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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..3f50ace --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #63223 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/63223) diff --git a/old/63223-8.txt b/old/63223-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 2a4bc82..0000000 --- a/old/63223-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,7968 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Man Inside, by Natalie Sumner Lincoln - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - - -Title: The Man Inside - -Author: Natalie Sumner Lincoln - -Release Date: September 17, 2020 [EBook #63223] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MAN INSIDE *** - - - - -Produced by D A Alexander and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - - - - - - - - - THE - MAN INSIDE - - BY - NATALIE SUMNER LINCOLN - - AUTHOR OF "THE TREVOR CASE" AND - "THE LOST DESPATCH." - - ILLUSTRATED - - - D. APPLETON AND COMPANY - NEW YORK AND LONDON - 1914 - - - - - COPYRIGHT, 1914, BY - D. APPLETON AND COMPANY - - Copyright, 1914, by SMITH PUBLISHING HOUSE - - Printed in the United States of America - - - - - [Illustration: "'My dream! See, the panels are in the shape of a - cross!'"] [Page 198] - - - - - TO THE LATE - - MAJOR-GENERAL GEORGE LEWIS GILLESPIE - U. S. ARMY - - WHOSE KINDLY FRIENDSHIP, GENEROUS - ENCOURAGEMENT AND DISCRIMINATING CRITICISM - MADE THIS BOOK POSSIBLE - IT IS MOST AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED - - - - -CONTENTS - - - CHAPTER PAGE - - I. "WHERE THE BEST IS LIKE THE WORST" 1 - II. AFTER THE BALL 14 - III. A MYSTERIOUS TRAGEDY 19 - IV. THE BROKEN APPOINTMENT 24 - V. MUTE TESTIMONY 36 - VI. CIRCUMSTANTIAL EVIDENCE 52 - VII. A PIECE OF ORIENTAL SILK 59 - VIII. KISMET 71 - IX. AT THE STATE DEPARTMENT 87 - X. THE THEFT 96 - XI. OVER THE TEA CUPS 107 - XII. A COUNCIL OF WAR 118 - XIII. AT THE WHITE HOUSE 131 - XIV. THE MOTH AND THE FLAME 152 - XV. "THORNTON'S NEST" 171 - XVI. A CRY IN THE NIGHT 188 - XVII. THE MYSTERY DEEPENS 204 - XVIII. IN THE NAME OF THE LAW 221 - XIX. THE ACCUSATION 231 - XX. WEAVING THE WEB 245 - XXI. AN INTERNATIONAL INTRIGUE 260 - XXII. THE PURSUIT 269 - XXIII. THE END OF THE QUEST 273 - XXIV. THE FINAL EXPLANATION 293 - - - - -LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS - - - FACING - PAGE - - "'My dream! See, the panels are in the shape of a - cross!'" _Frontispiece_ - - "But Cynthia remained where she was and peeped over - the butler's shoulder" 18 - - "He made out a shadowy form just ahead of him and - darted forward" 68 - - "With an exclamation he rose, and walked across the - room" 234 - - - - -THE MAN INSIDE - - - - -CHAPTER I - -"WHERE THE BEST IS LIKE THE WORST" - - -The long hot tropic day was drawing to its close. The shadows were -gradually rising and filling the narrow street, and every now and then -from the side of the open drain which ran through the middle of the -street a large black carrion bird flew up. There was no sidewalk, the -cobblestones running right up to the low white house walls. The windows -which opened on the street were for the most part few in number, small -and heavily barred. It was not by any means the best quarter in Colon. -One building, more pretentious than the rest, was distinguished from -its neighbors by large French windows, also protected by the iron -screen or _reja_. - -It was impossible to tell the nationality of the one man lounging -along the street. He seemed profoundly buried in his own thoughts. Dark -as his skin was, and black as was his beard, there was something about -him which negatived the idea that he was a Spaniard. His rolling walk -suggested the sailor's life. - -As he passed the building with the long French windows, the tinkle of a -guitar roused his attention, and he stepped inside the front door and -glanced furtively at the few men who lounged about the tables which -dotted the long room. Passing by several empty tables and chairs, the -stranger seated himself in the corner of the room on the side further -from the street, near a window which opened on a neglected garden. A -tropical vine thrust its branches against what had once been a wood -and glass partition which formed the end of the room, the branches and -leaves twining in and out among the broken panes of the window. - -Some of the occupants of the room had glanced indifferently at the -stranger on his entrance, but his haggard, unshaven face and worn -clothing did not arouse their curiosity, and they again turned their -attention to their wine. - -The stranger, after contemplating the view from the window for some -moments, leaned back in his chair, thrust his hands in his pockets, -and stretched his long legs under the table; then indolently studied -his surroundings. The room reeked with tobacco smoke and the odor -of spirits. The scene reminded him of Port Said. Not quite as many -nationalities were represented in Colon as haunt the entrance to the -Suez Canal, but the low chatter of tongues which greeted his ears was -polyglot. The men in the room were types of the born ne'er-do-well. -Lazy, shiftless, they had drifted to Colon, thinking to pick up -whatever spoils came their way during the construction of the Panama -Canal. Drinking and gambling, gambling and drinking--the sum total of -their lives. The stranger's lips curved in a sardonic smile, and he -crooned softly: - - Ship me somewheres east of Suez, where the best is like - the worst, - Where there aren't no Ten Commandments an' a man can - raise a thirst. - -His smile deepened as he caught the scowl of a Spaniard sitting near -him. His glance traveled on, and, as he studied the flushed, sodden -faces, a sudden horror of himself and his surroundings shook him. -He passed a nervous hand over his damp forehead. Why had his memory -played him so scurvy a trick? The past few years were not pleasant -to contemplate, and the future even less so. He half started from his -chair, then sank back and summoned the _mozo_. Quickly he gave his -order in fluent Spanish, and waited impatiently for the man's return. -He had been fortunate at the gaming table the night before, and could -purchase a moment's respite from the torments of an elusive memory. -Memory, in whose wondrous train follow the joys of childhood, parents -and home! The stranger's strong hand trembled as he stroked his beard. -Why was he an outcast? For him alone there were no childhood and no -home; his thinking life began as a full-grown man. Was there to be no -awakening? - -In a few moments the _mozo_ returned, and placed a glass and bottle -of liquor before him. The stranger hastily filled and drank. As the -stimulant crept through his veins, a feeling of physical contentment -replaced all other sensations, and, lighting a cigar, he was slowly -sinking once more into reverie when from behind the partition he heard -a voice: - -"No names, please." - -The words, spoken clearly in English, startled him from his -abstraction, and he glanced through the vine and, himself unseen, saw -two men sitting at a table. They had apparently entered the patio from -another part of the house. - -"Quite right, I approve your caution." The words were also in English, -but with a strong foreign accent, and the speaker, a man of middle age -and fine physique, laid some papers on the table before them. "Where is -the Senator this evening?" - -"He accompanied several members of the Congressional party to inspect -the plant of the Quartermaster and Subsistence Departments, and on his -return will dine with Major Reynolds and several other officers at the -hotel." - -"I see." The foreigner drummed impatiently on the table. "You were late -in keeping your appointment." - -"I had the devil's own time in finding this dive," returned the -younger man, and, as he moved his chair half around, the inquisitive -stranger, peeping through the leaves of the vine, obtained a view of -the speaker's boyish face. The weak mouth was partly hidden by a short -black mustache; the features were well cut, and by some would have been -called handsome. - -The older man gave vent to a half-smothered chuckle. "Goethals and -Gorgas have reformed the Canal Zone, and the local government is trying -to do the same with Panama, but, _por Dios_, drinking and gambling -continue _unnoticed_ in Colon," he said, dryly. "I find a room in this -house most convenient during my short visits here. No '_gringo_'," he -sneered, "dare show his face in this room." - -The stranger settled down in his chair, which was wedged into the -corner formed by the wall of the room and the wood and glass partition, -until his head was screened from the two speakers by the thick foliage -of the vine. The Spaniard and the Jamaican, who had occupied the table -nearest him, had gone, and the few men who still lingered over their -wine at the farther end of the room paid no attention to him. He could -listen without being observed. - -"So you believe the people of Panama are already dissatisfied with -their president?" inquired the younger man, whom the listener judged to -be an American. - -"I do," came the firm reply. "And but for the presence of _los tiranos -del norte_ here there would have been already a _pronunciamiento_." - -"Then you think the time is ripe for carrying out your scheme?" - -His companion nodded without speaking, and tugged at his gray imperial. -"If it is done at all it must be soon," he said, finally. "American -rule is not too popular here, and now is the time to act. And I pray -God I shall be spared to see the fruits of the _labor de los cochinos -sucios_ reaped by another nation," he spoke with intense bitterness. - -"And that nation?" questioned the other. - -"Is better left unmentioned." - -"You do not love my countrymen," exclaimed the American, as he drew out -his cigarette case and passed it to his companion, who waved it away -impatiently. - -"Say rather--hate," was the terse reply. "But I do not look on you -as one of that nationality. Your mother was my dearly loved cousin, -and Colombia boasts no prouder name than the one she bore before she -married your father. By the love you bear her memory I entreat you to -assist me in this undertaking." - -"I have promised," said the American gruffly. "I hear that Colombia -intends accepting the ten million dollars offered by the United States -for certain islands near Panama." - -"Never!" The Colombian spoke with emphasis. "Our hatred lies too deep -for that; it cannot be placated by an offer of 'conscience money,' no -matter how great the sum." - -"The more fools you," muttered the American, _sotto voce_. - -"The revolt of Panama was followed by an insurrection in Colombia," -continued the other, "and the Government was overthrown. The American -newspapers gave us a few paragraphs at the time--they did not mention -that nearly one hundred thousand people were killed; that the horrors -of civil war were augmented by pillage and murder. I was at the front -with the troops, and, in my absence from home, my wife and child were -murdered by some _insurrectos_. I tell you," he struck the table a -resounding blow with his clenched fist, "there is no Colombian living -who would not gladly see the United States humiliated." - -"It is easy to see that the people in Panama are jealous of the success -of the Americans," commented the young man. - -"Naturally; the United States has always advanced at the price of -Latin-America." - -"How so?" - -"Study your history. When the Thirteen Original States branched out, -first came the 'Louisiana Purchase,' land originally settled by the -French; then Florida, first settled by the Spanish, was bought by the -United States. Later still, Texas seceded from Mexico, settled also -by the Spanish; then came the Mexican War, and Latin-America lost the -territory now known as New Mexico, Arizona, and California." - -"Seems to me it would have been better if Colombia had accepted the -original offer of the United States for the Panama Canal Zone." - -"Why so? The United States only offered a beggarly ten million. By -waiting a year the French concession would have expired, and the -Colombian Government would have received the sixty million which the -United States eventually paid the French Company." - -"Instead of which you got nothing," remarked the American dryly, "and -lost Panama into the bargain." - -"Through underhand methods," began the other hotly, then checked -himself. "Enough of the past. Have you a message for me?" - -For reply the young man drew out an envelope from an inside pocket and -handed it to his companion, who opened it and read the communication in -silence. - -"Good," he said finally, tearing the note into infinitesimal pieces -and carefully putting them in his leather wallet, from which he first -took several letters. "Give this to the Ambassador immediately on your -return, and this--" he hesitated for a second--"give at once to our -mutual friend." - -The American took the papers and placed them securely in an inside -pocket. "Is that all?" he inquired. - -"No." The Colombian drew out a small chamois bag whose contents emitted -a slight jingling noise as he handed it to his companion. "You may -find this useful. No thanks are necessary, dear boy," laying his hand -on the American's shoulder as the latter commenced speaking. "The -death of my wife and child has deprived me of near relatives except -you, and I propose to make you my heir." Then, to change the subject, -he added quickly, "Is there no way to induce the Senator to use his -influence with Congress and the Administration for disarmament, and the -curtailing of building more battleships?" - -The American laughed disagreeably. "I think it may be done--in time." - -The Colombian's face brightened. "Splendid! If we can stop his fervid -speeches in behalf of a larger standing army and navy, we will have -accomplished much. But how do you expect to alter his attitude?" - -"Through a woman," the American's lips parted in an amused smile. -"There's no fool like an old fool, and the Senator is no exception to -the rule." - -"Indeed?" The Colombian raised his eyebrows. "And what has the woman to -say in the matter?" - -"Nothing. She emulates a clam." - -The eavesdropper on the other side of the partition, who had caught -most of the conversation, moved ever so slightly to stretch his cramped -limbs, and then pulled out his handkerchief and mopped his heated face. -As he did so a small slip of paper dropped, unseen by him, from his -pocket to the floor. A large black cat came softly over to him and he -lifted the animal up and placed her on the table before him. He stroked -the purring feline and listened intently to catch the conversation -which drifted to him through the vine-covered broken window panes. -Apparently the two men were preparing to leave. - -"Does the Senator really think to marry?" asked the Colombian, as he -picked up his hat. - -"I judge so. He is obviously very much infatuated with the girl's -unusual type of beauty. And, believe me, she thoroughly understands the -art of managing men." - -"Indeed? Who is the girl?" - -"The young daughter of the famous Irish actress, Nora Fitzgerald. -Senator Carew...." - -Crash--the bottle and glass smashed in pieces. The eavesdropper never -stopped to see the damage he had done, but with incredible swiftness -and stealth was out of the room and down the street before the irate -proprietor had reached the deserted table. - -"_Que hay?_" inquired the Colombian of the proprietor. He and the -American had rushed into the room and over to the window by which the -eavesdropper had been sitting. - -"A drunken Spaniard knocked the bottle and glass from the table, and -cleared out without paying the damage," explained the proprietor in -Spanish, as he signed to the _mozo_ to sweep up the mess. - -"What's that in your hand?" - -"A card, Señor, which I have just picked up from the floor." - -"Let me have it." - -"_Si, Señor, con mucho gusto._" He quickly handed the paper to the -Colombian. - -The American looked over his companion's shoulder as the latter -adjusted his eyeglasses and held up the visiting card so that both -could see its contents. With staring eyes and faces gone white they -read the engraved inscription: - - MR. JAMES CAREW - MARYLAND. - - - - -CHAPTER II - - -AFTER THE BALL - -"Fifty-four!" bellowed the footman through his megaphone for the sixth -time, and he slanted his umbrella to protect his face from the driving -rain which half-blinded him. A waiting automobile, whose chauffeur -had mistaken the number called, moved slowly off and gave place to a -carriage and pair. - -"Fifty-four," mumbled the coachman, checking his restive horses with -difficulty. - -The footman turned, touched his hat, and beckoned to Cynthia Carew, -who stood waiting in the vestibule. With a rueful glance at the wet -sidewalk, she gathered her skirts up above her ankles and, propelled by -the sturdy arm of her escort, Captain Lane, was landed breathless at -the carriage door. - -"In with you," laughed Lane, as his umbrella was almost dragged -from his hand by the high wind. "Your wrap is too pretty to be -ruined...." Cynthia was half lifted, half pushed inside the landau.... -"Good night, my dearest." - -The door slammed shut; the horses, weary of long standing, started -forward at the sound and raced around the corner into Massachusetts -Avenue before the sleepy coachman could collect his wits. - -Cynthia, on the point of seating herself, was flung toward the farther -corner of the carriage by the sudden jerk. Instinctively she threw out -her hand to steady herself, and her open palm encountered what was -unmistakably a broad shoulder. - -"Good gracious!" recoiling and collapsing sideways on the seat. -"Philip! How you frightened me." - -Then she settled herself more comfortably and, with an effort, chatted -on. - -"The dance really was great fun, just our set you know, some of the -Diplomatic Corps, and a number of the officers from the Barracks. I -hated to leave so early," regretfully, "but I promised Uncle James. -Mrs. Owen asked particularly for you, and was greatly put out because -you did not appear. Honestly, Philip, I am very tired of trying to -explain your sudden aversion to society. Why do you shun your friends?" - -Not getting an immediate answer she repeated her question more -emphatically. Still no reply. The silence caught her attention. Turning -her head she scanned the quiet figure by her side. - -The pelting rain, which beat drearily upon the carriage roof and -windows, almost drowned the sound of rapid hoof-beats. The high wind -had apparently extinguished the carriage lamps and the dim street -lights failed to illuminate the interior of the rapidly moving -carriage. In the semi-darkness Cynthia could not distinguish her -companion's face. - -"It is _you_, Philip?" she questioned sharply, and waited an -appreciable moment; then a thought occurred to her. "Uncle James, are -you trying to play a practical joke?" Her voice rose to a higher key. - -Her question was ignored. - -Cynthia caught her breath sharply. Suppose the man was a stranger? She -shrank farther back into her corner. If so, how came he there? Intently -she studied the vague outlines of his figure. - -The landau was an old-fashioned vehicle built after a commodious -pattern by a past generation, and frequently used by Senator Carew on -stormy nights, as the two broad seats would accommodate five or six -persons by tight squeezing. - -Cynthia clutched her wrap with nervous fingers. If the man had -inadvertently entered the wrong carriage, the least he could do was -to explain the situation and apologize. But suppose he was drunk? The -thought was not reassuring. - -"Tell me at once who you are," she demanded imperiously, "or I will -stop the carriage." - -At that instant the driver swung his horses abruptly to the left to -avoid an excavation in the street made by the sewer department, and, as -the wheels skidded on the slippery asphalt, the man swayed sideways, -and fell upon Cynthia. A slight scream escaped her, and she pushed him -away, only to have the limp figure again slide back upon her. - -He was undoubtedly drunk! Thoroughly alarmed she pushed him upright, -and struggled vainly to open the carriage door with her disengaged hand. - -With a tremendous jolt, which again deposited the helpless figure -on her shoulder, the carriage wheels struck the curb as the horses -turned into the driveway leading to the _porte-cochère_ of the Carew -residence. As the horses came to a standstill the front door was thrown -open, and the negro butler hastened down the short flight of steps. - -Cynthia, with one desperate effort, flung the man back into his corner -and, as the butler turned the stiff handle and opened the door, half -jumped, half fell out of the landau. - -"A man's in the carriage, Joshua," she cried. "See who it is." - -The servant looked at her in surprise, then obediently poked his head -inside the open door. Unable to see clearly he drew back and fumbled in -his pocket for a matchbox. - -"Keep dem hosses still, Hamilton," he directed, as the coachman leaned -down from his seat, and then he pulled out a match. "Miss Cynthia, -yo' bettah go inter der house," glancing at the young girl's pale -countenance, "I'll 'ten to dis hyar pusson." - -But Cynthia remained where she was and peeped over the butler's -shoulder. He struck a match and held it in the hollow of his hand until -the tiny flame grew brighter, then leaned forward and gazed into the -carriage. - -The intruder was huddled in the corner, his head thrown back, and the -light fell on a livid face and was reflected back from glazing eyes. -Cynthia's knees gave way, and she sank speechless to the ground. - -"'Fore Gawd!" gasped Joshua, "it's Marse James--an' he's daid!" - - - - -[Illustration: "But Cynthia remained where she was and peeped over the -butler's shoulder"] - - - - -CHAPTER III - -A MYSTERIOUS TRAGEDY - - -The portières were pulled aside. - -"Excellency, breakfast is served," and the servant bowed deferentially -toward a figure standing in the bow window. As the announcement reached -his ears in the musical language of his native tongue, the Japanese -Ambassador turned from the window and hastened into the dining room. - -A small pile of letters lay beside his plate, and he opened and read -them as he leisurely ate his breakfast. Tossing aside the last note, he -picked up the morning _Herald_, and his eyes glanced casually over the -page then stopped, arrested by a three-column heading: - - SENATOR CAREW DEAD - A MYSTERIOUS TRAGEDY - Murder or Suicide? - -The Ambassador pushed aside his plate and read the smaller type with -growing interest. - -"During the cloudburst of last night, when the heavens themselves -seemed to threaten Washington, a most mysterious crime was committed -in the fashionable Northwest. United States Senator James Carew, -of Maryland, one of the most distinguished and influential men in -political and official circles, was found dead in his carriage early -this morning. - -"Much mystery surrounds the case. The tragedy was not discovered until -the arrival of the carriage at the Carew residence. Miss Carew, whom -her uncle was escorting home from a dance, was completely prostrated -from shock, and had to be carried to her room. - -"Owing to the lateness of the hour, with the paper already in -press, only a few meager details could be learned by the special -representative of the _Herald_. - -"Senator Carew was found by his butler, Joshua Daingerfield, huddled in -a corner of the back seat of the carriage. Dr. Penfield, the coroner, -was hastily summoned, as well as detectives from headquarters. While -awaiting their arrival, the policeman on the beat had the horses -unharnessed and taken to the stable, and left the carriage under the -porte-cochère. - -"On the arrival of the coroner and the detectives the body was removed -from the carriage to the Senator's room in the Carew mansion. Dr. -Penfield discovered that death was apparently due to a stab from a -small, upright, desk bill file which had been thrust into the body -with such force that the heavy, leaded round base was pressed tightly -against the clothes. The sharp point had penetrated to the heart, and -death must have been instantaneous. The weapon in the wound prevented -any outward hemorrhage, and Senator Carew bled internally. - -"These startling details but add interest to what promises to prove a -mystery unique in the annals of crime. - -"Senator Carew and his family have resided here for many years, and -have been prominently identified with official and residential society. -The old Carew mansion on Massachusetts Avenue east of Fourteenth Street -has been noted for its lavish hospitality. It was erected by Senator -Carew's father, General Van Ness Carew, shortly before the commencement -of the Civil War, and the foundations and walls were of such unwonted -thickness that General Carew was pestered with inquiries as to whether -he was not building a fortress! - -"The inmates of the Senator's household are his widowed sister, Mrs. -George Winthrop, her stepson, Philip Winthrop; and her niece, Miss -Cynthia Carew, daughter of the late Philip Carew, a younger brother of -Senator Carew. - -"Mrs. Winthrop is well-known in Washington, having kept house for her -brother since the death of his wife in 1881. Miss Cynthia Carew made -her début last December at a memorable ball which her aunt and uncle -gave for her. Since then Miss Carew has received much attention, and is -regarded as one of the most popular of the winter's débutantes. - -"Philip Winthrop has spent most of his life in Washington, and, since -his graduation from Princeton, has been acting as private secretary for -Senator Carew. He is a member of the Alibi, the Chevy Chase, and the -Riding and Hunt Clubs, and is popular with his associates. - -"A fearless leader, an upright American, Senator Carew has served his -country well, first as representative, then as senator. Possessing -the confidence and friendship of the President as he did, it was -frequently prophesied that he would be the power behind the throne in -deciding many of the important issues now confronting the country. -His inexplicable death is therefore a severe blow to many besides his -immediate family. - -"The known facts at present point to murder or suicide. The negro -driver, Sam Hamilton, has been arrested pending a closer examination." - -The Ambassador regarded the printed lines long and thoughtfully. Then -his foot pressed the electric button concealed in the carpet under -the table. The bell had hardly ceased to buzz before the well-trained -servant was by his side. - -"Send for my motor," came the brief order. - -"It is already at the door, Excellency." - -The Ambassador tossed his napkin on the table, pushed back his chair, -and rose. "My hat and coat," he directed, walking into the hall. - -In a few minutes he stepped out into the vestibule and filled his lungs -with the delicious breeze that fanned his cheeks. No trace of the heavy -storm of the night before was in the air. The sky was blue, and the -May sunshine lit up the budding trees and shrubs. The touch of spring -and new-born life was everywhere. The Ambassador snapped off a spray -of honeysuckle which grew along the fence protecting his parking from -his neighbor's, and tucked the spray in his buttonhole as he entered -the waiting motor. "Drive to the club," he directed briefly, as the car -moved off. - - - - -CHAPTER IV - -THE BROKEN APPOINTMENT - - -Eleanor Thornton turned in bed and stretched herself luxuriously. It -was good to be young and to be sleepy. For a few seconds she dozed -off again; then gradually awoke, and, too comfortable to move, let -her thoughts wander where they would. In her mind's eye she reviewed -the events of the past months, and, despite herself, her lips parted -in a happy smile. She had come to Washington in November to visit her -friend, Cynthia Carew, and, delighted with the reception accorded her, -had invited her cousin, Mrs. Gilbert Truxton, to chaperon her, and, -on her acceptance, had rented a small furnished residence near Dupont -Circle for the winter. - -Mrs. Winthrop and Cynthia Carew, whom she had known at boarding school, -took her everywhere with them, and her cousin, Mrs. Truxton, belonging -as she did to an old aristocratic family of the District, procured -her entrée to the exclusive homes of the "cave-dwellers," as the -residential circle was sometimes called. - -Born also with the gifts of charm and tact, Eleanor's wild rose beauty -had made an instant impression, and she was invited everywhere. The -butler's tray was filled with visiting cards, which many newcomers, -anxious for social honors, longed to have left at their doors. - -Eleanor was one of the older girls at Dobbs Ferry during Cynthia's -first year at that boarding school. They had taken an immense liking to -each other, which later blossomed into an intimate friendship. After -her graduation she and Cynthia had kept up their correspondence without -a break, and, true to her promise, given years before, she had left -Berlin and journeyed to Washington to be present at Cynthia's début. - -After the death of her mother, Eleanor had been adopted by an indulgent -uncle, Mr. William Fitzgerald, of New York, and on his death had -inherited a comfortable fortune. - -In many ways the winter had brought numerous triumphs in its train, -enough to spoil most natures. But Eleanor was too well poised to -lose her head over adulation. She had sounded the depths of social -pleasantries, and found them shallow. In every country she had visited -all men had been only too ready to be at her beck and call--except -one. The dreamy eyes hardened at the thought, and the soft lips -closed firmly. She had made the advances, and he had not responded. A -situation so unique in her experience had made an indelible impression. -Angry with herself for even recalling so unpleasant an episode, she -touched the bell beside the bed; then, placing her pillow in a more -comfortable position, she leaned back and contemplated her surroundings -with speculative eyes. - -Her individuality had stamped itself upon the whole room. A picture or -two, far above the average, a few choice books, whose dainty binding -indicated a taste and refinement quite unusual; one or two Chinese -vases, old when the Revolutionary War began; an ivory carving of the -Renaissance; a mirror in whose lustrous depths Venetian beauties had -seen their own reflections hundreds of years ago. All these things gave -sure indication of study and travel, and a maturity of thought and -taste which, oddly enough, seemed rather to enhance Eleanor's natural -charm. - -A discreet knock sounded on her door. "_Bon jour, Mademoiselle_," -exclaimed the maid, entering with the breakfast tray. - -"_Bon jour_, Annette," responded Eleanor, rousing herself, then lapsing -into English, which her maid spoke with but a slight accent. "Put the -tray here beside me. Must I eat that egg?" she made a slight grimace. - -"But yes, Mademoiselle." The Frenchwoman stepped to the window and -raised the shade. "Madame Truxton gave orders to Fugi to tell the -cook that he must send you a more substantial breakfast. She does not -approve of rolls and coffee. I think she wishes you to eat as she does." - -Eleanor shuddered slightly. "Did--did she have beefsteak and fried -onions this morning?" she inquired. - -"But yes, Mademoiselle," Annette's pretty features dimpled into a -smile, "and she ate most heartily." - -"Not another word, Annette, you take away my appetite. Is Mrs. Truxton -waiting to see me?" - -"No, Mademoiselle; she was up at six o'clock and had her breakfast at -half-past seven." Annette paused in the act of laying out a supply of -fresh _lingerie_. "What have the Americans on their conscience that -they cannot sleep in the morning?" - -"You cannot complain of my early rising," laughed Eleanor, glancing at -the clock, whose hands pointed to a quarter to twelve. - -"Ah, Mademoiselle, you have lived so long away from America that you -have acquired our habits." - -"You may take the tray, Annette; I have even less appetite than usual -to-day." Eleanor waited until it had been removed, then sprang out of -bed. "Come back in fifteen minutes," she called. - -It did not take her long to complete her _toilette_, and when the maid -returned she was seated before her dressing table. - -"What news to-day, Annette?" she asked, as the Frenchwoman, with -skilful fingers, arranged her wavy hair, which fell far below her waist. - -"Madame and Fugi----" began the maid. - -"I don't want household details," broke in Eleanor impatiently. "Tell -me of some outside news, if there is any." - -"Oh, indeed, yes; news the most startling. Senator Carew----" she -paused to contemplate her handiwork. - -"Well, what about him?" inquired Eleanor listlessly. - -"He is dead." - -"Dead!" The handglass slipped from Eleanor's grasp and fell crashing -to the hearth. Annette pounced upon it. - -"Oh, Mademoiselle, the glass is broken. _Quelle horreur!_" - -"Bother the glass." Eleanor's foot came down with an unmistakable -stamp. "Tell me at once of Senator Carew's death. I cannot believe it!" - -"It is only too true," Annette was a privileged character and deeply -resented being hurried, also her volatile French nature enjoyed -creating a sensation. She had eagerly read the morning paper, and -had refrained from telling Eleanor the news until she could get -her undivided attention. "Senator Carew was found dead in his -carriage early this morning on his return from the dance at Mrs. -Owen's"--Annette had no reason to complain, Eleanor was giving her full -attention to the story--"he had been stabbed." - -The maid's hand accidentally touched Eleanor's bare neck, and she felt -the taut muscles quiver. Covertly she glanced into the mirror and -studied the lovely face. But Eleanor's expression told her nothing. Her -cheeks were colorless and her eyes downcast. - -After a barely perceptible pause Annette continued her story. "The -coachman has been arrested----" a knock interrupted her and she -hastened to open the door, returning in an instant with a note. - -"Fugi says the messenger boy is waiting for an answer, Mademoiselle." - -Eleanor tore it open and read the hastily scrawled lines. - - DEAR ELEANOR: - - I suppose you have been told of last night's terrible tragedy. Cynthia - is prostrated. She begs pitifully to see you. Can you come to us for a - few days? Your presence will help us both. - Affectionately, - CHARLOTTE WINTHROP. - -Eleanor read the note several times, then walked thoughtfully over to -her desk. - - DEAREST MRS. WINTHROP: [she wrote] It is awful. I will come as soon as - possible. - Devotedly, - ELEANOR. - -"Give this to Fugi, Annette, then come back and pack my small steamer -trunk," as the maid hastened out of the room; she picked up a silk -waist preparatory to putting it on, but her _toilette_ was doomed to -another interruption. - -"Well, my dear, may I come in?" asked a pleasant voice from the doorway. - -"Indeed you may, Cousin Kate," Eleanor stepped across the room and -kissed the older woman affectionately. Mrs. Truxton's ruddy face -lighted with an affectionate smile as she returned her greeting. She -did not altogether approve of her young cousin, many of her "foreign -ways" as she termed it, offended her, but Eleanor's lovable disposition -had won a warm place in her regard. - -Mrs. Truxton seated herself in one of the comfortable lounging chairs -and contemplated the disheveled room and Eleanor's oriental silk -dressing gown with disapproval. - -"Do you know the time?" she inquired pointedly. - -"Nearly one," answered Eleanor, as she discarded her dressing gown -for a silk waist. "Lunch will soon be ready. I hope you have a good -appetite." - -"Yes, thank you; _I've_ been out all the morning," reproachfully. "Mrs. -Douglas has asked me to dine with her this evening, and, I think, -Eleanor, if it will not interfere with your arrangements, that I will -accept the invitation." - -"Do so by all means," exclaimed Eleanor heartily. "I hope she won't -talk you deaf, dumb, and blind." - -"She is rather long-winded," admitted Mrs. Truxton, tranquilly. "On the -telephone this morning she took up twenty minutes telling me of the -arrival here of her nephew, Douglas Hunter--good gracious, child----" -as Eleanor's silver powder box rolled on the floor with a loud -bang--"how you startle one." - -"I beg your pardon," Eleanor was some seconds picking it up, for -her fingers fumbled clumsily. "What were you saying, Cousin Kate?" -replacing the silver on the dressing table. - -"Mercy, child, how inattentive you are! I was only remarking that -Douglas Hunter is no stranger to Washington. He was raised here, as he -belongs to one of the first families of Georgetown." - -"I never heard of a 'second' family in Georgetown," smiled Eleanor; -then, seeing her cousin's offended expression, she hastily changed the -subject. "Have you heard the shocking news of Senator Carew's--" she -hesitated for a moment--"tragic death?" - -"Indeed I have. Washington is talking of nothing else. Why are you -packing, Annette?" as the servant entered. - -"Mrs. Winthrop has just written and asked me to spend a few days with -them," explained Eleanor hurriedly, "so suppose you invite Miss Crane -to stay with you in my absence." - -"Of course you cannot very well decline to go," said Mrs. Truxton -thoughtfully. "Still, I hate to have you mixed up in such an affair, -Eleanor." - -"Nonsense, Cousin Kate, you must not look at it in that light," Eleanor -patted the fat shoulder nearest her affectionately. "Cynthia told -me yesterday that Senator Carew had said he was going to discharge -the coachman, Hamilton (a surly brute, I always thought him), for -drunkenness. I have no doubt he committed the murder from revenge, and -while under the influence of liquor." - -"I sincerely trust that is the correct solution of the mystery," Mrs. -Truxton looked dubious, "but there has been one fearful scandal in that -family already, Eleanor, and I very much doubt if Senator Carew was -killed by a servant." - -"Why, what do you mean?" Eleanor wheeled around in her chair and faced -her abruptly. - -"Time will show." Mrs. Truxton shook her head mysteriously. - -"Oh, nonsense!" exclaimed Eleanor impatiently. - -As Mrs. Truxton opened her lips to reply, Annette reëntered the room. - -"Pardon, madame, you are wanted at the telephone," and as Mrs. Truxton -lifted herself carefully out of her chair and walked out of the -room, she handed a package to Eleanor. "This has just come for you, -Mademoiselle; the boy who left it said there was no answer." - -"Annette! Annette!" came Mrs. Truxton's shrill voice from the lower -hall. - -"Coming, Madame, coming," and the maid hastened out of the room -shutting the door behind her. - -Left alone, Eleanor turned the sealed package over curiously. The -address was written in an unknown hand. Quickly breaking the red -sealing wax and tearing off the paper, she removed the pasteboard cover -and a layer of cotton. A startled exclamation escaped her as she drew -out the contents of the box--a necklace of large rubies and smaller -diamonds in an antique setting. - -Eleanor, who knew the value of jewels, realized from their color and -size that the rubies were almost priceless, and in the pure joy of -beholding their beauty laid the necklace in the palm of her left hand -and along her bare arm. After contemplating the effect for a moment, a -thought occurred to her, and she pulled out the remaining cotton in the -box and found at the bottom a small card. She picked it out and read -the message written on the card. - - "_The appointment was not kept. Well done._" - -The card fluttered to the floor unheeded. The pigeon blood rubies -made a crimson stain on Eleanor's white arm, strong wrist, and supple -fingers. - - - - -CHAPTER V - -MUTE TESTIMONY - - -Douglas Hunter sighed involuntarily as he left busy Fourteenth Street, -and walked down Massachusetts Avenue. Twelve years' absence makes a -great difference in the ever-shifting population of Washington. He felt -like another Rip Van Winkle as he gazed at each passer-by in his search -for a familiar face. Even the streets had changed, and he was almost -appalled by the grandeur of some of the huge white palaces erected -by multimillionaires on Massachusetts and New Hampshire Avenues, -and the Avenue of the Presidents. He had spent part of the morning -motoring about the city with one of his cousins, and the outward and -visible signs of wealth had staggered him. What had become of the -unpretentious, generous-hearted hospitality, and the old world manners -and courtly greeting of the former host and hostess who had ruled so -long at the National Capital? Had Mammon spoiled the old simplicity, -and had Washington become but a suburb of New York and Chicago? It -truly seemed as if plutocracy had displaced aristocracy. - -As Douglas approached the Carew residence he glanced keenly at the -handsome old mansion and at the numerous idlers loafing in the vicinity -drawn there by idle curiosity. A policeman stood on guard in the -driveway, and a number of photographers loitered near by, cameras in -hand, waiting patiently to snapshot any member of the Carew family who -might incautiously venture out of doors. - -The house itself, a handsome square red brick and stone trimmed -four-storied building, stood some distance back from the sidewalk -with beautifully kept lawns divided by the carriage drive. The blinds -were drawn and the ominous black streamer over the bell presented -a mournful spectacle. It was the finest residence in that once -fashionable locality, and Douglas decided that he preferred its solid, -home-like architecture to the more ornate and pretentious dwellings in -other parts of the city. As the years went by Senator Carew had added -improvements until the residence was one of the most delightful in -Washington. - -As Douglas turned into the walk, a large touring car wheeled into -the driveway, and as it purred softly by him, he stepped back -respectfully and raised his hat to the tired-faced man sitting alone -in the _tonneau_. He did not need to glance at the small coat-of-arms -of the United States emblazoned on the polished door, or at the two -Secret Service men following on their motor cycles, to recognize the -distinguished occupant of the car. - -As the motor stopped under the _porte-cochère_, the colored butler ran -down the steps, and the President leaned forward and placed a note in -the bowing and scraping negro's hand; then the big car continued on -down the driveway and out into the street. - -Douglas waited where he was for a few minutes before mounting the -short flight of steps. The hall door was opened several inches on his -approach, and Joshua solemnly extended his card tray, which Douglas -waved aside. - -"I called to see Mr. Brett; is he here?" he asked. - -"Yessir," Joshua opened the door still further, and inspected him -carefully. - -"Take my card to him and ask if he can spare me a few minutes," and he -dropped his visiting card on the tray. - -"Walk in, suh," exclaimed Joshua, impressed by Douglas' well-groomed -appearance; then he hesitated, embarrassed by a sudden idea. - -"I'll wait here," volunteered Douglas, stepping inside the square hall. - -"All right, suh," Joshua closed the front door, "just a moment, suh," -and he stepped softly across the hall and into a room. Douglas glanced -about him curiously and caught a glimpse of spacious rooms and lofty -ceilings. It was a double house, and to the right of the entrance was -the drawing-room, and back of that another large room, which Douglas -took to be the dining room, judging from the glittering silver pieces -on a high sideboard of which he had a glimpse through the door leading -into the square hall. Across from the drawing-room was the room into -which Joshua had disappeared, and back of that a broad circular -staircase which ran up to the top floor. - -Douglas was idly gazing out of the glass panel of the front door when -Joshua returned, followed by a middle-aged man with a keen, clever face. - -"Is it really you, Mr. Hunter?" he asked, as they shook hands warmly. -"I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw your card. Come this way," -and he conducted Douglas into the room he had just left, and closed the -door softly behind them. - -"When did you arrive in Washington?" he inquired, motioning Douglas to -take a chair near the window and dropping into one opposite him. - -"Yesterday." Douglas leaned back and studied his surroundings. His eyes -traveled over the handsome carved rosewood bookcases which lined the -walls, at the large desk table, and the comfortable leather-covered -revolving desk chair. The desk silver, drop lights, and large -upholstered davenport pushed invitingly before the huge fireplace with -its shining brass fire-dogs and fender, each told a tale of wealth and -artistic taste--two assets not often found together. His eyes returned -to Brett, and he smiled involuntarily as he caught the other intently -regarding him. - -Brett smiled in return. "I was wondering why you looked me up so -soon," he admitted candidly. "Don't think I'm not glad to see -you"--hastily--"but I remember of old that you seldom do things without -a motive." - -"On the contrary, I am here this afternoon to _find_ a motive--for -Senator Carew's tragic death." The smile vanished from Douglas' -clear-cut features. "One moment," as Brett opened his mouth to speak. -"After reading the account of the Senator's death in the morning -papers, I went down to headquarters to get what additional facts I -could, and they told me that you had been put on the case. So I -decided to look you up in person, and here I am." - -"May I ask why you take such an interest in this case?" - -"Certainly, Brett; I was coming to that. Senator Carew used his -influence to get me in the Diplomatic Service, and during the past -twelve years he has shown me many kindnesses, such as seeing that I was -detailed to desirable posts, and helped me to secure promotion." - -"He wouldn't have done that, Mr. Hunter, if you hadn't made good," -broke in Brett quickly. - -"I saw him last at Delmonico's in New York on my way to Japan a little -over a year ago," continued Douglas. "He asked me to lunch with him, -and evinced great interest in the mystery of the Jewel Custom Fraud -which he, in some way, knew I had had a hand in exposing." - -"Sure he did. I told the department about your assistance when I was -in Paris. If it hadn't been for you, I'd never have landed those -swindlers. They led me a pretty dance over the Atlantic." - -"We worked together then," said Douglas thoughtfully, "and, on the -strength of our past success, I'm going to ask you to take me on as a -sort of advisory partner in this Carew case." - -"Suppose you first tell me the reason for making such a request." - -"In the first place I owe a debt of gratitude to Senator Carew. For the -sake of his friendship with my father years ago, he has taken a great -interest in me. Secondly, I am in Washington at his request." - -Brett looked his interest, and Douglas went on rapidly: "Some time ago -I received a note from him asking me to apply for leave of absence from -Tokio and to come direct to Washington, saying that he wished to see me -on important business." - -"Did he state the nature of that business?" inquired Brett eagerly. - -"No. I at once followed his suggestion and applied to the State -Department for leave. It was granted, and I hastened home as fast as -steamer and train could bring me." - -"Did you see Senator Carew?" - -"Unfortunately, no. I only reached Washington late last night. I -expected to see the Senator this morning, instead of which I read of -his mysterious death in the morning papers." - -Brett mused for a few minutes, then roused himself. "I am only too glad -to have your assistance, Mr. Hunter." - -"Good!" ejaculated Douglas, well pleased. "Suppose you tell me all the -facts in the case so far discovered." - -Brett leaned back in his chair and crossed his legs. "On the face of -things it looks as if the negro driver, Hamilton, was guilty." - -"Tell me what leads you to think that?" inquired Douglas quickly. - -"He is the worst type of negro, a vicious brute with a taste for -liquor. I have inquired about him and examined him thoroughly and am -really puzzled, Hunter, to find out why Senator Carew ever employed -him." - -"Is he an old family servant?" - -"No. He has only been in Carew's employ about a year I am told. He -knows how to handle horses, and took excellent care of the Senator's -valuable stable." - -"That probably explains why he was kept on," said Douglas. "I've been -told that Carew was hipped about his horses." - -"Yes. I gathered from Mrs. Winthrop that Hamilton has been drinking -steadily, and his conduct to the other servants grew intolerable. -Senator Carew had to discharge him." - -"When did that happen?" - -"Yesterday afternoon." - -"Then, how was it that he was driving the carriage last night?" - -"Oh, Carew gave him a week's notice, said he couldn't fill his place at -once, and told him to stay on. Joshua tells me that Hamilton uttered -some ugly threats in the kitchen that evening, but that the servants -paid no attention to his black humor, as they saw he had been drinking." - -"I see in the papers that Hamilton vehemently declares his innocence." - -"He does," agreed Brett, checking his remarks off on his fingers; "he -declares he did not see Senator Carew after being discharged by him; -that no one was in the carriage when he drove away from the stable at -midnight; that he went directly to Mrs. Owen's residence; and that he -does not know when or how Senator Carew's body was secreted in the -carriage." - -"The plot thickens," muttered Douglas. "Do you believe his statements?" - -"I do, and I don't. The servants all declare that he was half drunk; -therefore, I doubt if he was in a condition to pay much attention to -anything, or that his statements can be relied on. He was sobered -by the shock of finding Carew's body in his carriage, and, when I -arrested him, collapsed from fright." - -"Well, judging from the facts you have just told me, I don't much -believe he killed Carew." - -"Why not?" argued Brett. "Hamilton was apparently half out of his mind -from rage and drink, and his brute nature made him seek revenge. It's -quite possible Carew entered the carriage thinking it would not be safe -for his niece to drive home alone from the dance, and Hamilton took -that opportunity to kill him." - -"I read in the evening paper that Hamilton was told to stop at the -house for one of the maids, but, instead, drove directly from the -stable to the dance," said Douglas. "Therefore Carew did not enter the -carriage at this door." - -"Hamilton may have been too befogged with drink to have remembered the -order," suggested the detective. - -"I grant you, Brett," said Douglas thoughtfully, "that the negro may -have the nature, the desire, and the opportunity to commit murder--but -why select such a weapon?" - -"Probably picked up the first thing at hand," grunted Brett. - -"But a desk file is not the 'first thing at hand' in a stable," -remarked Douglas calmly. "In fact, it's the last thing you would expect -to find there." - -"I don't know about that; perhaps it was thrown away in a wastepaper -basket, and Hamilton may have picked it out of the ash pile," suggested -Brett. - -"What did the file look like?" - -"It is of medium size, the slender steel being very sharp, the round -solid base being silver. I've shown it to several jewelers, and they -all say it's like hundreds of others, rather expensive, but popular -with their well-to-do customers, and that they have no means of tracing -it back to any particular owner. It was something like that one," -pointing to an upright file on Senator Carew's desk. - -Douglas leaned over and took it up. "An ideal weapon," he said softly, -balancing it in his hand as his fingers closed over the round heavy -base. He removed the cork which was used to guard the sharp point and -felt it with his thumb. "It must have taken a shrewd blow to drive -the file through overcoat and clothing so that it would cause instant -death." - -"The Senator wore no overcoat." Douglas looked his surprise. After a -moment's silence Brett edged his chair closer to his companion and -lowered his voice. "You recollect how it rained last night?" - -"In torrents. I have seldom seen such a cloudburst," admitted Douglas. - -"It commenced to rain about ten-thirty," continued Brett, "and it -did not stop until after three o'clock. Hamilton drove twice in that -drenching rain to Mrs. Owen's and back again, first taking Miss -Carew to the dance and returning with her. Senator Carew's body was -discovered on the last trip home. Miss Carew told her aunt that no one -was in the carriage with her when she made the first trip to the dance. -Senator Carew's body was not removed until after my arrival here this -morning, and I then made a thorough examination of the carriage and, -with the coroner's assistance, of the body as well"--he paused and -cleared his throat--"I found Senator Carew's clothes were absolutely -dry--as I said before, he wore no overcoat--now, how did Carew get into -that carriage in that soaking downpour without getting wet?" asked -Brett, settling back in his chair. - -"Perhaps he was first murdered and then carried out and put into the -carriage." - -"Perhaps so, but I doubt it." - -"He may have entered the carriage at the stable when Hamilton was not -around." - -"I thought of that," returned Brett, "and as soon as it was daylight -examined the yard and the alley. The concrete walk from the house to -the stable is being laid now and cannot be used, so that one has to -tread on the ground, which is extremely soft and muddy. The alley is -a long one, and Carew's stable is about in the center of it, and the -rain, settling in the holes of the uneven cobbles, made walking very -unpleasant. I am telling you all these details because of another -discovery I made," went on Brett slowly; "the Senator's shoes had been -recently polished and the blacking was not even stained." - -Douglas leaned back and bit his thumb nail, a childish habit of which -he had never been able to break himself. - -"Where did Carew spend the evening?" he asked finally. - -"That is what I have not been able to find out," growled Brett. "Mrs. -Winthrop told me she had not seen her brother since breakfast. That he -went to the Capitol as usual in the morning. She was told on entering -the house just before dinner that he would not return for that meal, -but they did not state where he was going." - -"Upon my word it's a very pretty problem," commented Douglas softly. - -"It is," agreed Brett, rising and slowly pacing the room. He glanced -piercingly at Douglas, who was thoughtfully contemplating a life-size -portrait of one of Carew's ancestors which hung above the mantel over -the fireplace. Douglas Hunter's clear-cut features, broad forehead, and -square jaw indicated cleverness and determination. When Douglas smiled -the severe lines relaxed and his smooth-shaven face was almost boyish. -He had a keen sense of the ridiculous, which prevented him from taking -himself too seriously. In the past Brett had conceived a high regard -for the other's quick wit and indomitable courage. - -"This is Senator Carew's study or library," he said, stopping before -the desk, "and I was giving the room my special attention when you came -in." - -"Have you met with any success?" inquired Douglas quickly. - -"So far only one thing--it may be a clew or it may not; under this -writing pad I found this blotter," holding up a square white sheet; -"it has been used only once, first on one side then on the other, so -that by holding it in front of this mirror you can read quite clearly, -see----" - -Douglas rose, stepped behind Brett, and peeped over his shoulder into -the silver-mounted mirror, which the latter had removed from its place -on the mantel. - -The large, bold writing was fairly legible. "What do you make out of -it?" asked Brett impatiently. - -Obediently Douglas read the words aloud: - -"'Am writing in case I don't see you before you'--" the writing ceased. - -"He must have been interrupted," explained Brett, "and clapped down -the blotter on top of the sheet so that whoever entered couldn't see -the written words. Now look at the other side," and he turned over the -blotter on which were traced only a few words: - -"'I have discovered----'" read Douglas. - -"What do you think of it?" asked Brett, putting the blotter in an inner -pocket of his coat. - -"It depends on when it was written"--Douglas' eyes strayed to the door. -Surely Brett had closed it when they entered, now it stood partly open -into the hall. He pointed silently to it, and by common impulse both -men stepped out into the hall. - -Listening intently they heard a faint rap on one of the doors in the -upper hall; then a high-pitched, quivering voice reached them: - -"Eleanor, Eleanor, I'm so glad you've come. I'm nearly sick with -misery. They quarreled, Eleanor, they quarreled----" her voice caught -in a sob--the door slammed shut. - -The two men glanced at each other, their eyes asked the same question. -Who quarreled? - - - - -CHAPTER VI - -CIRCUMSTANTIAL EVIDENCE - - -A slight sound behind him caused Douglas to wheel swiftly around. A -pretty woman, with astonishment written largely in her round eyes, -stood regarding the two men. She was carrying a handbag. - -"Whom do you wish to see?" asked Brett sharply. - -"No one, Monsieur," replied Annette, her accent denoting her -nationality. "I am Miss Thornton's maid." - -Douglas started. "Eleanor--Miss Thornton!" Was it possible that she -could mean _the_ Eleanor Thornton he used to know? - -"I am taking her bag to her room as she is spending the night here," -added the servant. - -"Indeed." Brett inspected her keenly. "When did Miss Thornton enter the -house?" - -"A few minutes ago, Monsieur," vaguely. "Joshua showed Mademoiselle in -while I stopped a moment to speak with the chauffeur, and he left the -front door open so that I could enter." - -At that moment the butler appeared from the dining room carrying a tray -on which were glasses and a pitcher of ice water. - -"Joshua, is this Miss Thornton's maid?" asked Brett. - -"Yessir," Joshua ducked his head respectfully as he answered the -detective. "Annette, Miss Eleanor done hab her same room next do' ter -Miss Cynthia's. Yo' kin take her things right upstairs, and tell Miss -Eleanor I done got der ice water fo' her." - -With a half curtsey Annette stepped past the two men, and ran quickly -up the staircase. - -"Stop a moment, Joshua," ordered Brett, as the butler started to follow -the maid. "Who opened the door into the library a few moments ago?" - -"'Deed I dunno, suh; I been so busy takin' in cyards I ain't noticed -particular." - -"Who has been in the hall besides yourself?" persisted Brett. - -"Ain't no one," began Joshua, then paused. "Now I do recollect dat -Marse Philip cum in right smart time ergo, suh. He axed fo' yo', and I -tole him yo' was in de lib'ary. I 'specks he mighter been alookin' fo' -yo'." - -"Ah, indeed; where is Mr. Winthrop now?" - -"Ah dunno, suh." - -"Well, find him, Joshua, and tell him I wish to see him--at once." -Brett's pleasant voice had deepened, and Joshua blinked nervously. - -"Yessir, I'll tell him, suh, 'deed ah will," he mumbled, as he started -upstairs. - -As Douglas and Brett walked across the hall to enter the library a man -stepped out of the drawing-room. - -"Are you looking for me, Mr. Brett?" - -The question was asked courteously enough, and Douglas was the more -astonished to encounter a hostile stare as the newcomer glanced at him. - -"I hope you can give me a few minutes of your time," said Brett; "will -you be so good as to step into the library?" and he stood aside to -allow Philip Winthrop to enter first. Douglas followed them into the -room and locked the door. As the key clicked slightly Winthrop frowned, -and his pale face flushed. - -"That is only a precaution against eavesdroppers," explained Douglas -quickly. - -"Mr. Winthrop, this is Mr. Douglas Hunter, who is assisting me in my -efforts to unravel the mystery surrounding Senator Carew's death, and -with your permission will be present at this interview." - -"Why, certainly," exclaimed Winthrop, with well simulated heartiness; -"won't you both sit down?" and he dropped into the revolving desk -chair. Douglas picked out his old seat in the window and turned his -back to the light the better to face Winthrop and Brett, who also sat -near the desk. - -"When will they hold the inquest, Mr. Brett?" questioned Winthrop. - -"The coroner, Dr. Penfield, told me to-morrow." - -"Has Hamilton a lawyer to look out for his interests?" - -"That's not absolutely necessary at the inquest, Mr. Winthrop. At -present the negro is simply held on suspicion. If the inquest so -decides, he will be charged with the murder and held for the grand -jury." - -Douglas had been busy scanning Winthrop's face intently. He noted the -heavy lines in the handsome face, and the unnatural brilliancy of his -eyes. It was apparent to both men, by Winthrop's thick speech and -unsteady hands, which kept fingering the desk ornaments nervously, that -he had been drinking heavily. - -"Where did you last see Senator Carew?" - -"In this room yesterday afternoon." - -"Did you see him alone, or were others present?" - -"He was alone." - -"Did he show you a letter which he was then writing?" inquired Douglas -at a venture, and was startled at the effect of his question on -Winthrop. The latter whitened perceptibly, and pulled his short black -mustache to hide his twitching lips. - -"I know nothing about any letter," he stammered. - -Brett did not press the point, but asked instead: "Where did you spend -last night?" - -"I dined here with my mother and cousin." - -"And afterwards?" put in Douglas. - -"I went to the Alibi Club soon after dinner." - -"How late did you stay there?" - -"Most of the night," was the evasive reply. - -"Please mention the exact hour you left the club," persisted Brett. - -"I really cannot recollect the exact time; I did not reach this -house until after two this morning. We had a pretty gay time at the -club, and I was in no condition to remember the hour," and he smiled -deprecatingly. - -Again Brett did not press the question. He turned over the pages of his -small memorandum book in which he had been making entries. - -"Have you any idea where Senator Carew dined and spent the evening?" - -"No," came the emphatic answer. "He asked me to tell my mother not to -expect him at dinner, that was all." - -"Ah, indeed. Have you any idea when the Senator left the house?" - -"No, I left him here, and went up to my room, where I stayed until -dinner was announced." - -"Where is your room?" - -"Third floor, back." - -"Who has rooms on the next floor?" - -"Senator Carew's bedroom, bath, and sitting-room are over this part -of the house; Miss Cynthia Carew occupies the suite of rooms across -the hall from his rooms. My mother and I have the third floor to -ourselves." Winthrop plucked nervously at the desk pad. "Talking is dry -work; won't you and Mr. Hunter join me, I'll ring for Joshua." - -"One moment," Brett's tone was peremptory and, with an unmistakable -scowl, Winthrop sank down in his chair and leaned heavily on the desk. -"What members of the family were in the house yesterday afternoon?" - -Winthrop thought for a moment before replying. "No one but my uncle and -myself," he said reluctantly. "My mother and Miss Carew went out early -to some bridge party, and did not return until just before dinner." - -"I see." Brett leaned back in his chair and contemplated Winthrop -thoughtfully. - -"Mr. Winthrop," asked Douglas, breaking the short silence, "were you -and your uncle always on good terms?" - -"Why, yes." Winthrop's twitching fingers closed unconsciously on the -slender desk file, and as he spoke his shifting eyes dropped from -Douglas' clear gaze, and fell on the sharp steel desk ornament in his -hand. With a convulsive shudder he dropped it and sprang to his feet. -"What's all this questioning about?" he demanded loudly. "I've had -enough of this, you----" his hands clinched, and the blood flamed his -pale face, a gurgle choked his utterance, and before Brett could reach -him he fell prone across the desk. - - - - -CHAPTER VII - -A PIECE OF ORIENTAL SILK - - -"I'm glad you could come back, Mr. Hunter," said Brett, as Joshua -opened the library door of the Carew residence and admitted Douglas. -"Can you stay here all night?" - -"If necessary," replied Douglas, glancing at him in surprise. - -"I think it would be best. Mrs. Winthrop is completely unstrung; her -niece, Miss Carew, prostrated from shock, and Mr. Philip Winthrop -in bed with a bad attack of delirium tremens. In such a household -your presence to-night might be invaluable if anything else were to -happen--not that I am anticipating any further trouble or tragedies." - -"Very well, I will stay," agreed Douglas. - -"'Deed I'se mighty glad ter hyar dat," volunteered Joshua, who hovered -just inside the door on the pretext of arranging some furniture. "But I -dunno whar I'll put yo', suh. Miss Eleanor, she's in de gues' chambah, -an' Annette's in de room back ob her's, and de nusses fo' Marse Philip -has der spar rooms in der third flo'." - -"Never mind, Joshua, I can camp out in this room. That sofa looks very -comfortable," and Douglas pointed to the large upholstered davenport -which faced the empty fireplace. - -"Just a moment, Joshua," exclaimed Brett, as the old butler moved -toward the door. "Did you see Senator Carew leave the house yesterday -afternoon?" - -"No, suh." - -"Did he take luncheon here?" - -"No, suh; he cum in 'bout three o'clock; leastways dat was when he rung -fo' me, an' I reckon he'd only jes' arrived, 'cause he had his hat an' -coat on his arm." - -"What did he want with you?" - -"He axed me why Hamilton hadn't called fo' him at de Capitol as -ordered, an' when I tole him dat Hamilton was a-sittin' in de stable -doin' nuffin, he said I was ter go right out an' send him to de -library--which I done." - -"Did you see Senator Carew after that?" - -"Yessir. After 'bout fifteen minutes Hamilton cum out lookin' mighty -black an' mutterin' under his breff. Den Marse James rung fo' me -ag'in, an' sent me to tell Marse Philip dat he wanted ter see him to -onst." - -"Was there anything unusual in Senator Carew's manner?" inquired -Douglas, who had been listening attentively to the old darky's -statements. - -"He seemed considerable put out, dat was all," responded Joshua, after -due reflection. - -"Was Senator Carew irritable and quick-tempered?" - -"Mostly he was real easy-going, but sometimes he had flare-ups, an' den -it was bes' ter keep outer his way." - -"Did you find Mr. Winthrop?" - -"Yessir. I gib him de message, an' he went right down to de lib'ary." - -"Do you know how long Senator Carew and young Winthrop remained in this -room?" - -"No, suh. I went ter de fron' doo', an' while in de hall I heard a -regular ruction goin' on inside dis room." - -"Could you hear what was said?" demanded Brett eagerly. - -Joshua shook his head. "I couldn't make out a word, but Marse James' -voice was powerful riz an' Marse Philip's, too." - -"Was that the first time that Senator Carew and Mr. Winthrop have -quarreled?" - -"Deys had words now and den," muttered Joshua, evasively. - -"About what?" broke in Douglas, sharply. - -"Oh, nuffin in particular. Marse James uster get mad with Marse Philip -'cause he wore so lazy, an' den he's been adrinkin' right smart, which -Marse James didn't like nuther." - -"Is Mr. Winthrop a heavy drinker?" - -"No, suh, but he's been adrinkin' pretty steady fo' de pas' three -months." - -"Have you any idea, Joshua, what caused the quarrel yesterday -afternoon?" - -"Well, it mighter started over Hamilton. Marse Philip persuaded Marse -James to keep him las' fall when he was 'bout to discharge him fo' -bein' impertinent." - -"Did Senator Carew give you a letter to mail yesterday afternoon, or a -note to deliver for him?" inquired Douglas thoughtfully. - -"No, suh, he did not," Joshua declared with firmness. - -"How long have you been with Senator Carew, Joshua?" - -"Most thirty years, suh. I worked fust fo' his father, der ole -Gineral. Ef yo' doan want me fo' nuffin' mo', gen'man, I reckon I'll go -an' close up de house fo' de night." - -"All right, Joshua," and the butler beat a hasty retreat. - -Douglas took out his cigarette case and handed it to Brett. "Formed -any new theory?" he asked, striking a match and applying it to the -cigarette between his lips. - -Brett did not answer at once. "The inquest will make Winthrop and -Joshua talk. I am convinced neither of them has told all he knows of -this affair," he said finally. - -Douglas nodded in agreement. "But the inquest will have to be postponed -now. Winthrop is in no shape to appear before it." - -"And Miss Carew, who is an equally important witness, is still confined -to her bed," volunteered Brett. "Miss Thornton tells me that she cries -whenever the subject of the murder is mentioned, and that she is -completely unstrung by the tragedy." - -"By the way, who is this Miss Thornton?" asked Douglas. "And what does -she look like?" - -"She is a cousin of Mrs. Truxton, of Georgetown"--Douglas whistled in -surprise; Brett glanced at him sharply, then continued: "I am told she -is Miss Carew's most intimate friend, although about five years older. -Miss Thornton must be about twenty-three. She is tall and dark, and has -the most magnificent blue eyes I have ever seen in a woman's head." - -Douglas drew in his breath sharply. "It must be the same girl whom -I knew in Paris, but I had no idea then that she was related to old -family friends of mine in Georgetown." He changed the conversation -abruptly. "Come, Brett, what theory have you formed?" he asked again -with more emphasis. - -"I think both Winthrop and Hamilton have a guilty knowledge of Senator -Carew's death, but how deeply Winthrop is implicated we have yet to -learn." - -"But the motive?" argued Douglas. "It is highly improbable that -Winthrop killed the Senator because he discharged a worthless servant." - -"If we could find that letter which I am convinced the Senator was -writing when Winthrop entered the room yesterday afternoon, we would -know the motive fast enough," retorted Brett. - -"Have you searched Carew's belongings?" - -"Yes, all of them, and all the furniture in his bedroom, sitting-room, -and bath, as well as the rooms on this floor; but I couldn't find -a trace of it. I have also thoroughly searched his office at the -Capitol." - -"Did you think to examine the landau? The Senator might possibly have -tucked it under the carriage seat." - -"I thought of that, and examined the interior of the carriage, but -there is no possible place where a letter could be concealed. The -carriage has recently been reupholstered in leather and there's no -crack or tear where an envelope could slip through." - -"Have you inquired at the different messenger services in town?" - -"Yes, but there is no record at any of their offices that Senator Carew -sent for a messenger to deliver a note yesterday afternoon or night. I -also sent word to the post-office officials asking to have an outlook -kept, and a search made for a letter franked by Senator Carew and -postmarked yesterday." - -"It's exceedingly doubtful if you get any results from that quarter, -when you don't know when or where such a letter was posted or to what -city it was addressed." - -"The frank may help," Brett glanced at the clock. "Eleven-thirty--I -must be going." He rose. "Did you meet with any success, Mr. Hunter, in -the inquiries you said you would make this afternoon?" - -"In a way, yes. Winthrop was at the Alibi Club, taking supper with -Captain Stanton. But Julian Wallace, who was one of the party, told me -that Winthrop left the club about twelve-thirty." - -Brett whistled. "And he did not reach this house until three hours -later! I am afraid friend Winthrop will have much to explain when he -recovers his senses." - -"Hold on; the Carew carriage returned here a few minutes before one -o'clock--when the Senator was found dead inside it. That only left -Winthrop less than half an hour to get from the club to Mrs. Owen's -residence, a considerable distance, and commit the murder." - -"It's not impossible for a man in a motor," declared Brett sharply. - -"I thought Senator Carew only kept horses," exclaimed Douglas. - -"And so he did, but Winthrop owns an Oldsmobile roadster. I was here -at the house when he arrived this morning. The machine has a cover and -wind-shield, so he was fairly well protected from the rain. As I said -before, Winthrop will have much to explain. I hope you will have an -undisturbed night, Mr. Hunter; I told Joshua and the nurses to call you -if anything is needed." - -"Don't worry about me," laughed Douglas, as the two men stepped into -the hall. "I've camped out in much worse places than this room." - -"Well, good night. I'll be here the first thing in the morning," and -Brett pulled open the door and ran down the steps. - -As Douglas replaced the night latch on the front door, Joshua joined -him. - -"I brunged yo' dis 'comfort'," raising a soft eiderdown quilt, which he -carried tucked on his left arm. "I thought yo' might like it over yo' -on der sofa." - -"Thanks very much," exclaimed Douglas, taking it from him. - -Joshua followed him to the library door. "I ain't goin' ter bed," he -explained. "I couldn't sleep no-how," the soft, drawling voice held a -touch of pathos, "Marse James was mighty kind ter me--and thirty years -is a mighty long time ter be 'sociated in de fam'bly. So I jes' reckon -I'll sit on der window-seat in der hall. Ef yo' want anythin' jest let -me know, Marse Hunter." - -"All right, Joshua. I'll leave this door open, so you can call me if I -am needed. Good night." - -Douglas placed the door ajar, and walked over to the well-filled -bookcases, and, after some deliberation, selected a book and sat down -in the revolving chair. The book held his attention and he read on and -on. He finished the last chapter and tossed the volume on the table, -then glanced at the clock, the dial of which registered two-thirty. -The upholstered davenport, which stood with its back resting against -the length of the desk table, looked inviting, and Douglas rose, -extinguished the light, and walked over and lay down. - -After placing several sofa cushions under his head he pulled the -eiderdown quilt over him, as he felt chilly. The added warmth and the -softness of the couch were most grateful to his tired body. He was -drowsily conscious of the clock striking; then his last thought was of -Eleanor Thornton--beautiful Eleanor Thornton--strange that they should -meet again; why, he had actually run away from her in Paris--a few -minutes more and he was sound asleep. - -[Illustration: "He made out a shadowy form just ahead of him and darted -forward"] - -Some time later Douglas opened his sleepy eyes, then closed them again -drowsily. The room was in total darkness. As he lay listening to the -tick-tock of the clock he became conscious that he was not alone in the -room. Instantly he was wide awake. He pulled out his matchbox, only to -find it empty. As he lay a moment debating what he should do, a soft, -small hand was laid on his forehead. He felt the sudden shock which -his presence gave the intruder, for the fingers tightened convulsively -on his forehead, then were hastily removed. He threw out his hands to -catch the intruder, but they closed on empty space. - -Swiftly and noiselessly Douglas rose to his feet and stepped softly -around the end of the davenport, hands outstretched, groping for what -he could not see. Suddenly, his eyes grown accustomed to the darkness, -he made out a shadowy form just ahead of him and darted forward. His -foot caught in the long wire of the desk telephone and, dragging the -instrument clattering with him, he fell forward, striking his face and -forehead against the edge of the open door. - -"Fo' de lub ob Hebben!" gasped Joshua, awakened out of a sound sleep, -and scared almost out of his wits. "Marse Hunter! Marse Hunter! Whar -yo' at?" - -"Here," answered Douglas. "Turn on the hall light; then come to me." - -Obediently Joshua groped his way to the button and switched on the -light, after which he hastened into the library and did the same there. -Douglas, who sat on the floor nursing a bleeding nose, blinked as the -strong light met his dazed eyes. - -"Did you see anyone leave this room, Joshua?" he demanded. - -"No, suh." The butler's eyes were rolling about to an alarming extent, -showing the whites against his black face, which had grown gray with -fright. "'Twarn't no one ter see--it must ter been a harnt." - -"Nonsense," exclaimed Douglas heatedly. The telephone bell was keeping -up a dull clicking as the sleepy central tried to find out what was -wanted, and he leaned over and replaced the receiver on the hook as he -picked up the instrument. "No ghost put out your hall light, and no -ghost wears clothes. I caught the intruder's gown, and if it hadn't -ripped away I'd have caught her." As he spoke he opened his right hand -and disclosed a torn piece of oriental silk. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII - -KISMET - - -"Good morning, Uncle Dana." - -The tall, distinguished looking, gray-haired man standing in front of -the mantel wheeled around with a visible start of surprise. - -"Good Lord! Eleanor, I didn't hear you enter the room. How silently you -move, dear." - -Eleanor's pretty mouth dimpled into a smile as she kissed her uncle -warmly. "I'll send you an ear-trumpet," she declared, saucily. "Come -and sit by me on this sofa. Did you get my note this morning?" - -"How like a woman!" He dropped down on the comfortable rosewood sofa -with a sigh of content. "Of course I received it--why otherwise should -I be here?" - -"Then you will take the case?" she asked eagerly. - -"I am not a criminal lawyer." - -Eleanor's face fell. "Oh, don't refuse," she begged earnestly. "Dear -Mrs. Winthrop needs some one to watch her interests, and if, later on, -occasion requires a criminal lawyer, which pray Heaven may not be, -you can then engage one for her. She was so relieved when I suggested -sending for you." - -"In what way does Mrs. Winthrop need my services?" - -"Why, to take charge of everything"--vaguely. "A man in authority is -required here at once." - -"Where is Philip?" - -"Philip!" Eleanor's tone spoke her contempt. "He is sick in bed--a -trained nurse in attendance"--then added quickly, answering her uncle's -unspoken question--"too much dissipation has again caused his downfall." - -"Um! I don't envy Mrs. Winthrop her precious stepson." Colonel -Thornton's pleasant face hardened, and Eleanor, seeing her advantage, -pressed the point. - -"Mrs. Winthrop is almost overwhelmed with anxiety and sorrow, which she -has practically to face alone. Do, Uncle Dana, if it is possible, take -some of this dreadful responsibility off her shoulders." - -"I will do what I can," announced the Colonel, after a moment's -deliberation. - -Eleanor clapped her hands. "Dear Uncle Dana! I knew you would, when you -thought it over. Just a moment--I'll send word to Mrs. Winthrop that -you are here; she wants to see you." - -Joshua was in the hall, and to him Eleanor confided her message for -Mrs. Winthrop, then returned to the drawing-room and seated herself on -the sofa by her uncle. - -"Did you ever know anyone in Georgetown named Douglas Hunter?" she -inquired. - -"Douglas Hunter--Douglas--why, surely, he must be the young son of John -Hunter who used to be a neighbor of mine in Georgetown. Cousin Kate -Truxton can tell you all about the Hunters. She was an intimate friend -of John's wife. The Hunters belong to the F. F. V.'s. Why do you ask -about Douglas?" - -"Joshua told me that he spent last night here, and that he is taking a -deep interest in the mystery surrounding Senator Carew's tragic death." - -"You must be mistaken," exclaimed Thornton, glancing at her in -surprise. "To the best of my recollection Douglas Hunter entered the -consular service very soon after he left college; then Carew evinced -an interest in his career and had him transferred into the Diplomatic -Service. He's not a detective, child." - -"Well, he's acting as if he were one--prying around"--Eleanor checked -her hasty speech and rose as the portières parted, and Mrs. Winthrop -advanced into the room. She was a well-known figure in Washington -society. Although small of stature, her erect carriage and graceful -movements made her seem taller than she really was. She was said -to have the longest calling list in Washington, and, although an -aristocrat to her fingertips, she had friends and acquaintances in -every walk in life, for she possessed the true spirit of democracy -which springs from a kind heart and does not ape humility. She had been -of inestimable assistance to her brother, Senator Carew, during his -political career. - -As Colonel Thornton bowed low over her small, blue-veined hand, he -noticed the heavy lines and dark shadows which fatigue and sorrow had -traced under her eyes, and his hand closed over hers in silent sympathy. - -"It is good of you to come, Colonel," she began, seating herself in a -large armchair next the sofa, "and still kinder to offer to advise me, -I feel stunned"--she put her hand to her head with a gesture pathetic -in its helplessness, and her sad eyes filled with unbidden tears. -Eleanor put out her hand, and it was instantly clasped by the older -woman. "Forgive me, Colonel." She blinked the tears away, and by a -visible effort regained her lost composure. "My brother was very dear -to me, and----" - -"I know no man who had more friends," replied Thornton gravely, as she -paused and bit her trembling lips. - -"Exactly, therefore his violent death seems monstrous!" declared Mrs. -Winthrop. "Who would commit such a deed? My brother's greatest fault -was his kind heart--he accomplished so much good unobtrusively. Now, -Colonel, the first thing I wish to consult you about is offering a -reward for the discovery of his murderer. Can you arrange it for me?" - -"Certainly. I think it a wise suggestion. How much shall it be?" -Thornton drew out his notebook. - -"Five thousand dollars;" then, noting Thornton's expression, asked: -"You think it too much?" - -"It would perhaps be better to commence with a smaller sum--say one -thousand dollars--then you can increase it, if that amount brings no -results." - -"That is a capital plan. Well, James, what is it?" to the footman who -had entered a second before and approached her chair. - -"Mr. Brett wants to know, ma'am, if you will see him an' Mister Hunter -fo' a few minutes. They want to ax yo' a few questions." - -Mrs. Winthrop glanced interrogatively at Thornton. "What shall I do?" - -"Perhaps it would be just as well to see them," he replied. - -"Very well. James, show the gentlemen in here," and, as the servant -hastened out of the room, she turned to her two guests. "You must be -present at this interview, and I depend on you, Colonel Thornton, to -check any undue inquisitiveness on the part of the detective." - -"I will, madam," and Thornton's grim tone conveyed more than the mere -words. He ranked as one of the leaders of the District bar, and few -opposing lawyers dared take liberties with him when trying a case. - -Eleanor made a motion to rise, but Mrs. Winthrop checked her with a -low-toned "Wait, dear," as Brett, followed by Douglas Hunter, strode -into the room. - -Mrs. Winthrop acknowledged Brett's bow with a courteous inclination -of her head, but, as he murmured Douglas' name in introducing him, she -rose and shook hands with him. - -"I have frequently heard my brother speak of you, Mr. Hunter," she -said, "and have regretted not meeting you before," and, as Douglas -voiced his thanks, she added, "Eleanor, Mr. Hunter"--and Douglas gazed -deep into the beautiful eyes which had haunted his memory since their -last meeting in Paris. For one second his glance held hers, while a -soft blush mantled her cheeks; then Colonel Thornton stepped forward -briskly and extended his hand. - -"No need of an introduction here, Douglas," he said heartily. "I should -have known you anywhere from your likeness to your father, though I -haven't seen you since you wore knickerbockers." - -"I haven't forgotten 'Thornton's Nest,' nor you either, Colonel," -exclaimed Douglas, clasping his hand warmly. "I about lived on your -grounds before I went to boarding school." - -"Pray be seated, gentlemen," and, in obedience to Mrs. Winthrop's -gesture, Douglas pulled up a chair near hers, while Brett and Colonel -Thornton did likewise. "Now, Mr. Brett, what do you wish to ask me?" - -"Have you any idea where Senator Carew dined the night of his death?" - -"Not the slightest," was the positive reply. - -"Was it your brother's custom not to inform you where he was dining?" -asked Brett. - -"Stop a moment," Thornton held up a protesting hand. "Mrs. Winthrop, -you cannot be compelled to answer questions put to you by Mr. Brett; he -has no legal right to examine you now." - -"I am quite aware of that, Colonel Thornton," put in Brett composedly; -"I am asking these questions that I may gain a little more light on -this mystery. I only saw Mrs. Winthrop for a short time yesterday, and, -while I do not wish to intrude, I feel that I can accomplish better -results by a longer talk. This tragedy must be investigated thoroughly." - -"Very true; but you forget, Mr. Brett, that the inquest is the proper -place for bringing out testimony. Mrs. Winthrop will have to appear -before it, and, until that is held, she must not be pestered with -questions or harrowed by intrusions." - -"I am willing to answer all questions within reason," said Mrs. -Winthrop, before the detective could reply. "If you mean, Mr. Brett, -that Senator Carew was secretive about his movements, you are mistaken. -On the contrary, he was most open and above board in his dealings with -me. Occasionally, when hurried, he did not tell me his plans for the -day, but, as a general thing, I knew all his social engagements." - -"Ah, his social engagements," echoed Brett, "how about his official -engagements, Mrs. Winthrop?" - -"With those I had nothing to do. I never meddled in my brother's -political or official career; that was out of my province," was the -calm reply. - -"Then you think it likely that he dined with some of his official -colleagues?" - -"I am unable to express an opinion on the subject." - -"You had better ask his private secretary what engagements he made for -Monday, and with whom he was last seen," broke in Thornton. - -"Mr. Philip Winthrop is in no condition to answer questions now. He -will be examined before the coroner's inquest when able to leave his -room." - -"Then I do not see the object of this interview," objected Thornton. -"Young Mr. Winthrop is better able to tell you of Senator Carew's -movements that day than Mrs. Winthrop." - -"I cannot wait so long." Brett shook his head decidedly. "What clews -there are will grow cold, and I cannot afford to risk that. I am -deeply interested in clearing up this terrible affair." - -"And do you think I am less so?" demanded Mrs. Winthrop indignantly. -"On the contrary, Mr. Brett, I will move Heaven and earth to find the -perpetrator of that dastardly deed. I have just told Colonel Thornton -that I will offer a reward of one thousand dollars for information -leading to the criminal's arrest." - -"Ah, then you do _not_ think the negro coachman, Hamilton, guilty?" put -in Brett quickly. - -"I have not said so," but Mrs. Winthrop looked disconcerted for a -second, then regained her usual serenity. "My idea in offering the -reward was to assist your investigation, and Colonel Thornton agreed -with me that it was an excellent plan." - -"Mrs. Winthrop," the detective spoke with greater distinctness, "was -Senator Carew on good terms with all the members of his family?" - -"He was, sir, with members of this household." Mrs. Winthrop hesitated -briefly, then continued, "I think that I had better tell you that, -since his return from Panama a short time ago, my brother received a -number of threatening letters." - -"Indeed," Brett's tone betrayed his satisfaction. "Can I see the -letters?" - -"Unfortunately my brother destroyed the one he showed me." - -"What was its contents?" inquired Brett. - -"To the best of my recollection the message, which was written in an -obviously disguised writing, read somewhat like this: - -"'Your movements are watched. If you act, you die'." - -"Did you see the envelope?" asked Brett, as he jotted down the words in -his memorandum book. - -"No. At the time my brother showed it to me he told me that he had -received several others; that he had no idea to what they referred; and -that he never paid attention to anonymous communications." - -"I see." Brett thoughtfully replaced his notebook in his pocket. "Can I -talk to your niece, Miss Cynthia Carew?" - -Mrs. Winthrop shook her head. "She is still too prostrated to be -interviewed." - -"Poor little soul! It was a ghastly experience for her," ejaculated -Colonel Thornton. - -"It was indeed," agreed Mrs. Winthrop. "She was devoted to her uncle, -and he to her. Consequently the shock has driven her half out of her -mind." - -"Miss Thornton--" Brett turned and faced Eleanor--"do you know to -whom Miss Carew referred when she exclaimed on greeting you yesterday -afternoon: 'They quarreled, Eleanor, they quarreled!'" - -Mrs. Winthrop caught her breath sharply. - -"Why, her words referred to Hamilton, the coachman," replied Eleanor -quietly, and her eyes did not waver before Brett's stern glance. - -The detective broke the short silence which followed. "I won't detain -you longer, Mrs. Winthrop. I am exceedingly obliged to you for the -information you have furnished. Mr. Hunter, are you coming down town?" - -Douglas nodded an affirmative as he rose. Mrs. Winthrop and Colonel -Thornton detained Brett with a question as he was leaving the room. -Douglas seized his opportunity, and crossed over to Eleanor's side. - -"How have you been since I saw you last, Miss Thornton?" he inquired. - -"Very well, thanks. And you?"