, -you know.”</p> -<p>“Don’t try to joke with me. Look here, Miss -Lane, suppose you and I try to work together for our -respective ends.”</p> -<p>“Meaning just what, Mr. Allen?”</p> -<p>“Meaning that we try to separate Keefe and -Maida—not just at this moment—but seriously and -permanently. You, because you want him, and I, -because I want her. Isn’t it logical?”</p> -<p>“Yes; but if I could get him back, don’t you -suppose I would?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_293">[293]</div> -<p>“You don’t get the idea. You’re to work for me, -and I for you.”</p> -<p>“Oh—I try to make Maida give him up—and -you——”</p> -<p>“Yes; but we must have some pretty strong -arguments. Now, have you any idea why Maida -has——”</p> -<p>“Has picked him up with the tongs? I have a -very decided idea! In fact, I know.”</p> -<p>“You do! Is it a secret?”</p> -<p>“It is. Such a big secret, that if it leaked out, -the whole universe, so far as it affects the Wheeler -family, would be turned topsy-turvy!”</p> -<p>“Connected with the—the death of Mr. -Appleby?”</p> -<p>“Not with the murder—if that’s what you mean. -But it was because of the death of Mr. Appleby that -the secret came to light.”</p> -<p>“Can you tell me?”</p> -<p>“I can—but do I want to?”</p> -<p>“What would make you want to?”</p> -<p>“Why—only if you could do what you sort of -suggested—make Mr. Keefe resume his attentions to -poor little Genevieve and leave the lovely Maida -to you.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_294">[294]</div> -<p>“But how can I do that?”</p> -<p>“Dunno, I’m sure! Do you want me to tell you -the secret, and then try to get my own reward by -my own efforts?”</p> -<p>“Oh, I don’t know what I want! I’m nearly distracted. -But”—he pulled himself together—“I’m -on the job! And I’m going to accomplish something—a -lot! Now, I’m not going to dicker with -you. Size it up for yourself. Don’t you believe -that if you told me that secret—confidentially—except -as it can be used in the furtherance of right and -happiness for all concerned—don’t you believe that -I might use it in a way that would incidentally result -in a better adjustment of the present Keefe-Wheeler -combination?” He nodded toward the two under -the sycamore.</p> -<p>“Maybe,” Genevieve said, slowly and thoughtfully, -“I thought of telling Mr. Stone—but——”</p> -<p>“Tell me first, and let me advise you.”</p> -<p>“I will; I have confidence in you, Mr. Allen, -and, too, it may be a good thing to keep the secret in -the family. The truth is, then, that Mrs. Wheeler -is not legally the heir to this estate.”</p> -<p>“She is, if she lives in Massachusetts, and the -house is so built——”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_295">[295]</div> -<p>“Oh, fiddlesticks! I don’t mean that part of it. -The estate is left with the proviso that the inheritor -shall live in Massachusetts—but, what I mean is, that -it isn’t left to Mrs. Wheeler at all. She thought -it was, of course—but there is another heir.”</p> -<p>“Is there? I’ve often heard them speak of such -a possibility but they never could find a trace of one.”</p> -<p>“I know it, and they’re so honest that if they -knew of one they’d put up no fight. I mean if they -knew there is a real heir, and that Sara Wheeler -is not the right inheritor.”</p> -<p>“Who is?”</p> -<p>“Curtis Keefe!”</p> -<p>“Oh, no! Miss Lane, are you sure?”</p> -<p>“I am. I discovered it from Mr. Appleby’s private -papers, since his death.”</p> -<p>“Does Keefe know it?”</p> -<p>“Of course; but he doesn’t know I know it. -Now, see here, Mr. Allen, get this. Mr. Appleby -knew it when he came down here. He—this is only -my own theory, but I’ll bet it’s the right one—he had -discovered it lately; Keefe didn’t know it. My -theory is, that he came down here to hold that knowledge -as a club over the head of Mr. Wheeler to force -him to do his, Appleby’s, bidding in the campaign -matters. Well, then—he was killed to prevent the -information going any farther.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_296">[296]</div> -<p>“Killed by whom?”</p> -<p>Genevieve shrugged her shoulders. “I can’t -say. Any one of the three Wheelers might have done -it for that reason.”</p> -<p>“No; you’re wrong. Neither Mr. nor Mrs. -Wheeler would have. They’d give up the place -at once.”</p> -<p>“Your mental reservation speaks for itself! -That leaves Maida! Suppose she knew it and the -rest didn’t. Suppose, in order to keep the knowledge -from her parents——”</p> -<p>“Don’t go on!” he begged. “I see it—maybe it -was so. But—what next?”</p> -<p>“Next—alas, Curt Keefe has fallen a victim to -Maida’s smiles. That’s what’s making more trouble -than anything else. I’m positive he is arguing that if -she will marry him he will keep quiet about his being -the heir. Then, her parents can live here in peace -for the rest of their lives.”</p> -<p>“I begin to see.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_297">[297]</div> -<p>“I knew you would. Now, knowing this, and -being bound to secrecy concerning it, except, as you -agreed, if it can serve our ends, where do we go -from here?”</p> -<p>Allen looked at her steadily. “Do you expect, -Miss Lane, that I will consent to keep this secret -from the Wheelers?”</p> -<p>“You’ll have to,” she returned, simply. “Maida -knows it, therefore it’s her secret now. If she -doesn’t want her parents told—you can’t presume to -tell them!”</p> -<p>Allen looked blank. “And you mean, she’d -marry Keefe, to keep the secret from her parents?”</p> -<p>“Exactly that; and there’d be no harm in keeping -the secret that way, for if Curt Keefe were her -husband, it wouldn’t matter whether he was the rightful -heir or not, if he didn’t choose to exercise or even -make known his rights.”</p> -<p>“I see. And—as to the——”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_298">[298]</div> -<p>“The murder?” Genevieve helped him. “Well, -I don’t know. If Maida did it—and I can’t see any -way out of that conclusion, Curt will do whatever -he can to get her off easily. Perhaps he can divert -suspicion elsewhere—you know he made up that -bugler man, and has stuck to him—maybe he can get -a persons unknown verdict—or maybe, with money -and influence, he can hush the whole thing up—and, -anyway—Maida would never be convicted. Why, -possibly, the threat of Mr. Appleby—if he did -threaten—could be called blackmail. Anyhow, if -there’s a loophole, Curtis Keefe will find it! -He’s as smart as they make ’em. Now, you know -the probabilities—almost the inevitabilities, I might -say, what are we going to do about it?”</p> -<p>“Something pretty desperate, I can tell you!”</p> -<p>“Fine talk, but what’s the first step?”</p> -<p>“Do you want to know what I think?”</p> -<p>“I sure do.”</p> -<p>“Then, I say, let’s take the whole story to -Fleming Stone—and at once.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_299">[299]</div> -<h2 id="c17"><span class="small">CHAPTER XVII</span> -<br />MAIDA AND HER FATHER</h2> -<p>Genevieve hesitated. Although she had thought -of doing this herself, yet she was not quite sure she -wanted to.