diff options
Diffstat (limited to 'old/63223-h/63223-h.htm')
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63223-h/63223-h.htm | 10393 |
1 files changed, 0 insertions, 10393 deletions
diff --git a/old/63223-h/63223-h.htm b/old/63223-h/63223-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index bab7109..0000000 --- a/old/63223-h/63223-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,10393 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" - "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> - <head> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" /> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> - <title> - The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Man Inside, by Natalie Sumner Lincoln. - </title> - <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" /> - - <style type="text/css"> - -body { - margin-left: 15%; - margin-right: 15%; -} - - h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { - text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ - clear: both; -} - -p { - margin-top: .51em; - text-align: justify; - margin-bottom: .49em; - text-indent: 1.5em; -} - -hr { - width: 33%; - margin-top: 2em; - margin-bottom: 2em; - margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto; - clear: both; -} - -hr.tb {width: 45%;} -hr.chap {width: 65%} -hr.tiny {width: 15%;} - -table { - margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto; -} - - .tdl {text-align: left;} - .tdbr {text-align: right;} - .tdc {text-align: center;} - -.pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ - /* visibility: hidden; */ - position: absolute; - left: 92%; - font-size: smaller; - text-align: right; - text-indent: 0; -} /* page numbers */ - -.blockquot { - margin-left: 15%; - margin-right: 15%; -} - -.ph1 {text-align: center; - margin-top: .51em; - margin-bottom: .49em; - font-size: xx-large; - font-weight: bold; - text-indent: 0;} - -.ph2 {text-align: center; - margin-top: .51em; - margin-bottom: .49em; - font-size: x-large; - font-weight: bold; - text-indent: 0;} - -.ph3 {text-align: center; - margin-top: .51em; - margin-bottom: .60em; - font-size: large; - font-weight: bold; - text-indent: 0;} - -.ph4 {text-align: center; - margin-top: .51em; - margin-bottom: .60em; - font-size: small; - text-indent: 0;} - -.gap {margin-top: 1.5em;} - -.lggap {margin-top: 3em;} - -.bgap {margin-bottom: 3em;} - -.bgap2 {margin-bottom: 1.5em;} - -.center {text-align: center;} - -.center2 {text-align: center; - padding-left: 3.5em;} - -.center3 {text-align: center; - padding-left: 9em;} - -.right {text-align: right;} - -.right2 {text-align: right; - padding-left: 18.5em;} - -.smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} - -.reduce {font-size: 90%;} - -.dropcap {float:left; - font-size: 40px; - line-height: 22.5px; - padding-top: 2px; - padding-bottom: .25px;} - -.no-indent {text-indent: 0em;} - -.caption {font-weight: bold;} - -.box {border: solid black thin; - padding: 0.25em;} - -/* Images */ -.figcenter { - margin: auto; - text-align: center; -} - -.img {height: auto;} - -/* Poetry */ -.poem { - margin-left:10%; - margin-right:10%; - text-align: left; -} - -.poem br {display: none;} - -.poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} - - .poem span.i0 {display: block; margin-left: 0em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} - .poem span.i3 {display: block; margin-left: 1.5em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} - -/* Transcriber's notes */ -.transnote {background-color: #E6E6FA; - color: black; - font-size:smaller; - max-width: 40em; - padding:0.5em; - margin: auto; - margin-bottom:2em; - font-family:sans-serif, serif; } - -@media handheld /* Place this at the end of the CSS */ -{ body - - { margin: 0; - padding: 0; - width: 95%;} - - .chapter {page-break-before: always;} - - .hide {display: none;} - -} - - </style> - </head> -<body> - - -<pre> - -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) - - - - - - -</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. Special rules, -set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to -copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to -protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project -Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you -charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you -do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the -rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose -such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and -research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do -practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is -subject to the trademark license, especially commercial -redistribution. - - - -*** START: FULL LICENSE *** - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project -Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at -http://gutenberg.org/license). - - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy -all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. -If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the -terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or -entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement -and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" -or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the -collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an -individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are -located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from -copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative -works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg -are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project -Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by -freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of -this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with -the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by -keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project -Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in -a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check -the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement -before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or -creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project -Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning -the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United -States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate -access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently -whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, -copied or distributed: - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere 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 - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived -from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is -posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied -and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees -or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work -with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the -work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 -through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the -Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or -1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional -terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked -to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the -permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any -word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or -distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than -"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version -posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), -you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a -copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon -request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other -form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided -that - -- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is - owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he - has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the - Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments - must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you - prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax - returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and - sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the - address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to - the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." - -- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or - destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium - and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of - Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any - money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days - of receipt of the work. - -- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set -forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from -both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael -Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the -Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm -collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain -"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or -corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual -property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a -computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by -your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with -your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with -the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a -refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity -providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to -receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy -is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further -opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER -WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO -WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. -If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the -law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be -interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by -the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any -provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance -with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, -promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, -harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, -that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do -or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm -work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any -Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. - - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers -including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists -because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from -people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need, are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. -To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation -and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 -and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. - - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive -Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at -http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent -permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. -Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered -throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at -809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email -business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact -information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official -page at http://pglaf.org - -For additional contact information: - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To -SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any -particular state visit http://pglaf.org - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. -To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate - - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works. - -Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm -concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared -with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project -Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. - - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. -unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily -keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. - - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: - - http://www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. - - -</pre> - -</body> -</html> |