--Eleanor inspected him with good-natured -raillery: "You look--as serious as ever." - -Douglas reddened. "It has been my lot in life to have to take things -seriously. I'm not such a Puritan as you evidently think me." - -"Come and see me, and perhaps on better acquaintance"--she paused. - -"What?" - -"You will improve." Her charming, roguish smile robbed the words of -their sting. - -"You think then that I am an acquired taste?" - -"I have not seen enough of you to know." - -"When may I call on you?" - -She parried the question with another. - -"Why did you leave Paris without saying good-bye to me?" - -The simple question sobered Douglas. It brought back an unpleasant -recollection best forgotten. Eleanor's bewitching personality had -always exerted an extraordinary influence over him. He found himself -watching her every movement, instinct with grace, and eagerly waiting -to catch her smile. In Paris he had often cursed himself for a fool, -even when attending a reception just to catch a glimpse of her. She was -a born coquette, and could no more help enjoying an innocent flirtation -than a kitten could help frolicking. It was her intense femininity -which had first attracted him. Frightened at the influence she -unconsciously exerted over him, he had deliberately avoided her--and -Fate had thrown them together again. It was Kismet! Therefore, why not -enjoy the goods the gods provided and be thankful? - -"'Time and tide wait for no man,'" he quoted. "I had to catch a steamer -at a moment's notice, hence the 'P. P. C.' card. Please show your -forgiveness, and let me call." - -"And if I don't?" - -"Why, I'll come anyway." - -Eleanor's eyes twinkled. "Bravo. I like the spirit of young Lochinvar." - -"He came out of the West, whereas I come out of the East." - -"Oh, well, extremes meet." - -"Then don't be surprised if I carry you off." The words were spoken in -jest, but the look in Douglas' eyes caused Eleanor to blush hotly. - -"Marse Brett am awaitin' fo' yo', suh," said Joshua from the doorway, -breaking in on the _tête-à-tête_. - -"Oh,--ah,--yes." Douglas was suddenly conscious of the absence of the -others. "Miss Thornton, I had no idea I was detaining you. Please say -good-by to Mrs. Winthrop and your uncle. I never realized in Paris that -you belonged to _the_ Thorntons in Georgetown." - -"You never took the trouble to make inquiries about me?" She surprised -a look in Douglas' face--why did he appear as if caught? The expression -was fleeting, but Eleanor's eyes hardened. "Good-bye," she turned -abruptly away, without seeing his half-extended hand. - -Douglas looked anything but pleasant when he joined Brett, who stood -waiting for him in the vestibule. They strolled down Massachusetts -Avenue for over a block in absolute silence. - -Brett was the first to speak. "When you were eating breakfast I saw -Annette, Miss Thornton's French maid, and questioned her in regard to -the dressing gowns worn by the Carew household." - -"What luck did you meet with?" inquired Douglas, rousing from a deep -study. - -"She says Mrs. Winthrop, Miss Carew, and Miss Thornton all wear -dressing gowns made of oriental silk." - -"Upon my word!" ejaculated Douglas, much astonished. "Still, they can't -be the same pattern." - -"It won't be so easy to identify your midnight caller by means of that -silk," taking out the slip which Douglas had torn from the dressing -gown the night before. "Annette says the gowns were given to Mrs. -Winthrop and Miss Carew by Miss Thornton, who purchased them, with -hers, at a Japanese store in H Street. The French girl isn't above -accepting a bribe, so when I suggested her showing me the gowns, she -got them and brought them into the library, while Mrs. Winthrop and -Miss Thornton were breakfasting in Miss Carew's boudoir." - -"Did you see all three of them?" - -"Yes, and they are as alike as two peas in a pod. And, Mr. Hunter," his -voice deepened impressively, "I examined them with the greatest care, -and not one kimono was torn--nor had any one of them ever been mended." - - - - -CHAPTER IX - -AT THE STATE DEPARTMENT - - -"This gentleman has called to see you, sir," and the messenger handed a -visiting card to the Secretary of State, who laid his pen down on his -desk and carefully inspected the card. - -"Show Mr. Hunter in," he directed, then looked across at his -stenographer. "You need not wait, Jones." - -As the stenographer gathered up his papers and hastened out of the -room, Douglas was ushered in, and after a few words of greeting the -Secretary motioned him to take the large leather chair placed beside -his desk. - -"I was sorry not to find you when I called yesterday, Mr. Secretary," -began Douglas. - -"I was detained in the West and did not get here until this morning. -What do you wish to see me about, Mr. Hunter?" - -"First, to thank you for granting me a leave of absence." - -"That is all right. Senator Carew came here and asked as a particular -favor to him that you be allowed to return to Washington. By the way, -his death was terrible, terrible. His loss will be felt by the whole -country." - -"It will, indeed," agreed Douglas. - -"Did you see Senator Carew before his death?" - -"No, Mr. Secretary; I only reached Washington on Monday, the night of -his murder." - -"It seems an outrage in these days of our boasted civilization that a -man of such brilliant attainments, a man whose life is of benefit to -his country, should be killed wantonly by a worthless, drunken negro," -exclaimed the Secretary, with much feeling. - -"You believe, then, that Senator Carew was murdered by his servant?" - -"I gathered that impression from the newspapers, and they all insist -that the negro is guilty. Do you think otherwise?" - -"I do." - -"And your reasons?" - -"The use of the letter file, an extraordinary weapon for a negro -coachman to use." - -"Is that your only reason for believing the negro innocent?" The -Secretary's piercing eyes studied Douglas' face intently. - -"No, sir." - -"Is there anything which strikes you as being of vital importance in -the case which has not yet been brought out?" - -"Senator Carew was chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee." - -The Secretary stared at Douglas for a full minute without speaking. - -"I don't quite catch your meaning, Mr. Hunter," he said finally. - -"Let me explain, Mr. Secretary," began Douglas earnestly. "Some time -ago I received a letter from Senator Carew _suggesting_ that I apply -for leave of absence." - -"Why?" snapped out the Secretary. - -"He did not specify directly," returned Douglas calmly; "he said he -wished to consult me about my future. One moment"--as the Secretary -opened his lips to speak. "At the end of the letter the Senator added -that he hoped I was making the most of my opportunities; that it was -only the part of wisdom to inform myself of all that was going on in -Japan, and that he expected that I would be able to give him some -interesting data about the 'Yankees of the East,' as he had always -been curious as regards their customs, past history, and future plans." - -The Secretary settled back in his chair and fumbled with his watch -chain. He was the first to break the silence. "Did you follow Senator -Carew's advice?" - -"I did, sir." - -"With what results?" - -"Among other things I discovered that there was an unusual activity -commencing in the shipyards; army maneuvers were being conducted -unostentatiously, and finally, the day I sailed, I heard a report that -three transports were being fitted out at Wakayama, a closed port, and -were to sail shortly under sealed orders." - -"Excellent! Have you any idea of the transports' destination?" - -"No, sir." - -"Why did you not send me this information before?" the Secretary spoke -with unwonted sternness. - -"I did cable a cipher despatch to Senator Carew. I thought you had -requested him to get certain information, and did not care to have it -sent through the Department directly." - -"The Senator did not take me into his confidence in the matter," -declared the Secretary, studying his companion's face intently. - -"That's very strange," muttered Douglas. "Very strange. Detective -Brett, who is investigating the Carew case, declares, from writing -found on a blotter, that the Senator wrote a letter to some unknown -person. On one side of the blotter were clearly traced the words: 'Am -writing in case I don't see you before ...'--and on the other: 'I have -discovered....' Brett thinks Senator Carew was interrupted on two -occasions while writing the letter, and laid the blotter on the fresh -ink to prevent the person who entered from seeing what he had written." - -The Secretary followed Douglas' story with the greatest attention. -"A likely hypothesis," he acknowledged, slowly settling back in his -revolving chair, for he had been leaning forward on his desk the better -to catch every word spoken by Douglas in his quiet monotone. "To whom -do you think that letter was written?" - -"To you, undoubtedly, Mr. Secretary. Possibly my information may have -given him the clew he needed to verify certain suspicions. You were in -the West, he wanted to get the news to you without further delay, and -the only thing he could do was to write or wire." - -"Or telephone," supplemented the Secretary; then, as Douglas' face -brightened, he added, "Unfortunately for your theory Senator Carew did -none of those things." - -"You mean----?" - -"That I have never received a letter, a telegram, or a telephone from -him while I was away," announced the Secretary solemnly. - -"He may still have written a message and have been killed before he -could get it off to you." - -"Has such a letter been found by Brett?" - -"No, sir; nor any trace of it. So far, he has been unable to find out -whether such a letter was seen or posted by any member of the Senator's -household. All he has to go on is the blotter." - -"Why did you not go at once to see Senator Carew when you arrived in -Washington?" - -"Because my cousin, Captain Taylor, who met me at the Union Station, -gave me a note from Senator Carew asking me to call on him at nine -o'clock Tuesday morning at his residence." - -"How did the Senator know where a note would reach you?" - -"He enclosed it in a note to my cousin asking him to see that it was -delivered to me at once on my arrival." - -"Has it occurred to you that Senator Carew's missing letter, which -Brett is so anxious to find, may have been addressed to you?" - -"I never thought of that!" exclaimed Douglas, "I was so thoroughly -convinced that he had tried to communicate with you." - -"I would inquire about your mail if I were you, Mr. Hunter." - -"I will do so at once," Douglas half rose. - -"No, no, sit down." The Secretary waited until Douglas had resumed his -seat. "Where are you stopping?" - -"At the Albany." - -"You have brought me very serious news, Mr. Hunter. So serious that I -must insist on some verification of your statements about Japan before -you leave me." - -Douglas took from a cleverly concealed pocket in the lining of his coat -a number of sheets of rice paper and handed them to the Secretary, -who studied the closely written papers long and intently. Suddenly he -pulled open a desk drawer and took out his strong box. - -"I will keep these papers, Mr. Hunter, for future reference," he -announced, unlocking the box and placing the rice papers in it. Then, -with equal care, he replaced the box in the drawer, which he locked -securely. "We must go slowly in this matter. A slip on our part, and -two great nations may become involved in a needless and bloody war." - -"I realize the gravity of the situation, Mr. Secretary, and have come -to you for advice in the matter." - -"Good. I depend on you not to mention our conversation to anyone, nor -do I think it wise to acquaint Brett at this time with your suspicions -in regard to the motive for Senator Carew's murder. With all good -intentions Brett might blunder and cause international complications." - -Douglas stroked his clean-shaven chin reflectively for a moment. "Don't -you think, Mr. Secretary, that there is danger of being too secretive, -and that the guilty party may slip through our fingers?" - -"It is a risk which we will have to take. Frankly, I think you and -Brett are equal to the situation." The Secretary glanced at his watch. -"Have you any engagement just now, Mr. Hunter?" - -"No, sir. My time is at your disposal." - -The Secretary reached up and touched the electric buzzer hanging above -his desk, and in a few seconds his stenographer appeared from another -room. - -"Jones, call up Secretary Wyndham and ask if he can see me," and, as -the clerk disappeared to execute his order, he turned back to Douglas. -"There are certain charts of the Pacific which I wish you to see; they -have been made recently. Well, Jones?" as the clerk reëntered his -office. - -"Secretary Wyndham is expecting you, sir." - -"Thanks. Now, Mr. Hunter, get your hat, and we will go to the Navy -Department." - - - - -CHAPTER X - -THE THEFT - - -The Secretary of State and Douglas hastened through the wide corridors -of the immense State, War, and Navy Building. As they passed an -elevator shaft in the navy wing, Douglas caught a fleeting glimpse of -Eleanor Thornton in one of the lifts as it shot downward toward the -ground floor. On their arrival they were ushered at once into Secretary -Wyndham's private office. - -"Glad to see you," exclaimed Wyndham, "your call is most opportune"--he -stopped on seeing Douglas standing behind the Secretary of State, and -his eyebrows went up questioningly. - -"This is Mr. Douglas Hunter, attaché of the American Embassy at Tokio, -Wyndham," explained the Secretary of State. - -"How are you, sir." The Secretary of the Navy shook hands brusquely. -"Will you both be seated?" - -"I brought Mr. Hunter with me that he might tell you of certain -information which he gathered in Japan about some prospective -movements of their navy." He glanced significantly at Douglas, who -nodded understandingly, and without more words gave a clear, concise -statement of naval affairs in Japan, omitting all mention of other -matters. - -Secretary Wyndham listened to his remarks with the closest attention. -When he ceased speaking Wyndham sprang from his chair and, walking over -to the adjoining room, spoke to his confidential clerk, then closed the -door and returned. - -"I have told him to admit no one," he explained briefly, as he seated -himself in his swivel chair. - -"May we see the new charts of the Pacific?" inquired the Secretary of -State, moving his chair closer to the other's desk. - -"Certainly; but first I must tell you of a remarkable occurrence which -took place here earlier this morning." A violent fit of coughing -interrupted Wyndham, and it was some minutes before he could speak -clearly. "Ah!" he gasped, tilting back in his chair and mopping his -flushed face, "a spring cold is almost impossible to cure." - -"I don't think yours will be improved if you continue to sit in a -direct draft," remonstrated the Secretary of State, pointing to the -open windows. - -"I had to have air. By George! man, if you had been through what I -have this morning--" he did not complete his sentence. - -"What happened?" asked the Secretary of State, with growing interest. - -"The plans of the two new dreadnaughts have been stolen." - -"Impossible!" The Secretary of State half started from his chair. - -"Impossible? Well, I'd have said the same five hours ago," dryly. - -"Were they stolen from this office?" asked Douglas. - -"Yes, and not only from this office, but under my very eyes." - -"How?" - -"To give you both a clear idea I must go into details," Wyndham drew -his chair up closer and lowered his voice. "About twelve o'clock -my private secretary brought me word that a man wished to see me -personally. Of course, I have daily callers who all wish to see -me personally, and usually my secretary takes care of them. This -particular caller refused to give his name and said he would explain -his business to me alone. I thought he was simply a harmless crank, -and told my secretary to get rid of him as soon as possible." Wyndham -sighed. "In a few minutes my secretary was back in the office, saying -that the stranger had a message for me from Senator Carew." - -"A written message?" asked the Secretary of State. - -"No, a verbal one. With everyone else in Washington, I have taken great -interest in the terrible murder of my old friend. The man's statement -aroused my interest, and, having a few minutes of leisure, I told my -secretary to show him in." - -"What did he look like?" inquired the Secretary of State, deeply -interested. - -"A tall, dark chap; his hair and beard were black, and he had the -bluest eyes I've ever seen in human head." - -"Was he well dressed?" - -"No, his clothes were shabby but fairly neat. He looked as if he had -spruced up for the occasion. I can't say I was prepossessed in his -favor by his appearance." - -"Did he give you his name?" - -"No." - -"Do you think he was an American?" put in Douglas. - -"It's hard to say. At first I sized him up as being a Spaniard." - -"Didn't you ask his name?" again inquired the Secretary of State -impatiently. - -"I did, and his errand. He ignored my first question, and in answer to -the second said that he had come to examine some records. I informed -him that he had come to the wrong office, and that my clerk would -direct him to the proper room. He then made the astounding statement -that he had an appointment to meet Senator Carew here in this office -at twelve o'clock. I was taken completely by surprise by the man's -statement and asked: 'What day did you expect to meet Senator Carew -here?' - -"'This morning, at twelve o'clock,' he answered, and then added, 'He is -late.' - -"Thinking the man a little daft or drunk, though I could detect no sign -of liquor, I said abruptly, 'A likely tale; Senator Carew is dead.' - -"'Dead!' he shouted, springing out of his chair. - -"'Yes, dead--murdered last Monday night.' I hadn't anticipated giving -him such a shock, or I would have broken the news more gently. The -effect on my visitor was appalling. He collapsed on the floor in a fit. -The electric bells in this office are out of order, and, although I -shouted for help, no one heard me. I sprang out of my chair, undid the -man's necktie and collar, threw the contents of my ice pitcher in his -face, and then bolted into the other room to get assistance. Most of -the clerks had gone out to their lunch. I called two men who happened -to be eating their lunch in an adjoining room, and we hastened back -here only to find my strange visitor gone!" - -"Gone!" ejaculated the Secretary of State. - -"Vanished. The only sign of his presence was the spilled ice water on -the floor, and that chair overturned," pointing to the one Douglas was -occupying. - -"Did no one see him slip out of the door into the hall?" asked Douglas. - -"No. Unfortunately the messenger, who sits near my door, had gone into -the room across the corridor. The man made a quick getaway, and luck -broke with him, for no one noticed him leaving the building." - -"How do you know he isn't hiding somewhere?" inquired Douglas. - -"If he is, he will be captured, for Chief Connor and a number of Secret -Service men are searching the building." - -"When did you discover the plans of the battleships were missing?" - -Wyndham swore softly. "That's the devilish part of it," he said -bitterly. "As soon as I realized the man had really run away I glanced -over my papers. Everything seemed to be all right. I pulled open this -drawer," opening it as he spoke, "and saw these blue prints lying -exactly as I had placed them under this folded newspaper. I slammed the -drawer shut, thinking my strange visitor was simply a harmless lunatic, -who had probably read about Carew's death until he became obsessed with -the subject, and dismissed the matter from my mind." - -"Was this drawer locked when your strange visitor was admitted?" - -"No." - -"Then anyone might have stolen the papers," exclaimed the Secretary of -State in surprise. - -Wyndham reddened. "No, they could not. The only time I've been out -of this room was when I ran out looking for aid for that miserable -scoundrel. That is the only chance there has been to steal the papers." - -"You think, then," began Douglas, checking his remarks off on his -fingers, "first, that the whole thing was a plot; that the man used -Senator Carew's name to arouse your interest or curiosity; that he -faked a fit, and in your absence removed the plans and substituted -false blueprints, taking a chance that you would simply look to see -that everything was safe in your drawer and not examine further, and -then made his escape." - -"You've hit it exactly," acknowledged Wyndham. "Those were the -conclusions reached by Chief Connor also." - -"It was no irresponsible person who committed that theft," declared -the Secretary of State thoughtfully. "It was a well-laid plot, neatly -carried out. How long have the papers been in your possession, Wyndham?" - -"They were sent here yesterday for my inspection. There has been a -leak here somewhere, damn it!" Wyndham set his bulldog jaw. "I'll -trace it to the bottom, and when I find out----" he clenched his fists -menacingly. - -"What callers did you see besides the Spaniard?" asked Douglas. - -"Let me see--the usual run, several office seekers, a number of naval -officers--oh, yes, my wife came in with Colonel Thornton and his niece, -Miss Eleanor Thornton." - -"Before or after the Spaniard had been here?" questioned Douglas -swiftly. - -"Shortly afterward. They came in about a quarter of one and did not -stay long." - -"After you had discovered the loss of the plans?" - -"No, before. I only discovered their loss three-quarters of an hour -ago." - -"How long were your wife and her friends in this office?" inquired -Douglas persistently. - -"About fifteen minutes." - -"Then how does it happen that I saw Miss Eleanor Thornton descending in -one of the elevators when the Secretary and I were on our way to this -office to see you?" - -"Oh, Miss Eleanor told me that she was going to the library to look -up the records of some of her ancestors, as she wishes to join the -Colonial Dames. I think she has been up there ever since. My wife and -Colonel Thornton left together without waiting for her." - -"You are absolutely certain, Wyndham, that you haven't been out of this -office except on that one occasion?" asked the Secretary of State for -the second time. - -"I will take my Bible oath on it," exclaimed Wyndham solemnly. - -The three men gazed at each other in silence, each busy with his own -thoughts. The Secretary of State was the first to recover himself. - -"Have you had your lunch, Wyndham?" he inquired. - -The latter shook his head. "I've lost my appetite," he growled. - -The Secretary of State rose and placed his hand on the broad shoulder -of the younger man. "Don't take it so much to heart, Wyndham," he said -kindly. "We'll get at the bottom of this tangle before long. We'll -all stand by and help you, and, remember, Chief Connor is a host in -himself." - -"Thanks," Wyndham straightened his bent shoulders; his face was set and -his eyes snapped as the spirit of the born fighter returned. "I'll move -Heaven and earth until I catch that Spaniard. Must you both be going?" - -"Yes." The Secretary of State answered for Douglas as well as for -himself. "We have detained you quite long enough. Let me know -immediately of any new developments." - -"I will. Mr. Hunter, it's been a pleasure to meet you, although I am -afraid the information you have given me, considered with the loss of -the plans of the new battleships, complicates the situation. Good-bye, -come and see me again," and the big door swung shut. - -Halfway down the corridor the Secretary of State paused and regarded -Douglas seriously. "Talk of complicated situations----" he passed his -hand wearily over his forehead, then started with sudden resolution. -"Come on, Hunter, I'm going over to the White House; a talk with the -President may clear my brain. Wyndham may have lost his appetite, but -he's given us food for thought." - - - - -CHAPTER XI - -OVER THE TEA CUPS - - -Cynthia turned a flushed and tear-stained face toward Eleanor, as the -latter entered the boudoir and approached her couch. - -"Is it all over?" she asked, choking back a sob. - -"Yes." Eleanor lifted her black crêpe veil, and, pulling out the -hatpins, removed her hat and handed it to Annette, who had followed -her into the room. "Take my coat, too, Annette," she directed, "then -you need not wait." As the servant left the room she pulled a low -rocking-chair up to the couch on which Cynthia was lying, and placed -her hand gently on the weeping girl's shoulder. "Are you feeling -better, dear?" - -"A little better." Cynthia wiped her eyes with a dry handkerchief which -Annette had placed on her couch some moments before. "Oh, Eleanor, I am -so bitterly ashamed of the scene I made downstairs." - -"You need not be." Eleanor stroked the curly, fair hair back from -Cynthia's hot forehead with loving fingers. "It was a very painful -scene, and Dr. Wallace's tribute to Senator Carew, while beautiful, was -harrowing. I am not surprised you fainted, dear." - -"Aunt Charlotte didn't, and she was so devoted to Uncle James." - -"Mrs. Winthrop had not been through your terrible experiences of Monday -night. Consequently, she had the strength to bear to-day's ordeal with -outward composure." - -"Was it very dreadful at the cemetery?" - -"No, dear. The services at the grave were very simple, and, as the -funeral was private, it attracted no morbid spectators." - -"Did anyone accompany you?" - -"Just the handful of people who were here for the house services." - -"Where is Aunt Charlotte?" - -"She went to her room to lie down." - -Cynthia raised herself on her elbow and glanced searchingly about the -pretty sitting-room filled with its bird's-eye maple furniture. The -yellow wallpaper, with its wide border of pink roses, chintz curtains -and hangings, cast a soft yellow glow, which was exceedingly becoming, -as well as restful to the eye. The afternoon sunshine came through the -long French windows which overlooked a broad alley. - -"Eleanor, would you mind closing the door of my bedroom," she asked, -"and please first see that--that Blanche isn't sitting there sewing." - -Eleanor glanced curiously at Cynthia as she rose, crossed to the -adjoining bedroom, and softly closed the door. "There is no one in your -room," she reported, on her return to her rocking-chair. - -Cynthia settled back among her pillows with an air of satisfaction. "At -last I have you to myself. First the trained nurse, whom I didn't need, -and then Aunt Charlotte, have always been hanging around, and I haven't -had a chance to ask you any questions." - -"What is it you wish to know?" - -"Was there--was there--an autopsy?" Noting Eleanor's expression, she -exclaimed hastily: "Now, Eleanor dear, _don't_ say I must not talk of -Uncle James' death. The nurse wouldn't answer me when I spoke on the -subject; said I must not think of the tragedy, that it was bad for me. -Such nonsense! I would have asked Aunt Charlotte, but she's been so -queer lately, not in the least like her own dear self." - -"Mrs. Winthrop is living under such great strain these days, Cynthia, -it's not surprising. Her brother dead--Philip very ill----" - -"They told me he was better," hastily jerked out Cynthia, with a -startled look in her big, brown eyes. - -"He is, now," Eleanor hesitated. "The doctor at first thought he might -develop brain fever, but I am told all danger of that is past." - -"What is the matter with him?" persisted Cynthia. "I asked the nurse -what the trouble was, but she never told me. Was his attack also caused -by the shock of Uncle James' death?" - -"Yes, from shock," answered Eleanor, mechanically. "You must not blame -your aunt if her manner is distrait; she is a very reserved woman and -dreads, above all things, letting herself go and breaking down." - -"Oh, I hope she will keep well, she has been so unhappy. I can't bear -to think of her suffering more, but," she laid her hand pleadingly on -Eleanor's arm, "you haven't answered my question about the autopsy." - -"Yes, they held one." - -"And what was discovered?" eagerly. - -"That Senator Carew was perfectly well physically, and that his death -was caused by a stab from the sharp-pointed letter file." - -Cynthia suddenly covered her eyes with her hand, and lay for some -minutes without speaking. "Is Hamilton still in jail?" she questioned -finally. - -"Yes, he is being held for the inquest." - -"Inquest?" Cynthia glanced up, startled. "I thought the inquest was -over." - -"No, it hasn't been held yet." - -"But Uncle James was buried to-day." - -"The funeral could not be postponed, Cynthia. The doctors who performed -the autopsy will testify at the inquest." - -"But I thought it was always necessary to hold the inquest after a -violent death." - -"It is usually, but in this case the inquest was postponed because you -and Philip, two of the most important witnesses, were too ill to attend -it." - -Cynthia closed and unclosed her tapering fingers over her handkerchief -spasmodically. "Are the detectives still hanging around the house?" she -inquired. - -"Yes." - -"It's shameful!" announced Cynthia, sitting upright, "to allow those -men to intrude on our grief and privacy. They have arrested Hamilton -for the crime, and should leave us alone." - -"They do not think Hamilton guilty." - -"Whom--whom--do they suspect?" The question seemed forced from her. - -"Mr. Brett hasn't confided in me." - -"Mr. Brett?" - -"He's the detective in charge of the case." - -"Oh, is he the tall, fine-looking man I saw talking to Joshua in the -hall yesterday morning?" - -"No, that was probably Douglas Hunter." - -"Douglas Hunter? Not the Douglas Hunter of the Diplomatic Corps, whom -Uncle James was forever talking about?" - -"The same. Do you know him?" - -"No, he has always been absent from Washington when I've been in the -city. What is he doing here now?" - -"Trying to help Mr. Brett solve the mystery of Senator Carew's death." - -"Good Heavens! What earthly business is it of his?" - -"Don't ask me," Eleanor's usually tranquil voice was a trifle sharp. "I -suppose he is hoping to win the reward offered by Mrs. Winthrop." - -"Reward?" Cynthia's voice rose, and drowned the sound of a faint knock -at the hall door. - -"Yes. Your aunt announced that she would give five thousand dollars -to anyone who could solve the mystery." Cynthia was listening with -absorbed attention to Eleanor, and neither noticed that the hall door -was pushed open a few inches, then softly closed. "Uncle Dana told her -that was too much to offer, and she reduced the sum to one thousand -dollars, with the proviso that it should be increased if the first -offer brought no result." - -Cynthia sighed deeply. "Why, why did she do it?" she cried -passionately. "She must be mad!" - -Eleanor glanced at her companion in astonishment. "Cynthia, you must -not excite yourself," she remonstrated firmly. "Otherwise, I shall -leave you." - -Cynthia reached out and clutched her arm. "Don't go," she entreated. "I -must----" her words were interrupted by a sharp rap on the hall door. -"Come in." - -In response Annette opened the door. "Pardon, Mademoiselle, but it is -five o'clock, and I thought you might like your tea up here instead of -downstairs." - -"Capital, Annette," exclaimed Eleanor, as the maid entered carrying -a tray. "Wait a moment, and I will get that small table." Deftly she -removed the books and magazines, and then carried the table over to -the couch. Annette put a tray laden with tempting sandwiches, small -cakes, the teapot and its accessories, on the table, then bent over and -arranged Cynthia's pillows at her back with practiced hand. - -"Mademoiselle is more comfortable, _n'est-ce pas?_" she asked briskly. - -"Yes, indeed, Annette," Cynthia nodded gratefully at the Frenchwoman. - -"Have you everything you wish, Mademoiselle Eleanor?" - -"Yes, Annette, thank you. If I want anything more I will ring." - -"Be sure and close the door, Annette," directed Cynthia, "I am afraid -of a draft"; and she looked around until she saw her order obeyed. - -"Have a sandwich?" asked Eleanor, handing the dish and a plate to -Cynthia. - -"I'd rather eat good sandwiches than solid food," announced Cynthia, -after a pause, helping herself to another portion. - -"Solid?" echoed Eleanor. "I call _pâté de foie gras_ and deviled ham -pretty solid eating, Cynthia; especially when taken in bulk," glancing -quizzically at the rapidly diminishing pile. - -"Don't begrudge me these crumbs." Cynthia's smile was followed by a -sigh. "I've lived on slops for three days. Why are you giving me such -weak tea, Eleanor? I loathe it made that way." - -"I am afraid to make it stronger, Cynthia, it will keep you awake." - -"I don't want to sleep; I'd give anything _not_ to sleep!" - -"Why, Cynthia!" - -"If I could really sleep--drop into oblivion--I would like it, but -instead I dream, and, oh, God! I fear my dream." - -Eleanor laid a restraining hand on her shoulder. "Lie down," she -commanded, "and compose yourself." - -Cynthia lay back on her pillows, panting a little from her exertion, -the color coming and going in her winsome face. - -"I would give anything, Eleanor, if I had your tranquil disposition," -she said, more quietly. "I cannot help my temperament. My mother was -Scotch to the fingertips, and, I have been told, had the gift of -second-sight--although I sometimes doubt if such a thing is a gift." - -"Perhaps I can understand better than you think," said Eleanor gently. -"My mother was Irish, and the Irish, you know, are just as great -believers in the supernatural as the Scotch." - -"You always understand," Cynthia bent forward and kissed her friend -warmly. "That's why you are such a comfort. Let me tell you why I am -so nervous and unstrung. Since a little child I have been obsessed by -one dream, it is always the same, and always precedes disaster." She -sighed, drearily. "I had it just before my grandmother's death; then -before my uncle, Mr. Winthrop, killed himself; and on Sunday night I -had it again." She shuddered as she spoke. - -"What is your dream?" - -"It is this way: I may be sleeping soundly, when suddenly I see a -door--a door which stands out vividly in a shadowy space, which might -be a room, or hallway--the door is white and the panels are in the -shape of a cross, so"--illustrating her meaning with her arms--"I hear -a cry--the cry of a soul in torment--I rush to the rescue, always to -find the door locked, and wake myself beating on the empty air"--she -shuddered as she spoke, and drew her kimono closer about her. "I awake -cold and trembling from head to foot." - -"You poor darling," Eleanor took the limp form in her arms with a -gesture of infinite understanding and compassion. - -"I had the dream Sunday night," sobbed Cynthia, "then Monday, when I -thought we could announce our engagement----" - -"Whose engagement?" asked a quiet voice behind the pair. Startled, -Eleanor wheeled around to find Mrs. Winthrop standing behind her, as -Cynthia slipped from her arms and buried her head in the friendly -cushions, her slender form shaking with convulsive sobs. - - - - -CHAPTER XII - -A COUNCIL OF WAR - - -Philip Winthrop moved restlessly in bed, then lay still, for a feeling -of deadly nausea almost overcame him. Half an hour passed, and, feeling -better, he raised his hand and felt his throbbing temples. Wearily he -tried to collect his ideas, but all appeared confused. - -What was it that he had promised? Slowly his torpid conscience awoke. -"For value received"--the phrase held a double meaning which penetrated -even his dulled senses. He could not afford to lie there like a bump on -a log any longer. He opened his eyes; apparently it was late, for the -room was in total darkness, save for a streak of light which came from -the half-open hall door. - -With an effort Philip raised himself on his elbow and glanced about -him, but even that slight exertion was too much in his weakened state, -and, with a groan, he slid back on the pillows. For some seconds he lay -without moving, but the yellow patch of light troubled him, and he -rolled over on his side facing the wall. He struggled apathetically to -piece together the occurrences of the past few days. Suddenly he caught -the sound of a light step and the swish of skirts approaching his bed. - -The next instant a glass was thrust under his nose and placed gently -against his mouth. He raised his hand and pushed the glass away from -him. "G'way," he stammered faintly; "leave me 'lone." - -Apparently no attention was paid to his request, for the glass was -again placed at his lips. Again he tried to thrust it from him, but -his feeble efforts made no impression against the strong wrist. His -resistance only lasted a few minutes, then his weaker will surrendered -to the stronger, and he sipped the medicine obediently, after which the -glass was withdrawn. - - * * * * * - -Downstairs in the library three men sat smoking around the large desk -table. - -"I am glad you could join us to-night, Colonel Thornton," said Brett, -as he placed one of the ashtrays conveniently near the lawyer. "Three -heads are better than one, and it is time we got together and discussed -certain features of this case." - -"Quite right, it will help us to a clearer understanding," agreed the -Colonel. - -"Then suppose, Mr. Hunter, that you first tell us any theories which -you may have formed." - -Douglas dropped the paper-cutter he was balancing in his hand, and, -leaning on the table, looked seriously at his companions. "I think," -he said deliberately, "that Philip Winthrop has a guilty knowledge of -Senator Carew's death, if he is not the actual murderer." - -"Your reasons," demanded Colonel Thornton. - -"There was bad blood between them, that has been proved," Douglas -picked his words with care. "Possibly the quarrel was brought about -because Senator Carew had found out something discreditable in Philip -Winthrop's past. He had a responsible position as the Senator's private -secretary, and there is a chance he betrayed his trust." - -"In what way?" asked Brett eagerly. - -"It may be that he is in the pay of some lobby anxious to influence -important legislation." Douglas, mindful of the Secretary of State's -caution, was feeling his way with care. - -"Senator Carew was the last man to be influenced by such a character as -Philip Winthrop," said Thornton contemptuously. - -"He may not have tried to do so, but simply have betrayed valuable -information of committee plans and caucus." - -"That may be," acknowledged Thornton, "particularly as I am told that -Philip has been spending a great deal of money lately; far more than -his salary would warrant." - -"'Value received.'" Douglas shrugged his shoulders expressively. "I -have also found out that Hamilton, the coachman, is a Jamaican negro, -his real name being Samuel Hamilton Quesada, and that he was brought -here nearly two years ago by young Winthrop when he returned from a -visit to Jamaica. The Senator took him into his employ at the former's -request and recommendation." - -"And your theory is?" questioned Brett sharply, laying down his cigar. - -"That Winthrop either bribed Hamilton to kill Senator Carew, or to help -him after he, Winthrop, had committed the murder. You must remember," -he added hastily, as Brett started to speak, "the Jamaican negro has -a revengeful disposition when roused, and I have no doubt Senator -Carew gave him merry hell when he discharged him Monday afternoon, and -Hamilton was ready to risk everything to get even." - -Brett shook his head. "How did Senator Carew get into that carriage?" -he asked doubtfully. - -"Hamilton probably lied when he said he did not first stop at this -house on his way to the ball to bring Miss Carew home. Or perhaps -Winthrop came into this room, found Senator Carew busy writing, stole -up behind him, seized the letter file and stabbed him with it." - -Again Brett shook his head. "If that had been the case, the Senator -would have been stabbed in the back; whereas he was stabbed directly -over the heart, and whoever committed the crime was facing him." - -"Well, that is not impossible," argued Douglas. "Winthrop may have -stood near the Senator's chair and talked to him for a few minutes -without the latter suspecting danger, may have even picked up the -letter file, a harmless thing to do under ordinary circumstances, and, -without warning, thrust it into the Senator's chest." - -"And afterward?" questioned Brett. - -"Afterward--Winthrop may have stepped into the hall, found no one -there, tiptoed into the room again, telephoned"--pointing to the desk -instrument--"out to the stable and told Hamilton to drive at once to -the front door. The sound of the horses' hoofs was probably drowned by -the heavy rain, so no one in the house would have heard the carriage -enter the _porte-cochère_, but"--impressively--"Winthrop, from this -window, could see its arrival. He probably stepped into the hall again, -found the coast clear, opened the front door, dashed back, picked up -Senator Carew, who was much smaller than he, carried him out and placed -him inside the carriage. Hamilton had been drinking, and was perhaps -too befogged to notice anything unusual, and, when Winthrop slammed the -carriage door, he probably drove off none the wiser." - -"As much as I dislike Philip Winthrop I do not think him capable -of committing murder," said Colonel Thornton, slowly. "Secondly, I -believe, no matter how secretly you think the murder was planned, that, -if Philip were guilty, Mrs. Winthrop would have some inkling of it, -and if their quarrel was so serious she would have known it, and would -naturally try to hush matters up. Instead of which, she is the first to -offer a reward, a large reward, mind you. It is not within reason that -she would have done such a thing had she the faintest idea that Philip -was the murderer." - -"I beg your pardon, Philip is not her son. There may be no love lost -between them." - -"Good God! what a suggestion. You don't mean to insinuate that she -offered that reward knowing her stepson might be guilty." Thornton -looked at Douglas with sudden horror. - -For reply Douglas nodded quietly. - -"No, no, Douglas, you are shinning up the wrong tree. I have known -Mrs. Winthrop for over fifteen years; she wouldn't injure a fly, let -alone try to trap one whom she loves as her own flesh and blood. She -was devoted to her husband, and for his sake legally adopted Philip and -brought him up as her own son; in fact, she was entirely too indulgent -and generous, which has proved his downfall. He hates work like a -nigger." - -"Mr. Hunter has drawn a strong case against Philip Winthrop, except for -one serious flaw," broke in Brett, who had been a silent listener to -their argument. "And that is that Philip Winthrop was at the Alibi Club -on Monday evening. A number of reputable men are willing to swear to -that. It is certain that he could not have been in two places at once. -Secondly, Mrs. Winthrop swears that her brother spent Monday evening -away from this house." Brett leaned forward and spoke impressively, -"Senator Carew was killed by another hand than Philip Winthrop's." - -"By whose hand?" asked Thornton and Douglas simultaneously. - -"Captain Frederick Lane." - -"Fred Lane, of the Engineer Corps?" ejaculated Thornton, much -astonished, while Douglas looked as blank as he felt. - -"Yes, sir." - -"Bah! you're mad." - -"Just a moment," Brett held up a protesting hand. "Don't condemn my -theory unheard. I seemed up against a blank wall in this house, so -to-day I started an investigation at the other end; that is, at the -residence of Mr. and Mrs. James Owen, where Miss Cynthia Carew attended -a dance on Monday night." - -"Go on," urged Douglas, as Brett stopped and glanced behind him to see -that the hall door was closed. - -"I called on Mrs. Owen. She was not inclined to be communicative, but -her daughter, Miss Alice Owen, who came in during our interview, let -the cat out of the bag, and Mrs. Owen had to tell then what she knew, -which was this: that Captain Lane and Miss Carew were engaged----" -a muttered word escaped Colonel Thornton, and Brett turned to him -instantly, "I beg pardon, did you speak?" - -"No," growled the Colonel. - -"Apparently they had planned to announce the engagement at the dance," -resumed Brett. "Anyway, Miss Owen, who already knew of it, was told by -Miss Carew that her uncle, the Senator, refused to give his consent, -and had threatened to turn her out of doors if she did not instantly -break the engagement." - -"Poor Cynthia, poor little girl," murmured Thornton, "I am very fond -of her, and her father was my most intimate friend. It was beastly of -Carew to issue such an ultimatum. She is entirely dependent upon him." - -"So Miss Owen thought. Miss Carew confided her troubles to her on her -arrival. Miss Owen said that while they were sitting in the library -Captain Lane came in looking very dejected, and she immediately got up -to leave the lovers together. Before leaving the room, however, she -overheard Lane tell Miss Carew that he had just seen her uncle, hoping -to persuade him to reconsider his refusal, but that he flatly refused -to do so in the most insulting terms." - -"Upon my word, for a mild-tempered man, Carew managed to have plenty of -quarrels on his hands on Monday," exclaimed Thornton. - -"And the last one undoubtedly brought about his death"; Brett spoke so -positively that Douglas hitched his chair nearer in his excitement. -"After I had finished my interview with Mrs. Owen I asked permission -to question her servants. The footman told me that Miss Carew left the -dance earlier than the other guests, and that she had to wait a long -time for her carriage. He said he called her carriage check number -repeatedly, and with no result. That Captain Lane, becoming impatient, -put on his overcoat and hat and walked down the street searching for -Miss Carew's carriage." - -"And you think?" broke in Douglas. - -"That Captain Lane not only found the carriage but the Senator sitting -in it, and seized the opportunity to punish him for his deviltry to the -girl he loved." - -A long pause followed as Colonel Thornton and Douglas sat thinking over -Brett's startling news. - -"Where did he get the weapon?" inquired Douglas finally. - -"Out of Mrs. Owen's library, of course. He may have picked it up in a -fit of absent-mindedness and carried it with him." - -"Did the footman or butler notice anything in his hand when he left the -house?" questioned Thornton. - -"I asked them, and they declared that he carried an umbrella in his -left hand, and that they had not noticed whether he was holding -anything in his right hand or not. The footman declared that it was -raining so hard that it was impossible to see anything clearly. They -both said Captain Lane was some fifteen minutes returning to the house." - -"Did he find the carriage?" - -"He told the footman that he hadn't, and ordered him to keep calling -the number, which he did, and soon after the carriage drove up." - -"Of all the cold-blooded propositions!" ejaculated Douglas. "Do you -honestly mean that you think Lane deliberately put the girl he loved -into the carriage to sit beside the man he had just murdered?" - -"I do," firmly, "and I stake my reputation as a detective that Captain -Lane is guilty. You were with me, Mr. Hunter, when I overheard Miss -Carew exclaim, as Miss Thornton entered her bedroom on Tuesday--'They -quarreled, Eleanor, they quarreled.'" - -"She may not have been alluding to Captain Lane," declared Douglas -stoutly; "she may have referred to Philip Winthrop. He also quarreled -with Senator Carew." - -"Philip is very much in love with Cynthia and wishes to marry her," -volunteered Thornton quietly. - -"Is that why Senator Carew objected to her engagement to Captain -Lane?" asked Brett. "Did he wish her to marry Philip Winthrop?" - -"I never heard that he did"; Thornton paused and reflected a moment. -"I might as well tell you, for you will probably hear it from some one -else eventually, that there has been a feud of long standing between -the Lanes and Carews." - -Douglas whistled. "A Montague and Capulet affair?" he inquired. - -"Exactly. Carew and old Governor Lane were political rivals. Lord! -how they hated each other! They almost tore Maryland asunder when -running for the governorship, which Lane won by a few votes. Carew -charged fraud, which, however, was never proved. They cherished their -animosity to the day of Governor Lane's death, and I can imagine it was -a terrible shock to Carew to find that his dearly loved niece wanted to -marry the Governor's son." - -"What sort of a fellow is Lane?" asked Douglas. - -"A fine specimen of the American gentleman," exclaimed Thornton -enthusiastically, "a soldier, every inch of him, brave to a fault; he -has twice been mentioned in orders for gallant conduct--just the sort -of a fellow a romantic young girl like Cynthia would fall head over -heels in love with." - -"In naming his virtues you have overlooked his greatest fault," said -Brett calmly. "He has a fiendish temper, and, when provoked, falls into -the most insane rages, so his brother officers tell me." - -"You are making out a black case against him," agreed Douglas, "but -there is one point you seem to have overlooked, and that is, did the -letter file used to kill Senator Carew belong to Mrs. Owen?" - -"That is the one flaw in my case," acknowledged Brett regretfully. "She -declines to answer the question." - - - - -CHAPTER XIII - -AT THE WHITE HOUSE - - -"There's a note done cum fo' yo', suh," announced the elevator boy -lounging in the doorway of the Albany as Douglas stepped inside the -entrance of the apartment hotel. "I'll get it," and visions of a tip -caused the mulatto to hasten his leisurely footsteps to the small -office to the left of the entrance. In a few seconds he was back at the -elevator shaft, where Douglas stood waiting, and handed him a square -envelope stamped with the words "State Department" in the left-hand -corner. "Wanter go to yer room, suh," slipping the expected coin in his -trousers' pocket. - -"Yes." The door slammed shut, and the elevator shot upward. "Anyone -been to see me or telephoned, Jonas?" - -"No, suh." The mulatto brought the cage to a standstill at the third -floor, and Douglas stepped out and hastened to his tiny apartment. -Throwing his hat and cane on the bed, he drew a chair to the open -window, having first made sure, with a caution which had grown upon -him, that the hall door was securely locked, and that the chambermaid -was not loitering in the vicinity. As he opened the note an enclosure -fell into his lap, and, without looking at it, he perused the few -written lines. It was from the Secretary of State. - - Dear Mr. Hunter: [he read] So far, no further developments. When - people are at play they are usually "off guard." I enclose an - invitation to the garden party at the White House this afternoon, for - which I asked. The Diplomatic Corps will attend in a body. I hope to - see you there. - - Very truly yours---- - -Douglas picked up the enclosed envelope with the words "The White -House" stamped in small gold letters in the upper left-hand corner, -and pulled out the engraved card. The gold eagle crest at the top of -the invitation was almost stared out of countenance, so long and so -steadily did he regard it, as he slowly weighed in his mind the events -of the past three days. - -If the desk file used to kill the Senator did belong to Mrs. Owen, then -Brett had woven strong circumstantial evidence around Captain Lane. Was -it possible that the young officer, incensed at Senator Carew's threat -to turn his niece, Cynthia, out of doors, and goaded past endurance -by a possible tongue lashing at their last interview, had seized the -opportunity offered by chance and killed Carew, an hereditary enemy? -From time immemorial family feuds had, alas, often led to murder. - -If so, what, then, became of his own theory of an international -intrigue? Were Senator Carew's interest in things Japanese, his desire -to see Douglas, the information gleaned by the latter in Japan, the -untimely death of the Senator, and last--the theft of the plans of the -new battleships--were these simply coincidences? - -Douglas roused himself and glanced at the hour mentioned in the -invitation--five o'clock. Jerking out his watch he found he had but -half an hour in which to change his clothes before he was due at the -White House. - - * * * * * - -Shortly afterward Douglas walked through Lafayette Square on his way to -the eastern entrance of the White House. A long queue of smart turnouts -and motors stretched along Pennsylvania Avenue from Seventeenth -Street to Executive Avenue, as the short street between the Treasury -Department and the White House is called. - -The policeman on special duty scrutinized his card of admission -carefully before allowing him to pass down the corridor and out into -the garden. - -The President and his wife were receiving on the lawn under a huge -blossoming chestnut tree near the south portico. As Douglas waited -in line to approach the President, he glanced about him with great -interest. He had been to many brilliant functions in other countries, -but he decided in his own mind that he had seldom seen a more beautiful -setting for an entertainment than that afforded by the stately mansion -and its surrounding gardens. The lovely rolling grounds, with their -natural beauty, and the towering white shaft of the Washington Monument -in the background, made a picture not easily forgotten. - -The full dress uniforms of the military and naval aides on duty added -to the brilliancy of the scene. The Marine Band, their scarlet coats -making a vivid touch of color against the huge fountain with its myriad -sprays of water, were stationed on a raised platform far down the lawn. -The southern breeze carried the stirring airs they were playing to -Douglas' ears and sent the hot blood dancing in his veins. Or was it -the sight of Eleanor Thornton, looking radiantly beautiful, which set -his heart throbbing in a most unusual manner? Some telepathy seemed to -tell her of his presence, for she looked around, caught his eye, and -bowed. - -He had kept moving as the guests ahead of him advanced, and the next -moment he was being presented to the President by the military aide -stationed in attendance at the latter's elbow. He had but time to -receive a hearty handshake and a cordial word of welcome from the -President and the "first lady of the land," for the other guests were -waiting impatiently to greet them, and he could not loiter. - -"Douglas Hunter! as I'm a sinner!" A hearty slap on the shoulder -emphasized the words, and Douglas wheeled around and found Captain -Chisholm, of the British Royal Artillery, addressing him. "The idea -of your being here and not letting me know, old chap," he added -reproachfully, as they shook hands. - -"I didn't know you were in town," declared Douglas. "Thought you were -still in Paris." - -"I was transferred to the embassy in Washington three months ago. Upon -my word, Douglas, I took you for a ghost when I first saw you. I was -under the impression that you were stationed at Tokio." - -"So I am; I am only here on leave of absence." The Englishman's -eyebrows went up. "I had to attend to some Washington property, which -has been recently left me. This is my native heath, you know." - -"I wasn't aware of it," dryly; "but then, Douglas, you are perpetually -springing surprises, like your nation, on us benighted foreigners." - -"Anything to drink around here?" inquired Douglas. "I am as thirsty as -a herring." - -"There is some excellent champagne punch, come along," and the tall -Englishman led the way to a long table placed under the trees near the -tennis courts, where refreshments were being served. They corraled a -colored waiter, and soon were sipping iced punch as they stood at some -distance from the crowd about the table and watched the animated scene. - -"I didn't want to come to Washington," acknowledged Chisholm, after -a moment's silence, "but now, I'd hate to leave it. The people are -delightful, and I have never met with such genuine hospitality." - -"You are right; Washington people never forget you. Go away for ten -years, and on your return you will be greeted just as warmly as to-day." - -"Don't talk of going away, I've only just come," laughed Chisholm. -"'Pon my word, Douglas, this seems like old times. I can almost -imagine myself back in Paris, the chestnut trees in blossom, which -remind me of the Parc Monceau, help the illusion. And there's another -illusion"--nodding his head toward Eleanor Thornton, who stood at -some distance talking to two staff officers--"or, I should say, a -_delusion_." He smiled gayly, but there was no answering smile on -Douglas' face. Not noticing his companion's silence, the Englishman -added, "Is she still hunting around looking up old files and records?" - -Douglas started as if stung. "I don't know," shortly. - -"A dangerous habit," commented Chisholm calmly. "If Miss Thornton -had not left Paris and gone to Berlin when she did, her interest in -government affairs might have led to serious trouble--for her." - -"Now, what the devil do you mean?" demanded Douglas hotly. - -Chisholm turned and regarded him steadily for a second, then his -monocle slipped down and dangled from its silken cord. "There, there," -he exclaimed soothingly. "Don't get your rag up, I was only spoofing." - -"You have very rudimentary ideas of humor," growled Douglas, still -incensed. In his heart he knew the Englishman was right; Eleanor -Thornton was an enigma. Dare he penetrate the mystery, or was he afraid -to face the issue? - -Chisholm laughed good-naturedly. "Miss Thornton is looking at you, -Douglas; don't let me detain you. I'll see you again before I leave -here." - -Douglas hesitated. "I'll be back soon, Chisholm," he said and walked -across the lawn to join Eleanor. - -The Englishman looked after him with speculative eyes. "Still touched -in that quarter," he muttered, twirling his blond mustache in his -fingers. "Too bad, Douglas is such a bully good chap, and she----" he -was not allowed to indulge in more reflections, as he was seized upon -by a bevy of pretty girls and forced to dance attendance upon them for -the remainder of the afternoon. - -Recollections of his last interview with Eleanor troubled Douglas. -How would she greet him? His doubts were soon put at rest, for at his -approach Eleanor put out her hand and greeted him warmly. The two staff -officers, who were introduced to Douglas, saw they were _de trop_, and, -after a few minutes, made their excuses and departed. - -"Will you have an ice or sandwich?" inquired Douglas. - -"Neither, thanks; I have already been helped." - -"Then suppose we stroll down to the fountain. We can't hear the Marine -Band with all this chatter," and he glanced disgustedly at the joyous -crowd about them. - -Eleanor laughed. "Don't be hard on your fellow creatures, if you are -out of sorts." - -"What makes you think that?" - -"You looked so cross when talking to Captain Chisholm. I am sorry you -found your topic of conversation so boring." - -"What do you mean?" - -"You both glanced so frequently at me that I naturally concluded I was -under discussion." - -"On the contrary, we were discussing--masked batteries." She scanned -him covertly, but could get no inkling of his thoughts from his blank -expression. "Captain Chisholm has a fatal habit of talking shop -whenever he gets a chance. Isn't that Colonel Thornton beckoning to us -over there?" - -"Why, so it is. Shall we walk over and join him?" She paused to -exchange a few words of greeting with several friends, then turned back -to Douglas smilingly: "Come," and he suited his steps to hers as they -started across the lawn. "How long will you remain in Washington, Mr. -Hunter?" - -"Until the sale of some property of mine is completed," briefly. "I -asked for you this morning, Miss Thornton, thinking you might care to -go for a motor ride, but they told me that you were lying down and -could not be disturbed." - -"They? Who?" swiftly. "This is the first I have heard of your call." - -"Indeed? Why, I spoke to Annette when I reached the Carew residence -this morning." - -"Annette!" in growing astonishment, "_Annette_ told you I was -indisposed and could not be disturbed?" - -"Yes. My cousin had loaned me his car for the morning, and I thought it -just possible that a run in the fresh air might set you up after the -funeral yesterday." - -"It was good of you to think of me, Mr. Hunter." She raised her eyes -in time to see the Secretary of State regarding her intently as they -strolled past him. He lifted his hat courteously and returned their -words of greeting, but his face was grave as he paused and watched them -moving through the throng. "I am sorry about this morning," continued -Eleanor, "Annette and I will have a reckoning when we reach home." - -"Would you have gone with me?" eagerly. - -"Yes." Douglas bent to catch the monosyllable. Her foot turned on the -uneven ground and he put his hand on her arm to steady her. As his -fingers closed over her soft, rounded arm, he instinctively drew her -closer. The warmth of her skin through her glove thrilled him. - -"I hope you will ask me again," she said. - -"To-morrow--will you go with me to-morrow?" insistently. - -"Yes." She met his eyes for a second, then glanced away, while a hot -blush mantled her cheeks. "Provided, of course, that Cynthia Carew does -not need me." Then in a louder tone, "Well, Uncle Dana, how are you?" - -"Feeling splendidly. No need to ask about you and Douglas"--he smiled -quizzically. "I am glad that you could come here to-day, Eleanor." - -"I did not wish to, but Cousin Kate Truxton insisted that I had to -bring her here. She declared that she would not come otherwise, and -made such a point of it that I could not refuse, particularly as Mrs. -Winthrop and Cynthia would not hear of my remaining with them." - -"I have just come from there," responded Colonel Thornton; "Cynthia -came into the library while I was talking to Mrs. Winthrop, and I was -shocked by her appearance. The child has wasted away." - -"Is it not pitiful?" exclaimed Eleanor. "It nearly breaks my heart to -see her suffering. She neither eats nor sleeps." - -"Can't you give her an opiate?" asked Douglas. - -"She declines to take one." - -"Can't you administer it surreptitiously?" - -"I have a better plan than that," broke in Colonel Thornton. "The child -needs a change of ideas. The atmosphere of the house is enough to get -on anyone's nerves, particularly with that dipsomaniac, Philip, raising -Cain at unexpected moments." - -"What's your plan, Uncle Dana?" - -"That you bring Cynthia over to my house to-morrow to spend Sunday. -You come, too, Douglas. Cynthia hasn't met you, and she won't connect -you with any of the tragic occurrences of the past week." Then, as he -saw the look of doubt on Eleanor's face, he added, "Human nature can -stand just so much of nervous strain and no more. Cynthia must have -relaxation and diversion." - -"But I don't think Mrs. Winthrop will approve of her going out so soon -after the funeral," objected Eleanor doubtfully. - -"Bah! That nonsense belongs to the dark ages. What good will Cynthia's -staying in that gloomy house do poor Carew? I'll drop in to-morrow -morning and see Mrs. Winthrop; leave the matter to me, Eleanor. There -is no earthly reason why she should object. I'll ask Cousin Kate -Truxton also." - -"Cousin Kate!" echoed Eleanor, her conscience smiting her. "Where has -she gone?" - -"I left her talking with Senator Jenkins some time ago." The Colonel -glanced behind him. "Speaking of angels, here she comes now." - -Mrs. Truxton was walking leisurely in their direction. Seeing that they -had observed her, she waved her parasol and hastened her footsteps. - -"Cousin Kate, I think you already know Mr. Hunter," said Eleanor, as -the older woman reached her side. - -"Indeed I do," Mrs. Truxton extended both her hands, her face beaming -with smiles. "Why haven't you been to see me, Douglas?" she added -reproachfully. - -"I have been extremely busy since my arrival, Mrs. Truxton," apologized -Douglas. "I was looking forward to calling upon you this Sunday." - -"Have you had a pleasant time this afternoon, Kate?" asked Thornton. - -"Yes. It has been a delightful entertainment, just the right people and -the right number." - -"It would be pretty hard to crowd these grounds," laughed Eleanor. - -"There isn't any elbow room about the refreshment table," put in -Thornton; "I almost had to fight to get a plate of ice cream a few -minutes ago." - -"A much needed improvement would be small chairs scattered about the -lawn," grumbled Mrs. Truxton, leaning heavily on her parasol. "It is -exceedingly tiresome having to stand so long." - -"It would be prettier, too, and less formal," agreed Eleanor. "The -guests would then saunter over the lawns and not stand crowded together -near the President." - -"It would also be much more brilliant if the members of the Diplomatic -Corps wore their Court dress," announced Mrs. Truxton with decision, -"instead of those hideous frock coats and gray trousers." - -"What, in this weather, Kate?" exclaimed the astonished Colonel. "Do -you wish to kill off the Corps bodily? They wear their Court dress only -at the state receptions and the diplomatic dinners held at the White -House every winter, or when Royalty is present." - -"I know that," pettishly. "But it would improve the brilliancy of this -affair." - -"Even with the objectionable frock coat," laughed the Colonel, "this -is a scene characteristic of the national capital alone. Nowhere else -in this country can such a gathering of distinguished men and women be -brought together." - -"You are quite right in that," acknowledged Mrs. Truxton. "I've seen -ten presidents come and go, and I have lived to see Washington develop -in a way which would have surprised the founders. Mercy on us, look at -'Fuss and Feathers.'" She nodded toward an overdressed, pretty little -woman who was advancing in their direction. - -"Mrs. Blake has certainly outdone herself," agreed Colonel Thornton, as -he and Douglas raised their hats in greeting to the pretty woman who -strolled past them. "I wonder she doesn't make you wish to break the -eighth commandment, Eleanor." - -"Why?" exclaimed his niece. - -"On account of her collection of magnificent rubies"--Eleanor changed -color--"I thought that stone was one of your 'fads.'" - -"I like _all_ jewelry." The slight emphasis was lost on her companions. -Eleanor fingered her parasol nervously and glanced uneasily over her -shoulder to where Douglas stood beyond earshot, talking to an old -friend. "But I shall spend my time in wishing--I can never hope to -rival Mrs. Blake's collection." - -"Marry a rich man and persuade him to give you rings and necklaces," -advised Thornton. Eleanor moved restlessly. - -"Mrs. Blake looks like a jeweler's window," broke in Mrs. Truxton, -in her uncompromising bass. "Such a display at a garden party is -unpardonable. It is extremely bad taste for any woman to wear to the -White House more jewelry than adorns the President's wife." - -Thornton laughed outright. "Few women will agree with you, Kate. By the -way, why didn't you come to the telephone last night? I wanted to speak -to you particularly. It wasn't late when I called." - -"I gave Soto, Eleanor's cook, his English lesson last night, and when -we got to a present participle used in a future sense to indicate a -present intention of a future action I was so tired I had to go to -bed," explained Mrs. Truxton, as Douglas rejoined them. - -"After that I am only surprised that you ever got up again," ejaculated -the Colonel. - -"Cousin Kate nearly worries herself sick teaching Soto," laughed -Eleanor. "I only wish you had heard her describing the Kingdom of -Heaven to him. She introduced some new features into that Kingdom which -would probably surprise the Presbyterian synod. I suppose she didn't -want to disappoint his great expectations." - -"Is Soto a Jap?" asked Douglas, curiously. - -"Yes. I prefer Japanese servants, and both Soto and Fugi have been with -me for some time," said Eleanor. "Do you know, Uncle Dana, I have just -discovered that Fugi has studied five years at the American school in -Japan, two years at the Spencerian Business College, and is a graduate -of Columbia University." - -"Bless my soul!" exclaimed Mrs. Truxton. "After this I shan't dare to -ask him to pass me the bread. What did you want to say to me on the -telephone, Dana?" - -"I wanted some facts about the late Governor Lane of Maryland, and, -knowing you were a walking encyclopedia, I thought you might help me -out." - -"Of course I can. Do you----" - -"Hush!" exclaimed Eleanor anxiously. "Here comes Captain Lane." - -Douglas scanned the tall young officer approaching them with keen -interest. His uniform set off his fine figure to advantage, and his -face was one to inspire confidence. - -"How are you, Mrs. Truxton," he said. "Miss Eleanor, I've been -searching the place for you. Won't you come and see the rose garden -with me? Oh, I beg pardon, Colonel, I didn't see you at first." - -"That's all right, Lane. Have you met Mr. Hunter?" - -"No. How do you do, sir." Lane wrung Douglas' hand. "Glad to know you." - -"It is time for us all to go," declared Mrs. Truxton. "We must say -good-bye. Come with me, Douglas, I want to ask you some questions about -your family." - -As the small group strolled toward the White House, Colonel Thornton -was buttonholed by an old friend. Mrs. Truxton, with Douglas in tow, -crossed the ground to where the President was standing talking to -several late arrivals. - -"Now's our time," whispered Lane in Eleanor's ear. "The rose garden is -to our right." He said no more until they had passed the south portico -and walked down the path leading to the wonderful box hedges which -surround the rose garden. They had the place to themselves, and Eleanor -exclaimed with pleasure at the beautiful flowers which were blossoming -in profusion. - -"How is Cynthia?" demanded Lane, stopping in the middle of the garden -path and regarding his companion intently. - -"Almost a nervous wreck." - -"My poor darling!" The soldier's strong face betrayed deep feeling. -"I wish I could comfort her." His voice changed. "Miss Eleanor, why -does she refuse to see me?" Eleanor hesitated perceptibly. "Wait, let -me finish. I have called repeatedly at the Carews', only to be told -that Cynthia is confined to her room; I have written notes which I -have given personally to Joshua to deliver, and have never received an -answer to one of them. - -"I love Cynthia with all my heart and soul," Lane's voice shook with -feeling, "and I would have sworn, before her uncle's death, that my -affection was returned. I cannot understand her avoidance of me, -and her silence cuts deep"--Lane stopped a moment and cleared his -throat--"Miss Eleanor, you are Cynthia's most intimate friend, and you -are with her constantly. You must have heard of some reason for her -treatment of me." - -Eleanor nodded without speaking. She heartily wished the interview was -over. - -"Then I implore you to tell me the reason of Cynthia's silence." - -"Cannot you imagine that for yourself?" began Eleanor; then, as Lane -shook his head, she added: "Cynthia is overwrought, every action on -Monday night seems distorted----" She again hesitated and bit her -lip--"You went to look for her carriage; you were gone a long time, and -when she entered the carriage her uncle was sitting there--dead." - -Slowly her meaning dawned on Lane. "Good God! You don't mean----?" he -staggered back, his face gone white. - -"Yes." - -"And she thinks _that_! Cynthia, Cynthia, had you so little faith?" -Lane's agony was pitiful. - -"You must not be unjust to her," cried Eleanor, her loyalty up in arms. -"Remember, you had just told her of your fearful quarrel with her -uncle; she had also seen you playing with a letter file when you were -with her in the library----" - -"But, great Heavens! I didn't take that out in the street with me," -exclaimed Lane passionately. "I tell you what it is, Miss Eleanor, I -must see Cynthia and explain this terrible tangle. Can you help me meet -her?" - -Eleanor considered for a moment. "I have already urged Cynthia to see -you, but she has been so unnerved, so unstrung, that I could not make -her see matters in a reasonable light. I think the best thing for you -to do is to meet her when she least expects it." - -"Capital! Can you arrange such a meeting?" - -"My uncle, Colonel Thornton, has asked Cynthia and me to go to his -house in Georgetown to-morrow and spend Sunday. I think Mrs. Winthrop -will permit Cynthia to go, and, if that is the case, you can call there -to-morrow night." - -"Good." Lane paced the walk restlessly for a minute, then returned to -Eleanor's side. "It's pretty hard to wait so long before seeing her," -he said, wistfully. - -Eleanor held out her hand. "Don't be discouraged; Cynthia loves you -devotedly." - -"God bless you for those words!" Lane caught her hand and raised her -slender fingers to his lips. - -"Miss Thornton," said a cold voice back of them, "Mrs. Truxton is -waiting for you," and Eleanor flushed scarlet as she met Douglas' eyes. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV - -THE MOTH AND THE FLAME - - -Douglas brought the powerful roadster to a standstill under the -_porte-cochère_ of the Carew mansion, and disentangling himself from -among the levers and wheel, ran up the few steps. Before he could ring -the bell the door was opened by Colonel Thornton. - -"Come in," he exclaimed heartily. "I saw you from the drawing-room -window, and, as Joshua has gone to ask Mrs. Winthrop if she can see me, -I thought I would let you in and not keep you standing outside." - -"Thanks, Colonel." Douglas followed the older man into the -drawing-room. "Have you seen Miss Eleanor?" - -"No. Here, don't sit on that gilt-edged insecurity," as Douglas pulled -forward a parlor chair. "This sofa is big enough to hold us both. Tell -me, are there any new developments in the Carew case?" - -"Only that Brett is convinced Captain Lane is guilty, and, from what -he said this morning, I should not be at all surprised to hear of the -latter's arrest." - -"Good Lord! you don't say so. Poor, poor Cynthia. I greatly fear -another shock will prove most dangerous in her present nervous -condition." - -"Has Mrs. Winthrop consented to Miss Carew's spending to-morrow at your -house?" - -"I don't know yet----" Colonel Thornton stopped abruptly as the -portières parted and a woman stepped into the room. Thinking it was -Mrs. Winthrop, he started to rise, but it proved to be Annette, and he -sank back in his seat. - -"_Bon jour, Messieurs_," Annette readjusted the portières with care, -then walked with catlike quickness over to where the men were sitting. -"Mistaire Hunter, you are investigating ze death of Senator Carew, -_n'est-ce pas_, and you, Monsieur," turning to Colonel Thornton, "are -Madame Winthrop's man of affairs?" - -"Well, what then?" asked Douglas quickly. - -"Only that I may be of help." - -"Indeed?" - -"Oui, Messieurs," calmly. "I know--_much_." - -"Good," Thornton's tone betrayed his satisfaction. "Go ahead and tell -us." - -"Ah, _non, non, Monsieur_," Annette shook her head violently. "First, -I must have some monie." - -"What, a bribe?" Douglas spoke with rising indignation. - -"_Non, Monsieur_; a reward." - -"You must first tell us what you know," explained Thornton patiently. -"Then, if your information leads to the arrest and _conviction_ of the -murderer, you will be paid the one thousand dollars offered by Mrs. -Winthrop." - -"One thousand dollars, did you say, _Monsieur_? _Non_, I will not sell -my news for that." - -"It is the amount offered by Mrs. Winthrop." - -"But Madame Winthrop is willing to give five thousand." Annette glanced -eagerly at the two men. "My news is worth that." - -Thornton shook his head. "Mrs. Winthrop has reconsidered, and will not -give more than one thousand," he declared with finality. - -An obstinate frown marred Annette's pretty face. "I will not take less -than five thousand," she announced with emphasis. - -"You go too fast," broke in Douglas quietly. "First, the reward will -not be paid until after the murderer is convicted; secondly, your -information may be of no value whatever." - -"Zo?" Annette's smile was not pleasant. "Zen I keep my news to -myself," and she started for the door. - -"Wait," commanded Thornton. "Come back here." Then, as she obeyed, he -added in a more kindly tone: "If your information is really valuable, -Annette, I am willing to advance you some money. But first you must -tell us what you know and suspect." - -"How much?" - -"Say fifty dollars," drawing out his leather wallet and extracting -several yellow backs which he held temptingly in his hand. - -"Not enough, Monsieur." - -Thornton lost all patience. "I shan't offer you another damn cent," and -he thrust the money back into the wallet. - -Annette's eyes flashed. "Very well, Monsieur le Colonel; I go. But -when I come back you will have to pay me more--but yes--more than that -beggarly five thousand!" and with a stamp of her foot, she turned and -hastened out of the room. - -"A nice she-devil!" remarked Thornton, gazing blankly at Douglas. - -"I think----" Douglas stopped speaking as the portières were again -thrust aside and Eleanor walked in. - -"Uncle Dana, Mrs. Winthrop is waiting to see you in the library. Oh, -Mr. Hunter, good morning"--her slender hand was almost lost in his firm -clasp--"I did not know you were here." - -"I called hoping that you might care to take a motor ride," said -Douglas quickly. - -"Why, yes, with pleasure." She sank down on the sofa and motioned -Douglas to draw up a chair. - -"Eleanor," broke in Thornton, returning from the hall door, "did you -tell that precious maid of yours that Mrs. Winthrop would give five -thousand dollars reward for information leading to the conviction of -the murderer of Senator Carew?" - -"Annette!" in profound astonishment. "No, certainly not; I've never -spoken to her on the subject. Where did you get such an idea?" Her -voice rose to a higher key. - -"She has just been here and insists that we pay her five thousand for -some information which she declares will solve the puzzle of poor -Carew's death." - -Eleanor smiled incredulously. "Nonsense, I don't believe she knows a -thing about it." Her bright color had faded and she gazed anywhere but -at the two men. - -"It may be," suggested Douglas thoughtfully, "that while in this house -she has found a certain paper for which Brett is searching." - -"That's possible," agreed Thornton. "It was announced in yesterday's -papers that a reward of one thousand dollars had been offered. But -what gets me is how Annette knew Mrs. Winthrop might raise the amount -to five thousand--the very sum, in fact, which she first thought of -offering." - -"I'm sure I don't know." Eleanor frowned in perplexity. - -"Is she a good servant?" inquired Douglas. - -"I have always found her honest and reliable. She brought me excellent -recommendations when she came to me in Paris, where I engaged her," -replied Eleanor. - -"It may be that the mystery has gone to her head," suggested Thornton, -"and she is inspired to play detective." - -"Personally, I think she is taking advantage of the present situation -to extort money," objected Douglas. - -"I believe you've hit it," exclaimed the older man. "Tell Brett, -Douglas, he may be able to induce Annette to tell what she knows. I -must go now and see Mrs. Winthrop." - -"Let me know what she decides about Sunday," called Eleanor, as -Thornton, for the second time, hurried out of the room. - -"You are looking tired, Miss Thornton," said Douglas, glancing at her -attentively. - -"I didn't get much sleep last night. Cynthia was miserable, and I sat -up with her until five o'clock this morning." - -"No wonder you are worn out." Douglas looked his concern. "I really -think a motor ride would do you lots of good. Do keep your promise and -come for a spin." - -Eleanor glanced doubtfully down at her pretty house gown. "If you don't -mind waiting while I change----" - -"Why, certainly." - -"I won't be long"--and Eleanor disappeared. - -Douglas did not resume his seat; but instead paced the room with -long, nervous strides. Eleanor was not the only one who had passed a -sleepless night. He had sat up and wracked his brain trying to find the -key to the solution of the mystery surrounding the Senator's death. -Annette must be made to tell what she knew. Perhaps Brett's authority -as an officer of the law might intimidate her. It was worth trying. -Walking down to the folding doors, which led from the drawing-room to -the dining room, he opened them and found Joshua busy polishing the -mahogany table. - -"Is there a branch telephone in the house?" he asked, "besides the one -in the library? Mrs. Winthrop is in there and I don't want to disturb -her." - -"Suttenly, suh; dar's one right in de pantry, suh," and Joshua, -dropping his work, piloted him to the instrument. - -It took him but a few minutes to get police headquarters on the wire, -only to find that Brett was out. Whistling softly, he hung up the -receiver and went back into the drawing-room. Eleanor had not appeared, -and he sat down at the inlaid desk, which was supplied with pen, ink, -and paper, and wrote a short note while he waited for her return. - -"Where's Eleanor?" asked Thornton, coming into the room and picking up -his hat, which he had left on one of the chairs. - -"Here," and his niece, who had entered just behind him, joined them. -"I am sorry to have kept you so long, Mr. Hunter, but I found Annette -had gone out on an errand for Cynthia, and I had to do without her -assistance." - -"You were very successful." Thornton made her a courtly bow, as he -gazed at his beautiful niece. Her fashionable light-gray suit and smart -hat were extremely becoming. Eleanor colored faintly as she read the -admiration in Douglas' eyes. - -"What luck did you have with Mrs. Winthrop, Uncle Dana?" she asked. - -"The best. She said she thought it an excellent plan. So I shall expect -you both this afternoon, Eleanor, and you had better stop and pick up -your Cousin Kate Truxton on your way out." - -"Very well, I will; but, Uncle Dana, we won't get over to you until -just before dinner." - -"That will do." The two men followed Eleanor out into the square hall. -"Don't forget, Douglas, that I expect you, too." - -"That's very good of you, sir," Douglas hesitated, "but don't you think -I might be in the way in a family party?" - -"A family party is exactly what I wish to avoid," exclaimed Thornton. -"Cynthia needs to be taken out of herself. And, therefore, I want you -to spend Sunday with us, as if it were a regular house party." - -"Then I'll come with pleasure." Douglas helped Eleanor into the low -seat of the motor, and clambered in behind the wheel. "I'm awfully -sorry there isn't a third seat, Colonel, and that I can't take you -where you wish to go." - -"I left my car down by the curb; thanks all the same, Douglas," and -Thornton waved a friendly good-bye to Eleanor as the motor started -slowly down the driveway. - -"If you have no objection, I will stop at the Municipal Building for a -moment, Miss Thornton," said Douglas, turning the car into Thirteenth -Street. - -"I don't mind in the least. What a magnificent motor!" - -"Isn't it?" with enthusiasm, as he steered safely between another -machine and a delivery wagon. "My chief in Tokio has one just like -this, and I learned to run his car." - -As they crossed K Street he put on the emergency brakes hard and the -motor stopped just in time, as a touring car shot in front of them and -disappeared down the street. When the car was again under way, Douglas -turned to the silent girl by his side. - -"That was the Japanese Ambassador, was it not?" - -"Yes." - -"He seemed to be in the devil of a hurry; it was a near smash." - -"A little too near for comfort." Eleanor drew a long breath. "I noticed -some luggage in his car--oh, take care!" as the motor skidded toward -the gutter. - -"I beg your pardon, I didn't mean to frighten you," said Douglas, as -he applied the brake going down Thirteenth Street hill to Pennsylvania -Avenue. "That chap got on my nerves; I don't care if he is an -ambassador, and exempt from arrest, he has no business to be breaking -our rules and regulations." - -"Come, now, didn't you break some rules when in Japan?" asked Eleanor, -her lovely face dimpling into a smile. Douglas started slightly, but -she apparently did not notice his discomfiture. "Judging from the -luggage in the car, and the rate at which they were going, I imagine -the Ambassador was trying to catch a train." - -"It does look that way." Douglas brought the car to a standstill before -one of the entrances to the Municipal Building. "I won't be a minute, -Miss Thornton." - -"Don't hurry on my account," called Eleanor after him. - -Brett was still out, so Douglas gave the note he had written when -waiting for Eleanor at the Carews' to the attendant, first adding a -postscript and enclosing it in a large envelope, with instructions that -it was to be delivered to the detective immediately on his return. -Then, with a lighter heart, he hastened out of the building and -rejoined Eleanor. - -"Where do you wish to go, Miss Thornton?" he asked, as they started -slowly up Pennsylvania Avenue. - -Eleanor considered a moment before answering. "Suppose we go out the -Conduit Road," she said finally. - -Douglas swung the machine across the broad avenue and through the short -street behind the Treasury Department into the drive which circles -around the White House grounds. "It's some years since I've been out in -this direction, Miss Thornton, so, if I go astray, please put me back -on the straight and narrow path." - -"Straight out Pennsylvania Avenue and through Georgetown," directed -Eleanor, as the big car swung back again into that avenue. "The narrow -path only comes after you reach the Conduit." - -"Then it should be spelled 'Conduct.' You have been going out a great -deal this winter, have you not?" - -"Yes; Washington has been extremely gay, and I have enjoyed it so much." - -Douglas smiled down at her. "And I bet a thousand to one that -Washington enjoyed you. I asked about your going out, because I am -wondering if, among all the men you've met this winter, you have come -across a middle-aged man with black hair and beard and very blue eyes?" - -Not receiving a reply, Douglas turned and scanned his companion. She -sat silent, gazing straight before her. The car sped on for several -squares before she roused herself. - -"That is a very vague description, Mr. Hunter. Do you remember the -man's name?" - -Douglas shook his head. "I have never heard it. I only asked because I -was under the impression that I saw him with you at the Navy Department -on Thursday morning." - -"_With me--at the Navy Department_," gasped Eleanor, sitting bolt -upright. She was white to the lips. - -"Yes, I thought I saw him talking to you in an elevator. I just caught -a glimpse of you as the cage descended past the floor on which I was." - -"You are entirely mistaken, Mr. Hunter." Eleanor's eyes did not waver -before his questioning look. "I was alone, though I do recollect there -was another passenger in the elevator who got out on the first floor, -while I continued on down to the basement." - -"Then I was mistaken." Douglas slowed the car down to the limit -prescribed by law as he crossed the M Street bridge over Rock Creek, -then increased the speed as they progressed through Georgetown. - -"You have aroused my curiosity." Eleanor settled herself more -comfortably in the low seat. "Why do you take an interest in a man with -blue eyes and black hair?" - -"Because I thought he was with you." - -"Upon my word!" Eleanor's laugh held a shade of annoyance. "That's a -very silly reason." - -"I don't think it is," replied Douglas, steadily. "I _am interested_ in -everything that concerns you." - -Eleanor surveyed him keenly. She studied the fine profile, the broad -shoulders, and the powerful hands holding the steering wheel. The quiet -figure seemed instinct with the vital personality of the man, a living -part of the pulsing machine which he was guiding through the narrow, -congested street with such skill. They crossed Thirty-seventh Street, -and in a few minutes the car leaped ahead up the hill leading to the -Conduit. - -Eleanor said nothing, and Douglas was equally silent. They had the -narrow road to themselves, and he increased the speed. The wheels -raced like velvet on the finished macadam. On they sped. Soon Eleanor -caught a glimpse of the Potomac below them, and the bright sunlight -sparkled on the water and on the green foliage of the wooded banks of -the Maryland and Virginia shores. They passed the Three Sisters, then -the reservoirs, and Douglas saw a straight stretch of road ahead and -no vehicle in sight. The next moment the powerful machine, gathering -speed, shot down the road, which seemed a narrowing white strip as the -revolving wheels devoured the distance. - -Douglas turned his eyes a moment from the flying landscape to Eleanor, -who sat, tense, fearless, her pulses leaping as the rushing wind stung -her cheeks. She caught his look. "Faster, faster," she called. And -obediently Douglas threw wide open the throttle. On, on they flew. A -wild exhilaration engulfed Eleanor; her spirit seemed to soar, detached -from things earthly. She cast a glance of resentment at Douglas who, -seeing the road curved in the distance, slackened speed. By the time -the big car reached the turning, he had brought it to a standstill near -the side of the road. - -Eleanor drew a long breath. "Oh, why did you stop?" Her eyes shone like -stars. "It was glorious." - -"I stopped"--Douglas turned squarely in his seat, and faced -Eleanor--"because I want to ask you to confide in me." - -"To do _what_?" Eleanor's deep blue eyes opened to their widest extent. - -"To tell me"--Douglas hesitated over his choice of words--"your mission -in life." - -Eye to eye they gazed at each other. Eleanor was the first to speak. - -"I am at a loss to understand your singular request," she said, -freezingly. - -"Miss Thornton, do me the justice to think that I am not asking from -idle curiosity--it is because I have your welfare so deeply at heart." - -"If I did not know you to be a sane person, I would think you had -suddenly lost your mind. As you take the matter so seriously, I must -repeat that I am _concerned in nothing_." - -Douglas held her gaze, as if in the limpid depths of her blue eyes he -would fathom the secret of her soul. Eleanor's breath came and went, -she colored painfully, but her eyes never dropped before his. Nearer he -bent and nearer. The virile strength of the man drew her, and his arms -closed about her slender waist. - -"Eleanor, I love you." The very repression of his tone added to its -intensity. - -Fearlessly she raised her lips to his--in surrender. - -Some time later Douglas backed the car a yard or two, then turned it -toward Washington, but their return trip was made with due attention to -the speed law. - -"Will you please tell me--Douglas"--she hesitated adorably over his -name--"Indeed, you must not kiss me again"--drawing back as far as the -seat would permit. "Why did you avoid me in Paris?" - -A shadow passed over Douglas' radiant face, and was gone before Eleanor -observed it. - -"I suppose you would call it false pride," he said. "I had no -money--you had much--and so I worshiped from a distance. Now that my -inheritance has made me well-to-do, I felt that I had a right to ask -you to marry me. In Paris I thought you would take me for a fortune -hunter." - -"Which only goes to show what fools men are," exclaimed Eleanor -roguishly. "Bend down nearer me"--she placed her mouth close to his -ear. "You could have had me for the asking then, dear heart"--his left -arm stole about her--"for I know a man when I see one." - - * * * * * - -"Not a word, remember." - -"Madame has my promise." Annette tucked the small roll of bills inside -the bosom of her gown, as Mrs. Winthrop replaced her pocketbook in her -leather handbag. - -"Where is Miss Eleanor?" - -"Joshua tells me that in my absence Mademoiselle left ze house to motor -wiz Monsieur Hunter." - -"If she asks for me on her return tell her that I will be back in time -to lunch with her and Miss Cynthia." - -"_Oui, madame._" Annette assisted Mrs. Winthrop into her coat, then -left the bedroom. From a safe distance down the hall she watched Mrs. -Winthrop descend the staircase, and waited until she heard Joshua close -the front door after her and retreat into his own domain. She then -slipped noiselessly down the hall and into Mrs. Winthrop's bedroom. -Half an hour passed before she again appeared, wearing a satisfied -smile. The hall was empty. "I have seen what I have seen," she muttered -under her breath exultingly, as she proceeded downstairs. "And I think -I will haf more monie by to-morrow. _Mon Dieu!