</p> -<p>But Allen insisted.</p> -<p>“Come with me or not, as you choose,” he said; -“but I’m going to tell Stone. A secret like that -must be divulged—in the interests of law and justice -and——”</p> -<p>“Justice to whom?” asked Genevieve.</p> -<p>“Why, to all concerned.” Allen stopped to -think. “To—to Keefe, for one,” he concluded, a -little lamely.</p> -<p>“Yes, and to yourself for two!” Genevieve exclaimed. -“You want the secret to come out so -Maida won’t marry Curt to keep it quiet! Own -up, now.”</p> -<p>Allen couldn’t deny this, but back of it was his -instinctive desire for justice all round, and he doggedly -stuck to his determination of laying the matter -before Fleming Stone.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_300">[300]</div> -<p>Genevieve accompanied him, and together they -sought Stone in his sitting-room.</p> -<p>Fibsy was there and the two were in deep -consultation.</p> -<p>“Come in,” Stone said, as his visitors appeared. -“You have something to tell me, I gather from -your eager faces.”</p> -<p>“We have,” Allen returned, and he began to tell -his story.</p> -<p>“Let me tell it,” Miss Lane interrupted him, -impatiently. “You see, Mr. Stone, Mr. Allen is in -love with Miss Wheeler, and he can’t help coloring -things in her favor.”</p> -<p>“And you’re in love with Mr. Keefe,” Stone -said, but without a smile, “and you can’t help coloring -things in his favor.”</p> -<p>The girl bridled a little, but was in no way embarrassed -at the assertion.</p> -<p>“Take your choice, then,” she said, flippantly. -“Who do you want to tell you the secret we’re ready -to give away?”</p> -<p>“Both,” Fibsy spoke up. “I’ll bet it’s a worth-while -yarn, and we’ll hear both sides—if you please. -Ladies first; pipe up, Miss Lane.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_301">[301]</div> -<p>“The actual secret can be quickly told,” the girl -said, speaking a little shortly. “The truth is, that -Mrs. Wheeler is not the legal heir to this estate of -Sycamore Ridge—but, Mr. Keefe is.”</p> -<p>“Curtis Keefe!” Stone exclaimed, and Fibsy -gave a sharp, explosive whistle.</p> -<p>“Yes,” said Genevieve, well pleased at the sensation -her words had produced.</p> -<p>Not that her hearers made any further demonstration -of surprise. Stone fell into a brown study, -and Fibsy got up and walked up and down the room, -his hands in his pockets, and whistling softly under -his breath.</p> -<p>“Well!” the boy said, finally, returning to his -chair. “Well, F. Stone, things is changed since -gran’ma died! Hey?”</p> -<p>“In many ways!” Stone assented. “You’re -sure of this, of course?” he asked Genevieve. -“How do you know?”</p> -<p>“Well, I learned it from Mr. Appleby’s -papers——”</p> -<p>“Private papers?”</p> -<p>“Yes, of course. He didn’t have ’em framed -and hanging on his wall. You see, Mr. Keefe, being -Mr. Appleby’s confidential secretary, had access to -all his papers after the old gentleman died.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_302">[302]</div> -<p>“His son?”</p> -<p>“Of course, young Sam is the heir, and owns -everything, but he kept Curt on, in the same position, -and so, Curt—Mr. Keefe went over all the papers. -As stenographer and general assistant, I couldn’t -very well help knowing the contents of the papers -and so I learned the truth, that Mr. Keefe, who is of -another branch of the family, is really the principal -heir to the estate that is now in Mrs. Wheeler’s possession. -I can’t give you all the actual details, but -you can, of course, verify my statements.”</p> -<p>“Of course,” mused Stone. “And Mr. Keefe -hasn’t announced this himself—because——”</p> -<p>“That’s it,” Genevieve nodded assent to his -meaning glance. “Because he wants to marry -Maida, and if she’ll marry him, he’ll keep quiet -about the heirship. Or, rather, in that case, it won’t -matter, as the elder Wheelers can live here if it’s the -property of their son-in-law. But, if not, then when -Mr. Keefe walks in—the Wheeler family must walk -out. And where would they go?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_303">[303]</div> -<p>“I can take care of them,” declared Allen. -“Maida is my promised wife; if she consents to -marry Keefe, it will be under compulsion. For she -knew this secret, and she dared not tell her people -because it meant poverty and homelessness for them. -You know, Mr. Wheeler is incapable of lucrative -work, and Mrs. Wheeler, brought up to affluence -and comfort, can’t be expected to live in want. But -I can take care of them—that is, I could—if they -could only live in Boston. My business is there, -and we could all live on my earnings if we -could live together.”</p> -<p>The boy—for young Allen seemed scarcely more -than a boy—was really thinking aloud as he voiced -these plans and suggestions. But he shook his head -sadly as he realized that Daniel Wheeler couldn’t go -to Boston, and that a marriage between Keefe and -Maida was the only way to preserve to them their -present home.</p> -<p>“Some situation!” remarked Fibsy. “And the -secret is no secret really, for if Miss Wheeler doesn’t -marry Mr. Keefe, he’ll tell it at once. And if she -does, the whole matter doesn’t matter at all! But -I think she will, for what else can she do?”</p> -<p>Jeffrey Allen looked angrily at the boy, but -Fibsy’s funny little face showed such a serious interest -that it was impossible to chide him.</p> -<p>“I think she won’t!” Allen said, “but I’m not -sure just yet how I’m going to prevent it.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_304">[304]</div> -<p>“You won’t have to,” said Stone; “Miss -Wheeler will prevent it herself—or I miss my -guess!” He looked kindly at the young man, but -received only a half smile in return.</p> -<p>“If we all do our share in the matter, perhaps -we can arrange things,” Genevieve said, speaking -very seriously. “I’ve something to say, for I am engaged -to Curtis Keefe myself.”</p> -<p>“Does he think you are?” Stone said, rather -casually.</p> -<p>Miss Lane had the grace to blush, through her -rouge, but she declared: “He doesn’t want to,” and -added, “but he ought to. He has made love to me, -and he once asked me to marry him. But since then -he has said he didn’t mean it. I don’t suppose I’ve -enough evidence for a breach of promise suit, but—oh, -well,” and she tossed her pretty head, “I’ve not -the least doubt that if Miss Wheeler were out of the -question—say, safely married to Mr. Allen, I’d have -no trouble in whistling my Curtie back.”</p> -<p>“I’ll bet you wouldn’t!” Fibsy looked at her -admiringly. “If I were only a few years older——”</p> -<p>“Hush, Terence,” said Fleming Stone, “don’t -talk nonsense.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_305">[305]</div> -<p>Immediately Fibsy’s face became serious and he -turned his attention away from the fascinating -Genevieve.</p> -<p>“But all this is aside the question of the murderer, -Mr. Stone,” said Allen. “How are you progressing -with that investigation?”