_" - -The peal of the front bell had startled her from her reverie. As Joshua -did not appear to answer it, she crossed the square hall and opened the -door. A tall man, wearing nondescript clothes, confronted her in the -vestibule. - -"Miss Thornton, is she in?" he questioned. The contrast of his deep -blue eyes against his tanned skin and black beard held her attention. -Receiving no reply, he repeated his question with emphasis. - -"_Non_, Mademoiselle is out in ze motor," she answered, none too -civilly. - -Without a word he turned on his heel and hastened down the steps. -Annette stared up the street after him; then closed the door softly, -her pretty forehead puckered in a frown. Where had she seen those eyes -before? - - - - -CHAPTER XV - -"THORNTON'S NEST" - - -Douglas, suitcase in hand, ran across Seventeenth Street in time to -catch a Georgetown car. As he paid the conductor he heard his name -called and, glancing down the half empty car, saw Captain Chisholm -seated at the farther end and beckoning to him. He made his way down -the center aisle and joined the Englishman. - -"Can you dine with me, Douglas?" asked Chisholm, making room for him on -the narrow seat. - -"Ask me some other time, old man, I am dining with Colonel Thornton -to-night." - -"Then suppose we make it Monday night at the Metropolitan Club?" - -"Thanks, I will. At what hour?" - -"Eight o'clock. I was sorry to miss you when you called this afternoon, -Douglas." - -"How did you know I had been to see you, Chisholm?" in surprise. "The -telephone girl told me you were out." - -"I stopped for a moment at the Rochambeau and found your card in my -letter box. I am on my way to the embassy now. Washington seems to -agree with you, Douglas," eying his companion with interest. "I never -saw you looking better." - -"Happiness is a great health restorer," laughed Douglas. - -"Happiness?" Chisholm tugged at his fair mustache. "Hum!" he looked -carefully around. They had that end of the car to themselves. "Heard -the news?" - -"What news?" - -"About the Japanese Ambassador?" - -"No." - -"He has been recalled." - -"For what reason?" - -"Not given out," shortly. "He called at the White House and State -Department, presented his papers and left this morning." Chisholm -looked Douglas squarely in the face. "Can't give a poor blasted -Englishman a point on the situation, I suppose?" - -Douglas smiled with his lips, but his eyes were grave. "I would if I -could--but I can't. The Ambassador's sudden departure is as great a -surprise to me as to you." - -Chisholm leaned forward and touched the electric button as the car -approached N Street. "I'll look you up to-morrow, Douglas. Ta-ta, old -chap," and he hurried out of the car. - -Douglas settled back on his seat and pondered over the information -Chisholm had given him. What did the Ambassador's abrupt departure -portend? Was it but another of those puzzling coincidences which -seemed to follow in the wake of Senator Carew's murder, or was it the -culmination of an intrigue which would end in war? - -The spring day was drawing to a close as Douglas left the car in -Georgetown and walked toward "Thornton's Nest." The old place had -not altered since he had seen it last, twelve years before, even -the beautiful old garden appeared as usual, the same box hedge, the -envy of the neighboring landowners, separated the sidewalk from the -well-kept private grounds. The large, old-fashioned mansion stood back -some distance in its own grounds. The bricks had been brought from -Philadelphia by sloop, and the fanlight over the front door had been -imported from England in the days prior to the Revolutionary War. The -huge columns supporting the arched roof shone white in the gathering -darkness. Douglas turned in at the gate and ran lightly up the few -stone steps leading to the portico and rang the bell. He had hardly -removed his hand from the button when the hall door was opened and an -old darky confronted him on the threshold. - -"Cum right in, Marse Douglas, I'se mighty glad ter see yo' ag'in, suh." - -"Nicodemus, is that you?" shaking the old man's hand. "I haven't seen -you since you chased me off the grounds for stealing apples. How's -Sophy?" - -"Only tol'able, thank ye, suh; she's got a misery in her back. Want ter -go to yo' room, suh?" - -"No; I'll just leave my hat and overcoat here." - -"Yessir; let me take yo' bag, suh; I'll tote it upstairs. My!" as -Douglas stepped forward so that the hall light fell full on him, "how -yo' do favor yo' pa, the ole Cunnel." - -Douglas laughed. "Thanks. Have the ladies come yet?" - -"Yessir. Dey's upstairs makin' demselves comfo'able. Cunnel Thornton -will be down direckly. Yo' jes' walk inter de pawlar." - -Douglas strolled over to the large hall mirror and inspected his tie -with care; he had been in a hurry when getting into his evening clothes -at the Albany, and the tie had proved troublesome. He readjusted it -with care, felt in his vest pocket for a small box, then turned and -surveyed his surroundings. A coach and four might have driven through -the broad hall which ran the length of the house. At the end of the -hall two broad circular staircases led to a wide landing, from which -branched the two flights of steps leading to the first bedroom floor. -Doors leading to the drawing-room, library, billiard, and dining rooms -opened on the right and left of the hall. - -Remembering that the drawing-room was to the left of the entrance, -Douglas entered the open hall door and walked over to the mantelpiece -to see the time by the tall marble clock. - -"Aren't you going to speak to _me_?" asked a voice behind him, and -Douglas sprang around with an exclamation of delight. Eleanor was -seated on a chair by one of the windows, and its high back, which was -partly turned to the hall door, had concealed her from view. - -"My darling!" Douglas kissed the winsome face rapturously. "Nicodemus -told me you had arrived, but that you were upstairs, otherwise I should -have come in at once; I begrudge the time I wasted in the hall." - -"I hurried and came down ahead of the others, hoping that you would get -here early; I particularly wanted to see you, Douglas." - -"Did you?" in mock surprise. "I've been wanting to see you ever since I -left you this morning. The time has dragged since then." - -She slipped her hand in his. "It's just this, Douglas," her softly -modulated voice had a trace of nervousness: "I want to ask you to keep -our engagement a secret"--his face fell--"just a few days," hastily. "I -want to get accustomed to it before telling the family"--she blushed -divinely. "It's such a precious secret." - -Douglas took her face between his hands and pressed a passionate -kiss on her lips. "Your wish is my law," he said gravely. "I was -disappointed for the moment, because I am anxious to have the whole -world know my happiness. I brought you this"--pulling a small square -box from his vest pocket and laying it in her outstretched hand. - -With a low cry of pleasure she pulled off the wrapping paper and opened -the box. The light from the lamp on the table near her chair was -reflected back from a superb ruby in a diamond setting. The box slipped -from her nervous fingers and rolled on the floor. - -"Oh, get it quick, Douglas, I didn't mean to be so clumsy." - -Douglas reached under the table, where the box had rolled, and picked -it up. "It's all right, my dearest; don't look so worried; the ring -isn't injured, for it is still in the box, see----" he held it before -her eyes. "Give me your left hand, dear;" Eleanor shrank slightly -away from him, but Douglas was intent in removing the ring from the -box and did not notice her agitation. "It is very becoming to your -hand," slipping it on the third finger, "the deep crimson shows off the -whiteness of your skin." - -"It's just lovely." Eleanor drew a long breath, then raised her head -and kissed him tenderly. "Thanks, dear heart, for so beautiful a -present. But I am afraid if I wear it to-night our engagement will be a -secret no longer." - -"That's true!" exclaimed Douglas, his voice betraying his -disappointment. "Put it back in the box"--holding it out to her. - -"I'll do no such thing"--indignantly. "Take it off, Douglas, and give -it to me"; he did so, and she slipped the ring inside the bodice of her -low-cut evening gown. "Tell me, dearest, how did you happen to select a -ruby?" - -"It's my birthstone"--Douglas colored--"I hope you won't think me -horribly sentimental." - -"I shall not tell you what I think--it might turn your head. Hush! here -comes Uncle Dana." - -Thornton strode into the room with outstretched hand. "Welcome to 'The -Nest,' Douglas; I am sorry I wasn't downstairs when you came. I hope -Eleanor has been doing the honors acceptably." - -"She has, indeed, and proved a host in herself," laughed Douglas. - -"Good; though it's a mystery how she got down ahead of the others." - -"I was selfish enough to keep Annette to myself until I was fully -dressed," said Eleanor, "then I sent her to Cousin Kate." - -"So you brought Annette with you?" asked Thornton. - -"Yes, indeed. I had no intention of inflicting your bachelor household -with three women and no handmaiden. I knew Sophy would have her hands -full cooking dinner, therefore I brought Annette along." Her restless -eyes detected a figure hovering just outside the hall door. "Come in, -Cynthia," and she went forward to meet her friend. - -The two beautiful girls made a picture good to look upon as they stood -together. Cynthia wore a simple frock, which matched her cheeks in -whiteness; while the pathetic droop of her mouth and the dark shadows -under her eyes did not detract from her charm, she looked wretchedly -ill. She shook hands with Douglas, when he was presented to her, with -polite indifference, then seated herself in a chair and leaned back -wearily. Douglas and Thornton exchanged glances, and the latter shook -his head sadly. He was about to speak when Mrs. Truxton bustled into -the room. - -"I am sorry to keep everybody waiting," she exclaimed, as Douglas -pulled forward a chair for her. "But, if you will have dinner at such a -ridiculously early hour, Dana, you must expect your guests to be late." - -"You are not late, Kate, for dinner has not yet been announced. I had -it earlier than usual as I thought we would retire soon afterwards and -get a good night's rest." - -Cynthia shuddered involuntarily, and Eleanor, whose hand rested on her -shoulder, patted it affectionately. "It's all very well for you older -people to keep early hours, Uncle Dana, but Cynthia and I are going to -do just as we please. Personally, I expect to stay up until the wee -sma' hours." - -"Dinner am served," announced Nicodemus, opening the folding doors -leading to the dining room, and, with an old-fashioned courtly bow, -Colonel Thornton offered his arm to Mrs. Truxton and escorted her to -the table, the two girls and Douglas following in their wake. - -The dinner passed quickly. Thornton was an agreeable talker, and -Douglas, who had traveled in many lands, seconded his efforts by -recounting many amusing experiences which had befallen him. Cynthia's -pale cheeks assumed a more natural hue as the two skilful talkers -drew her out of herself, and Thornton sat back, well pleased, when he -finally succeeded in making her laugh. - -"Washington isn't what it used to be," he declared. "As trite a -statement as it is true. Its very bigness has spoiled it socially. -There are cliques within cliques, and too many foreign elements -dominate it nowadays." - -"Do you refer to the Diplomatic Corps?" asked Douglas, breaking off a -low-toned conversation with Eleanor. - -"Not entirely. When I speak of the 'foreign element,' I also mean the -'climbers.'" - -"We Georgetown people call them the 'pushers,'" announced Mrs. Truxton, -helping herself to the ice cream which Nicodemus was passing. - -"And yet," continued Thornton, "I dare say there were just as amusing -characters in Washington fifty years ago as now." - -"How about the woman of whom I have heard," asked Eleanor, "who carried -off the silver meat skewer at the French Legation, as it was then, as a -souvenir, and afterwards proudly used it as a hatpin?" - -"Human nature is very much the same from one generation to another," -acknowledged Mrs. Truxton. "But the types are different. I recollect my -grandmother's telling me that she attended services one Sunday at St. -John's Episcopal Church on Lafayette Square when the rector preached a -fiery sermon against the sin of dueling. Mrs. Alexander Hamilton and -her daughter sat in the pew just in front of my grandmother, and she -said Miss Hamilton bore the tirade for some minutes, then rose, turned -to her mother, and remarked in an audible tone: 'Come, Ma; we'll go. -This is no place for us.'" - -"Come, you needn't put it all on Washington," exclaimed Douglas. -"Georgetown has famous blunderers and eccentric characters as well." - -"And ghosts," added Mrs. Truxton. "Do not deprive Georgetown of its -chief attraction. Ghosts and Past Glory walk hand and hand through -these old streets." - -"Ghosts," echoed Douglas, turning to his host. "Unless my memory is -playing me false, this house used to be thought haunted. It seems to me -I've heard tales of secret passages and mysterious noises." - -Thornton laughed outright. "That old legend was caused by flying -squirrels getting in the wall through cracks in the eaves and chimneys. -Sometimes on still nights I can hear them dropping nuts, which make a -great noise as they fall from floor to floor. It's enough to scare a -nervous person into fits." - -"You are very disappointing, Uncle Dana," objected Eleanor. "When -Douglas--Mr. Hunter,"--catching herself up, but no one apparently -noticed the slip, and she went on hurriedly--"spoke of spooks I had -hopes of an ancestral ghost." - -"I always understood that this house was haunted, Dana," put in Mrs. -Truxton. - -"Well, I believe we are supposed to possess a ghost--a very -respectable, retiring one," added Thornton, as Cynthia's eyes, which -were fixed upon him, grew to twice their usual size. "My great-aunt, -Sophronia Thornton, was a maiden lady, a good deal of a Tartar, I -imagine, from the dance she led my Great-grandfather Thornton, who -was an easy-going, peaceable man. She ran the house for him until his -marriage, and then ran his wife, and, according to tradition, she has -run her descendants out of her room ever since." - -"Good gracious!" ejaculated Cynthia. "Do tell us all about her." - -"There is not so very much to recount." Thornton smiled at her -eagerness. "The story goes, as I heard it first from my grandfather, -that when he attempted to occupy her room, the southwest chamber, he -was driven out." - -"How?" - -"He was very fond of reading in bed. As I said before, my great-aunt -was very rigid and did not approve of late hours, which was one rock -she and her brother split on. My grandfather, not having the lighting -facilities of the present day, used to read in bed by placing a lighted -candlestick on his chest, holding his book behind the candle so that -its light fell full on the printed page. At eleven o'clock every night -he would feel a slight puff of air and the candle would go out. He -tried everything to stop it. He stuffed every crack and cranny through -which a draft might be supposed to come, but it was of no use; his -light was always extinguished at eleven o'clock." - -"Do you believe it?" asked Cynthia. - -Thornton shrugged his shoulders. "I can only give you my own -experience. I occupied the room once, when home on a college vacation. -The house was filled with visitors, and I was put in the southwest -chamber. Everything went on very smoothly until one night I decided -to cram for an examination, and took my books to my room. I had an -ordinary oil lamp on the table by my bed, and so commenced reading. -After I had been reading about an hour the lamp went out suddenly. I -struck a match and relit it; again it was extinguished. We kept that up -most of the night; then I gathered my belongings and spent the rest of -the time before breakfast on the sofa in the library, where I was not -disturbed by the whims of the ghost of my spinster great-aunt." - -"'There are more things in Heaven and earth,'" quoted Eleanor, as she -rose in obedience to a signal from Mrs. Truxton. "Where shall we go, -Uncle Dana?" as they strolled out into the hall. - -"Into the library. Nicodemus will serve coffee there, and, if you -ladies have no objection, Douglas and I will smoke there also." - -"Why, certainly," exclaimed Mrs. Truxton, picking out a comfortable -chair and signaling Douglas to take the one next hers, and without more -ado she plunged into questions relating to his family history. He cast -longing glances at Eleanor, but she refused to take the hint conveyed, -and, to his secret annoyance, walked out of the room shortly after. - -Cynthia was having an animated conversation with Colonel Thornton and -sipping her coffee when, happening to look in the direction of the -hall door, she saw Eleanor standing there, beckoning to her. Making a -hurried excuse to the Colonel, she joined Eleanor in the hall, who, -without a word, slipped her arm about her waist and led her into the -drawing-room. - -"What is----?" The words died in her throat as she caught sight of -a tall, soldierly figure standing under the chandelier. Eleanor -discreetly vanished, closing the hall door softly behind her as she -went. - -"You!" Cynthia shrank back against the wall as Lane stepped forward. - -"Cynthia, darling!" He held out his arms pleadingly, but with a moan -she turned her face from him. His eyes flashed with indignation. -"Cynthia, you have no right to condemn me unheard. I am innocent." He -approached her and gently took her hand in his. - -Her eyes were closed, and a few tears forced themselves under the lids, -the scalding teardrops that come when the fountain is dry and only -bitter grief forces such expression of sorrow. - -"Dear one, look at me. I am not guilty. I have forced myself upon you -because I want you to understand"--he spoke slowly, as if reasoning -with a child--"that I am absolutely innocent...." - -"Not in thought!" burst in Cynthia. - -"Perhaps not,"--steadily,--"but in deed. I spoke in anger. Your uncle -had insulted me grossly when I met him just before going to Mrs. Owen's -dance, and in my indignation I uttered a wish which would have been -better left unsaid. But listen to reason, dear; to think evil is not a -crime." - -Cynthia threw back her head and gazed at him wildly. "Oh, I would so -gladly, gladly believe you innocent!" She placed her small, trembling -hands on his breast. "It hurts horribly--because I love you so." - -Lane caught her in a close embrace. "My darling--my dear, dear one----" -His voice choked. - -Cynthia lay passive in his arms. Suddenly she raised her white face and -kissed him passionately, then thrust him from her. "Oh, God! why did -you take that sharp letter file with you?" - -"I didn't!" The words were positive, but his looks belied them. - -"She says you did--she declares that when she met you looking for the -carriage you held it in your hand----" The words seemed forced from -Cynthia. She placed a hand on the chair nearest her as she swayed -slightly. - -"She! Who?" The question was almost a roar. - -"Annette." - - - - -CHAPTER XVI - -A CRY IN THE NIGHT - - -Eleanor tiptoed over to the bed. At last Cynthia had dropped asleep. -It seemed hours since Lane's call for help had taken her into the -drawing-room, where she found Cynthia stretched upon the floor and the -young officer bending frantically over her. Dr. Marsh, who fortunately -resided next door but one, had been sent for, and, on his arrival in -hot haste, Cynthia had been revived and carried to her room. Cynthia -had shown a sudden aversion to having Annette about, so Eleanor had -sent the maid to bed, and since ten o'clock had been sitting with -Cynthia, trying to quiet her. - -Eleanor glanced about the room. There was nothing more she could do, -and, stretching herself wearily, she arranged the night light so that -it would not shine in Cynthia's eyes, and placed an old-fashioned -brass bell on the small table by the bed, so that if Cynthia needed -assistance she could ring for aid. Then, moving softly for fear of -waking the sleeper, she stole across the room, turned out the gas, and, -stepping into the hall, closed the door gently after her. - -Some time later she was busy undressing in her own room when a faint -knock disturbed her. On opening the door she found Mrs. Truxton -standing in the hall with a quilted wrapper drawn tight around her -portly figure. - -"I thought you hadn't gone to bed," she remarked in a sibilant whisper -which was more penetrating than an ordinary low-pitched voice. "I just -could not go to bed"--selecting a large oak rocker--"until I had some -explanation of this extraordinary affair. Will you please inform me -what made that poor girl faint in the drawing-room?" - -"She is in a very nervous, excitable condition, Cousin Kate, which -reacts on her heart action." Eleanor glanced despairingly at Mrs. -Truxton. She knew the latter was an inveterate, though kindly, gossip. -Apparently she had come to stay for some time, as she sat rocking -gently to and fro, her curl papers making a formidable halo around her -soft gray hair. - -"Heart action?" echoed Mrs. Truxton. "That's as it may be. What was -Captain Lane doing here?" - -Eleanor started violently. She particularly wanted to keep the fact -that Cynthia and Lane had been together a secret. She had watched -for his arrival, and had let him in before he had an opportunity to -ring the front door bell, and had shown him at once into the deserted -drawing-room. During their interview she had mounted guard in the hall. -Hearing Lane's call for assistance, she had opened the drawing-room -door, and, before summoning her uncle and the servants, had advised -Lane to leave the house. She supposed he had followed her advice. - -"Where in the world did you see him?" she asked. - -"So he was here!" Mrs. Truxton smiled delightedly, while Eleanor -flushed with vexation as she realized she had given herself away -unnecessarily. "Your uncle and Douglas were discussing politics, and I -slipped away to remind Nicodemus to put some sandwiches in my room, as -I always want a late supper, particularly after so early a dinner. When -I walked through the billiard room on my way to the library I happened -to glance through the door leading into the hall, and was surprised to -see a man standing by the hatrack. As he raised his head I thought I -recognized Fred Lane--I wasn't quite sure, though, but before I could -call his name he had vanished." - -"I see." Eleanor came to a quick resolution. "You have probably heard, -Cousin Kate," sitting down on the edge of her bed nearest the older -woman, "that Fred Lane is very much in love with Cynthia." Mrs. Truxton -nodded her head vigorously. "Eventually, after he had paid her a great -deal of attention, they became engaged. Unfortunately"--Eleanor was -feeling her way with care--"unfortunately they had a lover's quarrel. -Cynthia refused to see Fred, and he finally came to me and asked me -to arrange an interview, saying that he felt convinced, if given the -opportunity, he could straighten out their misunderstanding." - -Mrs. Truxton pondered some moments in silence. "Did this lover's -quarrel take place _before_ Senator Carew's death?" she asked. - -"Yes." Eleanor's blue eyes did not waver before Mrs. Truxton's piercing -look. "Why?" - -"I was just thinking that, if Senator Carew had known of an engagement -between a member of his family and a Lane, he'd have died of -apoplexy--instead of having to be stabbed to death." - -"What was the exact trouble between Senator Carew and Governor Lane, -Cousin Kate?" asked Eleanor. "I never have heard." - -"It began years ago." Mrs. Truxton hitched her chair close to the bed. -"Governor Lane was an intimate friend of Philip Winthrop, Sr., and, -after the latter's marriage to Charlotte Carew, came frequently to -Washington to visit them. To my thinking, Philip Winthrop was a bad -egg, specious and handsome; and he took in the Carews completely, as -well as Governor Lane. He was a stock broker in Wall Street, and during -a panic was ruined financially. He promptly committed suicide." - -"Oh, poor Mrs. Winthrop!" exclaimed Eleanor warmly. "What hasn't she -been through!" - -"Well, losing her rascal of a husband was the least one of her -troubles," said Mrs. Truxton dryly. "Philip Winthrop's failure was not -an honorable one; there was talk of criminal proceedings, but all that -was put a stop to by Senator Carew stepping forward and paying his -creditors." She paused for breath. - -"I don't see what Governor Lane has to do with it," objected Eleanor, -glancing meaningly at the clock, which was just striking one o'clock. -She stifled a yawn. - -"I am coming to that," explained Mrs. Truxton. "Philip Winthrop -appealed to Governor Lane, among other of his old friends, to loan him -money to tide over the financial crisis, and the Governor trusted him -to the extent of ten thousand dollars." - -"That was exceedingly generous of him." - -"Yes, and I reckon he repented of his generosity many times." Mrs. -Truxton spoke with emphasis. "He loaned it to Winthrop without taking -security and without knowing that the latter was on the point of -absolute failure. And this is where the row comes in. Lane went to -Carew and told him of the transaction, showed him the canceled check, -and the latter, on finding that Lane had no promissory note or other -security, declined to pay off the indebtedness." - -"I see." Eleanor was paying full attention to the older woman. - -"Lane was naturally incensed, for Carew had assumed all the other -obligations, and he felt that his was a prior claim, being a debt of -honor between friends. Carew didn't see it that way, and it led to a -bitter quarrel. The ill feeling between the two men was intensified on -Governor Lane's part because he met with financial reverses later, and -the old Maryland homestead, which might have been saved by the return -of the ten thousand dollars, was sold under the hammer." - -"This is all news to me. I was only told they were political enemies." - -"They were. Lane vowed to get even in every way in his power, and -so entered politics. He was a man of great force of character and -intellectual ability--although lacking in business sense," she -interpolated, "and a born orator. And when he found, after holding -several important state positions, that Senator Carew was going to run -for governor of Maryland, he entered the field against him, and Carew -was beaten by a few votes only." - -"When did this happen?" - -"Oh, back in the early nineties. The quarrel was most acrimonious, -particularly on Carew's side. He must have realized that he had not -acted fairly to his old friend. As long as he had assumed Winthrop's -debts it seemed only right that he should return the money owing to -Lane. Public opinion was with the latter." - -"Perhaps at that time he may not have had the ten thousand," suggested -Eleanor. "I have always heard and believed the Senator an honorable -man; and certainly it was good of him to shoulder any of his -brother-in-law's debts." - -"He only did it to protect his sister, who was left penniless, and -quiet scandal." - -"Mrs. Winthrop penniless! Why, how comes it, Cousin Kate, that she -lives as she does." - -"Senator Carew gave her a large allowance. He always said that Cynthia -should inherit his fortune." - -"I never knew until the other day that Philip Winthrop was not Mrs. -Winthrop's son." - -"She adopted him legally, I believe, at the time of her husband's -death, and persuaded her brother, the Senator, to have him brought -up as one of the family. Philip Winthrop's first wife was a South -American, I am told. I never saw her, as she died before he came to -Washington. Mercy on us!" glancing at the clock, "I had no idea it -was so late." She rose and started for the door. "How did you leave -Cynthia?" - -"Sound asleep, thank Heaven!" - -"Did she and Fred Lane patch up their quarrel?" - -"I am afraid not." Eleanor kissed her cousin a warm good night, and -watched her cross the wide hall to her bedroom, then closed and locked -her own door and hastened to complete her undressing. - -About three in the morning Cynthia awoke and lay for a few minutes, -bewildered by her surroundings. Then recollection returned to her with -a rush, and she sank back among her pillows with a half-strangled -sob. Slowly she reviewed her interview with Fred, trying to find some -solace; but she could discover none, and with a moan turned on her side -and buried her face in the pillow. Their romance had promised so much, -but, instead, her happiness had been nipped in the bud. - -She raised her hot face and glanced about, looking for a glass of -water, for she was parched with thirst. Eleanor had forgotten, -apparently, to place any drinking water in the room. Cynthia sat up -and gazed eagerly around by the aid of the night light, but she could -discover no glass on either the chiffonier or bureau. She was on the -point of lying down again when she remembered having seen a pitcher of -ice water on a table near the head of the stairs. She started to ring -the brass bell, but decided it would be cruel to call Eleanor, who had -been up with her most of the night. - -She pondered a moment, but she was growing more thirsty, and, after a -few minutes of indecision, she climbed out of the huge four-poster and, -slipping on a wrapper and bedroom slippers, stole out of her room and -down the hall in the direction of the stairs. - -So intent was Cynthia in reaching her goal that she never noticed a -figure crouching on the landing of the stairs, who drew back fearfully -into the shadows at her approach. She found the ice pitcher on the -table with several glasses. Filling one of them, she took a long drink -of the ice-cold water, then, feeling much refreshed, she refilled the -glass, intending to take it with her to her room. She paused again and -looked about her with interest, for the hall was illuminated by the -moonlight which streamed through the diamond-shaped panes of a window -at one end of a wing of the house. The figure below her on the stair -landing peered at her intently, poised for instant flight to the darker -regions below in case she started to descend the stairs. - -Cynthia was about to return to her room when her roving eyes fell on a -closed door leading to a room in the wing. The moonlight was beating -upon it. For one long second Cynthia stood transfixed; then she uttered -a cry which roused the sleeping household--a cry of such terror that it -froze the blood in the listeners' veins. - -The figure on the landing stood glued to the spot until recalled -to action by the hurried opening of doors; then, with incredible -swiftness, it vanished, as Eleanor, her hastily donned wrapper -streaming in the wind, rushed to Cynthia's side. - -"Good God! Cynthia! What is it?" she gasped, throwing her arms about -her friend. - -Cynthia caught her wrist in a grip which made her wince. "Look!" she -cried. "Look!" pointing toward the door at the end of the wing. "My -dream! See, the panels are in the shape of a cross!" - -Eleanor cast a startled glance in the direction indicated. It was true. -The panels stood out in bold relief in the brilliant moonlight, and -they formed an unmistakable cross. - -"Yes, yes, dear," she said soothingly. "It simply shows that your dream -was founded on fact. Come to bed." - -"No, no!" Cynthia was trembling violently, but she refused to leave the -spot. "You forget that in my dream the door is always locked." - -"In this case it is not," exclaimed Colonel Thornton, who, with -Douglas, had rushed into the hall as soon as they had struggled into -some clothes. Mrs. Truxton brought up the rear, her curl papers -standing upright and her eyes almost popping from her head. "It's -simply used as a storeroom," he added. "Don't be so worried, Cynthia," -catching sight of her agonized face. - -"I tell you it is _not!_" She stamped her foot in her excitement. - -For answer Thornton stepped down the short hallway and turned the knob. -To his intense surprise the door did not open. - -"Ah!" Her cry was half in triumph, half in agony. "I told you it was -locked. It must be opened--I shall go mad if it is not," and her looks -did not belie her statement. - -Douglas joined Thornton as he stood hesitating. "I think it would be -best to humor her," he said in an undertone. - -Thornton nodded in agreement. "I can't understand how it got locked," -he muttered. "How the devil can I get it open? It is English quartered -oak." - -"Is there any way of entering the room by a window?" asked Douglas. - -"No, it's too high from the ground, and there's nothing but the -bare brick wall to climb up; no tree grows near it," said Thornton -thoughtfully. "And unfortunately I have no ladder long enough to reach -the window." - -"Then there's nothing left but to try and force the door." Douglas -braced his powerful shoulders against the panels until his muscles -almost cracked under the strain. "Run against it," he gasped, -perspiration trickling down his face; and Colonel Thornton obediently -threw himself forward as the door gave slightly. "Again!" cried -Douglas, and he threw his own weight on the panel, which yielded a -little. "Once more," and with a rending crash the upper and weaker -panel splintered sufficiently to allow Douglas to slip his hand inside -and turn the key which was in the lock. He also shot back the rusty -bolt with difficulty, and withdrew his hand. - -"Get the women back into their rooms," he whispered, his face showing -white in the moonlight. "The room is full of escaping gas." - -Thornton gazed blankly at him for a second, then turned to Mrs. -Truxton. "Kate, I insist upon your taking these girls to your room." -She nodded understandingly, and he turned to Cynthia with an air of -command. "Go with Mrs. Truxton, Cynthia. I promise to come instantly -and tell you what we discover in this room." - -She nodded dumbly, past speech. The reaction had come, and Mrs. Truxton -and Eleanor led her, unresisting, back to her room and helped her to -bed, where she lay, her eyes pleading to be relieved from her mental -anguish. - -Colonel Thornton and Douglas watched them until they disappeared inside -the bedroom, then the latter opened the broken door of the locked room. -An overpowering smell of illuminating gas choked them, and they drew -back, gasping. Douglas stepped over to the hall window and threw up -the sash, letting in the cool air. Then, holding his breath, he rushed -inside the room and, locating the escaping gas jet by the overpowering -odor, he reached up and turned off the cock of the wall bracket. - -"It's no use; we'll have to wait and give the gas a chance to -evaporate," he said, returning to the Colonel's side. "Are you sure the -room is unoccupied?" - -Thornton's eyes were half starting from his head. "Unoccupied?" he -stammered. "It's been unoccupied for half a century. This is the -southwest chamber, which is supposed to be haunted by my great-aunt. A -dog won't sleep there." - -Douglas stared at his companion in amazement for some seconds, then, -holding his breath, again bolted into the room. The remaining gas -almost overcame him, but fortunately, catching sight of the outlines -of the windows, he opened first one and then the other, and rejoined -the Colonel, who was hovering in the doorway, as quickly as possible. -Without speaking they waited until the pure night air had swept away -the poisonous gas; then Douglas stepped inside the room, struck a match -and applied it to the chandelier. As the light flared up a horrified -exclamation escaped Thornton. - -"Good God! Look!" - -Douglas' eyes followed his outstretched arm. Stretched on the high -four-posted bedstead was the body of a woman, lying on her side, her -face concealed by the masses of dark hair which fell over it. A book -lay by her side, one finger of her left hand caught between the pages. -A drop light, minus shade and chimney, stood on a low table beside the -bed. - -Reverently the two men tiptoed to the bedside. Thornton laid a shaking -hand on the drop light. "She must have been reading and fallen asleep," -he muttered between twitching lips. "She didn't know that the light is -always blown out after eleven o'clock in this room." - -Awestruck, Douglas gazed down at the silent figure. No need to feel -pulse or heart; to the most casual observer the woman was dead. - -"Who--who--is it?" demanded a quivering voice behind them. Both men -wheeled about to find Eleanor, white-lipped and trembling, standing -there. She had stolen into the room without attracting their attention. - -Douglas leaned forward and raised the strands of hair gently from the -cold face. - -"_Annette!_" Eleanor's trembling lips could hardly form the whisper; -she swayed backward, and Douglas caught her as she fell. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII - -THE MYSTERY DEEPENS - - -"Where's Brett?" asked Thornton, coming hurriedly into the library, -where Douglas was seated at the telephone. The latter hung up the -receiver before answering. - -"He will be here directly, Colonel; at present he is with the doctor -and coroner in the southwest chamber. You had better sit down, sir," -glancing with commiseration at Thornton's haggard face; but the Colonel -continued his nervous pacing to and fro. - -"Jove!" he muttered. "This affair has given me a devilish shock." He -paused before a small wall cabinet, and, selecting a key on his ring -bunch, he opened the door and took out a decanter. - -"Will you join me?" he asked, placing it on the table with several -tumblers. - -"No, thanks, Colonel." Douglas heard the glass click faintly against -the mouth of the decanter as the Colonel poured out a liberal portion, -which he drank neat. He was just replacing the decanter in the wall -cabinet when Brett, followed by the coroner, walked into the room. - -"If you have no objection, Colonel Thornton, we will hold an informal -investigation here," said Dr. Penfield, courteously. - -"Not at all, sir, not at all," exclaimed Thornton heartily. "I am most -anxious to have this terrible affair cleared up as soon as possible. -Simply state your wishes and they will be carried out to the best of my -ability." - -"Thanks." The coroner seated himself at the mahogany table standing -in the center of the room and drew out his notebook and fountain pen, -while Brett established himself on the opposite side. - -"Shall I retire?" inquired the Colonel. - -"I think it would be best," replied Dr. Penfield gravely. "I prefer -to examine the members of the household separately. No offense is -intended." - -"And none is taken." Thornton smiled wearily. "You forget I'm a lawyer, -Doctor, and understand your position. If you wish to see me I will be -in my room." - -"All right, Colonel." The coroner consulted his notebook as Thornton -left them, then turned to Douglas. "You were the first to enter the -southwest chamber, were you not?" - -"Yes, I broke in a panel of the door with Colonel Thornton's -assistance, and----" - -"One moment." Penfield held up his hand. "Was the door locked on the -_inside_?" - -"Yes, by an old-fashioned bolt, as well as by lock and key." - -"Did the bolt and lock work stiffly?" - -"They did." - -"In your opinion would a person locking the door and shooting the bolt -into place make enough noise to awaken the sleeper?" - -"I think so, yes." - -"Did you find the windows of the room also bolted when you entered?" - -"No, they were closed, but the bolts, similar to the one on the door, -only smaller, were not fastened." - -"I see." Penfield drummed on the table for a moment with his left hand. -"Could anyone have slipped past you and Colonel Thornton when you stood -waiting in the hallway for the gas to evaporate?" - -"No, we would have been sure to see them, and, besides, no one could -have remained in that room alive, the escaping gas was overpowering." - -"Did the room have no other exit except the one door leading to the -hall?" - -"That is all I could discover. I searched the room thoroughly with -Brett." The detective nodded affirmatively. "We could find no trace of -any other entrance or exit." - -"Strange!" exclaimed Penfield. "The windows are too great a height from -the ground, and can only be reached by a scaling ladder." - -"And beside that," put in Brett, "I've examined the ground under -and near the two windows of that room, and there isn't a trace of a -footstep or ladder anywhere around." - -The coroner laid down his pen. "I think that is all just now, Mr. -Hunter. Brett, will you ask Dr. Marsh to step here." - -The two men left the room. "I'll wait in the drawing-room, Brett," -called Douglas, as the detective started upstairs to find the doctor. -In a few minutes Brett reappeared in the library with Dr. Marsh. - -"I won't detain you long, doctor," began Penfield. "Be seated. You were -the first to examine the dead woman upstairs; what do you think caused -her death?" - -"She was asphyxiated by illuminating gas. Every symptom points to -that. Of course," added the doctor cautiously, "this cannot be proved -absolutely until the autopsy is held." - -"I think you are right; my diagnosis coincides with yours," said the -coroner. "Did you discover any evidence of a struggle or marks of -violence about the woman's person?" - -"No. Judging from what I found, and I believe nothing had been -disturbed by either Colonel Thornton or Mr. Hunter, I think that the -Frenchwoman was reading in bed, fell asleep, and was overcome by the -gas." - -"How long do you think she had been dead before you reached her?" - -"Several hours, judging from the condition of the body. She was lying -in such a position that she got the full force of the gas directly in -her face; the room did not have to become filled with the deadly fumes -before she was affected by them." - -"I noticed that," exclaimed the coroner, "the drop light stood on a -low stand, so that the gas fixture was on a level with the woman's -head, as the four-poster bed was an unusually high one. I have no -further questions to ask just now, Doctor; an autopsy will be held this -afternoon at the city morgue, where the body will be taken shortly. -Brett, ask Miss Cynthia Carew to come here." - -Doctor Marsh stopped on his way to the door. "I have just given Miss -Carew an opiate," he said quickly; "she must not be disturbed at -present." - -The coroner's face fell. "That's too bad," he grumbled. "I particularly -wanted to ask what she was doing in the hall at that hour, and what -drew her attention to the closed door." - -"As it happens, I can answer those two questions." Marsh returned -to the table. "Before I could quiet Miss Carew she repeated her -experiences a dozen times. It seems that she was thirsty and went into -the hall to get a glass of water, as she recollected seeing an ice -pitcher and tumblers on the hall table near the stairs. She drank some -water, and was returning when she noticed the door in the moonlight, -dropped the glass she was carrying, and screamed." - -"I found a broken glass lying in the hall," supplemented Brett. - -"What was it about the door that caused her to scream?" asked the -coroner. - -"The panels, which are made in the shape of a cross," explained Doctor -Marsh. "It seems that Miss Carew apparently suffers from nightmare -which takes the form of a door with panels of that shape. She declares -it always foretells disaster. When she found such a door confronting -her in the ghostly moonlight it was too much for her nerves and she -screamed." - -"What is all this I am told about the southwest chamber being haunted?" - -Marsh shrugged his shoulders. "I have resided all my life in Georgetown -and have always heard that a room in this house was supposed to be -haunted. That particular kind of door with the panels forming a cross -is called the 'witches' door,' and was put there in the days just after -the Revolution. It is to ward off evil, so the legend goes." - -"Well, it doesn't seem to have fulfilled its mission." The coroner -carefully turned a page in his notebook and made an entry. "I am very -much obliged to you, Doctor," as Marsh prepared to depart. "I wish you -would let me know when Miss Carew is in fit condition to see me." - -"I will; good-bye," and the busy physician beat a hasty retreat. - -"Suppose you get the butler, Brett," said the coroner when the two men -were alone. - -"May I suggest, Dr. Penfield, that you allow Mr. Hunter to be present -when the servants are examined," began Brett. "He is deeply interested -in the murder of Senator Carew, and is assisting me in trying to -unravel that mystery, and I think"--deliberately--"this French maid's -singular death has something to do with the other tragedy." - -"Indeed!" The coroner's eyes kindled with fresh interest. "Certainly, -Brett, if you think Mr. Hunter should be present, call him in. I will -be glad of his assistance." - -The detective hastened out of the room, to return within a few minutes -with Douglas and Nicodemus. The old darky was gray with fright, and -his eyes had not regained their natural size since being awakened by -the commotion attending the breaking in of the door. He had lain in -his bed, too frightened to get up, until Douglas entered his room and -hauled him out from under the bedclothes and made him go downstairs -and build the fire for the cook, Sophy, who was more composed than her -brother, and busied herself in preparing coffee and an early breakfast -for those who desired it. - -"Is there such a thing as a long scaling ladder on the premises?" -inquired the coroner, after he had asked Nicodemus' full name and -length of service. - -"No, suh; dey isn't, only a pa'r ob steps so high"--demonstrating with -his hand. "Dat's der onliest one on de place." - -"Is any house being built in this neighborhood?" - -"No, suh, dar isn't." - -"How did you come to put the maid in that room?" - -"I didn't put her dar," in quick defence; "she went dar ob her own -accord; 'deed dat's so, Marse Douglas," appealing to him directly. "De -Cunnel, he done tole Sophy an' me ter fix three rooms fo' de ladies, -an' a room fo' yo', suh; he done say nuffin' about de maid, Annette." - -"Then you were not expecting her?" - -"No, suh. I was 'sprised when Miss Eleanor brunged her. After I haid -shown de ladies ter dey rooms I took Annette up ter de third flo', an' -tole her she could take de front room dar." - -"Then how did she come to be occupying the other room?" asked the -coroner quickly. - -"It were dis-away, suh; jes' befo' dinnah she cum ter me an' Sophy an' -say she doan like de room in de third flo'----" - -"Why not?" broke in Penfield. - -"She said it were too far off from her folks, dat she had to be down -whar she could hear dem. I tole her dat de warn't no room down on de -second flo', dat dey was all occupied, an' she says, quick-like, dat -she had jes' been in de room in de wing, an' dat she'd sleep dar." - -"Ah, then it was her own suggestion that she should occupy the room," -exclaimed Brett quickly. - -"Yessir. She dun say dat de bed looked comfo'able, an' dat she'd jes' -take de bedclothes offer de bed in de room on de third flo', an' move -her things down inter de odder room. Sophy tole her dat de place were -mighty dusty, 'cause it's been used as a storeroom, but Annette said -she'd 'tend ter dat." - -"Did she speak to Colonel Thornton or to Miss Eleanor before moving -into the room?" asked Douglas, thoughtfully. - -"No, suh, I don't think she did. I axed her ef she had, an' she said -dat dey was all in de drawin'-room, waitin' fer dinnah, an' dat she -didn't want ter 'sturb 'em, an' dat dey wouldn't care whar she slep'." - -"Then _no_ one knew she was occupying that room except you and Sophy?" -asked the puzzled coroner. - -"No, suh; 'less she tole dem later. I done warned her dat dat room were -unlucky,"--Nicodemus' eyes rolled in his head,--"an' dat no good would -cum ob her sleepin' dar, an' she jes' larf and larf. An' now she's -daid,"--he shook his woolly head solemnly; "it doan do ter trifle wid -ghosts." - -"I won't keep you any longer," said the coroner, after a long pause. -"Send Sophy up here, Nicodemus. By the way, is she any relation of -yours?" - -"Yessir, she's ma sister, an' we've bof worked hyar since befo de wah. -I'll send her right up, suh," and he disappeared. - -Sophy was not long in coming, and she confirmed all that Nicodemus -had said. She added that the southwest chamber had not been occupied -as a bedchamber for years, although the four-poster was left standing -with its mattresses and pillows in place, after which she was excused. -Colonel Thornton was then sent for by the coroner. - -"Your servants say, Colonel, that you did not expect your niece to -bring her French maid, Annette, with her last night," began Penfield. -"Is that so?" - -"My niece is at liberty to bring anyone," with emphasis, "to this -house," said Colonel Thornton. "But I must admit that I did not know -until just as dinner was announced that the maid had accompanied her." - -"Did you not see them arrive?" asked Brett. - -"No, they came earlier than I anticipated, and I was not in the house -when they reached here." - -"Did Nicodemus inform you that the maid was here?" - -"No; why should he? He knows that this is my niece's second home, and -that she is virtually mistress of the house." - -"Then your niece is thoroughly acquainted with this building?" put in -Brett. - -"Haven't I just said so,"--impatiently. "Miss Thornton brought her maid -with her because she knows I have but two old servants, enough for my -bachelor needs, but she very naturally considered that my other guests, -Mrs. Truxton and Miss Carew, might desire a maid's services." - -"I understand. Were you aware that Annette intended to sleep in the -southwest chamber?" continued Brett. - -"I was not. If I had known it I would not have permitted her to occupy -the room." - -"Please tell me the exact superstition which hangs about that room," -said the coroner, after a brief pause. - -"It is believed that no light can be burned in that room after eleven -o'clock; after that time it is always extinguished by some mysterious -agency." - -"How comes it, then, that you allowed gas pipes to be placed in the -room?" - -"I gave the contract to have gas put in the house years ago, at the -same time that I had running water and plumbing installed. The gas -contractor naturally fitted each room with modern appliances. As the -room is never used after dark, I never gave the matter another thought." - -"Then why was a drop light fastened to the wall bracket by the side of -the bed?" - -"I've been puzzling over that fact myself,"--the Colonel tipped his -chair back on two legs,--"that drop light is one I used to have in my -bedroom. It didn't give very satisfactory light to read by, so several -months ago I purchased another, transferred the chimney and shade to -the new lamp, and sent the other one into the storeroom." - -"Then it is highly probable that Annette found it there, and, wishing -to read in bed, attached it to the bracket herself." - -"And thereby sealed her own fate," added the Colonel solemnly. - -"Do you really think that supernatural means caused her death?" asked -the coroner incredulously. - -"It seems to be either that or suicide." - -"From what I hear I incline to the latter theory," acknowledged Dr. -Penfield. "I don't take much stock in ghosts or other hallucinations, -Colonel, with all due respect to you, sir. Will you be so kind as to -ask your cousin, Mrs. Truxton, to step here for a few minutes?" - -On being summoned by Colonel Thornton, Mrs. Truxton hastened into the -library. Her statements added nothing to what the coroner already knew, -and she was quickly excused and Eleanor Thornton sent for. - -Douglas had not seen her since carrying her to her room some hours -before, and he was shocked by her appearance. "My precious darling!" he -murmured in a tone which reached her ear alone as he opened the library -door to admit her. "Is there anything I can do for you?" - -She shook her head and smiled at him, a smile which hurt him woefully, -for it showed the effort it cost her. Dr. Penfield, struck by her -beauty, which was enhanced by her unnaturally flushed cheeks and the -dark shadows under her large eyes, rose and pulled forward a chair for -her use. - -"I won't detain you long, Miss Thornton," he commenced, reseating -himself. "Did you know your maid was sleeping in the southwest -chamber?" - -"No, I did not. On the contrary, she told me, when helping me change my -dress for dinner, that she had been put in the room over mine." - -"When did you last see your maid?" - -"She came to my assistance when Miss Carew fainted, shortly after -dinner. After I had seen Miss Carew revived and put in bed I had -Annette help me out of my evening dress, and then told her to go to -bed, as I would not require her services any longer." - -"At what hour was that?" - -"Shortly before ten o'clock. I do not recollect the exact time." - -"Did she say nothing to you then about having moved down on your floor?" - -"Not a word." - -"Has your maid had an unfortunate love affair?" inquired the coroner. - -"Not to my knowledge." - -"Has she been despondent of late?" - -"No; she seemed in her usual good spirits." - -"Do you know if she had lost money?" - -"I never heard her mention such a thing." - -"Has she been with you long?" - -"About two years." - -"And you found her----?" - -"Excellent in every way; honest, reliable, and capable." - -"Miss Thornton," facing her directly, "have you formed any theory as to -how your maid came to be asphyxiated?" - -"I think it was due to an accident. She probably fell asleep, leaving -the gas burning." - -"But Mr. Hunter found the two windows closed, no possible draft could -get into the room to blow out the light--nor could any person have -blown it out, for the door, the only way of entrance, was locked -on the inside. How was it possible to have an accident under those -circumstances?" - -"Possibly it was suicide, though I cannot bear to think so," Eleanor -spoke with much feeling. - -"Miss Thornton,"--Brett rose, walked over to the table, and stood -looking directly down into the lovely face raised so confidingly to -his--"did your maid ever utter any threats against Captain Frederick -Lane in your presence?" - -"Never!" Eleanor's eyes opened in surprise. - -"Did she ever insinuate that he had something to do with the murder of -Senator Carew?" - -"No, never!" But Eleanor's firm voice quivered as she uttered the -denial, and Brett detected it. His eyes lighted with excitement. - -"What was Captain Lane doing here last night?" - -The question was unexpected, and Eleanor started perceptibly. - -"He came to see Miss Carew," she admitted, faintly. - -"Did he see your maid?" - -"Not to my knowledge." - -"Did Captain Lane spend the evening with you and Colonel Thornton?" - -"Oh, no, he only saw Miss Carew." - -"How long was he with Miss Carew?" - -"About ten minutes." - -"Indeed!" Brett paused and spoke with greater deliberation. "Captain -Lane, who is being shadowed by several of my men, was seen to enter -this house last night between nine and half-past--and, though my men -waited all night, he was never seen to leave it." - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII - -IN THE NAME OF THE LAW - - -"Well, and what then?" demanded a curt voice behind the group. The -three men and Eleanor wheeled around and gazed at the young officer in -surprise too deep for words. "Well, what then?" demanded Captain Lane -for the second time. - -"How did you get here?" asked Brett, recovering from his surprise. - -"Through the door. How did you suppose?" with a flicker of amusement in -his handsome eyes. "The butler told me I would find you here when he -admitted me a few seconds ago." Then his face grew stern. "I entered -in time to overhear your remark,"--turning directly to Brett. "Because -your men did not see me leave the house it doesn't follow that I spent -the night here." - -"Then where did you spend it?" asked Brett swiftly. - -"With my cousin, General Phillips, at his apartment at the Dupont," -calmly. - -"At what hour did you reach his apartment?" - -"About twelve o'clock." - -"And where were you between the hours of nine-thirty and twelve?" - -"Most of the time walking the streets." - -"Alone?" - -"Alone." Lane faced them all, head up and shoulders back, and gave no -sign that he was aware of the antagonism which he felt in the tense -atmosphere. The coroner was the next to speak. - -"Suppose you take a chair, Captain Lane, and give us a more detailed -account of your actions last night," he suggested, and Lane dragged -forward a chair and seated himself. "When did you leave this house?" - -"About half-past ten o'clock." He caught Eleanor's start of surprise, -and added hastily, "I am, as perhaps you already know, engaged to Miss -Carew. During our interview last night she fainted, and I summoned Miss -Thornton, who urged me to go, but I felt that I could not leave the -house until I knew that Miss Carew was better. So, instead of going out -of the front door, I picked up my coat and hat and slipped into the -dining room, which was empty." - -"What was your object in going there?" - -"I hoped that Miss Thornton would come downstairs again, and I could -then get an opportunity to speak to her." - -"Would it not have been better and more straight-forward to have -stepped into the library and informed Colonel Thornton of your presence -in his house?" asked the coroner, dryly. - -Lane flushed at his tone. "Possibly it would,"--haughtily,--"but I was -acting on impulse; I was extremely alarmed by Miss Carew's condition -and could think of nothing else." - -"What caused Miss Carew's indisposition?" inquired the coroner. - -"She is not strong, and overtaxed her strength yesterday." - -The coroner did not press the point, to Lane's relief. "Did anyone see -you in the dining room last night?" - -"I think not; the room was not lighted, and the table had been already -cleared, so no servant entered the room." - -"Did you see Miss Thornton again?" - -"No. I had not been waiting long before I saw Colonel Thornton come -down the stairs with a man whom I judged to be a physician. As they -passed the dining room door I heard the doctor tell Colonel Thornton -that Miss Carew had regained consciousness, and would be all right -after a night's rest. A few minutes after that I left the house." - -"How?" - -"I have dined frequently with Colonel Thornton and know the house -fairly well; so, as I had promised to keep my visit to Miss Carew -a secret, I opened the long French window which gives on the south -veranda, ran down the steps, and walked down the garden path, jumped -the fence between this property and the next, and walked out of their -gate into the street." - -Brett said something under his breath that was not complimentary to -his detective force. "May I ask you why you thought such precautions -necessary?" he inquired. - -"Because I was perfectly aware that I had been followed over here," -retorted Lane calmly. "And, as I considered it nobody's business but my -own if I chose to call on Miss Carew, I decided to avoid them." - -"And what did you and Annette, Miss Thornton's French maid, discuss -before you left here?" Brett rose to his feet and confronted Lane -squarely as he put the question. - -"I did not speak to anyone except Miss Carew and Miss Thornton while in -this house,"--steadily. - -"No? Then perhaps you only saw the maid, Annette, when she was -_asleep_?"--with emphasis. - -"I don't catch your meaning?" Lane tapped his foot nervously with his -swagger stick. - -"Listen to me, Captain Lane,"--Brett dropped back in his chair and -emphasized his remarks by frequent taps on the table with his left -hand. "You can't dodge the issue with fake testimony." - -"I am dodging nothing!" Lane's eyes flashed ominously and his voice -deepened, the voice of a born fighter, accustomed to command. "I have -no testimony to fake." - -"I suppose you will say next,"--sarcastically,--"that you don't know -the maid, Annette, is dead." - -"Dead?" echoed Lane, bounding from his chair. - -"Dead--murdered last night." - -"Good God!" There was no mistaking Lane's agitation and surprise. Brett -watched him closely; if he was acting, it was a perfect performance. -"How--what killed her?" - -"Asphyxiated by illuminating gas,"--briefly,--"when asleep last night." - -"This is horrible!" Lane paced the floor in uncontrollable excitement. -"But what," pulling himself up, "what has that unfortunate girl's -death to do with me?" - -"What had _you_ to do with the unfortunate girl's death is more to the -point," retorted Brett meaningly, and Lane recoiled. - -"By God; I'll not stand such an insinuation!" He made a threatening -step toward Brett, who did not move. "Are you such a fool as to imagine -because I was in this house for a short time last night that I killed a -servant whom I had seen occasionally when she opened the door for me on -my calling at Miss Thornton's residence?" - -"I am not a fool, nor am I a believer in miracles." Brett grew cool -as Lane's excitement rose. "I was to have seen Annette this morning -to get sworn testimony which she said would implicate you in Senator -Carew's murder." Lane staggered back, appalled. "Instead, I find her -dead, under mysterious circumstances; you are the only person whom her -death benefits. And you were in this house, unknown to the inmates, -and, by your own admission, no one saw you leave it. It is stretching -the probabilities to suppose her death was a coincidence. You, and -you alone,"--his voice rang out clearly,--"had the motive and the -opportunity to bring about her death." - -"I deny it--deny it absolutely!" thundered Lane, his knuckles showing -white, so tightly were his fingers clenched over his swagger stick, -which he raised threateningly. - -"Stop, Mr. Brett!" exclaimed Eleanor, who, with Douglas and the -coroner, had sat too astounded to speak during the rapid colloquy -between the two men. "You forget that the door to the southwest chamber -occupied by Annette was locked on the _inside_, and that door was -the only means of entering the room. It is only fair to you, Captain -Lane,"--turning courteously to the young officer,--"to remind Mr. Brett -of the very obvious fact that no one could have entered the sleeping -woman's room, blown out the light, and, on leaving the room, locked and -bolted the door on the inside, leaving the key in the lock." - -"Thanks," exclaimed Lane gratefully, as he sat down and wiped the -perspiration from his white face. - -Brett scowled. He had hoped that his summing up of damaging facts and -sudden accusation might wring a confession from Lane, or, if not that, -some slip of the tongue which the other might make in his agitation -might give him a clew as to how the murder was committed. He was -convinced of Lane's guilt. He glanced angrily at Eleanor. Why had -she intervened? Long and silently he gazed at the beautiful face. The -broad forehead, delicately arched eyebrows, and the large wistful eyes, -shaded by long curling eyelashes, and finely chiseled features were -well worth looking at; but Brett did not see them--a new problem was -puzzling his active brain. - -"I understood you to say, Captain Lane, that you had promised to keep -your visit here a secret," he said, breaking into the conversation of -the others. "To whom did you make such a promise?" - -"To Miss Thornton." The question was unexpected, and the answer slipped -out thoughtlessly; then Lane bit his lip as he caught Eleanor's warning -glance too late. - -Brett turned swiftly on Eleanor. "Why did you wish him to keep his -visit here a secret, Miss Thornton?" - -"Because I was afraid Mrs. Winthrop would hear that Captain Lane and -her niece had met here; my uncle might inadvertently mention it to her. -Mrs. Winthrop does not approve of Captain Lane's attentions to Miss -Carew," explained Eleanor quietly. - -"On what grounds?"--quickly. - -"Ask Mrs. Winthrop; she can tell you better than I." - -"I will," grimly. "Captain Lane," wheeling around, "why have you -returned to this house at so early an hour in the morning?" - -"I came to inquire for Miss Carew. I asked to see Miss Thornton, and -the butler showed me into this room. And this is the first opportunity -I have had, Miss Eleanor, to ask you how Cynthia is this morning." His -face betrayed his anxiety. - -"She is asleep just now," answered Eleanor, "but I hope she will be -much better when she wakes up. I will tell her that you have called." - -"Thanks." Lane rose. He felt that he was dismissed. "Has Cynthia been -told of Annette's death?" - -"Not yet. We explained the breaking in of the door of the southwest -chamber by saying that Nicodemus had locked it and neglected to tell -Colonel Thornton, who had it forced open." - -"I understand." Lane shook hands with her warmly. "Will you please -telephone me how Cynthia is. I'll be at the Army and Navy Club all -day. Good morning." He bowed formally to the coroner and Douglas, then -turned to leave the room, only to find his exit barred by Brett. - -"It is my duty to inform you, Captain Lane, that a warrant has been -sworn out for your arrest," he announced, taking a paper from his -pocket. - -Lane stepped back involuntarily. "What do you mean?" he stammered. - -"In the name of the law I arrest you for the murder of Senator Carew." -Brett ceased speaking and signaled to several men who were sitting in -the hall to enter the room. - -It was some seconds before Lane broke the strained silence. - -"Stand back!" he growled between clenched teeth, as the two detectives -approached him. "I'll go with you peaceably. Let me tell you, Brett," -glaring defiantly at him, "you'll live to regret this day's work! Who -swore out that warrant?" - -"Mrs. Winthrop." - -Lane gazed at him in dazed surprise. "Mrs. Winthrop!" he mumbled. "Mrs. -Winthrop!" - - - - -CHAPTER XIX - -THE ACCUSATION - - -Eleanor dropped her embroidery and gazed out into the garden, with its -flower-beds lit by the fading rays of the Western sun and the soft wind -from the open window fanned her cheeks. An involuntary sigh escaped her. - -"A penny for your thoughts," and Douglas, who had approached unnoticed, -stepped up to the raised window-seat. A loving smile curved Eleanor's -pretty mouth as she made room for him beside her and slipped her hand -confidingly in his. - -"Do you think a penny would bring me any comfort?" she asked. - -"Take me for a penny, and I will do my utmost to comfort you." Douglas -kissed her gently as she leaned her head against his broad shoulder. - -"Take you--gladly!" She raised her hand and pressed it against his -cheek. "And I am richer in happiness than I ever was before." - -"My darling!" Douglas checked his impetuosity; the dark circles under -Eleanor's eyes had deepened and her extreme nervousness was betrayed by -her restless glances about the room and the incessant movement of her -fingers. "Now for your thoughts." - -"My thoughts? They are all with Cynthia. Oh, Douglas!"--straightening -up,--"I can't tell her of Fred Lane's arrest; on top of all she has -borne it would be cruel, cruel!" - -"Is she better?" - -"She is at last sleeping naturally. When she awoke from the opiate, -some hours ago, she evinced no interest, and so I was able to avoid the -questions which I feared she would ask me." - -"She was probably still under the effects of the opiate and too drowsy -to recall the events of last night." - -"I dread her awakening." - -"You will have to put off telling her of Lane's arrest and Annette's -death until she is strong enough physically to bear the shock." - -"Do you think him guilty?" The question seemed wrung from her. - -"Of which crime?" - -"Of both." - -"I don't see how it is possible for him to have had anything to do -with Annette's death," replied Douglas thoughtfully, "for the very -reason you pointed out when Brett was accusing him this morning. It -would be physically impossible for him to have left the room and locked -and bolted the door on the inside." - -"What do you think caused her death?" - -"I think it highly probable that she committed suicide." - -"You don't think the draft blew out the gas?" - -"A draft? Where on earth could it come from? Both windows were tightly -closed, and the door also. Upon my word," turning to look at her, "you -don't place any faith in that old legend about the ghost--of your -great-great-aunt's habit of extinguishing all lights in her room after -eleven o'clock at night?" - -"Yes, I do," reluctantly. - -"Oh, come now," a chuckle escaped Douglas, but it died out suddenly. He -had remarkably keen eyesight, and as he raised his head he encountered -a steady stare from an oil portrait hanging on the wall opposite him. -It was not the stare that attracted his attention, but the remarkable -whiteness of the eyeballs in the painted face on which the light from -the window was reflected. As he looked the eyes seemed to blink, -then were gone. With an exclamation he rose, startling Eleanor by his -sudden movement, and walked across the room until he stood directly in -front of the painting, which was life-size and represented a handsome -man in a navy uniform of the War of 1812. On closer inspection, the -eyes appeared not to be painted in at all, and were represented by -shadows. As he retreated from the portrait, however, the shadows took -form and he distinctly saw the long lashes and eyeballs. It was an -optical illusion, cleverly conceived by the artist, and, satisfied on -that point, he returned to Eleanor, who had watched his movements with -growing curiosity. - -"Why this sudden interest in my great-great-grandfather?" she asked. - -"It's a fine portrait." He reseated himself by her side. "I didn't -notice it last night. What is the old gentleman's name?" - -"Commodore Barry Thornton; my father was named for him. He inherited -the same black hair, blue eyes, and tastes of that old sea-fighter," -nodding toward the portrait. "Do you know on what grounds they arrested -Fred Lane for the murder of Senator Carew?" - -[Illustration: "With an exclamation he rose, and walked across the -room"] - -"Only in a general way. It is known that the Senator opposed his -engagement to Cynthia, that they had a bitter quarrel that night, and -that Lane left the ball to look for Cynthia's carriage. He was gone -some time, and, when the carriage did turn up, Senator Carew was seated -in it--dead." - -"Is that enough to convict?" - -"It's purely circumstantial evidence,"--evasively,--"I don't know yet -what new testimony Mrs. Winthrop may have contributed to cause his -arrest." - -"Mrs. Winthrop's attitude is incomprehensible to me," burst out -Eleanor. "Fred's father, Governor Lane, was her husband's best friend, -and Mr. Winthrop was under great financial obligations to him when he -died. And now look at the way Mrs. Winthrop is treating that friend's -son--hounding him to the gallows. Is that gratitude?" with biting scorn. - -"Some natures don't wear well under an obligation, and the cloven hoof -crops out." Douglas pushed the window farther open. "Ingratitude is an -abominable sin, and the one most frequently committed." A faint knock -on the hall door interrupted him. "Come in," he called, and Brett -opened the door. He drew back when he saw Douglas was not alone. - -"Don't go," said Eleanor, gathering up her embroidery and workbag, "I -must run upstairs and ask the nurse how Miss Carew is." She hastened -toward the door, which Brett still held open, but he stopped her on the -threshold. - -"I will be greatly obliged if you will spare me half an hour, Miss -Thornton; when you come downstairs again will be time enough," he -added, as Eleanor stepped back into the library. - -Eleanor studied his impassive face intently for a second before -answering, then: "I'll be down again shortly," and she disappeared up -the hall. - -Brett closed the door carefully and selected a chair near Douglas, and -sat down heavily. Douglas pulled out his cigarette case and handed it -to the detective, who picked out a cigarette and, striking a match, -settled back in his chair contentedly as he watched the rings of smoke -curling upward. - -"I am glad of an opportunity to have a quiet word with you, Mr. -Hunter," he began. "Things have been moving pretty swiftly to-day, and -I'm free to confess that the death of Annette has stumped me. Was it -murder or suicide?" - -"Everything points to suicide." - -"I'm not so sure of that," drawing his chair nearer and lowering his -voice. "I've been searching Annette's belongings and have found several -things which puzzle me completely." - -"What were they?" - -"Well, for one thing, the torn kimono." - -"What--you don't mean----?" - -"Exactly. Annette apparently owned a wrapper precisely like Miss -Thornton's, and it was she who paid you that midnight visit when -you spent the night in the library on Tuesday evening at the Carew -residence. I found the wrapper upstairs among her effects. She had -mended the tear very neatly, but the slip which you tore out of it that -night exactly fitted the darn. I had the slip with me in my pocket and -fitted the two together." - -"Great Scott! what on earth was she doing in the library at that hour?" - -"Aye, what?" significantly. "You recollect that Nicodemus testified -that Annette did not want to sleep on the third floor because--'it wor -too far off from her folks, an' she had to be down whar she could hear -dem.' It looks as if Annette were in the habit of taking an unusual -interest in her mistress' affairs." - -"It does indeed," agreed Douglas, knocking the ashes from his cigarette -on the window ledge. "Did you get any information from Annette -yesterday?" - -"Very little. I saw her soon after I found your note telling me of her -interview with Colonel Thornton. She admitted that she had information -which she was willing to sell, and finally made an appointment to see -me early this morning. Thanks to circumstances--call it murder or -suicide--I am no wiser than I was twenty-four hours ago." - -"Do you still cling to the theory that she met her death because some -one was afraid of what she would tell you to-day?" - -"Yes; it looks that way to me. And yet I can't for the life of me -discover how anyone could have committed a murder in that locked room." - -"In searching the room did you discover any secret passages leading to -it?" exclaimed Douglas. - -"I did not. I thought I might find one, so I tapped that entire wall, -but could not find a trace of any concealed door. I tell you, Mr. -Hunter, Annette did not commit suicide," Brett spoke earnestly. "She -expected to receive a large sum of money within a few days; I virtually -pledged the amount to her. There was no object in her taking her own -life." - -"Why don't you investigate her past, Brett? That might give you a clew." - -"I have already cabled her description to the Paris police, asking -for any information about her which they may have. I expect an answer -shortly." - -"Good. Tell me, what information did Mrs. Winthrop supply which induced -you to arrest Captain Lane?" - -"She told me that he had been seen on the street Monday night, when -looking for Miss Carew's carriage, and that he was carrying a sharp -letter file." - -"Who gave her that information?" - -"She didn't state, but I have an idea that it was Annette; probably the -girl wanted money and went to her direct, she was none too scrupulous, -apparently." - -"I believe you are right," exclaimed Douglas. - -"Mrs. Winthrop also told me that she found, tucked away among her -brother's papers, yesterday an envelope containing a threatening -letter. The contents were written in a disguised hand, but the postmark -on the envelope read, 'Lanesville, Maryland.' She is firmly convinced -that, if young Lane didn't write those letters himself, he instigated -them." - -"Oh, nonsense! He isn't such a fool," roughly. "I believe he is -innocent." - -At that moment the door opened and Colonel Thornton walked in. He flung -his hat on the table. "I am glad to find you both here," he said. -"Don't get up," as Douglas rose, "I'll take this chair. I called you -up at headquarters, Brett, but they told me you had just come here, so -I hurried over from Mrs. Winthrop's to catch you." - -"Does she want me for anything in particular?" asked Brett. - -"She simply wanted to ask a few more details in regard to the coroner's -inquest. She is very much upset over Annette's extraordinary death. -It seems that the girl made some statement to her, and Mrs. Winthrop -depended on her testimony to prove Lane killed Senator Carew." - -"What did I tell you?" Brett glanced triumphantly at Douglas. "I'm -afraid, though I'm morally certain of Captain Lane's guilt, that we -will have some difficulty in establishing the fact." - -"You will," agreed Colonel Thornton. "So far you have only proved, -first, that there was enmity between the two men; second, that Lane had -the opportunity; third, that Annette saw him with the letter file, the -weapon used to kill Carew, in his hand." - -"The last has not been sworn to," objected Douglas, "and Annette is -dead, so that statement, the most important of all, cannot be accepted -as testimony." - -"Unless some one else saw Lane in the street at the time Annette did," -burst in Brett swiftly, resuming his seat. - -"If they had they would have come forward before this," reasoned -Douglas. "I consider it extremely probable that Annette was lying when -she said she saw a letter file in Lane's hand. Remember the drenching -rain; walking in what proved almost a cloudburst would make most people -blind to so small a thing as a letter file carried in a man's closed -fist." - -"What on earth was her object in making such a statement?" asked -Colonel Thornton. - -"That is what we have yet to find out," answered Douglas. "And there's -another point, Brett, which you have overlooked." - -"What's that?" - -"You recollect that you told me Senator Carew's clothes were absolutely -dry when his dead body was found in the carriage. Considering the -downpour of rain that night, it seems incredible that he should not -have got wet." - -"I have come to the conclusion that the coachman, Hamilton, lied when -he said he had not stopped at the house for Senator Carew on Monday -night," replied Brett. "Having lied in the beginning, he is now afraid -to admit the truth for fear that he may be convicted of killing the -Senator." - -"That sounds plausible," acknowledged Colonel Thornton. - -"I don't believe it." Douglas shook his head obstinately. "It has been -proved already that the Senator did not spend Monday evening at home. -I tell you the key to this mystery is how Senator Carew got into that -carriage on such a stormy night without getting his clothes wet. When -you have solved that problem you will know who committed the murder." - -Thornton was about to reply when the hall door was thrown open, and -Eleanor, her lovely eyes opened to their widest, exclaimed: - -"Uncle Dana, the Secretary of State wishes to see you!" - -"God bless me!" Colonel Thornton sprang out of his chair as the -distinguished statesman followed Eleanor into the room. - -"Please don't let me disturb you," exclaimed the Secretary, as Douglas -stepped forward, and Brett edged toward the door. "I only dropped in -for a second to pick up Mr. Hunter," laying a hand on Douglas' arm. -"They told me at the Albany that you were stopping here for a few days, -so I came over in my motor to ask you to drive back to my office with -me, although it is Sunday." - -"Won't you be seated, Mr. Secretary?" asked Colonel Thornton, as -Douglas hastily gathered up some papers which he had left on the center -table, and started for the door. - -"Thanks, no; it is imperative that I get to my office----" The -Secretary stopped speaking as a man darted inside the door and slammed -it shut. In his haste the newcomer collided with Douglas and then -collapsed into the nearest chair. - -"Philip Winthrop!" gasped Eleanor, while the others gazed at the -exhausted figure in amazement. - -"Have you any brandy?" exclaimed the Secretary, noticing the ghastly -color of Winthrop's face. Thornton hastily produced a decanter and gave -the half-fainting man a stiff drink, which in a few minutes had the -desired effect of bringing him round. - -"Thanks," he murmured faintly. - -"What does the doctor mean by letting you come out?" asked Thornton. -"You are in no condition to leave your room." - -"I'll be better in a minute; give me some more," Winthrop motioned -toward the decanter. Colonel Thornton glanced questioningly at the -Secretary, who nodded assent, so he gave Winthrop a milder dose, which -restored him somewhat, and his voice was stronger when he resumed -speech. "The doctor doesn't know I'm here. I slipped out while Mother -was lying down, caught a cab at the corner, and drove over here. I want -to see the detective, Brett." - -"Here I am, sir." Brett stepped forward into the circle about Winthrop. - -"Good!" Winthrop raised himself just in time to see Eleanor open -the hall door softly. "Come back!" he shouted; then, as she paid no -attention to him, cried, "Stop her! stop her; don't let her slip away!" - -"What is the meaning of this?" demanded Colonel Thornton, as he stepped -forward and pulled Eleanor back into the room and shut the door. "You -drunken loafer! stop bellowing at my niece." - -"I won't, I won't!" Winthrop had worked himself into a frenzy. "She -can't drug me here, fortunately--I won't be silent--_she is an -international spy, and she murdered Senator Carew!_" - - - - -CHAPTER XX - -WEAVING THE WEB - - -Slowly the meaning of Winthrop's words dawned on the four men. - -"It's false! false as hell!" thundered Douglas. He stepped forward and -seized Winthrop in a grip of iron and shook him as a dog would shake a -rat; then, before the others could intervene, threw the struggling man -on the floor. "Bah! you're not worth killing." - -Whimpering with rage and weakness, Winthrop caught hold of the table -and dragged himself upright, and stood swaying on his feet. - -"It's true, it's true!" he reiterated. "Look at her,"--pointing a -shaking finger to where Eleanor stood aghast, watching the scene. Her -hand was on the doorknob and she seemed poised for instant flight. A -curious smile twisted her pale lips as the men turned and faced her. - -"He doesn't seem to have recovered from delirium tremens," she remarked -slowly. - -"It may be, Miss Thornton,"--the Secretary of State spoke with grave -deliberation,--"but it is a serious charge which he is making, and I -think it had better be investigated now." Eleanor winced visibly, then, -controlling herself, advanced further into the room. - -"I am at your service," she said with sudden hauteur, "but as I have an -important engagement later I trust you will be brief." - -"Sit by me here, Eleanor." Colonel Thornton, who had listened to -Winthrop's charges in stupefied silence, pulled forward an armchair. -"Mr. Secretary, will you occupy the desk chair, and you," turning to -Winthrop, who cowered back as he caught the smoldering wrath in the -older man's eyes, "sit over there," pointing to a chair some distance -away. - -Brett, seeing that Winthrop was too exhausted to move without -assistance, piloted him to the chair indicated by Thornton, and, -getting another chair, placed himself by Winthrop's side. Douglas, at a -sign from the Secretary, sat down at the further end of the table and -handed the statesman some paper and ink. - -"Now, Mr. Winthrop," began the Secretary, "if you are more composed, -kindly answer my questions. Why have you waited all this time before -mentioning that you think Miss Thornton guilty of Senator Carew's -murder?" - -"Because I've been drugged, so that I couldn't give evidence. I tried -twice to get a message to Brett, but Annette said she couldn't reach -him." Winthrop spoke with labored effort. - -"Annette!" chorused Colonel Thornton, Brett, and Douglas, while the -Secretary and Eleanor looked their surprise. - -"Yes, Annette," peevishly, "she used to come in occasionally to give me -water when those devilish nurses were neglecting me. She told me that -Brett was seldom at the house, and that she never had an opportunity to -speak to him alone." - -"The monumental liar----" Brett checked himself. "Never mind that now, -Mr. Winthrop, go on with your story." - -"She told me how Miss Thornton used to steal in and drug me, and asked -me why she did it." - -"Great Heavens!" Eleanor's exclamation was followed by a half-strangled -laugh which ended in a sob. "What a viper!" - -"You were not there last night," sputtered Winthrop vindictively, -"and therefore I didn't get my usual dose, so I can tell what I know -to-day." A triumphant leer distorted his features. - -"Suppose you continue your story without making comments," directed the -Secretary sternly. - -Winthrop nodded sullenly, then began: "You recollect that I spent -Monday night at the Alibi Club, Brett?" - -"Yes." - -"Well, when I left there I motored up Nineteenth Street, instead -of taking the more direct way home. I thought I would turn into -Massachusetts Avenue at Dupont circle, where there was less danger of -running into electric cars, for the rain was falling in such torrents -that I could hardly see through my wind-shield. - -"When opposite the Owen residence I ran into a lot of waiting carriages -and motors, and had to slow down. In fact, I went so slowly that by -the time I was nearly opposite Miss Thornton's residence I stalled -my engine and had to get out in all the wet and crank up," he paused -dramatically. "You can imagine my surprise when I saw Miss Thornton -come down under the awning which led to her front door and stand at the -curb, looking up and down the street." - -"How do you know it was Miss Thornton?" broke in Douglas harshly. - -"There was a street lamp by the side of the awning and the light fell -full on her; besides, I recognized the scarlet cloak she was wearing. I -have seen it many times." - -"What did my niece do, besides standing still and looking up and down -the street?" demanded Colonel Thornton scornfully. - -"She ran out into the middle of the street and down where a carriage -was drawn up at the curb, opened the door, stood there talking, -apparently, for a few minutes, then shut the door and bolted back to -the awning, and I presume entered her house, as I saw no more of her." - -"What did you do next?" inquired Douglas, with peculiar emphasis. - -Winthrop flushed at his tone. "I had curiosity enough to step back and -see that it was Senator Carew's landau, the last of a long queue of -vehicles, at which she had stopped; then I went on about my business." - -"Do you mean to say that you did not investigate further?" asked the -Secretary, leaning forward the better to scan Winthrop's face. - -"No. I knew enough never to interfere with Senator Carew's love -affairs!" His sneer was intolerable. - -"By God!" Colonel Thornton sprang to his feet and advanced on -Winthrop, but Brett stepped between the two men. - -"Have a little patience, Colonel," he said, pushing the irate man -toward his seat; "then you can settle with Mr. Winthrop." - -"Do you think I'm going to sit here and listen to aspersions on my -niece's character?" he shouted. "Let me get my hands on that scoundrel!" - -"Wait, Uncle Dana,"--Eleanor leaned forward and placed her hand on -his arm,--"let him finish; then I will speak," and her lips closed -ominously. - -"That is excellent advice," agreed the Secretary; "resume your seat, -Colonel Thornton." His tone of command was not to be denied, and -Thornton dropped back in his chair. "Now, Mr. Winthrop, explain your -last remark." - -"Senator Carew told me on Monday afternoon that he expected to marry -Miss Thornton, and that he intended to spend the evening with her." - -Douglas leaned forward and gazed earnestly at Eleanor, but she refused -to meet his look, and with a troubled expression he turned his -attention to Winthrop, who was again speaking. - -"I told Senator Carew that I had heard a member of one of the embassies -here declare that Miss Thornton was an international spy." - -"And what did he say to that statement?" - -"He said that he would look into the matter." - -"When did this conversation take place?" - -"On Monday afternoon." - -"And is that all you have to go upon for such an accusation?" inquired -Brett scornfully. - -Douglas was gazing moodily ahead of him. A memory of Paris, of -Eleanor's extraordinary behavior there, of the whispers which followed -her about, harassed him. Had his faith been misplaced? No, a thousand -times no. He would pin all hope of future happiness on her innocence -and purity of soul. He rose suddenly and stepped behind her chair, and -laid his hand encouragingly on her shoulder. She looked up, startled, -then, seeing him, her lips parted in a smile, and her hand stole up to -meet his. His firm clasp gave her courage to face the situation, for it -told her of his unshaken confidence and love. - -Winthrop glowered at them when he saw the tableau, and his eyes gleamed -wickedly. "It is very obvious," he said, "that Senator Carew found -my statement was true, and charged her with being a spy; then left -her house. Exposure meant Miss Thornton's ruin; even her influential -relatives,"--he glanced meaningly at Thornton,--"could not intervene -to save her, so she took the law into her own hands, picked up the -letter file, stole out of the house, opened the carriage door, engaged -the Senator in conversation--and stabbed him." - -A strained silence followed, which the Secretary was the first to -break. He turned directly to Eleanor. - -"You called to see Secretary Wyndham at the Navy Department on -Wednesday morning, did you not, Miss Thornton?" - -Douglas' hand tightened involuntarily, but Eleanor showed no sign of -agitation as she answered, "Yes, Mr. Secretary, I did." - -"Have you anything further to say, Mr. Winthrop?" - -"Not now, Mr. Secretary." - -"Then let me suggest," exclaimed Thornton, "that Mr. Winthrop, in -trying to implicate my niece in a dastardly crime, has but established -his own guilt." - -"How so?" The question shot from Winthrop's clenched teeth. - -"We all know from the testimony of reputable servants that Senator -Carew and you had quarreled," continued Thornton. "We know your habits -are none of the best; we know that you have suddenly become possessed -of large sums of money----" - -Winthrop moistened his dry lips. "I deny it," he exclaimed. - -Thornton paid no attention to the interruption. "You alone knew where -Senator Carew was spending the evening, and you went there and laid in -wait for him, and now, you despicable cur, you are trying to lay the -blame on an innocent girl." - -Winthrop rose, goaded by the scornful looks of the others. "I may -have had the motive and the opportunity to kill Senator Carew," he -admitted sullenly, "but I did not have--the weapon. The criminal sits -there,"--he pointed at Eleanor;--"I am absolutely positive of her -guilt, for the letter file used to kill the Senator belonged to a -silver desk set given her by Miss Cynthia Carew." - -Thornton frowned and turned a troubled countenance toward Eleanor, who -nodded reassuringly as she rose to her feet, stepped back to Douglas' -side, and, leaning on the back of the chair she had just vacated, -addressed the Secretary. - -"I am a young girl, Mr. Secretary," she began, "and, living alone as I -do, I have been forced on numerous occasions to use my own judgment. -It would have been better, perhaps, had I spoken of certain events -before this, but I was so alarmed by the position in which I found -myself placed that I foolishly held my tongue. I had hoped that certain -facts would not become public. Those facts Mr. Winthrop has maliciously -distorted. I have been guilty of a blunder, not a crime." - -"I would be most happy to believe you, Miss Thornton," said the -Secretary gravely; "but to probe this matter to the bottom I must ask -certain questions." - -"Which I will gladly answer." - -"Did Senator Carew call on you on Monday night?" - -"He did, reaching my house about nine-thirty, just before the rain -commenced." - -"Did anyone else know that he was there?" - -"Only my Japanese butler, Fugi, who admitted him. My cousin, Mrs. -Truxton, who is spending the winter with me, had gone to bed -immediately after dinner." - -"Was Annette in the house?" asked Brett quickly. - -"No, it was her evening out. She returned shortly after the Senator -left." - -"At what hour did he go?" questioned the Secretary. - -"About half-past twelve o'clock." - -"Wasn't that rather an unusual hour for him to stay?" - -Eleanor colored warmly. "It was most unusual," she admitted. "But the -pouring rain was responsible for that. He telephoned for a herdic cab -or a taxi, but they were all engaged, and he waited, hoping that one -would eventually be sent to my house." - -"Mr. Winthrop spoke of an awning at your door, Miss Thornton," again -broke in Brett. "I have passed your house a number of times and have -never seen one." - -"I had a large tea on Monday afternoon, and had the awning put up for -that occasion, as the weather was threatening and my house stands some -distance from the curb. The awning was removed early the next morning." - -"It is not so very far from your house to the Senator's residence," -mused the Secretary. "I should have thought, considering the lateness -of the hour, that he would have walked home." - -"But he was not going home, Mr. Secretary. He told me that he was going -to drive to your house, as he had to see you immediately on your return -that night." - -"Indeed!" The Secretary was bending forward in his eagerness. "Did the -Senator state what he wished to see me about?" - -"Only in a general way. He said that he had that afternoon discovered -proof of a gigantic plot against the United States; that the secrets -of the Government were being betrayed; and that he must give you the -names of the arch traitor and his confederate. He called up your house -by telephone earlier in the afternoon, and found that you were expected -home on the eleven o'clock train." - -"I had intended to take it, but was detained at the last moment by -pressing business and did not reach Washington until the following -night," explained the Secretary. "If he couldn't get a cab, why did -he not call up his own house and send for his carriage earlier in the -evening?" - -"He tried to, Mr. Secretary, but his telephone was out of order, and no -one answered the stable call." - -"How, then, did he get his own carriage?" - -"My drawing-room windows look out on Nineteenth Street, and the -Senator, in one of his numerous trips to discover if the rain was -letting up, saw his carriage standing in front of my door. He -recognized the horses and Hamilton by the light from the lamp-post -under which they stood, waiting for the long queue of carriages -ahead to move up the street. The Senator instantly decided to enter -his carriage, wait for Cynthia, and then drive to your house, Mr. -Secretary." - -"So that's how he got into the carriage without getting wet," cried -Brett; "the awning protected him. I suppose he just popped into his -carriage and said nothing to Hamilton, as he intended to wait for his -niece, and Hamilton was too befuddled with drink and the storm to -notice the opening and closing of the door. Did you watch the Senator -leave the house?" - -Eleanor shook her head. "No," she said. - -"Miss Thornton,"--the Secretary bent forward impressively,--"were you -engaged to Senator Carew?" - -Eleanor's color rose, but she faced the keen eyes watching her -unflinchingly. "No, Mr. Secretary; the Senator did me the honor to ask -me to marry him on Monday night, but I refused." - -"Then you deny running out after his carriage, which Mr. Winthrop -declares you did?" - -"No, sir, I do not deny it. Mr. Winthrop is quite right." She paused, -and the men looked at her expectantly. "I have a quest in life--not the -one attributed to me by this gentleman,"--waving her hand scornfully -toward Winthrop, who was listening to her statement with an incredulous -smile distorting his features,--"but an honorable legacy which my dear -mother left me to execute. - -"On bidding me a hasty good night, Senator Carew, whether in jest or -earnest, told me that, if I would marry him, he would assist me to -bring my mission to a successful conclusion." - -"Would you mind stating what this quest is?" asked the Secretary. - -Eleanor hesitated. "It is a family matter, and I would rather not go -into it just now. But--if necessary--I promise to explain later." - -The Secretary did not press the point. "Continue your story, Miss -Thornton." - -"About five minutes or more after the Senator left I came -to the conclusion that my duty"--she glanced appealingly at -Douglas--"compelled me to marry him. On an impulse, I picked up my -cloak, which was hanging on the hall rack, opened the front door, and -ran down to the curb. - -"The Carew landau is easily recognized, and after peering up and down -the street I saw that it had moved up several doors. Without stopping -to think or consider the consequences, I ran down the street to the -carriage and opened the door----" She stopped, breathless. - -"Go on, go on," urged Douglas. - -"I opened the door," she repeated, "and, as God is my witness, I found -Senator Carew sitting there--_dead._" - - - - -CHAPTER XXI - -AN INTERNATIONAL INTRIGUE - - -As her voice ceased on the last solemn word Eleanor read astonishment -and incredulity written on her listeners' faces, and her heart sank. -She bit her lips to hide their trembling. - -"How did you discover Senator Carew was dead, Miss Thornton?" asked -the Secretary harshly. "It has been testified that the interior of the -landau was dark and that the carriage lamps had been extinguished." - -"I did not see he was dead,"--Eleanor hesitated. "After opening the -carriage door I spoke to him several times. On getting no reply, I -put out my hand and accidentally touched his chest, and my fingers -encountered the round base of the letter file." Her large eyes filled -with horror at the recollection. "I did not, of course, know what -it was then, but I realized that something was dreadfully wrong. -The Senator's silence, the touch of that cold metal in such a place -terrified me. I drew back, instinctively closed the carriage door, and -fled to my house. The next morning I heard of the murder from Annette." - -"Why did you not come forward with this information then?" asked Brett -sternly. - -"Because I was afraid." Eleanor threw out her hands appealingly. "I -had no one to verify my statements, and I feared I would be charged -with the crime. Confident of my own innocence, I did not think any -information I might furnish would assist the arrest of the guilty -person." - -"You should have spoken sooner," said Colonel Thornton sharply. -He tempered his rebuke by rising and leading Eleanor to his -own comfortable chair, into which she sank wearily. "But the -harm your silence has done can fortunately be remedied. Philip -Winthrop,"--swinging around on the young man,--"your plea that you -lacked the weapon used is puerile; you could easily have picked one -up at the club; letter files are kept on most desks. Knowing where -Senator Carew was to be on Monday night, you laid your plans carefully -beforehand, and with devilish ingenuity picked out an unusual weapon, -so that it would be harder to trace the murder to you." - -"You lie!" growled Winthrop fiercely; then, addressing them all, "I -had nothing whatever to do with the Senator's death. She did it, though -your misplaced sympathy blinds you to the truth." - -"Miss Thornton's sex will not shield her," declared the Secretary -firmly, "if she be guilty--but, Mr. Winthrop, your story will also be -investigated to the minutest detail. Until your innocence is proved -without a shadow of a doubt you will consider yourself under arrest. -Brett will see that the proper papers are made out." - -Winthrop blanched. "I'm--I'm--in no condition to go to jail," he -stammered. "It is monstrous!" - -"Just a moment," broke in Douglas. He had been deep in thought, and had -paid but little attention to their conversation. "You say, Winthrop, -that the letter file used to slay Senator Carew belonged to a desk set -given to Miss Thornton by Miss Cynthia Carew." - -"I do," exclaimed Winthrop positively. - -Eleanor's surprise was reflected in her uncle's face. Was Douglas -taking sides against her? Her eyes filled with tears, which she winked -hastily away. - -"Have you such a desk set, Eleanor?" demanded Douglas. - -"Yes, Cynthia gave it to me last Christmas." - -"Is the letter file missing?" - -The answer was slow in coming. "Yes," she breathed faintly. - -"Ah! What did I tell you?" cried Winthrop triumphantly. - -Douglas paid no attention to him, but continued to address Eleanor. -"Where do you keep this desk set?" - -"In the writing room across the hall from my drawing-room." - -"Describe your first floor, please, Eleanor." - -"The drawing-room is to the left of the front door; to the right -is the small writing room, back of that the staircase, and back of -the drawing-room is the dining room. The house is what is called -three-quarters." - -"I see. Does the dining room communicate with the drawing-room?" - -"Yes; there are old-fashioned sliding doors between the two rooms." - -"Do you use portières?" - -"Yes, on all the doors." - -Douglas smiled at her encouragingly, then he turned to the four men. -"Miss Thornton has testified that no one of her household knew that -Senator Carew was with her Monday night. She is mistaken. There was -one other person who knew that fact; who had ample opportunity to -overhear her conversation with the Senator; to take the letter file -from the desk in the writing room, and steal after him when he left, -open the carriage door, and stab him." - -"Who was it?" questioned Eleanor breathlessly, while the others hung on -his words. - -"The servant who admitted him." - -"Fugi!" gasped Thornton. "My God! I believe you're right. But the -motive, man?" - -"An international intrigue." Douglas caught the Secretary's eye, who -nodded appreciatively. "Miss Thornton has already stated that Senator -Carew told her that he had discovered proof of a plot against this -country, that the secrets of this government were being betrayed, that -he knew the names of the spy or spies, and that he was on the way to -inform the Secretary of State. Concealed in one of the portières, Fugi -overheard all this, and, to save his own life, killed Senator Carew." - -"You've solved it," declared Brett, rising. "I'll run over to your -house now, Miss Thornton, and catch Fugi before he can get away." - -"I don't think you'll find him there," interposed Eleanor. "Mrs. -Truxton went out in my motor for a drive this afternoon, and Fugi, who -acts as chauffeur as well as butler, is driving the car. I expect them -here at any moment." - -"So much the better." - -"There is a car drawn up alongside of mine now," exclaimed the -Secretary, who had gone over to the window overlooking the street. - -Brett started for the door, but, before he reached it, it was flung -open and Mrs. Truxton precipitated herself into the room. Her hat was -cocked on one side in the most rakish manner and her flushed face -testified to her perturbed state of mind. - -"I've found you, Mr. Secretary!" she exclaimed, slamming the door shut. -"Don't go," as Brett moved past her. "I went to your house, then to the -State Department----" She stopped, breathless. - -"Sit down," said the Secretary soothingly, "and tell me why you wished -to see me so urgently." - -"Oh, dear, I'm so confused!" Mrs. Truxton drew a long breath, then -plunged into her story. "I stopped at our house, Eleanor, as I had -forgotten to bring my writing materials here. I found my letter book in -my room where I had left it, and, on opening it, discovered this letter -addressed to you, Mr. Secretary"--drawing out an envelope from her -handbag. "I can't conceive where it came from," added the poor woman, -"except that I left my letter book in Eleanor's drawing-room on Monday -night on my way to bed. I was up early Tuesday morning before any of -the servants were down, and, on entering the drawing-room, found my -letter book still lying on the table, with several of its leaves turned -over. I gathered up all the papers without looking at them carefully, -and took them up to my desk and laid them away in a drawer. This is the -first time I have opened the letter book, for in your absence, Eleanor, -I have used your writing room." Mrs. Truxton paused to take breath. -"It's marked 'important,' and that's why I hurried after you; besides, -handwriting is like a photograph to me, and I never forget one I have -seen--that letter is from Senator Carew." - -"Good God! the missing letter!" shouted Brett. - -The Secretary took the letter from Mrs. Truxton and tore it open, and, -in a voice of suppressed excitement, read its contents aloud. - - "MY DEAR MR. SECRETARY: - - "I am writing to you in case I do not see you before you attend the - Cabinet meeting to-morrow morning. Your servant tells me that you - are expected home on a late train to-night, but I may be detained - in reaching your house, or the train may be later than scheduled, - and therefore I might miss you. The President will reach Washington - to-morrow on the _Mayflower_ from his trip down the Chesapeake, and it - is impossible for me to reach him to-night. - - "I have discovered that Colombia is inciting Panama to revolt. We - are not too well liked down there as it is. I have also discovered - that Japan will take a hand in the game. The Island of Gorgona, in - the Pacific, which belongs to a wealthy Colombian, has a magnificent - harbor--the Harbor of Trinidad--and it has been offered to the latter - nation as a coaling station. Japan does not have to appeal to European - nations to finance a war; the South Americans will provide funds. They - are jealous of our growing prestige, our increasing commerce, and fear - our colonization. We reached out and grasped Panama, and they think - we are casting covetous glances at Mexico and other countries to the - South. Japan has also been guaranteed the Philippines. - - "I induced Douglas Hunter, attaché of the American Embassy at Tokio, - to make certain investigations. I expect to see him to-morrow, and, if - he has discovered anything of material value, I will bring him with me - to the State Department at once. - - "In making these researches I find perfidy and dishonor exists in an - astounding quarter. Government secrets are being betrayed by a paid - spy and traitor--Dana Thornton----" - -A chair was dashed aside, and, before anyone could move, Colonel -Thornton had thrown open the hall door and disappeared. So totally -unexpected was the _dénouement_ that the others sat too stunned to -move, and that moment's respite gave Thornton his chance. The roar of -a motor broke the spell, and the men, galvanized into sudden action, -raced to the front door, only in time to see Eleanor's powerful car, -far down the street, with Colonel Thornton at the wheel. He turned the -machine into Wisconsin Avenue and disappeared. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII - -THE PURSUIT - - -"Take my car!" called the Secretary of State, as Brett and Douglas -started up the street on a run. They turned and rejoined the Secretary -as the latter's chauffeur, attracted by the disturbance, hastened out -of the garden, where he had gone to get a glass of water. - -The three men sprang into the machine, and in a few seconds were off. -They swung into Wisconsin Avenue and sped on up that thoroughfare. -The avenue was almost deserted at that hour, and the Sunday quiet was -only broken by the whirr of their car as it gained headway. Far in -the distance they could descry Thornton's motor, and, in obedience to -Brett's order, the chauffeur increased his speed. - -On and on they went. A bicycle policeman shouted at them as they -whizzed by and, clambering on his machine, started in pursuit. They -passed a crowded trolley car, and the passengers stared at their mad -speed. They reached the outskirts of Georgetown and the more open -country beyond. They gained on the car ahead of them, and Brett shouted -aloud with the joy of the chase as they drew nearer. They passed the -Naval Observatory, cut across Massachusetts Avenue extended, just -shaving several other automobiles, the startled drivers thereof wasting -their breath in sending endless curses after them. They swept past the -Cathedral Close and continued their race along the Rockville pike. - -As they approached the River Road they saw Thornton turn his car, -scarcely reducing his speed, and cut across the road. It was a -dangerous corner at any time, and as the front wheels made the turn the -body of the car slued around. There was a grinding, splintering crash -as the car struck one of the tall poles supporting the overhead trolley -wires, and the big machine turned turtle. - -Brett's chauffeur put on a final burst of speed, and the limousine -leaped madly down the road. A cry of horror broke from the three men as -a tongue of flame shot up from the overturned car ahead of them. - -"By Heavens! the gasolene has ignited!" gasped Douglas. He was on the -running board when the car slowed down near Thornton's motor. The -latter was a mass of flames. Douglas sprang to the ground, and the -others followed him. "Get some fence rails," he directed. "We must try -and lift the car so that Thornton can crawl out." - -In a few minutes the men were back with boards torn from a nearby -fence, but in that short time the flames had gained headway, and they -were driven back by the intense heat. Unfortunately there was no loose -sand at hand. An outgoing trolley car stopped, and several passengers -ran to Douglas' aid. The fence boards caught fire and had to be put -out, but finally the car was raised a slight distance from the ground, -and a cry of exultation broke from the toiling men, only to die into a -groan as a sharp explosion, followed by a heavier detonation, rang out. -Dropping their hold on the boards, the men bolted to a safe distance -down the road. - -"It's hopeless!" gasped Brett. "No man can live in that fiery furnace." - -Douglas groaned aloud. He had been shocked beyond measure by the -discovery of Thornton's guilt and treachery, for he had liked him, and -had accepted his hospitality. It was horrible to see him meet such a -fate. Better the electric chair than being roasted alive. - -"Perhaps he jumped from the car before it turned turtle," he suggested. - -"It's hardly likely," exclaimed Brett dubiously. "Still, we might look -along the road. We can do no good over there." He shuddered slightly as -he turned to look at the still burning car. The steel and metal work -had been twisted into grotesque shapes by the great heat, which added -to the ghastly picture. - -Their search along the roadside was fruitless, and Douglas and Brett -returned to the Secretary of State's limousine. They had to wait some -time before the flames about the remains of Thornton's car died down -into a smoldering mass. After the fire had burned itself out, Brett, -with the assistance of horror-stricken spectators among the crowd that -had collected with the Aladdin-like magic which characterizes street -gatherings, examined the ground with minute care. Suddenly he moved -over to where Douglas was standing, keeping back the curious crowd, and -beckoned him to one side. - -"Colonel Thornton did not jump from the car, Mr. Hunter," he said -gravely. "We've just found all that's left of him--his ashes." - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII - -THE END OF THE QUEST - - -"And so that was his end!" Eleanor drew a long, shuddering breath. -"Poor Uncle Dana! Douglas, do you really think he was guilty?" - -"I'm afraid so," sorrowfully. "The very fact that he was trying to -escape proves it; otherwise he would have stayed here and faced an -investigation." - -"It's dreadful, dreadful!" moaned Eleanor. "And almost unbelievable. -A traitor! A murderer! But"--checking herself--"that last hasn't been -proved." - -"That's Brett's voice," exclaimed Douglas, springing from his chair and -crossing to the hall door. "Come in, Brett; Miss Thornton and I are -sitting in the library." - -The detective gave his hat and light overcoat to Nicodemus and followed -Douglas back into the room, first closing the door carefully behind him. - -"Has Captain Lane been here yet?" he inquired. - -"Yes, he came over at once on being released. Mrs. Truxton took him -upstairs to see Cynthia, who is rapidly improving, now that the mystery -of Senator Carew's death is solved and Fred cleared of any complicity -in it," explained Eleanor. - -"Then would you mind asking Captain Lane to come down, Miss Thornton? -I have several pieces of news which I must tell you, and I think his -presence is necessary." Eleanor looked at him questioningly, and he -added hastily, "He won't be involved in any further trouble." - -"What tragedies have happened since I reached this house twenty-four -hours ago," exclaimed Douglas, pacing the room restlessly. "Annette's -death last night, and now the Colonel----" He did not finish his -sentence, but instead stopped before the full-length portrait of a -dead and gone Thornton, and gazed moodily at the painted face. From -that gallant naval hero to Dana Thornton, traitor, was indeed a great -descent. "A good man gone wrong," he commented, finally. - -"An accomplished scoundrel," growled Brett. He stopped speaking as -Eleanor reëntered the room, followed by Fred Lane. The young officer -showed the ordeal he had gone through that morning and afternoon by the -deep lines under his eyes and around his mouth. He bowed curtly to -Douglas and Brett. - -"You wish to see me?" he asked. - -"Sit down, please." Brett pushed forward a chair for Eleanor, and the -others grouped themselves about the center table. By common consent -they all avoided Colonel Thornton's favorite armchair. "I am anxious to -have a talk with you because there are several loose threads to this -mystery which must be straightened out." - -"What are they?" questioned Lane impatiently; he longed to be back with -Cynthia. - -"On my return from the River Road to headquarters I found an answer -from the Paris police to my cable. They tell me, Miss Thornton, that -your maid, Annette, was an international spy." - -"Great heavens!" ejaculated Eleanor, in round-eyed astonishment. - -"She was also in the habit of impersonating you." Eleanor's face was a -study. "She had clothes made exactly like yours, even her kimono was -a duplicate. From what I hear, Mr. Hunter, I judge Annette, who you -recollect was in the hall when we were discussing the mysterious letter -written by Senator Carew, decided to try and find it, and that's why -she paid you a visit in the library last Tuesday night. She did not -know that I had asked you to sleep there." - -"I was grossly deceived in her," declared Eleanor bitterly. "I presume -her splendid recommendations were all----" - -"Forgeries," supplemented Brett. "Quite right, they must have been. I -have just talked with one of the nurses from Providence Hospital who -attended Philip Winthrop, and he declares that he caught Annette trying -to give Philip a sleeping powder. Probably she wished to reap all the -reward that she could, through blackmail and otherwise, and was afraid -if Philip saw me that he would spoil her 'scoop.' With her usual habit -of involving you, Miss Thornton, she made that crazy fool believe you -were drugging him." - -"Will you please explain to me," broke in Fred Lane, "why Mrs. Winthrop -swore out a warrant for my arrest? What led her to believe me guilty?" - -"Mrs. Winthrop wished me to tell you, Captain Lane, that she bitterly -regrets her hasty action. I never saw anyone so completely broken up. -It seems she wanted that graceless stepson of hers to marry her niece, -Miss Carew, so that he would eventually inherit the Carew fortune. Then -she has a natural antipathy for you because you are your father's -son, and she was, unfortunately, only too ready to believe you guilty. -Annette told her a number of lies,"--Brett shrugged his shoulders -expressively,--"and there you have it--along with other circumstantial -evidence, which would have pretty nearly convicted you." - -Lane flushed angrily. "So Mrs. Winthrop took the word of a worthless -servant, the better to humiliate me...." - -"Had Annette any grounds for her accusation?" questioned Brett swiftly. -"Mrs. Owen said her library desk file mysteriously disappeared the -night of her dance." - -"A coincidence which I cannot account for," declared Lane, looking the -detective squarely in the eye. "It may be that Annette saw the end of -my silver handled umbrella which I was carrying, and in the uncertain -light mistook it for a weapon of some sort." - -"Considering Annette's natural disposition to lie," broke in Douglas, -"I think it highly probable that she made up the story, and told it to -Miss Carew." - -"And probably promised to keep silent if Miss Carew paid her," -suggested Brett scornfully. "It's too bad Miss Carew permitted the maid -to blackmail her." - -"What about the threatening letters to Senator Carew which Mrs. -Winthrop thought I sent?" inquired Lane. - -"Philip Winthrop wrote them." - -"The miserable scoundrel!" ejaculated Lane. - -"He was that and more--the Secretary of State and I took him back home -in the former's motor, and when we had done grilling him we had cleared -up many details in regard to this international intrigue. Through -Senator Carew's letter and Winthrop's disclosures the intrigue has been -nipped in the bud before more serious results can happen." - -"Thank God for that!" exclaimed Douglas devoutly. - -"It seems that Philip Winthrop has been a go-between for a wealthy -Colombian, whose name he obstinately withholds, and some person -whom the conspirators called 'our mutual friend.' Strange to say, -Philip declares he never knew until Carew's letter was read that the -mysterious individual was Colonel Dana Thornton. He says he gave all -communications for the 'mutual friend' to Annette, and Annette, if you -please, made him believe that the spy was--Miss Thornton." - -"Well, upon my word!" cried Eleanor, her eyes blazing with indignation. -"I was a nice cat's-paw for her. Do you know, I believe she, and not -my uncle, killed Senator Carew." - -"I'm sorry,"--Brett hesitated, then went slowly on. "I'm sorry to say -there's no doubt but that Colonel Thornton did murder the Senator. I -don't want to inflict any more pain than necessary, Miss Thornton, -but you will hear the details from others if not from me. I have seen -Soto, your Japanese cook, and he swore that Colonel Thornton called at -your house on Monday night, just after the Senator's arrival, and Fugi -admitted him. On being informed that Senator Carew was with you, your -uncle told the butler not to announce him, but that he would wait in -the writing room until the Senator left. Soto showed me an umbrella -which Fugi had carried to the kitchen to dry for the Colonel. It has -your uncle's initials engraved on the handle, and Nicodemus positively -identified it as belonging to the Colonel when I showed it to him on my -arrival here just now. - -"On being pressed, Soto also admitted that late Monday night he left -your house to post a letter. As he came up the area steps to the -terraced walk, which was covered by the awning, leading from the house -to the sidewalk, he almost collided with Senator Carew, who seemed -buried in thought and did not notice his approach. Soto drew back -respectfully toward the area steps to let him pass. As the Senator -entered his carriage another man sped down your high front steps, and, -on reaching the carriage, pulled open the door and entered the vehicle, -which then moved on. Soto swears solemnly that this last man was -Colonel Thornton." - -Eleanor drew a long, sobbing breath, and glanced helplessly at the -others. Her uncle was not only a traitor but a murderer. Her worst -fears were realized. None cared to break the pause, and, after waiting -a moment, Brett took up his narrative where he had left off. - -"It must be, Miss Thornton, that your uncle overheard all or part of -your conversation with the Senator. He probably waited in the writing -room until the Senator left the house, picked up the letter file, as -he had no other weapon handy, and stole after him. Hamilton was too -drunk to notice anything. The horses probably moved up the street of -their own accord when the preceding carriages made room for them to -advance. It was unpremeditated murder, and yet chance concealed Colonel -Thornton's tracks most successfully." - -"You are right," agreed Douglas. "If Annette had found Carew's letter -to the Secretary of State instead of Mrs. Truxton, Thornton would have -escaped detection." - -"Annette was always complaining of Mrs. Truxton's early rising," -Eleanor laughed hysterically, then cried a little. - -"My darling, let me get you some wine!" exclaimed Douglas in distress. - -"No, no, sit down!" Eleanor clutched his coat. "Don't pay any attention -to me; I'll be all right in a minute." - -"Fugi has disappeared," went on Brett, after a brief silence. "I think -he overheard our conversation here this afternoon, for Nicodemus says -he was loitering in the hall. On searching his room at your house, Miss -Thornton, I found evidence, through certain papers, that he had been in -your uncle's pay." - -"He thought it wiser to bolt," commented Fred Lane. "I have no doubt he -knew more of affairs than we are giving him credit for." - -"It's a great pity, Miss Thornton, that you kept silent so long," said -Brett. "If I had known that Senator Carew spent the evening with you, -and also about the awning, I would have cleared up this mystery sooner." - -"I should have spoken." Eleanor looked so troubled that Douglas sat -down on the arm of her chair and took her hand gently in his. As -his strong grasp tightened she formed a sudden resolution. "There -is another reason for my silence which I have not told you; wait a -moment," and she rose and hurriedly left the room. - -The men smoked in silence until her return. "The room is very dark, -won't you light another burner, Douglas?" she asked, on her return. She -waited until her wish had been complied with, then, as the men seated -themselves near her, she began her story. "On Tuesday morning, just -after I had heard of Senator Carew's death, I received a cardboard box -containing jewels. That in itself bewildered me, but I was astounded by -the message written in an unknown hand which I found on a card inside -the box." As she spoke she opened the small box which she had just -brought into the room with her. "Here is the card; read the message -aloud, Douglas." - -"'_The appointment was not kept. Well done._'" - -Douglas laid the card on the desk and the three men looked at each -other in amazement. - -"The message frightened me horribly," continued Eleanor. "I realized -that some one must have thought me guilty of the Senator's death--and -_approved_ of it. The mystery of it appalled me. I did not know whom -to take into my confidence; so I put the jewels into my strong box and -said nothing, hoping that I would be able to ferret out the mystery by -myself." - -"Let us see the jewels," suggested Douglas. - -Eleanor opened the box and pulled off the top layer of cotton, then -rolled the necklace of rubies on the table, where the stones lay -glittering under the strong light. - -"They are superb!" exclaimed Douglas, while a low murmur of admiration -broke from Lane. - -"Their almost priceless value frightened me more than anything else," -explained Eleanor. "I could not imagine who had sent them to me----" - -"That's easily answered." Brett picked up the necklace and examined it -minutely. "This necklace was sent you by the man who stole it." - -"What?" ejaculated the two men, while Eleanor collapsed limply in her -chair. - -"These are the Hemmingway rubies," went on Brett. "They were stolen -about a month ago in New York, and the police of this country and -Europe were notified of their loss. I have here," drawing out a leather -wallet and extracting a thin, typewritten sheet, "one of the notices -sent to headquarters. Let me refresh my memory." He skimmed over -the lines, then a shout of exultation escaped him. "Listen: 'Mrs. -Hemmingway was entertaining a house party at the time of the theft. -Among her guests were Mr. and Mrs. Henry St. John, of Philadelphia; -Miss Snyder, of Chicago; Colonel Dana Thornton, of Washington----'" - -"Oh, no, no!" Eleanor cried, throwing out her arms as if to thrust the -idea from her, then dropped forward and buried her head on her arms on -the table. - -Douglas started to move over to her side, but Brett checked him. "Let -her alone," he advised in an undertone; "it's a shock, but she will -recover." Then, in a louder tone: "By Heavens! that man was a positive -genius!" in reluctant admiration. "He probably heard that the case had -been turned over to the police, although the Hemmingways had asked to -have the search conducted quietly, and therefore it did not reach the -papers. Fearing to keep the necklace in his possession, he sent it to -his niece with a cryptic message which he knew she would not, under -the circumstances, dare show to others, and also reasoned that she -would keep the necklace concealed for the same cause. I don't doubt he -expected her eventually to ask his advice about the jewels and then -he would get them back again, as soon as all danger of detection was -over, on the plea that he would have them returned to the rightful -owner, or some such plausible excuse." - -"Upon my word, such villany exceeds belief." Lane gazed incredulously -at the detective. "And yet I don't doubt you have guessed the right -solution of the problem." - -"Eleanor, dear,"--Douglas turned to the weeping girl. "If you feel -strong enough I wish you would tell us about your quest to which -you alluded this afternoon." Eleanor raised her head and looked -reproachfully at him. "I realize the subject may prove painful to you -at this time, but, Annette having implicated you in her transactions, I -think it is best for you to clear up any seeming mysteries." - -"Perhaps you are right." Eleanor sighed as she wiped away her tears. "I -must first tell you that my mother was Nora Fitzgerald----" - -"The famous actress?" broke in Brett. - -"The same. She gave up the stage when she married my father, Barry -Thornton, then a lieutenant in the United States Navy. Their married -life was unusually happy; therefore it was all the more incredible and -tragic when one day he disappeared----" - -"Disappeared?" echoed Douglas blankly. - -"Disappeared utterly. His ship was at Hampton Roads and he was given -shore leave one day. At the wharf he told the coxswain to come back for -him at ten o'clock that evening, and he walked on up to the hotel. From -that hour to this he has never been seen or heard from." Eleanor paused -and pushed her hair off her forehead, then continued: "A short time -before his mysterious disappearance my father fell from the rigging of -the ship to the deck with such force that he was picked up unconscious. -It is supposed that the fall may have affected his brain, and so -accounted for his subsequent disappearance." - -"That is very likely," commented Lane. "I saw a similar case in the -Philippines, but pardon me, Miss Eleanor, I did not mean to interrupt." - -"Several days after my father's disappearance a nude body was washed -ashore miles below Norfolk. The condition of the body prevented -positive identification, but many persons, among them Uncle Dana, -believed it to be my father. My mother, however, refused to accept that -theory. She was convinced that he was still alive and suffering from -mental aberration. She returned to the stage, first placing me with my -uncle, John Fitzgerald, who brought me up. She visited many cities and -many countries, but could find no trace of my father. Shortly before -her death she sent for me and charged me solemnly to continue her -search, which I have done to the best of my ability." - -"My poor girl," said Douglas softly. - -"My idea has been that if my father was still alive he would pursue his -profession, so I searched the records of other navies, thinking that -perhaps he might be serving under another flag. The day that you saw -me at the Navy Department, Douglas, I had been going over old records, -hoping to find some clew to his present whereabouts." - -Douglas colored hotly as he remembered the construction which he had -put on her presence in the department. "What did you mean," he asked, -"by saying this afternoon that Senator Carew told you he could help you -to bring your quest to a successful conclusion?" - -"Senator Carew said that while in Panama he had seen a man who closely -resembled my father. The stranger apparently did not recognize him, -but so certain was Senator Carew of his identity that he gave him his -visiting card, and insisted that he should call at the Navy Department -in Washington. Douglas, do you recollect asking me about a man who -you thought you saw with me in the elevator at the Navy Department on -Wednesday?" - -"I do." - -"I was terribly excited by your apparently simple question, for in -stating that the man had black hair and blue eyes you exactly described -my father." - -"Great heavens!" Douglas sprang to his feet. "It is most astounding, -but such a man as you describe really did call at the Department that -morning and insisted on seeing the Secretary, saying that he had an -appointment to meet Senator Carew." - -"What became of him?" Eleanor's lovely eyes were aglow with excitement. - -"I don't know. The Secretary and I both thought he had stolen the plans -of the battleships." Eleanor's shocked expression stopped him. "Of -course, now we know it was Colonel Thornton who called there later with -you and Mrs. Wyndham, although how on earth he managed to steal the -plans under the very nose of the Secretary is beyond me." - -"Let me think." Eleanor pressed her hands to her throbbing temples. -"I remember now; it must have been when Uncle Dana was using the desk -telephone. He was leaning forward across the desk, and I recall that -I noticed he had his right hand in a drawer; I couldn't see very -distinctly, as his body was between us and the drawer and his overcoat -was also thrown on the desk. Mrs. Wyndham was looking at a book, and -the Secretary was coughing his head off by the further window, with his -back toward us." - -Brett struck the table a resounding blow with his clenched fist. - -"By George, but he was slick! The smartest criminal I've run across in -years." - -A discreet tap sounded on the library door, and a muffled voice asked: -"'Scuse me, but am Miss Eleanor in dar?" - -"Come in, Nicodemus," called Eleanor. The old darky entered and, -circling the table, handed her a note on the silver salver. She hastily -tore it open and read its contents. "I must consult Cousin Kate," she -announced, rising hastily, "before I can answer this." - -"We must all be going," said Brett, following her into the hall, while -Nicodemus paused to put out the lights. "One moment, Miss Thornton, -will you please give me the ruby necklace." - -"Why, I handed it to you," ejaculated Eleanor, in surprise, turning -back from the staircase. - -"I beg your pardon," said Brett, with positiveness. "I saw Mr. Hunter -drop it on the table in front of you." Douglas and the young officer -joined them. - -"So he did," declared Lane, and with the others followed Eleanor as she -hastily reëntered the library. - -"Why, it's not anywhere on the table." Eleanor felt among the table -ornaments. "Douglas, do light the gas," in growing alarm. - -"Where in thunder are the matches?" growled Douglas, overturning a -vase on the secretary in his endeavors to find a matchbox. "Got any, -Nicodemus?" as a figure brushed by him in the darkness and approached -the chimney. The other men were busy searching vainly in their pockets -for a match. - -"Good for you, Nicodemus," called Douglas, as a tiny flame appeared -in the direction of the chimney. "Bring it over here and light this -chandelier." His order was not obeyed. - -The flickering light grew stronger, and then Douglas realized that it -was burning some distance from the servant. The flame became stronger, -and by its rays a face grew out of the surrounding darkness. A strong, -handsome face, whose pallor was enhanced by the heavy black beard and -dark shaggy eyebrows. The eyes were fixed on Nicodemus, who stood in -the shadow with his back to the rest, and the two stared unblinkingly -at each other. The silence was intolerable. Eleanor and the three -men stood transfixed, too astounded to move. Suddenly a choking sob -burst from Nicodemus. He threw out his arms as if to ward off some -overmastering horror, swayed forward, and fell heavily to the floor. - -The candle flickered suddenly as it was raised and applied to a wall -gas jet. The sudden light caused the spellbound spectators of the -scene to blink violently; then, as their eyes grew accustomed to the -illumination, they made out the figure of a tall man in nondescript -clothes standing near the chimney. - -"Who--who are you, and where in hell did you come from?" gasped Brett. - -"I am Barry Thornton, formerly of the United States Navy." The newcomer -caught sight of Eleanor, and stretched out his arms pleadingly. "My -dear, dear daughter." - -Eleanor, grown deadly white, clutched the table for support. "I don't -understand," she stammered. - -"I forgot." The newcomer's arms dropped to his side. "You were too -young to remember me when I last saw you. Fortunately," meeting Brett's -incredulous stare, "Nicodemus knows me." - -"Your spectacular appearance seems to have knocked him silly," -exclaimed Captain Lane, regaining his voice. "I reckon we'll have to -bring him around before he can identify you properly." - -"Nicodemus, tell these gentlemen who I am," commanded the newcomer. - -"Yo' is my marse, Cap'n Barry Thornton, suh." The voice came from -behind Douglas, and all in the room wheeled in that direction. There -stood Nicodemus, his eyes starting from his head, his face gray with -fright. He had entered unnoticed a second before. - -Eleanor's senses were reeling. With desperate effort she controlled -herself. "Then who is that?" she cried, frantically, pointing to the -motionless figure which was partly hidden from their view by the divan. - -For answer the newcomer stepped forward and thrust the sofa to one -side, then stooped and rolled the figure over, disclosing the white -hair and well-known features of Colonel Dana Thornton. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV - -THE FINAL EXPLANATION - - -Douglas caught Eleanor as she fell and carried her to the lounge. - -"Get some water and wine, Lane," he directed, and the young officer -sped out of the room, to return quickly with Nicodemus bearing the -necessary articles. Douglas forced some of the stimulant between -Eleanor's clenched teeth, and bathed her temples and hands with the -iced water, and, to his infinite relief, he had the satisfaction of -seeing her open her eyes. - -"Father," she murmured, "Father!" - -"I am here." The tall, sad-faced man stooped over her, and she -placed her trembling hand against his cheek. "Don't look so wild, my -darling,"--as recollection returned fully to her. "Think no more of -it," and he laid his hand softly over her eyes. She smiled like a tired -child, and, reaching over, laid her hand in Douglas', then, reassured, -lay still. Seen together, the likeness between father and daughter -was obvious. Eleanor had inherited his handsome deep blue eyes, long -eyelashes, and brilliant coloring. - -Brett rose from beside the still figure. "He's dead--this time," he -said tersely. "Apoplexy. It beats me how he got out of that burning -automobile." - -"He wasn't in it," said Barry Thornton calmly. - -"He wasn't?" Brett's excitement overcame him. "Why, I saw him with my -own eyes." - -"You saw him leave here, yes; but you probably did not notice that -the Japanese chauffeur was crouching at his feet in the car. When the -machine turned into Wisconsin Avenue, out of your sight, my brother -slowed down and sprang out, giving his hat to the Japanese, who took -his place at the wheel and raced the machine up Wisconsin Avenue." - -"Well, I'll be damned!" ejaculated Brett. "So it was poor Fugi who was -burned up. But, good Lord! when Colonel Thornton had made so successful -a getaway what induced him to put his head in the lion's mouth by -returning here, and what was he doing in this room?" - -"If you search his pockets you may find out," was the cryptic reply as -Barry Thornton drew up a chair by Eleanor's couch and seated himself. - -Brett thrust his hand first in one pocket of the dead man's clothing -and then in another. In the last one he jerked it out again as if -his fingers had been bitten. In his hand dangled the priceless ruby -necklace and a wallet filled with bank notes! Brett sat down on the -floor, for once speechless. - -"How did you know it?" he asked finally. - -Barry Thornton raised his disengaged hand and pointed to the portrait -of his ancestor and namesake. "I was watching this scene through -those peepholes,"--an exclamation escaped Douglas,--"you almost -caught me this morning, Mr. Hunter. This old house is honeycombed -with secret passages. My brother kept a large sum of money in a -secret drawer in that desk. He probably needed funds to assist him in -escaping from this country, so came back here and entered the house -by means of one of the secret passages. He has been concealed behind -that sliding panel,"--pointing to an aperture in the wall near the -chimney,--"waiting to slip into this room. He seized the opportunity -when Nicodemus put out the lights, and left by the billiard room door, -to steal the necklace as well as get his money. Your reëntering the -room flustered him, and he was making in haste for the secret passage -when I stepped out of it and faced him. Thinking me dead years -ago--his escape barred--the shock proved too much...." Thornton did not -complete his sentence. There was a moment's silence. - -"I think it would be as well, Mr. Thornton, that we remove your -brother's body to his room," suggested Douglas, recovering somewhat -from his astonishment. - -"Well, I don't know about that; the coroner----" objected Brett -dubiously. - -"We can all testify to the details of Colonel Thornton's death," put in -Lane. "But we cannot leave him lying here on his own floor. His death -was natural, brought on by shock." - -"Very well, sir." Brett rose and walked to the door. He returned in -a moment with a plain-clothes policeman, and, with the assistance of -Douglas and Lane, all that was mortal of Dana Thornton was carried to -his room. Barry Thornton had requested them to return, and Douglas, -Lane, and Brett trooped back to the library. - -"Eleanor has told me of her long search," began Thornton. "My -disappearance came from lapse of memory, and the latter was brought on -by a fall on shipboard. That fall,"--deliberately,--"was caused by my -brother, Dana." - -"Oh, Father!" Eleanor sat bolt upright. - -"Yes, I had found out some of his deviltries and taxed him with them. -I told him I would expose him if he did not mend his ways, and he -promised to do so. He visited me on board ship, and while he was there -I had occasion to mount the rigging. He followed me up, and managed to -push me as I was swinging from one of the ropes. I lost my balance and -fell, with what result you already know." - -"The fiend!" cried Eleanor, bitterly. "And I trusted him so." - -"His ability to inspire confidence has been his greatest asset," said -her father dryly. "After leaving the gig that day at Old Point Comfort, -everything is a blank to me." - -"What brought back your memory?" asked Douglas. - -"A chance remark overheard in a drinking hell of Colon, Panama. Two -days before that a man whose face was dimly familiar met me in the -streets of Cristobal and gave me his card, telling me I must ask for -him at the Navy Department at Washington, and that the Secretary was -keeping a place open for me. At the time, while his words impressed me -deeply, they conveyed no very clear idea, nor did Senator Carew's name -enlighten me; but they caused me to renew my efforts to remember the -past, which I felt convinced was very different from my surroundings -then. - -"As I have said, two days after I overheard two men plotting against -the United States. Toward the end of their conversation the younger -man, whom I took to be an American, mentioned the name which woke the -sleeping chords of memory--the name of my dearly loved wife, Nora -Fitzgerald,"--his voice broke with a sob. Eleanor raised his hand -to her lips and kissed it tenderly. Her father's grasp tightened -involuntarily and he continued: - -"I hastened back to Washington as soon as I could get here, working -my passage, and on my arrival went to see Secretary Wyndham. The news -of Senator Carew's death was a great shock, for I had depended on him -to assist me to find my wife and child. I believe I had some sort of -attack at the Department, but all I recollect is finding myself again -in the street." - -"What did you do then?" questioned Douglas, as the older man paused. - -"I came on here, thinking I might find Dana. He was out, but old -Nicodemus opened the door for me. He recognized me almost instantly; -hurried me out into the kitchen, and there poured out such an -extraordinary tale of Dana's behavior that I sat dumfounded." - -"Do tell us what he said," urged Brett, hitching his chair forward. - -"In justice to myself I must," was the grave reply. "Dana was a moral -degenerate; brave to a fault, and very clever, he did not know the -difference between right and wrong. If he had been content to keep -straight he might have risen to high places; instead he practiced -deceit and dishonor." Thornton's sad face hardened. "He was always a -first class actor, and that talent helped him in the double life he -was leading. Nicodemus told me that he was in the habit of disguising -himself whenever he was up to deviltry." - -"Ah, that explains why Annette did not know that Dana Thornton was 'the -mutual friend' to whom she delivered and from whom she received secret -despatches," put in Brett, who had followed Captain Thornton's words -with breathless interest. - -"After what Nicodemus told me I decided not to let my brother know of -my presence here," continued Captain Thornton, "and so occupied an -unused room in the garret, where Nicodemus took care of me." - -"Oh, why didn't you come to me?" asked Eleanor passionately. - -"I did, dear; yesterday morning, but you were out." An exclamation -broke from Eleanor. "I did not leave any message or name, so you were -not told of my visit. Nicodemus told me of my wife's death, and of your -presence in Washington, Eleanor. - -"How I kept my hands off Dana I don't know!" Thornton's eyes blazed -with righteous indignation. "He was the cause of all my misfortunes. -When possible I spied upon him; not an honorable occupation, but I felt -I must fight the devil with fire. When I entered this room just now I -intended to slay him, but Providence intervened and gave him a more -merciful death than I would have meted out to him." - -"I don't know about that," said Brett; "in the hour of his triumph -you snatched his victory from him. God only knows what thoughts were -concentrated in his active brain when physical endurance succumbed to -the shock of seeing you." - -"Perhaps you are right," agreed Thornton wearily. "I think that is all -I have to tell you, gentlemen." - -"There is one question I feel I must ask," Brett rose to his feet as -he spoke. "Did Annette commit suicide, or was she killed by human or -supernatural agency?" - -"I think my brother planned her murder; one crime more or less did not -trouble his elastic conscience." - -"By Heaven! she brought it on herself by offering to confess to Colonel -Thornton what she knew of Senator Carew's murder. But how the devil -did he accomplish it?" questioned Brett. "The only door was locked on -the inside, and no one could have entered by the windows. I examined -all the wall space, thinking there might be a concealed entrance, but -couldn't find a sign of one." - -"But you did not examine the floor of the closet," replied Thornton. -"It has a trapdoor cleverly concealed. The passage leads to a secret -door which opens on the landing of the circular staircase leading from -this floor to the next. My idea is that Dana stole into the room, found -the maid asleep, and blew out the gas, leaving her to be asphyxiated, -and then returned to his room." - -"Did you see him do this?"--sternly. - -"Most certainly not. If I had had the faintest idea that he intended to -murder the maid, I would have prevented the crime. I stayed downstairs -last night, going over some papers in Dana's desk until nearly three -this morning. I was stealing up to my room when I saw Miss Carew coming -down the hall, and, when she screamed and roused the household, I -bolted into the secret passage opening from the stair landing." - -"I am exceedingly obliged to you, sir, for straightening out these -mysteries," said Brett, stepping to the door. "How much do you wish -made public?" - -"Only that which is absolutely necessary to clear the innocent from -suspicion," returned Thornton gravely. "I leave the matter to your -judgment." - -"Very good, sir; I'll hush it up as much as possible. Good -evening,"--and Brett departed. - -Eleanor slipped from the lounge where she had been lying. "Wait for me -here, Father," she requested, as she left the room. - -"Will you excuse me, Mr. Thornton," said Fred Lane, rising. "I would -like to join Mrs. Truxton and Cynthia for half an hour." - -"Certainly, Captain, and I will be exceedingly grateful if you will -explain to Mrs. Truxton what has taken place here to-night. Tell her as -much or as little as you think necessary." - -"I will indeed, sir; good night," and Lane, his step elastic as he -thought of joining Cynthia, hastened to Mrs. Truxton's room. - -Eleanor was not long absent. Walking over to the lounge, she laid a -number of leather-bound journals on her father's knee. - -"Mother kept a diary for you, Father; she charged me never to part with -it until we should meet, when I was to give it to you." - -Thornton kissed her in silence. As Eleanor stood hesitating, Douglas' -arm stole round her waist. "Come with me, dear heart," he murmured. -The lovelight transfigured his strong face and was reflected in her -beautiful eyes. Together they strolled to the door, but before passing -out of the room Eleanor paused and glanced back at her father. - -Thornton's iron composure had given way, and his head was bowed over -the familiar handwriting as he read through tear-dimmed eyes the -messages of love and faith penned by his girl wife in the years that -were no more. - -THE END - - - - -TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES: - - -A change to the List of Illustrations has been made to correct the -typesetters' error for the placement of the illustration facing -page 18. - -Minor changes have been made to correct obvious typesetters' errors -and regularize hyphenation. Variant spellings have been retained. - -Words and phrases that were typeset in the original book have been -noted by an underscore (_) on each side of the word or phrase. - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's The Man Inside, by Natalie Sumner Lincoln - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MAN INSIDE *** - -***** This file should be named 63223-8.txt or 63223-8.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/3/2/2/63223/ - -Produced by D A Alexander and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - - -Title: The Man Inside - -Author: Natalie Sumner Lincoln - -Release Date: September 17, 2020 [EBook #63223] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MAN INSIDE *** - - - - -Produced by D A Alexander and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class="transnote center"> -<p class="ph3 center no-indent">Transcriber’s Note:</p> - -<p class="no-indent">The cover for this e-Book was created by the Transcriber and is placed in the Public Domain.</p></div> - -<div class="figcenter hide" style="width:450px;"> -<img src="images/cover.jpg" width="450" alt="Cover" title="" /> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h1>THE<br /> -MAN INSIDE</h1> - -<p class="ph4">BY</p> - -<p class="ph3">NATALIE SUMNER LINCOLN</p> - -<p class="center no-indent reduce bgap">AUTHOR OF “THE TREVOR CASE” AND<br /> -“THE LOST DESPATCH.”</p> - -<div class="figcenter bgap" style="width: 65px;"> -<a id="i_title"><img src="images/i_title.jpg" width="60" height="75" alt="Publishers Logo" -title="" /></a></div> - -<p class="ph4 lggap">ILLUSTRATED</p> - -<p class="ph3">D. APPLETON AND COMPANY<br /> -NEW YORK AND LONDON<br /> -1914</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p class="center"><span class="smcap reduce">Copyright, 1914, by</span><br /> -D. APPLETON AND COMPANY</p> - -<hr class="tiny" /> - -<p class="center reduce">Copyright, 1914, by <span class="smcap">Smith Publishing House</span></p> - -<p class="center reduce lggap">Printed in the United States of America</p></div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> -<a id="i_frontispiece"><img class="box" src="images/i_frontispiece.jpg" width="400" height="664" alt="“‘My dream! See, the panels are in the shape of a cross!’”" -title="" /></a></div> - -<p class="caption center">“‘My dream! See, the panels are in the shape of a cross!’”<br /> -<span class="right2">[Page <a href="#Page_198">198</a>]</span></p></div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p class="center"><span class="reduce"> -TO THE LATE</span><br /> -MAJOR-GENERAL GEORGE LEWIS GILLESPIE<br /> -<span class="reduce">U. S. ARMY<br /> -WHOSE KINDLY FRIENDSHIP, GENEROUS<br /> -ENCOURAGEMENT AND DISCRIMINATING CRITICISM<br /> -MADE THIS BOOK POSSIBLE<br /> -IT IS MOST AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED</span></p></div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p class="ph2">CONTENTS</p></div> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="3" summary="CONTENTS"> -<tr><td class="tdbr reduce">CHAPTER</td> -<td> </td> -<td class="tdc reduce">PAGE</td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdbr">I.</td> -<td class="tdbr">“<span class="smcap">Where the Best Is Like the Worst</span>” </td> -<td class="tdbr"><a href="#Page_1">1</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdbr">II.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">After the Ball</span></td> -<td class="tdbr"><a href="#Page_14">14</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdbr">III.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">A Mysterious Tragedy</span></td> -<td class="tdbr"><a href="#Page_19">19</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdbr">IV.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Broken Appointment</span></td> -<td class="tdbr"><a href="#Page_24">24</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdbr">V.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Mute Testimony</span></td> -<td class="tdbr"><a href="#Page_36">36</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdbr">VI.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Circumstantial Evidence</span></td> -<td class="tdbr"><a href="#Page_52">52</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdbr">VII.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">A Piece of Oriental Silk</span></td> -<td class="tdbr"><a href="#Page_59">59</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdbr">VIII.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Kismet</span></td> -<td class="tdbr"><a href="#Page_71">71</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdbr">IX.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">At the State Department</span></td> -<td class="tdbr"><a href="#Page_87">87</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdbr">X.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Theft</span></td> -<td class="tdbr"><a href="#Page_96">96</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdbr">XI.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Over the Tea Cups</span></td> -<td class="tdbr"><a href="#Page_107">107</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdbr">XII.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">A Council of War</span></td> -<td class="tdbr"><a href="#Page_118">118</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdbr">XIII.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">At the White House</span></td> -<td class="tdbr"><a href="#Page_131">131</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdbr">XIV.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Moth and the Flame</span></td> -<td class="tdbr"><a href="#Page_152">152</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdbr">XV.</td> -<td class="tdl">“<span class="smcap">Thornton’s Nest</span>”</td> -<td class="tdbr"><a href="#Page_171">171</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdbr">XVI.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">A Cry in the Night</span></td> -<td class="tdbr"><a href="#Page_188">188</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdbr">XVII.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Mystery Deepens</span></td> -<td class="tdbr"><a href="#Page_204">204</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdbr">XVIII.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">In the Name of the Law</span></td> -<td class="tdbr"><a href="#Page_221">221</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdbr">XIX.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Accusation</span></td> -<td class="tdbr"><a href="#Page_231">231</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdbr">XX.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Weaving the Web</span></td> -<td class="tdbr"><a href="#Page_245">245</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdbr">XXI.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">An International Intrigue</span></td> -<td class="tdbr"><a href="#Page_260">260</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdbr">XXII.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Pursuit</span></td> -<td class="tdbr"><a href="#Page_269">269</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdbr">XXIII.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The End of the Quest</span></td> -<td class="tdbr"><a href="#Page_273">273</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdbr">XXIV.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Final Explanation</span></td> -<td class="tdbr"><a href="#Page_293">293</a></td></tr> -</table> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p class="ph2">LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS</p></div> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="3" summary="ILLUSTRATIONS"> -<tr><td class="tdl"> </td> -<td class="tdc reduce">FACING</td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdl"> </td> -<td class="tdc reduce">PAGE</td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdl">“‘My dream! See, the panels are in the shape of a<br /> -cross!’”</td> -<td class="tdc"><a href="#i_frontispiece"><i>Frontispiece</i></a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdl">“But Cynthia remained where she was and peeped over<br /> -the butler’s shoulder”</td> -<td class="tdc"><a href="#illo_1">18</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdl">“He made out a shadowy form just ahead of him and<br /> -darted forward”</td> -<td class="tdc"><a href="#illo_2">68</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdl">“With an exclamation he rose, and walked across the<br /> -room”</td> -<td class="tdc"><a href="#illo_3">234</a></td></tr> -</table> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span></p> - -<p class="ph1">THE MAN INSIDE</p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER I</a><br /> -<small><small>“WHERE THE BEST IS LIKE THE WORST”</small></small></h2></div> - -<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcap">T</span>HE long hot tropic day was drawing to its -close. The shadows were gradually rising -and filling the narrow street, and every -now and then from the side of the open drain which -ran through the middle of the street a large black -carrion bird flew up. There was no sidewalk, the -cobblestones running right up to the low white house -walls. The windows which opened on the street -were for the most part few in number, small and -heavily barred. It was not by any means the best -quarter in Colon. One building, more pretentious -than the rest, was distinguished from its neighbors -by large French windows, also protected by the iron -screen or <i>reja</i>.</p> - -<p>It was impossible to tell the nationality of the one -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span>man lounging along the street. He seemed profoundly -buried in his own thoughts. Dark as his -skin was, and black as was his beard, there was -something about him which negatived the idea that -he was a Spaniard. His rolling walk suggested the -sailor’s life.</p> - -<p>As he passed the building with the long French -windows, the tinkle of a guitar roused his attention, -and he stepped inside the front door and glanced -furtively at the few men who lounged about the -tables which dotted the long room. Passing by several -empty tables and chairs, the stranger seated -himself in the corner of the room on the side further -from the street, near a window which opened -on a neglected garden. A tropical vine thrust its -branches against what had once been a wood and -glass partition which formed the end of the room, -the branches and leaves twining in and out among -the broken panes of the window.</p> - -<p>Some of the occupants of the room had glanced -indifferently at the stranger on his entrance, but his -haggard, unshaven face and worn clothing did not -arouse their curiosity, and they again turned their -attention to their wine.</p> - -<p>The stranger, after contemplating the view from -the window for some moments, leaned back in his -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span>chair, thrust his hands in his pockets, and stretched -his long legs under the table; then indolently studied -his surroundings. The room reeked with tobacco -smoke and the odor of spirits. The scene reminded -him of Port Said. Not quite as many nationalities -were represented in Colon as haunt the entrance to -the Suez Canal, but the low chatter of tongues -which greeted his ears was polyglot. The men in -the room were types of the born ne’er-do-well. Lazy, -shiftless, they had drifted to Colon, thinking to pick -up whatever spoils came their way during the construction -of the Panama Canal. Drinking and gambling, -gambling and drinking—the sum total of their -lives. The stranger’s lips curved in a sardonic smile, -and he crooned softly:</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Ship me somewheres east of Suez, where the best is like<br /></span> -<span class="i3">the worst,<br /></span> -<span class="i0">Where there aren’t no Ten Commandments an’ a man can<br /></span> -<span class="i3">raise a thirst.</span> -</div></div> - -<p>His smile deepened as he caught the scowl of a -Spaniard sitting near him. His glance traveled on, -and, as he studied the flushed, sodden faces, a sudden -horror of himself and his surroundings shook -him. He passed a nervous hand over his damp -forehead. Why had his memory played him so -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span>scurvy a trick? The past few years were not pleasant -to contemplate, and the future even less so. He -half started from his chair, then sank back and summoned -the <i>mozo</i>. Quickly he gave his order in -fluent Spanish, and waited impatiently for the man’s -return. He had been fortunate at the gaming table -the night before, and could purchase a moment’s -respite from the torments of an elusive memory. -Memory, in whose wondrous train follow the joys -of childhood, parents and home! The stranger’s -strong hand trembled as he stroked his beard. Why -was he an outcast? For him alone there were -no childhood and no home; his thinking life began -as a full-grown man. Was there to be no -awakening?</p> - -<p>In a few moments the <i>mozo</i> returned, and placed -a glass and bottle of liquor before him. The -stranger hastily filled and drank. As the stimulant -crept through his veins, a feeling of physical contentment -replaced all other sensations, and, lighting -a cigar, he was slowly sinking once more into reverie -when from behind the partition he heard a voice:</p> - -<p>“No names, please.”</p> - -<p>The words, spoken clearly in English, startled him -from his abstraction, and he glanced through the -vine and, himself unseen, saw two men sitting at a -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span>table. They had apparently entered the patio from -another part of the house.</p> - -<p>“Quite right, I approve your caution.” The -words were also in English, but with a strong foreign -accent, and the speaker, a man of middle age -and fine physique, laid some papers on the table before -them. “Where is the Senator this evening?”</p> - -<p>“He accompanied several members of the Congressional -party to inspect the plant of the Quartermaster -and Subsistence Departments, and on his return -will dine with Major Reynolds and several -other officers at the hotel.”</p> - -<p>“I see.” The foreigner drummed impatiently on -the table. “You were late in keeping your appointment.”</p> - -<p>“I had the devil’s own time in finding this dive,” -returned the younger man, and, as he moved his -chair half around, the inquisitive stranger, peeping -through the leaves of the vine, obtained a view of -the speaker’s boyish face. The weak mouth was -partly hidden by a short black mustache; the -features were well cut, and by some would have -been called handsome.</p> - -<p>The older man gave vent to a half-smothered -chuckle. “Goethals and Gorgas have reformed the -Canal Zone, and the local government is trying to -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span>do the same with Panama, but, <i>por Dios</i>, drinking -and gambling continue <i>unnoticed</i> in Colon,” he said, -dryly. “I find a room in this house most convenient -during my short visits here. No ‘<i>gringo</i>’,” -he sneered, “dare show his face in this room.”</p> - -<p>The stranger settled down in his chair, which was -wedged into the corner formed by the wall of the -room and the wood and glass partition, until his -head was screened from the two speakers by the -thick foliage of the vine. The Spaniard and the -Jamaican, who had occupied the table nearest him, -had gone, and the few men who still lingered over -their wine at the farther end of the room paid no -attention to him. He could listen without being observed.</p> - -<p>“So you believe the people of Panama are already -dissatisfied with their president?” inquired the -younger man, whom the listener judged to be an -American.</p> - -<p>“I do,” came the firm reply. “And but for the -presence of <i>los tiranos del norte</i> here there would -have been already a <i>pronunciamiento</i>.”</p> - -<p>“Then you think the time is ripe for carrying out -your scheme?”</p> - -<p>His companion nodded without speaking, and -tugged at his gray imperial. “If it is done at all it -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span>must be soon,” he said, finally. “American rule is -not too popular here, and now is the time to act. -And I pray God I shall be spared to see the fruits -of the <i>labor de los cochinos sucios</i> reaped by another -nation,” he spoke with intense bitterness.</p> - -<p>“And that nation?” questioned the other.</p> - -<p>“Is better left unmentioned.”</p> - -<p>“You do not love my countrymen,” exclaimed the -American, as he drew out his cigarette case and -passed it to his companion, who waved it away impatiently.</p> - -<p>“Say rather—hate,” was the terse reply. “But I -do not look on you as one of that nationality. Your -mother was my dearly loved cousin, and Colombia -boasts no prouder name than the one she bore before -she married your father. By the love you bear her -memory I entreat you to assist me in this undertaking.”</p> - -<p>“I have promised,” said the American gruffly. “I -hear that Colombia intends accepting the ten million -dollars offered by the United States for certain -islands near Panama.”</p> - -<p>“Never!” The Colombian spoke with emphasis. -“Our hatred lies too deep for that; it cannot be -placated by an offer of ‘conscience money,’ no matter -how great the sum.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span></p> - -<p>“The more fools you,” muttered the American, -<i>sotto voce</i>.</p> - -<p>“The revolt of Panama was followed by an insurrection -in Colombia,” continued the other, “and -the Government was overthrown. The American -newspapers gave us a few paragraphs at the time—they -did not mention that nearly one hundred thousand -people were killed; that the horrors of civil -war were augmented by pillage and murder. I was -at the front with the troops, and, in my absence from -home, my wife and child were murdered by some -<i>insurrectos</i>. I tell you,” he struck the table a resounding -blow with his clenched fist, “there is no -Colombian living who would not gladly see the -United States humiliated.”</p> - -<p>“It is easy to see that the people in Panama are -jealous of the success of the Americans,” commented -the young man.</p> - -<p>“Naturally; the United States has always advanced -at the price of Latin-America.”</p> - -<p>“How so?”</p> - -<p>“Study your history. When the Thirteen Original -States branched out, first came the ‘Louisiana Purchase,’ -land originally settled by the French; then -Florida, first settled by the Spanish, was bought by -the United States. Later still, Texas seceded from -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span>Mexico, settled also by the Spanish; then came the -Mexican War, and Latin-America lost the territory -now known as New Mexico, Arizona, and California.”</p> - -<p>“Seems to me it would have been better if Colombia -had accepted the original offer of the United -States for the Panama Canal Zone.”</p> - -<p>“Why so? The United States only offered a beggarly -ten million. By waiting a year the French concession -would have expired, and the Colombian -Government would have received the sixty million -which the United States eventually paid the French -Company.”</p> - -<p>“Instead of which you got nothing,” remarked the -American dryly, “and lost Panama into the bargain.”</p> - -<p>“Through underhand methods,” began the other -hotly, then checked himself. “Enough of the past. -Have you a message for me?”</p> - -<p>For reply the young man drew out an envelope -from an inside pocket and handed it to his companion, -who opened it and read the communication -in silence.</p> - -<p>“Good,” he said finally, tearing the note into infinitesimal -pieces and carefully putting them in his -leather wallet, from which he first took several let<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span>ters. -“Give this to the Ambassador immediately on -your return, and this—” he hesitated for a second—“give -at once to our mutual friend.”</p> - -<p>The American took the papers and placed them -securely in an inside pocket. “Is that all?” he inquired.</p> - -<p>“No.” The Colombian drew out a small chamois -bag whose contents emitted a slight jingling noise -as he handed it to his companion. “You may find -this useful. No thanks are necessary, dear boy,” -laying his hand on the American’s shoulder as the -latter commenced speaking. “The death of my wife -and child has deprived me of near relatives except -you, and I propose to make you my heir.” Then, to -change the subject, he added quickly, “Is there no -way to induce the Senator to use his influence -with Congress and the Administration for disarmament, -and the curtailing of building more battleships?”</p> - -<p>The American laughed disagreeably. “I think it -may be done—in time.”</p> - -<p>The Colombian’s face brightened. “Splendid! -If we can stop his fervid speeches in behalf of a -larger standing army and navy, we will have accomplished -much. But how do you expect to alter his -attitude?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Through a woman,” the American’s lips parted -in an amused smile. “There’s no fool like an -old fool, and the Senator is no exception to the -rule.”</p> - -<p>“Indeed?” The Colombian raised his eyebrows. -“And what has the woman to say in the matter?”</p> - -<p>“Nothing. She emulates a clam.”</p> - -<p>The eavesdropper on the other side of the partition, -who had caught most of the conversation, -moved ever so slightly to stretch his cramped limbs, -and then pulled out his handkerchief and mopped -his heated face. As he did so a small slip of paper -dropped, unseen by him, from his pocket to the floor. -A large black cat came softly over to him and he -lifted the animal up and placed her on the table before -him. He stroked the purring feline and -listened intently to catch the conversation which -drifted to him through the vine-covered broken window -panes. Apparently the two men were preparing -to leave.