</p> -<p>“Better than I’ve disclosed as yet,” Stone returned, -speaking slowly; “recent developments have -been helpful, and I hope to be ready soon to give -a report.”</p> -<p>“You expect Mr. Appleby down?”</p> -<p>“Yes; to-night or to-morrow. By that time I -hope to be ready to make an arrest.”</p> -<p>“Maida!” cried Jeffrey, the word seeming -wrung from him against his will.</p> -<p>“Forgive me, if I do not reply,” said Stone, with -an earnest glance at the questioner. “But I’d like -to talk to Miss Wheeler. Will you go for her, -Mr. Allen?”</p> -<p>“I’d—I’d rather not—you see——”</p> -<p>“Yes, I see,” said Stone, kindly. “You go, -Fibs.”</p> -<p>“I’ll go,” offered Genevieve, with the result that -she and McGuire flew out of the room at the -same time.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_306">[306]</div> -<p>“All right, Beauteous One, we’ll both go,” Fibsy -said, as they went along the hall side by side. -“Where is the lady?”</p> -<p>“Donno; but we’ll find her. I say, Terence, -come down on the veranda just a minute, first.”</p> -<p>Leading him to a far corner, where there was no -danger of eavesdroppers, Genevieve made another -attempt to gain an ally for her own cause.</p> -<p>“I say,” she began, “you have a lot of influence -with your Mr. Stone, don’t you?”</p> -<p>“Oh, heaps!” and Fibsy’s sweeping gesture indicated -a wide expanse of imagination, at least.</p> -<p>“No fooling; I know you have. Now, you use -that influence for me and I’ll do something for you.”</p> -<p>“What’ll you do?”</p> -<p>“I don’t know; nothing particular. But, I mean -if, at any time I can help you in any way—I’ve influence, -too, with big men in the financial and business -world. I haven’t always worked for the -Applebys, and wherever I’ve been I’ve made friends -that I can count on.”</p> -<p>“Oh, you mean a tip on the stock market or -something of that sort?”</p> -<p>“Yes, or a position in a big, worth-while office. -You’re not always going to be a detective’s apprentice, -are you?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_307">[307]</div> -<p>“You bet I am! Watcha talking about? Me -leave F. Stone! Not on your fleeting existence! -But, never mind that part of the argument, I’ll remember -your offer, and some day, when I have a -million dollars to invest, I’ll ask your advice where -to lose it. But, now, you tell me what you want.”</p> -<p>“Only for you to hint to Mr. Stone that he’d -better advise Miss Wheeler not to marry Mr. Keefe.”</p> -<p>“So’s you can have him.”</p> -<p>“Never mind that. There are other reasons—truly -there are.”</p> -<p>“Well, then, my orders are to advise F. Stone to -advise M. Wheeler not to wed one C. Keefe.”</p> -<p>“That’s just it. But don’t say it right out to -him. Use tact, which I know you have—though -nobody’d guess it to look at you—and sort of argue -around, so he’ll see it’s wiser for her not to marry -him——”</p> -<p>“Why?”</p> -<p>Miss Lane stamped her foot impatiently. “I’m -not saying why. That’s enough for me to know. -You’ll get along better not knowing.”</p> -<p>“Does he know she’s the—the——”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_308">[308]</div> -<p>“I don’t wonder you can’t say it! I can’t, either. -Yes, he knows she’s—it—but he’s so crazy about her, -he doesn’t care. What is there in that girl that gets -all the men!”</p> -<p>“It’s her sweetness,” said Fibsy, with a positive -nod of his head, as if he were simply stating an -axiom. “Yep, Keefe is clean gone daffy over her. -I don’t blame him—though, of course my taste runs -more to——”</p> -<p>“Don’t you dare!” cried Genevieve, coquettishly.</p> -<p>“To the rouged type,” Fibsy went on, placidly. -“To my mind a complexion dabbed on is far more -attractive than nature’s tints.”</p> -<p>Miss Lane burst into laughter and, far from -offended, she said:</p> -<p>“You’re a darling boy, and I’ll never forget you—even -in my will; now, to come back to our dear old -brass tacks. Will you tip a gentle hint to the -great Stone?”</p> -<p>“Oh, lord, yes—I’ll tip him a dozen—tactfully, -too. Don’t worry as to my discretion. But I don’t -mind telling you I might as well tip the Washington -monument. You see, F. S. has made up his mind.”</p> -<p>“As to the murderer?”</p> -<p>“Yep.”</p> -<p>“Who is it?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_309">[309]</div> -<p>“Haven’t an idea—and if I had, I’d say I -hadn’t. You see, I’m his trusty.”</p> -<p>“Oh, well, in any case, you can put in a word -against Mr. Keefe, can’t you?”</p> -<p>But Genevieve had lost interest in her project. -She realized if Mr. Stone had accomplished his purpose -and had solved the murder mystery he would -be apt to take small interest in the love affairs of -herself or Maida Wheeler, either.</p> -<p>“He won’t think much of his cherished trusty, -if you don’t do the errand he sent you on,” she said, -rather crossly.</p> -<p>Fibsy gave her a reproachful glance. “This, -from you!” he said, dramatically. “Farewell, fair -but false! I go to seek a fairer maiden, and I know -where to find her!”</p> -<p>He went flying across the lawn, for he had caught -a glimpse of Maida in the garden.</p> -<p>“Miss Wheeler,” he said, as he reached her, -“will you please come now to see Mr. Stone? He -wants you.”</p> -<p>“Certainly,” she replied, and turning, followed -him.</p> -<p>Genevieve joined them, and the three went to -Stone’s rooms.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_310">[310]</div> -<p>“Miss Wheeler,” the detective said, without preamble, -“I want you to tell me a few things, please. -You’ll excuse me if my questions seem rather -pointed, also, if they seem to be queries already -answered. Did you kill Mr. Appleby?”</p> -<p>“Yes,” said Maida, speaking wearily, as if tired -of making the assertion.</p> -<p>“You know no one believes that statement?”</p> -<p>“I can’t help that, Mr. Stone,” she said, with a -listless manner.</p> -<p>“That is, no one but one person—your father. -He believes it.”</p> -<p>“Father!” exclaimed the girl in evident amazement.</p> -<p>“Yes; he believes you for the best of all possible -reasons: He saw you shoot.”</p> -<p>“What, Mr. Stone? My father! Saw me shoot -Mr. Appleby!”</p> -<p>“Yes; he says so. That is not strange, when, -as you say, you fired the pistol from where you stood -in the bay window, and Mr. Wheeler stood by or -near the victim.”</p> -<p>“But—I don’t understand. You say, father says -he <i>saw</i> me?”</p> -<p>“Yes, he told me that.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_311">[311]</div> -<p>Maida was silent, but she was evidently thinking -deeply and rapidly.</p> -<p>“This is a trap of some sort, Mr. Stone,” she -said at last. “My father didn’t see me shoot—he -couldn’t have seen me, and consequently he couldn’t -say he did! He wouldn’t lie about it!”</p> -<p>“But he said, at one time, that he did the shooting -himself. Was not that an untruth?”