</p> - -<p>“Does the Senator really think to marry?” asked -the Colombian, as he picked up his hat.</p> - -<p>“I judge so. He is obviously very much infatuated -with the girl’s unusual type of beauty. And, -believe me, she thoroughly understands the art of -managing men.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Indeed? Who is the girl?”</p> - -<p>“The young daughter of the famous Irish actress, -Nora Fitzgerald. Senator Carew....”</p> - -<p>Crash—the bottle and glass smashed in pieces. -The eavesdropper never stopped to see the damage -he had done, but with incredible swiftness and -stealth was out of the room and down the street -before the irate proprietor had reached the deserted -table.</p> - -<p>“<i>Que hay?</i>” inquired the Colombian of the proprietor. -He and the American had rushed into the -room and over to the window by which the eavesdropper -had been sitting.</p> - -<p>“A drunken Spaniard knocked the bottle and -glass from the table, and cleared out without paying -the damage,” explained the proprietor in Spanish, -as he signed to the <i>mozo</i> to sweep up the -mess.</p> - -<p>“What’s that in your hand?”</p> - -<p>“A card, Señor, which I have just picked up from the floor.”</p> - -<p>“Let me have it.”</p> - -<p>“<i>Si, Señor, con mucho gusto.</i>” He quickly handed -the paper to the Colombian.</p> - -<p>The American looked over his companion’s shoulder -as the latter adjusted his eyeglasses and held up -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span>the visiting card so that both could see its contents. -With staring eyes and faces gone white they read -the engraved inscription:</p> - -<p class="center no-indent">MR. JAMES CAREW</p> -<p class="center2">MARYLAND.</p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II</a><br /> -<small><small>AFTER THE BALL</small></small></h2></div> - -<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcap">“F</span>ifty-four!” bellowed the footman through -his megaphone for the sixth time, and he -slanted his umbrella to protect his face from -the driving rain which half-blinded him. A waiting -automobile, whose chauffeur had mistaken the number -called, moved slowly off and gave place to a carriage -and pair.</p> - -<p>“Fifty-four,” mumbled the coachman, checking his -restive horses with difficulty.</p> - -<p>The footman turned, touched his hat, and beckoned -to Cynthia Carew, who stood waiting in the -vestibule. With a rueful glance at the wet sidewalk, -she gathered her skirts up above her ankles and, -propelled by the sturdy arm of her escort, Captain -Lane, was landed breathless at the carriage door.</p> - -<p>“In with you,” laughed Lane, as his umbrella was -almost dragged from his hand by the high wind. -“Your wrap is too pretty to be ruined....” Cyn<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span>thia -was half lifted, half pushed inside the landau.... -“Good night, my dearest.”</p> - -<p>The door slammed shut; the horses, weary of long -standing, started forward at the sound and raced -around the corner into Massachusetts Avenue before -the sleepy coachman could collect his wits.</p> - -<p>Cynthia, on the point of seating herself, was flung -toward the farther corner of the carriage by the -sudden jerk. Instinctively she threw out her hand to -steady herself, and her open palm encountered what -was unmistakably a broad shoulder.</p> - -<p>“Good gracious!” recoiling and collapsing sideways -on the seat. “Philip! How you frightened -me.”</p> - -<p>Then she settled herself more comfortably and, -with an effort, chatted on.</p> - -<p>“The dance really was great fun, just our set you -know, some of the Diplomatic Corps, and a number -of the officers from the Barracks. I hated to leave -so early,” regretfully, “but I promised Uncle James. -Mrs. Owen asked particularly for you, and was -greatly put out because you did not appear. Honestly, -Philip, I am very tired of trying to explain -your sudden aversion to society. Why do you shun -your friends?”</p> - -<p>Not getting an immediate answer she repeated -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span>her question more emphatically. Still no reply. The -silence caught her attention. Turning her head she -scanned the quiet figure by her side.</p> - -<p>The pelting rain, which beat drearily upon the -carriage roof and windows, almost drowned the -sound of rapid hoof-beats. The high wind had apparently -extinguished the carriage lamps and the -dim street lights failed to illuminate the interior of -the rapidly moving carriage. In the semi-darkness -Cynthia could not distinguish her companion’s face.</p> - -<p>“It is <i>you</i>, Philip?” she questioned sharply, and -waited an appreciable moment; then a thought occurred -to her. “Uncle James, are you trying to -play a practical joke?” Her voice rose to a higher -key.</p> - -<p>Her question was ignored.</p> - -<p>Cynthia caught her breath sharply. Suppose the -man was a stranger? She shrank farther back into -her corner. If so, how came he there? Intently -she studied the vague outlines of his figure.</p> - -<p>The landau was an old-fashioned vehicle built -after a commodious pattern by a past generation, -and frequently used by Senator Carew on stormy -nights, as the two broad seats would accommodate -five or six persons by tight squeezing.</p> - -<p>Cynthia clutched her wrap with nervous fingers. -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span>If the man had inadvertently entered the wrong carriage, -the least he could do was to explain the situation -and apologize. But suppose he was drunk? -The thought was not reassuring.</p> - -<p>“Tell me at once who you are,” she demanded -imperiously, “or I will stop the carriage.”</p> - -<p>At that instant the driver swung his horses -abruptly to the left to avoid an excavation in the -street made by the sewer department, and, as the -wheels skidded on the slippery asphalt, the man -swayed sideways, and fell upon Cynthia. A slight -scream escaped her, and she pushed him away, -only to have the limp figure again slide back upon -her.</p> - -<p>He was undoubtedly drunk! Thoroughly alarmed -she pushed him upright, and struggled vainly to -open the carriage door with her disengaged hand.</p> - -<p>With a tremendous jolt, which again deposited -the helpless figure on her shoulder, the carriage -wheels struck the curb as the horses turned into the -driveway leading to the <i>porte-cochère</i> of the Carew -residence. As the horses came to a standstill the -front door was thrown open, and the negro butler -hastened down the short flight of steps.</p> - -<p>Cynthia, with one desperate effort, flung the man -back into his corner and, as the butler turned the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span>stiff handle and opened the door, half jumped, half -fell out of the landau.</p> - -<p>“A man’s in the carriage, Joshua,” she cried. -“See who it is.”</p> - -<p>The servant looked at her in surprise, then obediently -poked his head inside the open door. Unable -to see clearly he drew back and fumbled in his pocket -for a matchbox.</p> - -<p>“Keep dem hosses still, Hamilton,” he directed, -as the coachman leaned down from his seat, and -then he pulled out a match. “Miss Cynthia, yo’ -bettah go inter der house,” glancing at the young -girl’s pale countenance, “I’ll ’ten to dis hyar pusson.”</p> - -<p>But Cynthia remained where she was and peeped -over the butler’s shoulder. He struck a match and -held it in the hollow of his hand until the tiny flame -grew brighter, then leaned forward and gazed into -the carriage.</p> - -<p>The intruder was huddled in the corner, his head -thrown back, and the light fell on a livid face and -was reflected back from glazing eyes. Cynthia’s -knees gave way, and she sank speechless to the -ground.</p> - -<p class="bgap2">“’Fore Gawd!” gasped Joshua, “it’s Marse -James—an’ he’s daid!”</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> -<a id="illo_1"><img class="box" src="images/i_018.jpg" width="400" height="626" alt="“But Cynthia remained where she was and peeped over -the butler’s shoulder”" -title="" /></a></div> - -<p class="caption center no-indent">“But Cynthia remained where she was and peeped over<br /> -the butler’s shoulder”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter gap"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III</a><br /> -<small><small>A MYSTERIOUS TRAGEDY</small></small></h2></div> - -<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcap">T</span>HE portières were pulled aside.</p> - -<p>“Excellency, breakfast is served,” and -the servant bowed deferentially toward a -figure standing in the bow window. As the announcement -reached his ears in the musical language -of his native tongue, the Japanese Ambassador -turned from the window and hastened into the dining room.</p> - -<p>A small pile of letters lay beside his plate, and -he opened and read them as he leisurely ate his -breakfast. Tossing aside the last note, he picked up -the morning <i>Herald</i>, and his eyes glanced casually -over the page then stopped, arrested by a three-column -heading:</p> - -<p class="center no-indent">SENATOR CAREW DEAD<br /> -<span class="smcap">A Mysterious Tragedy</span><br /> -Murder or Suicide?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span></p> - -<p>The Ambassador pushed aside his plate and read -the smaller type with growing interest.</p> - -<p>“During the cloudburst of last night, when the -heavens themselves seemed to threaten Washington, -a most mysterious crime was committed in the fashionable -Northwest. United States Senator James -Carew, of Maryland, one of the most distinguished -and influential men in political and official circles, -was found dead in his carriage early this morning.</p> - -<p>“Much mystery surrounds the case. The tragedy -was not discovered until the arrival of the carriage -at the Carew residence. Miss Carew, whom her -uncle was escorting home from a dance, was completely -prostrated from shock, and had to be carried -to her room.</p> - -<p>“Owing to the lateness of the hour, with the paper -already in press, only a few meager details could be -learned by the special representative of the <i>Herald</i>.</p> - -<p>“Senator Carew was found by his butler, Joshua -Daingerfield, huddled in a corner of the back seat -of the carriage. Dr. Penfield, the coroner, was -hastily summoned, as well as detectives from headquarters. -While awaiting their arrival, the policeman -on the beat had the horses unharnessed and -taken to the stable, and left the carriage under the -porte-cochère.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span></p> - -<p>“On the arrival of the coroner and the detectives -the body was removed from the carriage to the Senator’s -room in the Carew mansion. Dr. Penfield -discovered that death was apparently due to a stab -from a small, upright, desk bill file which had been -thrust into the body with such force that the heavy, -leaded round base was pressed tightly against the -clothes. The sharp point had penetrated to the -heart, and death must have been instantaneous. The -weapon in the wound prevented any outward hemorrhage, -and Senator Carew bled internally.</p> - -<p>“These startling details but add interest to what -promises to prove a mystery unique in the annals of -crime.</p> - -<p>“Senator Carew and his family have resided here -for many years, and have been prominently identified -with official and residential society. The old -Carew mansion on Massachusetts Avenue east of -Fourteenth Street has been noted for its lavish hospitality. -It was erected by Senator Carew’s father, -General Van Ness Carew, shortly before the commencement -of the Civil War, and the foundations -and walls were of such unwonted thickness that General -Carew was pestered with inquiries as to whether -he was not building a fortress!</p> - -<p>“The inmates of the Senator’s household are his -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span>widowed sister, Mrs. George Winthrop, her stepson, -Philip Winthrop; and her niece, Miss Cynthia -Carew, daughter of the late Philip Carew, a younger -brother of Senator Carew.</p> - -<p>“Mrs. Winthrop is well-known in Washington, -having kept house for her brother since the death -of his wife in 1881. Miss Cynthia Carew made her -début last December at a memorable ball which her -aunt and uncle gave for her. Since then Miss Carew -has received much attention, and is regarded as one -of the most popular of the winter’s débutantes.</p> - -<p>“Philip Winthrop has spent most of his life in -Washington, and, since his graduation from Princeton, -has been acting as private secretary for Senator -Carew. He is a member of the Alibi, the Chevy -Chase, and the Riding and Hunt Clubs, and is popular -with his associates.</p> - -<p>“A fearless leader, an upright American, Senator -Carew has served his country well, first as representative, -then as senator. Possessing the confidence -and friendship of the President as he did, it was -frequently prophesied that he would be the power -behind the throne in deciding many of the important -issues now confronting the country. His inexplicable -death is therefore a severe blow to many -besides his immediate family.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span></p> - -<p>“The known facts at present point to murder or -suicide. The negro driver, Sam Hamilton, has been -arrested pending a closer examination.”</p> - -<p>The Ambassador regarded the printed lines long -and thoughtfully. Then his foot pressed the electric -button concealed in the carpet under the table. The -bell had hardly ceased to buzz before the well-trained -servant was by his side.</p> - -<p>“Send for my motor,” came the brief order.</p> - -<p>“It is already at the door, Excellency.”</p> - -<p>The Ambassador tossed his napkin on the table, -pushed back his chair, and rose. “My hat and -coat,” he directed, walking into the hall.</p> - -<p>In a few minutes he stepped out into the vestibule -and filled his lungs with the delicious breeze that -fanned his cheeks. No trace of the heavy storm of -the night before was in the air. The sky was blue, -and the May sunshine lit up the budding trees and -shrubs. The touch of spring and new-born life was -everywhere. The Ambassador snapped off a spray -of honeysuckle which grew along the fence protecting -his parking from his neighbor’s, and tucked the -spray in his buttonhole as he entered the waiting -motor. “Drive to the club,” he directed briefly, as -the car moved off.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV</a><br /> -<small><small>THE BROKEN APPOINTMENT</small></small></h2></div> - -<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcap">E</span>LEANOR THORNTON turned in bed and -stretched herself luxuriously. It was good -to be young and to be sleepy. For a few -seconds she dozed off again; then gradually awoke, -and, too comfortable to move, let her thoughts wander -where they would. In her mind’s eye she reviewed -the events of the past months, and, despite -herself, her lips parted in a happy smile. She had -come to Washington in November to visit her friend, -Cynthia Carew, and, delighted with the reception -accorded her, had invited her cousin, Mrs. Gilbert -Truxton, to chaperon her, and, on her acceptance, -had rented a small furnished residence near Dupont -Circle for the winter.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Winthrop and Cynthia Carew, whom she -had known at boarding school, took her everywhere -with them, and her cousin, Mrs. Truxton, belonging -as she did to an old aristocratic family of the District, -procured her entrée to the exclusive homes of -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span>the “cave-dwellers,” as the residential circle was -sometimes called.</p> - -<p>Born also with the gifts of charm and tact, -Eleanor’s wild rose beauty had made an instant impression, -and she was invited everywhere. The butler’s -tray was filled with visiting cards, which many -newcomers, anxious for social honors, longed to -have left at their doors.</p> - -<p>Eleanor was one of the older girls at Dobbs -Ferry during Cynthia’s first year at that boarding -school. They had taken an immense liking to each -other, which later blossomed into an intimate friendship. -After her graduation she and Cynthia had -kept up their correspondence without a break, and, -true to her promise, given years before, she had left -Berlin and journeyed to Washington to be present -at Cynthia’s début.</p> - -<p>After the death of her mother, Eleanor had been -adopted by an indulgent uncle, Mr. William Fitzgerald, -of New York, and on his death had inherited -a comfortable fortune.</p> - -<p>In many ways the winter had brought numerous -triumphs in its train, enough to spoil most natures. -But Eleanor was too well poised to lose her head -over adulation. She had sounded the depths of -social pleasantries, and found them shallow. In -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span>every country she had visited all men had been only -too ready to be at her beck and call—except one. -The dreamy eyes hardened at the thought, and the -soft lips closed firmly. She had made the advances, -and he had not responded. A situation so unique in -her experience had made an indelible impression. -Angry with herself for even recalling so unpleasant -an episode, she touched the bell beside the bed; then, -placing her pillow in a more comfortable position, -she leaned back and contemplated her surroundings -with speculative eyes.</p> - -<p>Her individuality had stamped itself upon the -whole room. A picture or two, far above the average, -a few choice books, whose dainty binding indicated -a taste and refinement quite unusual; one or -two Chinese vases, old when the Revolutionary War -began; an ivory carving of the Renaissance; a mirror -in whose lustrous depths Venetian beauties had -seen their own reflections hundreds of years ago. -All these things gave sure indication of study and -travel, and a maturity of thought and taste which, -oddly enough, seemed rather to enhance Eleanor’s -natural charm.</p> - -<p>A discreet knock sounded on her door. “<i>Bon -jour, Mademoiselle</i>,” exclaimed the maid, entering -with the breakfast tray.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span></p> - -<p>“<i>Bon jour</i>, Annette,” responded Eleanor, rousing -herself, then lapsing into English, which her maid -spoke with but a slight accent. “Put the tray here -beside me. Must I eat that egg?” she made a slight -grimace.</p> - -<p>“But yes, Mademoiselle.” The Frenchwoman -stepped to the window and raised the shade. “Madame -Truxton gave orders to Fugi to tell the cook -that he must send you a more substantial breakfast. -She does not approve of rolls and coffee. I think -she wishes you to eat as she does.”</p> - -<p>Eleanor shuddered slightly. “Did—did she have -beefsteak and fried onions this morning?” she inquired.</p> - -<p>“But yes, Mademoiselle,” Annette’s pretty features -dimpled into a smile, “and she ate most heartily.”</p> - -<p>“Not another word, Annette, you take away my -appetite. Is Mrs. Truxton waiting to see me?”</p> - -<p>“No, Mademoiselle; she was up at six o’clock -and had her breakfast at half-past seven.” Annette -paused in the act of laying out a supply of fresh -<i>lingerie</i>. “What have the Americans on their -conscience that they cannot sleep in the morning?”</p> - -<p>“You cannot complain of my early rising,” -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span>laughed Eleanor, glancing at the clock, whose hands -pointed to a quarter to twelve.</p> - -<p>“Ah, Mademoiselle, you have lived so long -away from America that you have acquired our -habits.”</p> - -<p>“You may take the tray, Annette; I have even -less appetite than usual to-day.” Eleanor waited -until it had been removed, then sprang out of bed. -“Come back in fifteen minutes,” she called.</p> - -<p>It did not take her long to complete her <i>toilette</i>, -and when the maid returned she was seated before -her dressing table.</p> - -<p>“What news to-day, Annette?” she asked, as the -Frenchwoman, with skilful fingers, arranged her -wavy hair, which fell far below her waist.</p> - -<p>“Madame and Fugi——” began the maid.</p> - -<p>“I don’t want household details,” broke in -Eleanor impatiently. “Tell me of some outside -news, if there is any.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, indeed, yes; news the most startling. Senator -Carew——” she paused to contemplate her -handiwork.</p> - -<p>“Well, what about him?” inquired Eleanor listlessly.</p> - -<p>“He is dead.”</p> - -<p>“Dead!” The handglass slipped from Eleanor’s -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span>grasp and fell crashing to the hearth. Annette -pounced upon it.</p> - -<p>“Oh, Mademoiselle, the glass is broken. <i>Quelle -horreur!</i>”</p> - -<p>“Bother the glass.” Eleanor’s foot came down -with an unmistakable stamp. “Tell me at once of -Senator Carew’s death. I cannot believe it!”</p> - -<p>“It is only too true,” Annette was a privileged -character and deeply resented being hurried, also -her volatile French nature enjoyed creating a sensation. -She had eagerly read the morning paper, and -had refrained from telling Eleanor the news until -she could get her undivided attention. “Senator -Carew was found dead in his carriage early this -morning on his return from the dance at Mrs. -Owen’s”—Annette had no reason to complain, -Eleanor was giving her full attention to the story—“he -had been stabbed.”</p> - -<p>The maid’s hand accidentally touched Eleanor’s -bare neck, and she felt the taut muscles quiver. -Covertly she glanced into the mirror and studied -the lovely face. But Eleanor’s expression told her -nothing. Her cheeks were colorless and her eyes -downcast.</p> - -<p>After a barely perceptible pause Annette continued -her story. “The coachman has been ar<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span>rested——” -a knock interrupted her and she hastened -to open the door, returning in an instant with -a note.</p> - -<p>“Fugi says the messenger boy is waiting for an -answer, Mademoiselle.”</p> - -<p>Eleanor tore it open and read the hastily scrawled -lines.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p class="no-indent"><span class="smcap">Dear Eleanor</span>:</p> - -<p>I suppose you have been told of last night’s terrible -tragedy. Cynthia is prostrated. She begs pitifully -to see you. Can you come to us for a few -days? Your presence will help us both.</p> - -<p class="center">Affectionately,</p> -<p class="center3"><span class="smcap">Charlotte Winthrop</span>.</p></div> - -<p>Eleanor read the note several times, then walked -thoughtfully over to her desk.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p class="no-indent"><span class="smcap">Dearest Mrs. Winthrop</span>: [she wrote] It is -awful. I will come as soon as possible.</p> - -<p class="center">Devotedly,</p> -<p class="center2"><span class="smcap right">Eleanor</span>.</p></div> - -<p>“Give this to Fugi, Annette, then come back and -pack my small steamer trunk,” as the maid hastened -out of the room; she picked up a silk waist preparatory -to putting it on, but her <i>toilette</i> was -doomed to another interruption.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Well, my dear, may I come in?” asked a pleasant -voice from the doorway.</p> - -<p>“Indeed you may, Cousin Kate,” Eleanor stepped -across the room and kissed the older woman affectionately. -Mrs. Truxton’s ruddy face lighted with -an affectionate smile as she returned her greeting. -She did not altogether approve of her young cousin, -many of her “foreign ways” as she termed it, offended -her, but Eleanor’s lovable disposition had -won a warm place in her regard.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Truxton seated herself in one of the comfortable -lounging chairs and contemplated the disheveled -room and Eleanor’s oriental silk dressing -gown with disapproval.</p> - -<p>“Do you know the time?” she inquired pointedly.</p> - -<p>“Nearly one,” answered Eleanor, as she discarded -her dressing gown for a silk waist. “Lunch -will soon be ready. I hope you have a good appetite.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, thank you; <i>I’ve</i> been out all the morning,” -reproachfully. “Mrs. Douglas has asked me to -dine with her this evening, and, I think, Eleanor, if -it will not interfere with your arrangements, that I -will accept the invitation.”</p> - -<p>“Do so by all means,” exclaimed Eleanor heartily. -“I hope she won’t talk you deaf, dumb, and blind.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span></p> - -<p>“She is rather long-winded,” admitted Mrs. Truxton, -tranquilly. “On the telephone this morning she -took up twenty minutes telling me of the arrival -here of her nephew, Douglas Hunter—good gracious, -child——” as Eleanor’s silver powder box -rolled on the floor with a loud bang—“how you -startle one.”</p> - -<p>“I beg your pardon,” Eleanor was some seconds -picking it up, for her fingers fumbled clumsily. -“What were you saying, Cousin Kate?” replacing -the silver on the dressing table.</p> - -<p>“Mercy, child, how inattentive you are! I was -only remarking that Douglas Hunter is no stranger -to Washington. He was raised here, as he belongs -to one of the first families of Georgetown.”</p> - -<p>“I never heard of a ‘second’ family in Georgetown,” -smiled Eleanor; then, seeing her cousin’s -offended expression, she hastily changed the subject. -“Have you heard the shocking news of Senator -Carew’s—” she hesitated for a moment—“tragic -death?”</p> - -<p>“Indeed I have. Washington is talking of nothing -else. Why are you packing, Annette?” as the -servant entered.</p> - -<p>“Mrs. Winthrop has just written and asked me -to spend a few days with them,” explained Eleanor -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span>hurriedly, “so suppose you invite Miss Crane to -stay with you in my absence.”</p> - -<p>“Of course you cannot very well decline to go,” -said Mrs. Truxton thoughtfully. “Still, I hate to -have you mixed up in such an affair, Eleanor.”</p> - -<p>“Nonsense, Cousin Kate, you must not look at it -in that light,” Eleanor patted the fat shoulder nearest -her affectionately. “Cynthia told me yesterday -that Senator Carew had said he was going to discharge -the coachman, Hamilton (a surly brute, I -always thought him), for drunkenness. I have no -doubt he committed the murder from revenge, and -while under the influence of liquor.”</p> - -<p>“I sincerely trust that is the correct solution of the -mystery,” Mrs. Truxton looked dubious, “but there -has been one fearful scandal in that family already, -Eleanor, and I very much doubt if Senator Carew -was killed by a servant.”</p> - -<p>“Why, what do you mean?” Eleanor wheeled -around in her chair and faced her abruptly.</p> - -<p>“Time will show.” Mrs. Truxton shook her head -mysteriously.</p> - -<p>“Oh, nonsense!” exclaimed Eleanor impatiently.</p> - -<p>As Mrs. Truxton opened her lips to reply, Annette -reëntered the room.</p> - -<p>“Pardon, madame, you are wanted at the tele<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span>phone,” -and as Mrs. Truxton lifted herself carefully -out of her chair and walked out of the room, she -handed a package to Eleanor. “This has just come -for you, Mademoiselle; the boy who left it said -there was no answer.”</p> - -<p>“Annette! Annette!” came Mrs. Truxton’s shrill -voice from the lower hall.</p> - -<p>“Coming, Madame, coming,” and the maid hastened -out of the room shutting the door behind her.</p> - -<p>Left alone, Eleanor turned the sealed package -over curiously. The address was written in an unknown -hand. Quickly breaking the red sealing wax -and tearing off the paper, she removed the pasteboard -cover and a layer of cotton. A startled exclamation -escaped her as she drew out the contents -of the box—a necklace of large rubies and smaller -diamonds in an antique setting.</p> - -<p>Eleanor, who knew the value of jewels, realized -from their color and size that the rubies were almost -priceless, and in the pure joy of beholding their -beauty laid the necklace in the palm of her left hand -and along her bare arm. After contemplating the -effect for a moment, a thought occurred to her, and -she pulled out the remaining cotton in the box and -found at the bottom a small card. She picked it -out and read the message written on the card.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span></p> - -<p class="center no-indent">“<i>The appointment was not kept. Well done.</i>”</p> - -<p>The card fluttered to the floor unheeded. The -pigeon blood rubies made a crimson stain on -Eleanor’s white arm, strong wrist, and supple fingers.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V</a><br /> -<small><small>MUTE TESTIMONY</small></small></h2></div> - -<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcap">D</span>OUGLAS HUNTER sighed involuntarily -as he left busy Fourteenth Street, and -walked down Massachusetts Avenue. -Twelve years’ absence makes a great difference in -the ever-shifting population of Washington. He -felt like another Rip Van Winkle as he gazed at -each passer-by in his search for a familiar face. -Even the streets had changed, and he was almost -appalled by the grandeur of some of the huge white -palaces erected by multimillionaires on Massachusetts -and New Hampshire Avenues, and the Avenue -of the Presidents. He had spent part of the morning -motoring about the city with one of his cousins, -and the outward and visible signs of wealth had -staggered him. What had become of the unpretentious, -generous-hearted hospitality, and the old -world manners and courtly greeting of the former -host and hostess who had ruled so long at the National -Capital? Had Mammon spoiled the old simplicity,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span> -and had Washington become but a suburb -of New York and Chicago? It truly seemed as if -plutocracy had displaced aristocracy.</p> - -<p>As Douglas approached the Carew residence he -glanced keenly at the handsome old mansion and at -the numerous idlers loafing in the vicinity drawn -there by idle curiosity. A policeman stood on guard -in the driveway, and a number of photographers -loitered near by, cameras in hand, waiting patiently -to snapshot any member of the Carew family who -might incautiously venture out of doors.</p> - -<p>The house itself, a handsome square red brick -and stone trimmed four-storied building, stood some -distance back from the sidewalk with beautifully -kept lawns divided by the carriage drive. The -blinds were drawn and the ominous black streamer -over the bell presented a mournful spectacle. It was -the finest residence in that once fashionable locality, -and Douglas decided that he preferred its solid, -home-like architecture to the more ornate and pretentious -dwellings in other parts of the city. As -the years went by Senator Carew had added improvements -until the residence was one of the most -delightful in Washington.</p> - -<p>As Douglas turned into the walk, a large touring -car wheeled into the driveway, and as it purred -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span>softly by him, he stepped back respectfully and -raised his hat to the tired-faced man sitting alone in -the <i>tonneau</i>. He did not need to glance at the small -coat-of-arms of the United States emblazoned on -the polished door, or at the two Secret Service men -following on their motor cycles, to recognize the distinguished -occupant of the car.</p> - -<p>As the motor stopped under the <i>porte-cochère</i>, the -colored butler ran down the steps, and the President -leaned forward and placed a note in the bowing and -scraping negro’s hand; then the big car continued -on down the driveway and out into the street.</p> - -<p>Douglas waited where he was for a few minutes -before mounting the short flight of steps. The hall -door was opened several inches on his approach, -and Joshua solemnly extended his card tray, which -Douglas waved aside.</p> - -<p>“I called to see Mr. Brett; is he here?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“Yessir,” Joshua opened the door still further, -and inspected him carefully.</p> - -<p>“Take my card to him and ask if he can spare me -a few minutes,” and he dropped his visiting card on -the tray.</p> - -<p>“Walk in, suh,” exclaimed Joshua, impressed by -Douglas’ well-groomed appearance; then he hesitated, -embarrassed by a sudden idea.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span></p> - -<p>“I’ll wait here,” volunteered Douglas, stepping -inside the square hall.</p> - -<p>“All right, suh,” Joshua closed the front door, -“just a moment, suh,” and he stepped softly across -the hall and into a room. Douglas glanced about -him curiously and caught a glimpse of spacious -rooms and lofty ceilings. It was a double house, -and to the right of the entrance was the drawing-room, -and back of that another large room, which -Douglas took to be the dining room, judging from -the glittering silver pieces on a high sideboard of -which he had a glimpse through the door leading -into the square hall. Across from the drawing-room -was the room into which Joshua had disappeared, -and back of that a broad circular staircase which -ran up to the top floor.</p> - -<p>Douglas was idly gazing out of the glass panel of -the front door when Joshua returned, followed by -a middle-aged man with a keen, clever face.</p> - -<p>“Is it really you, Mr. Hunter?” he asked, as -they shook hands warmly. “I could hardly believe -my eyes when I saw your card. Come this -way,” and he conducted Douglas into the room he -had just left, and closed the door softly behind -them.</p> - -<p>“When did you arrive in Washington?” he in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span>quired, -motioning Douglas to take a chair near the -window and dropping into one opposite him.</p> - -<p>“Yesterday.” Douglas leaned back and studied -his surroundings. His eyes traveled over the handsome -carved rosewood bookcases which lined the -walls, at the large desk table, and the comfortable -leather-covered revolving desk chair. The desk -silver, drop lights, and large upholstered davenport -pushed invitingly before the huge fireplace with its -shining brass fire-dogs and fender, each told a tale -of wealth and artistic taste—two assets not often -found together. His eyes returned to Brett, and he -smiled involuntarily as he caught the other intently -regarding him.</p> - -<p>Brett smiled in return. “I was wondering why -you looked me up so soon,” he admitted candidly. -“Don’t think I’m not glad to see you”—hastily—“but -I remember of old that you seldom do things -without a motive.”</p> - -<p>“On the contrary, I am here this afternoon to -<i>find</i> a motive—for Senator Carew’s tragic death.” -The smile vanished from Douglas’ clear-cut features. -“One moment,” as Brett opened his mouth to speak. -“After reading the account of the Senator’s death -in the morning papers, I went down to headquarters -to get what additional facts I could, and they told -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span>me that you had been put on the case. So I decided -to look you up in person, and here I am.”</p> - -<p>“May I ask why you take such an interest in this -case?”</p> - -<p>“Certainly, Brett; I was coming to that. Senator -Carew used his influence to get me in the Diplomatic -Service, and during the past twelve years he -has shown me many kindnesses, such as seeing that -I was detailed to desirable posts, and helped me to -secure promotion.”</p> - -<p>“He wouldn’t have done that, Mr. Hunter, if you -hadn’t made good,” broke in Brett quickly.</p> - -<p>“I saw him last at Delmonico’s in New York on -my way to Japan a little over a year ago,” continued -Douglas. “He asked me to lunch with him, and -evinced great interest in the mystery of the Jewel -Custom Fraud which he, in some way, knew I had -had a hand in exposing.”</p> - -<p>“Sure he did. I told the department about your -assistance when I was in Paris. If it hadn’t been for -you, I’d never have landed those swindlers. They -led me a pretty dance over the Atlantic.”</p> - -<p>“We worked together then,” said Douglas -thoughtfully, “and, on the strength of our past success, -I’m going to ask you to take me on as a sort -of advisory partner in this Carew case.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Suppose you first tell me the reason for making -such a request.”</p> - -<p>“In the first place I owe a debt of gratitude to -Senator Carew. For the sake of his friendship with -my father years ago, he has taken a great interest -in me. Secondly, I am in Washington at his request.”</p> - -<p>Brett looked his interest, and Douglas went on -rapidly: “Some time ago I received a note from him -asking me to apply for leave of absence from Tokio -and to come direct to Washington, saying that he -wished to see me on important business.”</p> - -<p>“Did he state the nature of that business?” inquired -Brett eagerly.</p> - -<p>“No. I at once followed his suggestion and applied -to the State Department for leave. It was -granted, and I hastened home as fast as steamer -and train could bring me.”</p> - -<p>“Did you see Senator Carew?”</p> - -<p>“Unfortunately, no. I only reached Washington -late last night. I expected to see the Senator this -morning, instead of which I read of his mysterious -death in the morning papers.”</p> - -<p>Brett mused for a few minutes, then roused himself. -“I am only too glad to have your assistance, -Mr. Hunter.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Good!” ejaculated Douglas, well pleased. “Suppose -you tell me all the facts in the case so far -discovered.”</p> - -<p>Brett leaned back in his chair and crossed his -legs. “On the face of things it looks as if the negro -driver, Hamilton, was guilty.”</p> - -<p>“Tell me what leads you to think that?” inquired -Douglas quickly.</p> - -<p>“He is the worst type of negro, a vicious brute -with a taste for liquor. I have inquired about him -and examined him thoroughly and am really puzzled, -Hunter, to find out why Senator Carew ever -employed him.”</p> - -<p>“Is he an old family servant?”</p> - -<p>“No. He has only been in Carew’s employ about -a year I am told. He knows how to handle horses, -and took excellent care of the Senator’s valuable -stable.”</p> - -<p>“That probably explains why he was kept on,” -said Douglas. “I’ve been told that Carew was -hipped about his horses.”</p> - -<p>“Yes. I gathered from Mrs. Winthrop that -Hamilton has been drinking steadily, and his conduct -to the other servants grew intolerable. Senator -Carew had to discharge him.”</p> - -<p>“When did that happen?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Yesterday afternoon.”</p> - -<p>“Then, how was it that he was driving the carriage -last night?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, Carew gave him a week’s notice, said he -couldn’t fill his place at once, and told him to stay -on. Joshua tells me that Hamilton uttered some -ugly threats in the kitchen that evening, but that the -servants paid no attention to his black humor, as they -saw he had been drinking.”</p> - -<p>“I see in the papers that Hamilton vehemently -declares his innocence.”</p> - -<p>“He does,” agreed Brett, checking his remarks -off on his fingers; “he declares he did not see Senator -Carew after being discharged by him; that no -one was in the carriage when he drove away from -the stable at midnight; that he went directly to Mrs. -Owen’s residence; and that he does not know when -or how Senator Carew’s body was secreted in the -carriage.”</p> - -<p>“The plot thickens,” muttered Douglas. “Do -you believe his statements?”</p> - -<p>“I do, and I don’t. The servants all declare that -he was half drunk; therefore, I doubt if he was in -a condition to pay much attention to anything, or -that his statements can be relied on. He was -sobered by the shock of finding Carew’s body in his -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span>carriage, and, when I arrested him, collapsed from -fright.”</p> - -<p>“Well, judging from the facts you have just told -me, I don’t much believe he killed Carew.”</p> - -<p>“Why not?” argued Brett. “Hamilton was apparently -half out of his mind from rage and drink, -and his brute nature made him seek revenge. It’s -quite possible Carew entered the carriage thinking -it would not be safe for his niece to drive home -alone from the dance, and Hamilton took that opportunity -to kill him.”</p> - -<p>“I read in the evening paper that Hamilton was -told to stop at the house for one of the maids, but, -instead, drove directly from the stable to the dance,” -said Douglas. “Therefore Carew did not enter the -carriage at this door.”</p> - -<p>“Hamilton may have been too befogged with -drink to have remembered the order,” suggested the -detective.</p> - -<p>“I grant you, Brett,” said Douglas thoughtfully, -“that the negro may have the nature, the desire, -and the opportunity to commit murder—but why -select such a weapon?”</p> - -<p>“Probably picked up the first thing at hand,” -grunted Brett.</p> - -<p>“But a desk file is not the ‘first thing at hand’ in -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span>a stable,” remarked Douglas calmly. “In fact, it’s -the last thing you would expect to find there.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t know about that; perhaps it was thrown -away in a wastepaper basket, and Hamilton may -have picked it out of the ash pile,” suggested Brett.</p> - -<p>“What did the file look like?”</p> - -<p>“It is of medium size, the slender steel being very -sharp, the round solid base being silver. I’ve shown -it to several jewelers, and they all say it’s like hundreds -of others, rather expensive, but popular with -their well-to-do customers, and that they have no -means of tracing it back to any particular owner. -It was something like that one,” pointing to an upright -file on Senator Carew’s desk.</p> - -<p>Douglas leaned over and took it up. “An ideal -weapon,” he said softly, balancing it in his hand as -his fingers closed over the round heavy base. He -removed the cork which was used to guard the sharp -point and felt it with his thumb. “It must have -taken a shrewd blow to drive the file through overcoat -and clothing so that it would cause instant -death.”</p> - -<p>“The Senator wore no overcoat.” Douglas looked -his surprise. After a moment’s silence Brett edged -his chair closer to his companion and lowered his -voice. “You recollect how it rained last night?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span></p> - -<p>“In torrents. I have seldom seen such a cloudburst,” -admitted Douglas.</p> - -<p>“It commenced to rain about ten-thirty,” continued -Brett, “and it did not stop until after three -o’clock. Hamilton drove twice in that drenching -rain to Mrs. Owen’s and back again, first taking -Miss Carew to the dance and returning with her. -Senator Carew’s body was discovered on the last -trip home. Miss Carew told her aunt that no one -was in the carriage with her when she made the first -trip to the dance. Senator Carew’s body was not -removed until after my arrival here this morning, -and I then made a thorough examination of the carriage -and, with the coroner’s assistance, of the body -as well”—he paused and cleared his throat—“I -found Senator Carew’s clothes were absolutely dry—as -I said before, he wore no overcoat—now, how -did Carew get into that carriage in that soaking -downpour without getting wet?” asked Brett, settling -back in his chair.</p> - -<p>“Perhaps he was first murdered and then carried -out and put into the carriage.”</p> - -<p>“Perhaps so, but I doubt it.”</p> - -<p>“He may have entered the carriage at the stable -when Hamilton was not around.”</p> - -<p>“I thought of that,” returned Brett, “and as soon -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span>as it was daylight examined the yard and the alley. -The concrete walk from the house to the stable is -being laid now and cannot be used, so that one has -to tread on the ground, which is extremely soft and -muddy. The alley is a long one, and Carew’s stable -is about in the center of it, and the rain, settling in -the holes of the uneven cobbles, made walking very -unpleasant. I am telling you all these details because -of another discovery I made,” went on Brett -slowly; “the Senator’s shoes had been recently polished -and the blacking was not even stained.”</p> - -<p>Douglas leaned back and bit his thumb nail, a -childish habit of which he had never been able to -break himself.</p> - -<p>“Where did Carew spend the evening?” he asked -finally.</p> - -<p>“That is what I have not been able to find out,” -growled Brett. “Mrs. Winthrop told me she had -not seen her brother since breakfast. That he went -to the Capitol as usual in the morning. She was told -on entering the house just before dinner that he -would not return for that meal, but they did not -state where he was going.”</p> - -<p>“Upon my word it’s a very pretty problem,” commented -Douglas softly.</p> - -<p>“It is,” agreed Brett, rising and slowly pacing the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span>room. He glanced piercingly at Douglas, who was -thoughtfully contemplating a life-size portrait of -one of Carew’s ancestors which hung above the -mantel over the fireplace. Douglas Hunter’s clear-cut -features, broad forehead, and square jaw indicated -cleverness and determination. When Douglas -smiled the severe lines relaxed and his smooth-shaven -face was almost boyish. He had a keen -sense of the ridiculous, which prevented him from -taking himself too seriously. In the past Brett had -conceived a high regard for the other’s quick wit -and indomitable courage.</p> - -<p>“This is Senator Carew’s study or library,” -he said, stopping before the desk, “and I was -giving the room my special attention when you -came in.”</p> - -<p>“Have you met with any success?” inquired -Douglas quickly.</p> - -<p>“So far only one thing—it may be a clew or it -may not; under this writing pad I found this blotter,” -holding up a square white sheet; “it has been -used only once, first on one side then on the other, -so that by holding it in front of this mirror you can -read quite clearly, see——”</p> - -<p>Douglas rose, stepped behind Brett, and peeped -over his shoulder into the silver-mounted mirror, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span>which the latter had removed from its place on the -mantel.</p> - -<p>The large, bold writing was fairly legible. “What -do you make out of it?” asked Brett impatiently.</p> - -<p>Obediently Douglas read the words aloud:</p> - -<p>“‘Am writing in case I don’t see you before -you’—” the writing ceased.</p> - -<p>“He must have been interrupted,” explained -Brett, “and clapped down the blotter on top of the -sheet so that whoever entered couldn’t see the written -words. Now look at the other side,” and he -turned over the blotter on which were traced only a -few words:</p> - -<p>“‘I have discovered——’” read Douglas.</p> - -<p>“What do you think of it?” asked Brett, putting -the blotter in an inner pocket of his coat.</p> - -<p>“It depends on when it was written”—Douglas’ -eyes strayed to the door. Surely Brett had closed it -when they entered, now it stood partly open into the -hall. He pointed silently to it, and by common impulse -both men stepped out into the hall.</p> - -<p>Listening intently they heard a faint rap on one -of the doors in the upper hall; then a high-pitched, -quivering voice reached them:</p> - -<p>“Eleanor, Eleanor, I’m so glad you’ve come. I’m -nearly sick with misery. They quarreled, Eleanor, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span>they quarreled——” her voice caught in a sob—the -door slammed shut.</p> - -<p>The two men glanced at each other, their eyes -asked the same question. Who quarreled?</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI</a><br /> -<small><small>CIRCUMSTANTIAL EVIDENCE</small></small></h2></div> - -<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcap">A</span> SLIGHT sound behind him caused Douglas -to wheel swiftly around. A pretty woman, -with astonishment written largely in her -round eyes, stood regarding the two men. She was -carrying a handbag.</p> - -<p>“Whom do you wish to see?” asked Brett -sharply.</p> - -<p>“No one, Monsieur,” replied Annette, her accent -denoting her nationality. “I am Miss Thornton’s -maid.”</p> - -<p>Douglas started. “Eleanor—Miss Thornton!” -Was it possible that she could mean <i>the</i> Eleanor -Thornton he used to know?</p> - -<p>“I am taking her bag to her room as she is spending -the night here,” added the servant.</p> - -<p>“Indeed.” Brett inspected her keenly. “When -did Miss Thornton enter the house?”</p> - -<p>“A few minutes ago, Monsieur,” vaguely. -“Joshua showed Mademoiselle in while I stopped a -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span>moment to speak with the chauffeur, and he left the -front door open so that I could enter.”</p> - -<p>At that moment the butler appeared from the -dining room carrying a tray on which were glasses -and a pitcher of ice water.</p> - -<p>“Joshua, is this Miss Thornton’s maid?” asked -Brett.</p> - -<p>“Yessir,” Joshua ducked his head respectfully as -he answered the detective. “Annette, Miss Eleanor -done hab her same room next do’ ter Miss Cynthia’s. -Yo’ kin take her things right upstairs, and -tell Miss Eleanor I done got der ice water fo’ her.”</p> - -<p>With a half curtsey Annette stepped past the two -men, and ran quickly up the staircase.</p> - -<p>“Stop a moment, Joshua,” ordered Brett, as the -butler started to follow the maid. “Who opened -the door into the library a few moments ago?”</p> - -<p>“’Deed I dunno, suh; I been so busy takin’ in -cyards I ain’t noticed particular.”</p> - -<p>“Who has been in the hall besides yourself?” persisted -Brett.</p> - -<p>“Ain’t no one,” began Joshua, then paused. -“Now I do recollect dat Marse Philip cum in right -smart time ergo, suh. He axed fo’ yo’, and I tole -him yo’ was in de lib’ary. I ’specks he mighter been -alookin’ fo’ yo’.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Ah, indeed; where is Mr. Winthrop now?”</p> - -<p>“Ah dunno, suh.”</p> - -<p>“Well, find him, Joshua, and tell him I wish to -see him—at once.” Brett’s pleasant voice had -deepened, and Joshua blinked nervously.</p> - -<p>“Yessir, I’ll tell him, suh, ’deed ah will,” he mumbled, -as he started upstairs.</p> - -<p>As Douglas and Brett walked across the hall to -enter the library a man stepped out of the drawing-room.</p> - -<p>“Are you looking for me, Mr. Brett?”</p> - -<p>The question was asked courteously enough, and -Douglas was the more astonished to encounter -a hostile stare as the newcomer glanced at -him.</p> - -<p>“I hope you can give me a few minutes of your -time,” said Brett; “will you be so good as to step -into the library?” and he stood aside to allow Philip -Winthrop to enter first. Douglas followed them -into the room and locked the door. As the key -clicked slightly Winthrop frowned, and his pale face -flushed.</p> - -<p>“That is only a precaution against eavesdroppers,” -explained Douglas quickly.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Winthrop, this is Mr. Douglas Hunter, -who is assisting me in my efforts to unravel the mys<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span>tery -surrounding Senator Carew’s death, and with -your permission will be present at this interview.“</p> - -<p>“Why, certainly,” exclaimed Winthrop, with well -simulated heartiness; “won’t you both sit down?” -and he dropped into the revolving desk chair. -Douglas picked out his old seat in the window and -turned his back to the light the better to face -Winthrop and Brett, who also sat near the desk.</p> - -<p>“When will they hold the inquest, Mr. Brett?” -questioned Winthrop.</p> - -<p>“The coroner, Dr. Penfield, told me to-morrow.”</p> - -<p>“Has Hamilton a lawyer to look out for his interests?”</p> - -<p>“That’s not absolutely necessary at the inquest, -Mr. Winthrop. At present the negro is simply held -on suspicion. If the inquest so decides, he will be -charged with the murder and held for the grand -jury.”</p> - -<p>Douglas had been busy scanning Winthrop’s face -intently. He noted the heavy lines in the handsome -face, and the unnatural brilliancy of his eyes. It -was apparent to both men, by Winthrop’s thick -speech and unsteady hands, which kept fingering the -desk ornaments nervously, that he had been drinking -heavily.</p> - -<p>“Where did you last see Senator Carew?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span></p> - -<p>“In this room yesterday afternoon.”</p> - -<p>“Did you see him alone, or were others present?”</p> - -<p>“He was alone.”</p> - -<p>“Did he show you a letter which he was then -writing?” inquired Douglas at a venture, and was -startled at the effect of his question on Winthrop. -The latter whitened perceptibly, and pulled his -short black mustache to hide his twitching lips.</p> - -<p>“I know nothing about any letter,” he stammered.</p> - -<p>Brett did not press the point, but asked instead: -“Where did you spend last night?”</p> - -<p>“I dined here with my mother and cousin.”</p> - -<p>“And afterwards?” put in Douglas.</p> - -<p>“I went to the Alibi Club soon after dinner.”</p> - -<p>“How late did you stay there?”</p> - -<p>“Most of the night,” was the evasive reply.</p> - -<p>“Please mention the exact hour you left the club,” -persisted Brett.</p> - -<p>“I really cannot recollect the exact time; I did -not reach this house until after two this morning. -We had a pretty gay time at the club, and I was -in no condition to remember the hour,” and he -smiled deprecatingly.</p> - -<p>Again Brett did not press the question. He -turned over the pages of his small memorandum -book in which he had been making entries.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Have you any idea where Senator Carew dined -and spent the evening?”</p> - -<p>“No,” came the emphatic answer. “He asked me -to tell my mother not to expect him at dinner, that -was all.”</p> - -<p>“Ah, indeed. Have you any idea when the Senator -left the house?”</p> - -<p>“No, I left him here, and went up to my room, -where I stayed until dinner was announced.”</p> - -<p>“Where is your room?”</p> - -<p>“Third floor, back.”</p> - -<p>“Who has rooms on the next floor?”</p> - -<p>“Senator Carew’s bedroom, bath, and sitting-room -are over this part of the house; Miss Cynthia -Carew occupies the suite of rooms across the hall -from his rooms. My mother and I have the third -floor to ourselves.” Winthrop plucked nervously at -the desk pad. “Talking is dry work; won’t you and -Mr. Hunter join me, I’ll ring for Joshua.”</p> - -<p>“One moment,” Brett’s tone was peremptory and, -with an unmistakable scowl, Winthrop sank down -in his chair and leaned heavily on the desk. “What -members of the family were in the house yesterday -afternoon?”</p> - -<p>Winthrop thought for a moment before replying. -“No one but my uncle and myself,” he said reluc<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span>tantly. -“My mother and Miss Carew went out -early to some bridge party, and did not return until -just before dinner.”</p> - -<p>“I see.” Brett leaned back in his chair and contemplated -Winthrop thoughtfully.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Winthrop,” asked Douglas, breaking the -short silence, “were you and your uncle always on -good terms?”</p> - -<p>“Why, yes.” Winthrop’s twitching fingers closed -unconsciously on the slender desk file, and as he -spoke his shifting eyes dropped from Douglas’ clear -gaze, and fell on the sharp steel desk ornament in -his hand. With a convulsive shudder he dropped -it and sprang to his feet. “What’s all this questioning -about?” he demanded loudly. “I’ve had -enough of this, you——” his hands clinched, and -the blood flamed his pale face, a gurgle choked his -utterance, and before Brett could reach him he fell -prone across the desk.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII</a><br /> -<small><small>A PIECE OF ORIENTAL SILK</small></small></h2></div> - -<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcap">“I</span>’M glad you could come back, Mr. Hunter,” -said Brett, as Joshua opened the library -door of the Carew residence and admitted -Douglas. “Can you stay here all night?”</p> - -<p>“If necessary,” replied Douglas, glancing at him -in surprise.</p> - -<p>“I think it would be best. Mrs. Winthrop is completely -unstrung; her niece, Miss Carew, prostrated -from shock, and Mr. Philip Winthrop in bed with a -bad attack of delirium tremens. In such a household -your presence to-night might be invaluable if -anything else were to happen—not that I am anticipating -any further trouble or tragedies.”</p> - -<p>“Very well, I will stay,” agreed Douglas.</p> - -<p>“’Deed I’se mighty glad ter hyar dat,” volunteered -Joshua, who hovered just inside the door on -the pretext of arranging some furniture. “But I -dunno whar I’ll put yo’, suh. Miss Eleanor, she’s -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span>in de gues’ chambah, an’ Annette’s in de room back -ob her’s, and de nusses fo’ Marse Philip has der -spar rooms in der third flo’.”</p> - -<p>“Never mind, Joshua, I can camp out in this -room. That sofa looks very comfortable,” and -Douglas pointed to the large upholstered davenport -which faced the empty fireplace.</p> - -<p>“Just a moment, Joshua,” exclaimed Brett, as the -old butler moved toward the door. “Did you see -Senator Carew leave the house yesterday afternoon?”</p> - -<p>“No, suh.”</p> - -<p>“Did he take luncheon here?”</p> - -<p>“No, suh; he cum in ’bout three o’clock; leastways -dat was when he rung fo’ me, an’ I reckon -he’d only jes’ arrived, ’cause he had his hat an’ coat -on his arm.”</p> - -<p>“What did he want with you?”</p> - -<p>“He axed me why Hamilton hadn’t called fo’ him -at de Capitol as ordered, an’ when I tole him dat -Hamilton was a-sittin’ in de stable doin’ nuffin, he -said I was ter go right out an’ send him to de library—which -I done.”</p> - -<p>“Did you see Senator Carew after that?”</p> - -<p>“Yessir. After ’bout fifteen minutes Hamilton -cum out lookin’ mighty black an’ mutterin’ under his -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span>breff. Den Marse James rung fo’ me ag’in, an’ -sent me to tell Marse Philip dat he wanted ter see -him to onst.”</p> - -<p>“Was there anything unusual in Senator Carew’s -manner?” inquired Douglas, who had been listening -attentively to the old darky’s statements.</p> - -<p>“He seemed considerable put out, dat was all,” -responded Joshua, after due reflection.</p> - -<p>“Was Senator Carew irritable and quick-tempered?”</p> - -<p>“Mostly he was real easy-going, but sometimes -he had flare-ups, an’ den it was bes’ ter keep outer -his way.”</p> - -<p>“Did you find Mr. Winthrop?”</p> - -<p>“Yessir. I gib him de message, an’ he went right -down to de lib’ary.”</p> - -<p>“Do you know how long Senator Carew and -young Winthrop remained in this room?”</p> - -<p>“No, suh. I went ter de fron’ doo’, an’ while in -de hall I heard a regular ruction goin’ on inside dis -room.”</p> - -<p>“Could you hear what was said?” demanded -Brett eagerly.</p> - -<p>Joshua shook his head. “I couldn’t make out a -word, but Marse James’ voice was powerful riz an’ -Marse Philip’s, too.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Was that the first time that Senator Carew and -Mr. Winthrop have quarreled?”</p> - -<p>“Deys had words now and den,” muttered Joshua, -evasively.</p> - -<p>“About what?” broke in Douglas, sharply.</p> - -<p>“Oh, nuffin in particular. Marse James uster get -mad with Marse Philip ’cause he wore so lazy, an’ -den he’s been adrinkin’ right smart, which Marse -James didn’t like nuther.”</p> - -<p>“Is Mr. Winthrop a heavy drinker?”</p> - -<p>“No, suh, but he’s been adrinkin’ pretty steady -fo’ de pas’ three months.”</p> - -<p>“Have you any idea, Joshua, what caused the -quarrel yesterday afternoon?”</p> - -<p>“Well, it mighter started over Hamilton. Marse -Philip persuaded Marse James to keep him las’ fall -when he was ’bout to discharge him fo’ bein’ impertinent.”</p> - -<p>“Did Senator Carew give you a letter to mail -yesterday afternoon, or a note to deliver for him?” -inquired Douglas thoughtfully.</p> - -<p>“No, suh, he did not,” Joshua declared with firmness.</p> - -<p>“How long have you been with Senator Carew, -Joshua?”</p> - -<p>“Most thirty years, suh. I worked fust fo’ his -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span>father, der ole Gineral. Ef yo’ doan want me fo’ -nuffin’ mo’, gen’man, I reckon I’ll go an’ close up de -house fo’ de night.”</p> - -<p>“All right, Joshua,” and the butler beat a hasty -retreat.</p> - -<p>Douglas took out his cigarette case and handed it -to Brett. “Formed any new theory?” he asked, -striking a match and applying it to the cigarette between -his lips.</p> - -<p>Brett did not answer at once. “The inquest will -make Winthrop and Joshua talk. I am convinced -neither of them has told all he knows of this affair,” -he said finally.</p> - -<p>Douglas nodded in agreement. “But the inquest -will have to be postponed now. Winthrop is in no -shape to appear before it.”</p> - -<p>“And Miss Carew, who is an equally important -witness, is still confined to her bed,” volunteered -Brett. “Miss Thornton tells me that she cries whenever -the subject of the murder is mentioned, and that -she is completely unstrung by the tragedy.”</p> - -<p>“By the way, who is this Miss Thornton?” asked -Douglas. “And what does she look like?”</p> - -<p>“She is a cousin of Mrs. Truxton, of Georgetown”—Douglas -whistled in surprise; Brett glanced -at him sharply, then continued: “I am told she is -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span>Miss Carew’s most intimate friend, although about -five years older. Miss Thornton must be about -twenty-three. She is tall and dark, and has the most -magnificent blue eyes I have ever seen in a woman’s -head.”</p> - -<p>Douglas drew in his breath sharply. “It must be -the same girl whom I knew in Paris, but I had no -idea then that she was related to old family friends -of mine in Georgetown.” He changed the conversation -abruptly. “Come, Brett, what theory -have you formed?” he asked again with more -emphasis.</p> - -<p>“I think both Winthrop and Hamilton have a -guilty knowledge of Senator Carew’s death, but how -deeply Winthrop is implicated we have yet to learn.”</p> - -<p>“But the motive?” argued Douglas. “It is highly -improbable that Winthrop killed the Senator because -he discharged a worthless servant.”</p> - -<p>“If we could find that letter which I am convinced -the Senator was writing when Winthrop entered -the room yesterday afternoon, we would know -the motive fast enough,” retorted Brett.</p> - -<p>“Have you searched Carew’s belongings?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, all of them, and all the furniture in his -bedroom, sitting-room, and bath, as well as the -rooms on this floor; but I couldn’t find a trace of -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span>it. I have also thoroughly searched his office at the -Capitol.”</p> - -<p>“Did you think to examine the landau? The Senator -might possibly have tucked it under the carriage -seat.”</p> - -<p>“I thought of that, and examined the interior of -the carriage, but there is no possible place where a -letter could be concealed. The carriage has recently -been reupholstered in leather and there’s no crack -or tear where an envelope could slip through.”</p> - -<p>“Have you inquired at the different messenger -services in town?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, but there is no record at any of their offices -that Senator Carew sent for a messenger to deliver -a note yesterday afternoon or night. I also sent -word to the post-office officials asking to have an -outlook kept, and a search made for a letter franked -by Senator Carew and postmarked yesterday.”</p> - -<p>“It’s exceedingly doubtful if you get any results -from that quarter, when you don’t know when or -where such a letter was posted or to what city it -was addressed.”</p> - -<p>“The frank may help,” Brett glanced at the -clock. “Eleven-thirty—I must be going.” He rose. -“Did you meet with any success, Mr. Hunter, in the -inquiries you said you would make this afternoon?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span></p> - -<p>“In a way, yes. Winthrop was at the Alibi Club, -taking supper with Captain Stanton. But Julian -Wallace, who was one of the party, told me that -Winthrop left the club about twelve-thirty.”</p> - -<p>Brett whistled. “And he did not reach this house -until three hours later! I am afraid friend Winthrop -will have much to explain when he recovers -his senses.”</p> - -<p>“Hold on; the Carew carriage returned here a -few minutes before one o’clock—when the Senator -was found dead inside it. That only left Winthrop -less than half an hour to get from the club to Mrs. -Owen’s residence, a considerable distance, and commit -the murder.”</p> - -<p>“It’s not impossible for a man in a motor,” declared -Brett sharply.</p> - -<p>“I thought Senator Carew only kept horses,” exclaimed -Douglas.</p> - -<p>“And so he did, but Winthrop owns an Oldsmobile -roadster. I was here at the house when he -arrived this morning. The machine has a cover and -wind-shield, so he was fairly well protected from the -rain. As I said before, Winthrop will have much -to explain. I hope you will have an undisturbed -night, Mr. Hunter; I told Joshua and the nurses -to call you if anything is needed.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Don’t worry about me,” laughed Douglas, as -the two men stepped into the hall. “I’ve camped -out in much worse places than this room.”</p> - -<p>“Well, good night. I’ll be here the first thing in -the morning,” and Brett pulled open the door and -ran down the steps.</p> - -<p>As Douglas replaced the night latch on the front -door, Joshua joined him.</p> - -<p>“I brunged yo’ dis ’comfort’,” raising a soft eiderdown -quilt, which he carried tucked on his left arm. -“I thought yo’ might like it over yo’ on der sofa.”</p> - -<p>“Thanks very much,” exclaimed Douglas, taking -it from him.</p> - -<p>Joshua followed him to the library door. “I ain’t -goin’ ter bed,” he explained. “I couldn’t sleep no-how,” -the soft, drawling voice held a touch of -pathos, “Marse James was mighty kind ter me—and -thirty years is a mighty long time ter be ’sociated in -de fam’bly. So I jes’ reckon I’ll sit on der window-seat -in der hall. Ef yo’ want anythin’ jest let me -know, Marse Hunter.”</p> - -<p>“All right, Joshua. I’ll leave this door open, so -you can call me if I am needed. Good night.”</p> - -<p>Douglas placed the door ajar, and walked over -to the well-filled bookcases, and, after some deliberation, -selected a book and sat down in the re<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span>volving -chair. The book held his attention and he -read on and on. He finished the last chapter and -tossed the volume on the table, then glanced at the -clock, the dial of which registered two-thirty. The -upholstered davenport, which stood with its back -resting against the length of the desk table, looked -inviting, and Douglas rose, extinguished the light, -and walked over and lay down.</p> - -<p class="bgap2">After placing several sofa cushions under his -head he pulled the eiderdown quilt over him, as he -felt chilly. The added warmth and the softness of -the couch were most grateful to his tired body. He -was drowsily conscious of the clock striking; then -his last thought was of Eleanor Thornton—beautiful -Eleanor Thornton—strange that they should -meet again; why, he had actually run away from her -in Paris—a few minutes more and he was sound -asleep.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> -<a id="illo_2"><img class="box" src="images/i_068.jpg" width="400" height="663" alt="“He made out a shadowy form just ahead of him and -darted forward”" title="" /></a></div> - -<p class="center caption no-indent">“He made out a shadowy form just ahead of him and<br /> -darted forward”</p> - -<p class="gap">Some time later Douglas opened his sleepy eyes, -then closed them again drowsily. The room was -in total darkness. As he lay listening to the tick-tock -of the clock he became conscious that he was -not alone in the room. Instantly he was wide -awake. He pulled out his matchbox, only to find it -empty. As he lay a moment debating what he -should do, a soft, small hand was laid on his forehead. -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span>He felt the sudden shock which his presence -gave the intruder, for the fingers tightened convulsively -on his forehead, then were hastily removed. -He threw out his hands to catch the intruder, but -they closed on empty space.</p> - -<p>Swiftly and noiselessly Douglas rose to his feet -and stepped softly around the end of the davenport, -hands outstretched, groping for what he could not -see. Suddenly, his eyes grown accustomed to the -darkness, he made out a shadowy form just ahead -of him and darted forward. His foot caught in the -long wire of the desk telephone and, dragging the -instrument clattering with him, he fell forward, -striking his face and forehead against the edge of -the open door.</p> - -<p>“Fo’ de lub ob Hebben!” gasped Joshua, awakened -out of a sound sleep, and scared almost out -of his wits. “Marse Hunter! Marse Hunter! -Whar yo’ at?”</p> - -<p>“Here,” answered Douglas. “Turn on the hall -light; then come to me.”</p> - -<p>Obediently Joshua groped his way to the button -and switched on the light, after which he hastened -into the library and did the same there. Douglas, -who sat on the floor nursing a bleeding nose, blinked -as the strong light met his dazed eyes.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Did you see anyone leave this room, Joshua?” -he demanded.</p> - -<p>“No, suh.” The butler’s eyes were rolling about -to an alarming extent, showing the whites against -his black face, which had grown gray with fright. -“’Twarn’t no one ter see—it must ter been a harnt.”</p> - -<p>“Nonsense,” exclaimed Douglas heatedly. The -telephone bell was keeping up a dull clicking as the -sleepy central tried to find out what was wanted, and -he leaned over and replaced the receiver on the hook -as he picked up the instrument. “No ghost put out -your hall light, and no ghost wears clothes. I -caught the intruder’s gown, and if it hadn’t ripped -away I’d have caught her.” As he spoke he opened -his right hand and disclosed a torn piece of oriental -silk.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII</a><br /> -<small><small>KISMET</small></small></h2></div> - -<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcap">“G</span>OOD morning, Uncle Dana.”</p> - -<p>The tall, distinguished looking, -gray-haired man standing in front of -the mantel wheeled around with a visible start of -surprise.</p> - -<p>“Good Lord! Eleanor, I didn’t hear you enter -the room. How silently you move, dear.”</p> - -<p>Eleanor’s pretty mouth dimpled into a smile as -she kissed her uncle warmly. “I’ll send you an ear-trumpet,” -she declared, saucily. “Come and sit by -me on this sofa. Did you get my note this morning?”</p> - -<p>“How like a woman!” He dropped down on the -comfortable rosewood sofa with a sigh of content. -“Of course I received it—why otherwise should I -be here?”</p> - -<p>“Then you will take the case?” she asked eagerly.</p> - -<p>“I am not a criminal lawyer.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span></p> - -<p>Eleanor’s face fell. “Oh, don’t refuse,” she -begged earnestly. “Dear Mrs. Winthrop needs -some one to watch her interests, and if, later on, -occasion requires a criminal lawyer, which pray -Heaven may not be, you can then engage one for -her. She was so relieved when I suggested sending -for you.”</p> - -<p>“In what way does Mrs. Winthrop need my services?”</p> - -<p>“Why, to take charge of everything”—vaguely. -“A man in authority is required here at once.”</p> - -<p>“Where is Philip?”</p> - -<p>“Philip!” Eleanor’s tone spoke her contempt. -“He is sick in bed—a trained nurse in attendance”—then -added quickly, answering her uncle’s unspoken -question—“too much dissipation has again -caused his downfall.”</p> - -<p>“Um! I don’t envy Mrs. Winthrop her precious -stepson.” Colonel Thornton’s pleasant face hardened, -and Eleanor, seeing her advantage, pressed -the point.</p> - -<p>“Mrs. Winthrop is almost overwhelmed with -anxiety and sorrow, which she has practically to -face alone. Do, Uncle Dana, if it is possible, take -some of this dreadful responsibility off her shoulders.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span></p> - -<p>“I will do what I can,” announced the Colonel, -after a moment’s deliberation.</p> - -<p>Eleanor clapped her hands. “Dear Uncle Dana! -I knew you would, when you thought it over. Just -a moment—I’ll send word to Mrs. Winthrop that -you are here; she wants to see you.”</p> - -<p>Joshua was in the hall, and to him Eleanor confided -her message for Mrs. Winthrop, then returned -to the drawing-room and seated herself on the sofa -by her uncle.</p> - -<p>“Did you ever know anyone in Georgetown -named Douglas Hunter?” she inquired.</p> - -<p>“Douglas Hunter—Douglas—why, surely, he -must be the young son of John Hunter who used to -be a neighbor of mine in Georgetown. Cousin Kate -Truxton can tell you all about the Hunters. She was -an intimate friend of John’s wife. The Hunters -belong to the F. F. V.’s. Why do you ask about -Douglas?”</p> - -<p>“Joshua told me that he spent last night here, and -that he is taking a deep interest in the mystery surrounding -Senator Carew’s tragic death.”</p> - -<p>“You must be mistaken,” exclaimed Thornton, -glancing at her in surprise. “To the best of my -recollection Douglas Hunter entered the consular -service very soon after he left college; then Carew -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span>evinced an interest in his career and had him transferred -into the Diplomatic Service. He’s not a detective, -child.”</p> - -<p>“Well, he’s acting as if he were one—prying -around”—Eleanor checked her hasty speech and -rose as the portières parted, and Mrs. Winthrop -advanced into the room. She was a well-known figure -in Washington society. Although small of stature, -her erect carriage and graceful movements -made her seem taller than she really was. She was -said to have the longest calling list in Washington, -and, although an aristocrat to her fingertips, she had -friends and acquaintances in every walk in life, for -she possessed the true spirit of democracy which -springs from a kind heart and does not ape humility. -She had been of inestimable assistance to her -brother, Senator Carew, during his political career.</p> - -<p>As Colonel Thornton bowed low over her small, -blue-veined hand, he noticed the heavy lines and -dark shadows which fatigue and sorrow had traced -under her eyes, and his hand closed over hers in -silent sympathy.</p> - -<p>“It is good of you to come, Colonel,” she began, -seating herself in a large armchair next the sofa, -“and still kinder to offer to advise me, I feel -stunned”—she put her hand to her head with a ges<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span>ture -pathetic in its helplessness, and her sad eyes -filled with unbidden tears. Eleanor put out her -hand, and it was instantly clasped by the older -woman. “Forgive me, Colonel.” She blinked the -tears away, and by a visible effort regained her lost -composure. “My brother was very dear to me, -and——”</p> - -<p>“I know no man who had more friends,” replied -Thornton gravely, as she paused and bit her trembling -lips.</p> - -<p>“Exactly, therefore his violent death seems monstrous!” -declared Mrs. Winthrop. “Who would -commit such a deed? My brother’s greatest fault -was his kind heart—he accomplished so much good -unobtrusively. Now, Colonel, the first thing I wish -to consult you about is offering a reward for the -discovery of his murderer. Can you arrange it for -me?”</p> - -<p>“Certainly. I think it a wise suggestion. How -much shall it be?” Thornton drew out his notebook.</p> - -<p>“Five thousand dollars;” then, noting Thornton’s -expression, asked: “You think it too much?”</p> - -<p>“It would perhaps be better to commence with a -smaller sum—say one thousand dollars—then you -can increase it, if that amount brings no results.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span></p> - -<p>“That is a capital plan. Well, James, what is -it?” to the footman who had entered a second before -and approached her chair.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Brett wants to know, ma’am, if you will see -him an’ Mister Hunter fo’ a few minutes. They -want to ax yo’ a few questions.”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Winthrop glanced interrogatively at Thornton. -“What shall I do?”</p> - -<p>“Perhaps it would be just as well to see them,” -he replied.</p> - -<p>“Very well. James, show the gentlemen in here,” -and, as the servant hastened out of the room, she -turned to her two guests. “You must be present at -this interview, and I depend on you, Colonel Thornton, -to check any undue inquisitiveness on the part -of the detective.”</p> - -<p>“I will, madam,” and Thornton’s grim tone conveyed -more than the mere words. He ranked as one -of the leaders of the District bar, and few opposing -lawyers dared take liberties with him when trying a -case.</p> - -<p>Eleanor made a motion to rise, but Mrs. Winthrop -checked her with a low-toned “Wait, dear,” -as Brett, followed by Douglas Hunter, strode into -the room.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Winthrop acknowledged Brett’s bow with a -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span>courteous inclination of her head, but, as he murmured -Douglas’ name in introducing him, she rose -and shook hands with him.</p> - -<p>“I have frequently heard my brother speak of -you, Mr. Hunter,” she said, “and have regretted -not meeting you before,” and, as Douglas voiced his -thanks, she added, “Eleanor, Mr. Hunter”—and -Douglas gazed deep into the beautiful eyes which -had haunted his memory since their last meeting in -Paris. For one second his glance held hers, while -a soft blush mantled her cheeks; then Colonel -Thornton stepped forward briskly and extended his -hand.</p> - -<p>“No need of an introduction here, Douglas,” he -said heartily. “I should have known you anywhere -from your likeness to your father, though I haven’t -seen you since you wore knickerbockers.”</p> - -<p>“I haven’t forgotten ‘Thornton’s Nest,’ nor you -either, Colonel,” exclaimed Douglas, clasping his -hand warmly. “I about lived on your grounds before -I went to boarding school.”</p> - -<p>“Pray be seated, gentlemen,” and, in obedience to -Mrs. Winthrop’s gesture, Douglas pulled up a chair -near hers, while Brett and Colonel Thornton did -likewise. “Now, Mr. Brett, what do you wish to -ask me?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Have you any idea where Senator Carew dined -the night of his death?”</p> - -<p>“Not the slightest,” was the positive reply.</p> - -<p>“Was it your brother’s custom not to inform you -where he was dining?” asked Brett.</p> - -<p>“Stop a moment,” Thornton held up a protesting -hand. “Mrs. Winthrop, you cannot be compelled -to answer questions put to you by Mr. Brett; he has -no legal right to examine you now.”</p> - -<p>“I am quite aware of that, Colonel Thornton,” -put in Brett composedly; “I am asking these questions -that I may gain a little more light on this mystery. -I only saw Mrs. Winthrop for a short time -yesterday, and, while I do not wish to intrude, I feel -that I can accomplish better results by a longer talk. -This tragedy must be investigated thoroughly.”</p> - -<p>“Very true; but you forget, Mr. Brett, that the -inquest is the proper place for bringing out testimony. -Mrs. Winthrop will have to appear before -it, and, until that is held, she must not be pestered -with questions or harrowed by intrusions.”</p> - -<p>“I am willing to answer all questions within -reason,” said Mrs. Winthrop, before the detective -could reply. “If you mean, Mr. Brett, that Senator -Carew was secretive about his movements, you are -mistaken. On the contrary, he was most open and -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span>above board in his dealings with me. Occasionally, -when hurried, he did not tell me his plans for the -day, but, as a general thing, I knew all his social -engagements.”</p> - -<p>“Ah, his social engagements,” echoed Brett, -“how about his official engagements, Mrs. Winthrop?”</p> - -<p>“With those I had nothing to do. I never meddled -in my brother’s political or official career; that -was out of my province,” was the calm reply.</p> - -<p>“Then you think it likely that he dined with some -of his official colleagues?”</p> - -<p>“I am unable to express an opinion on the subject.”</p> - -<p>“You had better ask his private secretary what -engagements he made for Monday, and with whom -he was last seen,” broke in Thornton.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Philip Winthrop is in no condition to answer -questions now. He will be examined before the -coroner’s inquest when able to leave his room.”</p> - -<p>“Then I do not see the object of this interview,” -objected Thornton. “Young Mr. Winthrop is better -able to tell you of Senator Carew’s movements -that day than Mrs. Winthrop.”</p> - -<p>“I cannot wait so long.” Brett shook his head -decidedly. “What clews there are will grow cold, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span>and I cannot afford to risk that. I am deeply interested -in clearing up this terrible affair.”</p> - -<p>“And do you think I am less so?” demanded Mrs. -Winthrop indignantly. “On the contrary, Mr. -Brett, I will move Heaven and earth to find the perpetrator -of that dastardly deed. I have just told -Colonel Thornton that I will offer a reward of one -thousand dollars for information leading to the -criminal’s arrest.”</p> - -<p>“Ah, then you do <i>not</i> think the negro coachman, -Hamilton, guilty?” put in Brett quickly.</p> - -<p>“I have not said so,” but Mrs. Winthrop looked -disconcerted for a second, then regained her usual -serenity. “My idea in offering the reward was to -assist your investigation, and Colonel Thornton -agreed with me that it was an excellent plan.”</p> - -<p>“Mrs. Winthrop,” the detective spoke with -greater distinctness, “was Senator Carew on good -terms with all the members of his family?”</p> - -<p>“He was, sir, with members of this household.” -Mrs. Winthrop hesitated briefly, then continued, “I -think that I had better tell you that, since his return -from Panama a short time ago, my brother received -a number of threatening letters.”</p> - -<p>“Indeed,” Brett’s tone betrayed his satisfaction. -“Can I see the letters?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Unfortunately my brother destroyed the one he -showed me.”</p> - -<p>“What was its contents?” inquired Brett.</p> - -<p>“To the best of my recollection the message, -which was written in an obviously disguised writing, -read somewhat like this:</p> - -<p>“‘Your movements are watched. If you act, you -die’.”</p> - -<p>“Did you see the envelope?” asked Brett, as he -jotted down the words in his memorandum book.</p> - -<p>“No. At the time my brother showed it to me -he told me that he had received several others; that -he had no idea to what they referred; and that he -never paid attention to anonymous communications.”</p> - -<p>“I see.” Brett thoughtfully replaced his notebook -in his pocket. “Can I talk to your niece, Miss Cynthia -Carew?”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Winthrop shook her head. “She is still too -prostrated to be interviewed.”</p> - -<p>“Poor little soul! It was a ghastly experience for -her,” ejaculated Colonel Thornton.</p> - -<p>“It was indeed,” agreed Mrs. Winthrop. “She -was devoted to her uncle, and he to her. Consequently -the shock has driven her half out of her -mind.”</p> - -<p>“Miss Thornton—” Brett turned and faced -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span>Eleanor—“do you know to whom Miss Carew referred -when she exclaimed on greeting you yesterday -afternoon: ‘They quarreled, Eleanor, they quarreled!’”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Winthrop caught her breath sharply.</p> - -<p>“Why, her words referred to Hamilton, the coachman,” -replied Eleanor quietly, and her eyes did not -waver before Brett’s stern glance.</p> - -<p>The detective broke the short silence which followed. -“I won’t detain you longer, Mrs. Winthrop. -I am exceedingly obliged to you for the information -you have furnished. Mr. Hunter, are you coming -down town?”</p> - -<p>Douglas nodded an affirmative as he rose. Mrs. -Winthrop and Colonel Thornton detained Brett -with a question as he was leaving the room. Douglas -seized his opportunity, and crossed over to -Eleanor’s side.</p> - -<p>“How have you been since I saw you last, Miss -Thornton?” he inquired.</p> - -<p>“Very well, thanks. And you?”—Eleanor inspected -him with good-natured raillery: “You look—as -serious as ever.”</p> - -<p>Douglas reddened. “It has been my lot in life -to have to take things seriously. I’m not such a -Puritan as you evidently think me.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Come and see me, and perhaps on better acquaintance”—she -paused.</p> - -<p>“What?”</p> - -<p>“You will improve.” Her charming, roguish -smile robbed the words of their sting.</p> - -<p>“You think then that I am an acquired taste?”</p> - -<p>“I have not seen enough of you to know.”</p> - -<p>“When may I call on you?”</p> - -<p>She parried the question with another.</p> - -<p>“Why did you leave Paris without saying good-bye -to me?”</p> - -<p>The simple question sobered Douglas. It brought -back an unpleasant recollection best forgotten. -Eleanor’s bewitching personality had always exerted -an extraordinary influence over him. He found -himself watching her every movement, instinct with -grace, and eagerly waiting to catch her smile. In -Paris he had often cursed himself for a fool, even -when attending a reception just to catch a glimpse of -her. She was a born coquette, and could no more -help enjoying an innocent flirtation than a kitten -could help frolicking. It was her intense femininity -which had first attracted him. Frightened at the -influence she unconsciously exerted over him, he had -deliberately avoided her—and Fate had thrown -them together again. It was Kismet! Therefore, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span>why not enjoy the goods the gods provided and be -thankful?</p> - -<p>“‘Time and tide wait for no man,’” he quoted. -“I had to catch a steamer at a moment’s notice, -hence the ‘P. P. C.’ card. Please show your forgiveness, -and let me call.”</p> - -<p>“And if I don’t?”</p> - -<p>“Why, I’ll come anyway.”</p> - -<p>Eleanor’s eyes twinkled. “Bravo. I like the -spirit of young Lochinvar.”</p> - -<p>“He came out of the West, whereas I come out -of the East.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, well, extremes meet.”</p> - -<p>“Then don’t be surprised if I carry you off.” The -words were spoken in jest, but the look in Douglas’ -eyes caused Eleanor to blush hotly.</p> - -<p>“Marse Brett am awaitin’ fo’ yo’, suh,” said -Joshua from the doorway, breaking in on the <i>tête-à-tête</i>.</p> - -<p>“Oh,—ah,—yes.” Douglas was suddenly conscious -of the absence of the others. “Miss Thornton, -I had no idea I was detaining you. Please say -good-by to Mrs. Winthrop and your uncle. I -never realized in Paris that you belonged to <i>the</i> -Thorntons in Georgetown.”</p> - -<p>“You never took the trouble to make inquiries -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span>about me?” She surprised a look in Douglas’ face—why -did he appear as if caught? The expression -was fleeting, but Eleanor’s eyes hardened. “Good-bye,” -she turned abruptly away, without seeing his -half-extended hand.</p> - -<p>Douglas looked anything but pleasant when he -joined Brett, who stood waiting for him in the vestibule. -They strolled down Massachusetts Avenue -for over a block in absolute silence.</p> - -<p>Brett was the first to speak. “When you were -eating breakfast I saw Annette, Miss Thornton’s -French maid, and questioned her in regard to the -dressing gowns worn by the Carew household.”</p> - -<p>“What luck did you meet with?” inquired Douglas, -rousing from a deep study.</p> - -<p>“She says Mrs. Winthrop, Miss Carew, and Miss -Thornton all wear dressing gowns made of oriental -silk.”</p> - -<p>“Upon my word!” ejaculated Douglas, much -astonished. “Still, they can’t be the same pattern.”</p> - -<p>“It won’t be so easy to identify your midnight -caller by means of that silk,” taking out the slip -which Douglas had torn from the dressing gown the -night before. “Annette says the gowns were given -to Mrs. Winthrop and Miss Carew by Miss Thornton, -who purchased them, with hers, at a Japanese -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span>store in H Street. The French girl isn’t above accepting -a bribe, so when I suggested her showing me -the gowns, she got them and brought them into the -library, while Mrs. Winthrop and Miss Thornton -were breakfasting in Miss Carew’s boudoir.”</p> - -<p>“Did you see all three of them?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, and they are as alike as two peas in a pod. -And, Mr. Hunter,” his voice deepened impressively, -“I examined them with the greatest care, and not -one kimono was torn—nor had any one of them -ever been mended.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX</a><br /> -<small><small>AT THE STATE DEPARTMENT</small></small></h2></div> - -<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcap">“T</span>HIS gentleman has called to see you, -sir,” and the messenger handed a visiting -card to the Secretary of State, who -laid his pen down on his desk and carefully inspected -the card.</p> - -<p>“Show Mr. Hunter in,” he directed, then looked -across at his stenographer. “You need not wait, -Jones.”</p> - -<p>As the stenographer gathered up his papers and -hastened out of the room, Douglas was ushered in, -and after a few words of greeting the Secretary -motioned him to take the large leather chair placed -beside his desk.</p> - -<p>“I was sorry not to find you when I called yesterday, -Mr. Secretary,” began Douglas.</p> - -<p>“I was detained in the West and did not get here -until this morning. What do you wish to see me -about, Mr. Hunter?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span></p> - -<p>“First, to thank you for granting me a leave of -absence.”</p> - -<p>“That is all right. Senator Carew came here and -asked as a particular favor to him that you be allowed -to return to Washington. By the way, his -death was terrible, terrible. His loss will be felt by -the whole country.”</p> - -<p>“It will, indeed,” agreed Douglas.</p> - -<p>“Did you see Senator Carew before his death?”</p> - -<p>“No, Mr. Secretary; I only reached Washington -on Monday, the night of his murder.”</p> - -<p>“It seems an outrage in these days of our boasted -civilization that a man of such brilliant attainments, -a man whose life is of benefit to his country, should -be killed wantonly by a worthless, drunken negro,” -exclaimed the Secretary, with much feeling.</p> - -<p>“You believe, then, that Senator Carew was murdered -by his servant?”</p> - -<p>“I gathered that impression from the newspapers, -and they all insist that the negro is guilty. Do you -think otherwise?”</p> - -<p>“I do.”</p> - -<p>“And your reasons?”</p> - -<p>“The use of the letter file, an extraordinary -weapon for a negro coachman to use.”</p> - -<p>“Is that your only reason for believing the negro -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span>innocent?" The Secretary’s piercing eyes studied -Douglas’ face intently.</p> - -<p>“No, sir.”</p> - -<p>“Is there anything which strikes you as being of -vital importance in the case which has not yet been -brought out?”</p> - -<p>“Senator Carew was chairman of the Foreign -Relations Committee.”</p> - -<p>The Secretary stared at Douglas for a full minute -without speaking.</p> - -<p>“I don’t quite catch your meaning, Mr. Hunter,” -he said finally.</p> - -<p>“Let me explain, Mr. Secretary,” began Douglas -earnestly. “Some time ago I received a letter from -Senator Carew <i>suggesting</i> that I apply for leave of -absence.”</p> - -<p>“Why?” snapped out the Secretary.</p> - -<p>“He did not specify directly,” returned Douglas -calmly; “he said he wished to consult me about my -future. One moment”—as the Secretary opened -his lips to speak. “At the end of the letter the Senator -added that he hoped I was making the most -of my opportunities; that it was only the part of -wisdom to inform myself of all that was going on -in Japan, and that he expected that I would be able -to give him some interesting data about the ‘Yankees -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span>of the East,’ as he had always been curious as -regards their customs, past history, and future -plans.”</p> - -<p>The Secretary settled back in his chair and fumbled -with his watch chain. He was the first to break -the silence. “Did you follow Senator Carew’s advice?”</p> - -<p>“I did, sir.”</p> - -<p>“With what results?”</p> - -<p>“Among other things I discovered that there was -an unusual activity commencing in the shipyards; -army maneuvers were being conducted unostentatiously, -and finally, the day I sailed, I heard a report -that three transports were being fitted out at Wakayama, -a closed port, and were to sail shortly under -sealed orders.”</p> - -<p>“Excellent! Have you any idea of the transports’ -destination?”</p> - -<p>“No, sir.”</p> - -<p>“Why did you not send me this information before?” -the Secretary spoke with unwonted sternness.</p> - -<p>“I did cable a cipher despatch to Senator Carew. -I thought you had requested him to get certain information, -and did not care to have it sent through -the Department directly.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span></p> - -<p>“The Senator did not take me into his confidence -in the matter,” declared the Secretary, studying his -companion’s face intently.</p> - -<p>“That’s very strange,” muttered Douglas. “Very -strange. Detective Brett, who is investigating the -Carew case, declares, from writing found on a blotter, -that the Senator wrote a letter to some unknown -person. On one side of the blotter were clearly -traced the words: ‘Am writing in case I don’t see -you before ...’—and on the other: ‘I have discovered....’ -Brett thinks Senator Carew was interrupted -on two occasions while writing the letter, -and laid the blotter on the fresh ink to prevent the -person who entered from seeing what he had written.”</p> - -<p>The Secretary followed Douglas’ story with the -greatest attention. “A likely hypothesis,” he acknowledged, -slowly settling back in his revolving -chair, for he had been leaning forward on his desk -the better to catch every word spoken by Douglas -in his quiet monotone. “To whom do you think that -letter was written?”</p> - -<p>“To you, undoubtedly, Mr. Secretary. Possibly -my information may have given him the clew he -needed to verify certain suspicions. You were in -the West, he wanted to get the news to you without -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span>further delay, and the only thing he could do was to -write or wire.”</p> - -<p>“Or telephone,” supplemented the Secretary; -then, as Douglas’ face brightened, he added, “Unfortunately -for your theory Senator Carew did none -of those things.”</p> - -<p>“You mean——?”</p> - -<p>“That I have never received a letter, a telegram, -or a telephone from him while I was away,” announced -the Secretary solemnly.</p> - -<p>“He may still have written a message and have -been killed before he could get it off to you.”</p> - -<p>“Has such a letter been found by Brett?”</p> - -<p>“No, sir; nor any trace of it. So far, he has -been unable to find out whether such a letter was -seen or posted by any member of the Senator’s -household. All he has to go on is the blotter.”</p> - -<p>“Why did you not go at once to see Senator -Carew when you arrived in Washington?”</p> - -<p>“Because my cousin, Captain Taylor, who met me -at the Union Station, gave me a note from Senator -Carew asking me to call on him at nine o’clock -Tuesday morning at his residence.”</p> - -<p>“How did the Senator know where a note would -reach you?”</p> - -<p>“He enclosed it in a note to my cousin asking him -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span>to see that it was delivered to me at once on my -arrival.”</p> - -<p>“Has it occurred to you that Senator Carew’s -missing letter, which Brett is so anxious to find, may -have been addressed to you?”</p> - -<p>“I never thought of that!” exclaimed Douglas, “I -was so thoroughly convinced that he had tried to -communicate with you.”</p> - -<p>“I would inquire about your mail if I were you, -Mr. Hunter.”</p> - -<p>“I will do so at once,” Douglas half rose.</p> - -<p>“No, no, sit down.” The Secretary waited until -Douglas had resumed his seat. “Where are you -stopping?”</p> - -<p>“At the Albany.”</p> - -<p>“You have brought me very serious news, Mr. -Hunter. So serious that I must insist on some verification -of your statements about Japan before you -leave me.”</p> - -<p>Douglas took from a cleverly concealed pocket in -the lining of his coat a number of sheets of rice -paper and handed them to the Secretary, who studied -the closely written papers long and intently. Suddenly -he pulled open a desk drawer and took out his -strong box.</p> - -<p>“I will keep these papers, Mr. Hunter, for future -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span>reference,” he announced, unlocking the box and -placing the rice papers in it. Then, with equal care, -he replaced the box in the drawer, which he locked -securely. “We must go slowly in this matter. A -slip on our part, and two great nations may become -involved in a needless and bloody war.”</p> - -<p>“I realize the gravity of the situation, Mr. Secretary, -and have come to you for advice in the matter.”</p> - -<p>“Good. I depend on you not to mention our conversation -to anyone, nor do I think it wise to acquaint -Brett at this time with your suspicions in regard -to the motive for Senator Carew’s murder. -With all good intentions Brett might blunder and -cause international complications.”</p> - -<p>Douglas stroked his clean-shaven chin reflectively -for a moment. “Don’t you think, Mr. Secretary, -that there is danger of being too secretive, and -that the guilty party may slip through our -fingers?”</p> - -<p>“It is a risk which we will have to take. Frankly, -I think you and Brett are equal to the situation.” -The Secretary glanced at his watch. “Have you -any engagement just now, Mr. Hunter?”</p> - -<p>“No, sir. My time is at your disposal.”</p> - -<p>The Secretary reached up and touched the electric -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span>buzzer hanging above his desk, and in a few seconds -his stenographer appeared from another room.</p> - -<p>“Jones, call up Secretary Wyndham and ask if -he can see me,” and, as the clerk disappeared to -execute his order, he turned back to Douglas. -“There are certain charts of the Pacific which I wish -you to see; they have been made recently. Well, -Jones?” as the clerk reëntered his office.</p> - -<p>“Secretary Wyndham is expecting you, sir.”</p> - -<p>“Thanks. Now, Mr. Hunter, get your hat, and -we will go to the Navy Department.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X</a><br /> -<small><small>THE THEFT</small></small></h2></div> - -<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcap">T</span>HE Secretary of State and Douglas hastened -through the wide corridors of the immense -State, War, and Navy Building. As they -passed an elevator shaft in the navy wing, Douglas -caught a fleeting glimpse of Eleanor Thornton in -one of the lifts as it shot downward toward the -ground floor. On their arrival they were ushered -at once into Secretary Wyndham’s private office.</p> - -<p>“Glad to see you,” exclaimed Wyndham, “your -call is most opportune”—he stopped on seeing -Douglas standing behind the Secretary of State, and -his eyebrows went up questioningly.</p> - -<p>“This is Mr. Douglas Hunter, attaché of the -American Embassy at Tokio, Wyndham,” explained -the Secretary of State.</p> - -<p>“How are you, sir.” The Secretary of the Navy -shook hands brusquely. “Will you both be seated?”</p> - -<p>“I brought Mr. Hunter with me that he might -tell you of certain information which he gathered -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span>in Japan about some prospective movements of their -navy.” He glanced significantly at Douglas, who -nodded understandingly, and without more words -gave a clear, concise statement of naval affairs in -Japan, omitting all mention of other matters.</p> - -<p>Secretary Wyndham listened to his remarks with -the closest attention. When he ceased speaking -Wyndham sprang from his chair and, walking over -to the adjoining room, spoke to his confidential -clerk, then closed the door and returned.</p> - -<p>“I have told him to admit no one,” he explained -briefly, as he seated himself in his swivel chair.</p> - -<p>“May we see the new charts of the Pacific?” inquired -the Secretary of State, moving his chair closer -to the other’s desk.</p> - -<p>“Certainly; but first I must tell you of a remarkable -occurrence which took place here earlier this -morning.” A violent fit of coughing interrupted -Wyndham, and it was some minutes before he could -speak clearly. “Ah!” he gasped, tilting back in his -chair and mopping his flushed face, “a spring cold -is almost impossible to cure.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t think yours will be improved if you continue -to sit in a direct draft,” remonstrated the -Secretary of State, pointing to the open windows.</p> - -<p>“I had to have air. By George! man, if you had -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span>been through what I have this morning—” he did -not complete his sentence.</p> - -<p>“What happened?” asked the Secretary of State, -with growing interest.</p> - -<p>“The plans of the two new dreadnaughts have -been stolen.”</p> - -<p>“Impossible!” The Secretary of State half -started from his chair.</p> - -<p>“Impossible? Well, I’d have said the same five -hours ago,” dryly.</p> - -<p>“Were they stolen from this office?” asked -Douglas.</p> - -<p>“Yes, and not only from this office, but under my -very eyes.”</p> - -<p>“How?”</p> - -<p>“To give you both a clear idea I must go into -details,” Wyndham drew his chair up closer and -lowered his voice. “About twelve o’clock my private -secretary brought me word that a man wished -to see me personally. Of course, I have daily callers -who all wish to see me personally, and usually my -secretary takes care of them. This particular caller -refused to give his name and said he would explain -his business to me alone. I thought he was simply -a harmless crank, and told my secretary to get rid -of him as soon as possible.” Wyndham sighed. “In -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span>a few minutes my secretary was back in the office, -saying that the stranger had a message for me from -Senator Carew.”</p> - -<p>“A written message?” asked the Secretary of -State.</p> - -<p>“No, a verbal one. With everyone else in Washington, -I have taken great interest in the terrible -murder of my old friend. The man’s statement -aroused my interest, and, having a few minutes of -leisure, I told my secretary to show him in.”</p> - -<p>“What did he look like?” inquired the Secretary -of State, deeply interested.</p> - -<p>“A tall, dark chap; his hair and beard were -black, and he had the bluest eyes I’ve ever seen in -human head.”</p> - -<p>“Was he well dressed?”</p> - -<p>“No, his clothes were shabby but fairly neat. He -looked as if he had spruced up for the occasion. I -can’t say I was prepossessed in his favor by his appearance.”</p> - -<p>“Did he give you his name?”</p> - -<p>“No.”</p> - -<p>“Do you think he was an American?” put in -Douglas.</p> - -<p>“It’s hard to say. At first I sized him up as being -a Spaniard.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Didn’t you ask his name?” again inquired the -Secretary of State impatiently.</p> - -<p>“I did, and his errand. He ignored my first question, -and in answer to the second said that he had -come to examine some records. I informed him that -he had come to the wrong office, and that my clerk -would direct him to the proper room. He then -made the astounding statement that he had an appointment -to meet Senator Carew here in this office -at twelve o’clock. I was taken completely by surprise -by the man’s statement and asked: ‘What -day did you expect to meet Senator Carew here?’</p> - -<p>“‘This morning, at twelve o’clock,’ he answered, -and then added, ‘He is late.’</p> - -<p>“Thinking the man a little daft or drunk, though -I could detect no sign of liquor, I said abruptly, ‘A -likely tale; Senator Carew is dead.’</p> - -<p>“‘Dead!’ he shouted, springing out of his chair.</p> - -<p>“‘Yes, dead—murdered last Monday night.’ I -hadn’t anticipated giving him such a shock, or I -would have broken the news more gently. The -effect on my visitor was appalling. He collapsed on -the floor in a fit. The electric bells in this office are -out of order, and, although I shouted for help, no -one heard me. I sprang out of my chair, undid the -man’s necktie and collar, threw the contents of my -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span>ice pitcher in his face, and then bolted into the other -room to get assistance. Most of the clerks had -gone out to their lunch. I called two men who happened -to be eating their lunch in an adjoining room, -and we hastened back here only to find my strange -visitor gone!”</p> - -<p>“Gone!” ejaculated the Secretary of State.</p> - -<p>“Vanished. The only sign of his presence was -the spilled ice water on the floor, and that chair -overturned,” pointing to the one Douglas was occupying.</p> - -<p>“Did no one see him slip out of the door into the -hall?” asked Douglas.</p> - -<p>“No. Unfortunately the messenger, who sits -near my door, had gone into the room across the -corridor. The man made a quick getaway, and -luck broke with him, for no one noticed him leaving -the building.”</p> - -<p>“How do you know he isn’t hiding somewhere?” -inquired Douglas.</p> - -<p>“If he is, he will be captured, for Chief Connor -and a number of Secret Service men are searching -the building.”</p> - -<p>“When did you discover the plans of the battleships -were missing?”</p> - -<p>Wyndham swore softly. “That’s the devilish -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span>part of it,” he said bitterly. “As soon as I realized -the man had really run away I glanced over my -papers. Everything seemed to be all right. I pulled -open this drawer,” opening it as he spoke, “and saw -these blue prints lying exactly as I had placed them -under this folded newspaper. I slammed the drawer -shut, thinking my strange visitor was simply a harmless -lunatic, who had probably read about Carew’s -death until he became obsessed with the subject, and -dismissed the matter from my mind.”</p> - -<p>“Was this drawer locked when your strange visitor -was admitted?”</p> - -<p>“No.”</p> - -<p>“Then anyone might have stolen the papers,” exclaimed -the Secretary of State in surprise.</p> - -<p>Wyndham reddened. “No, they could not. The -only time I’ve been out of this room was when I ran -out looking for aid for that miserable scoundrel. -That is the only chance there has been to steal the -papers.”</p> - -<p>“You think, then,” began Douglas, checking his -remarks off on his fingers, “first, that the whole -thing was a plot; that the man used Senator Carew’s -name to arouse your interest or curiosity; that he -faked a fit, and in your absence removed the plans -and substituted false blueprints, taking a chance that -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span>you would simply look to see that everything was -safe in your drawer and not examine further, and -then made his escape.”</p> - -<p>“You’ve hit it exactly,” acknowledged Wyndham. -“Those were the conclusions reached by Chief Connor -also.”</p> - -<p>“It was no irresponsible person who committed -that theft,” declared the Secretary of State thoughtfully. -“It was a well-laid plot, neatly carried out. -How long have the papers been in your possession, -Wyndham?”</p> - -<p>“They were sent here yesterday for my inspection. -There has been a leak here somewhere, damn -it!” Wyndham set his bulldog jaw. “I’ll trace it -to the bottom, and when I find out——” he clenched -his fists menacingly.</p> - -<p>“What callers did you see besides the Spaniard?” -asked Douglas.</p> - -<p>“Let me see—the usual run, several office seekers, -a number of naval officers—oh, yes, my wife came -in with Colonel Thornton and his niece, Miss -Eleanor Thornton.”</p> - -<p>“Before or after the Spaniard had been here?” -questioned Douglas swiftly.</p> - -<p>“Shortly afterward. They came in about a quarter -of one and did not stay long.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span></p> - -<p>“After you had discovered the loss of the -plans?”</p> - -<p>“No, before. I only discovered their loss three-quarters -of an hour ago.”</p> - -<p>“How long were your wife and her friends in this -office?” inquired Douglas persistently.</p> - -<p>“About fifteen minutes.”</p> - -<p>“Then how does it happen that I saw Miss -Eleanor Thornton descending in one of the elevators -when the Secretary and I were on our way to this -office to see you?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, Miss Eleanor told me that she was going to -the library to look up the records of some of her -ancestors, as she wishes to join the Colonial Dames. -I think she has been up there ever since. My wife -and Colonel Thornton left together without waiting -for her.”</p> - -<p>“You are absolutely certain, Wyndham, that you -haven’t been out of this office except on that one -occasion?” asked the Secretary of State for the second -time.</p> - -<p>“I will take my Bible oath on it,” exclaimed -Wyndham solemnly.</p> - -<p>The three men gazed at each other in silence, each -busy with his own thoughts. The Secretary of State -was the first to recover himself.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Have you had your lunch, Wyndham?” he inquired.</p> - -<p>The latter shook his head. “I’ve lost my appetite,” -he growled.</p> - -<p>The Secretary of State rose and placed his hand -on the broad shoulder of the younger man. “Don’t -take it so much to heart, Wyndham,” he said kindly. -“We’ll get at the bottom of this tangle before long. -We’ll all stand by and help you, and, remember, -Chief Connor is a host in himself.”</p> - -<p>“Thanks,” Wyndham straightened his bent shoulders; -his face was set and his eyes snapped as the -spirit of the born fighter returned. “I’ll move -Heaven and earth until I catch that Spaniard. Must -you both be going?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.” The Secretary of State answered for -Douglas as well as for himself. “We have detained -you quite long enough. Let me know immediately -of any new developments.”</p> - -<p>“I will. Mr. Hunter, it’s been a pleasure to meet -you, although I am afraid the information you have -given me, considered with the loss of the plans of -the new battleships, complicates the situation. -Good-bye, come and see me again,” and the big door -swung shut.</p> - -<p>Halfway down the corridor the Secretary of State -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span>paused and regarded Douglas seriously. “Talk of -complicated situations——” he passed his hand -wearily over his forehead, then started with sudden -resolution. “Come on, Hunter, I’m going over to -the White House; a talk with the President may -clear my brain. Wyndham may have lost his appetite, -but he’s given us food for thought.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI</a><br /> -<small><small>OVER THE TEA CUPS</small></small></h2></div> - -<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcap">C</span>YNTHIA turned a flushed and tear-stained -face toward Eleanor, as the latter entered -the boudoir and approached her couch.</p> - -<p>“Is it all over?” she asked, choking back a sob.</p> - -<p>“Yes.” Eleanor lifted her black crêpe veil, and, -pulling out the hatpins, removed her hat and handed -it to Annette, who had followed her into the room. -“Take my coat, too, Annette,” she directed, “then -you need not wait.” As the servant left the room -she pulled a low rocking-chair up to the couch on -which Cynthia was lying, and placed her hand gently -on the weeping girl’s shoulder. “Are you feeling -better, dear?”</p> - -<p>“A little better.” Cynthia wiped her eyes with -a dry handkerchief which Annette had placed on -her couch some moments before. “Oh, Eleanor, I -am so bitterly ashamed of the scene I made downstairs.”</p> - -<p>“You need not be.” Eleanor stroked the curly, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span>fair hair back from Cynthia’s hot forehead with -loving fingers. “It was a very painful scene, and -Dr. Wallace’s tribute to Senator Carew, while beautiful, -was harrowing. I am not surprised you -fainted, dear.”</p> - -<p>“Aunt Charlotte didn’t, and she was so devoted -to Uncle James.”</p> - -<p>“Mrs. Winthrop had not been through your terrible -experiences of Monday night. Consequently, -she had the strength to bear to-day’s ordeal with -outward composure.”</p> - -<p>“Was it very dreadful at the cemetery?”</p> - -<p>“No, dear. The services at the grave were very -simple, and, as the funeral was private, it attracted -no morbid spectators.”</p> - -<p>“Did anyone accompany you?”</p> - -<p>“Just the handful of people who were here for -the house services.”</p> - -<p>“Where is Aunt Charlotte?”</p> - -<p>“She went to her room to lie down.”</p> - -<p>Cynthia raised herself on her elbow and glanced -searchingly about the pretty sitting-room filled with -its bird’s-eye maple furniture. The yellow wallpaper, -with its wide border of pink roses, chintz curtains -and hangings, cast a soft yellow glow, which -was exceedingly becoming, as well as restful to the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span>eye. The afternoon sunshine came through the long -French windows which overlooked a broad alley.</p> - -<p>“Eleanor, would you mind closing the door of my -bedroom,” she asked, “and please first see that—that -Blanche isn’t sitting there sewing.”</p> - -<p>Eleanor glanced curiously at Cynthia as she rose, -crossed to the adjoining bedroom, and softly closed -the door. “There is no one in your room,” she reported, -on her return to her rocking-chair.</p> - -<p>Cynthia settled back among her pillows with an -air of satisfaction. “At last I have you to myself. -First the trained nurse, whom I didn’t need, and then -Aunt Charlotte, have always been hanging around, -and I haven’t had a chance to ask you any questions.”</p> - -<p>“What is it you wish to know?”</p> - -<p>“Was there—was there—an autopsy?” Noting -Eleanor’s expression, she exclaimed hastily: “Now, -Eleanor dear, <i>don’t</i> say I must not talk of Uncle -James’ death. The nurse wouldn’t answer me when -I spoke on the subject; said I must not think of the -tragedy, that it was bad for me. Such nonsense! I -would have asked Aunt Charlotte, but she’s been -so queer lately, not in the least like her own dear -self.”</p> - -<p>“Mrs. Winthrop is living under such great strain -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span>these days, Cynthia, it’s not surprising. Her -brother dead—Philip very ill——”</p> - -<p>“They told me he was better,” hastily jerked out -Cynthia, with a startled look in her big, brown eyes.</p> - -<p>“He is, now,” Eleanor hesitated. “The doctor -at first thought he might develop brain fever, but I -am told all danger of that is past.”</p> - -<p>“What is the matter with him?” persisted Cynthia. -“I asked the nurse what the trouble was, but -she never told me. Was his attack also caused by -the shock of Uncle James’ death?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, from shock,” answered Eleanor, mechanically. -“You must not blame your aunt if her manner -is distrait; she is a very reserved woman and -dreads, above all things, letting herself go and -breaking down.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, I hope she will keep well, she has been so -unhappy. I can’t bear to think of her suffering -more, but,” she laid her hand pleadingly on -Eleanor’s arm, “you haven’t answered my question -about the autopsy.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, they held one.”</p> - -<p>“And what was discovered?” eagerly.</p> - -<p>“That Senator Carew was perfectly well physically, -and that his death was caused by a stab from -the sharp-pointed letter file.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span></p> - -<p>Cynthia suddenly covered her eyes with her hand, -and lay for some minutes without speaking. “Is -Hamilton still in jail?” she questioned finally.</p> - -<p>“Yes, he is being held for the inquest.”</p> - -<p>“Inquest?” Cynthia glanced up, startled. “I -thought the inquest was over.”</p> - -<p>“No, it hasn’t been held yet.”</p> - -<p>“But Uncle James was buried to-day.”</p> - -<p>“The funeral could not be postponed, Cynthia. -The doctors who performed the autopsy will testify -at the inquest.”</p> - -<p>“But I thought it was always necessary to hold -the inquest after a violent death.”</p> - -<p>“It is usually, but in this case the inquest was -postponed because you and Philip, two of the most -important witnesses, were too ill to attend it.”</p> - -<p>Cynthia closed and unclosed her tapering fingers -over her handkerchief spasmodically. “Are the detectives -still hanging around the house?” she inquired.</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“It’s shameful!” announced Cynthia, sitting upright, -“to allow those men to intrude on our grief -and privacy. They have arrested Hamilton for the -crime, and should leave us alone.”</p> - -<p>“They do not think Hamilton guilty.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Whom—whom—do they suspect?” The question -seemed forced from her.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Brett hasn’t confided in me.”</p> - -<p>“Mr. Brett?”</p> - -<p>“He’s the detective in charge of the case.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, is he the tall, fine-looking man I saw talking -to Joshua in the hall yesterday morning?”</p> - -<p>“No, that was probably Douglas Hunter.”</p> - -<p>“Douglas Hunter? Not the Douglas Hunter of -the Diplomatic Corps, whom Uncle James was forever -talking about?”</p> - -<p>“The same. Do you know him?”</p> - -<p>“No, he has always been absent from Washington -when I’ve been in the city. What is he doing here -now?”</p> - -<p>“Trying to help Mr. Brett solve the mystery of -Senator Carew’s death.”</p> - -<p>“Good Heavens! What earthly business is it of -his?”</p> - -<p>“Don’t ask me,” Eleanor’s usually tranquil voice -was a trifle sharp. “I suppose he is hoping to win -the reward offered by Mrs. Winthrop.”</p> - -<p>“Reward?” Cynthia’s voice rose, and drowned the -sound of a faint knock at the hall door.</p> - -<p>“Yes. Your aunt announced that she would give -five thousand dollars to anyone who could solve the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span>mystery.” Cynthia was listening with absorbed attention -to Eleanor, and neither noticed that the hall -door was pushed open a few inches, then softly -closed. “Uncle Dana told her that was too much to -offer, and she reduced the sum to one thousand dollars, -with the proviso that it should be increased if -the first offer brought no result.”</p> - -<p>Cynthia sighed deeply. “Why, why did she do -it?” she cried passionately. “She must be mad!”</p> - -<p>Eleanor glanced at her companion in astonishment. -“Cynthia, you must not excite yourself,” she -remonstrated firmly. “Otherwise, I shall leave -you.”</p> - -<p>Cynthia reached out and clutched her arm. -“Don’t go,” she entreated. “I must——” her words -were interrupted by a sharp rap on the hall door. -“Come in.”</p> - -<p>In response Annette opened the door. “Pardon, -Mademoiselle, but it is five o’clock, and I thought -you might like your tea up here instead of downstairs.”</p> - -<p>“Capital, Annette,” exclaimed Eleanor, as the -maid entered carrying a tray. “Wait a moment, -and I will get that small table.” Deftly she removed -the books and magazines, and then carried -the table over to the couch. Annette put a tray -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span>laden with tempting sandwiches, small cakes, the -teapot and its accessories, on the table, then bent -over and arranged Cynthia’s pillows at her back -with practiced hand.</p> - -<p>“Mademoiselle is more comfortable, <i>n’est-ce -pas?</i>” she asked briskly.</p> - -<p>“Yes, indeed, Annette,” Cynthia nodded gratefully -at the Frenchwoman.</p> - -<p>“Have you everything you wish, Mademoiselle -Eleanor?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, Annette, thank you. If I want anything -more I will ring.”</p> - -<p>“Be sure and close the door, Annette,” directed -Cynthia, “I am afraid of a draft”; and she looked -around until she saw her order obeyed.</p> - -<p>“Have a sandwich?” asked Eleanor, handing the -dish and a plate to Cynthia.</p> - -<p>“I’d rather eat good sandwiches than solid food,” -announced Cynthia, after a pause, helping herself -to another portion.</p> - -<p>“Solid?” echoed Eleanor. “I call <i>pâté de foie -gras</i> and deviled ham pretty solid eating, Cynthia; -especially when taken in bulk,” glancing quizzically -at the rapidly diminishing pile.</p> - -<p>“Don’t begrudge me these crumbs.” Cynthia’s -smile was followed by a sigh. “I’ve lived on slops -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span>for three days. Why are you giving me such weak -tea, Eleanor? I loathe it made that way.”</p> - -<p>“I am afraid to make it stronger, Cynthia, it will -keep you awake.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t want to sleep; I’d give anything <i>not</i> to -sleep!”</p> - -<p>“Why, Cynthia!”</p> - -<p>“If I could really sleep—drop into oblivion—I -would like it, but instead I dream, and, oh, God! -I fear my dream.”</p> - -<p>Eleanor laid a restraining hand on her shoulder. -“Lie down,” she commanded, “and compose yourself.”</p> - -<p>Cynthia lay back on her pillows, panting a little -from her exertion, the color coming and going in -her winsome face.</p> - -<p>“I would give anything, Eleanor, if I had your -tranquil disposition,” she said, more quietly. “I -cannot help my temperament. My mother was -Scotch to the fingertips, and, I have been told, had -the gift of second-sight—although I sometimes -doubt if such a thing is a gift.”</p> - -<p>“Perhaps I can understand better than you think,” -said Eleanor gently. “My mother was Irish, and -the Irish, you know, are just as great believers in -the supernatural as the Scotch.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span></p> - -<p>“You always understand,” Cynthia bent forward -and kissed her friend warmly. “That’s why you are -such a comfort. Let me tell you why I am so nervous -and unstrung. Since a little child I have been -obsessed by one dream, it is always the same, and -always precedes disaster.” She sighed, drearily. “I -had it just before my grandmother’s death; then before -my uncle, Mr. Winthrop, killed himself; and -on Sunday night I had it again.” She shuddered as -she spoke.</p> - -<p>“What is your dream?”</p> - -<p>“It is this way: I may be sleeping soundly, when -suddenly I see a door—a door which stands out -vividly in a shadowy space, which might be a room, -or hallway—the door is white and the panels are in -the shape of a cross, so”—illustrating her meaning -with her arms—“I hear a cry—the cry of a soul in -torment—I rush to the rescue, always to find the -door locked, and wake myself beating on the empty -air”—she shuddered as she spoke, and drew her -kimono closer about her. “I awake cold and trembling -from head to foot.”</p> - -<p>“You poor darling,” Eleanor took the limp form -in her arms with a gesture of infinite understanding -and compassion.</p> - -<p>“I had the dream Sunday night,” sobbed Cynthia, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span>“then Monday, when I thought we could announce -our engagement——”</p> - -<p>“Whose engagement?” asked a quiet voice behind -the pair. Startled, Eleanor wheeled around to find -Mrs. Winthrop standing behind her, as Cynthia -slipped from her arms and buried her head in the -friendly cushions, her slender form shaking with -convulsive sobs.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII</a><br /> -<small><small>A COUNCIL OF WAR</small></small></h2></div> - -<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcap">P</span>HILIP WINTHROP moved restlessly in -bed, then lay still, for a feeling of deadly -nausea almost overcame him. Half an hour -passed, and, feeling better, he raised his hand and -felt his throbbing temples. Wearily he tried to collect -his ideas, but all appeared confused.</p> - -<p>What was it that he had promised? Slowly his -torpid conscience awoke. “For value received”—the -phrase held a double meaning which penetrated -even his dulled senses. He could not afford to lie -there like a bump on a log any longer. He opened -his eyes; apparently it was late, for the room was in -total darkness, save for a streak of light which -came from the half-open hall door.</p> - -<p>With an effort Philip raised himself on his elbow -and glanced about him, but even that slight exertion -was too much in his weakened state, and, with a -groan, he slid back on the pillows. For some seconds -he lay without moving, but the yellow patch of -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span>light troubled him, and he rolled over on his side -facing the wall. He struggled apathetically to piece -together the occurrences of the past few days. Suddenly -he caught the sound of a light step and the -swish of skirts approaching his bed.</p> - -<p>The next instant a glass was thrust under his -nose and placed gently against his mouth. He -raised his hand and pushed the glass away from -him. “G’way,” he stammered faintly; “leave me -’lone.”</p> - -<p>Apparently no attention was paid to his request, -for the glass was again placed at his lips. Again -he tried to thrust it from him, but his feeble efforts -made no impression against the strong wrist. His -resistance only lasted a few minutes, then his weaker -will surrendered to the stronger, and he sipped the -medicine obediently, after which the glass was withdrawn.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Downstairs in the library three men sat smoking -around the large desk table.</p> - -<p>“I am glad you could join us to-night, Colonel -Thornton,” said Brett, as he placed one of the ashtrays -conveniently near the lawyer. “Three heads -are better than one, and it is time we got together -and discussed certain features of this case.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Quite right, it will help us to a clearer understanding,” -agreed the Colonel.</p> - -<p>“Then suppose, Mr. Hunter, that you first tell -us any theories which you may have formed.”</p> - -<p>Douglas dropped the paper-cutter he was balancing -in his hand, and, leaning on the table, looked -seriously at his companions. “I think,” he said deliberately, -“that Philip Winthrop has a guilty knowledge -of Senator Carew’s death, if he is not the actual -murderer.”</p> - -<p>“Your reasons,” demanded Colonel Thornton.</p> - -<p>“There was bad blood between them, that has -been proved,” Douglas picked his words with care. -“Possibly the quarrel was brought about because -Senator Carew had found out something discreditable -in Philip Winthrop’s past. He had a responsible -position as the Senator’s private secretary, and -there is a chance he betrayed his trust.”</p> - -<p>“In what way?” asked Brett eagerly.</p> - -<p>“It may be that he is in the pay of some lobby -anxious to influence important legislation.” Douglas, -mindful of the Secretary of State’s caution, was -feeling his way with care.</p> - -<p>“Senator Carew was the last man to be influenced -by such a character as Philip Winthrop,” said -Thornton contemptuously.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span></p> - -<p>“He may not have tried to do so, but simply -have betrayed valuable information of committee -plans and caucus.”</p> - -<p>“That may be,” acknowledged Thornton, “particularly -as I am told that Philip has been spending -a great deal of money lately; far more than his -salary would warrant.”</p> - -<p>“‘Value received.’” Douglas shrugged his shoulders -expressively. “I have also found out that -Hamilton, the coachman, is a Jamaican negro, his -real name being Samuel Hamilton Quesada, and -that he was brought here nearly two years ago by -young Winthrop when he returned from a visit to -Jamaica. The Senator took him into his employ at -the former’s request and recommendation.”</p> - -<p>“And your theory is?” questioned Brett sharply, -laying down his cigar.</p> - -<p>“That Winthrop either bribed Hamilton to kill -Senator Carew, or to help him after he, Winthrop, -had committed the murder. You must remember,” -he added hastily, as Brett started to speak, “the -Jamaican negro has a revengeful disposition when -roused, and I have no doubt Senator Carew gave -him merry hell when he discharged him Monday -afternoon, and Hamilton was ready to risk everything -to get even.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span></p> - -<p>Brett shook his head. “How did Senator Carew -get into that carriage?” he asked doubtfully.</p> - -<p>“Hamilton probably lied when he said he did not -first stop at this house on his way to the ball to -bring Miss Carew home. Or perhaps Winthrop -came into this room, found Senator Carew busy -writing, stole up behind him, seized the letter file -and stabbed him with it.”</p> - -<p>Again Brett shook his head. “If that had been -the case, the Senator would have been stabbed in -the back; whereas he was stabbed directly over the -heart, and whoever committed the crime was facing -him.”</p> - -<p>“Well, that is not impossible,” argued Douglas. -“Winthrop may have stood near the Senator’s chair -and talked to him for a few minutes without the -latter suspecting danger, may have even picked up -the letter file, a harmless thing to do under ordinary -circumstances, and, without warning, thrust it into -the Senator’s chest.”</p> - -<p>“And afterward?” questioned Brett.</p> - -<p>“Afterward—Winthrop may have stepped into -the hall, found no one there, tiptoed into the room -again, telephoned”—pointing to the desk instrument—“out -to the stable and told Hamilton to drive at -once to the front door. The sound of the horses’ -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span>hoofs was probably drowned by the heavy rain, -so no one in the house would have heard the carriage -enter the <i>porte-cochère</i>, but”—impressively—“Winthrop, -from this window, could see its arrival. -He probably stepped into the hall again, found the -coast clear, opened the front door, dashed back, -picked up Senator Carew, who was much smaller -than he, carried him out and placed him inside the -carriage. Hamilton had been drinking, and was -perhaps too befogged to notice anything unusual, -and, when Winthrop slammed the carriage door, he -probably drove off none the wiser.”</p> - -<p>“As much as I dislike Philip Winthrop I do not -think him capable of committing murder,” said -Colonel Thornton, slowly. “Secondly, I believe, no -matter how secretly you think the murder was -planned, that, if Philip were guilty, Mrs. Winthrop -would have some inkling of it, and if their quarrel -was so serious she would have known it, and would -naturally try to hush matters up. Instead of which, -she is the first to offer a reward, a large reward, -mind you. It is not within reason that she would -have done such a thing had she the faintest idea that -Philip was the murderer.”</p> - -<p>“I beg your pardon, Philip is not her son. There -may be no love lost between them.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Good God! what a suggestion. You don’t mean -to insinuate that she offered that reward knowing -her stepson might be guilty.” Thornton looked at -Douglas with sudden horror.</p> - -<p>For reply Douglas nodded quietly.</p> - -<p>“No, no, Douglas, you are shinning up the wrong -tree. I have known Mrs. Winthrop for over fifteen -years; she wouldn’t injure a fly, let alone try to trap -one whom she loves as her own flesh and blood. -She was devoted to her husband, and for his sake -legally adopted Philip and brought him up as her -own son; in fact, she was entirely too indulgent and -generous, which has proved his downfall. He hates -work like a nigger.”</p> - -<p>“Mr. Hunter has drawn a strong case against -Philip Winthrop, except for one serious flaw,” broke -in Brett, who had been a silent listener to their argument. -“And that is that Philip Winthrop was at -the Alibi Club on Monday evening. A number of -reputable men are willing to swear to that. It is -certain that he could not have been in two places at -once. Secondly, Mrs. Winthrop swears that her -brother spent Monday evening away from this -house.” Brett leaned forward and spoke impressively, -“Senator Carew was killed by another hand -than Philip Winthrop’s.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span></p> - -<p>“By whose hand?” asked Thornton and Douglas -simultaneously.</p> - -<p>“Captain Frederick Lane.”</p> - -<p>“Fred Lane, of the Engineer Corps?” ejaculated -Thornton, much astonished, while Douglas looked -as blank as he felt.</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir.”</p> - -<p>“Bah! you’re mad.”</p> - -<p>“Just a moment,” Brett held up a protesting hand. -“Don’t condemn my theory unheard. I seemed up -against a blank wall in this house, so to-day I started -an investigation at the other end; that is, at the -residence of Mr. and Mrs. James Owen, where Miss -Cynthia Carew attended a dance on Monday night.”</p> - -<p>“Go on,” urged Douglas, as Brett stopped and -glanced behind him to see that the hall door was -closed.</p> - -<p>“I called on Mrs. Owen. She was not inclined to -be communicative, but her daughter, Miss Alice -Owen, who came in during our interview, let the cat -out of the bag, and Mrs. Owen had to tell then -what she knew, which was this: that Captain Lane -and Miss Carew were engaged——” a muttered -word escaped Colonel Thornton, and Brett turned -to him instantly, “I beg pardon, did you speak?”</p> - -<p>“No,” growled the Colonel.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Apparently they had planned to announce the -engagement at the dance,” resumed Brett. “Anyway, -Miss Owen, who already knew of it, was told -by Miss Carew that her uncle, the Senator, refused -to give his consent, and had threatened to turn her -out of doors if she did not instantly break the engagement.”</p> - -<p>“Poor Cynthia, poor little girl,” murmured -Thornton, “I am very fond of her, and her father -was my most intimate friend. It was beastly of -Carew to issue such an ultimatum. She is entirely -dependent upon him.”</p> - -<p>“So Miss Owen thought. Miss Carew confided -her troubles to her on her arrival. Miss Owen said -that while they were sitting in the library Captain -Lane came in looking very dejected, and she immediately -got up to leave the lovers together. Before -leaving the room, however, she overheard Lane tell -Miss Carew that he had just seen her uncle, hoping -to persuade him to reconsider his refusal, but that he -flatly refused to do so in the most insulting terms.”</p> - -<p>“Upon my word, for a mild-tempered man, Carew -managed to have plenty of quarrels on his hands on -Monday,” exclaimed Thornton.</p> - -<p>“And the last one undoubtedly brought about his -death”; Brett spoke so positively that Douglas -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span>hitched his chair nearer in his excitement. “After I -had finished my interview with Mrs. Owen I asked -permission to question her servants. The footman -told me that Miss Carew left the dance earlier than -the other guests, and that she had to wait a long -time for her carriage. He said he called her carriage -check number repeatedly, and with no result. -That Captain Lane, becoming impatient, put on his -overcoat and hat and walked down the street searching -for Miss Carew’s carriage.”</p> - -<p>“And you think?” broke in Douglas.</p> - -<p>“That Captain Lane not only found the carriage -but the Senator sitting in it, and seized the opportunity -to punish him for his deviltry to the girl he -loved.”</p> - -<p>A long pause followed as Colonel Thornton and -Douglas sat thinking over Brett’s startling news.</p> - -<p>“Where did he get the weapon?” inquired Douglas -finally.</p> - -<p>“Out of Mrs. Owen’s library, of course. He may -have picked it up in a fit of absent-mindedness and -carried it with him.”</p> - -<p>“Did the footman or butler notice anything in his -hand when he left the house?” questioned Thornton.</p> - -<p>“I asked them, and they declared that he carried -an umbrella in his left hand, and that they had not -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span>noticed whether he was holding anything in his right -hand or not. The footman declared that it was -raining so hard that it was impossible to see anything -clearly. They both said Captain Lane was -some fifteen minutes returning to the house.”</p> - -<p>“Did he find the carriage?”</p> - -<p>“He told the footman that he hadn’t, and ordered -him to keep calling the number, which he did, and -soon after the carriage drove up.”</p> - -<p>“Of all the cold-blooded propositions!” ejaculated -Douglas. “Do you honestly mean that you think -Lane deliberately put the girl he loved into the carriage -to sit beside the man he had just murdered?”</p> - -<p>“I do,” firmly, “and I stake my reputation as a -detective that Captain Lane is guilty. You were -with me, Mr. Hunter, when I overheard Miss -Carew exclaim, as Miss Thornton entered her bedroom -on Tuesday—‘They quarreled, Eleanor, they -quarreled.’”</p> - -<p>“She may not have been alluding to Captain -Lane,” declared Douglas stoutly; “she may have -referred to Philip Winthrop. He also quarreled -with Senator Carew.”</p> - -<p>“Philip is very much in love with Cynthia and -wishes to marry her,” volunteered Thornton quietly.</p> - -<p>“Is that why Senator Carew objected to her en<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span>gagement -to Captain Lane?” asked Brett. “Did he -wish her to marry Philip Winthrop?”</p> - -<p>“I never heard that he did”; Thornton paused -and reflected a moment. “I might as well tell you, -for you will probably hear it from some one else -eventually, that there has been a feud of long standing -between the Lanes and Carews.”</p> - -<p>Douglas whistled. “A Montague and Capulet -affair?” he inquired.</p> - -<p>“Exactly. Carew and old Governor Lane were -political rivals. Lord! how they hated each other! -They almost tore Maryland asunder when running -for the governorship, which Lane won by a few -votes. Carew charged fraud, which, however, was -never proved. They cherished their animosity to -the day of Governor Lane’s death, and I can imagine -it was a terrible shock to Carew to find that his -dearly loved niece wanted to marry the Governor’s -son.”</p> - -<p>“What sort of a fellow is Lane?” asked Douglas.</p> - -<p>“A fine specimen of the American gentleman,” -exclaimed Thornton enthusiastically, “a soldier, -every inch of him, brave to a fault; he has twice -been mentioned in orders for gallant conduct—just -the sort of a fellow a romantic young girl like Cynthia -would fall head over heels in love with.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span></p> - -<p>“In naming his virtues you have overlooked his -greatest fault,” said Brett calmly. “He has a -fiendish temper, and, when provoked, falls into the -most insane rages, so his brother officers tell me.”</p> - -<p>“You are making out a black case against him,” -agreed Douglas, “but there is one point you seem -to have overlooked, and that is, did the letter file -used to kill Senator Carew belong to Mrs. Owen?”</p> - -<p>“That is the one flaw in my case,” acknowledged -Brett regretfully. “She declines to answer the -question.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII</a><br /> -<small><small>AT THE WHITE HOUSE</small></small></h2></div> - -<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcap">“T</span>HERE’S a note done cum fo’ yo’, suh,” -announced the elevator boy lounging -in the doorway of the Albany as -Douglas stepped inside the entrance of the apartment -hotel. “I’ll get it,” and visions of a tip caused -the mulatto to hasten his leisurely footsteps to the -small office to the left of the entrance. In a few -seconds he was back at the elevator shaft, where -Douglas stood waiting, and handed him a square -envelope stamped with the words “State Department” -in the left-hand corner. “Wanter go to yer -room, suh,” slipping the expected coin in his trousers’ -pocket.</p> - -<p>“Yes.” The door slammed shut, and the elevator -shot upward. “Anyone been to see me or telephoned, -Jonas?”</p> - -<p>“No, suh.” The mulatto brought the cage to a -standstill at the third floor, and Douglas stepped out -and hastened to his tiny apartment. Throwing his -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span>hat and cane on the bed, he drew a chair to the open -window, having first made sure, with a caution -which had grown upon him, that the hall door was -securely locked, and that the chambermaid was not -loitering in the vicinity. As he opened the note an -enclosure fell into his lap, and, without looking at -it, he perused the few written lines. It was from -the Secretary of State.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>Dear Mr. Hunter: [he read] So far, no further -developments. When people are at play they -are usually “off guard.” I enclose an invitation to -the garden party at the White House this afternoon, -for which I asked. The Diplomatic Corps will attend -in a body. I hope to see you there.</p> - -<p>Very truly yours——</p></div> - -<p>Douglas picked up the enclosed envelope with the -words “The White House” stamped in small gold -letters in the upper left-hand corner, and pulled out -the engraved card. The gold eagle crest at the top -of the invitation was almost stared out of countenance, -so long and so steadily did he regard it, as -he slowly weighed in his mind the events of the past -three days.</p> - -<p>If the desk file used to kill the Senator did belong -to Mrs. Owen, then Brett had woven strong circumstantial -evidence around Captain Lane. Was it pos<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span>sible -that the young officer, incensed at Senator -Carew’s threat to turn his niece, Cynthia, out of -doors, and goaded past endurance by a possible -tongue lashing at their last interview, had seized the -opportunity offered by chance and killed Carew, an -hereditary enemy? From time immemorial family -feuds had, alas, often led to murder.</p> - -<p>If so, what, then, became of his own theory of -an international intrigue? Were Senator Carew’s -interest in things Japanese, his desire to see Douglas, -the information gleaned by the latter in Japan, -the untimely death of the Senator, and last—the -theft of the plans of the new battleships—were -these simply coincidences?</p> - -<p>Douglas roused himself and glanced at the hour -mentioned in the invitation—five o’clock. Jerking -out his watch he found he had but half an hour in -which to change his clothes before he was due at the -White House.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Shortly afterward Douglas walked through -Lafayette Square on his way to the eastern entrance -of the White House. A long queue of smart turnouts -and motors stretched along Pennsylvania -Avenue from Seventeenth Street to Executive -Avenue, as the short street between the Treas<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span>ury -Department and the White House is called.</p> - -<p>The policeman on special duty scrutinized his -card of admission carefully before allowing him to -pass down the corridor and out into the garden.</p> - -<p>The President and his wife were receiving on the -lawn under a huge blossoming chestnut tree near -the south portico. As Douglas waited in line to -approach the President, he glanced about him with -great interest. He had been to many brilliant functions -in other countries, but he decided in his own -mind that he had seldom seen a more beautiful setting -for an entertainment than that afforded by the -stately mansion and its surrounding gardens. The -lovely rolling grounds, with their natural beauty, -and the towering white shaft of the Washington -Monument in the background, made a picture not -easily forgotten.</p> - -<p>The full dress uniforms of the military and naval -aides on duty added to the brilliancy of the scene. -The Marine Band, their scarlet coats making a vivid -touch of color against the huge fountain with its -myriad sprays of water, were stationed on a raised -platform far down the lawn. The southern breeze -carried the stirring airs they were playing to Douglas’ -ears and sent the hot blood dancing in his veins. -Or was it the sight of Eleanor Thornton, looking -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span>radiantly beautiful, which set his heart throbbing in -a most unusual manner? Some telepathy seemed to -tell her of his presence, for she looked around, -caught his eye, and bowed.</p> - -<p>He had kept moving as the guests ahead of him -advanced, and the next moment he was being presented -to the President by the military aide stationed -in attendance at the latter’s elbow. He had but -time to receive a hearty handshake and a cordial -word of welcome from the President and the “first -lady of the land,” for the other guests were waiting -impatiently to greet them, and he could not loiter.</p> - -<p>“Douglas Hunter! as I’m a sinner!” A hearty slap -on the shoulder emphasized the words, and Douglas -wheeled around and found Captain Chisholm, of the -British Royal Artillery, addressing him. “The idea -of your being here and not letting me know, old -chap,” he added reproachfully, as they shook hands.</p> - -<p>“I didn’t know you were in town,” declared -Douglas. “Thought you were still in Paris.”</p> - -<p>“I was transferred to the embassy in Washington -three months ago. Upon my word, Douglas, I took -you for a ghost when I first saw you. I was under -the impression that you were stationed at Tokio.”</p> - -<p>“So I am; I am only here on leave of absence.” -The Englishman’s eyebrows went up. “I had to at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span>tend -to some Washington property, which has been -recently left me. This is my native heath, you -know.”</p> - -<p>“I wasn’t aware of it,” dryly; “but then, Douglas, -you are perpetually springing surprises, like your -nation, on us benighted foreigners.”</p> - -<p>“Anything to drink around here?” inquired Douglas. -“I am as thirsty as a herring.”</p> - -<p>“There is some excellent champagne punch, come -along,” and the tall Englishman led the way to a -long table placed under the trees near the tennis -courts, where refreshments were being served. -They corraled a colored waiter, and soon were sipping -iced punch as they stood at some distance from -the crowd about the table and watched the animated -scene.</p> - -<p>“I didn’t want to come to Washington,” acknowledged -Chisholm, after a moment’s silence, “but -now, I’d hate to leave it. The people are delightful, -and I have never met with such genuine hospitality.”</p> - -<p>“You are right; Washington people never forget -you. Go away for ten years, and on your return -you will be greeted just as warmly as to-day.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t talk of going away, I’ve only just come,” -laughed Chisholm. “’Pon my word, Douglas, this -seems like old times. I can almost imagine myself -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span>back in Paris, the chestnut trees in blossom, which -remind me of the Parc Monceau, help the illusion. -And there’s another illusion”—nodding his head -toward Eleanor Thornton, who stood at some distance -talking to two staff officers—“or, I should say, -a <i>delusion</i>.” He smiled gayly, but there was no answering -smile on Douglas’ face. Not noticing his -companion’s silence, the Englishman added, “Is she -still hunting around looking up old files and -records?”</p> - -<p>Douglas started as if stung. “I don’t know,” -shortly.</p> - -<p>“A dangerous habit,” commented Chisholm -calmly. “If Miss Thornton had not left Paris and -gone to Berlin when she did, her interest in government -affairs might have led to serious trouble—for -her.”</p> - -<p>“Now, what the devil do you mean?” demanded -Douglas hotly.</p> - -<p>Chisholm turned and regarded him steadily for -a second, then his monocle slipped down and dangled -from its silken cord. “There, there,” he exclaimed -soothingly. “Don’t get your rag up, I was -only spoofing.”</p> - -<p>“You have very rudimentary ideas of humor,” -growled Douglas, still incensed. In his heart he -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span>knew the Englishman was right; Eleanor Thornton -was an enigma. Dare he penetrate the mystery, or -was he afraid to face the issue?</p> - -<p>Chisholm laughed good-naturedly. “Miss Thornton -is looking at you, Douglas; don’t let me detain -you. I’ll see you again before I leave here.”</p> - -<p>Douglas hesitated. “I’ll be back soon, Chisholm,” -he said and walked across the lawn to join -Eleanor.</p> - -<p>The Englishman looked after him with speculative -eyes. “Still touched in that quarter,” he muttered, -twirling his blond mustache in his fingers. -“Too bad, Douglas is such a bully good chap, and -she——” he was not allowed to indulge in more -reflections, as he was seized upon by a bevy of pretty -girls and forced to dance attendance upon them for -the remainder of the afternoon.</p> - -<p>Recollections of his last interview with Eleanor -troubled Douglas. How would she greet him? His -doubts were soon put at rest, for at his approach -Eleanor put out her hand and greeted him warmly. -The two staff officers, who were introduced to Douglas, -saw they were <i>de trop</i>, and, after a few minutes, -made their excuses and departed.</p> - -<p>“Will you have an ice or sandwich?” inquired -Douglas.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Neither, thanks; I have already been helped.”</p> - -<p>“Then suppose we stroll down to the fountain. -We can’t hear the Marine Band with all this chatter,” -and he glanced disgustedly at the joyous crowd -about them.</p> - -<p>Eleanor laughed. “Don’t be hard on your fellow -creatures, if you are out of sorts.”</p> - -<p>“What makes you think that?”</p> - -<p>“You looked so cross when talking to Captain -Chisholm. I am sorry you found your topic of conversation -so boring.”</p> - -<p>“What do you mean?”</p> - -<p>“You both glanced so frequently at me that I naturally -concluded I was under discussion.”</p> - -<p>“On the contrary, we were discussing—masked -batteries.” She scanned him covertly, but could get -no inkling of his thoughts from his blank expression. -“Captain Chisholm has a fatal habit of talking shop -whenever he gets a chance. Isn’t that Colonel -Thornton beckoning to us over there?”</p> - -<p>“Why, so it is. Shall we walk over and join -him?” She paused to exchange a few words of greeting -with several friends, then turned back to Douglas -smilingly: “Come,” and he suited his steps to -hers as they started across the lawn. “How long -will you remain in Washington, Mr. Hunter?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Until the sale of some property of mine is completed,” -briefly. “I asked for you this morning, -Miss Thornton, thinking you might care to go for a -motor ride, but they told me that you were lying -down and could not be disturbed.”</p> - -<p>“They? Who?” swiftly. “This is the first I have -heard of your call.”</p> - -<p>“Indeed? Why, I spoke to Annette when I -reached the Carew residence this morning.”</p> - -<p>“Annette!” in growing astonishment, “<i>Annette</i> -told you I was indisposed and could not be disturbed?”</p> - -<p>“Yes. My cousin had loaned me his car for the -morning, and I thought it just possible that a run -in the fresh air might set you up after the funeral -yesterday.”</p> - -<p>“It was good of you to think of me, Mr. Hunter.” -She raised her eyes in time to see the Secretary of -State regarding her intently as they strolled past -him. He lifted his hat courteously and returned -their words of greeting, but his face was grave as he -paused and watched them moving through the -throng. “I am sorry about this morning,” continued -Eleanor, “Annette and I will have a reckoning when -we reach home.”</p> - -<p>“Would you have gone with me?” eagerly.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Yes.” Douglas bent to catch the monosyllable. -Her foot turned on the uneven ground and he put -his hand on her arm to steady her. As his fingers -closed over her soft, rounded arm, he instinctively -drew her closer. The warmth of her skin through -her glove thrilled him.</p> - -<p>“I hope you will ask me again,” she said.</p> - -<p>“To-morrow—will you go with me to-morrow?” -insistently.</p> - -<p>“Yes.” She met his eyes for a second, then -glanced away, while a hot blush mantled her cheeks. -“Provided, of course, that Cynthia Carew does not -need me.” Then in a louder tone, “Well, Uncle -Dana, how are you?”</p> - -<p>“Feeling splendidly. No need to ask about you -and Douglas”—he smiled quizzically. “I am glad -that you could come here to-day, Eleanor.”</p> - -<p>“I did not wish to, but Cousin Kate Truxton insisted -that I had to bring her here. She declared -that she would not come otherwise, and made such a -point of it that I could not refuse, particularly as -Mrs. Winthrop and Cynthia would not hear of my -remaining with them.”</p> - -<p>“I have just come from there,” responded -Colonel Thornton; “Cynthia came into the library -while I was talking to Mrs. Winthrop, and I was -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span>shocked by her appearance. The child has wasted -away.”</p> - -<p>“Is it not pitiful?” exclaimed Eleanor. “It nearly -breaks my heart to see her suffering. She neither -eats nor sleeps.”</p> - -<p>“Can’t you give her an opiate?” asked Douglas.</p> - -<p>“She declines to take one.”</p> - -<p>“Can’t you administer it surreptitiously?”</p> - -<p>“I have a better plan than that,” broke in Colonel -Thornton. “The child needs a change of ideas. -The atmosphere of the house is enough to get on -anyone’s nerves, particularly with that dipsomaniac, -Philip, raising Cain at unexpected moments.”</p> - -<p>“What’s your plan, Uncle Dana?”</p> - -<p>“That you bring Cynthia over to my house to-morrow -to spend Sunday. You come, too, Douglas. -Cynthia hasn’t met you, and she won’t connect you -with any of the tragic occurrences of the past week.” -Then, as he saw the look of doubt on Eleanor’s face, -he added, “Human nature can stand just so much of -nervous strain and no more. Cynthia must have relaxation -and diversion.”</p> - -<p>“But I don’t think Mrs. Winthrop will approve -of her going out so soon after the funeral,” objected -Eleanor doubtfully.</p> - -<p>“Bah! That nonsense belongs to the dark ages. -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span>What good will Cynthia’s staying in that gloomy -house do poor Carew? I’ll drop in to-morrow -morning and see Mrs. Winthrop; leave the matter -to me, Eleanor. There is no earthly reason why -she should object. I’ll ask Cousin Kate Truxton -also.”</p> - -<p>“Cousin Kate!” echoed Eleanor, her conscience -smiting her. “Where has she gone?”</p> - -<p>“I left her talking with Senator Jenkins some -time ago.” The Colonel glanced behind him. -“Speaking of angels, here she comes now.”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Truxton was walking leisurely in their direction. -Seeing that they had observed her, she -waved her parasol and hastened her footsteps.</p> - -<p>“Cousin Kate, I think you already know Mr. -Hunter,” said Eleanor, as the older woman reached -her side.</p> - -<p>“Indeed I do,” Mrs. Truxton extended both her -hands, her face beaming with smiles. “Why haven’t -you been to see me, Douglas?” she added reproachfully.</p> - -<p>“I have been extremely busy since my arrival, -Mrs. Truxton,” apologized Douglas. “I was looking -forward to calling upon you this Sunday.”</p> - -<p>“Have you had a pleasant time this afternoon, -Kate?” asked Thornton.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Yes. It has been a delightful entertainment, -just the right people and the right number.”</p> - -<p>“It would be pretty hard to crowd these grounds,” -laughed Eleanor.</p> - -<p>“There isn’t any elbow room about the refreshment -table,” put in Thornton; “I almost had to -fight to get a plate of ice cream a few minutes ago.”</p> - -<p>“A much needed improvement would be small -chairs scattered about the lawn,” grumbled Mrs. -Truxton, leaning heavily on her parasol. “It is -exceedingly tiresome having to stand so long.”</p> - -<p>“It would be prettier, too, and less formal,” -agreed Eleanor. “The guests would then saunter -over the lawns and not stand crowded together near -the President.”</p> - -<p>“It would also be much more brilliant if the members -of the Diplomatic Corps wore their Court -dress,” announced Mrs. Truxton with decision, “instead -of those hideous frock coats and gray -trousers.”</p> - -<p>“What, in this weather, Kate?” exclaimed the -astonished Colonel. “Do you wish to kill off the -Corps bodily? They wear their Court dress only at -the state receptions and the diplomatic dinners held -at the White House every winter, or when Royalty -is present.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span></p> - -<p>“I know that,” pettishly. “But it would improve -the brilliancy of this affair.”</p> - -<p>“Even with the objectionable frock coat,” laughed -the Colonel, “this is a scene characteristic of the -national capital alone. Nowhere else in this country -can such a gathering of distinguished men and -women be brought together.”</p> - -<p>“You are quite right in that,” acknowledged Mrs. -Truxton. “I’ve seen ten presidents come and go, -and I have lived to see Washington develop in a -way which would have surprised the founders. -Mercy on us, look at ‘Fuss and Feathers.’” She -nodded toward an overdressed, pretty little woman -who was advancing in their direction.</p> - -<p>“Mrs. Blake has certainly outdone herself,” -agreed Colonel Thornton, as he and Douglas raised -their hats in greeting to the pretty woman who -strolled past them. “I wonder she doesn’t make -you wish to break the eighth commandment, -Eleanor.”</p> - -<p>“Why?” exclaimed his niece.</p> - -<p>“On account of her collection of magnificent -rubies”—Eleanor changed color—“I thought that -stone was one of your ‘fads.’”</p> - -<p>“I like <i>all</i> jewelry.” The slight emphasis was lost -on her companions. Eleanor fingered her parasol -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span>nervously and glanced uneasily over her shoulder to -where Douglas stood beyond earshot, talking to an -old friend. “But I shall spend my time in wishing—I -can never hope to rival Mrs. Blake’s collection.”</p> - -<p>“Marry a rich man and persuade him to give you -rings and necklaces,” advised Thornton. Eleanor -moved restlessly.</p> - -<p>“Mrs. Blake looks like a jeweler’s window,” -broke in Mrs. Truxton, in her uncompromising bass. -“Such a display at a garden party is unpardonable. -It is extremely bad taste for any woman to wear to -the White House more jewelry than adorns the -President’s wife.”</p> - -<p>Thornton laughed outright. “Few women will -agree with you, Kate. By the way, why didn’t you -come to the telephone last night? I wanted to speak -to you particularly. It wasn’t late when I called.”</p> - -<p>“I gave Soto, Eleanor’s cook, his English lesson -last night, and when we got to a present participle -used in a future sense to indicate a present intention -of a future action I was so tired I had to go to -bed,” explained Mrs. Truxton, as Douglas rejoined -them.</p> - -<p>“After that I am only surprised that you ever got -up again,” ejaculated the Colonel.</p> - -<p>“Cousin Kate nearly worries herself sick teaching -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span>Soto,” laughed Eleanor. “I only wish you had -heard her describing the Kingdom of Heaven to -him. She introduced some new features into that -Kingdom which would probably surprise the Presbyterian -synod. I suppose she didn’t want to disappoint -his great expectations.”</p> - -<p>“Is Soto a Jap?” asked Douglas, curiously.</p> - -<p>“Yes. I prefer Japanese servants, and both Soto -and Fugi have been with me for some time,” said -Eleanor. “Do you know, Uncle Dana, I have just -discovered that Fugi has studied five years at the -American school in Japan, two years at the Spencerian -Business College, and is a graduate of Columbia -University.”</p> - -<p>“Bless my soul!” exclaimed Mrs. Truxton. -“After this I shan’t dare to ask him to pass me the -bread. What did you want to say to me on the -telephone, Dana?”</p> - -<p>“I wanted some facts about the late Governor -Lane of Maryland, and, knowing you were a walking -encyclopedia, I thought you might help me out.”</p> - -<p>“Of course I can. Do you——”</p> - -<p>“Hush!” exclaimed Eleanor anxiously. “Here -comes Captain Lane.”</p> - -<p>Douglas scanned the tall young officer approaching -them with keen interest. His uniform set off his -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span>fine figure to advantage, and his face was one to -inspire confidence.</p> - -<p>“How are you, Mrs. Truxton,” he said. “Miss -Eleanor, I’ve been searching the place for you. -Won’t you come and see the rose garden with -me? Oh, I beg pardon, Colonel, I didn’t see you at -first.”</p> - -<p>“That’s all right, Lane. Have you met Mr. -Hunter?”</p> - -<p>“No. How do you do, sir.” Lane wrung Douglas’ -hand. “Glad to know you.”</p> - -<p>“It is time for us all to go,” declared Mrs. Truxton. -“We must say good-bye. Come with me, -Douglas, I want to ask you some questions about -your family.”</p> - -<p>As the small group strolled toward the White -House, Colonel Thornton was buttonholed by an -old friend. Mrs. Truxton, with Douglas in tow, -crossed the ground to where the President was -standing talking to several late arrivals.</p> - -<p>“Now’s our time,” whispered Lane in Eleanor’s -ear. “The rose garden is to our right.” He said -no more until they had passed the south portico and -walked down the path leading to the wonderful box -hedges which surround the rose garden. They had -the place to themselves, and Eleanor exclaimed with -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span>pleasure at the beautiful flowers which were blossoming -in profusion.</p> - -<p>“How is Cynthia?” demanded Lane, stopping in -the middle of the garden path and regarding his -companion intently.</p> - -<p>“Almost a nervous wreck.”</p> - -<p>“My poor darling!” The soldier’s strong face -betrayed deep feeling. “I wish I could comfort -her.” His voice changed. “Miss Eleanor, why -does she refuse to see me?” Eleanor hesitated perceptibly. -“Wait, let me finish. I have called repeatedly -at the Carews’, only to be told that Cynthia -is confined to her room; I have written notes which -I have given personally to Joshua to deliver, and -have never received an answer to one of them.</p> - -<p>“I love Cynthia with all my heart and soul,” -Lane’s voice shook with feeling, “and I would have -sworn, before her uncle’s death, that my affection -was returned. I cannot understand her avoidance -of me, and her silence cuts deep”—Lane stopped a -moment and cleared his throat—“Miss Eleanor, -you are Cynthia’s most intimate friend, and you are -with her constantly. You must have heard of some -reason for her treatment of me.”</p> - -<p>Eleanor nodded without speaking. She heartily -wished the interview was over.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Then I implore you to tell me the reason of -Cynthia’s silence.”</p> - -<p>“Cannot you imagine that for yourself?” began -Eleanor; then, as Lane shook his head, she added: -“Cynthia is overwrought, every action on Monday -night seems distorted——” She again hesitated and -bit her lip—“You went to look for her carriage; -you were gone a long time, and when she entered -the carriage her uncle was sitting there—dead.”</p> - -<p>Slowly her meaning dawned on Lane. “Good -God! You don’t mean——?” he staggered back, -his face gone white.</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“And she thinks <i>that</i>! Cynthia, Cynthia, had you -so little faith?” Lane’s agony was pitiful.</p> - -<p>“You must not be unjust to her,” cried Eleanor, -her loyalty up in arms. “Remember, you had just -told her of your fearful quarrel with her uncle; she -had also seen you playing with a letter file when you -were with her in the library——”</p> - -<p>“But, great Heavens! I didn’t take that out in -the street with me,” exclaimed Lane passionately. -“I tell you what it is, Miss Eleanor, I must see -Cynthia and explain this terrible tangle. Can you -help me meet her?”</p> - -<p>Eleanor considered for a moment. “I have al<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span>ready -urged Cynthia to see you, but she has been so -unnerved, so unstrung, that I could not make her see -matters in a reasonable light. I think the best thing -for you to do is to meet her when she least expects -it.”</p> - -<p>“Capital! Can you arrange such a meeting?”</p> - -<p>“My uncle, Colonel Thornton, has asked Cynthia -and me to go to his house in Georgetown to-morrow -and spend Sunday. I think Mrs. Winthrop will permit -Cynthia to go, and, if that is the case, you can -call there to-morrow night.”</p> - -<p>“Good.” Lane paced the walk restlessly for a -minute, then returned to Eleanor’s side. “It’s pretty -hard to wait so long before seeing her,” he said, -wistfully.</p> - -<p>Eleanor held out her hand. “Don’t be discouraged; -Cynthia loves you devotedly.”</p> - -<p>“God bless you for those words!” Lane caught -her hand and raised her slender fingers to his lips.</p> - -<p>“Miss Thornton,” said a cold voice back of them, -“Mrs. Truxton is waiting for you,” and Eleanor -flushed scarlet as she met Douglas’ eyes.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV</a><br /> -<small><small>THE MOTH AND THE FLAME</small></small></h2></div> - -<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcap">D</span>OUGLAS brought the powerful roadster to -a standstill under the <i>porte-cochère</i> of the -Carew mansion, and disentangling himself -from among the levers and wheel, ran up the few -steps. Before he could ring the bell the door was -opened by Colonel Thornton.</p> - -<p>“Come in,” he exclaimed heartily. “I saw you -from the drawing-room window, and, as Joshua has -gone to ask Mrs. Winthrop if she can see me, I -thought I would let you in and not keep you standing -outside.”</p> - -<p>“Thanks, Colonel.” Douglas followed the older -man into the drawing-room. “Have you seen Miss -Eleanor?”</p> - -<p>“No. Here, don’t sit on that gilt-edged insecurity,” -as Douglas pulled forward a parlor chair. -“This sofa is big enough to hold us both. Tell me, -are there any new developments in the Carew case?”</p> - -<p>“Only that Brett is convinced Captain Lane is -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span>guilty, and, from what he said this morning, I should -not be at all surprised to hear of the latter’s arrest.”</p> - -<p>“Good Lord! you don’t say so. Poor, poor Cynthia. -I greatly fear another shock will prove most -dangerous in her present nervous condition.”</p> - -<p>“Has Mrs. Winthrop consented to Miss Carew’s -spending to-morrow at your house?”</p> - -<p>“I don’t know yet——” Colonel Thornton -stopped abruptly as the portières parted and a -woman stepped into the room. Thinking it was -Mrs. Winthrop, he started to rise, but it proved to -be Annette, and he sank back in his seat.</p> - -<p>“<i>Bon jour, Messieurs</i>,” Annette readjusted the -portières with care, then walked with catlike quickness -over to where the men were sitting. “Mistaire -Hunter, you are investigating ze death of Senator -Carew, <i>n’est-ce pas</i>, and you, Monsieur,” turning to -Colonel Thornton, “are Madame Winthrop’s man -of affairs?”</p> - -<p>“Well, what then?” asked Douglas quickly.</p> - -<p>“Only that I may be of help.”</p> - -<p>“Indeed?”</p> - -<p>“Oui, Messieurs,” calmly. “I know—<i>much</i>.”</p> - -<p>“Good,” Thornton’s tone betrayed his satisfaction. -“Go ahead and tell us.”</p> - -<p>“Ah, <i>non, non, Monsieur</i>,” Annette shook her -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span>head violently. “First, I must have some monie.”</p> - -<p>“What, a bribe?” Douglas spoke with rising indignation.</p> - -<p>“<i>Non, Monsieur</i>; a reward.”</p> - -<p>“You must first tell us what you know,” explained -Thornton patiently. “Then, if your information -leads to the arrest and <i>conviction</i> of the murderer, -you will be paid the one thousand dollars offered by -Mrs. Winthrop.”</p> - -<p>“One thousand dollars, did you say, <i>Monsieur</i>? -<i>Non</i>, I will not sell my news for that.”</p> - -<p>“It is the amount offered by Mrs. Winthrop.”</p> - -<p>“But Madame Winthrop is willing to give five -thousand.” Annette glanced eagerly at the two men. -“My news is worth that.”</p> - -<p>Thornton shook his head. “Mrs. Winthrop has -reconsidered, and will not give more than one thousand,” -he declared with finality.</p> - -<p>An obstinate frown marred Annette’s pretty face. -“I will not take less than five thousand,” she announced -with emphasis.</p> - -<p>“You go too fast,” broke in Douglas quietly. -“First, the reward will not be paid until after the -murderer is convicted; secondly, your information -may be of no value whatever.”</p> - -<p>“Zo?” Annette’s smile was not pleasant. “Zen I -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span>keep my news to myself,” and she started for the -door.</p> - -<p>“Wait,” commanded Thornton. “Come back -here.” Then, as she obeyed, he added in a more -kindly tone: “If your information is really valuable, -Annette, I am willing to advance you some money. -But first you must tell us what you know and suspect.”</p> - -<p>“How much?”</p> - -<p>“Say fifty dollars,” drawing out his leather wallet -and extracting several yellow backs which he held -temptingly in his hand.</p> - -<p>“Not enough, Monsieur.”</p> - -<p>Thornton lost all patience. “I shan’t offer you -another damn cent,” and he thrust the money back -into the wallet.</p> - -<p>Annette’s eyes flashed. “Very well, Monsieur le -Colonel; I go. But when I come back you will -have to pay me more—but yes—more than that beggarly -five thousand!” and with a stamp of her foot, -she turned and hastened out of the room.</p> - -<p>“A nice she-devil!” remarked Thornton, gazing -blankly at Douglas.</p> - -<p>“I think——” Douglas stopped speaking as the -portières were again thrust aside and Eleanor -walked in.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Uncle Dana, Mrs. Winthrop is waiting to see -you in the library. Oh, Mr. Hunter, good morning”—her -slender hand was almost lost in his firm -clasp—“I did not know you were here.”</p> - -<p>“I called hoping that you might care to take a -motor ride,” said Douglas quickly.</p> - -<p>“Why, yes, with pleasure.” She sank down on -the sofa and motioned Douglas to draw up a chair.</p> - -<p>“Eleanor,” broke in Thornton, returning from -the hall door, “did you tell that precious maid of -yours that Mrs. Winthrop would give five thousand -dollars reward for information leading to the conviction -of the murderer of Senator Carew?”</p> - -<p>“Annette!” in profound astonishment. “No, certainly -not; I’ve never spoken to her on the subject. -Where did you get such an idea?” Her voice rose -to a higher key.</p> - -<p>“She has just been here and insists that we pay -her five thousand for some information which she -declares will solve the puzzle of poor Carew’s -death.”</p> - -<p>Eleanor smiled incredulously. “Nonsense, I don’t -believe she knows a thing about it.” Her bright -color had faded and she gazed anywhere but at the -two men.</p> - -<p>“It may be,” suggested Douglas thoughtfully, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span>“that while in this house she has found a certain -paper for which Brett is searching.”</p> - -<p>“That’s possible,” agreed Thornton. “It was announced -in yesterday’s papers that a reward of one -thousand dollars had been offered. But what gets -me is how Annette knew Mrs. Winthrop might raise -the amount to five thousand—the very sum, in fact, -which she first thought of offering.”</p> - -<p>“I’m sure I don’t know.” Eleanor frowned in -perplexity.</p> - -<p>“Is she a good servant?” inquired Douglas.</p> - -<p>“I have always found her honest and reliable. -She brought me excellent recommendations when she -came to me in Paris, where I engaged her,” replied -Eleanor.</p> - -<p>“It may be that the mystery has gone to her -head,” suggested Thornton, “and she is inspired to -play detective.”</p> - -<p>“Personally, I think she is taking advantage of -the present situation to extort money,” objected -Douglas.</p> - -<p>“I believe you’ve hit it,” exclaimed the older man. -“Tell Brett, Douglas, he may be able to induce Annette -to tell what she knows. I must go now and -see Mrs. Winthrop.”</p> - -<p>“Let me know what she decides about Sunday,” -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span>called Eleanor, as Thornton, for the second time, -hurried out of the room.</p> - -<p>“You are looking tired, Miss Thornton,” said -Douglas, glancing at her attentively.</p> - -<p>“I didn’t get much sleep last night. Cynthia was -miserable, and I sat up with her until five o’clock -this morning.”</p> - -<p>“No wonder you are worn out.” Douglas looked -his concern. “I really think a motor ride would do -you lots of good. Do keep your promise and come -for a spin.”</p> - -<p>Eleanor glanced doubtfully down at her pretty -house gown. “If you don’t mind waiting while I -change——”</p> - -<p>“Why, certainly.”</p> - -<p>“I won’t be long”—and Eleanor disappeared.</p> - -<p>Douglas did not resume his seat; but instead -paced the room with long, nervous strides. Eleanor -was not the only one who had passed a sleepless -night. He had sat up and wracked his brain trying -to find the key to the solution of the mystery surrounding -the Senator’s death. Annette must be -made to tell what she knew. Perhaps Brett’s authority -as an officer of the law might intimidate her. -It was worth trying. Walking down to the folding -doors, which led from the drawing-room to the din<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span>ing -room, he opened them and found Joshua busy -polishing the mahogany table.</p> - -<p>“Is there a branch telephone in the house?” he -asked, “besides the one in the library? Mrs. Winthrop -is in there and I don’t want to disturb her.”</p> - -<p>“Suttenly, suh; dar’s one right in de pantry, suh,” -and Joshua, dropping his work, piloted him to the -instrument.</p> - -<p>It took him but a few minutes to get police headquarters -on the wire, only to find that Brett was out. -Whistling softly, he hung up the receiver and went -back into the drawing-room. Eleanor had not appeared, -and he sat down at the inlaid desk, which -was supplied with pen, ink, and paper, and wrote a -short note while he waited for her return.</p> - -<p>“Where’s Eleanor?” asked Thornton, coming into -the room and picking up his hat, which he had left -on one of the chairs.</p> - -<p>“Here,” and his niece, who had entered just behind -him, joined them. “I am sorry to have kept -you so long, Mr. Hunter, but I found Annette had -gone out on an errand for Cynthia, and I had to do -without her assistance.”</p> - -<p>“You were very successful.” Thornton made her -a courtly bow, as he gazed at his beautiful niece. -Her fashionable light-gray suit and smart hat were -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span>extremely becoming. Eleanor colored faintly as she -read the admiration in Douglas’ eyes.