</p> -<p>“Of a quite different sort. He said that in a -justifiable effort to save me. But this other matter—for -him to say he saw me shoot—when he didn’t—he -couldn’t——”</p> -<p>“Why couldn’t he, Miss Wheeler? Why was -it so impossible for your father to see you commit -that crime, when he was right there?”</p> -<p>“Because—because—oh, Mr. Stone, I don’t -know what to say! I feel sure I mustn’t say anything, -or I shall regret it.”</p> -<p>“Would you like your father to come here and -tell us about it?”</p> -<p>“No;—or, yes. Oh, I don’t know. Jeffrey, -help me!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_312">[312]</div> -<p>Allen had sat silently brooding all through this -conversation. He had not looked at Maida, keeping -his gaze turned out of the window. He was sorely -hurt at her attitude in the Keefe matter; he was -puzzled at her speech regarding her father; and he -was utterly uncertain as to his own duty or privilege -in the whole affair. But at her appeal, he turned -joyfully toward her.</p> -<p>“Oh, Maida,” he cried, “let me help you. Do -get your father here, now, and settle this question. -Then, we’ll see what next.”</p> -<p>“Call him, then,” said Maida, but she turned -very white, and paid no further attention to Allen. -She was still lost in thought, when her father arrived -and joined the group.</p> -<p>“You said, Mr. Wheeler,” Stone began at once, -“that you saw your daughter fire the shot that killed -Mr. Appleby?”</p> -<p>“I did say that,” Daniel Wheeler replied, “because -it is true. And because I am convinced that -the truth will help us all better than any further -endeavor to prove a falsehood. I did see you, -Maida darling, and I tried very hard to take the -blame myself. But it has been proved to me by -Mr. Stone that my pretence is useless, and so I’ve -concluded that the fact must come out, in hope of a -better result than from concealment. Do not fear, -my darling, no harm shall come to you.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_313">[313]</div> -<p>“And you said you did it, father, and mother -said she did it.”</p> -<p>“Yes, of course, I told your mother the truth, -and we plotted—yes, plotted for each of us to confess -to the deed, in a wild hope of somehow saving our -little girl.”</p> -<p>“And you saw me shoot, father?”</p> -<p>“Why, yes, dear—that is, I heard the shot, and -looked up to see you standing there with consternation -and guilt on your dear face. Your arm had -then dropped to your side, but your whole attitude -was unmistakable. I couldn’t shut my eyes to the -evident fact that there was no one else who could -have done the deed.”</p> -<p>“There must have been, father—for—I didn’t -do it.”</p> -<p>“I knew you didn’t! Oh, Maida!” With a -bound Allen was at her side and his arm went round -her. But she moved away from him, and went on -talking—still in a strained, unnatural voice, but -steadily and straightforwardly.</p> -<p>“No; I didn’t shoot Mr. Appleby. I’ve been -saying so, to shield my father. I thought he did it.”</p> -<p>“Maida! Is it possible?” and Daniel Wheeler -looked perplexed. “But, oh, I’m so glad to hear -your statement.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_314">[314]</div> -<p>“But who did do it, then?” Miss Lane asked, -bluntly.</p> -<p>“Who cares, so long as it wasn’t any of the -Wheelers!” exclaimed Jeffrey Allen, unable to contain -his gladness. “Oh, Maida——”</p> -<p>But again she waved him away from her.</p> -<p>“I don’t understand, Mr. Stone,” she began; “I -don’t know where these disclosures will lead. I -hope, not back to my mother——”</p> -<p>“No, Maida,” said her father, “there’s no fear -of that.”</p> -<p>Reassured, Maida went on. “Perhaps I can’t be -believed now, after my previous insistence on my -guilt, but God knows it is the truth; I am utterly innocent -of the crime.”</p> -<p>“I believe it,” said Fleming Stone. “There was -little evidence against you, except your own confession. -Now you’ve retracted that it only remains -for me to find the real criminal.”</p> -<p>“Can you,” cried Fibsy excitedly, “can you, -F. Stone?”</p> -<p>“Don’t you know which way to look, Terence?”</p> -<p>“I do—and I don’t—” the boy murmured; “oh, -lordy! I do—and—I don’t!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_315">[315]</div> -<p>“But there’s another matter to be agreed upon,” -said Maida, who had not at all regained her normal -poise or appearance. Her face was white and her -eyes blurred with tears. But she persisted in speech.</p> -<p>“I want it understood that I am engaged to -marry Mr. Keefe,” she said, not looking at Jeffrey -at all. “I announce my engagement, and I desire -him to be looked upon and considered as my future -husband.”</p> -<p>“Maida!” came simultaneously from the lips of -her father and Allen.</p> -<p>“Yes, that is positive and irrevocable. I have -my own reasons for this, and one of them is”—she -paused—“one very important one is, that Mr. -Keefe knows who shot Mr. Appleby, and can produce -the criminal and guarantee his confession to -the deed.”</p> -<p>“Wow!” Fibsy remarked, explosively, and -Fleming Stone stared at the girl.</p> -<p>“He used this as an argument to persuade you -to marry him, Miss Wheeler?”</p> -<p>“I don’t put it that way, Mr. Stone, but I have -Mr. Keefe’s assurance that he will do as I told you, -and also that he will arrange to have a full and free -pardon granted to my father for the old sentence he -is still suffering under.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_316">[316]</div> -<p>“Well, Maida, I don’t wonder you consented,” -said Miss Lane, her round eyes wide with surprise. -“And I suppose he’s going to renounce all claim to -this estate?”</p> -<p>“Yes,” said Maida, calmly.</p> -<p>“Anything else?” said Allen, unable to keep an -ironic note out of his voice.</p> -<p>“Yes,” put in Fibsy, “he’s going to be governor -of Massachusetts.”</p> -<p>“Oh, my heavens and earth!” gasped Genevieve, -“what rubbish!”</p> -<p>“Rubbish, nothing!” Fibsy defended his statement. -“You know he’s after it.”</p> -<p>“I felt sure he would, when Sam Appleby gave -up the running—but—I didn’t know he had taken -any public steps.”</p> -<p>“Never mind what Mr. Keefe is going to do, or -not going to do,” said Maida, in a tone of finality, -“I expect to marry him—and soon.”</p> -<p>“Well,” said Stone, in a business-like way, “I -think our next one to confer with must be -Mr. Keefe.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_317">[317]</div> -<h2 id="c18"><span class="small">CHAPTER XVIII</span> -<br />A FINAL CONFESSION</h2> -<p>Inquiry for Keefe brought the information that -he had gone to a nearby town, but would be back at -dinner-time.</p> -<p>Mr. Appleby was also expected to arrive for -dinner, coming from home in his motor car.</p> -<p>But in the late afternoon a severe storm set in. -The wind rose rapidly and gained great velocity -while the rain fell steadily and hard. Curtis Keefe -arrived, very wet indeed, though he had protecting -clothing. But a telephone message from Sam -Appleby said that he was obliged to give up all idea -of reaching Sycamore Ridge that night. He had -stopped at a roadhouse, and owing to the gale he -dared not venture forth again until the storm was -over. He would therefore not arrive until next day.