</p> - -<p>“What luck did you have with Mrs. Winthrop, -Uncle Dana?” she asked.</p> - -<p>“The best. She said she thought it an excellent -plan. So I shall expect you both this afternoon, -Eleanor, and you had better stop and pick up your -Cousin Kate Truxton on your way out.”</p> - -<p>“Very well, I will; but, Uncle Dana, we won’t -get over to you until just before dinner.”</p> - -<p>“That will do.” The two men followed Eleanor -out into the square hall. “Don’t forget, Douglas, -that I expect you, too.”</p> - -<p>“That’s very good of you, sir,” Douglas hesitated, -“but don’t you think I might be in the way in -a family party?”</p> - -<p>“A family party is exactly what I wish to avoid,” -exclaimed Thornton. “Cynthia needs to be taken -out of herself. And, therefore, I want you to spend -Sunday with us, as if it were a regular house party.”</p> - -<p>“Then I’ll come with pleasure.” Douglas helped -Eleanor into the low seat of the motor, and clambered -in behind the wheel. “I’m awfully sorry there -isn’t a third seat, Colonel, and that I can’t take you -where you wish to go.”</p> - -<p>“I left my car down by the curb; thanks all the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span>same, Douglas,” and Thornton waved a friendly -good-bye to Eleanor as the motor started slowly -down the driveway.</p> - -<p>“If you have no objection, I will stop at the -Municipal Building for a moment, Miss Thornton,” -said Douglas, turning the car into Thirteenth Street.</p> - -<p>“I don’t mind in the least. What a magnificent -motor!”</p> - -<p>“Isn’t it?” with enthusiasm, as he steered safely -between another machine and a delivery wagon. -“My chief in Tokio has one just like this, and I -learned to run his car.”</p> - -<p>As they crossed K Street he put on the emergency -brakes hard and the motor stopped just in time, as a -touring car shot in front of them and disappeared -down the street. When the car was again under -way, Douglas turned to the silent girl by his side.</p> - -<p>“That was the Japanese Ambassador, was it -not?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“He seemed to be in the devil of a hurry; it was -a near smash.”</p> - -<p>“A little too near for comfort.” Eleanor drew a -long breath. “I noticed some luggage in his car—oh, -take care!” as the motor skidded toward the -gutter.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span></p> - -<p>“I beg your pardon, I didn’t mean to frighten -you,” said Douglas, as he applied the brake going -down Thirteenth Street hill to Pennsylvania Avenue. -“That chap got on my nerves; I don’t care if he is -an ambassador, and exempt from arrest, he has no -business to be breaking our rules and regulations.”</p> - -<p>“Come, now, didn’t you break some rules when in -Japan?” asked Eleanor, her lovely face dimpling -into a smile. Douglas started slightly, but she apparently -did not notice his discomfiture. “Judging -from the luggage in the car, and the rate at which -they were going, I imagine the Ambassador was -trying to catch a train.”</p> - -<p>“It does look that way.” Douglas brought the -car to a standstill before one of the entrances to the -Municipal Building. “I won’t be a minute, Miss -Thornton.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t hurry on my account,” called Eleanor -after him.</p> - -<p>Brett was still out, so Douglas gave the note he -had written when waiting for Eleanor at the -Carews’ to the attendant, first adding a postscript -and enclosing it in a large envelope, with instructions -that it was to be delivered to the detective immediately -on his return. Then, with a lighter heart, he -hastened out of the building and rejoined Eleanor.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Where do you wish to go, Miss Thornton?” he -asked, as they started slowly up Pennsylvania -Avenue.</p> - -<p>Eleanor considered a moment before answering. -“Suppose we go out the Conduit Road,” she said -finally.</p> - -<p>Douglas swung the machine across the broad -avenue and through the short street behind the -Treasury Department into the drive which circles -around the White House grounds. “It’s some years -since I’ve been out in this direction, Miss Thornton, -so, if I go astray, please put me back on the straight -and narrow path.”</p> - -<p>“Straight out Pennsylvania Avenue and through -Georgetown,” directed Eleanor, as the big car swung -back again into that avenue. “The narrow path -only comes after you reach the Conduit.”</p> - -<p>“Then it should be spelled ‘Conduct.’ You have -been going out a great deal this winter, have you -not?”</p> - -<p>“Yes; Washington has been extremely gay, and -I have enjoyed it so much.”</p> - -<p>Douglas smiled down at her. “And I bet a thousand -to one that Washington enjoyed you. I asked -about your going out, because I am wondering if, -among all the men you’ve met this winter, you have -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span>come across a middle-aged man with black hair and -beard and very blue eyes?”</p> - -<p>Not receiving a reply, Douglas turned and -scanned his companion. She sat silent, gazing -straight before her. The car sped on for several -squares before she roused herself.</p> - -<p>“That is a very vague description, Mr. Hunter. -Do you remember the man’s name?”</p> - -<p>Douglas shook his head. “I have never heard it. -I only asked because I was under the impression that -I saw him with you at the Navy Department on -Thursday morning.”</p> - -<p>“<i>With me—at the Navy Department</i>,” gasped -Eleanor, sitting bolt upright. She was white to the -lips.</p> - -<p>“Yes, I thought I saw him talking to you in an -elevator. I just caught a glimpse of you as the cage -descended past the floor on which I was.”</p> - -<p>“You are entirely mistaken, Mr. Hunter.” -Eleanor’s eyes did not waver before his questioning -look. “I was alone, though I do recollect there was -another passenger in the elevator who got out on -the first floor, while I continued on down to the -basement.”</p> - -<p>“Then I was mistaken.” Douglas slowed the car -down to the limit prescribed by law as he crossed -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span>the M Street bridge over Rock Creek, then increased -the speed as they progressed through Georgetown.</p> - -<p>“You have aroused my curiosity.” Eleanor settled -herself more comfortably in the low seat. -“Why do you take an interest in a man with blue -eyes and black hair?”</p> - -<p>“Because I thought he was with you.”</p> - -<p>“Upon my word!” Eleanor’s laugh held a shade -of annoyance. “That’s a very silly reason.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t think it is,” replied Douglas, steadily. -“I <i>am interested</i> in everything that concerns you.”</p> - -<p>Eleanor surveyed him keenly. She studied the -fine profile, the broad shoulders, and the powerful -hands holding the steering wheel. The quiet figure -seemed instinct with the vital personality of the man, -a living part of the pulsing machine which he was -guiding through the narrow, congested street with -such skill. They crossed Thirty-seventh Street, and -in a few minutes the car leaped ahead up the hill -leading to the Conduit.</p> - -<p>Eleanor said nothing, and Douglas was equally -silent. They had the narrow road to themselves, -and he increased the speed. The wheels raced like -velvet on the finished macadam. On they sped. -Soon Eleanor caught a glimpse of the Potomac below -them, and the bright sunlight sparkled on the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span>water and on the green foliage of the wooded banks -of the Maryland and Virginia shores. They passed -the Three Sisters, then the reservoirs, and Douglas -saw a straight stretch of road ahead and no vehicle -in sight. The next moment the powerful machine, -gathering speed, shot down the road, which seemed -a narrowing white strip as the revolving wheels devoured -the distance.</p> - -<p>Douglas turned his eyes a moment from the flying -landscape to Eleanor, who sat, tense, fearless, her -pulses leaping as the rushing wind stung her cheeks. -She caught his look. “Faster, faster,” she called. -And obediently Douglas threw wide open the throttle. -On, on they flew. A wild exhilaration engulfed -Eleanor; her spirit seemed to soar, detached -from things earthly. She cast a glance of -resentment at Douglas who, seeing the road curved -in the distance, slackened speed. By the time the -big car reached the turning, he had brought it to a -standstill near the side of the road.</p> - -<p>Eleanor drew a long breath. “Oh, why did -you stop?” Her eyes shone like stars. “It was -glorious.”</p> - -<p>“I stopped”—Douglas turned squarely in his -seat, and faced Eleanor—“because I want to ask -you to confide in me.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span></p> - -<p>“To do <i>what</i>?” Eleanor’s deep blue eyes opened -to their widest extent.</p> - -<p>“To tell me”—Douglas hesitated over his choice -of words—“your mission in life.”</p> - -<p>Eye to eye they gazed at each other. Eleanor -was the first to speak.</p> - -<p>“I am at a loss to understand your singular request,” -she said, freezingly.</p> - -<p>“Miss Thornton, do me the justice to think that I -am not asking from idle curiosity—it is because I -have your welfare so deeply at heart.”</p> - -<p>“If I did not know you to be a sane person, I -would think you had suddenly lost your mind. As -you take the matter so seriously, I must repeat that -I am <i>concerned in nothing</i>.”</p> - -<p>Douglas held her gaze, as if in the limpid depths -of her blue eyes he would fathom the secret of her -soul. Eleanor’s breath came and went, she colored -painfully, but her eyes never dropped before his. -Nearer he bent and nearer. The virile strength of -the man drew her, and his arms closed about her -slender waist.</p> - -<p>“Eleanor, I love you.” The very repression of -his tone added to its intensity.</p> - -<p>Fearlessly she raised her lips to his—in -surrender.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span></p> - -<p>Some time later Douglas backed the car a yard -or two, then turned it toward Washington, but their -return trip was made with due attention to the speed -law.</p> - -<p>“Will you please tell me—Douglas”—she hesitated -adorably over his name—“Indeed, you must -not kiss me again”—drawing back as far as the seat -would permit. “Why did you avoid me in Paris?”</p> - -<p>A shadow passed over Douglas’ radiant face, and -was gone before Eleanor observed it.</p> - -<p>“I suppose you would call it false pride,” he said. -“I had no money—you had much—and so I worshiped -from a distance. Now that my inheritance -has made me well-to-do, I felt that I had a right to -ask you to marry me. In Paris I thought you would -take me for a fortune hunter.”</p> - -<p>“Which only goes to show what fools men are,” -exclaimed Eleanor roguishly. “Bend down nearer -me”—she placed her mouth close to his ear. “You -could have had me for the asking then, dear heart”—his -left arm stole about her—“for I know a man -when I see one.”</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>“Not a word, remember.”</p> - -<p>“Madame has my promise.” Annette tucked the -small roll of bills inside the bosom of her gown, as -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span>Mrs. Winthrop replaced her pocketbook in her -leather handbag.</p> - -<p>“Where is Miss Eleanor?”</p> - -<p>“Joshua tells me that in my absence Mademoiselle -left ze house to motor wiz Monsieur Hunter.”</p> - -<p>“If she asks for me on her return tell her that I -will be back in time to lunch with her and Miss -Cynthia.”</p> - -<p>“<i>Oui, madame.</i>” Annette assisted Mrs. Winthrop -into her coat, then left the bedroom. From a -safe distance down the hall she watched Mrs. Winthrop -descend the staircase, and waited until she -heard Joshua close the front door after her and -retreat into his own domain. She then slipped noiselessly -down the hall and into Mrs. Winthrop’s bedroom. -Half an hour passed before she again appeared, -wearing a satisfied smile. The hall was -empty. “I have seen what I have seen,” she muttered -under her breath exultingly, as she proceeded -downstairs. “And I think I will haf more monie by -to-morrow. <i>Mon Dieu!</i>”</p> - -<p>The peal of the front bell had startled her from -her reverie. As Joshua did not appear to answer it, -she crossed the square hall and opened the door. A -tall man, wearing nondescript clothes, confronted -her in the vestibule.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Miss Thornton, is she in?” he questioned. The -contrast of his deep blue eyes against his tanned -skin and black beard held her attention. Receiving -no reply, he repeated his question with emphasis.</p> - -<p>“<i>Non</i>, Mademoiselle is out in ze motor,” she -answered, none too civilly.</p> - -<p>Without a word he turned on his heel and -hastened down the steps. Annette stared up the -street after him; then closed the door softly, her -pretty forehead puckered in a frown. Where had -she seen those eyes before?</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV">CHAPTER XV</a><br /> -<small><small>“THORNTON’S NEST”</small></small></h2></div> - -<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcap">D</span>OUGLAS, suitcase in hand, ran across -Seventeenth Street in time to catch a -Georgetown car. As he paid the conductor -he heard his name called and, glancing down -the half empty car, saw Captain Chisholm seated at -the farther end and beckoning to him. He made -his way down the center aisle and joined the Englishman.</p> - -<p>“Can you dine with me, Douglas?” asked Chisholm, -making room for him on the narrow seat.</p> - -<p>“Ask me some other time, old man, I am dining -with Colonel Thornton to-night.”</p> - -<p>“Then suppose we make it Monday night at the -Metropolitan Club?”</p> - -<p>“Thanks, I will. At what hour?”</p> - -<p>“Eight o’clock. I was sorry to miss you when -you called this afternoon, Douglas.”</p> - -<p>“How did you know I had been to see you, Chis<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span>holm?” -in surprise. “The telephone girl told me -you were out.”</p> - -<p>“I stopped for a moment at the Rochambeau and -found your card in my letter box. I am on my way -to the embassy now. Washington seems to agree -with you, Douglas,” eying his companion with interest. -“I never saw you looking better.”</p> - -<p>“Happiness is a great health restorer,” laughed -Douglas.</p> - -<p>“Happiness?” Chisholm tugged at his fair mustache. -“Hum!” he looked carefully around. They -had that end of the car to themselves. “Heard the -news?”</p> - -<p>“What news?”</p> - -<p>“About the Japanese Ambassador?”</p> - -<p>“No.”</p> - -<p>“He has been recalled.”</p> - -<p>“For what reason?”</p> - -<p>“Not given out,” shortly. “He called at the -White House and State Department, presented his -papers and left this morning.” Chisholm looked -Douglas squarely in the face. “Can’t give a poor -blasted Englishman a point on the situation, I suppose?”</p> - -<p>Douglas smiled with his lips, but his eyes were -grave. “I would if I could—but I can’t. The Am<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span>bassador’s -sudden departure is as great a surprise -to me as to you.”</p> - -<p>Chisholm leaned forward and touched the electric -button as the car approached N Street. “I’ll -look you up to-morrow, Douglas. Ta-ta, old chap,” -and he hurried out of the car.</p> - -<p>Douglas settled back on his seat and pondered -over the information Chisholm had given him. -What did the Ambassador’s abrupt departure portend? -Was it but another of those puzzling coincidences -which seemed to follow in the wake of -Senator Carew’s murder, or was it the culmination -of an intrigue which would end in war?</p> - -<p>The spring day was drawing to a close as Douglas -left the car in Georgetown and walked toward -“Thornton’s Nest.” The old place had not altered -since he had seen it last, twelve years before, even -the beautiful old garden appeared as usual, the same -box hedge, the envy of the neighboring landowners, -separated the sidewalk from the well-kept private -grounds. The large, old-fashioned mansion stood -back some distance in its own grounds. The bricks -had been brought from Philadelphia by sloop, and -the fanlight over the front door had been imported -from England in the days prior to the Revolutionary -War. The huge columns supporting the arched -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span>roof shone white in the gathering darkness. Douglas -turned in at the gate and ran lightly up the few -stone steps leading to the portico and rang the bell. -He had hardly removed his hand from the button -when the hall door was opened and an old darky -confronted him on the threshold.</p> - -<p>“Cum right in, Marse Douglas, I’se mighty glad -ter see yo’ ag’in, suh.”</p> - -<p>“Nicodemus, is that you?” shaking the old man’s -hand. “I haven’t seen you since you chased me off -the grounds for stealing apples. How’s Sophy?”</p> - -<p>“Only tol’able, thank ye, suh; she’s got a misery -in her back. Want ter go to yo’ room, suh?”</p> - -<p>“No; I’ll just leave my hat and overcoat here.”</p> - -<p>“Yessir; let me take yo’ bag, suh; I’ll tote it -upstairs. My!” as Douglas stepped forward so that -the hall light fell full on him, “how yo’ do favor -yo’ pa, the ole Cunnel.”</p> - -<p>Douglas laughed. “Thanks. Have the ladies -come yet?”</p> - -<p>“Yessir. Dey’s upstairs makin’ demselves comfo’able. -Cunnel Thornton will be down direckly. -Yo’ jes’ walk inter de pawlar.”</p> - -<p>Douglas strolled over to the large hall mirror and -inspected his tie with care; he had been in a hurry -when getting into his evening clothes at the Albany, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span>and the tie had proved troublesome. He readjusted -it with care, felt in his vest pocket for a small box, -then turned and surveyed his surroundings. A coach -and four might have driven through the broad hall -which ran the length of the house. At the end of -the hall two broad circular staircases led to a wide -landing, from which branched the two flights of -steps leading to the first bedroom floor. Doors -leading to the drawing-room, library, billiard, and -dining rooms opened on the right and left of the -hall.</p> - -<p>Remembering that the drawing-room was to the -left of the entrance, Douglas entered the open hall -door and walked over to the mantelpiece to see the -time by the tall marble clock.</p> - -<p>“Aren’t you going to speak to <i>me</i>?” asked a voice -behind him, and Douglas sprang around with an exclamation -of delight. Eleanor was seated on a chair -by one of the windows, and its high back, which -was partly turned to the hall door, had concealed -her from view.</p> - -<p>“My darling!” Douglas kissed the winsome face -rapturously. “Nicodemus told me you had arrived, -but that you were upstairs, otherwise I should have -come in at once; I begrudge the time I wasted in -the hall.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span></p> - -<p>“I hurried and came down ahead of the others, -hoping that you would get here early; I particularly -wanted to see you, Douglas.”</p> - -<p>“Did you?” in mock surprise. “I’ve been wanting -to see you ever since I left you this morning. -The time has dragged since then.”</p> - -<p>She slipped her hand in his. “It’s just this, -Douglas,” her softly modulated voice had a trace of -nervousness: “I want to ask you to keep our engagement -a secret”—his face fell—“just a few -days,” hastily. “I want to get accustomed to it -before telling the family”—she blushed divinely. -“It’s such a precious secret.”</p> - -<p>Douglas took her face between his hands and -pressed a passionate kiss on her lips. “Your wish is -my law,” he said gravely. “I was disappointed for -the moment, because I am anxious to have the whole -world know my happiness. I brought you this”—pulling -a small square box from his vest pocket and -laying it in her outstretched hand.</p> - -<p>With a low cry of pleasure she pulled off the -wrapping paper and opened the box. The light -from the lamp on the table near her chair was reflected -back from a superb ruby in a diamond setting. -The box slipped from her nervous fingers and -rolled on the floor.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Oh, get it quick, Douglas, I didn’t mean to be so -clumsy.”</p> - -<p>Douglas reached under the table, where the box -had rolled, and picked it up. “It’s all right, my -dearest; don’t look so worried; the ring isn’t injured, -for it is still in the box, see——” he held it -before her eyes. “Give me your left hand, dear;” -Eleanor shrank slightly away from him, but Douglas -was intent in removing the ring from the box and -did not notice her agitation. “It is very becoming -to your hand,” slipping it on the third finger, “the -deep crimson shows off the whiteness of your -skin.”</p> - -<p>“It’s just lovely.” Eleanor drew a long breath, -then raised her head and kissed him tenderly. -“Thanks, dear heart, for so beautiful a present. -But I am afraid if I wear it to-night our engagement -will be a secret no longer.”</p> - -<p>“That’s true!” exclaimed Douglas, his voice betraying -his disappointment. “Put it back in the box”—holding -it out to her.</p> - -<p>“I’ll do no such thing”—indignantly. “Take it -off, Douglas, and give it to me”; he did so, and she -slipped the ring inside the bodice of her low-cut evening -gown. “Tell me, dearest, how did you happen -to select a ruby?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span></p> - -<p>"It’s my birthstone”—Douglas colored—“I hope -you won’t think me horribly sentimental.”</p> - -<p>“I shall not tell you what I think—it might turn -your head. Hush! here comes Uncle Dana.”</p> - -<p>Thornton strode into the room with outstretched -hand. “Welcome to ‘The Nest,’ Douglas; I am -sorry I wasn’t downstairs when you came. I hope -Eleanor has been doing the honors acceptably.”</p> - -<p>“She has, indeed, and proved a host in herself,” -laughed Douglas.</p> - -<p>“Good; though it’s a mystery how she got down -ahead of the others.”</p> - -<p>“I was selfish enough to keep Annette to myself -until I was fully dressed,” said Eleanor, “then I sent -her to Cousin Kate.”</p> - -<p>“So you brought Annette with you?” asked -Thornton.</p> - -<p>“Yes, indeed. I had no intention of inflicting -your bachelor household with three women and no -handmaiden. I knew Sophy would have her hands -full cooking dinner, therefore I brought Annette -along.” Her restless eyes detected a figure hovering -just outside the hall door. “Come in, Cynthia,” -and she went forward to meet her friend.</p> - -<p>The two beautiful girls made a picture good to -look upon as they stood together. Cynthia wore a -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span>simple frock, which matched her cheeks in whiteness; -while the pathetic droop of her mouth and -the dark shadows under her eyes did not detract -from her charm, she looked wretchedly ill. She -shook hands with Douglas, when he was presented -to her, with polite indifference, then seated herself -in a chair and leaned back wearily. Douglas and -Thornton exchanged glances, and the latter shook -his head sadly. He was about to speak when Mrs. -Truxton bustled into the room.</p> - -<p>“I am sorry to keep everybody waiting,” she exclaimed, -as Douglas pulled forward a chair for her. -“But, if you will have dinner at such a ridiculously -early hour, Dana, you must expect your guests to be -late.”</p> - -<p>“You are not late, Kate, for dinner has not yet -been announced. I had it earlier than usual as I -thought we would retire soon afterwards and get a -good night’s rest.”</p> - -<p>Cynthia shuddered involuntarily, and Eleanor, -whose hand rested on her shoulder, patted it affectionately. -“It’s all very well for you older people -to keep early hours, Uncle Dana, but Cynthia and I -are going to do just as we please. Personally, I -expect to stay up until the wee sma’ hours.”</p> - -<p>“Dinner am served,” announced Nicodemus, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span>opening the folding doors leading to the dining room, -and, with an old-fashioned courtly bow, -Colonel Thornton offered his arm to Mrs. Truxton -and escorted her to the table, the two girls and -Douglas following in their wake.</p> - -<p>The dinner passed quickly. Thornton was an -agreeable talker, and Douglas, who had traveled in -many lands, seconded his efforts by recounting many -amusing experiences which had befallen him. Cynthia’s -pale cheeks assumed a more natural hue as -the two skilful talkers drew her out of herself, and -Thornton sat back, well pleased, when he finally -succeeded in making her laugh.</p> - -<p>“Washington isn’t what it used to be,” he declared. -“As trite a statement as it is true. Its very -bigness has spoiled it socially. There are cliques -within cliques, and too many foreign elements dominate -it nowadays.”</p> - -<p>“Do you refer to the Diplomatic Corps?” asked -Douglas, breaking off a low-toned conversation with -Eleanor.</p> - -<p>“Not entirely. When I speak of the ‘foreign -element,’ I also mean the ‘climbers.’”</p> - -<p>“We Georgetown people call them the ‘pushers,’” -announced Mrs. Truxton, helping herself to the -ice cream which Nicodemus was passing.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span></p> - -<p>“And yet,” continued Thornton, “I dare say there -were just as amusing characters in Washington -fifty years ago as now.”</p> - -<p>“How about the woman of whom I have heard,” -asked Eleanor, “who carried off the silver meat -skewer at the French Legation, as it was then, as a -souvenir, and afterwards proudly used it as a hatpin?”</p> - -<p>“Human nature is very much the same from one -generation to another,” acknowledged Mrs. Truxton. -“But the types are different. I recollect my -grandmother’s telling me that she attended services -one Sunday at St. John’s Episcopal Church on Lafayette -Square when the rector preached a fiery -sermon against the sin of dueling. Mrs. Alexander -Hamilton and her daughter sat in the pew just in -front of my grandmother, and she said Miss Hamilton -bore the tirade for some minutes, then rose, -turned to her mother, and remarked in an audible -tone: ‘Come, Ma; we’ll go. This is no place for -us.’”</p> - -<p>“Come, you needn’t put it all on Washington,” -exclaimed Douglas. “Georgetown has famous blunderers -and eccentric characters as well.”</p> - -<p>“And ghosts,” added Mrs. Truxton. “Do not -deprive Georgetown of its chief attraction. Ghosts -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span>and Past Glory walk hand and hand through these -old streets.”</p> - -<p>“Ghosts,” echoed Douglas, turning to his host. -“Unless my memory is playing me false, this house -used to be thought haunted. It seems to me I’ve -heard tales of secret passages and mysterious -noises.”</p> - -<p>Thornton laughed outright. “That old legend -was caused by flying squirrels getting in the wall -through cracks in the eaves and chimneys. Sometimes -on still nights I can hear them dropping nuts, -which make a great noise as they fall from floor to -floor. It’s enough to scare a nervous person into -fits.”</p> - -<p>“You are very disappointing, Uncle Dana,” objected -Eleanor. “When Douglas—Mr. Hunter,”—catching -herself up, but no one apparently noticed -the slip, and she went on hurriedly—“spoke -of spooks I had hopes of an ancestral ghost.”</p> - -<p>“I always understood that this house was haunted, -Dana,” put in Mrs. Truxton.</p> - -<p>“Well, I believe we are supposed to possess a -ghost—a very respectable, retiring one,” added -Thornton, as Cynthia’s eyes, which were fixed upon -him, grew to twice their usual size. “My great-aunt, -Sophronia Thornton, was a maiden lady, a -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span>good deal of a Tartar, I imagine, from the dance -she led my Great-grandfather Thornton, who was -an easy-going, peaceable man. She ran the house -for him until his marriage, and then ran his wife, -and, according to tradition, she has run her descendants -out of her room ever since.”</p> - -<p>“Good gracious!” ejaculated Cynthia. “Do tell -us all about her.”</p> - -<p>“There is not so very much to recount.” Thornton -smiled at her eagerness. “The story goes, as I -heard it first from my grandfather, that when he -attempted to occupy her room, the southwest chamber, -he was driven out.”</p> - -<p>“How?”</p> - -<p>“He was very fond of reading in bed. As I said -before, my great-aunt was very rigid and did not -approve of late hours, which was one rock she and -her brother split on. My grandfather, not having -the lighting facilities of the present day, used to -read in bed by placing a lighted candlestick on his -chest, holding his book behind the candle so that -its light fell full on the printed page. At eleven -o’clock every night he would feel a slight puff of air -and the candle would go out. He tried everything -to stop it. He stuffed every crack and cranny -through which a draft might be supposed to come, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span>but it was of no use; his light was always extinguished -at eleven o’clock.”</p> - -<p>“Do you believe it?” asked Cynthia.</p> - -<p>Thornton shrugged his shoulders. “I can only -give you my own experience. I occupied the room -once, when home on a college vacation. The house -was filled with visitors, and I was put in the southwest -chamber. Everything went on very smoothly -until one night I decided to cram for an examination, -and took my books to my room. I had an -ordinary oil lamp on the table by my bed, and so -commenced reading. After I had been reading -about an hour the lamp went out suddenly. I -struck a match and relit it; again it was extinguished. -We kept that up most of the night; then I gathered -my belongings and spent the rest of the time before -breakfast on the sofa in the library, where I was -not disturbed by the whims of the ghost of my -spinster great-aunt.”</p> - -<p>“‘There are more things in Heaven and earth,’” -quoted Eleanor, as she rose in obedience to a signal -from Mrs. Truxton. “Where shall we go, Uncle -Dana?” as they strolled out into the hall.</p> - -<p>“Into the library. Nicodemus will serve coffee -there, and, if you ladies have no objection, Douglas -and I will smoke there also.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Why, certainly,” exclaimed Mrs. Truxton, picking -out a comfortable chair and signaling Douglas -to take the one next hers, and without more ado she -plunged into questions relating to his family history. -He cast longing glances at Eleanor, but she refused -to take the hint conveyed, and, to his secret annoyance, -walked out of the room shortly after.</p> - -<p>Cynthia was having an animated conversation -with Colonel Thornton and sipping her coffee when, -happening to look in the direction of the hall door, -she saw Eleanor standing there, beckoning to her. -Making a hurried excuse to the Colonel, she joined -Eleanor in the hall, who, without a word, slipped -her arm about her waist and led her into the drawing-room.</p> - -<p>“What is——?” The words died in her throat -as she caught sight of a tall, soldierly figure standing -under the chandelier. Eleanor discreetly vanished, -closing the hall door softly behind her as -she went.</p> - -<p>“You!” Cynthia shrank back against the wall as -Lane stepped forward.</p> - -<p>“Cynthia, darling!” He held out his arms -pleadingly, but with a moan she turned her face -from him. His eyes flashed with indignation. -“Cynthia, you have no right to condemn me un<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span>heard. -I am innocent.” He approached her and -gently took her hand in his.</p> - -<p>Her eyes were closed, and a few tears forced -themselves under the lids, the scalding teardrops -that come when the fountain is dry and only bitter -grief forces such expression of sorrow.</p> - -<p>“Dear one, look at me. I am not guilty. I have -forced myself upon you because I want you to understand”—he -spoke slowly, as if reasoning with a -child—“that I am absolutely innocent....”</p> - -<p>“Not in thought!” burst in Cynthia.</p> - -<p>“Perhaps not,”—steadily,—“but in deed. I spoke -in anger. Your uncle had insulted me grossly when -I met him just before going to Mrs. Owen’s dance, -and in my indignation I uttered a wish which would -have been better left unsaid. But listen to reason, -dear; to think evil is not a crime.”</p> - -<p>Cynthia threw back her head and gazed at him -wildly. “Oh, I would so gladly, gladly believe you -innocent!” She placed her small, trembling hands -on his breast. “It hurts horribly—because I love -you so.”</p> - -<p>Lane caught her in a close embrace. “My darling—my -dear, dear one——” His voice choked.</p> - -<p>Cynthia lay passive in his arms. Suddenly she -raised her white face and kissed him passionately, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span>then thrust him from her. “Oh, God! why did -you take that sharp letter file with you?”</p> - -<p>“I didn’t!” The words were positive, but his -looks belied them.</p> - -<p>“She says you did—she declares that when she -met you looking for the carriage you held it in your -hand——” The words seemed forced from Cynthia. -She placed a hand on the chair nearest her -as she swayed slightly.</p> - -<p>“She! Who?” The question was almost a roar.</p> - -<p>“Annette.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI">CHAPTER XVI</a><br /> -<small><small>A CRY IN THE NIGHT</small></small></h2></div> - -<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcap">E</span>LEANOR tiptoed over to the bed. At last -Cynthia had dropped asleep. It seemed -hours since Lane’s call for help had taken -her into the drawing-room, where she found Cynthia -stretched upon the floor and the young officer -bending frantically over her. Dr. Marsh, who -fortunately resided next door but one, had been -sent for, and, on his arrival in hot haste, Cynthia -had been revived and carried to her room. Cynthia -had shown a sudden aversion to having Annette -about, so Eleanor had sent the maid to bed, -and since ten o’clock had been sitting with Cynthia, -trying to quiet her.</p> - -<p>Eleanor glanced about the room. There was -nothing more she could do, and, stretching herself -wearily, she arranged the night light so that it would -not shine in Cynthia’s eyes, and placed an old-fashioned -brass bell on the small table by the bed, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span>so that if Cynthia needed assistance she could ring -for aid. Then, moving softly for fear of waking -the sleeper, she stole across the room, turned out the -gas, and, stepping into the hall, closed the door -gently after her.</p> - -<p>Some time later she was busy undressing in her -own room when a faint knock disturbed her. On -opening the door she found Mrs. Truxton standing -in the hall with a quilted wrapper drawn tight -around her portly figure.</p> - -<p>“I thought you hadn’t gone to bed,” she remarked -in a sibilant whisper which was more penetrating -than an ordinary low-pitched voice. “I just could -not go to bed”—selecting a large oak rocker—“until -I had some explanation of this extraordinary affair. -Will you please inform me what made that -poor girl faint in the drawing-room?”</p> - -<p>“She is in a very nervous, excitable condition, -Cousin Kate, which reacts on her heart action.” -Eleanor glanced despairingly at Mrs. Truxton. She -knew the latter was an inveterate, though kindly, -gossip. Apparently she had come to stay for some -time, as she sat rocking gently to and fro, her curl -papers making a formidable halo around her soft -gray hair.</p> - -<p>“Heart action?” echoed Mrs. Truxton. “That’s -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span>as it may be. What was Captain Lane doing -here?”</p> - -<p>Eleanor started violently. She particularly wanted -to keep the fact that Cynthia and Lane had been -together a secret. She had watched for his arrival, -and had let him in before he had an opportunity -to ring the front door bell, and had shown him at -once into the deserted drawing-room. During their -interview she had mounted guard in the hall. Hearing -Lane’s call for assistance, she had opened the -drawing-room door, and, before summoning her -uncle and the servants, had advised Lane to leave -the house. She supposed he had followed her advice.</p> - -<p>“Where in the world did you see him?” she -asked.</p> - -<p>“So he was here!” Mrs. Truxton smiled delightedly, -while Eleanor flushed with vexation as -she realized she had given herself away unnecessarily. -“Your uncle and Douglas were discussing -politics, and I slipped away to remind Nicodemus -to put some sandwiches in my room, as I always -want a late supper, particularly after so early a -dinner. When I walked through the billiard room -on my way to the library I happened to glance -through the door leading into the hall, and was -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span>surprised to see a man standing by the hatrack. As -he raised his head I thought I recognized Fred Lane—I -wasn’t quite sure, though, but before I could -call his name he had vanished.”</p> - -<p>“I see.” Eleanor came to a quick resolution. -“You have probably heard, Cousin Kate,” sitting -down on the edge of her bed nearest the older -woman, “that Fred Lane is very much in love with -Cynthia.” Mrs. Truxton nodded her head vigorously. -“Eventually, after he had paid her a great -deal of attention, they became engaged. Unfortunately”—Eleanor -was feeling her way with care—“unfortunately -they had a lover’s quarrel. Cynthia -refused to see Fred, and he finally came to me -and asked me to arrange an interview, saying that -he felt convinced, if given the opportunity, he could -straighten out their misunderstanding.”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Truxton pondered some moments in silence. -“Did this lover’s quarrel take place <i>before</i> Senator -Carew’s death?” she asked.</p> - -<p>“Yes.” Eleanor’s blue eyes did not waver before -Mrs. Truxton’s piercing look. “Why?”</p> - -<p>“I was just thinking that, if Senator Carew had -known of an engagement between a member of his -family and a Lane, he’d have died of apoplexy—instead -of having to be stabbed to death.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span></p> - -<p>“What was the exact trouble between Senator -Carew and Governor Lane, Cousin Kate?” asked -Eleanor. “I never have heard.”</p> - -<p>“It began years ago.” Mrs. Truxton hitched her -chair close to the bed. “Governor Lane was an -intimate friend of Philip Winthrop, Sr., and, after -the latter’s marriage to Charlotte Carew, came frequently -to Washington to visit them. To my thinking, -Philip Winthrop was a bad egg, specious and -handsome; and he took in the Carews completely, -as well as Governor Lane. He was a stock broker -in Wall Street, and during a panic was ruined financially. -He promptly committed suicide.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, poor Mrs. Winthrop!” exclaimed Eleanor -warmly. “What hasn’t she been through!”</p> - -<p>“Well, losing her rascal of a husband was the -least one of her troubles,” said Mrs. Truxton dryly. -“Philip Winthrop’s failure was not an honorable -one; there was talk of criminal proceedings, but -all that was put a stop to by Senator Carew stepping -forward and paying his creditors.” She paused -for breath.</p> - -<p>“I don’t see what Governor Lane has to do with -it,” objected Eleanor, glancing meaningly at the -clock, which was just striking one o’clock. She -stifled a yawn.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span></p> - -<p>“I am coming to that,” explained Mrs. Truxton. -“Philip Winthrop appealed to Governor Lane, -among other of his old friends, to loan him money -to tide over the financial crisis, and the Governor -trusted him to the extent of ten thousand -dollars.”</p> - -<p>“That was exceedingly generous of him.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, and I reckon he repented of his generosity -many times.” Mrs. Truxton spoke with emphasis. -“He loaned it to Winthrop without taking security -and without knowing that the latter was on the point -of absolute failure. And this is where the row -comes in. Lane went to Carew and told him of -the transaction, showed him the canceled check, -and the latter, on finding that Lane had no promissory -note or other security, declined to pay off the -indebtedness.”</p> - -<p>“I see.” Eleanor was paying full attention to -the older woman.</p> - -<p>“Lane was naturally incensed, for Carew had -assumed all the other obligations, and he felt that -his was a prior claim, being a debt of honor between -friends. Carew didn’t see it that way, and it -led to a bitter quarrel. The ill feeling between the -two men was intensified on Governor Lane’s part -because he met with financial reverses later, and the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span>old Maryland homestead, which might have been -saved by the return of the ten thousand dollars, was -sold under the hammer.”</p> - -<p>“This is all news to me. I was only told they -were political enemies.”</p> - -<p>“They were. Lane vowed to get even in every -way in his power, and so entered politics. He was -a man of great force of character and intellectual -ability—although lacking in business sense,” she -interpolated, “and a born orator. And when he -found, after holding several important state positions, -that Senator Carew was going to run for -governor of Maryland, he entered the field -against him, and Carew was beaten by a few votes -only.”</p> - -<p>“When did this happen?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, back in the early nineties. The quarrel was -most acrimonious, particularly on Carew’s side. He -must have realized that he had not acted fairly to -his old friend. As long as he had assumed Winthrop’s -debts it seemed only right that he should -return the money owing to Lane. Public opinion -was with the latter.”</p> - -<p>“Perhaps at that time he may not have had the -ten thousand,” suggested Eleanor. “I have always -heard and believed the Senator an honorable man; -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span>and certainly it was good of him to shoulder any -of his brother-in-law’s debts.”</p> - -<p>“He only did it to protect his sister, who was -left penniless, and quiet scandal.”</p> - -<p>“Mrs. Winthrop penniless! Why, how comes it, -Cousin Kate, that she lives as she does.”</p> - -<p>“Senator Carew gave her a large allowance. He -always said that Cynthia should inherit his fortune.”</p> - -<p>“I never knew until the other day that Philip -Winthrop was not Mrs. Winthrop’s son.”</p> - -<p>“She adopted him legally, I believe, at the time -of her husband’s death, and persuaded her brother, -the Senator, to have him brought up as one of the -family. Philip Winthrop’s first wife was a South -American, I am told. I never saw her, as she died -before he came to Washington. Mercy on us!” -glancing at the clock, “I had no idea it was so late.” -She rose and started for the door. “How did you -leave Cynthia?”</p> - -<p>“Sound asleep, thank Heaven!”</p> - -<p>“Did she and Fred Lane patch up their quarrel?”</p> - -<p>“I am afraid not.” Eleanor kissed her cousin -a warm good night, and watched her cross the wide -hall to her bedroom, then closed and locked her -own door and hastened to complete her undressing.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span></p> - -<p>About three in the morning Cynthia awoke and -lay for a few minutes, bewildered by her surroundings. -Then recollection returned to her with a rush, -and she sank back among her pillows with a half-strangled -sob. Slowly she reviewed her interview -with Fred, trying to find some solace; but she could -discover none, and with a moan turned on her side -and buried her face in the pillow. Their romance -had promised so much, but, instead, her happiness -had been nipped in the bud.</p> - -<p>She raised her hot face and glanced about, looking -for a glass of water, for she was parched with -thirst. Eleanor had forgotten, apparently, to place -any drinking water in the room. Cynthia sat up -and gazed eagerly around by the aid of the night -light, but she could discover no glass on either the -chiffonier or bureau. She was on the point of -lying down again when she remembered having -seen a pitcher of ice water on a table near the head -of the stairs. She started to ring the brass bell, -but decided it would be cruel to call Eleanor, who -had been up with her most of the night.</p> - -<p>She pondered a moment, but she was growing -more thirsty, and, after a few minutes of indecision, -she climbed out of the huge four-poster and, slipping -on a wrapper and bedroom slippers, stole out -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span>of her room and down the hall in the direction of -the stairs.</p> - -<p>So intent was Cynthia in reaching her goal that -she never noticed a figure crouching on the landing -of the stairs, who drew back fearfully into the -shadows at her approach. She found the ice pitcher -on the table with several glasses. Filling one of -them, she took a long drink of the ice-cold water, -then, feeling much refreshed, she refilled the glass, -intending to take it with her to her room. She -paused again and looked about her with interest, -for the hall was illuminated by the moonlight which -streamed through the diamond-shaped panes of a -window at one end of a wing of the house. The -figure below her on the stair landing peered at her -intently, poised for instant flight to the darker regions -below in case she started to descend the stairs.</p> - -<p>Cynthia was about to return to her room when -her roving eyes fell on a closed door leading to a -room in the wing. The moonlight was beating upon -it. For one long second Cynthia stood transfixed; -then she uttered a cry which roused the sleeping -household—a cry of such terror that it froze the -blood in the listeners’ veins.</p> - -<p>The figure on the landing stood glued to the spot -until recalled to action by the hurried opening of -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span>doors; then, with incredible swiftness, it vanished, -as Eleanor, her hastily donned wrapper streaming -in the wind, rushed to Cynthia’s side.</p> - -<p>“Good God! Cynthia! What is it?” she gasped, -throwing her arms about her friend.</p> - -<p>Cynthia caught her wrist in a grip which made -her wince. “Look!” she cried. “Look!” pointing -toward the door at the end of the wing. -“My dream! See, the panels are in the shape of a -cross!”</p> - -<p>Eleanor cast a startled glance in the direction indicated. -It was true. The panels stood out in bold -relief in the brilliant moonlight, and they formed an -unmistakable cross.</p> - -<p>“Yes, yes, dear,” she said soothingly. “It simply -shows that your dream was founded on fact. Come -to bed.”</p> - -<p>“No, no!” Cynthia was trembling violently, but -she refused to leave the spot. “You forget that in -my dream the door is always locked.”</p> - -<p>“In this case it is not,” exclaimed Colonel Thornton, -who, with Douglas, had rushed into the hall as -soon as they had struggled into some clothes. Mrs. -Truxton brought up the rear, her curl papers standing -upright and her eyes almost popping from her -head. “It’s simply used as a storeroom,” he added. -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span>“Don’t be so worried, Cynthia,” catching sight of -her agonized face.</p> - -<p>“I tell you it is <i>not!</i>” She stamped her foot in -her excitement.</p> - -<p>For answer Thornton stepped down the short -hallway and turned the knob. To his intense surprise -the door did not open.</p> - -<p>“Ah!” Her cry was half in triumph, half in -agony. “I told you it was locked. It must be -opened—I shall go mad if it is not,” and her looks -did not belie her statement.</p> - -<p>Douglas joined Thornton as he stood hesitating. -“I think it would be best to humor her,” he said in -an undertone.</p> - -<p>Thornton nodded in agreement. “I can’t understand -how it got locked,” he muttered. “How the -devil can I get it open? It is English quartered -oak.”</p> - -<p>“Is there any way of entering the room by a window?” -asked Douglas.</p> - -<p>“No, it’s too high from the ground, and there’s -nothing but the bare brick wall to climb up; no tree -grows near it,” said Thornton thoughtfully. “And -unfortunately I have no ladder long enough to reach -the window.”</p> - -<p>“Then there’s nothing left but to try and force -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span>the door.” Douglas braced his powerful shoulders -against the panels until his muscles almost cracked -under the strain. “Run against it,” he gasped, perspiration -trickling down his face; and Colonel -Thornton obediently threw himself forward as the -door gave slightly. “Again!” cried Douglas, and -he threw his own weight on the panel, which yielded -a little. “Once more,” and with a rending crash -the upper and weaker panel splintered sufficiently -to allow Douglas to slip his hand inside and turn -the key which was in the lock. He also shot back -the rusty bolt with difficulty, and withdrew his -hand.</p> - -<p>“Get the women back into their rooms,” he -whispered, his face showing white in the moonlight. -“The room is full of escaping gas.”</p> - -<p>Thornton gazed blankly at him for a second, -then turned to Mrs. Truxton. “Kate, I insist upon -your taking these girls to your room.” She nodded -understandingly, and he turned to Cynthia with an -air of command. “Go with Mrs. Truxton, Cynthia. -I promise to come instantly and tell you what -we discover in this room.”</p> - -<p>She nodded dumbly, past speech. The reaction -had come, and Mrs. Truxton and Eleanor led her, -unresisting, back to her room and helped her to bed, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span>where she lay, her eyes pleading to be relieved from -her mental anguish.</p> - -<p>Colonel Thornton and Douglas watched them -until they disappeared inside the bedroom, then the -latter opened the broken door of the locked room. -An overpowering smell of illuminating gas choked -them, and they drew back, gasping. Douglas -stepped over to the hall window and threw up the -sash, letting in the cool air. Then, holding his -breath, he rushed inside the room and, locating the -escaping gas jet by the overpowering odor, he -reached up and turned off the cock of the wall -bracket.</p> - -<p>“It’s no use; we’ll have to wait and give the gas -a chance to evaporate,” he said, returning to the -Colonel’s side. “Are you sure the room is unoccupied?”</p> - -<p>Thornton’s eyes were half starting from his head. -“Unoccupied?” he stammered. “It’s been unoccupied -for half a century. This is the southwest -chamber, which is supposed to be haunted by my -great-aunt. A dog won’t sleep there.”</p> - -<p>Douglas stared at his companion in amazement -for some seconds, then, holding his breath, again -bolted into the room. The remaining gas almost -overcame him, but fortunately, catching sight of the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span>outlines of the windows, he opened first one and -then the other, and rejoined the Colonel, who was -hovering in the doorway, as quickly as possible. -Without speaking they waited until the pure night -air had swept away the poisonous gas; then Douglas -stepped inside the room, struck a match and -applied it to the chandelier. As the light flared up -a horrified exclamation escaped Thornton.</p> - -<p>“Good God! Look!”</p> - -<p>Douglas’ eyes followed his outstretched arm. -Stretched on the high four-posted bedstead was the -body of a woman, lying on her side, her face concealed -by the masses of dark hair which fell over it. -A book lay by her side, one finger of her left hand -caught between the pages. A drop light, minus -shade and chimney, stood on a low table beside the -bed.</p> - -<p>Reverently the two men tiptoed to the bedside. -Thornton laid a shaking hand on the drop light. -“She must have been reading and fallen asleep,” he -muttered between twitching lips. “She didn’t know -that the light is always blown out after eleven -o’clock in this room.”</p> - -<p>Awestruck, Douglas gazed down at the silent -figure. No need to feel pulse or heart; to the most -casual observer the woman was dead.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Who—who—is it?” demanded a quivering voice -behind them. Both men wheeled about to find -Eleanor, white-lipped and trembling, standing there. -She had stolen into the room without attracting their -attention.</p> - -<p>Douglas leaned forward and raised the strands -of hair gently from the cold face.</p> - -<p>“<i>Annette!</i>” Eleanor’s trembling lips could hardly -form the whisper; she swayed backward, and Douglas -caught her as she fell.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER XVII<br /> -<small><small>THE MYSTERY DEEPENS</small></small></h2></div> - -<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcap">“W</span>HERE’S Brett?” asked Thornton, coming -hurriedly into the library, where Douglas -was seated at the telephone. The -latter hung up the receiver before answering.</p> - -<p>“He will be here directly, Colonel; at present he -is with the doctor and coroner in the southwest -chamber. You had better sit down, sir,” glancing -with commiseration at Thornton’s haggard face; -but the Colonel continued his nervous pacing to and -fro.</p> - -<p>“Jove!” he muttered. “This affair has given me -a devilish shock.” He paused before a small wall -cabinet, and, selecting a key on his ring bunch, he -opened the door and took out a decanter.</p> - -<p>“Will you join me?” he asked, placing it on the -table with several tumblers.</p> - -<p>“No, thanks, Colonel.” Douglas heard the glass -click faintly against the mouth of the decanter as -the Colonel poured out a liberal portion, which he -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span>drank neat. He was just replacing the decanter -in the wall cabinet when Brett, followed by the -coroner, walked into the room.</p> - -<p>“If you have no objection, Colonel Thornton, we -will hold an informal investigation here,” said Dr. -Penfield, courteously.</p> - -<p>“Not at all, sir, not at all,” exclaimed Thornton -heartily. “I am most anxious to have this terrible -affair cleared up as soon as possible. Simply state -your wishes and they will be carried out to the best -of my ability.”</p> - -<p>“Thanks.” The coroner seated himself at the -mahogany table standing in the center of the room -and drew out his notebook and fountain pen, while -Brett established himself on the opposite side.</p> - -<p>“Shall I retire?” inquired the Colonel.</p> - -<p>“I think it would be best,” replied Dr. Penfield -gravely. “I prefer to examine the members of -the household separately. No offense is intended.”</p> - -<p>“And none is taken.” Thornton smiled wearily. -“You forget I’m a lawyer, Doctor, and understand -your position. If you wish to see me I will be in -my room.”</p> - -<p>“All right, Colonel.” The coroner consulted his -notebook as Thornton left them, then turned to -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span>Douglas. “You were the first to enter the southwest -chamber, were you not?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, I broke in a panel of the door with Colonel -Thornton’s assistance, and——”</p> - -<p>“One moment.” Penfield held up his hand. “Was -the door locked on the <i>inside</i>?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, by an old-fashioned bolt, as well as by lock -and key.”</p> - -<p>“Did the bolt and lock work stiffly?”</p> - -<p>“They did.”</p> - -<p>“In your opinion would a person locking the -door and shooting the bolt into place make enough -noise to awaken the sleeper?”</p> - -<p>“I think so, yes.”</p> - -<p>“Did you find the windows of the room also -bolted when you entered?”</p> - -<p>“No, they were closed, but the bolts, similar to the -one on the door, only smaller, were not fastened.”</p> - -<p>“I see.” Penfield drummed on the table for a -moment with his left hand. “Could anyone have -slipped past you and Colonel Thornton when you -stood waiting in the hallway for the gas to evaporate?”</p> - -<p>“No, we would have been sure to see them, and, -besides, no one could have remained in that room -alive, the escaping gas was overpowering.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Did the room have no other exit except the one -door leading to the hall?”</p> - -<p>“That is all I could discover. I searched the -room thoroughly with Brett.” The detective nodded -affirmatively. “We could find no trace of any other -entrance or exit.”</p> - -<p>“Strange!” exclaimed Penfield. “The windows -are too great a height from the ground, and can -only be reached by a scaling ladder.”</p> - -<p>“And beside that,” put in Brett, “I’ve examined -the ground under and near the two windows of that -room, and there isn’t a trace of a footstep or ladder -anywhere around.”</p> - -<p>The coroner laid down his pen. “I think that -is all just now, Mr. Hunter. Brett, will you ask Dr. -Marsh to step here.”</p> - -<p>The two men left the room. “I’ll wait in the -drawing-room, Brett,” called Douglas, as the detective -started upstairs to find the doctor. In a -few minutes Brett reappeared in the library with -Dr. Marsh.</p> - -<p>“I won’t detain you long, doctor,” began Penfield. -“Be seated. You were the first to examine -the dead woman upstairs; what do you think caused -her death?”</p> - -<p>“She was asphyxiated by illuminating gas. Every -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span>symptom points to that. Of course,” added the -doctor cautiously, “this cannot be proved absolutely -until the autopsy is held.”</p> - -<p>“I think you are right; my diagnosis coincides -with yours,” said the coroner. “Did you discover -any evidence of a struggle or marks of violence -about the woman’s person?”</p> - -<p>“No. Judging from what I found, and I believe -nothing had been disturbed by either Colonel Thornton -or Mr. Hunter, I think that the Frenchwoman -was reading in bed, fell asleep, and was overcome -by the gas.”</p> - -<p>“How long do you think she had been dead before -you reached her?”</p> - -<p>“Several hours, judging from the condition of -the body. She was lying in such a position that -she got the full force of the gas directly in her -face; the room did not have to become filled -with the deadly fumes before she was affected by -them.”</p> - -<p>“I noticed that,” exclaimed the coroner, “the -drop light stood on a low stand, so that the gas -fixture was on a level with the woman’s head, as the -four-poster bed was an unusually high one. I have -no further questions to ask just now, Doctor; an -autopsy will be held this afternoon at the city -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span>morgue, where the body will be taken shortly. -Brett, ask Miss Cynthia Carew to come here.”</p> - -<p>Doctor Marsh stopped on his way to the door. -“I have just given Miss Carew an opiate,” he said -quickly; “she must not be disturbed at present.”</p> - -<p>The coroner’s face fell. “That’s too bad,” he -grumbled. “I particularly wanted to ask what she -was doing in the hall at that hour, and what drew -her attention to the closed door.”</p> - -<p>“As it happens, I can answer those two questions.” -Marsh returned to the table. “Before I -could quiet Miss Carew she repeated her experiences -a dozen times. It seems that she was thirsty -and went into the hall to get a glass of water, as -she recollected seeing an ice pitcher and tumblers -on the hall table near the stairs. She drank some -water, and was returning when she noticed the door -in the moonlight, dropped the glass she was carrying, -and screamed.”</p> - -<p>“I found a broken glass lying in the hall,” supplemented -Brett.</p> - -<p>“What was it about the door that caused her to -scream?” asked the coroner.</p> - -<p>“The panels, which are made in the shape of a -cross,” explained Doctor Marsh. “It seems that -Miss Carew apparently suffers from nightmare -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span>which takes the form of a door with panels of that -shape. She declares it always foretells disaster. -When she found such a door confronting her in the -ghostly moonlight it was too much for her nerves -and she screamed.”</p> - -<p>“What is all this I am told about the southwest -chamber being haunted?”</p> - -<p>Marsh shrugged his shoulders. “I have resided -all my life in Georgetown and have always heard -that a room in this house was supposed to be -haunted. That particular kind of door with the -panels forming a cross is called the ‘witches’ door,’ -and was put there in the days just after the Revolution. -It is to ward off evil, so the legend goes.”</p> - -<p>“Well, it doesn’t seem to have fulfilled its mission.” -The coroner carefully turned a page in his -notebook and made an entry. “I am very much -obliged to you, Doctor,” as Marsh prepared to depart. -“I wish you would let me know when Miss -Carew is in fit condition to see me.”</p> - -<p>“I will; good-bye,” and the busy physician beat a -hasty retreat.</p> - -<p>“Suppose you get the butler, Brett,” said the coroner -when the two men were alone.</p> - -<p>“May I suggest, Dr. Penfield, that you allow Mr. -Hunter to be present when the servants are ex<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span>amined,” -began Brett. “He is deeply interested in -the murder of Senator Carew, and is assisting me in -trying to unravel that mystery, and I think”—deliberately—“this -French maid’s singular death has -something to do with the other tragedy.”</p> - -<p>“Indeed!” The coroner’s eyes kindled with -fresh interest. “Certainly, Brett, if you think Mr. -Hunter should be present, call him in. I will be glad -of his assistance.”</p> - -<p>The detective hastened out of the room, to return -within a few minutes with Douglas and Nicodemus. -The old darky was gray with fright, and his eyes -had not regained their natural size since being awakened -by the commotion attending the breaking in of -the door. He had lain in his bed, too frightened -to get up, until Douglas entered his room and -hauled him out from under the bedclothes and made -him go downstairs and build the fire for the cook, -Sophy, who was more composed than her brother, -and busied herself in preparing coffee and an early -breakfast for those who desired it.</p> - -<p>“Is there such a thing as a long scaling ladder -on the premises?” inquired the coroner, after he -had asked Nicodemus’ full name and length of service.</p> - -<p>“No, suh; dey isn’t, only a pa’r ob steps so high”<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span>—demonstrating -with his hand. “Dat’s der onliest -one on de place.”</p> - -<p>“Is any house being built in this neighborhood?”</p> - -<p>“No, suh, dar isn’t.”</p> - -<p>“How did you come to put the maid in that -room?”</p> - -<p>“I didn’t put her dar,” in quick defence; “she went -dar ob her own accord; ’deed dat’s so, Marse Douglas,” -appealing to him directly. “De Cunnel, he -done tole Sophy an’ me ter fix three rooms fo’ de -ladies, an’ a room fo’ yo’, suh; he done say nuffin’ -about de maid, Annette.”</p> - -<p>“Then you were not expecting her?”</p> - -<p>“No, suh. I was ’sprised when Miss Eleanor -brunged her. After I haid shown de ladies ter dey -rooms I took Annette up ter de third flo’, an’ tole -her she could take de front room dar.”</p> - -<p>“Then how did she come to be occupying the -other room?” asked the coroner quickly.</p> - -<p>“It were dis-away, suh; jes’ befo’ dinnah she cum -ter me an’ Sophy an’ say she doan like de room in -de third flo’——”</p> - -<p>“Why not?” broke in Penfield.</p> - -<p>“She said it were too far off from her folks, dat -she had to be down whar she could hear dem. I -tole her dat de warn’t no room down on de second -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span>flo’, dat dey was all occupied, an’ she says, quick-like, -dat she had jes’ been in de room in de wing, -an’ dat she’d sleep dar.”</p> - -<p>“Ah, then it was her own suggestion that she -should occupy the room,” exclaimed Brett quickly.</p> - -<p>“Yessir. She dun say dat de bed looked comfo’able, -an’ dat she’d jes’ take de bedclothes offer de -bed in de room on de third flo’, an’ move her things -down inter de odder room. Sophy tole her dat de -place were mighty dusty, ’cause it’s been used as a -storeroom, but Annette said she’d ’tend ter dat.”</p> - -<p>“Did she speak to Colonel Thornton or to Miss -Eleanor before moving into the room?” asked -Douglas, thoughtfully.</p> - -<p>“No, suh, I don’t think she did. I axed her ef -she had, an’ she said dat dey was all in de drawin’-room, -waitin’ fer dinnah, an’ dat she didn’t want -ter ’sturb ’em, an’ dat dey wouldn’t care whar she -slep’.”</p> - -<p>“Then <i>no</i> one knew she was occupying that -room except you and Sophy?” asked the puzzled -coroner.</p> - -<p>“No, suh; ’less she tole dem later. I done -warned her dat dat room were unlucky,”—Nicodemus’ -eyes rolled in his head,—“an’ dat no good -would cum ob her sleepin’ dar, an’ she jes’ larf and -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span>larf. An’ now she’s daid,”—he shook his woolly -head solemnly; “it doan do ter trifle wid -ghosts.”</p> - -<p>“I won’t keep you any longer,” said the coroner, -after a long pause. “Send Sophy up here, Nicodemus. -By the way, is she any relation of yours?”</p> - -<p>“Yessir, she’s ma sister, an’ we’ve bof worked -hyar since befo de wah. I’ll send her right up, -suh,” and he disappeared.</p> - -<p>Sophy was not long in coming, and she confirmed -all that Nicodemus had said. She added that the -southwest chamber had not been occupied as a bedchamber -for years, although the four-poster was -left standing with its mattresses and pillows in place, -after which she was excused. Colonel Thornton -was then sent for by the coroner.</p> - -<p>“Your servants say, Colonel, that you did not -expect your niece to bring her French maid, Annette, -with her last night,” began Penfield. “Is -that so?”</p> - -<p>“My niece is at liberty to bring anyone,” with -emphasis, “to this house,” said Colonel Thornton. -“But I must admit that I did not know until just -as dinner was announced that the maid had accompanied -her.”</p> - -<p>“Did you not see them arrive?” asked Brett.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span></p> - -<p>“No, they came earlier than I anticipated, and I -was not in the house when they reached here.”</p> - -<p>“Did Nicodemus inform you that the maid was -here?”</p> - -<p>“No; why should he? He knows that this is -my niece’s second home, and that she is virtually -mistress of the house.”</p> - -<p>“Then your niece is thoroughly acquainted with -this building?” put in Brett.</p> - -<p>“Haven’t I just said so,”—impatiently. “Miss -Thornton brought her maid with her because she -knows I have but two old servants, enough for my -bachelor needs, but she very naturally considered -that my other guests, Mrs. Truxton and Miss -Carew, might desire a maid’s services.”</p> - -<p>“I understand. Were you aware that Annette -intended to sleep in the southwest chamber?” continued -Brett.</p> - -<p>“I was not. If I had known it I would not have -permitted her to occupy the room.”</p> - -<p>“Please tell me the exact superstition which -hangs about that room,” said the coroner, after a -brief pause.</p> - -<p>“It is believed that no light can be burned in that -room after eleven o’clock; after that time it is always -extinguished by some mysterious agency.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span></p> - -<p>“How comes it, then, that you allowed gas pipes -to be placed in the room?”</p> - -<p>“I gave the contract to have gas put in the house -years ago, at the same time that I had running -water and plumbing installed. The gas contractor -naturally fitted each room with modern appliances. -As the room is never used after dark, I never gave -the matter another thought.”</p> - -<p>“Then why was a drop light fastened to the wall -bracket by the side of the bed?”</p> - -<p>“I’ve been puzzling over that fact myself,”—the -Colonel tipped his chair back on two legs,—“that -drop light is one I used to have in my bedroom. It -didn’t give very satisfactory light to read by, so -several months ago I purchased another, transferred -the chimney and shade to the new lamp, and sent the -other one into the storeroom.”</p> - -<p>“Then it is highly probable that Annette found -it there, and, wishing to read in bed, attached it to -the bracket herself.”</p> - -<p>“And thereby sealed her own fate,” added the -Colonel solemnly.</p> - -<p>“Do you really think that supernatural means -caused her death?” asked the coroner incredulously.</p> - -<p>“It seems to be either that or suicide.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span></p> - -<p>“From what I hear I incline to the latter -theory,” acknowledged Dr. Penfield. “I don’t take -much stock in ghosts or other hallucinations, Colonel, -with all due respect to you, sir. Will you be so -kind as to ask your cousin, Mrs. Truxton, to step -here for a few minutes?”</p> - -<p>On being summoned by Colonel Thornton, Mrs. -Truxton hastened into the library. Her statements -added nothing to what the coroner already knew, -and she was quickly excused and Eleanor Thornton -sent for.</p> - -<p>Douglas had not seen her since carrying her to -her room some hours before, and he was shocked -by her appearance. “My precious darling!” he -murmured in a tone which reached her ear alone as -he opened the library door to admit her. “Is there -anything I can do for you?”</p> - -<p>She shook her head and smiled at him, a smile -which hurt him woefully, for it showed the effort it -cost her. Dr. Penfield, struck by her beauty, which -was enhanced by her unnaturally flushed cheeks and -the dark shadows under her large eyes, rose and -pulled forward a chair for her use.</p> - -<p>“I won’t detain you long, Miss Thornton,” he -commenced, reseating himself. “Did you know your -maid was sleeping in the southwest chamber?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span></p> - -<p>“No, I did not. On the contrary, she told me, -when helping me change my dress for dinner, that -she had been put in the room over mine.”</p> - -<p>“When did you last see your maid?”</p> - -<p>“She came to my assistance when Miss Carew -fainted, shortly after dinner. After I had seen -Miss Carew revived and put in bed I had Annette -help me out of my evening dress, and then told her -to go to bed, as I would not require her services -any longer.”</p> - -<p>“At what hour was that?”</p> - -<p>“Shortly before ten o’clock. I do not recollect -the exact time.”</p> - -<p>“Did she say nothing to you then about having -moved down on your floor?”</p> - -<p>“Not a word.”</p> - -<p>“Has your maid had an unfortunate love affair?” -inquired the coroner.</p> - -<p>“Not to my knowledge.”</p> - -<p>“Has she been despondent of late?”</p> - -<p>“No; she seemed in her usual good spirits.”</p> - -<p>“Do you know if she had lost money?”</p> - -<p>“I never heard her mention such a thing.”</p> - -<p>“Has she been with you long?”</p> - -<p>“About two years.”</p> - -<p>“And you found her——?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Excellent in every way; honest, reliable, and -capable.”</p> - -<p>“Miss Thornton,” facing her directly, “have you -formed any theory as to how your maid came to be -asphyxiated?”</p> - -<p>“I think it was due to an accident. She probably -fell asleep, leaving the gas burning.”</p> - -<p>“But Mr. Hunter found the two windows closed, -no possible draft could get into the room to blow -out the light—nor could any person have blown it -out, for the door, the only way of entrance, was -locked on the inside. How was it possible to have -an accident under those circumstances?”</p> - -<p>“Possibly it was suicide, though I cannot bear to -think so,” Eleanor spoke with much feeling.</p> - -<p>“Miss Thornton,”—Brett rose, walked over to -the table, and stood looking directly down into the -lovely face raised so confidingly to his—“did your -maid ever utter any threats against Captain Frederick -Lane in your presence?”</p> - -<p>“Never!” Eleanor’s eyes opened in surprise.</p> - -<p>“Did she ever insinuate that he had something -to do with the murder of Senator Carew?”</p> - -<p>“No, never!” But Eleanor’s firm voice quivered -as she uttered the denial, and Brett detected it. His -eyes lighted with excitement.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span></p> - -<p>“What was Captain Lane doing here last night?”</p> - -<p>The question was unexpected, and Eleanor started -perceptibly.</p> - -<p>“He came to see Miss Carew,” she admitted, -faintly.</p> - -<p>“Did he see your maid?”</p> - -<p>“Not to my knowledge.”</p> - -<p>“Did Captain Lane spend the evening with you -and Colonel Thornton?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, no, he only saw Miss Carew.”</p> - -<p>“How long was he with Miss Carew?”</p> - -<p>“About ten minutes.”</p> - -<p>“Indeed!” Brett paused and spoke with greater -deliberation. “Captain Lane, who is being shadowed -by several of my men, was seen to enter this -house last night between nine and half-past—and, -though my men waited all night, he was never seen -to leave it.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII">CHAPTER XVIII</a><br /> -<small><small>IN THE NAME OF THE LAW</small></small></h2></div> - -<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcap">“W</span>ELL, and what then?” demanded a curt -voice behind the group. The three men -and Eleanor wheeled around and gazed -at the young officer in surprise too deep for words. -“Well, what then?” demanded Captain Lane for the -second time.</p> - -<p>“How did you get here?” asked Brett, recovering -from his surprise.</p> - -<p>“Through the door. How did you suppose?” -with a flicker of amusement in his handsome eyes. -“The butler told me I would find you here when he -admitted me a few seconds ago.” Then his face -grew stern. “I entered in time to overhear your -remark,”—turning directly to Brett. “Because your -men did not see me leave the house it doesn’t follow -that I spent the night here.”</p> - -<p>“Then where did you spend it?” asked Brett -swiftly.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span></p> - -<p>“With my cousin, General Phillips, at his apartment -at the Dupont,” calmly.</p> - -<p>“At what hour did you reach his apartment?”</p> - -<p>“About twelve o’clock.”</p> - -<p>“And where were you between the hours of nine-thirty -and twelve?”</p> - -<p>“Most of the time walking the streets.”</p> - -<p>“Alone?”</p> - -<p>“Alone.” Lane faced them all, head up and -shoulders back, and gave no sign that he was aware -of the antagonism which he felt in the tense atmosphere. -The coroner was the next to speak.</p> - -<p>“Suppose you take a chair, Captain Lane, and -give us a more detailed account of your actions last -night,” he suggested, and Lane dragged forward a -chair and seated himself. “When did you leave -this house?”</p> - -<p>“About half-past ten o’clock.” He caught Eleanor’s -start of surprise, and added hastily, “I am, as -perhaps you already know, engaged to Miss Carew. -During our interview last night she fainted, and I -summoned Miss Thornton, who urged me to go, but -I felt that I could not leave the house until I knew -that Miss Carew was better. So, instead of going -out of the front door, I picked up my coat and hat -and slipped into the dining room, which was empty.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span></p> - -<p>“What was your object in going there?”</p> - -<p>“I hoped that Miss Thornton would come downstairs -again, and I could then get an opportunity to -speak to her.”</p> - -<p>“Would it not have been better and more straight-forward -to have stepped into the library and informed -Colonel Thornton of your presence in his -house?” asked the coroner, dryly.</p> - -<p>Lane flushed at his tone. “Possibly it would,”—haughtily,—“but -I was acting on impulse; I was -extremely alarmed by Miss Carew’s condition and -could think of nothing else.”</p> - -<p>“What caused Miss Carew’s indisposition?” inquired -the coroner.</p> - -<p>“She is not strong, and overtaxed her strength -yesterday.”</p> - -<p>The coroner did not press the point, to Lane’s -relief. “Did anyone see you in the dining room last -night?”</p> - -<p>“I think not; the room was not lighted, and the -table had been already cleared, so no servant entered -the room.”</p> - -<p>“Did you see Miss Thornton again?”</p> - -<p>“No. I had not been waiting long before I saw -Colonel Thornton come down the stairs with a man -whom I judged to be a physician. As they passed -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span>the dining room door I heard the doctor tell Colonel -Thornton that Miss Carew had regained consciousness, -and would be all right after a night’s -rest. A few minutes after that I left the house.”</p> - -<p>“How?”</p> - -<p>“I have dined frequently with Colonel Thornton -and know the house fairly well; so, as I had promised -to keep my visit to Miss Carew a secret, I -opened the long French window which gives on the -south veranda, ran down the steps, and walked down -the garden path, jumped the fence between this -property and the next, and walked out of their gate -into the street.”</p> - -<p>Brett said something under his breath that was -not complimentary to his detective force. “May I -ask you why you thought such precautions necessary?” -he inquired.</p> - -<p>“Because I was perfectly aware that I had been -followed over here,” retorted Lane calmly. “And, -as I considered it nobody’s business but my own if -I chose to call on Miss Carew, I decided to avoid -them.”</p> - -<p>“And what did you and Annette, Miss Thornton’s -French maid, discuss before you left here?” Brett -rose to his feet and confronted Lane squarely as -he put the question.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span></p> - -<p>“I did not speak to anyone except Miss Carew -and Miss Thornton while in this house,”—steadily.</p> - -<p>“No? Then perhaps you only saw the maid, -Annette, when she was <i>asleep</i>?”—with emphasis.</p> - -<p>“I don’t catch your meaning?” Lane tapped his -foot nervously with his swagger stick.</p> - -<p>“Listen to me, Captain Lane,”—Brett dropped -back in his chair and emphasized his remarks by -frequent taps on the table with his left hand. “You -can’t dodge the issue with fake testimony.”</p> - -<p>“I am dodging nothing!” Lane’s eyes flashed -ominously and his voice deepened, the voice of a -born fighter, accustomed to command. “I have no -testimony to fake.”</p> - -<p>“I suppose you will say next,”—sarcastically,—“that -you don’t know the maid, Annette, is dead.”</p> - -<p>“Dead?” echoed Lane, bounding from his chair.</p> - -<p>“Dead—murdered last night.”</p> - -<p>“Good God!” There was no mistaking Lane’s -agitation and surprise. Brett watched him closely; -if he was acting, it was a perfect performance. -“How—what killed her?”</p> - -<p>“Asphyxiated by illuminating gas,”—briefly,—“when -asleep last night.”</p> - -<p>“This is horrible!” Lane paced the floor in uncontrollable -excitement. “But what,” pulling him<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span>self -up, “what has that unfortunate girl’s death to -do with me?”</p> - -<p>“What had <i>you</i> to do with the unfortunate girl’s -death is more to the point,” retorted Brett meaningly, -and Lane recoiled.</p> - -<p>“By God; I’ll not stand such an insinuation!” -He made a threatening step toward Brett, who did -not move. “Are you such a fool as to imagine because -I was in this house for a short time last night -that I killed a servant whom I had seen occasionally -when she opened the door for me on my calling at -Miss Thornton’s residence?”</p> - -<p>“I am not a fool, nor am I a believer in miracles.” -Brett grew cool as Lane’s excitement rose. “I was -to have seen Annette this morning to get sworn -testimony which she said would implicate you in -Senator Carew’s murder.” Lane staggered back, -appalled. “Instead, I find her dead, under mysterious -circumstances; you are the only person -whom her death benefits. And you were in this -house, unknown to the inmates, and, by your own -admission, no one saw you leave it. It is stretching -the probabilities to suppose her death was a coincidence. -You, and you alone,”—his voice rang out -clearly,—“had the motive and the opportunity to -bring about her death.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span></p> - -<p>“I deny it—deny it absolutely!” thundered Lane, -his knuckles showing white, so tightly were his -fingers clenched over his swagger stick, which he -raised threateningly.</p> - -<p>“Stop, Mr. Brett!” exclaimed Eleanor, who, with -Douglas and the coroner, had sat too astounded -to speak during the rapid colloquy between the two -men. “You forget that the door to the southwest -chamber occupied by Annette was locked on the -<i>inside</i>, and that door was the only means of entering -the room. It is only fair to you, Captain Lane,”—turning -courteously to the young officer,—“to remind -Mr. Brett of the very obvious fact that no one -could have entered the sleeping woman’s room, -blown out the light, and, on leaving the room, -locked and bolted the door on the inside, leaving -the key in the lock.”</p> - -<p>“Thanks,” exclaimed Lane gratefully, as he sat -down and wiped the perspiration from his white -face.</p> - -<p>Brett scowled. He had hoped that his summing -up of damaging facts and sudden accusation might -wring a confession from Lane, or, if not that, some -slip of the tongue which the other might make in -his agitation might give him a clew as to how the -murder was committed. He was convinced of Lane’s -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span>guilt. He glanced angrily at Eleanor. Why had -she intervened? Long and silently he gazed at the -beautiful face. The broad forehead, delicately -arched eyebrows, and the large wistful eyes, shaded -by long curling eyelashes, and finely chiseled features -were well worth looking at; but Brett did not see -them—a new problem was puzzling his active -brain.</p> - -<p>“I understood you to say, Captain Lane, that -you had promised to keep your visit here a secret,” -he said, breaking into the conversation of the others. -“To whom did you make such a promise?”</p> - -<p>“To Miss Thornton.” The question was unexpected, -and the answer slipped out thoughtlessly; -then Lane bit his lip as he caught Eleanor’s warning -glance too late.</p> - -<p>Brett turned swiftly on Eleanor. “Why did you -wish him to keep his visit here a secret, Miss Thornton?”</p> - -<p>“Because I was afraid Mrs. Winthrop would hear -that Captain Lane and her niece had met here; -my uncle might inadvertently mention it to her. -Mrs. Winthrop does not approve of Captain Lane’s -attentions to Miss Carew,” explained Eleanor -quietly.</p> - -<p>“On what grounds?”—quickly.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Ask Mrs. Winthrop; she can tell you better -than I.”</p> - -<p>“I will,” grimly. “Captain Lane,” wheeling -around, “why have you returned to this house at so -early an hour in the morning?”</p> - -<p>“I came to inquire for Miss Carew. I asked to -see Miss Thornton, and the butler showed me into -this room. And this is the first opportunity I have -had, Miss Eleanor, to ask you how Cynthia is this -morning.” His face betrayed his anxiety.</p> - -<p>“She is asleep just now,” answered Eleanor, “but -I hope she will be much better when she wakes up. -I will tell her that you have called.”</p> - -<p>“Thanks.” Lane rose. He felt that he was dismissed. -“Has Cynthia been told of Annette’s -death?”</p> - -<p>“Not yet. We explained the breaking in of the -door of the southwest chamber by saying that Nicodemus -had locked it and neglected to tell Colonel -Thornton, who had it forced open.”</p> - -<p>“I understand.” Lane shook hands with her -warmly. “Will you please telephone me how Cynthia -is. I’ll be at the Army and Navy Club all day. -Good morning.” He bowed formally to the coroner -and Douglas, then turned to leave the room, only -to find his exit barred by Brett.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span></p> - -<p>“It is my duty to inform you, Captain Lane, that -a warrant has been sworn out for your arrest,” he -announced, taking a paper from his pocket.</p> - -<p>Lane stepped back involuntarily. “What do you -mean?” he stammered.</p> - -<p>“In the name of the law I arrest you for the -murder of Senator Carew.” Brett ceased speaking -and signaled to several men who were sitting in the -hall to enter the room.</p> - -<p>It was some seconds before Lane broke the -strained silence.</p> - -<p>“Stand back!” he growled between clenched teeth, -as the two detectives approached him. “I’ll go -with you peaceably. Let me tell you, Brett,” glaring -defiantly at him, “you’ll live to regret this day’s -work! Who swore out that warrant?”</p> - -<p>“Mrs. Winthrop.”</p> - -<p>Lane gazed at him in dazed surprise. “Mrs. -Winthrop!” he mumbled. “Mrs. Winthrop!”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX">CHAPTER XIX</a><br /> -<small><small>THE ACCUSATION</small></small></h2></div> - -<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcap">E</span>LEANOR dropped her embroidery and -gazed out into the garden, with its flower-beds -lit by the fading rays of the Western -sun and the soft wind from the open window -fanned her cheeks. An involuntary sigh escaped -her.</p> - -<p>“A penny for your thoughts,” and Douglas, who -had approached unnoticed, stepped up to the raised -window-seat. A loving smile curved Eleanor’s -pretty mouth as she made room for him beside her -and slipped her hand confidingly in his.</p> - -<p>“Do you think a penny would bring me any comfort?” -she asked.</p> - -<p>“Take me for a penny, and I will do my utmost -to comfort you.” Douglas kissed her gently as she -leaned her head against his broad shoulder.</p> - -<p>“Take you—gladly!” She raised her hand and -pressed it against his cheek. “And I am richer in -happiness than I ever was before.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span></p> - -<p>“My darling!” Douglas checked his impetuosity; -the dark circles under Eleanor’s eyes had deepened -and her extreme nervousness was betrayed by -her restless glances about the room and the incessant -movement of her fingers. “Now for your thoughts.”</p> - -<p>“My thoughts? They are all with Cynthia. Oh, -Douglas!”—straightening up,—“I can’t tell her of -Fred Lane’s arrest; on top of all she has borne it -would be cruel, cruel!”</p> - -<p>“Is she better?”</p> - -<p>“She is at last sleeping naturally. When she -awoke from the opiate, some hours ago, she evinced -no interest, and so I was able to avoid the questions -which I feared she would ask me.”</p> - -<p>“She was probably still under the effects of the -opiate and too drowsy to recall the events of last -night.”</p> - -<p>“I dread her awakening.”</p> - -<p>“You will have to put off telling her of Lane’s -arrest and Annette’s death until she is strong enough -physically to bear the shock.”</p> - -<p>“Do you think him guilty?” The question seemed -wrung from her.</p> - -<p>“Of which crime?”</p> - -<p>“Of both.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t see how it is possible for him to have -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span>had anything to do with Annette’s death,“ replied -Douglas thoughtfully, ”for the very reason you -pointed out when Brett was accusing him this morning. -It would be physically impossible for him to -have left the room and locked and bolted the door -on the inside.“</p> - -<p>“What do you think caused her death?”</p> - -<p>“I think it highly probable that she committed -suicide.”</p> - -<p>“You don’t think the draft blew out the gas?”</p> - -<p>“A draft? Where on earth could it come -from? Both windows were tightly closed, and the -door also. Upon my word,” turning to look at -her, “you don’t place any faith in that old legend -about the ghost—of your great-great-aunt’s habit of -extinguishing all lights in her room after eleven -o’clock at night?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, I do,” reluctantly.