</p> -<p>“Lucky we got his word,” said Mr. Wheeler. -“This storm will soon put many telephone wires out -of commission.”</p> -<p>When Keefe came down at the dinner hour, he -found Maida alone in the living-room, evidently -awaiting him.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_318">[318]</div> -<p>“My darling!” he exclaimed, going quickly to -her side, “my own little girl! Are you here to -greet me?”</p> -<p>“Yes,” she said, and suffered rather than welcomed -his caressing hand on her shoulder. “Curtis, -I told them you would tell them who killed -Mr. Appleby.”</p> -<p>“So I will, dearest, after dinner. Let’s not have -unpleasant subjects discussed at table. I’ve been -to Rushfield and I’ve found out all the particulars -that I hadn’t already learned, and—I’ve got actual -proofs! Now, who’s a cleverer detective than -the professionals?”</p> -<p>“Then that’s all right. Now, are you sure you -can also get father freed?”</p> -<p>“I hope to, dear. That’s all I can say at present. -Do you take me for a magician? I assure you I’m -only an ordinary citizen. But I——”</p> -<p>“But you promised——”</p> -<p>“Yes, my little love, I did, and I well know that -you promised because I did! Well, I fancy I shall -keep every promise I made you, but not every one as -promptly as this exposure of the criminal.”</p> -<p>“But you’ll surely fix it so father can go into -Massachusetts—can go to Boston?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_319">[319]</div> -<p>“Well, rather! I expect—though you mustn’t -say anything about it—but I’ve an idea that you -may yet be a governor’s wife! And it wouldn’t do -then to have your father barred from the state!”</p> -<p>Maida sighed. The hopes Keefe held out were -the realization of her dearest wishes—but, oh, the -price she must pay! Yet she was strong-willed. She -determined to give no thought whatever to Jeffrey, -for if she did she knew her purpose would falter. -Nor did she even allow herself the doubtful privilege -of feeling sorry for him. Well she knew that that -way madness lay. And, thought the poor child, sad -and broken-hearted though Jeff may be, his sadness -and heartbreak are no worse than mine. Not so bad, -for I have to take the initiative! I have to take the -brunt of the whole situation.</p> -<p>The others assembled, and at dinner no word was -said of the tragedy. Save for Maida and Jeffrey -Allen, the party was almost a merry one.</p> -<p>Daniel Wheeler and his wife were so relieved at -the disclosure of Maida’s innocence that they felt -they didn’t care much what happened next. Fibsy -flirted openly with Genevieve and Fleming Stone -himself was quietly entertaining.</p> -<p>Later in the evening they gathered in the den -and Keefe revealed his discoveries.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_320">[320]</div> -<p>“I felt all along,” he said, “that there was—there -must have been a man on the south veranda -who did the shooting. Didn’t you think that, -Mr. Stone?”</p> -<p>“I did at times,” Stone replied, truthfully. “I -confess, though my opinion changed once or twice.”</p> -<p>“And at the present moment?” insisted Keefe.</p> -<p>“At the present moment, Mr. Keefe, your attitude -tells me that you expect to prove that there was -such a factor in the case, so I would be foolish indeed -to say I doubted it. But, to speak definitely—yes, I -do think there was a man there, and he was the murderer. -He shot through the window, past Miss -Wheeler, and most naturally, her father thought she -fired the shot herself. You see, it came from exactly -her direction.”</p> -<p>“Yes;” agreed Keefe, “and moreover, you remember, -Rachel saw the man on the veranda—and -the cook also saw him——”</p> -<p>“Yes—the cook saw him!” Fibsy put in, and -though the words were innocent enough, his tone -indicated a hidden meaning.</p> -<p>But beyond a careless glance, Keefe didn’t notice -the interruption and went on, earnestly:</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_321">[321]</div> -<p>“Now, the man the servants saw was the murderer. -And I have traced him, found him, and—secured -his signed confession.”</p> -<p>With unconcealed pride in his achievement, -Keefe took a folded paper from his pocket and -handed it to Daniel Wheeler.</p> -<p>“Why the written confession? Where is the -man?” asked Stone, his dark eyes alight with -interest.</p> -<p>“Gee!” muttered Fibsy, under his breath, “going -some!”</p> -<p>Genevieve Lane stared, round-eyed and excited, -while Allen and the Wheelers breathlessly awaited -developments.</p> -<p>“John Mills!” exclaimed Mr. Wheeler, looking -at the paper. “Oh, the faithful old man! Listen, -Stone. This is a signed confession of a man on his -death-bed——”</p> -<p>“No longer that,” said Keefe, solemnly, “he -died this afternoon.”</p> -<p>“And signed this just before he died?”</p> -<p>“Yes, Mr. Wheeler. In the hospital. The witnesses, -as you see, are the nurses there.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_322">[322]</div> -<p>The paper merely stated that the undersigned -was the slayer of Samuel Appleby. That the deed -was committed in order to free Daniel Wheeler -from wicked and unjust molestation and tyranny. -The signature, though faintly scrawled, was perfectly -legible and duly witnessed.</p> -<p>“He was an old servant of mine,” Wheeler -said, thoughtfully, “and very devoted to us all. He -always resented Appleby’s attitude toward me—for -Mills was my butler when the trouble occurred, and -knew all about it. He has been an invalid for a year, -but has been very ill only recently.”</p> -<p>“Since the shooting, in fact,” said Keefe, -significantly.</p> -<p>“It must have been a hard task for one so weak,” -Wheeler said, “but the old fellow was a true friend -to me all his life. Tell us more of the circumstances, -Mr. Keefe.”</p> -<p>“I did it all by thinking,” said Keefe, his manner -not at all superior, nor did he look toward -Fleming Stone, who was listening attentively. “I -felt sure there was some man from outside. And I -thought first of some enemy of Mr. Appleby’s. But -later, I thought it might have been some enemy of -Mr. Wheeler’s and the shot was possibly meant -for him.”</p> -<p>Wheeler nodded at this. “I thought that, too,” -he observed.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_323">[323]</div> -<p>“Well, then later, I began to think maybe it -was some friend—not an enemy. A friend, of -course, of Mr. Wheeler’s. On this principle I -searched for a suspect. I inquired among the servants, -being careful to arouse no suspicion of my -real intent. At last, I found this old Mills had always -been devoted to the whole family here. More than -devoted, indeed. He revered Mr. Wheeler and he -fairly worshipped the ladies. He has been ill a long -time of a slow and incurable malady, and quite lately -was taken to the hospital. When I reached him I -saw the poor chap had but a very short time to live.”</p> -<p>“And you suspected him of crime with no more -evidence than that?” Fleming Stone asked.</p> -<p>“I daresay it was a sort of intuition, Mr. Stone,” -Keefe returned, smiling a little at the detective. -“Oh, I don’t wonder you feel rather miffed to have -your thunder stolen by a mere business man—and I -fear it’s unprofessional for me to put the thing -through without consulting you, but I felt the case -required careful handling—somewhat psychological -handling, indeed——”</p> -<p>“Very much so,” Stone nodded.</p> -<p>“And so,” Keefe was a little disconcerted by -the detective’s demeanor, but others set it down to a -very natural chagrin on Stone’s part.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_324">[324]</div> -<p>Fibsy sat back in his chair, his bright eyes narrowed -to mere slits and darting from the face of -Keefe to that of Stone continually.</p> -<p>“And so,” Keefe went on, “I inquired from the -servants and also, cautiously from the members of -the family, and I learned that this Mills was of a -fiery, even revengeful, nature——”</p> -<p>“He was,” Mr. Wheeler nodded, emphatically.</p> -<p>“Yes, sir. And I found out from Rachel -that——”</p> -<p>“Rachel!” Fibsy fairly shot out the word, but a -look from Stone made him say no more.</p> -<p>“Yes, Rachel, the maid,” went on Keefe, “and -I found that the man she saw on the veranda was of -the same general size and appearance as Mills. Well, -I somehow felt that it was Mills—and so I went to -see him.”</p> -<p>“At the hospital?” asked Wheeler.</p> -<p>“Yes; some days ago. He was then very weak, -and the nurses didn’t want me to arouse him to any -excitement. But I knew it was my duty——”</p> -<p>“Of course,” put in Stone, and Keefe gave him -a patronizing look.</p> -<p>“So, against the wishes of the nurses and doctors, -I had an interview alone with Mills, and I -found he was the criminal.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_325">[325]</div> -<p>“He confessed?” asked Stone.</p> -<p>“Yes; and though he refused to sign a written -confession, he agreed he would confess in the presence -of Mr. Wheeler and Mr. Stone. But—that was -only this morning—and the doctor assured me the -man couldn’t live the day out. So I persuaded the -dying man to sign this confession, which I drew up -and read to him in the presence of the nurses. He -signed—they witnessed—and there it is.”</p> -<p>With evident modesty, Keefe pointed to the paper -still in Wheeler’s hands, and said no more.</p> -<p>For a moment nobody spoke. The storm was at -its height. The wind whistled and roared, the rain -fell noisily, and the elements seemed to be doing -their very worst.</p> -<p>Genevieve shuddered—she always was sensitive -to weather conditions, and that wind was enough -to disturb even equable nerves.</p> -<p>“And this same Mills was the phantom bugler?” -asked Stone.</p> -<p>“Yes—he told me so,” returned Keefe. “He -knew about the legend, you see, and he thought he’d -work on the superstition of the family to divert -attention from himself.”</p> -<p>Genevieve gasped, but quickly suppressed all -show of agitation.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_326">[326]</div> -<p>Fibsy whistled—just a few notes of the bugle -call that the “phantom” had played.</p> -<p>At the sound Keefe turned quickly, a strange look -on his face, and the Wheelers, too, looked startled -at the familiar strain.</p> -<p>“Be quiet, Terence,” Stone said, rather severely, -and the boy subsided.</p> -<p>“Now, Mr. Keefe,” Fleming Stone said, “you -must not think—as I fear you do—that I grudge -admiration for your success, or appreciation of your -cleverness. I do not. I tell you, very sincerely, that -what you have accomplished is as fine a piece of -work as I have ever run across in my whole career -as detective. Your intuition was remarkable and -your following it up a masterpiece! By the way, -I suppose that it was Mills, then, who started the -fire in the garage?”</p> -<p>“Yes, it was,” said Keefe. “You see, he is -a clever genius, in a sly way. He reasoned that if -a fire occurred, everybody would run to it except -Mr. Wheeler, who cannot go over the line. He -hoped that, therefore, Mr. Appleby would not go -either—for Mr. Appleby suffered from flatfoot—at -any rate, he took a chance that the fire would give -him opportunity to shoot unnoticed. Which it did.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_327">[327]</div> -<p>“It certainly did. Now, Mr. Keefe, did he tell -you how he set that fire?”</p> -<p>“No, he did not,” was the short reply. “Moreover, -Mr. Stone, I resent your mode of questioning. -I’m not on the witness stand. I’ve solved a mystery -that baffled you, and though I understand your -embarrassment at the situation, yet it does not give -you free rein to make what seem to me like endeavors -to trip me up!”</p> -<p>“Trip you up!” Stone lifted his eyebrows. -“What a strange expression to use. As if I suspected -you of faking his tale.”</p> -<p>“It speaks for itself,” and Keefe glanced nonchalantly -at the paper he had brought. “There’s -the signed confession—if you can prove that signature -a fake—go ahead.”</p> -<p>“No,” said Daniel Wheeler, decidedly; “that’s -John Mills’ autograph. I know it perfectly. He -wrote that himself. And a dying man is not going -to sign a lie. There’s no loophole of doubt, Mr. -Stone. I think you must admit Mr. Keefe’s entire -success.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_328">[328]</div> -<p>“I do admit Mr. Keefe’s entire success,” Stone’s -dark eyes flashed, “up to this point. From here on, -I shall undertake to prove my own entire success, -since that is the phrase we are using. Mr. Wheeler, -your present cook was here when John Mills worked -for you?”</p> -<p>“She was, Mr. Stone, but you don’t need her corroboration -of this signature. I tell you I know it -to be Mills’.”</p> -<p>“Will you send for the cook, please?”</p> -<p>Half unwillingly, Wheeler agreed, and Maida -stepped out of the room and summoned the cook.</p> -<p>The woman came in, and Stone spoke to her -at once.</p> -<p>“Is that John Mills’ signature?” he asked, showing -her the paper.</p> -<p>“It is, sir,” she replied, looking at him in wonder.</p> -<p>A satisfied smile played on Keefe’s face, only to -be effaced at Stone’s next question.</p> -<p>“And was John Mills the person you saw—vaguely—on -the south veranda that night of Mr. -Appleby’s murder?”</p> -<p>“That he was not!” she cried, emphatically. -“It was a man not a bit like Mills, and be the same -token, John Mills was in his bed onable to walk -at all, at all.”</p> -<p>“That will do, Mr. Wheeler,” and Stone dismissed -the cook with a glance. “Now, Mr. Keefe?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_329">[329]</div> -<p>“As if that woman’s story mattered,” Keefe -sneered, contemptuously, “she is merely mistaken, -that’s all. The word of the maid, Rachel, is as good -as that of the cook——”</p> -<p>“Oh, no, it isn’t!” Stone interrupted, but, paying -no heed to him, Keefe went on; “and you can -scarcely doubt the signature after Mr. Wheeler and -your friend the cook have both verified it.”