</p> - -<p>“Oh, come now,” a chuckle escaped Douglas, but -it died out suddenly. He had remarkably keen eyesight, -and as he raised his head he encountered a -steady stare from an oil portrait hanging on the -wall opposite him. It was not the stare that attracted -his attention, but the remarkable whiteness -of the eyeballs in the painted face on which the -light from the window was reflected. As he looked -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span>the eyes seemed to blink, then were gone. With an -exclamation he rose, startling Eleanor by his sudden movement, -and walked across the room until -he stood directly in front of the painting, which was -life-size and represented a handsome man in a navy -uniform of the War of 1812. On closer inspection, -the eyes appeared not to be painted in at all, and -were represented by shadows. As he retreated -from the portrait, however, the shadows took form -and he distinctly saw the long lashes and eyeballs. -It was an optical illusion, cleverly conceived by the -artist, and, satisfied on that point, he returned to -Eleanor, who had watched his movements with -growing curiosity.</p> - -<p>“Why this sudden interest in my great-great-grandfather?” -she asked.</p> - -<p>“It’s a fine portrait.” He reseated himself by -her side. “I didn’t notice it last night. What is -the old gentleman’s name?”</p> - -<p class="bgap2">“Commodore Barry Thornton; my father was -named for him. He inherited the same black hair, -blue eyes, and tastes of that old sea-fighter,” nodding -toward the portrait. “Do you know on what -grounds they arrested Fred Lane for the murder of -Senator Carew?”</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> -<a id="illo_3"><img class="box" src="images/i_234.jpg" width="400" height="656" alt="““With an exclamation he rose, and walked across the room”" -title="" /></a></div> - -<p class="center caption no-indent">“With an exclamation he rose, and walked across the room”</p> - -<p class="gap">“Only in a general way. It is known that the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span>Senator opposed his engagement to Cynthia, that -they had a bitter quarrel that night, and that Lane -left the ball to look for Cynthia’s carriage. He was -gone some time, and, when the carriage did turn -up, Senator Carew was seated in it—dead.”</p> - -<p>“Is that enough to convict?”</p> - -<p>“It’s purely circumstantial evidence,”—evasively,—“I -don’t know yet what new testimony Mrs. Winthrop -may have contributed to cause his arrest.”</p> - -<p>“Mrs. Winthrop’s attitude is incomprehensible to -me,” burst out Eleanor. “Fred’s father, Governor -Lane, was her husband’s best friend, and Mr. Winthrop -was under great financial obligations to him -when he died. And now look at the way Mrs. Winthrop -is treating that friend’s son—hounding him to -the gallows. Is that gratitude?” with biting scorn.</p> - -<p>“Some natures don’t wear well under an obligation, -and the cloven hoof crops out.” Douglas -pushed the window farther open. “Ingratitude is -an abominable sin, and the one most frequently committed.” -A faint knock on the hall door interrupted -him. “Come in,” he called, and Brett -opened the door. He drew back when he saw Douglas -was not alone.</p> - -<p>“Don’t go,” said Eleanor, gathering up her embroidery -and workbag, “I must run upstairs and ask -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span>the nurse how Miss Carew is.” She hastened -toward the door, which Brett still held open, but he -stopped her on the threshold.</p> - -<p>“I will be greatly obliged if you will spare me -half an hour, Miss Thornton; when you come downstairs -again will be time enough,” he added, as -Eleanor stepped back into the library.</p> - -<p>Eleanor studied his impassive face intently for -a second before answering, then: “I’ll be down -again shortly,” and she disappeared up the hall.</p> - -<p>Brett closed the door carefully and selected a -chair near Douglas, and sat down heavily. Douglas -pulled out his cigarette case and handed it to the -detective, who picked out a cigarette and, striking a -match, settled back in his chair contentedly as he -watched the rings of smoke curling upward.</p> - -<p>“I am glad of an opportunity to have a quiet -word with you, Mr. Hunter,” he began. “Things -have been moving pretty swiftly to-day, and I’m -free to confess that the death of Annette has stumped -me. Was it murder or suicide?”</p> - -<p>“Everything points to suicide.”</p> - -<p>“I’m not so sure of that,” drawing his chair -nearer and lowering his voice. “I’ve been searching -Annette’s belongings and have found several things -which puzzle me completely.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span></p> - -<p>“What were they?”</p> - -<p>“Well, for one thing, the torn kimono.”</p> - -<p>“What—you don’t mean——?”</p> - -<p>“Exactly. Annette apparently owned a wrapper -precisely like Miss Thornton’s, and it was she who -paid you that midnight visit when you spent the -night in the library on Tuesday evening at the -Carew residence. I found the wrapper upstairs -among her effects. She had mended the tear very -neatly, but the slip which you tore out of it that -night exactly fitted the darn. I had the slip with -me in my pocket and fitted the two together.”</p> - -<p>“Great Scott! what on earth was she doing in -the library at that hour?”</p> - -<p>“Aye, what?” significantly. “You recollect that -Nicodemus testified that Annette did not want to -sleep on the third floor because—’it wor too far off -from her folks, an’ she had to be down whar she -could hear dem.’ It looks as if Annette were in -the habit of taking an unusual interest in her mistress’ -affairs.”</p> - -<p>“It does indeed,” agreed Douglas, knocking the -ashes from his cigarette on the window ledge. “Did -you get any information from Annette yesterday?”</p> - -<p>“Very little. I saw her soon after I found your -note telling me of her interview with Colonel -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span>Thornton. She admitted that she had information -which she was willing to sell, and finally made an -appointment to see me early this morning. Thanks -to circumstances—call it murder or suicide—I am -no wiser than I was twenty-four hours ago.”</p> - -<p>“Do you still cling to the theory that she met -her death because some one was afraid of what -she would tell you to-day?”</p> - -<p>“Yes; it looks that way to me. And yet I can’t -for the life of me discover how anyone could have -committed a murder in that locked room.”</p> - -<p>“In searching the room did you discover any -secret passages leading to it?” exclaimed Douglas.</p> - -<p>“I did not. I thought I might find one, so I -tapped that entire wall, but could not find a trace -of any concealed door. I tell you, Mr. Hunter, -Annette did not commit suicide,” Brett spoke earnestly. -“She expected to receive a large sum of -money within a few days; I virtually pledged the -amount to her. There was no object in her taking -her own life.”</p> - -<p>“Why don’t you investigate her past, Brett? That -might give you a clew.”</p> - -<p>“I have already cabled her description to the -Paris police, asking for any information about her -which they may have. I expect an answer shortly.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Good. Tell me, what information did Mrs. -Winthrop supply which induced you to arrest Captain -Lane?”</p> - -<p>“She told me that he had been seen on the street -Monday night, when looking for Miss Carew’s carriage, -and that he was carrying a sharp letter file.”</p> - -<p>“Who gave her that information?”</p> - -<p>“She didn’t state, but I have an idea that it was -Annette; probably the girl wanted money and went -to her direct, she was none too scrupulous, apparently.”</p> - -<p>“I believe you are right,” exclaimed Douglas.</p> - -<p>“Mrs. Winthrop also told me that she found, -tucked away among her brother’s papers, yesterday -an envelope containing a threatening letter. The -contents were written in a disguised hand, but the -postmark on the envelope read, ‘Lanesville, Maryland.’ -She is firmly convinced that, if young Lane -didn’t write those letters himself, he instigated -them.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, nonsense! He isn’t such a fool,” roughly. -“I believe he is innocent.”</p> - -<p>At that moment the door opened and Colonel -Thornton walked in. He flung his hat on the table. -“I am glad to find you both here,” he said. “Don’t -get up,” as Douglas rose, “I’ll take this chair. I -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span>called you up at headquarters, Brett, but they told -me you had just come here, so I hurried over from -Mrs. Winthrop’s to catch you.”</p> - -<p>“Does she want me for anything in particular?” -asked Brett.</p> - -<p>“She simply wanted to ask a few more details in -regard to the coroner’s inquest. She is very much -upset over Annette’s extraordinary death. It seems -that the girl made some statement to her, and Mrs. -Winthrop depended on her testimony to prove Lane -killed Senator Carew.”</p> - -<p>“What did I tell you?” Brett glanced triumphantly -at Douglas. “I’m afraid, though I’m -morally certain of Captain Lane’s guilt, that -we will have some difficulty in establishing the -fact.”</p> - -<p>“You will,” agreed Colonel Thornton. “So far -you have only proved, first, that there was enmity -between the two men; second, that Lane had the -opportunity; third, that Annette saw him with the -letter file, the weapon used to kill Carew, in his -hand.”</p> - -<p>“The last has not been sworn to,” objected Douglas, -“and Annette is dead, so that statement, the -most important of all, cannot be accepted as testimony.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Unless some one else saw Lane in the street at -the time Annette did,” burst in Brett swiftly, resuming -his seat.</p> - -<p>“If they had they would have come forward before -this,” reasoned Douglas. “I consider it extremely -probable that Annette was lying when she -said she saw a letter file in Lane’s hand. Remember -the drenching rain; walking in what proved almost -a cloudburst would make most people blind to so -small a thing as a letter file carried in a man’s closed -fist.”</p> - -<p>“What on earth was her object in making such -a statement?” asked Colonel Thornton.</p> - -<p>“That is what we have yet to find out,” answered -Douglas. “And there’s another point, Brett, which -you have overlooked.”</p> - -<p>“What’s that?”</p> - -<p>“You recollect that you told me Senator Carew’s -clothes were absolutely dry when his dead body -was found in the carriage. Considering the downpour -of rain that night, it seems incredible that he -should not have got wet.”</p> - -<p>“I have come to the conclusion that the coachman, -Hamilton, lied when he said he had not stopped at -the house for Senator Carew on Monday night,” -replied Brett. “Having lied in the beginning, he is -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span>now afraid to admit the truth for fear that he may -be convicted of killing the Senator.”</p> - -<p>“That sounds plausible,” acknowledged Colonel -Thornton.</p> - -<p>“I don’t believe it.” Douglas shook his head -obstinately. “It has been proved already that the -Senator did not spend Monday evening at home. I -tell you the key to this mystery is how Senator -Carew got into that carriage on such a stormy night -without getting his clothes wet. When you have -solved that problem you will know who committed -the murder.”</p> - -<p>Thornton was about to reply when the hall door -was thrown open, and Eleanor, her lovely eyes -opened to their widest, exclaimed:</p> - -<p>“Uncle Dana, the Secretary of State wishes to see -you!”</p> - -<p>“God bless me!” Colonel Thornton sprang out -of his chair as the distinguished statesman followed -Eleanor into the room.</p> - -<p>“Please don’t let me disturb you,” exclaimed the -Secretary, as Douglas stepped forward, and Brett -edged toward the door. “I only dropped in for a -second to pick up Mr. Hunter,” laying a hand on -Douglas’ arm. “They told me at the Albany that -you were stopping here for a few days, so I came -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span>over in my motor to ask you to drive back to my -office with me, although it is Sunday.”</p> - -<p>“Won’t you be seated, Mr. Secretary?” asked -Colonel Thornton, as Douglas hastily gathered up -some papers which he had left on the center table, -and started for the door.</p> - -<p>“Thanks, no; it is imperative that I get to my -office——” The Secretary stopped speaking as a -man darted inside the door and slammed it shut. -In his haste the newcomer collided with Douglas -and then collapsed into the nearest chair.</p> - -<p>“Philip Winthrop!” gasped Eleanor, while the -others gazed at the exhausted figure in amazement.</p> - -<p>“Have you any brandy?” exclaimed the Secretary, -noticing the ghastly color of Winthrop’s face. -Thornton hastily produced a decanter and gave the -half-fainting man a stiff drink, which in a few minutes -had the desired effect of bringing him round.</p> - -<p>“Thanks,” he murmured faintly.</p> - -<p>“What does the doctor mean by letting you come -out?” asked Thornton. “You are in no condition -to leave your room.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll be better in a minute; give me some more,” -Winthrop motioned toward the decanter. Colonel -Thornton glanced questioningly at the Secretary, -who nodded assent, so he gave Winthrop a milder -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span>dose, which restored him somewhat, and his voice -was stronger when he resumed speech. “The doctor -doesn’t know I’m here. I slipped out while -Mother was lying down, caught a cab at the corner, -and drove over here. I want to see the detective, -Brett.”</p> - -<p>“Here I am, sir.” Brett stepped forward into -the circle about Winthrop.</p> - -<p>“Good!” Winthrop raised himself just in time -to see Eleanor open the hall door softly. “Come -back!” he shouted; then, as she paid no attention -to him, cried, “Stop her! stop her; don’t let her -slip away!”</p> - -<p>“What is the meaning of this?” demanded Colonel -Thornton, as he stepped forward and pulled -Eleanor back into the room and shut the door. -“You drunken loafer! stop bellowing at my niece.”</p> - -<p>“I won’t, I won’t!” Winthrop had worked himself -into a frenzy. “She can’t drug me here, fortunately—I -won’t be silent—<i>she is an international -spy, and she murdered Senator Carew!</i>”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX">CHAPTER XX</a><br /> -<small><small>WEAVING THE WEB</small></small></h2></div> - -<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcap">S</span>LOWLY the meaning of Winthrop’s words -dawned on the four men.</p> - -<p>“It’s false! false as hell!” thundered -Douglas. He stepped forward and seized Winthrop -in a grip of iron and shook him as a dog -would shake a rat; then, before the others could -intervene, threw the struggling man on the floor. -“Bah! you’re not worth killing.”</p> - -<p>Whimpering with rage and weakness, Winthrop -caught hold of the table and dragged himself upright, -and stood swaying on his feet.</p> - -<p>“It’s true, it’s true!” he reiterated. “Look at -her,”—pointing a shaking finger to where Eleanor -stood aghast, watching the scene. Her hand was -on the doorknob and she seemed poised for instant -flight. A curious smile twisted her pale lips as the -men turned and faced her.</p> - -<p>“He doesn’t seem to have recovered from -delirium tremens,” she remarked slowly.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span></p> - -<p>“It may be, Miss Thornton,”—the Secretary of -State spoke with grave deliberation,—“but it is a -serious charge which he is making, and I think it -had better be investigated now.” Eleanor winced -visibly, then, controlling herself, advanced further -into the room.</p> - -<p>“I am at your service,” she said with sudden -hauteur, “but as I have an important engagement -later I trust you will be brief.”</p> - -<p>“Sit by me here, Eleanor.” Colonel Thornton, -who had listened to Winthrop’s charges in stupefied -silence, pulled forward an armchair. “Mr. Secretary, -will you occupy the desk chair, and you,” turning -to Winthrop, who cowered back as he caught -the smoldering wrath in the older man’s eyes, “sit -over there,” pointing to a chair some distance away.</p> - -<p>Brett, seeing that Winthrop was too exhausted -to move without assistance, piloted him to the chair -indicated by Thornton, and, getting another chair, -placed himself by Winthrop’s side. Douglas, at a -sign from the Secretary, sat down at the further -end of the table and handed the statesman some -paper and ink.</p> - -<p>“Now, Mr. Winthrop,” began the Secretary, “if -you are more composed, kindly answer my questions. -Why have you waited all this time before -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span>mentioning that you think Miss Thornton guilty of -Senator Carew’s murder?”</p> - -<p>“Because I’ve been drugged, so that I couldn’t -give evidence. I tried twice to get a message to -Brett, but Annette said she couldn’t reach him.” -Winthrop spoke with labored effort.</p> - -<p>“Annette!” chorused Colonel Thornton, Brett, -and Douglas, while the Secretary and Eleanor -looked their surprise.</p> - -<p>“Yes, Annette,” peevishly, “she used to come in -occasionally to give me water when those devilish -nurses were neglecting me. She told me that Brett -was seldom at the house, and that she never had an -opportunity to speak to him alone.”</p> - -<p>“The monumental liar——” Brett checked himself. -“Never mind that now, Mr. Winthrop, go -on with your story.”</p> - -<p>“She told me how Miss Thornton used to steal -in and drug me, and asked me why she did it.”</p> - -<p>“Great Heavens!” Eleanor’s exclamation was -followed by a half-strangled laugh which ended in -a sob. “What a viper!”</p> - -<p>“You were not there last night,” sputtered Winthrop -vindictively, “and therefore I didn’t get my -usual dose, so I can tell what I know to-day.” A -triumphant leer distorted his features.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Suppose you continue your story without making -comments,” directed the Secretary sternly.</p> - -<p>Winthrop nodded sullenly, then began: “You -recollect that I spent Monday night at the Alibi -Club, Brett?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“Well, when I left there I motored up Nineteenth -Street, instead of taking the more direct way -home. I thought I would turn into Massachusetts -Avenue at Dupont circle, where there was less danger -of running into electric cars, for the rain was -falling in such torrents that I could hardly see -through my wind-shield.</p> - -<p>“When opposite the Owen residence I ran into a -lot of waiting carriages and motors, and had to -slow down. In fact, I went so slowly that by the -time I was nearly opposite Miss Thornton’s residence -I stalled my engine and had to get out in all -the wet and crank up,” he paused dramatically. -“You can imagine my surprise when I saw Miss -Thornton come down under the awning which led -to her front door and stand at the curb, looking up -and down the street.”</p> - -<p>“How do you know it was Miss Thornton?” -broke in Douglas harshly.</p> - -<p>“There was a street lamp by the side of the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span>awning and the light fell full on her; besides, I -recognized the scarlet cloak she was wearing. I -have seen it many times.”</p> - -<p>“What did my niece do, besides standing still -and looking up and down the street?” demanded -Colonel Thornton scornfully.</p> - -<p>“She ran out into the middle of the street and -down where a carriage was drawn up at the curb, -opened the door, stood there talking, apparently, -for a few minutes, then shut the door and bolted -back to the awning, and I presume entered her -house, as I saw no more of her.”</p> - -<p>“What did you do next?” inquired Douglas, with -peculiar emphasis.</p> - -<p>Winthrop flushed at his tone. “I had curiosity -enough to step back and see that it was Senator -Carew’s landau, the last of a long queue of vehicles, -at which she had stopped; then I went on about my -business.”</p> - -<p>“Do you mean to say that you did not investigate -further?” asked the Secretary, leaning forward the -better to scan Winthrop’s face.</p> - -<p>“No. I knew enough never to interfere with -Senator Carew’s love affairs!” His sneer was intolerable.</p> - -<p>“By God!” Colonel Thornton sprang to his feet -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span>and advanced on Winthrop, but Brett stepped between -the two men.</p> - -<p>“Have a little patience, Colonel,” he said, pushing -the irate man toward his seat; “then you can -settle with Mr. Winthrop.”</p> - -<p>“Do you think I’m going to sit here and listen -to aspersions on my niece’s character?” he shouted. -“Let me get my hands on that scoundrel!”</p> - -<p>“Wait, Uncle Dana,”—Eleanor leaned forward -and placed her hand on his arm,—“let him finish; -then I will speak,” and her lips closed ominously.</p> - -<p>“That is excellent advice,” agreed the Secretary; -“resume your seat, Colonel Thornton.” His tone -of command was not to be denied, and Thornton -dropped back in his chair. “Now, Mr. Winthrop, -explain your last remark.”</p> - -<p>“Senator Carew told me on Monday afternoon -that he expected to marry Miss Thornton, and that -he intended to spend the evening with her.”</p> - -<p>Douglas leaned forward and gazed earnestly at -Eleanor, but she refused to meet his look, and with -a troubled expression he turned his attention to Winthrop, -who was again speaking.</p> - -<p>“I told Senator Carew that I had heard a member -of one of the embassies here declare that Miss -Thornton was an international spy.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</a></span></p> - -<p>“And what did he say to that statement?”</p> - -<p>“He said that he would look into the matter.”</p> - -<p>“When did this conversation take place?”</p> - -<p>“On Monday afternoon.”</p> - -<p>“And is that all you have to go upon for such an -accusation?” inquired Brett scornfully.</p> - -<p>Douglas was gazing moodily ahead of him. A -memory of Paris, of Eleanor’s extraordinary -behavior there, of the whispers which followed her -about, harassed him. Had his faith been misplaced? -No, a thousand times no. He would pin all hope -of future happiness on her innocence and purity of -soul. He rose suddenly and stepped behind her -chair, and laid his hand encouragingly on her shoulder. -She looked up, startled, then, seeing him, her -lips parted in a smile, and her hand stole up to -meet his. His firm clasp gave her courage to face -the situation, for it told her of his unshaken -confidence and love.</p> - -<p>Winthrop glowered at them when he saw the -tableau, and his eyes gleamed wickedly. “It is very -obvious,” he said, “that Senator Carew found my -statement was true, and charged her with being a -spy; then left her house. Exposure meant Miss -Thornton’s ruin; even her influential relatives,”—he -glanced meaningly at Thornton,—“could not in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</a></span>tervene -to save her, so she took the law into her -own hands, picked up the letter file, stole out of the -house, opened the carriage door, engaged the Senator -in conversation—and stabbed him.”</p> - -<p>A strained silence followed, which the Secretary -was the first to break. He turned directly to -Eleanor.</p> - -<p>“You called to see Secretary Wyndham at the -Navy Department on Wednesday morning, did you -not, Miss Thornton?”</p> - -<p>Douglas’ hand tightened involuntarily, but Eleanor -showed no sign of agitation as she answered, -“Yes, Mr. Secretary, I did.”</p> - -<p>“Have you anything further to say, Mr. Winthrop?”</p> - -<p>“Not now, Mr. Secretary.”</p> - -<p>“Then let me suggest,” exclaimed Thornton, -“that Mr. Winthrop, in trying to implicate my -niece in a dastardly crime, has but established his -own guilt.”</p> - -<p>“How so?” The question shot from Winthrop’s -clenched teeth.</p> - -<p>“We all know from the testimony of reputable -servants that Senator Carew and you had quarreled,” -continued Thornton. “We know your -habits are none of the best; we know that you have -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</a></span>suddenly become possessed of large sums of -money——”</p> - -<p>Winthrop moistened his dry lips. “I deny it,” -he exclaimed.</p> - -<p>Thornton paid no attention to the interruption. -“You alone knew where Senator Carew was spending -the evening, and you went there and laid in wait -for him, and now, you despicable cur, you are trying -to lay the blame on an innocent girl.”</p> - -<p>Winthrop rose, goaded by the scornful looks of -the others. “I may have had the motive and the -opportunity to kill Senator Carew,” he admitted -sullenly, “but I did not have—the weapon. The -criminal sits there,”—he pointed at Eleanor;—“I -am absolutely positive of her guilt, for the letter -file used to kill the Senator belonged to a silver -desk set given her by Miss Cynthia Carew.”</p> - -<p>Thornton frowned and turned a troubled countenance -toward Eleanor, who nodded reassuringly -as she rose to her feet, stepped back to Douglas’ -side, and, leaning on the back of the chair she had -just vacated, addressed the Secretary.</p> - -<p>“I am a young girl, Mr. Secretary,” she began, -“and, living alone as I do, I have been forced on -numerous occasions to use my own judgment. It -would have been better, perhaps, had I spoken of -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</a></span>certain events before this, but I was so alarmed by -the position in which I found myself placed that I -foolishly held my tongue. I had hoped that certain -facts would not become public. Those facts Mr. -Winthrop has maliciously distorted. I have been -guilty of a blunder, not a crime.”</p> - -<p>“I would be most happy to believe you, Miss -Thornton,” said the Secretary gravely; “but to -probe this matter to the bottom I must ask certain -questions.”</p> - -<p>“Which I will gladly answer.”</p> - -<p>“Did Senator Carew call on you on Monday -night?”</p> - -<p>“He did, reaching my house about nine-thirty, -just before the rain commenced.”</p> - -<p>“Did anyone else know that he was there?”</p> - -<p>“Only my Japanese butler, Fugi, who admitted -him. My cousin, Mrs. Truxton, who is spending -the winter with me, had gone to bed immediately -after dinner.”</p> - -<p>“Was Annette in the house?” asked Brett -quickly.</p> - -<p>“No, it was her evening out. She returned -shortly after the Senator left.”</p> - -<p>“At what hour did he go?” questioned the Secretary.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</a></span></p> - -<p>“About half-past twelve o’clock.”</p> - -<p>“Wasn’t that rather an unusual hour for him to -stay?”</p> - -<p>Eleanor colored warmly. “It was most unusual,” -she admitted. “But the pouring rain was responsible -for that. He telephoned for a herdic cab or -a taxi, but they were all engaged, and he waited, -hoping that one would eventually be sent to my -house.”</p> - -<p>“Mr. Winthrop spoke of an awning at your door, -Miss Thornton,” again broke in Brett. “I have -passed your house a number of times and have never -seen one.”</p> - -<p>“I had a large tea on Monday afternoon, and -had the awning put up for that occasion, as the -weather was threatening and my house stands some -distance from the curb. The awning was removed -early the next morning.”</p> - -<p>“It is not so very far from your house to the -Senator’s residence,” mused the Secretary. “I -should have thought, considering the lateness of the -hour, that he would have walked home.”</p> - -<p>“But he was not going home, Mr. Secretary. He -told me that he was going to drive to your house, -as he had to see you immediately on your return -that night.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Indeed!” The Secretary was bending forward -in his eagerness. “Did the Senator state what he -wished to see me about?”</p> - -<p>“Only in a general way. He said that he had -that afternoon discovered proof of a gigantic plot -against the United States; that the secrets of the -Government were being betrayed; and that he must -give you the names of the arch traitor and his confederate. -He called up your house by telephone -earlier in the afternoon, and found that you were -expected home on the eleven o’clock train.”</p> - -<p>“I had intended to take it, but was detained at -the last moment by pressing business and did not -reach Washington until the following night,” explained -the Secretary. “If he couldn’t get a cab, -why did he not call up his own house and send for -his carriage earlier in the evening?”</p> - -<p>“He tried to, Mr. Secretary, but his telephone -was out of order, and no one answered the stable -call.”</p> - -<p>“How, then, did he get his own carriage?”</p> - -<p>“My drawing-room windows look out on Nineteenth -Street, and the Senator, in one of his numerous -trips to discover if the rain was letting up, saw -his carriage standing in front of my door. He -recognized the horses and Hamilton by the light -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[Pg 257]</a></span>from the lamp-post under which they stood, waiting -for the long queue of carriages ahead to move up -the street. The Senator instantly decided to enter -his carriage, wait for Cynthia, and then drive to -your house, Mr. Secretary.”</p> - -<p>“So that’s how he got into the carriage without -getting wet,” cried Brett; “the awning protected -him. I suppose he just popped into his carriage -and said nothing to Hamilton, as he intended to wait -for his niece, and Hamilton was too befuddled with -drink and the storm to notice the opening and -closing of the door. Did you watch the Senator leave -the house?”</p> - -<p>Eleanor shook her head. “No,” she said.</p> - -<p>“Miss Thornton,”—the Secretary bent forward -impressively,—“were you engaged to Senator -Carew?”</p> - -<p>Eleanor’s color rose, but she faced the keen eyes -watching her unflinchingly. “No, Mr. Secretary; -the Senator did me the honor to ask me to marry -him on Monday night, but I refused.”</p> - -<p>“Then you deny running out after his carriage, -which Mr. Winthrop declares you did?”</p> - -<p>“No, sir, I do not deny it. Mr. Winthrop is -quite right.” She paused, and the men looked at -her expectantly. “I have a quest in life—not the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[Pg 258]</a></span>one attributed to me by this gentleman,”—waving -her hand scornfully toward Winthrop, who was listening -to her statement with an incredulous smile -distorting his features,—“but an honorable legacy -which my dear mother left me to execute.</p> - -<p>“On bidding me a hasty good night, Senator -Carew, whether in jest or earnest, told me that, if -I would marry him, he would assist me to bring -my mission to a successful conclusion.”</p> - -<p>“Would you mind stating what this quest is?” -asked the Secretary.</p> - -<p>Eleanor hesitated. “It is a family matter, and -I would rather not go into it just now. But—if -necessary—I promise to explain later.”</p> - -<p>The Secretary did not press the point. “Continue -your story, Miss Thornton.”</p> - -<p>“About five minutes or more after the Senator -left I came to the conclusion that my duty”—she -glanced appealingly at Douglas—“compelled me to -marry him. On an impulse, I picked up my cloak, -which was hanging on the hall rack, opened the -front door, and ran down to the curb.</p> - -<p>“The Carew landau is easily recognized, and after -peering up and down the street I saw that it had -moved up several doors. Without stopping to -think or consider the consequences, I ran down the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[Pg 259]</a></span>street to the carriage and opened the door——” -She stopped, breathless.</p> - -<p>“Go on, go on,” urged Douglas.</p> - -<p>“I opened the door,” she repeated, “and, as God -is my witness, I found Senator Carew sitting there—<i>dead.</i>”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[Pg 260]</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI">CHAPTER XXI</a><br /> -<small><small>AN INTERNATIONAL INTRIGUE</small></small></h2></div> - -<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcap">A</span>S her voice ceased on the last solemn word -Eleanor read astonishment and incredulity -written on her listeners’ faces, and her -heart sank. She bit her lips to hide their trembling.</p> - -<p>“How did you discover Senator Carew was dead, -Miss Thornton?” asked the Secretary harshly. “It -has been testified that the interior of the landau -was dark and that the carriage lamps had been extinguished.”</p> - -<p>“I did not see he was dead,”—Eleanor hesitated. -“After opening the carriage door I spoke to him -several times. On getting no reply, I put out my -hand and accidentally touched his chest, and my -fingers encountered the round base of the letter file.” -Her large eyes filled with horror at the recollection. -“I did not, of course, know what it was then, but I -realized that something was dreadfully wrong. The -Senator’s silence, the touch of that cold metal in -such a place terrified me. I drew back, instinctively -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[Pg 261]</a></span>closed the carriage door, and fled to my house. -The next morning I heard of the murder from Annette.”</p> - -<p>“Why did you not come forward with this information -then?” asked Brett sternly.</p> - -<p>“Because I was afraid.” Eleanor threw out her -hands appealingly. “I had no one to verify my -statements, and I feared I would be charged with -the crime. Confident of my own innocence, I did -not think any information I might furnish would -assist the arrest of the guilty person.”</p> - -<p>“You should have spoken sooner,” said Colonel -Thornton sharply. He tempered his rebuke by rising -and leading Eleanor to his own comfortable -chair, into which she sank wearily. “But the harm -your silence has done can fortunately be remedied. -Philip Winthrop,”—swinging around on the young -man,—“your plea that you lacked the weapon used -is puerile; you could easily have picked one up at -the club; letter files are kept on most desks. Knowing -where Senator Carew was to be on Monday -night, you laid your plans carefully beforehand, -and with devilish ingenuity picked out an unusual -weapon, so that it would be harder to trace the -murder to you.”</p> - -<p>“You lie!” growled Winthrop fiercely; then, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[Pg 262]</a></span>addressing them all, “I had nothing whatever to do -with the Senator’s death. She did it, though your -misplaced sympathy blinds you to the truth.”</p> - -<p>“Miss Thornton’s sex will not shield her,” declared -the Secretary firmly, “if she be guilty—but, -Mr. Winthrop, your story will also be investigated -to the minutest detail. Until your innocence is -proved without a shadow of a doubt you will consider -yourself under arrest. Brett will see that the -proper papers are made out.”</p> - -<p>Winthrop blanched. “I’m—I’m—in no condition -to go to jail,” he stammered. “It is monstrous!”</p> - -<p>“Just a moment,” broke in Douglas. He had -been deep in thought, and had paid but little attention -to their conversation. “You say, Winthrop, -that the letter file used to slay Senator Carew belonged -to a desk set given to Miss Thornton by -Miss Cynthia Carew.”</p> - -<p>“I do,” exclaimed Winthrop positively.</p> - -<p>Eleanor’s surprise was reflected in her uncle’s -face. Was Douglas taking sides against her? Her -eyes filled with tears, which she winked hastily -away.</p> - -<p>“Have you such a desk set, Eleanor?” demanded -Douglas.</p> - -<p>“Yes, Cynthia gave it to me last Christmas.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[Pg 263]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Is the letter file missing?”</p> - -<p>The answer was slow in coming. “Yes,” she -breathed faintly.</p> - -<p>“Ah! What did I tell you?” cried Winthrop -triumphantly.</p> - -<p>Douglas paid no attention to him, but continued -to address Eleanor. “Where do you keep this desk -set?”</p> - -<p>“In the writing room across the hall from my -drawing-room.”</p> - -<p>“Describe your first floor, please, Eleanor.”</p> - -<p>“The drawing-room is to the left of the front -door; to the right is the small writing room, back -of that the staircase, and back of the drawing-room -is the dining room. The house is what is called -three-quarters.”</p> - -<p>“I see. Does the dining room communicate with -the drawing-room?”</p> - -<p>“Yes; there are old-fashioned sliding doors between -the two rooms.”</p> - -<p>“Do you use portières?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, on all the doors.”</p> - -<p>Douglas smiled at her encouragingly, then he -turned to the four men. “Miss Thornton has testified -that no one of her household knew that Senator -Carew was with her Monday night. She is -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[Pg 264]</a></span>mistaken. There was one other person who knew -that fact; who had ample opportunity to overhear -her conversation with the Senator; to take the letter -file from the desk in the writing room, and steal -after him when he left, open the carriage door, and -stab him.”</p> - -<p>“Who was it?” questioned Eleanor breathlessly, -while the others hung on his words.</p> - -<p>“The servant who admitted him.”</p> - -<p>“Fugi!” gasped Thornton. “My God! I believe -you’re right. But the motive, man?”</p> - -<p>“An international intrigue.” Douglas caught the -Secretary’s eye, who nodded appreciatively. “Miss -Thornton has already stated that Senator Carew -told her that he had discovered proof of a plot -against this country, that the secrets of this government -were being betrayed, that he knew the names -of the spy or spies, and that he was on the way to -inform the Secretary of State. Concealed in one -of the portières, Fugi overheard all this, and, to -save his own life, killed Senator Carew.”</p> - -<p>“You’ve solved it,” declared Brett, rising. “I’ll -run over to your house now, Miss Thornton, and -catch Fugi before he can get away.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t think you’ll find him there,” interposed -Eleanor. “Mrs. Truxton went out in my motor for -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[Pg 265]</a></span>a drive this afternoon, and Fugi, who acts as chauffeur -as well as butler, is driving the car. I expect -them here at any moment.”</p> - -<p>“So much the better.”</p> - -<p>“There is a car drawn up alongside of mine -now,” exclaimed the Secretary, who had gone over -to the window overlooking the street.</p> - -<p>Brett started for the door, but, before he reached -it, it was flung open and Mrs. Truxton precipitated -herself into the room. Her hat was cocked on one -side in the most rakish manner and her flushed face -testified to her perturbed state of mind.</p> - -<p>“I’ve found you, Mr. Secretary!” she exclaimed, -slamming the door shut. “Don’t go,” as Brett -moved past her. “I went to your house, then to -the State Department——” She stopped, breathless.</p> - -<p>“Sit down,” said the Secretary soothingly, “and -tell me why you wished to see me so urgently.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, dear, I’m so confused!” Mrs. Truxton -drew a long breath, then plunged into her story. -“I stopped at our house, Eleanor, as I had forgotten -to bring my writing materials here. I found -my letter book in my room where I had left it, and, -on opening it, discovered this letter addressed to -you, Mr. Secretary”—drawing out an envelope from -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[Pg 266]</a></span>her handbag. “I can’t conceive where it came -from,” added the poor woman, “except that I left -my letter book in Eleanor’s drawing-room on Monday -night on my way to bed. I was up early Tuesday -morning before any of the servants were down, -and, on entering the drawing-room, found my letter -book still lying on the table, with several of its -leaves turned over. I gathered up all the papers -without looking at them carefully, and took them -up to my desk and laid them away in a drawer. -This is the first time I have opened the letter book, -for in your absence, Eleanor, I have used your writing -room.” Mrs. Truxton paused to take breath. -“It’s marked ‘important,’ and that’s why I hurried -after you; besides, handwriting is like a photograph -to me, and I never forget one I have seen—that -letter is from Senator Carew.”</p> - -<p>“Good God! the missing letter!” shouted Brett.</p> - -<p>The Secretary took the letter from Mrs. Truxton -and tore it open, and, in a voice of suppressed excitement, -read its contents aloud.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> -<p class="no-indent">“<span class="smcap">My Dear Mr. Secretary</span>:</p> - -<p>“I am writing to you in case I do not see you -before you attend the Cabinet meeting to-morrow -morning. Your servant tells me that you are ex<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[Pg 267]</a></span>pected -home on a late train to-night, but I may be -detained in reaching your house, or the train may be -later than scheduled, and therefore I might miss -you. The President will reach Washington to-morrow -on the <i>Mayflower</i> from his trip down the -Chesapeake, and it is impossible for me to reach -him to-night.</p> - -<p>“I have discovered that Colombia is inciting Panama -to revolt. We are not too well liked down -there as it is. I have also discovered that Japan -will take a hand in the game. The Island of Gorgona, -in the Pacific, which belongs to a wealthy -Colombian, has a magnificent harbor—the Harbor -of Trinidad—and it has been offered to the latter -nation as a coaling station. Japan does not have to -appeal to European nations to finance a war; the -South Americans will provide funds. They are -jealous of our growing prestige, our increasing commerce, -and fear our colonization. We reached out -and grasped Panama, and they think we are casting -covetous glances at Mexico and other countries to -the South. Japan has also been guaranteed the -Philippines.</p> - -<p>“I induced Douglas Hunter, attaché of the American -Embassy at Tokio, to make certain investigations. -I expect to see him to-morrow, and, if he -has discovered anything of material value, I will -bring him with me to the State Department at once.</p> - -<p>“In making these researches I find perfidy and -dishonor exists in an astounding quarter. Govern<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[Pg 268]</a></span>ment -secrets are being betrayed by a paid spy and -traitor—Dana Thornton——”</p></div> - -<p>A chair was dashed aside, and, before anyone -could move, Colonel Thornton had thrown open -the hall door and disappeared. So totally unexpected -was the <i>dénouement</i> that the others sat too -stunned to move, and that moment’s respite gave -Thornton his chance. The roar of a motor broke -the spell, and the men, galvanized into sudden -action, raced to the front door, only in time to see -Eleanor’s powerful car, far down the street, with -Colonel Thornton at the wheel. He turned the -machine into Wisconsin Avenue and disappeared.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[Pg 269]</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII">CHAPTER XXII</a><br /> -<small><small>THE PURSUIT</small></small></h2></div> - -<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcap">“T</span>AKE my car!” called the Secretary of State, -as Brett and Douglas started up the street -on a run. They turned and rejoined the -Secretary as the latter’s chauffeur, attracted by the -disturbance, hastened out of the garden, where he -had gone to get a glass of water.</p> - -<p>The three men sprang into the machine, and in a -few seconds were off. They swung into Wisconsin -Avenue and sped on up that thoroughfare. The -avenue was almost deserted at that hour, and the -Sunday quiet was only broken by the whirr of their -car as it gained headway. Far in the distance they -could descry Thornton’s motor, and, in obedience -to Brett’s order, the chauffeur increased his speed.</p> - -<p>On and on they went. A bicycle policeman -shouted at them as they whizzed by and, clambering -on his machine, started in pursuit. They passed -a crowded trolley car, and the passengers stared at -their mad speed. They reached the outskirts of -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[Pg 270]</a></span>Georgetown and the more open country beyond. -They gained on the car ahead of them, and Brett -shouted aloud with the joy of the chase as they -drew nearer. They passed the Naval Observatory, -cut across Massachusetts Avenue extended, just -shaving several other automobiles, the startled -drivers thereof wasting their breath in sending endless -curses after them. They swept past the Cathedral -Close and continued their race along the -Rockville pike.</p> - -<p>As they approached the River Road they saw -Thornton turn his car, scarcely reducing his speed, -and cut across the road. It was a dangerous corner -at any time, and as the front wheels made the turn -the body of the car slued around. There was a -grinding, splintering crash as the car struck one -of the tall poles supporting the overhead trolley -wires, and the big machine turned turtle.</p> - -<p>Brett’s chauffeur put on a final burst of speed, -and the limousine leaped madly down the road. A -cry of horror broke from the three men as a tongue -of flame shot up from the overturned car ahead of -them.</p> - -<p>“By Heavens! the gasolene has ignited!” gasped -Douglas. He was on the running board when the -car slowed down near Thornton’s motor. The lat<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[Pg 271]</a></span>ter -was a mass of flames. Douglas sprang to the -ground, and the others followed him. “Get some -fence rails,” he directed. “We must try and lift -the car so that Thornton can crawl out.”</p> - -<p>In a few minutes the men were back with boards -torn from a nearby fence, but in that short time the -flames had gained headway, and they were driven -back by the intense heat. Unfortunately there was -no loose sand at hand. An outgoing trolley car -stopped, and several passengers ran to Douglas’ -aid. The fence boards caught fire and had to be -put out, but finally the car was raised a slight distance -from the ground, and a cry of exultation -broke from the toiling men, only to die into a groan -as a sharp explosion, followed by a heavier detonation, -rang out. Dropping their hold on the -boards, the men bolted to a safe distance down the -road.</p> - -<p>“It’s hopeless!” gasped Brett. “No man can live -in that fiery furnace.”</p> - -<p>Douglas groaned aloud. He had been shocked beyond -measure by the discovery of Thornton’s guilt -and treachery, for he had liked him, and had accepted -his hospitality. It was horrible to see him -meet such a fate. Better the electric chair than -being roasted alive.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[Pg 272]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Perhaps he jumped from the car before it turned -turtle,” he suggested.</p> - -<p>“It’s hardly likely,” exclaimed Brett dubiously. -“Still, we might look along the road. We can do -no good over there.” He shuddered slightly as he -turned to look at the still burning car. The steel -and metal work had been twisted into grotesque -shapes by the great heat, which added to the ghastly -picture.</p> - -<p>Their search along the roadside was fruitless, and -Douglas and Brett returned to the Secretary of -State’s limousine. They had to wait some time before -the flames about the remains of Thornton’s -car died down into a smoldering mass. After the -fire had burned itself out, Brett, with the assistance -of horror-stricken spectators among the crowd that -had collected with the Aladdin-like magic which -characterizes street gatherings, examined the ground -with minute care. Suddenly he moved over to where -Douglas was standing, keeping back the curious -crowd, and beckoned him to one side.</p> - -<p>“Colonel Thornton did not jump from the car, -Mr. Hunter,” he said gravely. “We’ve just found -all that’s left of him—his ashes.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[Pg 273]</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII">CHAPTER XXIII</a><br /> -<small><small>THE END OF THE QUEST</small></small></h2></div> - -<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcap">“A</span>ND so that was his end!” Eleanor drew a -long, shuddering breath. “Poor Uncle -Dana! Douglas, do you really think he -was guilty?”</p> - -<p>“I’m afraid so,” sorrowfully. “The very fact -that he was trying to escape proves it; otherwise he -would have stayed here and faced an investigation.”</p> - -<p>“It’s dreadful, dreadful!” moaned Eleanor. “And -almost unbelievable. A traitor! A murderer! -But”—checking herself—“that last hasn’t been -proved.”</p> - -<p>“That’s Brett’s voice,” exclaimed Douglas, springing -from his chair and crossing to the hall door. -“Come in, Brett; Miss Thornton and I are sitting -in the library.”</p> - -<p>The detective gave his hat and light overcoat to -Nicodemus and followed Douglas back into the -room, first closing the door carefully behind him.</p> - -<p>“Has Captain Lane been here yet?” he inquired.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[Pg 274]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Yes, he came over at once on being released. -Mrs. Truxton took him upstairs to see Cynthia, who -is rapidly improving, now that the mystery of Senator -Carew’s death is solved and Fred cleared of -any complicity in it,” explained Eleanor.</p> - -<p>“Then would you mind asking Captain Lane to -come down, Miss Thornton? I have several pieces -of news which I must tell you, and I think his presence -is necessary.” Eleanor looked at him questioningly, -and he added hastily, “He won’t be involved -in any further trouble.”</p> - -<p>“What tragedies have happened since I reached -this house twenty-four hours ago,” exclaimed Douglas, -pacing the room restlessly. “Annette’s death -last night, and now the Colonel——” He did not -finish his sentence, but instead stopped before the -full-length portrait of a dead and gone Thornton, -and gazed moodily at the painted face. From that -gallant naval hero to Dana Thornton, traitor, was -indeed a great descent. “A good man gone wrong,” -he commented, finally.</p> - -<p>“An accomplished scoundrel,” growled Brett. -He stopped speaking as Eleanor reëntered the room, -followed by Fred Lane. The young officer showed -the ordeal he had gone through that morning and -afternoon by the deep lines under his eyes and -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[Pg 275]</a></span>around his mouth. He bowed curtly to Douglas and -Brett.</p> - -<p>“You wish to see me?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“Sit down, please.” Brett pushed forward a -chair for Eleanor, and the others grouped themselves -about the center table. By common consent -they all avoided Colonel Thornton’s favorite armchair. -“I am anxious to have a talk with you because -there are several loose threads to this mystery -which must be straightened out.”</p> - -<p>“What are they?” questioned Lane impatiently; -he longed to be back with Cynthia.</p> - -<p>“On my return from the River Road to headquarters -I found an answer from the Paris police -to my cable. They tell me, Miss Thornton, that -your maid, Annette, was an international spy.”</p> - -<p>“Great heavens!” ejaculated Eleanor, in round-eyed -astonishment.</p> - -<p>“She was also in the habit of impersonating you.” -Eleanor’s face was a study. “She had clothes made -exactly like yours, even her kimono was a duplicate. -From what I hear, Mr. Hunter, I judge Annette, -who you recollect was in the hall when we were discussing -the mysterious letter written by Senator -Carew, decided to try and find it, and that’s why -she paid you a visit in the library last Tuesday night. -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[Pg 276]</a></span>She did not know that I had asked you to sleep -there.”</p> - -<p>“I was grossly deceived in her,” declared Eleanor -bitterly. “I presume her splendid recommendations -were all——”</p> - -<p>“Forgeries,” supplemented Brett. “Quite right, -they must have been. I have just talked with one -of the nurses from Providence Hospital who attended -Philip Winthrop, and he declares that he -caught Annette trying to give Philip a sleeping -powder. Probably she wished to reap all the reward -that she could, through blackmail and otherwise, -and was afraid if Philip saw me that he would -spoil her ‘scoop.’ With her usual habit of involving -you, Miss Thornton, she made that crazy fool -believe you were drugging him.”</p> - -<p>“Will you please explain to me,” broke in Fred -Lane, “why Mrs. Winthrop swore out a warrant -for my arrest? What led her to believe me guilty?”</p> - -<p>“Mrs. Winthrop wished me to tell you, Captain -Lane, that she bitterly regrets her hasty action. I -never saw anyone so completely broken up. It -seems she wanted that graceless stepson of hers to -marry her niece, Miss Carew, so that he would -eventually inherit the Carew fortune. Then she -has a natural antipathy for you because you are -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[Pg 277]</a></span>your father’s son, and she was, unfortunately, only -too ready to believe you guilty. Annette told her -a number of lies,”—Brett shrugged his shoulders -expressively,—“and there you have it—along with -other circumstantial evidence, which would have -pretty nearly convicted you.”</p> - -<p>Lane flushed angrily. “So Mrs. Winthrop took -the word of a worthless servant, the better to -humiliate me....”</p> - -<p>“Had Annette any grounds for her accusation?” -questioned Brett swiftly. “Mrs. Owen said her -library desk file mysteriously disappeared the night -of her dance.”</p> - -<p>“A coincidence which I cannot account for,” declared -Lane, looking the detective squarely in the -eye. “It may be that Annette saw the end of my -silver handled umbrella which I was carrying, and -in the uncertain light mistook it for a weapon of -some sort.”</p> - -<p>“Considering Annette’s natural disposition to lie,” -broke in Douglas, “I think it highly probable that -she made up the story, and told it to Miss Carew.”</p> - -<p>“And probably promised to keep silent if Miss -Carew paid her,” suggested Brett scornfully. “It’s -too bad Miss Carew permitted the maid to blackmail -her.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[Pg 278]</a></span></p> - -<p>“What about the threatening letters to Senator -Carew which Mrs. Winthrop thought I sent?” inquired -Lane.</p> - -<p>“Philip Winthrop wrote them.”</p> - -<p>“The miserable scoundrel!” ejaculated Lane.</p> - -<p>“He was that and more—the Secretary of State -and I took him back home in the former’s motor, -and when we had done grilling him we had cleared -up many details in regard to this international intrigue. -Through Senator Carew’s letter and Winthrop’s -disclosures the intrigue has been nipped in -the bud before more serious results can happen.”</p> - -<p>“Thank God for that!” exclaimed Douglas devoutly.</p> - -<p>“It seems that Philip Winthrop has been a go-between -for a wealthy Colombian, whose name he -obstinately withholds, and some person whom the -conspirators called ‘our mutual friend.’ Strange to -say, Philip declares he never knew until Carew’s -letter was read that the mysterious individual was -Colonel Dana Thornton. He says he gave all communications -for the ‘mutual friend’ to Annette, and -Annette, if you please, made him believe that the -spy was—Miss Thornton.”</p> - -<p>“Well, upon my word!” cried Eleanor, her eyes -blazing with indignation. “I was a nice cat’s-paw -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[Pg 279]</a></span>for her. Do you know, I believe she, and not my -uncle, killed Senator Carew.”</p> - -<p>“I’m sorry,”—Brett hesitated, then went slowly -on. “I’m sorry to say there’s no doubt but that -Colonel Thornton did murder the Senator. I don’t -want to inflict any more pain than necessary, Miss -Thornton, but you will hear the details from others -if not from me. I have seen Soto, your Japanese -cook, and he swore that Colonel Thornton called at -your house on Monday night, just after the Senator’s -arrival, and Fugi admitted him. On being -informed that Senator Carew was with you, your -uncle told the butler not to announce him, but that -he would wait in the writing room until the Senator -left. Soto showed me an umbrella which Fugi had -carried to the kitchen to dry for the Colonel. It -has your uncle’s initials engraved on the handle, and -Nicodemus positively identified it as belonging to -the Colonel when I showed it to him on my arrival -here just now.</p> - -<p>“On being pressed, Soto also admitted that late -Monday night he left your house to post a letter. -As he came up the area steps to the terraced walk, -which was covered by the awning, leading from the -house to the sidewalk, he almost collided with Senator -Carew, who seemed buried in thought and did -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[Pg 280]</a></span>not notice his approach. Soto drew back respectfully -toward the area steps to let him pass. As the -Senator entered his carriage another man sped down -your high front steps, and, on reaching the carriage, -pulled open the door and entered the vehicle, -which then moved on. Soto swears solemnly that -this last man was Colonel Thornton.”</p> - -<p>Eleanor drew a long, sobbing breath, and glanced -helplessly at the others. Her uncle was not only -a traitor but a murderer. Her worst fears were -realized. None cared to break the pause, and, -after waiting a moment, Brett took up his narrative -where he had left off.</p> - -<p>“It must be, Miss Thornton, that your uncle -overheard all or part of your conversation with the -Senator. He probably waited in the writing room -until the Senator left the house, picked up the letter -file, as he had no other weapon handy, and stole -after him. Hamilton was too drunk to notice anything. -The horses probably moved up the street of -their own accord when the preceding carriages made -room for them to advance. It was unpremeditated -murder, and yet chance concealed Colonel Thornton’s -tracks most successfully.”</p> - -<p>“You are right,” agreed Douglas. “If Annette -had found Carew’s letter to the Secretary of State -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[Pg 281]</a></span>instead of Mrs. Truxton, Thornton would have escaped -detection.”</p> - -<p>“Annette was always complaining of Mrs. Truxton’s -early rising,” Eleanor laughed hysterically, -then cried a little.</p> - -<p>“My darling, let me get you some wine!” exclaimed -Douglas in distress.</p> - -<p>“No, no, sit down!” Eleanor clutched his coat. -“Don’t pay any attention to me; I’ll be all right in -a minute.”</p> - -<p>“Fugi has disappeared,” went on Brett, after a -brief silence. “I think he overheard our conversation -here this afternoon, for Nicodemus says he was -loitering in the hall. On searching his room at -your house, Miss Thornton, I found evidence, -through certain papers, that he had been in your -uncle’s pay.”</p> - -<p>“He thought it wiser to bolt,” commented Fred -Lane. “I have no doubt he knew more of affairs -than we are giving him credit for.”</p> - -<p>“It’s a great pity, Miss Thornton, that you kept -silent so long,” said Brett. “If I had known that -Senator Carew spent the evening with you, and also -about the awning, I would have cleared up this mystery -sooner.”</p> - -<p>“I should have spoken.” Eleanor looked so -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[Pg 282]</a></span>troubled that Douglas sat down on the arm of her -chair and took her hand gently in his. As his -strong grasp tightened she formed a sudden resolution. -“There is another reason for my silence -which I have not told you; wait a moment,” and -she rose and hurriedly left the room.</p> - -<p>The men smoked in silence until her return. “The -room is very dark, won’t you light another burner, -Douglas?” she asked, on her return. She waited -until her wish had been complied with, then, as the -men seated themselves near her, she began her story. -“On Tuesday morning, just after I had heard of -Senator Carew’s death, I received a cardboard box -containing jewels. That in itself bewildered me, -but I was astounded by the message written in an -unknown hand which I found on a card inside the -box.” As she spoke she opened the small box which -she had just brought into the room with her. “Here -is the card; read the message aloud, Douglas.”</p> - -<p>“‘<i>The appointment was not kept. Well done.</i>’”</p> - -<p>Douglas laid the card on the desk and the three -men looked at each other in amazement.</p> - -<p>“The message frightened me horribly,” continued -Eleanor. “I realized that some one must -have thought me guilty of the Senator’s death—and -<i>approved</i> of it. The mystery of it appalled me. -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[Pg 283]</a></span>I did not know whom to take into my confidence; so -I put the jewels into my strong box and said nothing, -hoping that I would be able to ferret out the -mystery by myself.”</p> - -<p>“Let us see the jewels,” suggested Douglas.</p> - -<p>Eleanor opened the box and pulled off the top -layer of cotton, then rolled the necklace of rubies -on the table, where the stones lay glittering under -the strong light.</p> - -<p>“They are superb!” exclaimed Douglas, while a -low murmur of admiration broke from Lane.</p> - -<p>“Their almost priceless value frightened me more -than anything else,” explained Eleanor. “I could -not imagine who had sent them to me——”</p> - -<p>“That’s easily answered.” Brett picked up the -necklace and examined it minutely. “This necklace -was sent you by the man who stole it.”</p> - -<p>“What?” ejaculated the two men, while Eleanor -collapsed limply in her chair.</p> - -<p>“These are the Hemmingway rubies,” went on -Brett. “They were stolen about a month ago in -New York, and the police of this country and -Europe were notified of their loss. I have here,” -drawing out a leather wallet and extracting a thin, -typewritten sheet, “one of the notices sent to headquarters. -Let me refresh my memory.” He -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[Pg 284]</a></span>skimmed over the lines, then a shout of exultation -escaped him. “Listen: ‘Mrs. Hemmingway was -entertaining a house party at the time of the theft. -Among her guests were Mr. and Mrs. Henry St. -John, of Philadelphia; Miss Snyder, of Chicago; -Colonel Dana Thornton, of Washington——’”</p> - -<p>“Oh, no, no!” Eleanor cried, throwing out her -arms as if to thrust the idea from her, then dropped -forward and buried her head on her arms on the -table.</p> - -<p>Douglas started to move over to her side, but -Brett checked him. “Let her alone,” he advised in -an undertone; “it’s a shock, but she will recover.” -Then, in a louder tone: “By Heavens! that man was -a positive genius!” in reluctant admiration. “He -probably heard that the case had been turned over -to the police, although the Hemmingways had asked -to have the search conducted quietly, and therefore -it did not reach the papers. Fearing to keep -the necklace in his possession, he sent it to his niece -with a cryptic message which he knew she would -not, under the circumstances, dare show to others, -and also reasoned that she would keep the necklace -concealed for the same cause. I don’t doubt he -expected her eventually to ask his advice about the -jewels and then he would get them back again, as -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[Pg 285]</a></span>soon as all danger of detection was over, on the -plea that he would have them returned to the -rightful owner, or some such plausible excuse.”</p> - -<p>“Upon my word, such villany exceeds belief.” -Lane gazed incredulously at the detective. “And -yet I don’t doubt you have guessed the right solution -of the problem.”</p> - -<p>“Eleanor, dear,”—Douglas turned to the weeping -girl. “If you feel strong enough I wish you -would tell us about your quest to which you alluded -this afternoon.” Eleanor raised her head and -looked reproachfully at him. “I realize the subject -may prove painful to you at this time, but, Annette -having implicated you in her transactions, I -think it is best for you to clear up any seeming -mysteries.”</p> - -<p>“Perhaps you are right.” Eleanor sighed as she -wiped away her tears. “I must first tell you that -my mother was Nora Fitzgerald——”</p> - -<p>“The famous actress?” broke in Brett.</p> - -<p>“The same. She gave up the stage when she -married my father, Barry Thornton, then a lieutenant -in the United States Navy. Their married -life was unusually happy; therefore it was all the -more incredible and tragic when one day he disappeared——”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[Pg 286]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Disappeared?” echoed Douglas blankly.</p> - -<p>“Disappeared utterly. His ship was at Hampton -Roads and he was given shore leave one day. At -the wharf he told the coxswain to come back for -him at ten o’clock that evening, and he walked on -up to the hotel. From that hour to this he has -never been seen or heard from.” Eleanor paused -and pushed her hair off her forehead, then continued: -“A short time before his mysterious disappearance -my father fell from the rigging of the -ship to the deck with such force that he was picked -up unconscious. It is supposed that the fall may -have affected his brain, and so accounted for his subsequent -disappearance.”</p> - -<p>“That is very likely,” commented Lane. “I saw -a similar case in the Philippines, but pardon me, -Miss Eleanor, I did not mean to interrupt.”</p> - -<p>“Several days after my father’s disappearance a -nude body was washed ashore miles below Norfolk. -The condition of the body prevented positive -identification, but many persons, among them Uncle -Dana, believed it to be my father. My mother, -however, refused to accept that theory. She was -convinced that he was still alive and suffering from -mental aberration. She returned to the stage, first -placing me with my uncle, John Fitzgerald, who -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[Pg 287]</a></span>brought me up. She visited many cities and many -countries, but could find no trace of my father. -Shortly before her death she sent for me and -charged me solemnly to continue her search, which -I have done to the best of my ability.”</p> - -<p>“My poor girl,” said Douglas softly.</p> - -<p>“My idea has been that if my father was still -alive he would pursue his profession, so I searched -the records of other navies, thinking that perhaps -he might be serving under another flag. The day -that you saw me at the Navy Department, Douglas, -I had been going over old records, hoping to find -some clew to his present whereabouts.”</p> - -<p>Douglas colored hotly as he remembered the construction -which he had put on her presence in the -department. “What did you mean,” he asked, “by -saying this afternoon that Senator Carew told you -he could help you to bring your quest to a successful -conclusion?”</p> - -<p>“Senator Carew said that while in Panama he had -seen a man who closely resembled my father. The -stranger apparently did not recognize him, but so -certain was Senator Carew of his identity that he -gave him his visiting card, and insisted that he -should call at the Navy Department in Washington. -Douglas, do you recollect asking me about a man -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[Pg 288]</a></span>who you thought you saw with me in the elevator -at the Navy Department on Wednesday?”</p> - -<p>“I do.”</p> - -<p>“I was terribly excited by your apparently simple -question, for in stating that the man had black -hair and blue eyes you exactly described my father.”</p> - -<p>“Great heavens!” Douglas sprang to his feet. -“It is most astounding, but such a man as you describe -really did call at the Department that morning -and insisted on seeing the Secretary, saying that -he had an appointment to meet Senator Carew.”</p> - -<p>“What became of him?” Eleanor’s lovely eyes -were aglow with excitement.</p> - -<p>“I don’t know. The Secretary and I both thought -he had stolen the plans of the battleships.” Eleanor’s -shocked expression stopped him. “Of course, -now we know it was Colonel Thornton who called -there later with you and Mrs. Wyndham, although -how on earth he managed to steal the plans under -the very nose of the Secretary is beyond me.”</p> - -<p>“Let me think.” Eleanor pressed her hands to -her throbbing temples. “I remember now; it must -have been when Uncle Dana was using the desk -telephone. He was leaning forward across the desk, -and I recall that I noticed he had his right hand in -a drawer; I couldn’t see very distinctly, as his body -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[Pg 289]</a></span>was between us and the drawer and his overcoat -was also thrown on the desk. Mrs. Wyndham was -looking at a book, and the Secretary was coughing -his head off by the further window, with his back -toward us.”</p> - -<p>Brett struck the table a resounding blow with his -clenched fist.</p> - -<p>“By George, but he was slick! The smartest -criminal I’ve run across in years.”</p> - -<p>A discreet tap sounded on the library door, and -a muffled voice asked: “’Scuse me, but am Miss -Eleanor in dar?”</p> - -<p>“Come in, Nicodemus,” called Eleanor. The old -darky entered and, circling the table, handed her a -note on the silver salver. She hastily tore it open -and read its contents. “I must consult Cousin -Kate,” she announced, rising hastily, “before I can -answer this.”</p> - -<p>“We must all be going,” said Brett, following her -into the hall, while Nicodemus paused to put out -the lights. “One moment, Miss Thornton, will you -please give me the ruby necklace.”</p> - -<p>“Why, I handed it to you,” ejaculated Eleanor, -in surprise, turning back from the staircase.</p> - -<p>“I beg your pardon,” said Brett, with positiveness. -“I saw Mr. Hunter drop it on the table in -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[Pg 290]</a></span>front of you.” Douglas and the young officer -joined them.</p> - -<p>“So he did,” declared Lane, and with the others -followed Eleanor as she hastily reëntered the library.</p> - -<p>“Why, it’s not anywhere on the table.” Eleanor -felt among the table ornaments. “Douglas, do light -the gas,” in growing alarm.</p> - -<p>“Where in thunder are the matches?” growled -Douglas, overturning a vase on the secretary in -his endeavors to find a matchbox. “Got any, Nicodemus?” -as a figure brushed by him in the darkness -and approached the chimney. The other men were -busy searching vainly in their pockets for a match.</p> - -<p>“Good for you, Nicodemus,” called Douglas, as -a tiny flame appeared in the direction of the chimney. -“Bring it over here and light this chandelier.” -His order was not obeyed.</p> - -<p>The flickering light grew stronger, and then -Douglas realized that it was burning some distance -from the servant. The flame became stronger, and -by its rays a face grew out of the surrounding darkness. -A strong, handsome face, whose pallor was -enhanced by the heavy black beard and dark shaggy -eyebrows. The eyes were fixed on Nicodemus, who -stood in the shadow with his back to the rest, and -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[Pg 291]</a></span>the two stared unblinkingly at each other. The -silence was intolerable. Eleanor and the three men -stood transfixed, too astounded to move. Suddenly -a choking sob burst from Nicodemus. He threw out -his arms as if to ward off some overmastering horror, -swayed forward, and fell heavily to the floor.</p> - -<p>The candle flickered suddenly as it was raised and -applied to a wall gas jet. The sudden light caused -the spellbound spectators of the scene to blink violently; -then, as their eyes grew accustomed to the -illumination, they made out the figure of a tall man -in nondescript clothes standing near the chimney.</p> - -<p>“Who—who are you, and where in hell did you -come from?” gasped Brett.</p> - -<p>“I am Barry Thornton, formerly of the United -States Navy.” The newcomer caught sight of -Eleanor, and stretched out his arms pleadingly. -“My dear, dear daughter.”</p> - -<p>Eleanor, grown deadly white, clutched the table -for support. “I don’t understand,” she stammered.</p> - -<p>“I forgot.” The newcomer’s arms dropped to his -side. “You were too young to remember me when -I last saw you. Fortunately,” meeting Brett’s incredulous -stare, “Nicodemus knows me.”</p> - -<p>“Your spectacular appearance seems to have -knocked him silly,” exclaimed Captain Lane, regain<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[Pg 292]</a></span>ing -his voice. “I reckon we’ll have to bring him -around before he can identify you properly.”</p> - -<p>“Nicodemus, tell these gentlemen who I am,” -commanded the newcomer.</p> - -<p>“Yo’ is my marse, Cap’n Barry Thornton, suh.” -The voice came from behind Douglas, and all in the -room wheeled in that direction. There stood Nicodemus, -his eyes starting from his head, his face -gray with fright. He had entered unnoticed a second -before.</p> - -<p>Eleanor’s senses were reeling. With desperate -effort she controlled herself. “Then who is that?” -she cried, frantically, pointing to the motionless figure -which was partly hidden from their view by -the divan.</p> - -<p>For answer the newcomer stepped forward and -thrust the sofa to one side, then stooped and rolled -the figure over, disclosing the white hair and well-known -features of Colonel Dana Thornton.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[Pg 293]</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXIV">CHAPTER XXIV</a><br /> -<small><small>THE FINAL EXPLANATION</small></small></h2></div> - -<p class="no-indent"><span class="dropcap">D</span>OUGLAS caught Eleanor as she fell and -carried her to the lounge.</p> - -<p>“Get some water and wine, Lane,” he -directed, and the young officer sped out of the room, -to return quickly with Nicodemus bearing the necessary -articles. Douglas forced some of the stimulant -between Eleanor’s clenched teeth, and bathed -her temples and hands with the iced water, and, to -his infinite relief, he had the satisfaction of seeing -her open her eyes.</p> - -<p>“Father,” she murmured, “Father!”</p> - -<p>“I am here.” The tall, sad-faced man stooped -over her, and she placed her trembling hand against -his cheek. “Don’t look so wild, my darling,”—as -recollection returned fully to her. “Think no more -of it,” and he laid his hand softly over her eyes. -She smiled like a tired child, and, reaching over, laid -her hand in Douglas’, then, reassured, lay still. -Seen together, the likeness between father and -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[Pg 294]</a></span>daughter was obvious. Eleanor had inherited his -handsome deep blue eyes, long eyelashes, and brilliant -coloring.</p> - -<p>Brett rose from beside the still figure. “He’s -dead—this time,” he said tersely. “Apoplexy. It -beats me how he got out of that burning automobile.”</p> - -<p>“He wasn’t in it,” said Barry Thornton calmly.</p> - -<p>“He wasn’t?” Brett’s excitement overcame him. -“Why, I saw him with my own eyes.”</p> - -<p>“You saw him leave here, yes; but you probably -did not notice that the Japanese chauffeur was -crouching at his feet in the car. When the machine -turned into Wisconsin Avenue, out of your sight, -my brother slowed down and sprang out, giving his -hat to the Japanese, who took his place at the wheel -and raced the machine up Wisconsin Avenue.”</p> - -<p>“Well, I’ll be damned!” ejaculated Brett. “So -it was poor Fugi who was burned up. But, good -Lord! when Colonel Thornton had made so successful -a getaway what induced him to put his head -in the lion’s mouth by returning here, and what was -he doing in this room?”</p> - -<p>“If you search his pockets you may find out,” -was the cryptic reply as Barry Thornton drew up a -chair by Eleanor’s couch and seated himself.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[Pg 295]</a></span></p> - -<p>Brett thrust his hand first in one pocket of the -dead man’s clothing and then in another. In the -last one he jerked it out again as if his fingers had -been bitten. In his hand dangled the priceless ruby -necklace and a wallet filled with bank notes! Brett -sat down on the floor, for once speechless.</p> - -<p>“How did you know it?” he asked finally.</p> - -<p>Barry Thornton raised his disengaged hand and -pointed to the portrait of his ancestor and namesake. -“I was watching this scene through those -peepholes,”—an exclamation escaped Douglas,—“you -almost caught me this morning, Mr. Hunter. -This old house is honeycombed with secret passages. -My brother kept a large sum of money in -a secret drawer in that desk. He probably needed -funds to assist him in escaping from this country, -so came back here and entered the house by means -of one of the secret passages. He has been concealed -behind that sliding panel,”—pointing to an -aperture in the wall near the chimney,—“waiting to -slip into this room. He seized the opportunity -when Nicodemus put out the lights, and left by the -billiard room door, to steal the necklace as well as -get his money. Your reëntering the room flustered -him, and he was making in haste for the secret -passage when I stepped out of it and faced him. -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[Pg 296]</a></span>Thinking me dead years ago—his escape barred—the -shock proved too much....” Thornton did -not complete his sentence. There was a moment’s -silence.</p> - -<p>“I think it would be as well, Mr. Thornton, that -we remove your brother’s body to his room,” suggested -Douglas, recovering somewhat from his astonishment.</p> - -<p>“Well, I don’t know about that; the coroner——” -objected Brett dubiously.</p> - -<p>“We can all testify to the details of Colonel -Thornton’s death,” put in Lane. “But we cannot -leave him lying here on his own floor. His death -was natural, brought on by shock.”</p> - -<p>“Very well, sir.” Brett rose and walked to the -door. He returned in a moment with a plain-clothes -policeman, and, with the assistance of Douglas and -Lane, all that was mortal of Dana Thornton was -carried to his room. Barry Thornton had requested -them to return, and Douglas, Lane, and -Brett trooped back to the library.</p> - -<p>“Eleanor has told me of her long search,” began -Thornton. “My disappearance came from lapse of -memory, and the latter was brought on by a fall on -shipboard. That fall,”—deliberately,—“was caused -by my brother, Dana.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[Pg 297]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Oh, Father!” Eleanor sat bolt upright.</p> - -<p>“Yes, I had found out some of his deviltries and -taxed him with them. I told him I would expose -him if he did not mend his ways, and he promised -to do so. He visited me on board ship, and while -he was there I had occasion to mount the rigging. -He followed me up, and managed to push me as I -was swinging from one of the ropes. I lost my balance -and fell, with what result you already know.”</p> - -<p>“The fiend!” cried Eleanor, bitterly. “And I -trusted him so.”</p> - -<p>“His ability to inspire confidence has been his -greatest asset,” said her father dryly. “After leaving -the gig that day at Old Point Comfort, everything -is a blank to me.”</p> - -<p>“What brought back your memory?” asked -Douglas.</p> - -<p>“A chance remark overheard in a drinking hell of -Colon, Panama. Two days before that a man whose -face was dimly familiar met me in the streets of -Cristobal and gave me his card, telling me I must -ask for him at the Navy Department at Washington, -and that the Secretary was keeping a place -open for me. At the time, while his words impressed -me deeply, they conveyed no very clear idea, -nor did Senator Carew’s name enlighten me; but -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[Pg 298]</a></span>they caused me to renew my efforts to remember the -past, which I felt convinced was very different from -my surroundings then.</p> - -<p>“As I have said, two days after I overheard two -men plotting against the United States. Toward -the end of their conversation the younger man, -whom I took to be an American, mentioned the name -which woke the sleeping chords of memory—the -name of my dearly loved wife, Nora Fitzgerald,”—his -voice broke with a sob. Eleanor raised his hand -to her lips and kissed it tenderly. Her father’s grasp -tightened involuntarily and he continued:</p> - -<p>“I hastened back to Washington as soon as I -could get here, working my passage, and on my arrival -went to see Secretary Wyndham. The news -of Senator Carew’s death was a great shock, for I -had depended on him to assist me to find my wife -and child. I believe I had some sort of attack at -the Department, but all I recollect is finding myself -again in the street.”</p> - -<p>“What did you do then?” questioned Douglas, as -the older man paused.</p> - -<p>“I came on here, thinking I might find Dana. -He was out, but old Nicodemus opened the door -for me. He recognized me almost instantly; hurried -me out into the kitchen, and there poured out -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[Pg 299]</a></span>such an extraordinary tale of Dana’s behavior that -I sat dumfounded.”</p> - -<p>“Do tell us what he said,” urged Brett, hitching -his chair forward.</p> - -<p>“In justice to myself I must,” was the grave reply. -“Dana was a moral degenerate; brave to a -fault, and very clever, he did not know the difference -between right and wrong. If he had been content -to keep straight he might have risen to high -places; instead he practiced deceit and dishonor.” -Thornton’s sad face hardened. “He was always a -first class actor, and that talent helped him in the -double life he was leading. Nicodemus told me -that he was in the habit of disguising himself whenever -he was up to deviltry.”</p> - -<p>“Ah, that explains why Annette did not know -that Dana Thornton was ‘the mutual friend’ to -whom she delivered and from whom she received -secret despatches,” put in Brett, who had followed -Captain Thornton’s words with breathless -interest.</p> - -<p>“After what Nicodemus told me I decided not -to let my brother know of my presence here,” continued -Captain Thornton, “and so occupied an unused -room in the garret, where Nicodemus took -care of me.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[Pg 300]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Oh, why didn’t you come to me?” asked Eleanor -passionately.</p> - -<p>“I did, dear; yesterday morning, but you were -out.” An exclamation broke from Eleanor. “I did -not leave any message or name, so you were not -told of my visit. Nicodemus told me of my wife’s -death, and of your presence in Washington, Eleanor.</p> - -<p>“How I kept my hands off Dana I don’t know!” -Thornton’s eyes blazed with righteous indignation. -“He was the cause of all my misfortunes. When -possible I spied upon him; not an honorable occupation, -but I felt I must fight the devil with fire. -When I entered this room just now I intended to -slay him, but Providence intervened and gave him a -more merciful death than I would have meted out -to him.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t know about that,” said Brett; “in the -hour of his triumph you snatched his victory from -him. God only knows what thoughts were concentrated -in his active brain when physical endurance -succumbed to the shock of seeing you.”</p> - -<p>“Perhaps you are right,” agreed Thornton wearily. -“I think that is all I have to tell you, gentlemen.”</p> - -<p>“There is one question I feel I must ask,” Brett -rose to his feet as he spoke. “Did Annette com<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[Pg 301]</a></span>mit -suicide, or was she killed by human or supernatural -agency?”</p> - -<p>“I think my brother planned her murder; one -crime more or less did not trouble his elastic conscience.”</p> - -<p>“By Heaven! she brought it on herself by offering -to confess to Colonel Thornton what she knew -of Senator Carew’s murder. But how the devil did -he accomplish it?” questioned Brett. “The only -door was locked on the inside, and no one could -have entered by the windows. I examined all the -wall space, thinking there might be a concealed entrance, -but couldn’t find a sign of one.”</p> - -<p>“But you did not examine the floor of the closet,” -replied Thornton. “It has a trapdoor cleverly concealed. -The passage leads to a secret door which -opens on the landing of the circular staircase leading -from this floor to the next. My idea is that -Dana stole into the room, found the maid asleep, -and blew out the gas, leaving her to be asphyxiated, -and then returned to his room.”</p> - -<p>“Did you see him do this?”—sternly.</p> - -<p>“Most certainly not. If I had had the faintest -idea that he intended to murder the maid, I would -have prevented the crime. I stayed downstairs last -night, going over some papers in Dana’s desk until -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">[Pg 302]</a></span>nearly three this morning. I was stealing up to my -room when I saw Miss Carew coming down the -hall, and, when she screamed and roused the household, -I bolted into the secret passage opening from -the stair landing.”</p> - -<p>“I am exceedingly obliged to you, sir, for straightening -out these mysteries,” said Brett, stepping to -the door. “How much do you wish made public?”</p> - -<p>“Only that which is absolutely necessary to clear -the innocent from suspicion,” returned Thornton -gravely. “I leave the matter to your judgment.”</p> - -<p>“Very good, sir; I’ll hush it up as much as possible. -Good evening,”—and Brett departed.</p> - -<p>Eleanor slipped from the lounge where she had -been lying. “Wait for me here, Father,” she requested, -as she left the room.</p> - -<p>“Will you excuse me, Mr. Thornton,” said Fred -Lane, rising. “I would like to join Mrs. Truxton -and Cynthia for half an hour.”</p> - -<p>“Certainly, Captain, and I will be exceedingly -grateful if you will explain to Mrs. Truxton what -has taken place here to-night. Tell her as much or -as little as you think necessary.”</p> - -<p>“I will indeed, sir; good night,” and Lane, his -step elastic as he thought of joining Cynthia, hastened -to Mrs. Truxton’s room.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[Pg 303]</a></span></p> - -<p>Eleanor was not long absent. Walking over to -the lounge, she laid a number of leather-bound journals -on her father’s knee.</p> - -<p>“Mother kept a diary for you, Father; she -charged me never to part with it until we should -meet, when I was to give it to you.”</p> - -<p>Thornton kissed her in silence. As Eleanor stood -hesitating, Douglas’ arm stole round her waist. -“Come with me, dear heart,” he murmured. The -lovelight transfigured his strong face and was reflected -in her beautiful eyes. Together they strolled -to the door, but before passing out of the room -Eleanor paused and glanced back at her father.</p> - -<p>Thornton’s iron composure had given way, and -his head was bowed over the familiar handwriting -as he read through tear-dimmed eyes the messages -of love and faith penned by his girl wife in the years -that were no more.</p> - -<p class="center no-indent">THE END</p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="transnote center"> -<p class="ph3 center no-indent">Transcriber’s Notes:</p> - -<p class="no-indent">A change to the List of Illustrations has been made to correct the typesetters’ error for the placement of the illustration -facing page 18.<br /><br /> -Minor changes have been made to correct obvious typesetters’ errors and regularize hyphenation. Variant spellings have been -retained.</p></div></div> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's The Man Inside, by Natalie Sumner Lincoln - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MAN INSIDE *** - -***** This file should be named 63223-h.htm or 63223-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/3/2/2/63223/ - -Produced by D A Alexander and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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