</p> -<p>Though his demeanor was quiet, Keefe’s face -wore a defiant expression and his voice was a trifle -blustering.</p> -<p>“I do not doubt the signature,” Stone declared, -“nor do I doubt that you obtained it at the hospital -exactly as you have described that incident.”</p> -<p>Keefe’s face relaxed at that, and he recovered his -jaunty manner, as he said: “Then you admit I have -beaten you at your own game, Mr. Stone?”</p> -<p>“No, Mr. Keefe, but I have beaten you at yours.”</p> -<p>A silence fell for a moment. There was something -about Stone’s manner of speaking that made -for conviction in the minds of his hearers that he -said truth.</p> -<p>“Wait a minute! Oh, wait a minute!” It was -Genevieve Lane who cried out the words, and then -she sprang from her chair and ran to Keefe’s side.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_330">[330]</div> -<p>Flinging her arms about him, she whispered -close to his ear.</p> -<p>He listened, and then, with a scornful gesture he -flung her off.</p> -<p>“No!” he said to her; “no! a thousand times, -no! Do your worst.”</p> -<p>“I shall!” replied Genevieve, and without another -word she resumed her seat.</p> -<p>“Yes,” went on Stone, this interruption being -over, “your ingenious ‘success’ in the way of detecting -is doomed to an ignominious end. You see, -sir,” he turned to Daniel Wheeler, “the clever ruse -Mr. Keefe has worked, is but a ruse—a stratagem, to -deceive us all and to turn the just suspicion of the -criminal in an unjust direction.”</p> -<p>“Explain, Mr. Stone,” said Wheeler, apparently -not much impressed with what he deemed a last -attempt on the part of the detective to redeem -his reputation.</p> -<p>“Yes, Mr. Stone,” said Keefe, “if my solution -of this mystery is a ruse—a stratagem—what -have you to offer in its place? You admit the -signed confession?”</p> -<p>“I admit the signature, but not the confession. -John Mills signed that paper, Mr. Keefe, but he is -not the murderer.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_331">[331]</div> -<p>“Who is, then?”</p> -<p>“You are!”</p> -<p>Keefe laughed and shrugged his shoulders, but -at that moment there was such a blast of wind and -storm, accompanied by a fearful crash, that what he -said could not be heard.</p> -<p>“Explain, please, Mr. Stone,” Wheeler said -again, after a pause, but his voice now showed -more interest.</p> -<p>“I will. The time has come for it. Mr. Wheeler, -do you and Mr. Allen see to it, that Mr. Keefe does -not leave the room. Terence—keep your eyes open.”</p> -<p>Keefe still smiled, but his smile was a frozen one. -His eyes began to widen and his hands clenched -themselves upon his knees.</p> -<p>“Curtis Keefe killed Samuel Appleby,” Stone -went on, speaking clearly but rapidly. “His motive -was an ambition to be governor of Massachusetts. -He thought that with the elder Appleby out of the -way, his son would have neither power nor inclination -to make a campaign. There were other, minor -motives, but that was his primary one. That, and -the fact that the elder Appleby had a hold on Mr. -Keefe, and of late had pressed it home uncomfortably -hard. The murder was long premeditated. The trip -here brought it about, because it offered a chance -where others might reasonably be suspected. Keefe -was the man on the veranda, whom the cook saw—but -not clearly enough to distinguish his identity. -Though she did know it was not John Mills.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_332">[332]</div> -<p>“But—Mr. Stone——” interrupted Wheeler, -greatly perturbed, “think what you’re saying! Have -you evidence to prove your statements?”</p> -<p>“I have, Mr. Wheeler, as you shall see. Let me -tell my story and judge me then. A first proof is—Terence, -you may tell of the bugle.”</p> -<p>“I went, at Mr. Stone’s orders,” the boy stated, -simply, “to all the shops or little stores in this vicinity -where a bugle might have been bought; I found -one was bought in a very small shop in Rushfield -and bought by a man who corresponded to Mr. -Keefe’s description, and who, when he stopped at -the shop, was in a motor car whose description and -occupants were the Appleby bunch. Well, anyway—Miss -Lane here knows that Mr. Keefe bought that -bugle—don’t you?” He turned to Genevieve, who, -after a glance at Keefe, nodded affirmation.</p> -<p>“And so,” Stone went on, “Mr. Keefe used -that bugle——”</p> -<p>“How did he get opportunity?” asked Wheeler.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_333">[333]</div> -<p>“I’ll tell you,” offered Genevieve. “We all staid -over night in Rushfield, and I heard Mr. Keefe go -out of doors in the night. I watched him from my -window. He returned about three hours later.”</p> -<p>It was clear to all listening, that when Genevieve -had whispered to Keefe and he had told her to do -her worst, they were now hearing the “worst.”</p> -<p>“So,” Stone narrated, “Mr. Keefe came over -here and did the bugling as a preliminary to his further -schemes. You admit that, Mr. Keefe?”</p> -<p>“I admit nothing. Tell your silly story as -you please.”</p> -<p>“I will. Then, the day of the murder, Mr. Keefe -arranged for the fire in the garage. He used the acids -as the man Fulton described, and as Keefe’s own -coat was burned and his employer’s car he felt sure -suspicion would not turn toward him. When the -fire broke out—which as it depended on the action of -those acids, he was waiting for, Keefe ran with -Mr. Allen to the garage. But—and this I have -verified from Mr. Allen, Keefe disappeared for a -moment, and, later was again at Allen’s side. In -that moment—Mr. Wheeler, that psychological moment, -Curtis Keefe shot and killed Samuel Appleby.”</p> -<p>“And Mills?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_334">[334]</div> -<p>“Is part of the diabolically clever scheme. Mills -was dying; he was leaving a large family without -means of support. He depended, and with reason, -on hope of your generosity, Mr. Wheeler, to his wife -and children. But Curtis Keefe went to him and told -him that you were about to be dispossessed of your -home and fortune, and that if he would sign the confession—knowing -what it was—that he, Keefe, -would settle a large sum of money on Mrs. Mills and -the children at once. And he did.”</p> -<p>“You fiend! You devil incarnate!” cried Keefe, -losing all control. “How do you know that?”</p> -<p>“I found it all out from Mrs. Mills,” Stone replied; -“your accomplices all betrayed you, Mr. -Keefe. A criminal should beware of accomplices. -Rachel turned state’s evidence and told how you -bribed her to make up that story of the bugler—or -rather, to relate parrot-like—the story you taught -to her.”</p> -<p>“It’s all up,” said Keefe, flinging out his hands -in despair. “You’ve outwitted me at every point, -Mr. Stone. I confess myself vanquished——”</p> -<p>“And you confess yourself the murderer?” said -Stone, quickly.</p> -<p>“I do, but I ask one favor. May I take that -paper a moment?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_335">[335]</div> -<p>“Certainly,” said Stone, glancing at the worthless -confession.</p> -<p>Keefe stepped to the table desk, where the paper -lay, but as he laid his left hand upon it, with his -right he quickly pulled open a drawer, grasped the -pistol that was in it, and saying, with a slight smile: -“A life for a life!” drew the trigger and fell to -the floor.</p> -<p>From the gruesome situation, its silence made -worse by the noise of the storm outside, Daniel -Wheeler led his wife and daughter. Jeffrey Allen -followed quickly and sought his loved Maida.</p> -<p>Reaction from the strain made her break down, -and sobbing in his arms she asked and received full -forgiveness for her enforced desertion of him.</p> -<p>“I couldn’t do anything else, Jeff,” she sobbed. -“I had to say yes to him for dad’s sake—and -mother’s.”</p> -<p>“Of course you did, darling; don’t think about -it. Oh, Maida, look! The wind has torn up the -sycamore! Unrooted it, and it has fallen over——”</p> -<p>“Over into Massachusetts!” Maida cried; -“Jeffrey, think what that means!”</p> -<p>“Why—why!——” Allen was speechless.</p> -<p>“Yes; the sycamore has gone into Massachusetts—and -father can go!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_336">[336]</div> -<p>“Is that real, Maida—is it truly a permission?”</p> -<p>“Of course it is! We’ve got Governor Appleby’s -letter, saying so—written when he was governor, -you know! Jeffrey—I’m so happy! It makes me -forget that awful——”</p> -<p>“Do forget it all you can, dearest,” and beneath -her lover’s caresses, Maida did forget, for the moment -at least.</p> -<p>“It’s the only inexplicable thing about it all, -Fibs,” Fleming Stone observed, after the case was -among the annals of the past, “that the old sycamore -fell over and fell the right way.”</p> -<p>“Mighty curious, F. Stone,” rejoined the boy, -with an expressionless face.</p> -<p>“You didn’t help it along, did you? You -know the injunction was, ‘without intervention of -human hands.’”</p> -<p>“I didn’t intervent my hands, Mr. Stone,” said -the boy, earnestly, “honest I didn’t. But—it wasn’t -nominated in the bond that I shouldn’t kick around -those old decaying roots with my foot—just so’s -if it <i>should</i> take a notion to fall it would fall heading -north!”</p> -<h2 id="c19"><span class="small">Transcriber’s Notes</span></h2> -<ul><li>Copyright notice provided as in the original—this e-text is public domain in the country of publication.</li> -<li>Provided an original cover image, for free and unrestricted use with this Distributed Proofreaders-Canada eBook.</li> -<li>Silently corrected palpable typos; left non-standard spellings and dialect unchanged.</li></ul> - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's The Mystery of the Sycamore, by Carolyn Wells - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MYSTERY OF THE SYCAMORE *** - -***** This file should be named 50209-h.htm or 50209-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/0/2/0/50209/ - -Produced by Mardi Desjardins, Stephen Hutcheson, and the -online Distributed Proofreaders Canada team at -http://www.pgdpcanada.net - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law 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. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for the eBooks, unless you receive -specific permission. If you do not charge anything for copies of this -eBook, complying with the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook -for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative works, reports, -performances and research. They may be modified and printed and given -away--you may do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks -not protected by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the -trademark license, especially commercial redistribution. - -START: FULL LICENSE - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license. - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the -person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph -1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the -Foundation" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg-tm License when -you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country outside the United States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work -on which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed: - - This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and - most other parts of the world 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. If you are not located in the - United States, you'll have to check the laws of the country where you - are located before using this ebook. - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format -other than "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original "Plain -Vanilla ASCII" or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg-tm License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -provided that - -* You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, "Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation." - -* You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg-tm - works. - -* You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - -* You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and The -Project Gutenberg Trademark LLC, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark. Contact the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg-tm collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg-tm work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at -www.gutenberg.org - - - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is in Fairbanks, Alaska, with the -mailing address: PO Box 750175, Fairbanks, AK 99775, but its -volunteers and employees are scattered throughout numerous -locations. Its business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, Salt -Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up to -date contact information can be found at the Foundation's web site and -official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact - -For additional contact information: - - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular -state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. - -Professor Michael S. 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 not protected by copyright 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> - -</body> -</html> diff --git a/old/50209-h/images/cover.jpg b/old/50209-h/images/cover.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index a78aafc..0000000 --- a/old/50209-h/images/cover.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/50209-h/images/logo.jpg b/old/50209-h/images/logo.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index f294b16..0000000 --- a/old/50209-h/images/logo.jpg +++ /dev/null |
